After the benchwork do you lay the track first, do some scenery, both.
I have seen many layouts in all scales and nobody seems to do it the same way. One guy even built his entire scenery before laying one inch of track. He told me he read a article done on John Allen's layout and he did something similar. It was done this so he could build his layout the same way as the prototype.
I'm building my layout I think the same as most people, I build my track plan first along with doing some scenry. Then I may do some kits if I get tired of another project.
How about you guys, how do you go about building your layout.
Dave
Slowly. I have to be one of the slowest layout builders ever.
But I do a little bit of everything - I am too ADD to spend 100% of the time on benchwork until it's all completed, then 100% on tracklaying until it's all completed, etc. I need to mix it up. Plus I like to wire as I go so I can test newly laid trackwork for relability - if you leave such things as "ok, that section needs some help, once I am done, i will come back to it" then you will NEVER come back to it and curse every time the train derails. I usually leave scenery for last because it's my least favorite thing - mainly because I'm not good at it. But also because once I can run trains - I run trains rather than work on the layout any further.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Benchwork, then foam subroadbed and wiring buses first.
Next is track I like to get at least a continuous loop of track, complete with planned turnouts one usually sidings.
After that is structures, including roadways. Somewhere in this process I get in scenery, usually a few square feet at a time.
I am in no hurry, and it may be months, sometimes even years, between laying track and the last step, ballasting. All that time running trains allows me to constantly improve my trackwork towards a goal of derailment free operation.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Slow probably works best. I think Randy nailed it with doing and proving the trackwork a little at a time and make it perfect before moving on. I did some scenic stuff along the way both because i had the trackwork done in that area and because it was better to keep enthused - it is supposed to be my fun and relaxation. For sure doing all the track and proving it is better before adding layers of scenery simply because it is so much easier to fix a problem on a bare layout. My 2c. J.R.
This is what I do:
Benchwork, electrical, track, and switch machines first. Then run everything over and over and over and make sure everything works perfectly. Fix everything that is not perfect. Run and run and run trains. Fix everything again.
I do not add scenery until I am 100% sure all mechanical operation is perfect. Anything that is not perfect now will just become a problem later.
It has been a LONG time before I was building a big layout, so I will probably do this in sections on my next layout.
Bottom line... do what works for you and keeps your interest going. That is why everybody does it differently.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
In my almost 70 year HO career I always built the bench work first then laid the track. Wiring came next. When everything worked perfect, no hits, no runs, no errors it was time for scenery.I built my first HO layout when I was 14 years old, 12” around the room shelf layout. The shelf was very easy and then I laid the track, Atlas Tie Strip and iron rails and thousands of tiny spikes.My second layout was a 4’ x 8’ close copy of John Allen’s Gorre & Daphetid. Bench work then track then scenery.I have always liked the John Allen Twice Around Concept so after the most important part of building a layout, the design, I built my final 14’ x 10’ layout in our garage. Because I needed to make use of every inch of used space my layout has storage below the my trains for tool storage. My layout is mounted on steel casters and is movable.That was 32 years ago and I’m still working on the scenery.I made a list of must haves before I started on the design and followed it through construction. I stress that layout design is very important, next is perfect track!!!Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
MisterBeasleyNext is track I like to get at least a continuous loop of track, complete with planned turnouts one usually sidings.
For me, this was the most important. This is my first layout.
I could not wait to plug it in and see a train move. I got a loop laid down, wired, and then ran the train.
Everything else gets finished as I get to it. I can't imagine waiting to finish a bunch of stuff before I get to see a train run.
York1 John
First the bench work with 1X4's for the sides and risers, two 2X4's in an L shape for legs (Yes I overbuild my layouts). put in the bus wiring since its easiest to do it with lots of open space. Put on the sub roadbed then work road bed. Lay some track and wire the section up. Run trains in both directions untill you know the track is perfect. repeat track work until complete.
For me, the most critical element is the trackwork. It has to be supported properly, it has to flow, it has to 'work', and it must be smooth and reliable.
So, first things first as I do them:
a. Carefully specked framing and bracing, including joists if risers are going to be used;
b. Tracks have to follow sensible and manageable roadbed, so I build that next. I take pains to make abutted elements of roadbed planar where they meet, no changes in grade. They only abut atop a riser. Risers can be raised or lowered to help with that grade problem;
c. Tracks placed, and in some places, if just for relief from hours of other types of work, I'll also ballast;
d. Run a bus and feeders;
e. Start running trains, as many as possible, both directions, to find out problem areas;
f. Complete the scenery; and
g; Build the yard.
