Newbie question

[Anonymous]

I'm 50 years old and just about to build my first layout. I decided not to jump straight in without first checking the internet for as many hints and tips as possible. I have to build a layout which can be dismantled if family come to stay (garage is not an option!). I know how to connect various modules when I'm laying the track but how do you have scenery on one module connected to the next without obvious joins?

[BRVRR]

Pisces,
One method is to build the modules side-by-side, then separate them. The N-trak (?) guys do that all the time. Essentially build a series of dioramas which when assembled make your layout.
You don't mention scale. There are some quite complex N-scale layouts that will fit in a slightly over sized coffee-table. The same for Z-Scale. I don't recommend either unless your eye-sight is very good and you are not easily frustrated handling tiny parts. Just a thought.!
If you can give us an idea of the scale, size and type of layout you are considering you will most likely get more suggestions than you bargained for before this thread runs down.
Good luck [:)]

[Anonymous]

Thanx BRVRR. We call it OO over here in UK but it's HO in US. I understand what you're saying but it doesn't really answer my question. If I have a hill on a module and want to continue on the adjacent module, isn't there going to be an obvious gap between the two sections? I'll only be building a basic 8'x4' layout to begin with out of 4'x2' modules.

[Anonymous]

Use painter's tape to hide the seam. Paint over the tape, apply glue and ground cover, add some trees if you like to further hide the gap. If you have to tear down the modules, just pull off the tape! It's simple and cheap to do.
Hope this helps.
Roger W.
Evansville, IN

[Anonymous]

Thanks Roger. It's surprises me that, in all the articles and books that I've read on this subject, no-one has mentioned how to cover these joins. I'll give your idea a try unless, of course, someone else out there can come up with something better. ( Everyone loves a challenge!!)

[jhugart]

There was a recent (in the past year) MR article on some scenes-in-place, designed to lift-out of a layout.

The idea is to hide a join by covering it, or making use of it.

If you had a line that followed a path, have the join be on the edge.

If you have a line that cuts through a forest, make a removable set of trees to obscure the line.

You'd get stuck with something like a waterway, unless you can contrive a small dam at the join.

Good luck!