Micro Layout Build

I think that's a great idea. That's basically the same thing used in the Black Diamond Railway videos to show how he built his layout. I'm now using my 6x11 table as a learning platform too and will try to practice his techniques. The goal will be to gradually work up to where I can make landscaped sections that can,  be incorporated into my future permanent bedroom layout. I plan to make most of my landscaping on removeable sections, probably not much more than a series of plywood platforms. I know that's probably not a new idea, but it was new to me and I'm glad I'll be able to practice while still running trains.

 

Dave, look into modular layout building as that is what you just described. You don't have to be a club to enjoy modular railroading.

 

 

I intend to as I get closer to starting my permanent layout, but I don't want to get bogged down by standards and specifications. I happen to be going to a modular club meeting/operating session tomorrow morning, so I'll find out more about it. From what I've seen so far in photos, etc., I've been unable to figure out how they provide for over/under designs, reversing loops, etc., basically anything but circular running. I wouldn't be opposed to having a section built to modular standards though because I will have to contend with a door and that could be a useful way to do it. Thanks for mentioning it.

Stewart, hope you don't mind, I just tinkered with your plan to see what it looks like with compound curves. I figure the max grade about 6.4% with 5" clearance, railhead to railhead. 

 

 

 

 

Dave, building a modular layout for yourself is different than building a club modular layout. The reason why clubs have strict standards is so that modules can be lined up in any order, yet be consistent. Think of it this way...you design your layout, and then slice it into manageable pieces to build.

I still need to figure out the structures to be built, but I like this so far...

 

 

Here is an Atlas-O version. I bumped up the overall dimensions slightly to make it fit.

 

 

Curves tweaked a bit ... 

I've selected some accents for the layout. Every steam loco needs a water tank...

 

 

The tunnels need a little dressing...

 

 

I'm reading a copy of Model Builder, December 1944, in which a modeler buys a broken pinball machine for a $1 to use for parts on his model railroad. In the article, he makes a moving spout on a water tank. I don't have access to a broken pinball machine, but maybe I can work something up with a servo and some line.

Stewart;

Lifting the spout is as simple as a small DC motor and a shaft for the string to wind on. 2 Normally Open push button switches swap polarity of the power to the motor. A Normally Closed Limit switch in series with each switch can add hard stop points for the spout.  The buttons are wired in parallel at the motor.

 Or a DPDT ctr off switch (on-off-on) wired crossways.  This needs diodes across the limit switches so the power can bypass the limit switch in one direction.

email me if you want a schematic diagram.

Dave...

 

I think the idea to build in removable sections is really cool.  I'm going to do that on part of my layout.  Since your post was 6 months ago, I don't know what kind of luck you had but I am going to use masonite for my bases instead of plywood and see how that works.