Don, it looks very good. I have but one suggestion: Don't have any outside 90 degree angles (the pointed side towards the viewing area. It is inevitable that you will catch it in either the hip or back. I would try to have two 45 degree angles to lessen the chance. You may have to shorten some spurs, but not by much. Anyway, if you take Roy's suggestion about the libation station, you will come to appreciate the softer angles all the more.
Dennis
TCA#09-63805
cool!
wayray
Don,
Build your benchwork so it can be disassembled without destroying the layout.
Referencing your tablework diagram, build sections that are reasonable in size and are freestanding. Bolt the freestanding sections together with 1/4 bolts so you can remove them.
Make each section something you can carry out the door. You might even consider making the table top portions removable.
Use Euroconnectors and plan breaks in the wiring across the sections.
There will come a day that you will need to remove the layout for repairs to the room or whatever. Doing these things above will make that an easier task.
Regards, Roy
More Responses:
Keith - I have a glass enclosed case reserved for the Torpedo, when its not on the track. Looking forward to seeing it!
Jim - Actually that's not a bad idea. It could work. I reviewed the layout plan earlier this week to leave an aisle way to provide window access. But it was requiring too much sacrifice on the layout. Wife suggested why are you worrying about so, only a couple of the windows will end up being used, and then just crawl under. So will see what happens.
Doug - Got a little confused. But, will have to figure the display portion under the layout when I get a little further down the road. But essentially since the walls are "foam" it would be difficult to go with shelves on the wall. And, I like the idea of the display case below the layout. And still have the storage space behind. So let me know when your in the area and have you check out the Libation Station.
Don
dougdagrump wrote: Don,I don't know what your budget limitations might be, so if this sounds like something out of the musings of a loonatik just consider the source. Have you given any consideration to using some "Off the Shelf" cabinets from Home Depot/Lowes for the areas that will be exposed to the spectators gallery. It provides a nice finished look to your guests as well additional storage space for parts, supplies, tools, etc. It would also be an excellent base for the layout.
I don't know what your budget limitations might be, so if this sounds like something out of the musings of a loonatik just consider the source. Have you given any consideration to using some "Off the Shelf" cabinets from Home Depot/Lowes for the areas that will be exposed to the spectators gallery. It provides a nice finished look to your guests as well additional storage space for parts, supplies, tools, etc. It would also be an excellent base for the layout.
Forgot to add, must be a senior thing, if you use the cabinets w/o a faceframe the heavy duty drawer glides could be used for full width shelves. Excellent storage for loco's, not this one, and rolling stock/passenger sets.
Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.
www.sd3r.org
Proud New Member Of The NRA
I think it looks great - go get 'em!
Windows - cut a piece of wood that will fill up the gap and hold the window in the locked position, but you can slide/lift it out when needed. Now you only need to lock the top lock....
RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.
Some Responses:
Chuck - By the way congradulations on the 2,000 + posts ! That's something
Roy - You gotta do better than that, for being critical. But, I can understand your mind isn't where it should be with your daughter's birthday and license. I sure hope her FIRST accident is as minor as Chris' was. That is typically what it takes to get their attention, on how serious driving is.
Regarding your comments- Actually there is a plan for a soft drink dispenser (CO2), but that would be later. No need for the refrig, kitchen right there. And someone in the kitchen.....swmbo. And she loves it!
Doug - Actually, was talking to Roy about that yesterday. I plan on putting in some cabinets with a thick door that would actually have shelves for train display on the front. Then shelves inside the doors. Again this is "longer term", after I get everything running. Also beaneth the layout will be my "work table/bench". Remember, you are responsible for persuading me NOT to get rid of the 72" engines!
Ed - You're right on target! I do have TMCC and DCS, but have a quite a few conventional engines. I plan on doing exactly what you said, blocks and uncoupling bullets at the spurs. Makes operation a lot more fun. Next step is to figure out the wiring. I have been working on a wire list, but will end up doing a drawing as well. Thanks for your comments, anymore are always welcome.
John - Your concerns are valid! I have done some measuring, anatomoical as well. My findings are: MOST people can "side step" through the critical area by the double track bridge. The single bridge gets down to a 15.5 inch clearance. Now the matter of height comes into play. If the person's "critical mass" is above 39" it will pass, (might get a little track tickle), if the mass is less than 36" off the deck, then it will clear below. Now that 3" between 36-39, can be an issue. So my "contingency plan" is a layer of bricks or a platform on the floor, to raise the "crictical mass" above the area of conflict. Typically 3 to 4 inches. Or, will take Roy's concern and put into play, and that person gets to stay at the bar.
