Have space, will build: layout by redesign

Backshop · May 16, 2013

I was wondering what size the garage "attic" was, above the joists. Max-min height and dimensions.

NSseeker · May 19, 2013

Backshop: the above area is sloped and unfinished. It's a standard rafter space with I guess a 12:8 rise, might even be a 12:12 slope. That's the family's major storage area. All the stuff that is on the floor in my layout space will eventually be sorted and moved to space above.
I can see where you're going with those questions. If I could move up there I totally would: add flooring, lift up ladder/ stairs, have TOTAL square footage of below area space. If I ever decide I need that much space I'll look in to having roof lifted and made into "bonus room" space. It might be cheaper to just purchase a vehicle too big to fit in garage.;-)
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NSseeker · May 19, 2013

I've updated my plan. I have included a pic of graph paper drawing I made. I have changed the orientation of the benchwork to be able to build in stages. The peninsula marked as "FUTURE" is the area that will hold things that don't currently fit in other places (bikes, miter saw, etc.). The area near "garage door" notation will be a turn back blob or a helix if I decide to go double level.
My aisles will remain in the 24"-30" spacing. I can live with this for now.
On this plan, I see a yard area on the right side of the peninsula. I may plan a hidden turnback loop in corner near water heater to go to staging below.

Slowly getting ideas and getting them on paper. I will also update my plan on 3rdPlanIt.

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Truckload · May 29, 2013

rsn48 said: ↑

A suggestion for planning. I and a few others have utilized a different form of planning; you may or may not like it. You don't need to start with a layout plan, but you do need to start with a plan.

1. The mission statement

I highly recommend you begin with a one sentence mission statement. For example (my mission statement) "to build a layout that suggests a long mainline with a distinct here to there feeling, moving from a yard to a city." Your mission statement might only require a one level layout with heavy emphasis on switching (I wish to build a switching layout), or it may be railfan inclined (I wish to build a layout that features mountains and prairie regions to watch my trains roll), or it may be Ops oriented (I wish to build a layout that provides many switching locations just off the main), to maximizing space for long running (I wish to build a layout that maximizes space so I can move long freights across the country).

Notice these mission statements almost determine your benchwork answering questions as to one level or two, emphasis on visually appealing scenery versus operations, or a one level layout to ensure more space for operators to access the layout.

2. Shape of the mainline

After you have your mission statement, you have a guide as to your mainline and how it will run. So plan a mainline for your layout which will dictate your benchwork.

3. Determine how specific areas will be defined

So you have your mainline planned and you know in one area will be a smaller yard, another area a rural scene with a siding, another area a small town. Defining your areas helps with track work planning, so a mining area over there requires a short lead to access the cars and gets the action off the main ("Thou shall not plug the main").

4. Create a track plan for each independent area

Each area then requires its own track plan, really you are breaking the layout down and instead of searching for one whole plan that works for your space, you are creating your own plan, stemming from your mission statement, as defined by the main line run and space available. What you can do is look for parts of a track plan that will work in your area, or give inspiration for what will work in your area.

5. You don't need an entire track plan done to get going

The idea you don't need an entire track plan done is almost heresy in layout planning groups, but if you are newer to the hobby, you are best to begin with a main, lay part of this track at a specific area. Laying track in just one area of your layout gives you experience as to what works and what doesn't. In other words, by building in one area is providing you with much needed experience to build in another area. I have 2/3's or my track work in on my layout, probably more than that, but I am just now planning my final top level. I'm glad I wait as over time I gained experience and priorities changed ever so slightly so that what I will design now isn't what I would have designed when I began my process of design and construction.
Click to expand...

Wow! Great advice. I have been in Model Railroading 50 years, and you have given the best advice for model railroad planning I have ever read. Others have stated the same basic ideas, but not as clearly, succinctly and convincingly as your post. THANKS.

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Have space, will build: layout by redesign

Backshop TrainBoard Member

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