When less is more--need ideas

I'm in a similar boat (almost 56.)

I'd start by looking into building groups of two, three, or four of them into layout design elements. Each stands on its own as an industry or two. You then build corner modules to connect them. Set them up so that they all fit an interchangeable standard (I chose a variation on Free-Mo.) I'm building my first in a set of four switching decks which I will eventually be able to tie together into a larger point-to-point operation. The attached image is of the three components of the first set I'm building (the sections with the turnouts on them) combined with a planned pair of 30-degree curves and single-track extensions. I figure at some point I'll get additional space and can expand accordingly.

Am going the modular route myself, so that it can be disassembled and moved if necessary.

Current plan in phases: Planned Phases

Click on the picture to see the next phase. Yay, benchwork beginning soon!

-bruce

Rob,

Several things to think about:
1) Need much more info - how much space do you have available?
2) Do you have a specific area or location in mind? That will help. Right now you have some good goals, but they are pretty general.

I'll say this from my own hard experience - unless you are planning to construct modules from the start, forget about moving the layout with intact pieces of scenery and track work.

I started the PRR Panhandle with the delusion that if I made it lightweight, I could take it apart and move it (relatively intact). I made a number of butt-joint construction tables (2'x4', 3'x5', 2'x5', etc.) out of 1"x4"s. They are fine - very strong with sturdy 2"x2" braced legs. However, I used 3/8" plywood for the subroadbed (big mistake) - that required a lot more bracing. Plus when you go to a cookie-cutter subroadbed design (elevations and depressions), you'll need a Sawzall to dissassemble the layout. Wiring? That needs to be modular as well. By the time I got to wiring the layout, I had become much more realistic about the chances of actually moving it. If it ever comes to that, I will dissassemble the layout and retain the tables, wiring, track, and roadbed. All buildings will be removable and scenery will be foam-based.

So when it comes to portability - you either have to go truly modular or forget about it.

You might also want to get yourself track planning software - it's much easier to make mistakes on the plan than on the layout. Cheaper, too.

I would take advantage of this forum and keep throwing ideas out here. It can only help.

Best of luck,

George

quote:

Originally posted by Seacoast:


Jerry, Do you have a track plan for your 3 rail layout? Great YouTube videos I just looking at them.
George

Hi George:

Thanks for the comments. The videos contain a lot of my trains, but also videos of other IHMD members equipment.

My U-Tube videos are shot on two different layouts, the Independent Hirailers Midwest Division, or on Hot Water's Central Connecting Railroad.

Here is a track plan for our typical IHMD setup:



Here is Hot Water's layout.



Regards,
GNNPNUT

Thanks Jerry

George

Great ideas and I will incorporate them into an 8 ft wide by 30 ft oval. I think four feet inside is plenty wide enough and I can make a few of the modules wider to incorporate some scenery features that I would like closer to the viewer.

I want one side sort uncomplicated in order to view trains. Having the mainline not run parallel to the edge of the benchwork will give the trains a bit more visual interest in running.

On the "city" side I will have a one way street running parallel to a four track mainline. This will give the illusion of the NYC four track mainline runs. The street will be elevated with a street running over the tracks on an overpass. This breaks up the monotony of long trains.

In the illustration, the center appears to be a place for a small yard or engine facility.

I think instead I will install turnouts from the city side mainline and use a Miami Valley four foot long bridge to head to an industrial area. This will allow me to utilize a bunch of industrial building flats and allow switching opportunities.

I will be at Schaumberg to quiz the Midwest Independent Hi-railers on modular wiring.

But this plan will get trains out of boxes and onto rails where they belong. And when we finally buy a warehouse, this can be dismantled without too much trouble for a more permanent installation.

Thanks to all who replied.

I am jazzed to get the pile of benchwork assembled into an oval next week.

Happy New Year all.

ROB M