While I work on the room which will eventually house the main layout that I'm currently planning, I thought it might be a good idea for me to create a smaller "test" layout to experiment with ideas and refresh and/or improve my skills at the same time. I still have everything (flex track, switches, structures, etc) from my previous 12ft by 16ft layout and plenty of scrap wood left over from various home improvement projects and could probably find enough space in my garage (next to the layout room) for a temporary or "test" layout of about 8ft by 8ft or perhaps even 4ft by 16ft. It would have to be a modular design so it could be easily taken apart and moved when I needed to use the garage but overall, I think it would be manageable and believe I would enjoy doing it. It will be many months before the train room is complete so I think it would not only be a great way of getting trains running quicker but it would also be a very interesting thing to do. So tell me, what do you think? Suggestions and ideas are welcome.
Any opportunity to create a layout...especially to improve skills...is a good idea. I was building a 1'x6' switching layout previously for just such purpose, and I'm considering starting it again since I don't know exactly when my son will move out...
instead of a "test layout " , why not build sections that could be put into your "perminate" layout? Like maby one of your towns and a loop of track??? ...Mike
That's a good idea and I thought about doing it but it's unlikely that I would be able to properly integrate it into the design of the main layout which doesn't have a track plan yet and will have very specific criteria for it's construction. Additionally, I want to have some flexibility to try out ideas and experiment a little. If the "test" layout turns out ok, I will most likely keep it as I have plenty of room to store it upstairs if need be.
In that case, I highly recommend this layout. Once you've gotten it built and tested and are ready for your "real" layout, you can send it to me for off-site archival storage and maintenance. :tb-wink:
I've been working a possible benchwork configuration and came up with this design. The legs are removable and the base folds along a hinged edge. Individual modules would be held together by bolts with wingnuts and be held to the base by guide stops. Benchwork Complete: Benchwork Modules: Benchwork Base: Benchwork Base Folded:
