How practical would it be to utilize space on the layout for more than one purpose? For example: a three track run through yard becomes two stub end industries by placing appropriate structures over the yard tracks. Any sense to this?
Show pictures if you have something like this on the layout.
Thanks in addvance.
Rick.
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That's a great idea Rick and quite practical if you plan it out ahead of time. You can achieve a lot of variety in your scenes this way. We have a modular layout and use this concept often changing the dioramas from on table to another.
On a home layout you should be able to easily do the same.
Hello agian Sam,
I am thinking more of changing operating schemes as opposed to industries: example, a the yard could be used to house a few trains for roundy round running. Then, plop down a coal mine structure and "poof" instant indusry. Go a bit farther with a scenic break, coal mine on one side, power plant on the other following Frank Elison's "loads in, empties out" scheme and now we have a point to point switching layout!
Rick.
Rick,
What you propose can be practical based upon the size of your modules, and can give you endless possibilities for operation. The biggest obstacles to overcome would be where to store the extra modules, and where to hide the handles for module lift out. 
If you build your layout on 1/2" plywood, use a 1/2" piece for your modules and add support under the table (ledges) for your module to rest on.
I read an article (I believe in Model Railroader Magazine) about connecting three modules in a triangular shape, that could be rotated on an axis, thus giving you three scenes in one space.
Good info gentlemen, I am thinking along the lines of leaving the track structure as is and simply placing or removing scenic elements and or structures to change the scene/operation. It should be easy to store the structure under the layout in the same space...that is to say, it should be!!!!
Rick.
our club changes an end of our layout with the seasons. We have 5 different modules, this is very easy to do and it is very popular.
You mean like this?
i agree this is a great idea. I have an area where I am thinking i primarily want a small freight depot, but I am thinking to do a module with a small passenger station to swap out. Also, this concept would be cool if you want to change from steam era to modern era. More true than ever that a layout is never finished!
I did this on my N gauge layout years ago - had switchable pallets that would go on and off the layout in a section, and plan to do it on my O gauge but have not yet done that project: in one place, I plan a roughly 30 by 20 inch "pallet" that would have either a small rural train station or a pastoral little lake with a fishing boat and fishermen.
When I did this in N gauge, I discovered an interesting fact: building scenery and buildings on "pallets" that could then be installed on the layout was more efficient - build the whole thing on the bench, finish it, and then lay it down on the layout. I actually do that with everything now, but simply have no plans to switch them out for something else in the future.
I recall an article in the last few years in CTT or OGR about someone who did this with a couple of scenes on their layout.
great to do just for the holidays with a switch out of scenes. great idea
Matt,
That is exactly what I will be doing. The bottom plate will be 1/4'' to 1/2'' ply with 1" foam attached.
The 'inserts' will be stored in shelves below the layout.
I know from a past article Bill Bramlage has done this on his layout. Great idea, especially for holiday modules.
--Greg
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