The Initial Three-Section Plan

Below is a copy of the working plan for the sectional layout.   The operational idea is that there is a common interchange and small yard from which trains will be assembled and depart.   From the interchange a train is dispatched to one of two other sections.  They include the existing, salvaged mine branch (yes, an odd shape) and a small town, inspired by the Iain Rice "Quincy RR in HO' which appears in MRP 2003.   These two destinations could each be set up separately or together, and permit two operators to function on the layout.  I show a backdrop separating the two, which could be used to break up the scene and help when photographing models.   

The length of the modules is kept to a length that allows me to store them standing on end, perhaps strapped together.   

Future modules would include some "scenic space” separating these locations.   One option would be to build corner sections and make a U-shaped or square, continuous running layout that is about 9ft X 9ft or so.  

Most of the structures listed already exist from the old Crawford and Cherokee, or are sitting in boxes as kits to build.   The dimensions shown are the approximate footprints of those structures.   I did not show roads, trees, etc.

The drawing was made using AnyRail 6.   If anyone would like a copy of the plan, I would be happy to provide one.   The dimensions may be a bit exaggerated in terms of track spacing.  I intend to try and compress the width a bit using variations in FastTracks turnouts, or custom variations of their templates.   

Comments and feedback would be welcomed.   I plan to start cutting out the other two sections shortly.  

Thanks MRH for the TOMA concept.   It has me going again!

@RJ

I don’t need to tear my layout apart yet but think about it regularly.  4’ to 6’ lengths will come out of my cellar easily.  Looking at modular club layouts has helped me conjure up a plan if and when it becomes necessary to dismantle the layout.  I figure picking a good spot to saw it in to a section is a good start.  Then reassembling it as is necessary.  Looks like you have a good saw point for yours.  It might take an inch or six or even none to marry them together again so that they can be disassembled and reassembled as you have indicated.  

A place to start for ideas might be a local train show with modular layouts for ideas and feedback also.

Good luck and enjoy!  The saved section looks like a fun switching layout.

Nick

any plan where you can photograph and run trains

Any plan where you can photograph and run your trains is worth some effort. And storing some sections on shelves, or on end if necessary, is way better than no layout.

Your plans look workable. Go for it, and adapt if you need to.

Switching lead

Looks like a great plan. My only comment is that the track at the far right end of the passing siding (far right end of the right-hand module) looks too short. Rather than building the third module at the bottom, it might be better to position the third module at right angles to the right-hand module, and permit the single-track end of the passing siding to curve into that module. This would make a huge difference in operating the layout.

Updated Plan - Still Working

Making progress in creating the modules.  I have assembled three ~1.5 X 7.25 ft modules with plywood and foam tops.  (Will post pictures later).   As I had enough supplies (and I think space) for a third module, I updated a notional plan and simplified the orignal interchange after laying out some track.   Still working on an approach (adapter) to place the mine at the far right as an option (thanks Patentwriter).  Also, in order to facilitate working on a single module at a time, including running and testing, I plan to create two fiddle yards as well.  In this overall configuration, they would go at the upper left and far right. 

I really dig what you're

Yet another Update

I am considering going with a more protoype track layout, guided by the Sanborn maps from the 1915 era for Cherokee and Weir Kansas on the Frisco Lines.  Thanks to the advice of Patentwriter, I created a couple of corner modules that allow me to place the mine branch at the end of the city of Weir module. 

Below is the latest track plan draft.  

Benchwork Progress

Made a bit of progress on benchwork over the past week or so.   The first photos shows the modules lined up as if the "usual suspects".

The lineup includes the existing Lightning Creek Mine branch from v1 of the old layout. It needs some touching up, but with the exception of the tipple, is fairly far along. There are several pictures, but maybe of interest is the benchwork detail. I have used 5/8 inch plywood with 1-inch pink foam overlaid and 1 x 3 framing. The cross-members with holes are position-able after the turnouts are placed such that the switch machines are not in conflict. They include holes for carrying wiring. The small blocks are used at joints to provide screw connections without using the end grain.

