Do I need a layout?

[Anonymous]

After along time of planning and figuring, I have decided that having a complete layout is not practical for me. I think i will have to be content with colecting my favorite HO models and running them at the local club. I may try to build a micro layout, but many micros require special comstruction techniques, so I will probably have to get some experince first. Does anyone here do the same thing and not have a layout ?

[trainfan1221]

I'm sure quite a few people don't have an actual layout. Mine is not huge, but I get what I need out of it. If you could build something small just to get into modeling that would be nice, some people simply build individual scenes and display their trains. I can sympathize with not having room for an actual layout, I used to be in a similar position for years.

[BNSFNUT]

I went several years with out a layout while I did all my operating on a local club layout.
I also had a portable 4X6FT layout that I could set up in about 15 min for awhile.

[Bikerdad]

No, you don't need a layout. Simply pick some aspect of modelling that you really like (structures, rolling stock, whatever), and enhance your skills in that area. Then, find somebody who is currently building a layout (the club's layout may very well qualify), and work on that to build your other skills. That way, when the time, opportunity, and resources align to make your own layout a reality, you'll already have a lot of the skills you need to create it, as well as good relationships with others who can help you.

BTW, what do you mean "special construction techniques" for micro-layouts?

[Sunset Limited]

Similar situation here. I started in HO. Came back in the hobby by switching to N-scale, turned out to be a bad experience (Didn't follow the KISS method- keep it simple stupid). Went back into HO and built a 16x3 layout. worked out fine but I wanted to see my HO equipment run longer trains. Joined a railroad club, great experience! Had to quit the club due to longer hours at work and family time. Now I'm considering building a 4x8 n-scale layout. But there might be a possible move next year. So I can say I'm in the crossroads on railroading. I have my HO equipment in a special shelves covered with plexiglass and my N-scale waiting for chance to run again. Hopefully soon! Good luck to you 'Oklahoma train nut'

[Anonymous]

Have you considered joining a club with a modular layout? Myself and 10-15 local modelers have been operating a modular layout for 20 years now. We operate the layout at our annual show and several times a year locally and around the area.

Our home is a split level one, with no real "basement", as both levels have finished rooms. So I don't really have room for a large layout, and I don't really want one. I have two completed pairs of HO scale modules that are normally boxed together and kept in a closet when not in use. I enjoy making models and dioramas and taking photos of them.

Check out my modules and work on my website:
http://www.geocities.com/fundynorthern/

Good luck!

Bob Boudreau

[PennsyHoosier]

Fundy is right about possibly pursuing a club with a modular layout. That is a very good thought.

Otherwise, you can certainly make due without a full-blown layout. Mine is at our lake cottage, so I get to it about every other weekend. At home, I work on a modest switching outfit that is very portable. And I always have plenty of rolling stock to work on (new kits, weathering, bashing, etc.).

[Jetrock]

Micros don't require special construction techniques--I have built micros using nothing more than a sheet of plywood and some track. If that's too heavyweight, try a sheet of Styrofoam and some track. A small layout, or a mini layout, is the way to learn the skills needed to work on a large layout--not the other way around.

Sure, you don't NEED a layout--but they're nice. Even a small one--and a small one can always become part of a larger one.

[locomutt]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Oklahoma Train Nut

After along time of planning and figuring, I have decided that having a complete layout is not practical for me. I think i will have to be content with colecting my favorite HO models and running them at the local club. I may try to build a micro layout, but many micros require special comstruction techniques, so I will probably have to get some experince first. Does anyone here do the same thing and not have a layout ?

Well,I do have a layout at this time,but;I wouldn't call it much more than
an overgrown diaroma.

Been at this for a long time,but still get stymied over certain things.
I would not say that 'micros' require any special work,just build them
like you would build anything else.

If you want to operate,do so. If not display them to your best ability.

[Anonymous]

Hey those micro layouts looked pretty cool! I even saw they had a Oklahoma layout[:D] Very Cool[8D]
Have Fun Train Nut

[Big_Boy_4005]

Alex, having an actual model railroad is nice, but it really doesn't matter. It's what is in your heart that counts. I have spent the last 11 years not having a working layout, that is almost a lifetime to you, but it doesn't make me less excited about trains. The secret is to keep dreaming and learning about trains, in spite of any space or financial difficulties. One day, you'll get there.

In the meantime, if the club is willing to accept someone your age, that is one way to get to run some trains. If not, just set up a temporary floor layout once in a while, and PLAY. Model railroading is not learned over night, nor do model railroads happen over night. Remember you are young. This advice comes from someone who remembers being your age once.[:)][;)]

[Anonymous]

Alex,
You don't need a large area to have something interesting to operate. I see you are still in school and a great area to keep a smaller layout stored might be under your bed. A "small" layout I haven't build, but I admire is one that was designed many years ago and is a little over 1 foot wide and is 7 feet long. This layout is a switching layout that appeared in MR a long time ago but I would enjoy more than a 4 by 8.

