Experienced modeler's opinions...please...

[Jacktal]

I joined the local model RR club a while ago and I am making friends...and this is great.Howevver,I have two questions that are bugging me a little.One is technical and the other one is about dealing with other model railroaders.

Our "N" scale layout has evident design flaws,the main one being a duckunder entry.We all are over 45,so this kind of set-up creates a problem,as we're not as agile as we used to be.The guy's have been discussing this for a while but nothing has been done yet,as everyone has different understandable reasons like little spare time,tooling,skills,etc.In fact,there's only one of the guys who has actually devoted time and efforts to this,by doing some planning and bringing ideas as how the problem could be fixed.Fortunately,this gentleman and I get along extremely well.

We're both the "get it done" type of guys and we have ideas,skills,tooling,etc. and are both willing to get the job done.But if we do so,I fear that we may create some frustration among the other guys.I don't wi***o be a stand out...but just one of the guys.What's your feeling?

The technical question is this:...I favor eliminating the duckunder problem by replanning the trackwork so that the layout becomes fully opened.A couple of loops and a few tunnels...well,not easy but it can be done.It would also change the way the layout is operated but I don't think it would be a bad thing if planned carefully.However,the other gentleman favors the removeable section solution,which I think,is not such a good idea.I simply don't think anybody will remove it once others will be operating,so that it wouldn't fill it's purpose.He has come up with a very clever way of making sure the tracks keep aligned and powered,but still,this solution doesn't warm my heart.What do you think?Who needs to be convinced?I would appreciate any input...thanks.

[IRONROOSTER]

I have a duckunder entry into my train room. The clearance is 57" (my layout is 58"). I have had no problems with it and I am 57 and definitely not as agile as I used to be. So I would say that if you build it high you may not have a problem plus the viewing angle is better.
Enjoy
Paul

[Anonymous]

I went to a swing gate. There was an article in a recent issue of MR detailing the project. It is a decision I have not regretted in the least.

[cwclark]

some times you have to grab the "bull by the horns" as we say in Texas...the only way progress can be made is if things get done..i would suggest that ya'll put off a couple of operating sessions and everyone pitch in to get the loops completed..if everyone in the club pitches in, it will be completed in no time...sometimes bad things happen to make the good better....I'm 45 and i know how you feel about the duckunders..it's all i can do to crawl under my layout for wiring and the like...just remember that the younsters will be in our shoes one day ...Chuck[:D]

[Anonymous]

I think in the club situation, you will have to propose a solution to the perceived problem, and let the membership decide. If they say "no", you will have to live with it, as that is the nature of clubs and "democratic" decisions.

If you do get the go ahead, I would suggest a swing gate. Gates can be opened and closed with only momentary interruption, as it is easy to close and should realign itself.

If you get a "no" vote, maybe $10 for a used office chair on wheels is in the club's future - a "roll under" instead of a duck under?

Andrew

[Anonymous]

The South Central Wisconsin NMRA group has a modular HO scale layout with a swing gate section which they have prominently labeled "The Geezer Gate." I've seen it in operation, and it works like a charm.

Having been a member of a large club for more than 25 years, I would second masonjar's suggestion as to how to procede with your proposal.

John

[Anonymous]

"The Geezer Gate" - I love it! Now that's a club with a sense of humour...! [:D]

Jacktal - I reread my post, and I didn't mean to imply that the gate is the only solution. Your idea of the return loops is fine too - what I was getting at is that the club as a whole should decide before you take action (lift-out, gate, return loops, etc).

Andrew

[cacole]

Welcome to what I would call "club mentality." Anytime you get more than two people involved in a project, you're going to have divergent interests, desires, opinions, and experience. Because it is a club, you must be willing to compromise and go with what the majority desires.

Perhaps the club could come up with a simple way to enter through the duckunder on wheels instead of having to crouch or get down on your hands and knees. I have seen a couple of home layouts where the owners took the bottoms off of old office chairs and mounted them on a sheet of plywood with wheels. These are used not only at the duckunder but to work under the layout in a more comfortable position than kneeling.

Your best course of action might be to come up with a well thought out, revised track plan that eliminates the duckunder, and then try to convince the other members to implement it by explaining the advantages.