I have found it helpful to have both a scale drawing and a posted reminder sheet of important steps, even sequences, not to be forgotten, or when to do them. For example, the backdrop. It should almost always get done prior to scenicking, and for some layouts, before the benchwork is constructed. Another example, tunnel liners. Construct them before you find yourself scrunched up under the benchwork, reaching up through roadbed and risers...and wires...and trying to affix a blind/liner that keeps the tunnel dark.
I built my benchwork first. Then laid roadbed and track. Then wiring.
I had some buildings, so I set them out, plus shoe boxes, etc for industries.
Then I had friends over to operate, weekly for several weeks.
These sessions helped discover problems in track work and wiring. And where another siding would be useful. Then I did things to make it look better.
Mine was intended as a few person operations lay out, so I felt I needed these sessions to find the problems.
Hi DAVID FORTNEY
Well when I did build my layout I did not have a lot of space so the first thing was sort of plan the layout starting with the question could a viable layout be built in a 4'6" square space.
At the time that was all the space I had to build a layout and I had been without a layout long enough that it was needed if for nothing else my sanity.
I built the bench work first then when that had been made and the top painted at that small size it was allways going to be a table top railroad.
The cork was laid before painting after that track and wiring play time err I mean testing
Then scenery was done any scenic wiring requirements where done as the layout progressed house lighting etc.
This said once track was down and I was happy it worked the way I wanted it to the order things got done became a little vague as I did what I felt like at the time.
Still not finished yet and some parts now need refreshing and others still need to be completed.
regards John
Obviously, the benchwork must be the first to build. Second is track, followed by the installation of switch motors and wiring. The next step is running trains over every inch of the layout, employing every single engine and piece of rolling stock. Once trains run flawlessly on the layout, work on the scenery and detailing can start. I usually have a sectional approach to scenery, thus being able to show "completed" sections.
Happy times!
Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)
"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"
Fist is the planning, I use old sectional track for this along with real turnouts or paper copies. Once I am happy with that I build 1x4 framing and put it on legs that are l shaped made out of a split 1x4. Next I level the whole thing and then top it with foam and relevel. Next comes laying out the track again and add any foam inclines needed. next cork then track, testing as I go for anything needed. Next is basic foam scenery like hills. Next I add in all the power (testing before was done with clips and power). Plaster cloth is next and zip texturing, then the final layers of scenery and finally ballast.
First, I think I have Randy beat as the slowest layout builder. Mine final layout is not complete and going into my 3rd year, that is why it's a hobby I guess. After my bench work was complete, I started laying roadbed, track, inclines and risers. I painted all my track as I moved along and put feeder wires in about every 4-6 feet. I done some plaster cloth stuff and painted some. I just do a little here and there, whatever I am in the mood to do. I am also a victim of that old Rowan and Martin Laugh In tv show back in the 60's when they had skit called the "Flying Fickle Finger of Fate", it seems when new MR buildings come out from Summit, Walthers or others I tend to change my mind to make one of those new buildings fit somewhere on my layout. I told myself don't change my plans and I do and did. I recently added a passenger station that was not planned. Oh well, it's what a hobby is all about.
Nice try, might get you close to a podium finish. I've been in this house for 6 1/2 years, just got the basement finished up at the end of February this year, and since then have managed about 30 linear feet worth of vertical supports, 32 feet of backdrop (unpainted and unfinished still)(it's a double deck, hence more backdrop than rest of railroad), and the support area for one small corner. I cut out 2 pieces of subroadbed for the lower level but it hasn't been attached yet.
My previous layout - it took me 5+ years to get it where it was when I took it down to move, around the walls of a spare bedroom. Track was all down and the pink foam painted a basic brown, but I had no built the penninsula for the cement plant, nor the track for that. About 30 feet of track had the rail painted, and maybe 20 feet of that was ballasted. No other scenery. In over 5 years.
rrinkerNice try, might get you close to a podium finish. I've been in this house for 6 1/2 years, just got the basement finished up at the end of February this year,
You guys need to move down here if you want to see slow layout builders.
I am not in the running for the title, I build like an obsessed madman.
I have only seen one or two people down here finish a layout, even a small one. Most of the hobbiests down here are retirees that moved to Florida to finish their lives. These guys are in their 70s or 80s, you would think they would be in a hurry.
Nope. Slow as can be.
