New N-Scale Layout Idea Check

[Anonymous]

Looking to see if anybody has tried a multilevel hollow door layout. Due to space considerations, I am thinking about using three 36" doors with the center being fixed and two being detachable on the long sides. Thought about adding fourth door under center section with a door size helix and hidden staging. Staging coming out to outside sections.
Also for the n-scalers out there which gives better scenic uses 2" or 4" inches of foam.

[dgwinup]

Hollow doors and multi-levels don't really go together very well. You would probably run into great difficulty getting from one level to the other. A width of 36" also means that you will be using a rather tight radius for much of your layout, which may hamper your operations.

In N scale, 4" is THICK. It would give you a huge block, most of which you would have to carve away to get varied terrain. 2" thicknesses can be stacked in smaller pieces, saving you a lot of material and a lot of carving. Remember, mountains don't HAVE to be solid.

Using hollow doors is a good idea for smaller layouts and would not be difficult to add on to later simply by adding another door. The downside is that your terrain starts out dead flat, so you would need to raise your roadbed above the door surface just so you can have below-track-level scenery.

Would like to hear more about what you would like in a railroad. Maybe you will get more suggestions, too.

Darrell, quiet...for now

[ATSFCLIFF]

Hollow door base has it's limitations especially if you wi***o do multiple levels or gradients. I would suggest open grid benchwork with joists or girders to support rises for your grades. This type of benchwork gives you better flexibility in doing scenics and later extensions. It also allows you to use both foam and wood.
There is a good book "Model Railroad Benchwork" by L.H.Westcott which I find very useful.
Cheers,
Cliff
http://cliffordconceicao3310.fotopic.net/c328807.html