Pandorum

[MountainMan]

After a lengthy struggle to develop and refine my track plan prior to commencing building this spring, my wife just announced that she had changed her mind about the second spare bedroom and it was mine if I wanted it. hock:

Talk about mixed emotions...

I have begun planning anew with a different track plan to utilize the additional space, while wondering what may befall me next. :?

[Ralph]

Fortune drops a layout room in your lap!

[MountainMan]

Yeah, but I hate layout planning.

[ezdays]

Yeah, but I hate layout planning.

Yup, but that's what books can do for you. Lots and lots of choices out there...

[mountaingoatgreg]

Books, heck with that, post your room diemnsion, givens and druthers and I bet someone here could get you a plan to work with.

This is what friends and forums are for...

[MountainMan]

Books, heck with that, post your room diemnsion, givens and druthers and I bet someone here could get you a plan to work with.

This is what friends and forums are for...

I did that the last time and got no help at all.

I'll wait to post a tentative track plan for evaluation and critique.

[Sumpter250]

Yeah, but I hate layout planning.

So do I ! So !....There's the method I used for the "New Modules", and it goes something like this:

1. Draw out the room dimensions. and then add the boundaries of what space can be used for a layout, making sure things like windows, closets, entry doors, etc. are all readily accessible, and then rope these areas off, so you can get a feel for how well the remaining space works.
2. When the actual shape and size of the layout are "finalized", and you are sure that it is livable, build the benchwork. ( in my case it was the support structure, and the module frames ).
3. Now that you have all this done, you have to fill it with something, so......where in the world is this layout meant to represent? Once you have that picture, start occupying the land areas with "land" ( even if you have to pile up crumpled newspaper, and cover it with rags to get some semblance of topography ).
4. Now that you have "world", what industries, town, residences, etc. would you like?...mock them up, and "place them " ( they can be moved, as necessary until you are comfortable with everything's placement )
5. Now that there is "habitation", what gets rail served ?, and to accomplish that, where is the main line located?....build the main line sub roadbed, Refine the placement of structures, add the siding sub roadbeds ( all,to fit the topography, industry location and needs )
6. Lay track, and wire it in.
7. make sure it all works.
8. At this point, go back to step 3., and start replacing the piles of "stuff" with scenery. ( build and install bridges where needed, before laying plaster in these areas ) A-n-d........
9. Details, Details, Details........ and finally...
10. Please understand, I never plan a layout, I "grow" one!

If you're comfortable with the above, there is only one thing left to do.

:band2" Make It Happen !

:oops: :oops: Three things....... *the above, *and take pictures, *and post them

[Tyson Rayles]

Ya know ya can't get started until ya get started!

[MountainMan]

Yeah, but I hate layout planning.

So do I ! So !....There's the method I used for the "New Modules", and it goes something like this:

1. Draw out the room dimensions. and then add the boundaries of what space can be used for a layout, making sure things like windows, closets, entry doors, etc. are all readily accessible, and then rope these areas off, so you can get a feel for how well the remaining space works.
2. When the actual shape and size of the layout are "finalized", and you are sure that it is livable, build the benchwork. ( in my case it was the support structure, and the module frames ).
3. Now that you have all this done, you have to fill it with something, so......where in the world is this layout meant to represent? Once you have that picture, start occupying the land areas with "land" ( even if you have to pile up crumpled newspaper, and cover it with rags to get some semblance of topography ).
4. Now that you have "world", what industries, town, residences, etc. would you like?...mock them up, and "place them " ( they can be moved, as necessary until you are comfortable with everything's placement )
5. Now that there is "habitation", what gets rail served ?, and to accomplish that, where is the main line located?....build the main line sub roadbed, Refine the placement of structures, add the siding sub roadbeds ( all,to fit the topography, industry location and needs )
6. Lay track, and wire it in.
7. make sure it all works.
8. At this point, go back to step 3., and start replacing the piles of "stuff" with scenery. ( build and install bridges where needed, before laying plaster in these areas ) A-n-d........
9. Details, Details, Details........ and finally...
10. Please understand, I never plan a layout, I "grow" one!

If you're comfortable with the above, there is only one thing left to do.

:band2" Make It Happen !

:oops: :oops: Three things....... *the above, *and take pictures, *and post them

I like that approach, since I'm a very visual modeler. Thanks!

[Sumpter250]

If you haven't seen this yet, it's a classic example of " planning by mock-up ".
Just thought you might be interested.
<!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.the-gauge.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=5159&start=30">viewtopic.php?f=37&t=5159&start=30</a><!-- l -->

[MountainMan]

If you haven't seen this yet, it's a classic example of " planning by mock-up ".
Just thought you might be interested.
<!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.the-gauge.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=5159&start=30">viewtopic.php?f=37&t=5159&start=30</a><!-- l -->

I imagine that works well for an industrial type yard or layout, but mine is rather more complex and not constructed on a level grade.

Nevertheless, I'll get there eventually.