Benchwork Progress -- Legs

Today, in-between trips to Omaha and Chicago, I had some time to build prototype legs for the modules. As this will be a layout that will be assembled for short times, I needed a design for easily removable legs. Thanks to some very long, boring meetings, I sketched up a removable leg design that has materialized in the photos below. 

I decided on about 48-50 inch table height. Here is what will be the Weir, KS main module.

The legs are made from L-girder-like pairs of 1x2 and 1x3 select pine, along with a couple of plywood panels to provide stability. I will add a 2x2 at the end of each leg for a T-nut and round-head bolt. These will be used to level and align different sections. I think they could also use some sort of pin at the top such that they do not slide out if someone lifts a section to move it.

There are two short pieces to form a slot for the legs, about six inches long. The short end is 2 inches, the long end 4 inches. To keep them from shifting or splitting, there is a stirrup/strap across them.

The legs are inserted so:

These also serve as "tiny stubby legs" which will keep switch machines from hitting the ground during assembly, as their plugs may extend below the 1x3 that is the frame of each module. I think they will also protect fascia, if cut to match their length. 

Unfortunately, I was only able to get one set of legs assembled today, but many pieces for assembly were cut out. I also created a couple of end plates from furniture grade plywood that will be used at interfaces between modules. (not shown yet). 

Enjoy....comments welcomed. Happy Easter!
 

Some Initial Track Layout

I worked on a rough layout of track to see about how it would space out and if I had sufficient room for my existing structures. I may need to adjust positions of some of the cross-overs, but overall it is looking OK. I did not lay out the MoPac interchange, but I think that will be straightforward.

Weir City, 1915:

The mine branch module will connect to the turnout at the lower left. a small (1x4) fiddle yard will connect to the end of Weir at the south end. Still debating building a short full-width module instead. 
 

Cherokee South of the diamond, 1915:

The rough layout shows that I don't really like the small spur at the right.    I think it better just to have the two industries end-to-end on the same siding. Also need to push the central crossover toward the end a bit and allow for a locomotive to escape. 

I hope you enjoy...having a great time with this one. 

Plan Updates -- Minor

Updated the track plan to reflect the results of some initial track layout and the inventory of turnouts available. 

Scenes from the Prototype

Old postcard of Weir, KS depot:

http://frisco.org/mainline/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/weir_city_kansas.jpg

Cherokee, KS Depot:

http://www.kansasmemory.org/item/220809/page/4

A Bump after One Year - Benchwork

Hey All.  Inspired by Andre posting progress on the Ozark Sub, going to try and get a few updates in here. 

During the past year, I had re-evaluated my construction techniques and decided to remake the sections using a "waffle" construction approach, as made popular by the Sipping and Switching Society.  It turns out that the modules as initially built would not hold up to movement.  My approach was to have a layout that could be assembled when desired, around the walls of my two car garage.   Working on assembly and scenery of one to three modules at a time, and moving out of the way of vehicles, or just changing orientation, would require better construction and more mobility.   

Over the past year, I have worked to adjust my plans to have about 10 modules, all about 18-inches or less in width, and ranging from 3.5-ft to 7.5-ft in length.   The construction for most looks something like this:  

These modules are deep enough to allow for wiring and switch machines.   They are built with 1/4-inch lauan plywood, with the main deck being 1/2-inch birch plywood.  Foam tops are 1-inch thick extruded foam board insulation. The ends are 3/4-inch plywood.   

As per TOMA doctrine, these modules can be hoisted one at a time up on the workbench for wiring and other track work: 

As you can see, the inner-bracing of the waffle modules is adjusted for the position of track and turnout switch machines.  There are also plenty of holes to allow routing of wires. 

By using simple legs with casters which insert into the modules, they can be set up and clamped together quickly to work on part of the layout at any given time: 

There are alignment pins between the modules/sections, and they are held in place with C-clamps or small quick-grip bar clamps. 

