Ok, so I think I’ve solved my problems and have a new layout/ idea behind it. I will build a 4 x 8 N scale layout in 2 x 4 modules, but the idea behind this is that it will be an expandable layout. Also I’m going without a track plan they are way too much hassle for me and I feel I can get much more done by building and planing on the fly, than a long drawn out planning process.
Before I get chewed out for not using a plan and eyeballing the radii of curves, I’m aware of what consequences may await me but I’m certain I can manage without them by being extra careful when I’m working.
The layout will be partly urban and partly rural, with a couple LDE’s(based loosely on the term coined in MR that was in the recent spokane international layout article.)
Personally I think a rough sketch is good, just to get a basic idea. You can just make a quicksketch on graph paper, track here, building there, hey it looks decent. We’re not building a real RR, so no need for anything fancy.
Currently I am making a plan, and when I think about things, and look at the plan I change things, a lot easier to erase and redraw than to move track, and change industries and structures completely.
This looks good! Are you “planning” or intending to make it flexible so it does not have to be set up in an oval? I am trying to persuade our club to build a 4 x 6 or 4x8 foam block layout using two foam blocks either 4 x 4 or 4 x 3 as an exhibition layout for our On30 which can then be expanded in the middle eventally to any length when we get enough “modules” so I will be following this one from here in Australia,
THis layout will be as flexible as I can make it for now I plan on just making a basic oval 4 x 8 layout but eventually I’d like to add scene specific modules, like the SP&S station in Vancouver Washington, the yard in Wishram, the portland station, the Spokane station, Pasco, the 9th street roundhouse, and a couple others. first things first though, the base 4 modules.
Kyle I’d make a drawn plan but I prefer working with my hands helps me focus.
I know what you mean Burlington Northern #24. I sometimes perfer to trinker with things and design as I go. If you the supplies on hand, that is a great method. The reason I am planning my layout is because I need to buy the supplies, so I need to figure out what I need.
Yeah, I hear you there Kyle. I’m gonna be switching to DCC, whilst working on this layout so I’ll wire it for DCC. may need some help with that, but I’ll get it done.
