I'm fairly certain of the layout plan I'll use for my "larger" switching layout that I hope to start in the coming months, most likely closer to Spring/Summer. In the meantime, I have a spare 2'x4' section of foam that I want to use to practice improving my very beginner skills. Mostly looking to improve scenery skills, track laying, and working knowledge of basic wiring.
I'm working in HO scale. I realize options are limited, but I know that there's manageable plans available. Finding them, though, has been difficult. Does anyone have examples of plans for this size? Website recommendations? Thank you!
2 by 4 ft. is certainly not a lot of real estate for a working HO scale switching layout. I am afraid you won´t be able to find much in terms of track plans.
The late Carl Arendt´s famous Small Layout Scrapbook site may be a starting place for a research - take a look here
A 2'x4' space is good for scenery pratice and could be used in a module in a larger layout. Too do that you need to know the overall track plan. I know you said it was a spare piece, so I am assuming you have a larger plan in mind. If you could post the larger plan, I think some folks could help tell you how to make it work as one of your modules. If you do plan to use it as part of a later layout, be sure your track is layed at the proper distance from the edges of the piece..
If you plan to use it just as a practice place, glue some foam togather and shape it, wad up newspaper or make a lattice base to cover with strips of plaster cloth, newspaper, paper towels or whatever, soaked in plaster or diluted white glue to make a hardshell. Once shaped, paint your base and add your scenic materials. Experiment with different methods of rock making, plaster castings, carved foam, broken ceiling tiles, see what looks best for your modeled area. It is suggested to add texture as you add the materials. Make a variety of trees and add them. To pratice track laying and ballasting, have a single track cross your diorama and ballast it.
Good luck,
Richard
A good couple questions might be:1. What scale?2. What equipment/rolling stock?3. What do you want to practice with? Mountains, rolling hillsides, rivers, small town suburbia, midwest grasslands, industry?Like I say, "Model railroading is both a blessing and a curse. You have tons you can model...unfortunately more than you'll ever have room or moneyfor."
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
Also: what track?
Rather than trying to make a piece to fit in your layout, you could make a photo diorama for outdoor pictures.
AND.
You could go farther and build a 2 x 4 Free-mo module. Same size. But you could take it "out for a spin" at Free-mo setups. And some of your rolling stock, too.
Ed
Thank you all for he suggestions. The larger layout I plan to build is the Alcos in the Alcove designed by another forum member. Due to the dimensions of that layout and the room in which it'll go, I have a spare section of foam. Ideally, I was hoping to do switching of one industry on that section, or like others said, a diorama of sorts. Was thinking I could use an elevator and maybe space for an unloading track. Scenery practice is a big focus as I've never done anything in terms of scenery. I have old sectional track and a few turnouts that I can use on the spare piece. My plan is to buy new for the larger layout.
I'll be turning the above mentioned, larger layout into a freelanced area that depicts the upper Midwest of western Wisconsin where I grew up. Everything will be in HO scale. The era I'm focusing on is the 1990s to present, tail end of the Chicago & North Western and early stages of the new Wisconsin Central, as if nothing has changed.
I do not plan to attach the small, practice section to the rest at this time due to space. Therefore it is truly a practice section for me. I have three module bases to use, one of which is free standing (other two connect and support each other when all connected.)
Is my best bet to lay track on the practice piece and begin messing around with scenery rather than focus on a true trackplan experience? Thank you for any and all advice!