I guess it really more about the journey than the destination.
It is a hobby. You should never feel rushed.
I've been in this house 35 years. No layout yet. Everytime I get the space one of the kids move back in. I've been kicked out of the so called spare room 4 times.
My layout consists of modules that are in storage right now. They used to live either in the shed or the covered rear of the truck when I was doing shows.
My modules were done like this.
1 planning. 2 build base section. 3 track. 4 testing with jumpers. 5 wiring. 6 scenery and buildings. 7 ballast and paint rails and ties.
When I finally get the rooms back my modular railroad will live again and be larger.
Pete
Scenery is fun. I like it b/c it requires quite a lot of creativity. It also is quite relaxing. This includes ballasting! Anyone need a volunteer? None of the scenery matters if your layout doesn't run properly or sit on sturdy and functional benchwork.
To really answer your question, consider a cake (yes, I'm hungry!). Scenery is really the icing. It rests on a well-prepared and tasty product. The cake rests on something and that's your benchwork. No part "takes the cake" (pun intended). Everything must work together. That involves a lot of time, money, etc.
Tinplate Toddler Obviously, the benchwork must be the first to build. Second is track, followed by the installation of switch motors and wiring. The next step is running trains over every inch of the layout, employing every single engine and piece of rolling stock. Once trains run flawlessly on the layout, work on the scenery and detailing can start. I usually have a sectional approach to scenery, thus being able to show "completed" sections.
"every single engine and piece of rolling stock"
That is very important! I finished my track work running my favorite locomotives and all went well. It was several years later before I ran or attempted to run a Proto E-8 only to find a problem on a 26” radius into my yard. Every Proto six axle diesel derailed coming out of the curve. All the rest of my locomotives worked fine.It turned out to be a fault of the design engineer, me. I did the one no no that no one should ever do, a turnout at a grade transition. I wish I had checked every locomotive during construction like Ulrich said in his post. I was able to fix (reengineer) the problem by moving the turnout and reducing the curve to 24” radius. It would have been a lot easier during construction than after my scenery was in.It was a surprise to me that all my biggie articulateds worked flawlessly as did my six axle Athearns but none of my Protos.Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
I would be similar to what Randy described in his post - particularly the slow part. We moved into this house 14 years ago today, and I have shelving ('benchwork' along the walls) almost all in place, one of two reverse loop "blobs" in place, and maybe a touch more than 1/2 of the track in place...with only about 1/4 or less scenicked.
One difference with most folks is, since I use Kato Unitrack, I like to test the layout out for a few months (or longer) before deciding it's permanent and adding scenery. I use flat-top construction and Woodland Scenic risers, so it's easy to change things if I decide I want to try something else. Often, an idea won't hit me until I see everything in place. "Oh wait, if that building were on the other side of the tracks, it would work better."
My layout is in the smallish category (around-the-room, in a 7X11 space), so I am doing pretty much what the others have said (benchwork, track, testing, buildings, scenery). I'm at the buildings stage now, with interruptions to satisfy the one thing I enjoy the most: fixing/bashing locomotives. But if I had a larger space, I would probably do things in sections. So I would develop an overall plan, and do one section first, track and scenery, a bit like John Allen did. Something like a section with a loop, with plans to expand. Otherwhise, I would probably get bogged down with the idea of doing benchwork and track for a super large surface.
Simon
I like the "progressive" style the MR staff laid out in the early '60s with the PH&C and the Ma &Pa project layouts.
Lay just enough track to run trains, wire it up, put some scenery in. Decide what you want to do for your next step, and then make the alterations and additions. Re-scenic, operate, and evaluate. Rinse, lather, repeat.
The little bit at a time works very well with SWMBO's demands that anything that comes out into the family room or other train space be sufficiently finished to have company over. No tools and supplies laying over the benchwork. No ugly unfinished plywood or pink foam visible. So a small section of layout at a time, with an incomplete track arrangement, but wired and with presentable scenery, is what I bring out. When I want to modify the track plan, it goes back into our storage area/train workshop until scenery is presentable again. New sections start there.
The nice thing is that DCC has made this incremental progress a lot easier on the wiring side. Run some more feeders, and I'm done (turnouts require a LOT more effort). OTOH, none of my locomotives start out DCC-equipped, so the time I save on wiring (plus some!) is spent tuning mechanisms and installing decoders.
Yes, progress is amazingly slow. But it's a hobby, and if I don't touch anything for months, it's OK.
