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IM000165IM000166IM000167IM000168IM000169IM000171IM000172IM000174IM000175IM000176IM000177IM000178IM000180IM000164Most modelers show pictures of building their layouts. I on the other hand am posting pictures of taking down the layout. I am doing this to show the construction method.

This layout started out as 3 Tinplate trackers modules. We moved and added many more that I would take to train shows. After a while I came up with a 2x3 inch grid that the modules rested on. this meant I didn't have to add the legs when I set it up at home. We then moved again and we were able to quickly put it up using the modules on the grid. When you look at the walls you will see two sets of mountains one above the other with sky in between. This was because when I first set it up my son was in kindergarte We then had to take most of it down to put a new fuel tank in the back corner. By now my son was in high school so we raised the layout. All we had to do was use longer legs.

 

You can see pictures of my first and 2nd layouts on my web page.http://www.modelbuildingservices.com/layoutnew09.html

I have written descriptions for the pictures.   just click on the picture to see them

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Images (16)
  • IM000164: modules on open grid.
  • IM000165: Using a magnet to fine the screws used to put 1/2" plywood on the modules.
  • IM000166
  • IM000167: This show risers for the raised dog bone.
  • IM000168: Using Atlas track allowed me to lay track on the plywood and NOT screw it down. I painted the track then added the ballest with watered down white glue. This was the only part of the layout where i used more glue and broke 2 tracks popping them up from th
  • IM000169: This shows a pond that my son made on the first layout. It was reused on the second and will be used on the next one.
  • IM000170
  • IM000171: To remove the ballast on the plywood I sprayed then with water then scrapped the ballast.
  • IM000172
  • IM000174: Drying the plywood before putting it back in the basement
  • IM000175: All modules are removed which exposed my sons G gauge layout equipment and details.
  • IM000176
  • IM000177: Emma was a friends daughter who was painted the second layouts walls.
  • IM000178: This shows all the layout parts and stackes of things for the layout
  • IM000179: This shows the two heights of the layout.
  • IM000180
Last edited by Stu Gralnik
Original Post

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jim pastorius posted:

I think modules are a good way to build a layout. Mine is semi-modular.  Built in sections connected together but not to take down repeatedly.

Jim,

When I first started in the 70s and 80s some of the modules were

taken down for local train shows.  The track and wiring followed Tin Plate Trackers standards.    When we moved here it is not built to take down for shows but has worked out great for the times I have to take it down.

Last edited by Stu Gralnik

Stu,

Thanks for the pictures.  "Substantial" doesn't begin to describe it!  Interesting to see another guy's "progress"!

I built my present layout as a sectional one like you and Jim P. did.  Each section is (more or less) the same size.  I did that so if and when we move, I won't have to destroy it.  I've seen too many layouts like that.  At this point in my life, I don't want to start from scratch.  I wasn't sure how it would all work, but an electrical problem made it necessary to remove a section for access.  It all worked! 

When you begin again, please post pictures of the new layout.

 

Greg Houser posted:

Thanks for the pics - especially the ones with how you removed the ballast with a hose!  I will be doing the same thing with my old benchwork this weekend or the next.  I had no real plan on how to get it off until I saw this post.

- Greg

Greg,

after you spray everything down you have to let it set so the water softens the glue.   then re-spray as needed.   having the layout pieces flat should also help to keep the water near the glue.  after they were clean I left them out in the sun to dry to prevent mold.

Last edited by Stu Gralnik

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