Just a quick update...the new SFSW is moving along. Most of the framework is in place, modules will begin soon!! Overall layout will be an "L" shaped affair, 2 x 20. Plans afoot to build in an island if I can negotiate that much real estate with the bank/owner (wife). Happy Modeling!! John
------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!
Posted by Mike C (Member # 35) on :
So what are you goung to use over the frame, Plywood or Foam sheats?....Mike Posted by jcater (Member # 31) on :
Someone convinced me that foam sheets were the way to go. I found foam insulation board at Home Depot, and it was much cheaper than plywood for the same amount of area . I am trying to build modules that fit the pre-cut 2 by 4 foot sheets. So far so good !! Happy Modeling!! John
------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!
Posted by Mike C (Member # 35) on :
Great!! another foam convert. I think that the expanded foam sheats make a great base for a lite layout....Mike
Posted by jcater (Member # 31) on :
Yeah, so far so good. They don't lay exactly flat on the framework, but I think a bit of duct tape will take care of the problem (gee dad was right, everything CAN be fixed with duct tape ). I am a bit concerned about the size of my return loops though...two feet doesn't give much room for a turn (19 inch diameter max!!). Hope that tight of a turn can hold the locos and rolling stock !! Happy Modeling!! John
------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!
Posted by millcstl (Member # 60) on :
John, Sorry I missed your old layout! Hope I get to see your new one someday. Is this one on HO or HOn3? 19" is pretty tight for HO in my experiance. It's good to be back online. Scott
Posted by jcater (Member # 31) on :
quote:Originally posted by millcstl: John, Sorry I missed your old layout! Hope I get to see your new one someday. Is this one on HO or HOn3? 19" is pretty tight for HO in my experiance. It's good to be back online. Scott
Hey Scott, long time no talk :D!! I wish the new layout was HO OR HOn3, but I left the decision as to scale up to my 4-year old :rolleyes:!! After seeing the various scales he decided he liked the "little guys" meaning N-scale!! So I am digging out all of my old N scale stuff (not much left after all these years, an Atlas RS-1 and a few Bachmann F Units) from a layout I built years ago. I guess I am in N for a while, although I have been hinting hard to "Santa" that the new On30 scale would be nice under the tree ;). I figure that way I can model DRGW/Rio Grande Southern narrow guage without giving up my HO scale track, and have two layouts, one in N and one in O. I guess we will see. For now, the new N scale layout will be set in the far southwest (Santa Fe and Southwestern) in 1962, and is 2 feet wide by about 20 feet, in an L shape. I may add an island later. I am kind of excited because I am building it in 4 foot modules on foam...never done that before. How is your layout coming along?? Would like to see it someday also. Happy Modeling!! John
Posted by Mike C (Member # 35) on :
Hey John, I think you will bo OK with the 9inch radius curves as long as you are using 40 or 50 foot cars and two axle locos. Is there any way you could add 1 more foot to the width of your layout at the ends? Then you would be able to do a 15 inch radius loop......Mike Posted by jcater (Member # 31) on :
quote:Originally posted by Mike C: Hey John, I think you will bo OK with the 9inch radius curves as long as you are using 40 or 50 foot cars and two axle locos. Is there any way you could add 1 more foot to the width of your layout at the ends? Then you would be able to do a 15 inch radius loop......Mike
Mike, I am planning on adding another foot to one end, but on the other end I have already used all the space I can because a freezer is under that end of the layout and any more width would critail opening the freezer lid. I have been thinking of some kind of hinged set up that would allow another foot extension but could be raised when not in operation.
------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!
Posted by Mike C (Member # 35) on :
I think the hinge would work OK. I saw a layout in MR a couple mounths ago that had one end of it hinged. Or possibly just a removable section that would 'key' into the fixed part of the layout.....Mike Posted by jcater (Member # 31) on :
Yeah the one in MR is what I had in mind, but a bit less complex. A removeable section would work too. I pinned some flex track down in this area and fouond that I can get an 11" radius, but the track comes dangerously close to the layout edge. A 10 inch radius works pretty well, but I have not test run any engines or rolling stock on it. Perhaps I can get away without an extension...Happy Modeling!! John
------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!
Posted by scott whitfield (Member # 56) on :
Hey John, Long time no post! Sorry been real busy and will get more so in Dec. Sounds like a real rebirthing on the N scale. Never heard of this foam stuff. Sounds interesting. What do you attach it to? On the real estate issue. Alot has been done with a bottle of wine, flowers and a really nice gift. On the other hand, I have seen some real interesting layouts with a loop on one end. Challenges your creativity. Best of luck. Scott Whitfield Sachse Central & Purple Mountain RR
Posted by jcater (Member # 31) on :
Howdy Scott, it has been a long while!! The foam will sit atop a simple wood frame with external railing to hold it in place. The foam basically replaces plywood as the table top, is much lighter and because it will be in 2 x 4 foot sections it will be highly mobile should I ever need to move it or replace a module . Hope all is well with you and your layout!! Happy Modeling!! John
------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!
. I am trying to build modules that fit the pre-cut 2 by 4 foot sheets. So far so good 
!! Happy Modeling!!
!! Happy Modeling!!