While I work on the room which will eventually house the main layout that I’m currently planning, I thought it might be a good idea for me to create a smaller “test” layout to experiment with ideas and refresh and/or improve my skills at the same time.
I still have everything (flex track, switches, structures, etc) from my previous 12ft by 16ft layout and plenty of scrap wood left over from various home improvement projects and could probably find enough space in my garage (next to the layout room) for a temporary or “test” layout of about 8ft by 8ft or perhaps even 4ft by 16ft. It would have to be a modular design so it could be easily taken apart and moved when I needed to use the garage but overall, I think it would be manageable and believe I would enjoy doing it.
It will be many months before the train room is complete so I think it would not only be a great way of getting trains running quicker but it would also be a very interesting thing to do.
So tell me, what do you think? Suggestions and ideas are welcome.
“Chainsaw Layouts” are on the increase it seems as a good way to develop and hone the skills needed for the real layout. Track laying, soldering. wiring, ballast, scenery techniques can all be experimented and practiced until you are ready to begin building your dream layout. While it may be an added expense to build a chainsaw, one could argue that whether we like to admit it, we all have learned by experimentation, either by starting a new layout because we were unhappy or by tearing out and redoing an area on an existing one.
The important thing is to develop your skills, and work on it until it is flawless in track work, wiring and scenery elements.
I would recommend building something that can be incorporated into your next layout. If for example you were to build your engine terminal and yard throat you could have a jump on your main layout when you get every thing ready for construction. Other ideas would be a section of one of your towns or a major industry that could be reused on the next layout.
Go for it. Finishing the room projects have a way of sometimes extending longer than we think. I went for years without a layout waiting for the basement to be finished, the kids to get out of scouts, etc., etc., etc.
Currently I have layout going in the basement using benchwork and track from previous layouts. It will either be my final layout, part of a larger layout, or a temporary layout depending on when and if the basement gets finished and what my desires are once that happens.
I 'm not interested into geting into the dreaded 4 x 8 vs the H.O.G. donut debate with other forumites, but this Atlas plan (Plywood Summit Lines) incorporates everything that you would want to test. A tunnel, 2 bridges, a yard, mine branch line, turntable if desired, mountain, wye, fairly steep grade and short trains, cars, small locos.
What is the core goal(s)? To get a continuous run loop of track so trains can run? To work on Appalachian scenery? To create a small scene which can be switched? To experiment with sections? Something else?
If your main goal is to experiment with Appalachian scenery, I would not advise going for a 4’ x 8’ layout. Instead, make a 12’ x 2’ or 16’ x 2’ layout consisting of three or four 4’ x 2’ sections, and build two scenes, each consisting of two 4-foot sections, which can be operated as a small switching layout.
You can always join these two sets of 8’ x 2’ scenes together - in an I-shape, or in an L-shape, or in an U-shape or in an O-shape, using a transition section or two to connect them.
My core goal would be to refresh my skills in preparation for the upcoming layout build and of course being able to run trains in the mean time. Appalachian scenery and continuous loop would be prerequisites but everything else would be flexible to allow for some experimentation.
I posted this earlier, a couple of posts above…
I measured parts of my garage which is roughly 18’x32’ overall and believe a 6’x12’ modular open-grid layout would fit the bill nicely. It would be large enough to provide plenty of space with broad radius curves and could be constructed using four 3’x6’ lightweight modules so it could easily be taken apart and moved out of the way as needed. A strong but lightweight base with collapsible legs could be constructed to hold the modules though the length of the base would cause me some portability concerns. I’ll have to put some thought into it.
What kind of track plan should I use? I’m thinking something simple but with a little bit of everything, including grades and tunnels, would probably be good. Given that it’s intended to help me improve my skills in preparation for the main layout build, a rural mining theme with s
My suggestion was that it is easier to come up with a design if you break things down to smaller units.
Here is a simple setup like what you are envisioning (except that instead of four 3x6 foot sections, I would suggest six sections - four of them 4x2 feet and two end sections that are 2 x 6 foot (or four that are 2 x 3 feet):
But the core idea is that instead of trying to come up with one common track plan for the whole layout that has a little of everything and is operationally brilliant as well, just think of the layout as four separate scenes - two that are 2 x 8 feet and two that are 2 x 6 feet.
The main is simply a single track loop that connects the four scenes. Gives you room to experiment with scenery and track arrangements for scenes fairly independently of each other. On standard sized dominoes of a size which are easy to handle for one person working alone.
