I have had an apartment bedroom LGB layout for around 7 years. Today, I just got word from the landlady that it must be removed for renovation.
In one way, I am happy that the complete renovation is taking place inside...but its bittersweet that this layout will soon be gone! For 7 years it has provided me with relaxation and joy. Many a night after a stressful day I would sit and watch my trains run around the modest pike, sometimes being so lulled that I would fall asleep or be hypnotized...running the trains sometimes wee into the early morning hours.
On the other hand, once the repairs , painting, new carpet are in--that probably won't stop me from creating a brand new layout with many, many improvements. The "second time around" will be much better now that I know what works and what doesn't. Some materials I used turned out to be faulty but I could not replace them without dismantling. Now I get to a super-layout plan.
On my new plan (which I had started even before I got word about the repairs) I decided on a "U" shaped benchwork, much similar to the "island" style benchwork used in the plans seen in Model Railroader magazine.
This was one of the flaws of the last layout, in that it was a 4 x 8 plywood affair with additional planks added. It served its purpose and allowed me to have a WYE track, but the new plan will facilitate better, convenient access to ALL areas of the layout (which I did not have before!!)
I have about 1.5 weeks to tear down the layout, which will be plenty of time. My homemade catenary system will be taken out, followed by a good vaccuming up of the ballast with a shop vaccum. Then the mountains come off and get stored somewhere (I love my mountains!) and finally unscrew the planks.
When I replace the layout, I will not use my homemade catenary--it worked, but I rather replace it now with LGB masts as they have a faster installation process. Instead of the ballast, I will use LGB roadbed pieces which not only will look like ballast but will not be as messy, and reduce the noise level from the previous layout.
The best tips for creating a great G scale layout can be found by already having created one!!!!
Regards,
Tom M.
pix of the old layout:
http://hometown.aol.com/metzbahn
"We're just making the best of a bad situation.
Don't want to make waves, can't you see?"
(Ray Stevens )
Tom M., I enjoyed looking at your layout and can see that it has provided a lot of enjoyment to you.
When you re-do your benchwork, consider doing it in modular sections that can be taken apart and reassembled easily in the event you ever have to (heaven forbid) go through this again. While it is expensive, the LGB roadbed is a good alternative for you.
Personally I have an outdoor garden railway that I really enjoy, and indoors during bad weather I have an auto-reversing shelf track that is only eleven feet long but still keeps me entertained.
Ten years or so in the future when I eventually sell my home and move into an apartment I would certainly consider something like you are planning. It makes absolute sense.
I like to use small equipment too. Here’s a clip of mine on youtube.com:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1-vkQWBCOc
Bill C.
Have fun with your trains
It looks terrific, you must have a big apartment; it looks like a warehouse.
Rgds Ian
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