The door swing at the bar would be critical. But most likely that area would most likely be necessary to support the bar functions.
Some issues I have:
- The windows in front are vinyl sliding windows with 2 locks, the height of the layout is going to prevent acess to the lower lock.
very nice don, you gave me a cple ideas also for my layout. Cant wait to see work in progress
Don, I like the track plan. One negative is the width of the walk throughs. Don't think I could make it. I also like Doug's suggestion on the cabinets, but don't believe you can do that where the transformers are located. Opposite the bar you will have to be careful of the door swing hitting the end of the bar.
Over all looks better to me than the original.
I had the same space problems.What I did was to break the engine tracks into more than one block electrically so I can store more than one engine on each track.Sometimes you have to move an engine to get the one you want out but that is all the more fun.If you're not using proto or TMCC engines make sure you place an uncoupler track on the mainline just before your spurs.That way you can un-couple the caboose before you spot cars.I really like your layout plans,just a couple of hints
Ed
...and a place for the ice machine and minifridge!
Someone has to be critical - so here it is.
It does not appear you have sufficient room for a minifridge and ice machine under that bar.
You gonna make someone stay in the kitchen to hand you guys ice and cold beverages!
Very Good, Don. I like the final plan. You have thought it out well. Good luck on your benchwork. Keep us in pictures on your progress.
Chuck
AMAZING!!! I love the plan, it looks great. I saw it from the beginning, and it evolved into the best plan that I have seen. Great job, and good luck on the benchwork.
FINALLY - Going to start benchwork this weekend. Now would REALLY appreciate any critical comments, thoughts and ideas. (I was advised not to do this, but.....)
The image BELOW is the plan I had been planning on, decided that before I start would go back through it, hence decided to make some relatively significant changes. So here is the before:
The problems with above, was lots of switches, and didn't have a lot of room for car/engine storage. One issue is I really would like to minimize taking engines on and off the track to reduce handling. And, have a couple of long passenger trains that need space.
Some of the criteria I have to maintain is:
1. Have 2 engines that have 72" minimums, 1 requires 54", others at 42. (The 72 is the pain)
2. DONT want any pop-ups.
3. Want 2 train mainline operation, AND reversing in both directions
4. Minimize removing engines on & off track.
So this is the intended result:
Above mainline satisfies multiple operations and double reversing. Both bridges will be hinged. Ultimately the double will be motorized and have DCS control. (May require a trip to York in 2008).
The above view adds the Engine Yard, and Engine Programming/Maintenance areas. I have 2 Two bay Sheds that will be installed the third rail could accomodate some extra car or engine storage. (Just realized I can elimante that 1 straight section in the lower left out, and move the Y to the right creating a little more track storage space.)
Above adds a classification yard, seems a little close to the mainline Y crossing, but it will all work, even with the single track bridge.
Adding various buildings and accessories, relocated the accessories to the "back" area and with them being on the leading edge. They will be easily servicable from the front, and visable as well. The area in the top right will be our "city", in the uppermost section is where a DVD theatre is to be installed, permitting good viewing from the bar. (Chris' Libation Station.) The bar is also supported through the "pass through" at the kitchen window, directly above the sink. The lower area will become a residential area, near the transformers. By the way the transformers and control panel are going to be on a pull out shelf or table. In the classification yard is a brewery, and will put in yard tower etc.
My intended framing. I plan on a height of 39", framing to be done with 2x2's and 1x4's. Then plywood and Celotex Soundboard. I don't have any plans on elevations at THIS time. Because of a upcoming party, I will start with the front side this weekend. I need to have operating capability for the party. So will have our 72" temporary layout running which is located on the house wall. Hopefully will be able to put some straight track up on the front side and wire it for DCS/TMCC capability to have a couple of engines running back and forth for the party.
The end result should be:
The area in the top left that is white will have a little more. Since the layout height is 39" that puts the bottom of the layout about 14" ABOVE the window sill. Not a good view from the dinning room. So will have a Sill Level, 31" oval running in front of the window, with a diorama that will be changed to accomodate the season. The diorama will go into tunnel portals at both ends, and the mainline will cross over the area on a bridge. Then scenery to close off the backside.
Additionally, I can still access the elevated tracks with this design. Will be able to reach with a step stool or ladder over the majority of the room.
SO THERE YOU HAVE IT ........
Now if anyone has any ideas or sees any problems, I sure appreciate the comments. Positives are nice, but the Negatives will make me think about it, and can save $$$$$ as well as frustration, time, and my sanity. So let 'er rip! More negatives the better!!!!
Thanks for looking !!!
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