 Joined: 05/12/2004(UTC) Posts: 2,976 Location: CA, USA
|
Hi everyone, A sad but necessary moment came at my house this week, when my loved (and near complete minus some scenery) Bemo HOm layout project passed on to a nearby friend. it was started 3000 miles away in a larger home, and the reality is it never fit the new space properly. On top of that the new space technically wasn't even space available for trains! So when a good home popped up, I had to pass it along. Initially I planned on having the whole room for trains (see here: THREAD ON LAYOUT ) but that won't be a reality until we decide whether we live in the place longer-term. The space can still be used for train activity, but only in a very temporary way. What this means is a layout that can be stored on its side (vertically) when not in use. Think a test board, but perhaps there is a way to make it more interesting or more of a real layout? Or a "monocque" style layout of minimal height? I'd love a construction challenge to keep me engaged. The "must haves" are essentially as follows: - Can't be larger than 4' x 7'. Smaller in either direction- particularly narrower- a major plus. Lightweight. - Cant be very tall due to the need for vertical storage. (I could pull structures off for storage though) - C track, digital. Signals if necessary/beneficial but no computer automation, occupancy etc... The layout is about running trains. - I relish the construction of the layout- not necessarily the operations. Shunting type action not really necessary, although trains running for sure are. - One clean/clear test loop without connection to rest of layout, and easy "hand of god" access (for decoder tuning, wiring to switch between analogue/digital etc) Presumably this just runs around the outside. - If a way to sneak an HOm/TT loop in was present, Im all for it. it comes down to needing a test board/layout for train maintenance, but why not have some fun building it?  Ideas anyone? My current muse, although it seems too tall, long and wide (and I run swiss trains haha) Perhaps the upper section was the HOm shelf style-layout:  |
SBB Era 2-5 |
 5 users liked this useful post by 5HorizonsRR
|
|
|
|
 Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC) Posts: 5,845 Location: Hybrid Home
|
Lightweight without cabling = foamboard. Originally Posted by: 5HorizonsRR  - One clean/clear test loop without connection to rest of layout, and easy "hand of god" access (for decoder tuning, wiring to switch between analogue/digital etc). For decoder tuning only an isolated stub track is needed. Originally Posted by: 5HorizonsRR My current muse, .. Engine depot? How about this bi-level idea? Two ovals and a BW 3 inches (4 inches if catenary is desired) above ground. Sandwiching baseboard and thin board supporting the BW resulted in "monocque" style. BW connection to ovals via points in front (and switchback tracks in rear). Any of the BW stubs could serve as decoder tuning track.  No need to conceal the turntable. Backdrop = removable cardboard-based "photo wallpaper". |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC) Posts: 5,845 Location: Hybrid Home
|
Then a Stummiforum member once started with a test circle ...  ... which evolved...  ...into this.   www.stummiforum.de |
|
2 users liked this useful post by Alsterstreek
|
|
|
|
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC) Posts: 5,845 Location: Hybrid Home
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: 05/12/2004(UTC) Posts: 2,976 Location: CA, USA
|
Thank you so much- I only saw your replies now! Some lovely ideas, as usual you are the master of the non-traditional track geometry! I'm up for some studying....
I may ditch the loco facility, or perhaps do one level, but with an option to drop a cityscape second level on top so I can do some structure modelling, and the layout give the appearance of being more than an oval with sidings. (not unlike your own layout!)
Clearly its time to study the C track geometry thread on the forum, and do some "testing" on the floor in the coming weeks....
|
SBB Era 2-5 |
1 user liked this useful post by 5HorizonsRR
|
|
|
|
 Joined: 21/05/2004(UTC) Posts: 1,768 Location: Brisbane, Queensland
|
A bit off topic but the background works well in that picture, looks like Faller 180510 |
modelling era IIIa (1951-1955) Germany |
1 user liked this useful post by applor
|
|
|
|
Forum Jump
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.
