Layouts and layout building

 I haven't been on here in a while and now I have a question that I haven't found an awnser to on frisco.org (were I've been since Jan.)

 I have a plan to build a new layout maybe this year. It is a 2 layer layout. I'm trying to figure out, would it be more practical to use foam or a custom made wood suport type deal? The reason I dont think foam is a good choise for this is because the upper layer must go over a bunch of inter sections with the lower lever. And I also plan to fill in one end of it.

What is your thought?

This is not a slam and this is not being said to be mean.  This answer is entirely serious.

I think you need to do a LOT more studying on benchwork construction before you take on a double deck railroad.  It is not a trivial project in size, engineering and funding.  If you REALLY want two decks, take the time to research how to do it.  If it takes you 6 months to research and plan it, it will be worth the wait in the results and reduced pain and suffering during construction.

I agree with Dave.

I'm in the middle of designing a trackplan for a new layout (see my "Great Dream Layout Quest" thread elsewhere).  While I am taking my time designing a trackplan, I have not forgotten about the support layer underneath it all.  Part of my layout will be below another section, so choice of construction materials will be critical to allow as much room as possible between the layers.  I've made no firm decisions yet, but I suspect the design of the benchwork will be as intense and time consuming as the trackplan itself.

Darrell, quiet...for now

I'm in agreement here.

Think about how you will support the layout first. The benchwork question is, to my mind, even more important than the layout at this point. How are you going to build it, how to budget for all the lumber you'll need, wiring, --- OY. Take your time on it and it'll work out rather nicely

Here are a hodge-podge of additional ideas...

[1] See a fairly current thread, "distance between levels" (http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/t/154558.aspx) for a lot of common sense considerations.

[2] Kalmbach's "Designing and Building Multi-Deck Railroads" (http://kalmbachcatalog.stores.yahoo.net/12434.html) @ $19.95.

[3] PDF Download "Guide to helix and staging design" (http://kalmbachcatalog.stores.yahoo.net/mrpdf032.html) @ $8.95.

[4] PDF Download "Guide to helix and staging design vol. 2" (http://kalmbachcatalog.stores.yahoo.net/mrpdf049.html) @ $8.95.

[5] Will benchwork be "free-standing" or attached to the walls?

[6] Will you have a helix or a nolix?

[7] Is your room large enough to employ a peninsula? ...that may even be a location for a helix?  See the July 2009 Model Railroader, pages 54-57, for the First Prize, Track Plan Contest, and John Koukol's Maine Central rendering of "A double-deck N scale track plan."

My hunch is you will find, not much can replace the strength of wood/plywood benchwork as a base, and; especially so for a helix.  Foam can be placed on top of a solid core of benchwork for its scenery & trackage base plus carving characteristics.

There are many possibilities, but you must first take your good 'ole time with research and planning.

I agree, there are lots of ways to skin that cat and a double deck is no small task.  It will involve a lot of time, effort and finances so you will want to be sure what you are doing is correct and will meet your individual need.  In addition to the above advice, I suggest contacting the local mrr club and seeing if any of the members have a double decker that you can look and and pick that persons brain.  I also agree that you may find that, in the end, good old fashioned wood is the best choice still.

The original poster may not be talking about multi-deck, just multi-levels on one deck. Unfortunately, the original post was too vague to know.

 You can save track plans drawn in RTS as jpeg-files, then upload them to a platform like photobucket and then integrate them into your post here.