05-29-2009, 10:31 AM
Hi Rob,
Forgive me while I nit-pick.
Unless you are going to follow a Module Standard that will allow your layout to connect to any other Module built to the same Standard It is not a module!
If you build other sections that can be joined to the existing layout, then you have a Sectional Layout.
The terms Module and Sectional are not interchangeable.
Modules are interchangable.
Sections only go together one way.
End of rant...
David [BR60103], are the http://=http://www.theplatelayers.org/Platelayers building modules? If so, what standard do they follow?
Rob,
I wasn't sure how portable you wanted to make this layout.
Portable, as in easy to move from current home to a new home.
Portable, as in being able to store it in a closet or tucked under your bed when not in use.
Or:
Portable, as in bringing the layout to a train show once or twice a year... [Or more often...]
In the final case, you need to make sure that the baseboard is rigid so that the layout does not twist or warp, and you may also consider options for making the layout self-supporting with permanent or removable legs.
It is hard to tell from the photographs if the layout has any framing or if it is just a slab of plywood.
The next thing that you have to do is figure out the maximum overall dimensions.
3-feet by 5-feet by how tall?
What is the maximum that will fit into your vehicle? [Back seat / Trunk / Roof-racks / Trailer / Van / Pick-up / Scooter...]
One good example of a portable layout is the Qualicum Sound Timber Company.
It is self contained with its own valance and lighting. There are side panels that slip through the top and cover the sides for storage and transport. These sides pull out and interlock with each-other to form a base for the layout to sit on for display.
I've also seen portable layouts that have their own packing crates for storage and transportation.
These can be as much as a full plywood crate with lid, handles and wheels.
I've also seen portable layouts that are "packed" in a frame of 1"x2" wood strapping held together with hinges and bolts.
Forgive me while I nit-pick.
Unless you are going to follow a Module Standard that will allow your layout to connect to any other Module built to the same Standard It is not a module!
If you build other sections that can be joined to the existing layout, then you have a Sectional Layout.
The terms Module and Sectional are not interchangeable.
Modules are interchangable.
Sections only go together one way.
End of rant...
David [BR60103], are the http://=http://www.theplatelayers.org/Platelayers building modules? If so, what standard do they follow?
Rob,
I wasn't sure how portable you wanted to make this layout.
Portable, as in easy to move from current home to a new home.
Portable, as in being able to store it in a closet or tucked under your bed when not in use.
Or:
Portable, as in bringing the layout to a train show once or twice a year... [Or more often...]
In the final case, you need to make sure that the baseboard is rigid so that the layout does not twist or warp, and you may also consider options for making the layout self-supporting with permanent or removable legs.
It is hard to tell from the photographs if the layout has any framing or if it is just a slab of plywood.
The next thing that you have to do is figure out the maximum overall dimensions.
3-feet by 5-feet by how tall?
What is the maximum that will fit into your vehicle? [Back seat / Trunk / Roof-racks / Trailer / Van / Pick-up / Scooter...]
One good example of a portable layout is the Qualicum Sound Timber Company.
It is self contained with its own valance and lighting. There are side panels that slip through the top and cover the sides for storage and transport. These sides pull out and interlock with each-other to form a base for the layout to sit on for display.
I've also seen portable layouts that have their own packing crates for storage and transportation.
These can be as much as a full plywood crate with lid, handles and wheels.
I've also seen portable layouts that are "packed" in a frame of 1"x2" wood strapping held together with hinges and bolts.
Ron Wm. Hurlbut
Toronto, Ontario, Dominion of Canada
Ontario Narrow Gauge Show
Humber Valley & Simcoe Railway Blog
Toronto, Ontario, Dominion of Canada
Ontario Narrow Gauge Show
Humber Valley & Simcoe Railway Blog