Naked Furniture and dominoes

[FJ and G]

While constructing my basement, I was going to build some shelving into the walls. I checked the price of wood and then I went to a store that sold "naked furniture", which is furniture made out of bare wood that you have to seal yourself with paint or shellac. The price of naked furniture was actually cheaper than the wood used to make it so that's what I used in several places.

Anyway, I picked up a copy of MR 2004 and noticed a sort of naked furniture layout that the author refers to as "domino" layouts, because it is designed to be easily moveable so that you can change your layout around at a given whim.

The table is bare without any scenery except for structures. It is a switching layout; large. A track plan for O scale was included.

I think this would be a nifty idea for 3-railers.

I saw something on the MR forum regarding this idea. About 1/2 of the responses were positive and half were really negative because the trees, grass, and stuff was missing.

I personally prefer the scenery, but if you like to switch your layout around a lot, to keep from becoming bored, i'd encourage you to look at this technique.

Interestingly, he used code 100 HO track, which rivet counters often frown on since the rails are so big. It was unballasted.

Dave Vergun

[Anonymous]

In the past, I've seen two articles on a Standard Gauger that puts all his track and accessories on bare wood. I didn't even notice that at first, but it didn't look bad!

I use 027 track tacked down to a painted board, it would not be hard to completely rebuild. I use 3R rubber ties under the metal ties to reduce noise. I figure I probably will rework it in the future.

[jkerklo]

A while back one of the magazines did an article on a fella that put the spongey carpet underlayment on a flat table surface and just laid track on it, with little restraint. Apparantly, the track sticks to the carpet padding well enough that screws aren't needed.

He emphasized that he used Gargraves track, but O27 switches. Not sure why.

His idea of playing with trains was to change the track around and run trains to see if the new track plan was more interesting than the previous.

There is something about this that I like. Any permanent layout gets boring after awhile, at least once we have filled up all the space. Visitors, partcularly, often ask "what is different since the last time I was here."

With that approach, EVERYTHING could be different.

What I have had in mind is a part of the layout that was this way, so even guests and kids could play with track plans.


John Kerklo
TCA 94-38455
www.Three-Rail.com

[Big_Boy_4005]

I've said it before, but I'll say it again. This is why it is so important to read ALL of the material on this hobby, and not just the O gauge and toy stuff. You never know where you'll find that next great idea!!!!

[ChiefEagles]

Elliot is right. I visit the MR and other forums. Get lots of ideas from them [even though I do not quite fit into their image of model railroading]. I have read lots on modular layout building. Works great on the "little" gauges but can work with O27 and O. Just have them where the track can go together at the same place. The whole module assembly does not have to fit with perfect fronts and backs. Just have tracks meet.