I am inferring a lot from your question so my answer could be completely wrong. I started with an oval of track so I could get trains running. Next I installed a yard to store cars Then I took a breather and just ran trains Now I am expanding the layout in progressive contigous stages each of which will simply extend the oval such that wiring is easy. You may want to include a switching area before you expand. Hope that helps.
I am (in fits and starts) building a layout in sections. It is to go around the walls in a bedroom, open in the middle, background on the walls. I am starting in general on the part back against walls. The layout has three main lengths of track that go around much of the room, one behind the other-- one for my Santa Fe line, one for a terminal switching line and one that is partly hidden and partly open storage behind the other elements. My open staging yard will be the farthest thing back from the central operating area, so I need to build it first. I have had it built for over a year but busy with schoolwork, not running. Next I will build hidden staging yard and one lap around the room, with switches only on the continuous line (which is not actually all mainline)- not building the yard etc that run off the line. Finally I will complete the layout, building secondary tracks that are behind the continuous loop, and then coming in toward the center of the room.
hi, it is just semantics, but i am not sure if Kenneth L. A's approach is usually called building in sections. As far as I know it would be, building the bench and tracks along the east wall first. Maybe doing scenery first before starting with the next section. Sections can be taken to shows, though not necessarily. IMHO Kenneth shows you quite clearly an overall plan is needed. Setting standards for the future layout are needed at least. Like radii, turnout numbers and grades. To be more specific, starting with a 8x4 seems attractive to some, the 18" radius might not be the right choice if your aim is to run long passenger coaches or autoracks or big boys with 50 cars in tow on the empire to be. Smile Paul
Im on my first build, 6.5x10 free style layout. Complete access all around. I plan on adding sections as space permits. (when daughter gets married) I will not build it any wider than the door opening to room and taller than it is wide. That way I can tilt it on edge a move it out. I will use quick disconnects at the table joining areas. I will also add turn outs in all corners, even if they end up not joining anything more there. I would hate to have to do some surgery to install track after its down. I am getting excited. I'm almost finished testing all my equipment and switches I got from my grandfather when he passed. I plan on taking lots of pictures. I will not go crazy with scenery for sure. To much to clean..lol
What you mean by "section" is not clear to me. Please clarify what you're asking, maybe by considering following possible definitions: Steps in a plan to build a master system. Each step is an addition of detail or scope of the master plan. Layout can be run from 1st section. I do this and may add space as I go. Always able to run useful trains, but there is a lot of work-in-progress and various degrees of finish at different places. Independent developments that coordinate in the end to one plan, each section is usable in itself or usable when connected to prior developments. 1st section is most important and difficult to define. Independent developments that can be put together in various ways at various times. Each section might be usable in itself or not usable w/o another section. My club has a great portable layout that can be configured in several ways using more or less sections. Each show is planned to # of sections and running scheme. Some sections absolutely required, some sections optional.
I agree with "It depends". Some people want at least an oval down fast so they can run trains and then fill in the voids. Others prefer to build a standalone (more or less) section / module / chunk at a time and then link them together as they're completed. Time and $$$ can also dictate what gets done when and which approach is better. Hopefully, I will soon have a 14X14 room finished in my basement for an around-the-walls with a small peninsula and out-of-the-room staging. Since I plan on incorporating my existing shelf switching layout, I will most likely move that into place and then lay a temporary oval while I finish up the "master plan".
