Skip to main content

Hi Folks,

I created a 5.5x19 layout with two levels.  One of the things that I don't like about it is how boxy it looks.  I am considering jigsawing off the square corners and moving the legs as necessary.  Have any of you rounded corners after finishing benchwork?20160813_21301620160813_213025

Attachments

Images (2)
  • 20160813_213016
  • 20160813_213025
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

I have one corner lopped off at a 45 degree angle on my little home layout, but that is mainly for clearance to make it easier to walk around the end.  My small display layout that I take to the local train show also has the two front corners trimmed the same way, and for the same reason... to make it easier for myself and spectators to walk around the layout.  However, the back corners are still in place, and come in handy for places to display stuff.  However, both layouts were originally built with the angled corners, I did not do it after the fact.

If you  study prototype RR track you will see much straight or tangent track in use. I read and was told by an NS MOW man that the PRR ran tangent track and used some pretty sharp curves. I have seen it standing near the  line while photographing trains. I see the magazine article reviews and the layouts seem to have too much curved track to be prototypical.  Curves cause friction and wear.

IMG_0463

I suggest that you curve the corners where doing so will improve access, or improve viewing angles, allowing you to get closer to the trains.   I am doing this with my layout built on 2" thick 4' X 8' foam sheets, which are supported by tables.   This works easily for this purpose, but other construction techniques will not be as convenient, but as others have pointed out, you do lose the corner space for small accessories and such.  

I also built a layout with Boy Scouts where we chopped the corners, removing a triangle.  Again, improved access, and was a good idea for the small portable layout involved, making it easier to move and hold.   The boys covered the foam edges with black duct tape, with imperfect results.

It is nice to be able to move around the layout more easily, and to get to the sides, extend reach in some cases, and etc.

Each situation is different, and each person's preferences will vary.

Attachments

Images (1)
  • IMG_0463
Last edited by Rich Melvin

Blending the upper level in with scenery to make a smooth rise in the horizon is the easy out. Cutting the upper level to break the squared edges , and or creating scenery to justify them (brick/stone walls) would go along way toward a "natural" look too.

At 19' breaking textures along the length of the "retaining wall / tunnel ; brick here, placed stone there, some natural rock occurance & vegition to boot would give more allusion of distance.

A backdrop alone might even break things up enough to settle you down.

I don't  see a huge visual advantage to rounding the lower level near walls on a smaller layout. Start on top and see how you feel then IMO.

 

Add Reply

Post
The Track Planning and Layout Design Forum is sponsored by

AN OGR FORUM CHARTER SPONSOR
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×