Layout design
The 2012 Grand Rapids NMRA Convention - LD-SIG Tours
One of the advantages of being a member of the LD-SIG (ldsig.org) is going on the LD-SIG layout tour each year during the NMRA convention. This year there was a list of 20 layouts on the list - even discounting the Sunset Valley Oregon System (SVOS) which was open all week, and another layout(s) that was by appointment only, that still left us 18 layouts that we could credibly see in one day. Gentlemen... start your GPS's.
We got to 11 of them, leaving the hotel at 9:30am and finishing up with the last layout at just after 8:30pm.
Using Spline Roadbed in Helix - Part 3 - Progress Update
The spline roadbed helix story continues. I have other projects around the house so I have only been working on this project part of the time as well as learning and documenting the process as I go. New pictures and a movie were added on 4 and 9 August to this section.
La Grange & The Helix on the GS&M
Using a section of oak to test bend the plywood that will lead out of the main Helix and into La Grange. You can see Gila Grains from this angle.
Photo of the Helix exit. You can see I have not fully finished the front face of the bench work yet at the end of the 1x6. Gila Springs in on the back wall to the right.
Need suggestions, expanded Mount Galena Mines
Greetings
Having recently been bit by the bug after several years, I found SCARM an began tinkering with it. I had also discovered an old copy of Iain Rice's 'Small Smart and Practical'. Therein was the gem of an idea, a 4x8 ripped lengthwise, but with curves in it to allow a turnaround. Just one problem.
18" radius curves.
1999 Eastern Div Grande Pacific. HO Modular Layout
This 8 X 36 ft layout made appearance at NMRA national in 2000. I donated it to The Greater Baton Rouge Model RR Club. It now has a perment home and new operators.
What does a beginner want?
The $500 layout discussion and upcoming contest have me thinking - what is it that a beginner in our hobby wants? The simplest answer I can come up with is "everything," which is the probably the reason so many are disappointed with their first layout. With that in mind, is it even possible to satisfy somebody who doesn't really know what they want or like yet?
My guess is that a beginner will come from one of two directions:
Paper Mill Town for Comments
Another partial plan for discussion. This one focuses on a freelance approach borrowing from locations on BNSF and UP in Oregon and Washington.
Comments welcome.
The Upper Spine
The lower deck is built of what I call the backbone of the layout 3 4x1 with plywood sandwiched in between them. The Backbone is the anchor for the peninsula. The spine sits directly above the Backbone.
The Upper spine is a 6" x 10' long section of wood that sits on top of Oak Uprights. Every thing is tied together with Metal - T that will have lag bolts running thought the web of the spine.
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Armchair layout planning
As a lapsed modeler (30+ years, since HS grad/military svce.) I have recently begun to peruse model railroad websites, including MRH as well as Walthers and Bing Maps. I am finding viewing prototype ROW and facilities to be very informative. It has provided many ideas for features I might include on my (distant future) layout. Particularly useful is the birds eye view feature which I find interesting to follow abandoned rails, orphaned bridge piers and other neglected facilities in addition to interesting industries and real small towns.
2 Rail O Modular Layout That Stands the Test Of Time
This layout is more than 20 years old and has seen many shows and homes over the years. It now has a permeate home. Please notice the detail.
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