I have enough locos,stock, track etc to build the big layout I want in two sheds… one of which needs building from flat-pack.
So all I really need is a distraction.
I enjoyed the show on Saturday so much that I recalled how much I used to enjoy inflicting that sort of hassle on myself years ago.
Okay, here’s the distraction… a layout essentially on three “table top” baseboards each 3’ long and up to 2’ wide.
Some of you with ways of sketching layouts might like to amuse yourselves by helping me with this…
(I’m not just being lazy… I’m trying to think outside my personal box).
Givens
- Chicago-ish… urban/industrial
- Feasable/realistic layout and structures rather than a “toy train”.
- Selective Compression allowed… 'cos it has to be.
- H0
- 1980s
- 3 x 3’ long boards - “UK style” with basically an outside frame/valance and (initially) a flat top. Boards can be up to 24" wide.
- This is a free standing layout that must initially be complete within itself.
- This is a display layout… so it wants good viewing angles from at least one side…
- It’s also a test bed for loads of things I’ve learnt here since my last effort at a layout…
- DC at first because that is where I’m at… DCC later???
- CNW predominates but any other Chicago road okay (plus sensible visitors)
- Some Amtrak or commute (could be “freelanced”) but not electric/elevated.
- Track is code 85 - I have something of everything ME has done plus Atlas diamonds and Walthers #8 switches. I will get more if needed.
- I will use any Peco switches in the staging… including 3 ways and double slips - the latter if really necessary.
- #6 switches okay and will use #4 if they would look right.
- I like bridges…
- It could be arranged to plug into tracks on either side - the
Dave …One thing that stands out in my thoughts are the dimensions of your proposed sections…The HO modelers have a standard module size that the club members can use…These modules are built to the same height, length and width…When properly set up, one members modules will hook up with other club members modules~very neat~ I have seen some impressive layouts set up during club sponsored events…each member would bring one or two modules…Your end modules could be taylored at a larger size and remain at home,but the modular concept gives you the flexability to take part of your layout “out on the town”,and anouther benefit is that layout expansions are far less complex: just build anouther module…Maybe something to ponder?? BDT
Excellent point BDT.
I’ve found N module specs in the past but never H0.
This side of the pond we just do not seem to organise modular meets at all let alone in H0. Sadly what I have seen is layouts built to modular limitations but then kept strictly withn thmselves rather than epanded or changed around.
Apart from that I’m probably a mix of grumpy and awkard [:P]… Oh yes, and antisocial as well [:D]
I would certainly look at a plan that came close in module units…
Dave,
Why not bite the bullet and just learn XtrkCAD. It’s free, has an excellent tutorial which you can learn in about 4 hours.
The problem is you know as much about trains as just about anyone–so much so that no one can design a layout for you. You have to do it yourself. Anyone else will fall short–not because they are not talented, but because you know your wants and needs better.
It’s really the only way you will get exactly what you want.
I guess I may have put the question the wrong way.
I’m looking for two things… some people like doodling track plans and I thought that they might like to put ideas into some that I could look at… the other thing is that I know what sort of thing I can expect from me… I’ve designed hundreds of layouts (mostly UK) over the years… so I’m hoping to spark off ideas I haven’t had from other people to kick start my thinking into some new concepts.
Um [:I] no I won’t learn a programme/system in a few hours… the way my brain is wired anything in cyberspace takes me days or weeks to learn… that’s why I haven’t gotten round to posting pics. Someone shows me a dozen times I’ll start to get there… unless it’s someone like my brother who whizzes over the keyboard like a speed skater saying “you do this, this, this and you can also do this and this or you can go round and do this: okay, got that”? Um [%-)] No, I haven’t… probably haven’t even got the first bit.
Maybe theirs something like a cyberdyslexia? Okay, I know everything is binary… but… [%-)]
Also for my own ideas I’m perfectly happy with the mark 1 pencil and paper [:D] I can handle them [:P]… Actually, I was a slow starter with them 'cos when I was a kid you got walloped if you picked up a pencil and started to write left handed… my optician has identified that I should be left handed… too late now (I’ve mangled the end of my left index finger so it’s easier to stick with unreadable script… a further point on which… someone I know is dyslexic to everything but what he writes down himself; which I fnd intrigueing).
Thanks for the compliment… I only really know a bit about railways… there are people who can spiel off whole masses of stuff… like when a
Dave
Not sure which side of the Atlantic you currently live.
On the North American side is a group that sounds like it might suit you very well, called Free-mo. The North American Free-mo standard is similar, but not the same as European Freemo. The standard has only a little beyond the end interface specification for the modules, which can be any length.
- main line is code 83 with 6" straight and level at the end of the module. 2" fitter rails are used, not track sections. Rails stop 1" from end of module, ties and ballast continue.
- module is 24" wide with the main centered at the ends. 26" wide modules are used for double track ends. Module only has to meet the width spec at the module (or module set) ends.
- modules can be operated from either side, and can be flipped end for end.
- Digitrax DCC is the control standard
- 40" minimum mainline radius.
Lots of information sharing at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Free-mo/.
Free-mo setups emphasize protoytpe operations, and module sets tend to be built around prototype layout design elements (LDEs). Point-to-point setups are common. Diesel era operations and module sets tend to dominate.
The web site has files of LDE suggestions, and group members are always willing to help with designs.
just a thought
Fred W
I’m on the old/east side [:)]
Okay, I have one idea emerging from the dust and smoke… Underground freight lines.
I’ll do a search… anyone have any sites / links /whatever please?
What locos might have been down the rabbit warrens in the 80s? I’m thinking maybe a GE 40tonner converted to overhead electric???
TIA
Okay… that’s a bottom level… what next?
[8D]