Hey Sean...If I read everything you wrote, the benchwork design dictated itself. See the revised format. It's a lot easier now, even more layout and the panels really add to the imagination. I have four quadrant to run with now. I wind up with 26" circle on all corners as well which should be fine.
What to do with the quadrants is another story. For one, I was thinking weather changes, one could be each different season.
A slight modification and a temporary perimeter track. Though this is not the track plan, do you think it is a good idea or not to run a train around the whole thing like this? Each section will have plenty of turnouts, etc. I just thought it could be a good way to keep some freight rains running and running.
Just MHO.
Here's what I would do if I had that much room. I'd keep the two return loops on either side of the entry door. Then I'd build a bridge across the basement door (you said it was rarely used). In between I'd have one LONG dogbone all the way around the room for continuous running. I'd put the mainline more in the middle of the layout in most spaces, so there could be both foreground and background scenic elements.
That would give you the feel of a doubletrack main running *through* your scenery all the way around the room.
Again, JMHO.
Thanks TD for the input, I like that idea...I will mess around a little and update a rough plan later on. I wasn't feeling a perimeter track. I might expand and do a double track running "somewhat" center with lots of turn offs.
And....
Yeah, it's a lot of room and a lot of bench work. But why not? This hobby is supposed to take forever, I am just reinforcing that! I figure the extra wood won't cost that much now and I will buy things as I need them. I WILL NOT go out tomorrow and buy 500 pieces of Flex track and Roadbed, 75 Turnouts, 5,000 trees..... could you imagine that bill? Ouch!
Stay Tuned
Oh, trust me. I am SO there. If I had the room I'd have a monster layout, and my grandkids would be completing it for me (did I mention my twins are 9?). As it is, I'm spending a LOT of time planning, and building it $45 at a time...Originally Posted by macrailer
I have a three boys, 6, 9 and 16....none of my boys are into it yet probably because I have no scenery. They really can't help me solder (my oldest is never around) so I think they are bored with it for now. Occasionally my younger ones "investigate."
I lucked out with the room, it really has no purpose and just has clutter. I am almost done cleaning it. Oh...and yes, I will be making a monthly budget after my bench work.
The twins helped me with the plaster cloth hills on my tiny "practice" layout, and we've invented a simple switching game that they like.
They're interested, but it's mostly something to do with daddy. Fortunately they're still young enough they still want to do things with daddy.
I could see that....I do think my kids will get into scenery.
OK...I am pleased to report I made a final decision. First, I went back to the original idea, because it is a lot less symmetrical, making the plan less boring. Next, I based this plan on actual wood I would use. The counters take up exactly (5) 4 x 8 Sheets of Plywood, well just about, a few tiny scraps left over. But basically, there will be little waste and now I know what materials I need. Also, all the walk space is exactly 36" wide, so it should be very comfortable to work in.
Next week I begin construction. I will take photos as I go.
Very good, sir!
This plan looks better than all the other plans .... Are you going to still have a work bench area ?
Mostly Kato stuff with a few atlas locos thrown in ...
Thanks! The room is so big and it will take so much time to work on the layout, that the unoccupied areas of the table will be my bench area. When I eventually fill up all my table, I have a 12 x 3 table, just through the one door where my layout is now. I am in good shape. I also have those big tool boxes on wheels, you know the craftsman with all the drawers kind of deal.
Not to worry, my boys are 11 and 7. They could care less about the layout until the tracks got wired. Now that I'm doing the scenery, the bare table is starting to come alive, and so are the boys. My 11 year old has been placeing the bushes where he likes them and I glue them. Your kids will come around as well.
Bill
"The lone wolf gets its strength from the wolf-pack, and the wolf-pack gets its strength from the lone wolf."
My only suggestion is keep the bar. Everything else is negotiable. Ralph
Haha.... I will keep it in mind!
One thing I would consider doing is design a final plan that can be built in sections (maybe 3x6' or so) that you can build one at a time and expand to fill the room. If you are like me you will have new idea later, building this way allows for that with out tearing out a whole layout. I built a starter section that has the minimum that I want in a layout ( continuous run, yard and industry's) and then will build new sections as time, energy and money permit. The next section will provide staging to spice up operations and add operational interest (other trains on the mainline). Then another town and passing siding will built on that large 2nd section with branches expanding around the room if I get that finished.
I would start in one corner and work around the room.
Thanks, I totally agree! I am going to do this in stages and expand in time.
I am just about ready for my bench work. Now I am contemplating not having a plywood base. I realize this might be frowned upon, but this would work for me. I found a cool video on youtube..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nsab6...eature=related
Trains and scenery are not exactly "heavy" so why bother with the expense if I plan to have a foam base anyways.
.......Still contemplating
I tried this, worked well except for one problem...
When trains where running on the foam it was very loud. It caused a "drum effect" Plywood under the foam silenced this and was very quiet.
I had a thread just over a year ago called drum effect, asking about this problem and a few people gave suggestions on how to avoid this. For some reason I can't find it at all but I did come across this thread that helps.
http://www.nscale.net/forums/showthr...9156&highlight
Thanks so much! That was very helpful.
I did make my final decision to use 1/4" Luan Plywood under the foam. It is smooth, sanded and it is only $12.50 per 4 x 8 sheet delivered to my house. I know it is thin, but I am sure it will be fine.
So, I have begun benchwork, but had some major setbacks. I went away to Vegas for vacation, I came back to a blizzard and wound up with water in my basement. This past weekend, we had a storm in NJ that took power from 150,000 homes (including mine) and sent 1 foot of water in my basement.
So, my power is back, the water is gone and should stay gone, but damn! In the 3 years I have owned my home, not a drop of water in my basement and I am not in any kind of flood zone. I added a sub pump system for future emergencies.
Hence, I haven't been around in a while. It is nice to be back on track. I drilled my first beams into concrete tonight to get my benchwork going!
And... starting tomorrow, we are expecting at least a week of 60 degree plus and sunshine! Finally winter is going away!
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