work starts sunday!

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Pretty ambitious for a first layout. I hope all goes well.

[johnnyx]

Well i know its a around the room type layout, with DCC.  I have the digitrax empire builder setup.  The basement is finished so all my lighting is done.  Unfortunatly there are closets I need to get to so it wont be "true" around the room , but it will be about 24x13.  all in all it will have 37 turnouts, a engine yard(with deadlines) A RIP track, turntable, ect.... 2 mainlines and a few shortlines mixed in.  There will be a lower level for storage and fast clock situations.  Things that scare me.....  wiring, "what the heck is bus wires" , power districts, switch boards.... UGH!!!  But im not gonna get into that just yet!!!  lemme get the benchwork done..

[HHPATH56]

You should not even start to build the layout before you decide whether it is to be "point-to-point-prototype", "an island,with penninsulas", or an "around the room layout with penninsulas". I had a 24'x24' unobstructed loft space, with inside stairway, (which really simpified visual and movement logistics).  But don't be afraid to consider a liftout access, if necessary.  I had a preplanned drawing of what my final "around the room" DCC layout would look like, but started with a simple dog-bone, with (double reverse) loops, at each end.  I inserted insulated switch spurs, in anticipation of future expansion. The dogbone, then became a large G , and then I finally added a reverse inverted mirror G, to complete the "around the room layout".  Before you begin to construct the framework, I suggest that you complete any acoustic ceiling tiling ,lighting. Prior to installing ceiling tiles or wall background, be sure to install wiring and outlets. I happened to have some old dressers, that (with legs sawed off, were of the proper height, for strong support and storage space. Be sure to plan for "above and below" layout top reachable access", to all your planned tracks and scenery. I have four holes with lift-outs, in the center of large peninsulas.  If you are considering DCC, be sure that all reverse loops and wyes, are properly isolated and wired. If I could have afforded it, I would have gone for radio-controlled DCC. It is the "way" of future model railroading. But, start out with dividing your layout into blocks,(power districts). Be sure that every section of track is wired, by feeders, to the "main bus wires".  Hopefully, these few ideas will give you confidence, and help to prevent costly and time consuming mistakes.

[ARTHILL]

Have fun. No matter how many you have done or how long you plan, you always change some things, so start, have fun and adjust as you go.  Build with screws, not glue or nails and changing is easy and fun.

Post some pics and we can all celebrate with you.

[johnnyx]

You can always post your layout up here for feedback overnight...

Nothing says you can't always modify your bench work a bit either.  

 

 

very good point, ill see what i can do as far as getting a pic up tonight. 

[GraniteRailroader]

You can always post your layout up here for feedback overnight...

Nothing says you can't always modify your bench work a bit either.  

[reklein]

Be Careful, don't mess it up!!! NO! relax and have fun with it. Any mistakes you make will make you smarter and you'll gain experience. Even John Allen tore out a couple layouts before he satisfied himself.

[johnnyx]

yeah my father is also coming down to help on this layout.. he is a big train nut himself, so it should be fun.  thanks for the kind words! 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Keep calm. There are only three things to remember. When starting out, keep it simple, take your time and have fun.

Start out with a simple plan for your benchwork. It doesn't have to be complex and able to pass muster with NASA. It only has to be strong enough to support your layout and possibly you. Take your time at it and make sure everything is done correctly. That way you won't have to go back and redo something. Have fun. Don't work on it for so long that it begins to become dull.

My father helped me build my first layout in 1966. Since then, I've built all my layouts myself. The first one I did solo had me scared. What if I made a mistake? My grandfather gave me the three essential rules I outlined above and made sure I followed them. After the first two days, the layout building went along without a hitch.

[johnnyx]

OK OK... so this is the weekend I begin building the benchwork for my basement layout.  Only problem is "IM SCARED TO DEATH"  this is my first ever layout and i have a whole basement to work with.  Im wondering if 1. Am I rushing it ( i hear about ppl taking years to come up with a good concept and executing it).  2. do I have a good design... looks good on paper, but will it tranfer to the real thing ok.  UGH... I feel lost when i think about all the questions I have.    Thanks for listening...