I have now built all but two of the sections' benchwork, and have some scenery progress.   I am separating the posts for this update for readability. 

-Bob T. 

A Bump after One Year - Track Plan and TOMA

The track plan has evolved over the past year, in part due to positive results with the benchwork construction approach, and the desire to have a bit more operating potential within the space available.   I think this track plan lends itself to the TOMA approach, and while not the order that I went about things, here is a description how that might take place. 

The current overall track plan looks something like this: 

This plan is designed to fit within a two-car garage.  The design is based upon a branch line of the Frisco from the town of Cherokee, KS to Weir (City) , KS, around 1920-1930.   The town of Cherokee was at the intersection of two subdivisions of the Frisco (St. Louis and San Francisco RR), between Kansas City and Afton OK, and near Pittsburg, KS.   It was on the Weir-Pittsburg Coal Fields, which saw a peak in coal production near this time (more on historical prototype later).   

You can see that the mine branch was re-located from earlier plans and while on the opposite side of the main line from the prototype, represents the "Lightning Creek Coal Mine" that existed during this time period.   As this was the salvaged section/module from my old layout, it did already exist and even had some scenery.   

TOMA:  Building this layout lends itself to the TOMA approach, in particular in my case due to the salvaged module.  You can imagine a switching layout being built from incremental parts of this plan, starting with either town area or the mine module.   

When Tom Barbalet and Ron Klaiss announced a layout planning contest for the Model Rail Radio Podcast, it dawned on me that the mine module would very nicely fit the constraints of a free-form layout limited to 1440 square inches.   I came up with the following plan, which I think fits the TOMA strategy nicely for this overall layout goal: 

There is an article that goes along with this plan at:   http://www.modelrailradio.com/

This additional module with a small town was built to go along with the contest idea and looks something like this: 

Still needs the mine, currently being built from an AMB Martensburg Coal Mine kit, but coming along.

As the TOMA approach notes, you can have an incremental layout built with nice functionality and the ability to take a few photos of your models.  

Sorry if some of these are re-runs, and apologies to those who have seen recent posts in other forums. 

More to come on the modules built so far, and some history on the prototype inspiration. 

Take Care All, 

-Bob T. 

Module Progress - Town of Cherokee

The track plan above shows the town of Cherokee and the diamond where two subdivisions of the Frisco met. These two modules were built using the waffle approach and with a 1-inch foam top.   A TOMA perspective would to next build these two modules and have a nice switching layout that would couple to the mine module for a greatly expanded opportunity for operations.   Industries in Cherokee could be addressed by a small switcher and a run to the coal mine to exchange hoppers or gondolas could be included.   

These two modules have now been constructed for the Crawford and Cherokee layout, with the parts cut for the connector module for the Lighting Creek mine.   They have gone from the "Pink Foam and Pacific" to somewhat credible basic scenery-included modules which can operate: 

And somewhat suitable for photography as well as operation:

Thanks for looking.   Will post a bit more as I can.  

-Bob T. 

Looks great

Thanks for posting.  It's great to see how the plan and bench work are evolving over time.  Inspirational!

Looks great Bob

nice seeing the scenery come together.  Your rolling stock looks great. 

Steve

Fantastic design and modeling

Bob T.,

Somehow I'd missed your initial postings on this layout. Thanks for bumping the topic back up into view.

Your layout evolution and implementation is inspiring! The latest version would be a fun layout for a 2-4 people to operate. The only "advise" that I can offer is in reference to the placement of the tipple on your mine. Most tipples have storage space for the empties away from railroad's entrance to the mine.

Looking forward to your updates. Hope that your postings don't need any more "bumps".

Respectfully,

Tim Moran Akron, OH

Thanks All

Thanks all for the kind replies. 

@Free-Mo Tim, you make a great point.   The mine section end cap includes alignment pins for further extension.  Maybe should move that up in priority!  

@Modeltruckshop, your appearance on What's Neat was fantastic, along with the GMC truck model!  

-Bob T. 