Now you just pick some scenes you want to experiment with. No stress - the layout is a test bed, not a layout destined for the 2013 issue of Gream Model Railroads
I want to keep the modules of equal size so I can more easily build a storage shelf for them in the event that long term storage becomes necessary. Additionally, I want to have the ability to use the central corridor for tunnels or other purposes.
However, I do like the configuration you propose and have modified it as shown. In the following image, there are four 3’x6’ modules configured in an “H” pattern with an example of how a track might cross through the central corridor via a tunnel, adding to the potential for interesting scenes.
Actually my test/skill building layout was meant to be a portable one, but the van it was suppose to ride in died. Thinking of an N scale one for our smaller vehicle. My dream layout room is currently occupied by a returned son. No known departure date.
The idea above of making it as a module that could be added to your dream layout later is a good idea, unless you have use for a second layout (children’s layout or portable for display). Two or three foot wide sections would make easily moveable. If you put them back to back on your test layout you could consider having the long sides as parts of a later layout with only a simple curve at each end that could just be removed and parts recycled later.
I agree that it’s a good idea but I don’t have a track plan for the main layout and the track and switches (salvaged from a previous layout) that I plan to use on the smaller “test” layout are all code 100 and I’ll be using code 83 on the main layout.
I’ve been working a possible benchwork configuration and came up with a new design. The legs are removable and the base folds along a hinged edge. Individual modules would be held together by bolts with wingnuts and be held to the base by guide stops.
mobilman44: You seem to have suddenly taken great interest in posting what appears to be negativity on my threads. Yet you have contributed nothing. Why is that? Could your sudden interest have anything to do with my response to another thread?
Sorry for the undercurrent of sarcasm - I guess I misplaced my tact and diplomacy…
I’ve been active in the hobby since the mid '50s, and have designed and built a number of layouts - from N to O scale, but there have always been constraints - constraints that you don’t seem to have.
My point is - and I mean this in a very positive manner - is that you would serve yourself well if you would start working on a layout - be it a 4x8 or a basement filling empire. We can talk the process to death, but all that is meaningless without that first piece of benchwork put into place.
Considering that space is the one thing that most model railroaders usually have in short supply, I can understand. In fact, I’ve been there many times myself and always imagined that having virtually unlimited space would be a dream come true but believe me when I say this… It’s a headache!
Sure, having a lot of space is great, but it rapidly becomes overwhelming, especially when you start factoring in things like what it would actually cost to build the thing. Needless to say, it was a painfully rude awakening for me.
Otherwise, I agree wholeheartedly that it’s imperative for me begin construction on a layout as soon as possible. It’s one of the reasons I’ve decided to build a “test” layout prior to the main layout build. So far, I’ve nearly completed the benchwork design and only need to settle on a track plan (6’x12’) before I begin.
For someone who has only been a member of these forums for two weeks, you have not been on long enough to get to know the other members very well and to distinguish between the good guys and the bad guys. Trust me, mobilman44 is one of the good guys.
Already your screen name stands out as someone who is looking for help and ideas and advice in not only the development of your layout but also in the construction of the framework and the design of the layout room itself. But, at the same time, you are developing a reputation as being defensive, quick to cut someone off who offers critique, albeit negative. From your past replies on this and other threads, you seem to be expecting every thread to turn into a flame war at any moment.
If I were you, I would relax and accept all of the critique and all of the criticism for what it is worth.
Despite what you may think, I respect your opinion, even though I’m not quite sure where it originates. Can you enlighten me?
Personally, I judge people based on their actions (not their post count) and respond accordingly. I find it very odd that people who are quick to jump in and criticize, typically contribute absolutely nothing to the topic at hand.
Well I was gonna put this in your other thread but I cant due to it being locked. This is a track plan designed by me and you are free to use it if you want. This layout was built similar to what you are asking, it was a 5x10 semi portable layout. I designed the deckwork in 4 sections that could be broken apart for easy storage and the table they were on could also break down into smaller pieces for storage as well.
The track plan did change a little as I started laying track and the final was very close but I think either would flow good. The layout can be point to point as well as coninious running. There is alot of switching as well as 2 stub yards that provide interest for industries or interchange.
You will notice the loop back in the middle. This allows you to turn an entire train with ease, but you need to use something like an AR1 or PM4 PM42 to reverse the polarity and prevent shorts. This is not as hard as it sounds.
If you want to look at the contstruction of the bench work and layout check this out here.
