Scenery as a module

Cut a piece of fome-cor to fit the plot. Mark the position of the structures, roads, etc. Move to a comfortable working spot. Complete the structures. Place the completed assembly back onto the layout. Scenic the edges of the fome-cor. 

"A further problem in an area

   I design everything to be within reach preferably less than 24 inches from the fascia and certainly no more than 30 inches. Anything beyond that is represented by backdrops......DaveB 

Thanks Alan.   As I said that

 Thanks Alan.

As I said that is how I have always done it, except I use a plywood and Homosote base. I then can install the track and screw it to the open benchork. I have even done some of that here, but not with the structures or track. See attached 

Thanks ctxmf74  This 30" rule

Thanks ctxmf74

This 30" rule we have also, but due to our minimum radius rule of 42" and  multiple tracks makes the distance from aisle to backdrop about 4 feet even with the backdrops 1 foot apart. Spreading them more would create a 3 foot +tunnel and a large dead space. This could have been done, but building the whole or part of the scene on a bench would have allowed us to utilize the space for the large structure you see. Maintaining the 30" rule means small or partial structures. This large structure will be unique as many areas utilize backdrop buildings only in order to maintain reachable track.

Deep scenery

Ray, I feel your pain on this one. My last layout had some deep scenes like the one your working on. ( thus, my last layout) the answer might be the topside creeper from Micromark. It's a little pricey for the individual, but for a club layout it is probably worth it. Not only are you going to have build the scene, but you're also going to have to back in there to do maintenance and cleaning. I think the club should look into it. The added benefit is while using it you can lean on the horizontal pad taking some of the strain of your feet and legs.

Mike

creeper

Mike thanks

  We own a topside creeper at our club and bought it for the very reasons you suggest. I still think that building dioramas on a bench allows a lot better chance for detailing. I also think planning out the scene including buildings, track and grades is important. I know many people that do it this way, and only a couple of club members who seem to want to build all the bench work, lay all the track and then try and fit in structures and scenes. I certainly can't picture anyone building a scratch built structure, Finescale or South River model works structure directly on the layout .

                                                                                                                                Ray