Thanks Bob

Glad you enjoyed it.  Now back to Frisco models. Ha

What’s the overall size of your layout Bob? Is the 8x18 this layout or your old one?

Steve

Layout Dimensions

@Modeltruckshop (Steve), 

The current layout dimensions are about 18 ft X 18 ft (Two car garage).   

The previous version of the Crawford and Cherokee was 8 X 18 (Half of Garage).  

-Bob T. 

Module Progress -- Between the Towns

The next increment for a notional TOMA approach would include building the modules one at at time for the space between the towns.  These each provide an item of scenic or operational interest.   Revisiting the plan: 

There are basically four modules that represent the edge of the town of Cherokee to the entry point into the Weir passing siding and run around on another corner.   To have improved operations, a small fiddle yard or run-around module might be built to avoid push-pull operations along the northern row.   

The modules/sections from left to right include: 

-- A few houses and market along a road out to the MoPac Interchange.  This module includes a "coal marshaling" siding that would have connected to the northbound track of the mainline north toward Cherokee.   Full coal cars are placed here and changed for empties between operating sessions, or at intervals representing through trains.  The houses provide scenic interest (and remind me of my home town).  It is still in the works, but some scenery is in...

-- The next module contains a Missouri Pacific Interchange.  A "universal industry", it allows for a variety of traffic, but did exist on the prototype and allowed traffic to catch two subdivisions of the Frisco.   Still needs a bit of research, but makes for a great module scene.   

-- The third module from left to right out of Cherokee is mainly for scenic purposes.  It includes a ballasted trestle over "Brush Creek".  For a TOMA approach, it would provide a switching lead for the interchange.  It includes only one turnout for the branch line off to Weir City.   Still needs some water effects and touch up around the trestle, but hey, it is in good working order.  

-- The fourth module is a corner with both the approach and siding for Weir City, and the main line towards Pittsburg, KS.   There is a short spur up in the corner representing "Young's Mine #2" which did exist on the prototype.   With my limited space, the mine is not modeled here, only a short lead where hoppers are placed and loaded by hand between trains for the operating session.   Stopping here with construction would require some operating hassle to get cars back to Cherokee for a run-around and then movement to the coal marshaling siding.  Again, a small fiddle yard might be in order as construction progresses. 

A great thing about this module is that it is a good place for photos, with a small hill and trees that provide some visual separation: 

Cars spotted at Young's Mine #2:

Train returns from Weir City:

Train to Weir City: 

Well, I hope you are enjoying the tour.  Obviously I had neglected to keep posting progress updates!  However, I hope you would agree this would be a fine approach and subject for an incremental build.   I will try to post a few historical prototype notes next, and then maybe Weir City modules will progress enough for public viewing. 

Take Care All, 

-Bob T. 

Looks good

Looks like you have made good progress in a year, will be interesting following along to see the results.

"Disguising" the Joints

In the thread concerning Stephen Priest, Joe made the observation that building layouts of multiple TOMA modules, in which the joints are "disguised," needs further exploration. I hypothesize that disguising joints is much harder in practice than in concept, and can be a significant deterrent to some modelers in using the TOMA approach. For example, it's hard to beat the smooth, finished appearance of continuous fascia in which all joints have been filled, sanded and painted to become invisible. For a true no-saw-needed approach to moving or dismantling, we must deal with joints in backdrop (backscene) panels, fascia panels and the surface of the layout; these joints cannot be glued, at least not permanently, and other fasteners such as screws should be avoided as they just slow down dismantling. So, first, I would be interested in close-up photos of how the builder in this thread is dealing with joints in these three locations. Second, I suggest that innovation is needed in how to achieve no-glue but well-finished joints in all three locations. The use of overlapping trim pieces, glued to one side and snugly overlapping the adjacent side so no "daylight" shows, comes to mind. This approach would reduce the moving/dismantling effort to using a utility knife to slice through whatever scenic material covers the joint on the layout surface, disconnecting electrical connectors, removing bolts and pulling modules free.