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Figuring out what is needed to build a layout

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  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Morristown, NJ
  • 808 posts
Posted by nealknows on Friday, March 1, 2019 9:28 AM

I think before you start to figure out the cost of what you need from that list, first price out your lumber. Will it be free standing? Legs? Brackets? Type of wood to use? Once you figure that out, then decide on your track plan. What scale are you going to use? We can't give you a cost on track, roadbed and everything that goes with it until you figure that out. Are you going to use DC or DCC? Big price differences right there. 

All of the track and parts for that you can source the pricing online, AFTER you come up with a track plan. You also have to decide on your budget, first and foremost. 

We all have visions or grandeur, but that 'budget' keeps us from going overboard.

Good luck and keep us posted on how you want to proceed.

Neal

  • Member since
    October 2011
  • From: Cannington, Ontario
  • 124 posts
Figuring out what is needed to build a layout
Posted by arvanlaa on Friday, March 1, 2019 9:21 AM

Hey Everyone,

It has been a while since I posted on here. I have started to want to slowly build my little shelf layout which will be 18" x 48-60". One thing that has always stopped me is not really knowing what it will take, overall, to build the layout. Now, I am not talking about rolling stock and scenery (plants, building, cars, figures etc) but rather bench work, wiring, track, roadbed, controls etc. Basically what I need to get a layout up without adding any visual asthetics to it. 

I was hoping you lovely folks can help me with a shopping list of items I need to look for. So far I know I need:

Lumber
Fasteners
Foam board
Roadbed
Track
Track Joiners
Switches
Wiring
Power Pack

Is there anything else that I am missing? In particular little items that I may not be thinking of. I have NEVER built a layout before so please do not assume I already may have something that many of you take for granted as just laying around your workshop :)

Thank you for your assistance!

 

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