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Mushroom Layouts --All at once or one deck at a time? Benchwork and roadbed
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New member 15 posts voluse New member 15 posts
voluse
Joe Fugate & et al, I purchased your video set and like the idea of mushroom design layout. I am making some modifications to make the design my own, but it is still mushroom design. I am about ready to start building the bench work and realize I am in a dilemma. I am not quite sure if I should build both levels of the benchwork/layout at the same time (a vertical approach) because the levels seem to be so interconnected or do you just build one deck at a time (a horizontal approach)? Anything that I am doing on one layer of the layout could have dire consequences to the layers below. Maybe this is the same for all model railroaders who are building multi-deck layouts, but I wanted to know if you ran into this when you built your mushroom layout and if you would have any suggestions.
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joef MRH Founder 17,406 posts
joef

Both decks

I actually built both decks at the same time.

That means lighting is vitally important very early on, otherwise, the lower deck quickly becomes a dark recess.

I built the two decks, added lights so the decks were well lit, then working becomes easy because I could SEE.

My method of doing scenery avoids any drippy mess. I use cardboard strips, then cover them with masking tape. So no drippy mess underneath.

Adding turnout controls and wiring would only cause minor debris on the lower lever from drilling screw holes. Maybe a minor problem from dropping turnout mechanism parts onto the lower deck accidentally while installing.

I laid the track and did basic scenery on the lower deck first.

Then did the upper deck. Both decks had lighting installed from the very beginning -- working in a dark recess was not my idea of fun.

Joe Fugate​
Publisher, Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine

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Neil Erickson NeilEr Moderator 5,778 posts
Neil Erickson NeilEr

Oh great.

Thanks for asking(?). I’ve been wondering about that for my double deck as my patience to get to scenery has been tried while working on the staging area. Now that I hear Joe’s reasons it seems as though building the upper deck framing, and maybe the roadbed, would be a good idea rather than waiting. So much for TOMA with a double decker. 

I’d love to see a mushroom design if you could post what is on your mind. 

Neil Erickson, Hawai’i 

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voluse New member 15 posts
voluse

HOn3 Plans

Neil, I pasted three levels of my current plan into a *.pdf document. I'm modifying/re-thinking my staging area, so did not include this level at this time. I don't think there is a way to attach the document to a text in this forum. If you want to take a look, I would be open to any comments. I think my current configuration is very ambitious, but what the heck. You only live once. Right?!! One thing about my basement where I plan to put the layout is that I have 8'9" ceiling. This is a big factor that allowed me to take advantage of the mushroom design and design a plan with three levels. I am beginning to look at the cost of a three tiered layout and not sure what parts of my current will survive. Tony Koester book on narrow gauge was also a big influence. Send me an email and I will forward a rough copy of my current plans. -Verl
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voluse New member 15 posts
voluse

Both decks

Thanks Joe. I guess one thing that I have to remind myself when building a mushroom or multi-deck layout is that your tiers are only 3 feet deep. You don't have the issues of a layout that is 4' or 5' deep and another deck on top. Both decks are easily accessible, allowing you to take an all at once approach.
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ctxmf74 Super User 15,937 posts
ctxmf74

"So much for TOMA with a

Quote:

"So much for TOMA with a double decker. "

   A double deck layout can still be a TOMA design. The sections finished on the workbench can be assembled on upper or lower layer with a little planning.  A mushroom design could be built TOMA by building the basic framework then adding TOMA sections as they are finished. For example a framed mushroom "rack"  could be built to any configuration desired then the sections added in any order. Building the TOMA sections on the workbench eliminates lots of the concerns of  double deck or mushroom layout construction order....DaveB

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voluse New member 15 posts
voluse

TOMA and Mushroom Layouts: OBAATA

I like the idea of combining TOMA with mushroom design. I am just starting to learn about this as a way to extend your life in the hobby. By that I mean building a layout with removable sections will keep you involved in the hobby even when you aren't so moveable. What I like about mushroom is that I have a walk-around, double deck layout in a room that may not allow for a double deck layout along the walls. If you have an 11' ceiling in the middle of your room, I can see your design would work toward putting the raised platforms in this area. -Verl
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Neil Erickson NeilEr Moderator 5,778 posts
Neil Erickson NeilEr

HOn3 plans

Verl:

Perhaps you could upload the pdf’s to a Google Drive with public access. Then just post the link here. I could also create jpg files to upload here if you like. Mushroom plans intrigue me. The center of my space is 11’-0” high but the ceiling slopes down to 4’ off the floor. I had wondered if a mushroom design might be possible but elected to try and keep this layout simple. Somehow it morphed into two decks but will see how I feel when the time comes. 

Dave is right but I’m not that excited about figuring out all the elevations in advance. Enough of that at work. After the benchwork is done then it could progress one bite at a time. The One Bite Approach? OBAATA? (One Bite At A Time Approach?)

Neil Erickson, Hawai’i 

My Blogs
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