I thought I might share with you my idea of interchangeable scenery to add fun to the hobby. When I was building my structures, I wanted them to be interchangeable as much as possible to help keep my layout alive with new scenes. With a bit of planning prior to construction, it proved to be simple and fun.
I constructed my cabins so that they are all removable from their platforms, thus allowing them to be repositioned around my layout. Here are a few shots of two cabins I swapped on one location.
Another area of a layout that could be interchangeable is the access hatches and I’ve got some new ideas for mine, and hope to build them sometime.
Spitwater Hotel - first cabin scene - three shots
Spitwater Hotel - second cabin scene - three shots (taken last night)
My wife asked me the other evening if people with richly detailed layouts, such as yours, keep working on them. And if they do, do they tear them down, work on sections, or what? So thank you for providing an answer regarding how you work with yours.
Is that Phantom engine pulling secret “Alien” cars to Area 51?
Thanks for the concrete ideas. I have been anticipating using some similar methods on our layout to accomodate decorating it for the holidays. I’ts good to see it in practice for specific solutions.
I’m a believer in interchangable scenery. I’ve got some operating accessories on order and will swap them with some existing structures when they arrive. I think it keeps the layout fresh, and renews everyone’s interest.
EVERYTHING on my small layout is “movable”, not so much for “change”, but for “tweeking” things to get the best use out of my limited space. It was also handy, when I first built the platform, to have it look sorta covered from the very start. I’ve been moving and adding stuff for 2 years now. Joe
Perry, I really like the western theme you have here in the photos. You brought up a good subject about interchangability. How big is your layout? Very nice details you have!