Fred W
Port Orford & Elk River Lumber Co (HOn3)
Picture Gorge & Western Ry (HO)
….modeling coastal Oregon where it's always 1900....
I build all the benchwork first as modules. That gives me a check on aisle space and an initial check on whether I am going to like my plan. At this point it is easy to rearrange the modules if I don't like the initial set up. On my current plan, I have already rearranged the benchwork once because I decided 30" aisles weren't enough. I am now using 36" minimum for aisles.
Once that's done I start on the track. I use tabletop construction so I can loosely arrange and rearrange the track using a plan as a starting point. I do this until I get an arrangement I like - usually reducing the track even more. For my current layout I quickly decided the plan is too much track and not enough scenery. So I plan to rearrange the modules yet again to simplify the plan and have less track and more scenery.
Once I like the benchwork and track arrangement then I install the roadbed, track and wiring. Generally I do this in small increments and test everything as I go.
Afterwards I do scenery.
As for speed. Well I don't usually move very fast (one reason I use as much RTR as possible). This is my 10th or 11th layout - I have lost count. All but one had at least some track down and operational. I only got to the scenery 2 or 3 times. But this is a hobby and I enjoy the process of building the layout even if I never get it done.
Paul
Slow. I can tell you about slow. I'm on year 19 of the current layout which has evolved from a single level L-girder and plywood 8'X19' to a double deck with the second level being shelf brackets and 2" foam.
The first step of my layout construction was room preparation. I was permitted to put my layout into the cistern of my 100 year old house so it took almost 2 years to just get the space ready to build in(including removing 2500lbs of concrete). As many of the others have shown in other threads, room preparation can be one of the longest phases of layout construction.
Much like everyone else the steps that followed were benchwork, track, wiring, ballasting and then scenery. A change from DC to DCC changed the wiring design and the addition of the second level had me start all over again from the beginning with benchwork on the 2nd level.
I finally have about 70% of the scenery done so but still make track changes as I try new things with operations.
The key to all of it really is moving forward. Do what keeps you attention and drive going.
Scott Sonntag
Hello All,
DAVID FORTNEY"How do you build your layouts?"
To quote an "anonymous" source...
Badly!
Knowing this won't help.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
fwrightI like the "progressive" style the MR staff laid out in the early '60s with the PH&C and the Ma &Pa project layouts. Lay just enough track to run trains, wire it up, put some scenery in. Decide what you want to do for your next step, and then make the alterations and additions. Re-scenic, operate, and evaluate. Rinse, lather, repeat.
I hope to do something similar in the highlighted portion of the STRATTON AND GILLETTE. This section is not "set in stone", and I intend to be very flexible as I construct this part of the layout, after everything else is up and running.
Benchwork first and valence lighting
After comes roadbed and track laying; I will lay the full main line first and had the local track in second, so train can run, it's seems to me it's important.
When main will be finished and wired, I will lay track on local ( industry, siding, interchange).
Laying local will also allow me to put and check the place of some structures.
Scenery will come later when I will be sure track is waterproof, open roadbed is easier to work on track.
I will use red rosin paper hardshell and when the hardshell is in place, ballasting will come....some 550 feet in N scale...of main
Ambrose's seminal book "Nothing Like It In the World," about the Transcontinental Railroad, is worth a read. One thing to take out of it for building a layout is creating the mainline and adding just turnouts for future sidings. Of course, you need to leave enough space for any industries too.
I lay track, do some electrical work, adjust track, do some more electrical, lay scenery, do yet more electrical, pick which controller to wire up, do that electrical, pick trains, pick rolling stock, do some touch-up work, last electrical in locos, done. It takes awhile, but it gets done nicely.
"Your never too old to play with trains"
--Liam
For me, the first step was to build the house, which I did as soon as the contractor had the basement in.
Once we moved in, there was still lots of work to do...doors and trim, painting, building kitchen cupboards, putting down floors, etc., etc.
Once most of that was taken care of, I could finally drywall the basement and install a drop ceiling, then got started on the benchwork.
The next step was to tear out the benchwork (as units), then move them so that the basement...formerly my basement, could have a rec-room for the kids, a laundry room for wifey, and the oddly-shape bits left for a workshop (for modelling) and the layout.
That was almost 33 years ago, and while I've added a partial second level to the layout, there's lots of the original that's nowhere near done...or even presentable, although the whole shebang is operational.
There's a Layout room tour, with lots of pictures HERE
Wayne