RAILforum: Where to begin?

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Posted by Suburban90 (Member # 2450) on :

Challenging question. I know most of you might have some wonderful ideas to share. Now is your chance.

I have the potential to fill a room with train beyond my wildest dreams. Could be very costly if I am not careful. However, I have a room that will be used. It used to be the garage. But, it was a show home and the garage was turned into a finished room. It is 21 feet by 46 feet. Can anyone give me suggestions on how to utilize the space? Oh, I should mention that I have high vaulted cealings too!

Posted by Challenger (Member # 1298) on :

Hello,

Wow, you got a wonderful amount of space to work with. The answer to your question is a complicated one. It is dependent on what scale you want to work in, how much time and effort you want to put into it. Is this something you would like to complete relativly quicly or is this something you woudnt mind spending several years on doing? Other factors like are you looking for a laid back style of operations found in like Brachline railroading, or are you looking for the intense in your face action if heavy duty mainline railroading. Also what type of the area of the country are you trying to portray can effect how the space is filled. another consideration is do you want to buld the layout so that it can be dismantled and the major sections moved to a new house should the need arise, or would you be willing to scrap the layout, salvage what you can and write the rest off.

I run a layout design service and am willing to help you with your needs. My advise and consulting are free. If you decide that it would be worth the effort for someone to design your model railroad please visit my website at http://w3.trib.com/~mrljim Feel free to brows through. Many of the portions of the site are still under contstrution but the Layout Desing section is pretty much done. My trackplan catalog isn't very extensive yet, but feel free to look around if you would like. Please read my desing policy page before deciding to go through with a commission as I beleave it will help prevent alot of misunderstandings.

Feel free to email me at mrljames@hrp.every1.net or give me a call at 307-335-7672. I am home most evenings. If I am not home chances are someone will be able to take a message or leave a message on the machine and I will get back with you at a time convenient for you.

Sincerely

James

[This message has been edited by Challenger (edited 05-23-2003).]

Posted by Suburban90 (Member # 2450) on :

Idealy, I am running HO. There is that potential of moving, however, I am not sure on how complicated it would be to make it in sections?

Posted by Challenger (Member # 1298) on :

Making a layout in sections is very easy. You just have to build an interface between sections for all your connections. Personally I like to use 2X8 sections in my work.
My Reasons.

1. Because they are suitable dimensions that if built to the Module Standards of thye club I belong to, that I have a "Double Module"

2. The are small eneught to manouver yet large eneough to develpe a Nice scene.

3. Fits through most door ways

4. If buit to module standars, Sections are light wiehgt and very portable to new locations.

5. Modules and Sections Can be added and subtracted when a move occures to configure the layout to a new space.

*(My Terminology Methodology)*

(Module: A section of model railroad built to a standard such that other modules built to the same standard interface with ease. Configuration can be changed as desired.)

(Section: Similar to a Module, However construction much less constrictive, However interface to other sections limited. Sections not easily reconfigured.)

Posted by Suburban90 (Member # 2450) on :

Where can one locate info or plans for such a thing? What about hinged sections so that you can have like a doorway or should I say, bar like opening to get in the middle? (Don't want to crawl on my hands and knees when I am "Older than dirt!" lol

Posted by Challenger (Member # 1298) on :

The National Model Railroad Association http://www.nmra.org has all the NMRA approved module standards for each scale on thier web site. Building layout sections to these module standards will allow portions of your layout to be interfaced with other modules built to the same standards from all over the country. If you dont want to follow the strict module approach at least following the constrction methods presented will allow for moving the layout if and when the time arrives.

A drop down section can easily be built. There are several plans for this that have appeared in the layout press over the years, But I do not know where these plans can be obtained on line. I reccomend that it is wired such that all train action stops when the drop/lift section is not aligned so as to prevent trains from "Falling off the edge of the world.

As for being older than dirt, like he other guy said, Your only top soil lol.

[This message has been edited by Challenger (edited 05-31-2003).]

Posted by jebradley (Member # 606) on :

Challenger's advice is all good. You might, in addition, try to locate a copy of "Track Planning for Realistic Operation" by John Armstrong; this is a classic in the field and has a good discussion of the basics as to what type of railroading most interests you. With that much space there might be a temptation to model to 'full scale' if it's a short line or small terminal AND if you will be in HO, N, or Z scales - that is, not to 'compress' too much. Most modelers have to compress - where a prototype (real railroad) yard might have 36 tracks, a model yard might have to do with 8 or 10, for example. Keep an open mind and investigate the prototype magazines - TRAINS, RAILFAN & RAILROAD, CLASSIC TRAINS, and others in your local hobby shop - for ideas as to what your real interests are. You'll have the space to indulge some of them! Good Luck !
James E. Bradley Hawk Mountain Chapter
National Ry. Historical Society

Posted by Challenger (Member # 1298) on :

Thanks for the second there Mr. Bradley. Mr. Bradley brings up a good point. Thourough research is not to be under estimated. The three magazines he listed are all real good sources of railroad information. I personally maintain subscribtions to Trains and Classic Trains and buy rail fan and Railroad when I run out of stuff to read Which isn't often mind you.

The book he mentions is also a good book and I put in in any list of books just after the two or three on building a basic layout. (That way they can master the basics before diving in the deep end)

Again

Glad I could be of assisstance.

James R. Mitich

Mitich Rail Limited

[This message has been edited by Challenger (edited 06-15-2003).]

Posted by Suburban90 (Member # 2450) on :

Thank you for the tips. I am subscribed to Model RailRoader ane will look at these other magazines for other ideas.

I had forgotten about "Reading" lol!

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Hope you are all having fun!
Take care, God Bless,

Suburban90
Located in Colorado