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West Haven Industrial Rwy. : TOMA or not TOMA Journals/Blogs
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Prolific poster 1,305 posts Greg Williams GregW66 Prolific poster 1,305 posts
Greg Williams GregW66

I can't keep my excitement contained. 

I just read the September Model Railroader and there was an excellent article on building a operational layout in less than 48 hours. It is a small switching layout. Then I download and opened the September MRH and read Publisher's Musings about arranging a couple of TOMA modules in a 4x10 arrangement. Couple this (pun intended) to the reminiscing article on one man's 4x10 layout (http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/30616) and I am getting excited. I've always had a place in my heart for the 4x8ish layout.

As some of you may remember (it's a long time between posts) I have developed a design for a layout that is based on a combination of the Heart of Georgia (http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/16747) and Trevor Marshall's blog about achievable layouts. (http://themodelrailwayshow.com/LayoutDesign/?p=3479).

There are some drawbacks to the plan as it stands. (http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/27010) There are some access requirements in the room and the layout requires 2 lift outs that have to be removed when the layout is not in use. There is also the problem of blocking access while the layout is in use. Not 100% compliance to the regulation.

I've be wobbling for a few weeks now as fall approaches about the plan. When I read about the TOMA setup that Joe suggests as a possibility, I think I can fit in a 4x10 layout that won't block anything and will not require any liftouts on a regular basis but will be moveable when we move sometime in the next 5 years.

Now I am challenged with developing a couple of 2x6 TOMA modules that would work for me. This could also open operational possibilities as perhaps 2 crews could be put to work, rather than one in the previous plan. By connecting the two TOMA modules with loops, I get my test/break in track and have some pretty good operation. 

GregW66

https://gregstrainyard.com
Greg Williams
Superintendent - Eastern Canada Division - NMRA
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Oztrainz Moderator 3,455 posts
Oztrainz

A suggestion

Hi Greg.

Can I respectfully suggest that you look at 3 by 4' x 2' modules rather than 2 by 6' x 2' modules?

A 4' long module is SO much easier to move than a 6' long module. See my Reply 2 at "Some additional thoughts - (long reply)" posting at the bottom of  https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/toma-ideas-in-practice-12207107 

In the larger scheme of things, there is nor much difference between 1 or 2 module joints in the construction phase when compared to the ease of module handling for a layout that could be moved more than twice in its lifetime.

Please accept this suggestion in the manner that it is offered - from someone who has to move modules by myself,

 

Regards,

John Garaty

Unanderra in oz

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ctxmf74 Super User 15,939 posts
ctxmf74

"I think I can fit in a

Quote:

"I think I can fit in a 4x10 layout that won't block anything and will not require any liftouts on a regular basis"

  I wouldn't make lack of liftouts a primary design goal as 90% of the time they can be left out. We spend much more time working on a layout than we do operating it. If you could design a more satisfying layout with sections better suited to a future space I'd go with liftouts, a well designed liftout is trouble free and only takes seconds to install or remove.Same reasoning for module or section size, design them to best suit your track configuration instead of some arbitrary length and width, if they prove too heavy to move you can always pay a helper who you'll need anyway for refrigerators and couches and other heavy stuff. ....DaveB 

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