Due to a triple delivery from the stork, (yes I'm talking about triplets) I am unable to use the large space in my basement for my new layout I was about to begin building and have been relocated to the garage. I want the layout to encircle the inside of the garage and have movable modules. I have been looking closely at the Woodland Scenics Mod-U-Rail system I just wanted to get some outside opinion and see if anyone out there has used this system successfully!!!! Its a two boys and a girl by the way. Nate
Congratulations on the family increase, condolences on the loss of space.
I have not used or seen the WS modules, but you might want to concider building your own. There are many references to them on these forums (search our community) and a number of articles. If you have a local club with a modular layout that they use at train shows, you could build to their specifications and be able to take one of your modules to add to their layout.
Just a thought.
Have fun,
Richard
We had a discussion on this some time ago - try using the search to find it. It seems to be a decent system, if possibly a tad pricey. You can probably build benchwork sections yourself for less than the WS modules, although with each WS module you also get scenery materials. Even if overall cost ends up being the same, doing it yourself would spread the costs out, ie, not buying scenery materials until you are ready for them. My layout is built as 4 foot sections,a lthough I don't bother cutting the foam tops so in reality as they sit they are 8 foot sections - which can easily be moved, I had the first one built before I moved and had no trouble getting it up 2 flights of stairs with 2 180 degree turns on the in-between floor, so I'll probably never cut them to 4 foot.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I investigated Mod-U-Rail, but in the end just bought materials at Lowe's and built my layout in 2 foot by 8 foot sections. They are bolted together. I do not ever intend to move it, but I have started replacing sections one at a time. I can build the new section free standing and when ready just pull the old section out and put the new one in. The layout is then only out of service for a couple of days. Incidentally, the new sections are 30 inches by 8 feet.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Like PhoebeVet, I investigated the WS modules a couple of years ago, and compared them with Sievers and Mienne products as well.
The WS product is a little cheaper than the others, but it comes on only standard sizes, which may limit it's utility for you. The only real objection I found to it is that the supplied legs would yield a layout height of approximately 36", which is too low for many of us (mine is at 48").
At the end of the day, though, the cost was prohibitive (would have burned up a couple of years worth of hobby budget), so I decided to build my own. When all is said and done, you can build your own -- modular, even -- for a small fraction of the price. I enjoy working with wood, so I found the process of building my own extremely satisfying. Your mileage may vary.
BTW, congratulations on your new arrivals. Speaking as a father of 3 myself (although spaced a lot wider than yours at a 7 year spread), you may want to be careful about how much money you have for your hobby until you feel the full impact of your enlarged family -- between diapers, clothing, equipment / furniture, and maybe formula and daycare, they pack quite a whallop on the pocketbook.
Connecticut Valley Railroad A Branch of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford
"If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." -- Henry Ford