Thanks for all the input.
I will probably use a combination of both methods. Build it section by section aka modules that way I can get some trains running and go from arm chair modeler to more than that.
It would also be nice to get some of these out of the boxes and on to the tracks.
I am currently building my layout in sections. However, each section is a different size and they wil be bolted together. I plan on this being my last layout but I wanted to make it easy to disassemble or move when I die. All the scenery will have a seam where the sections join but the track will be layed continuously across sections. Once it needs to be moved a simple cut with a Dremel and a knife slice through the top layer of scenery will separate the sections. I am also dong my wiring underneath the fascia for easy accessibility.
isn't building modular a good approach to get something up and running sooner.
once you get a module completed (to whatever degree you desire) and possibly some simple staging module, you can start operating while the next module is being built. Adding the next module increases operation.
So you always have something to operate and something to build. Not that you don't have this with a conventional layout, but build a module on a rotisserie makes building easier and more focused.
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
Yep, my layout is being built along those lines. Mainly so I can relocate it fairly easily, but both the reasons you give can be accommodated.
True modular layouts have pre-determined conditions as the module joints. Dave above describes a sectional layout. Yours could be either, or a hybrid of the two. Your space lends itself to a 3x3 corner section, a 6 foot and 2 4 foot sections.
I suggest make the sections and go from there.
bagal
Well I used the David Barrow "domino" system or method for my layout but it is "segmental" rather than modular, that is, nearly every part of my layout is a 2'x4' segment but neither I nor Barrow keep the track distances the same from segment to segment, so it is not modular (and the pieces are not interchangable).
However the way Barrow designed the domino, the top is removable from its frame so for tricky trackwork or challenging wiring, he claims he did some of the work at his workbench rather than in place. I did not utilize that feature of the domino, at least not yet.
One thing Barrow likes to do (or used to do) was regularly totally change his mind about his layout, remove all the track and start a new layout, using the same identical sized dominos and a library of track planning ideas he had created over the years that fit on his preferred 18" x 4' domino.
Like Barrow I was busy creating domino segments before I even had a real track plan in mind. I would move the full sized dominos around my basement trying different ideas -- I also followed Barrow's method of drawing a scale drawing of my available space and moving around pieces of cardboard cut to scale size for my drawing, which was 1" = 1 ft.
There are many "pros" to the domino idea, and I give clinics on the idea. There are also some "cons." You use more lumber than other methods - you don't really need legs every four feet and with the domino system there is duplication of support because each one is free standing. A standardized width can be confining; a standardized length can sometimes JUST not make the most efficient use of your space. No law says every domino has to be the exact same size as your standard size.
You could use the domino system AND create standards for track distances so that they could be interchanged with others. I see no need for that, even though I thoroughly attach my track to the benchwork and Barrow deliberate kept his track very minimally attached (and lightly ballasted) because he liked to change it so often.
Dave Nelson
Myself, I wouldn't want sections of the layou ton the work bench. There are many times you will need the bench while building the layout.
You can build it at a hieght that would allow use of a chair or bar stool.
Leave all the wires long enough to reach to the front, witch will allow you to do the wireing from your chair/stool.
You will need some way to ''key'' the moduels, so they line up every time
The One Module At a time (TOMA) is a new thing. the idea is to completely build a module on a rotisserie allowing easy access to the bottom of the bench as well as the far side.
i've been told simple staging modules are built to move trains onto even one module, do some switching and then move the train forward into the staging on the other side. As more modules get completed, they can be inserted.
i'm thinking about doing something like this, but am considering building splines to connect modules possibly around bends
Thinking about getting a home layout going and I only have about a 9x11 L-Shaped area to work with. I was going to make it about 24-26" wide along with 4' lenths and the reason I was thinking about a module layout was for 2 reasons. The first was so I could swap modules that have different type of scenes and second was so I could work on it sitting down at the work bench as it would be easier on my back which is not the best.
I was wondering if others did this on there home layouts?