If you are interested, I'll see if I can get the plan to you. It has the advantage of being easy to store, cheap to build, easy to scenic, fun to run, and buidable within a reasonable amount of time. A barge serves one end to act as "staging" to recycle stock so you can move equipment on and off the layout.

This layout may not be your dream layout, but it would be fun for you for a while.

email me if you are interested.

[e-mail]

[randybc2003]

YES [:D]
As stated above, try a small layout. As a student, I too didn't have a lot of room, but I found a "shelf" 18"x10' to be a LOT of fun. A challange too! I got 7 yard tracks out of a ladder length of 2'!! (This was HO) Think that one out!. I installed roadbed, track, under the table switch machines, and built structures. I switched my cars back and forth, and had a lot of fun.
The smallest layout I know is in 101 track plans, titled "Apple Creek Jct." 1'Wx4'L. N and Z would be smaller.
DON'T GIVE UP ON A LAYOUT!![;)]

[Anonymous]

Like FUNDY said,modular could be the way to go ,I operate a fairly large home layout and it requires alot of dedication,upkeep and of course space.But that is not saying that you need a large layout,what ever you enjoy most about Model railroading should be your guide to the answer to your question.I was involved in a modular club for a while and it was both enjoyable and educational

[BRAKIE]

Alex,While I have several layouts(mostly industrial switching) over the years there was times when I operate at the club due to lack of space even for a small switching layout.[8D]

[Anonymous]

See if there is a modular group in your area. I have a layout but also 3 modules. You get modeling experience, a place to run trains, and a lot of helpful advice. Talking to the public is lots of fun too

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Oklahoma Train Nut


...I may try to build a micro layout, but many micros require special comstruction techniques...

Special construction skills for a micro? None that I've ever seen? I have two micros right now, one only 9" x 10" and it was made of left over parts in HOn30, the other in G..


HOn30

No excuses young man!, I expect you to find a 1'x4' shelf this weekend, and build a small switching layout on it ...



....or we will all be very cross with you about it![:(!][;)]

[Anonymous]

Do I need a layout? Hmmmmm. This is the old "difference between "want" and "need." Do we really "need" anything in this hobby? Wait a minute . . .. I NEED a layout!!!

Seriously. All you "need" in this hobby is what makes you smile, floats your boat etc etc. If there isn't room for a layout, the posts above give excellent ideas - join a club, help someone out on their layout, build a diorama etc. Only you can answer what you"need."

[TrainFreak409]

I don't have a layout, and I have a pretty good HO collection. Right now, I usually set up something on the living room floor, that takes up almost all of the walking space. I will be joining a club soon, so I can get more experience, and put in more run time.

As of now, I am downsizing to N, and already have a good collection going. That is set up on the floor at the moment, but a layout will be constructed soon. I plan to put in on a plywood or homosote board, that I can lift on and off of our billiard table.

~[8]~ TrainFreak409 ~[8]~

[vsmith]

If that first layout is too easy then heres a bit more of a challenge! also 1' x 4' [;)]

[Bikerdad]

To make it simple to lift, simply make the "body" of the layout out of extruded styrofoam, enclosed with a wood frame for protection.

[aloco]

I know a guy who will never have a layout. He just hoards locomotives.

[Anonymous]

I have decided to try a micro...mabey this weekend? I want to build the one by four that vsmith showed, but I may expand it so it can handle my doodlebug and trailing coach. Actully when i meant difficult construction, I was refering to stuff like sector plates and flex track. Thanks guys !

[randybc2003]

Another possible and popular track plan is the "Timesaver" designed by the late John Allen. It is designed as a switching puzzle, you can see it at some train shows, and can driver operators absolutely NUTS. It consists of a run-around track, switchback, and a spur facing the oposite direction of the switchback. All stubs hold 2 cars, with the exception of the runaround, which holds only one. Check the index for a reference. Also, there is a "snap-track" version out there. [8D][8D]

[CBQ_Guy]

Have you considered building a V-scale layout?

I recently discovered that the "V" in V-scale stands for virtual, as in a Trainz, MS Trin-Sim, etc. layout you build and operate inside your computer. There's no limitation on what you can do. And it's easy to add on or change.

http://www.virtualrail.com/

http://www.vscalecreations.com/

Just a thought . . .

[Jetrock]

Oh, sector plates. Those things are just kind of silly. I've never considered them necessary, but then I never tried to squa***hings quite THAT much.

Flex track isn't hard at all--it's a lot better for making things fit right where you want them.

That 1x4 is a little squirrelly--I am almost positive you'd need flextrack to get things to fit in that space. But here are a couple of Timesaver-type track plans. also from www.carendt.com, that might be a little simpler but still fun, using sectional track:






Have fun!

[ondrek]

QUOTE: Originally posted by FundyNorthern


Check out my modules and work on my website:
http://www.geocities.com/fundynorthern/

Good luck!

Bob Boudreau

Bob - I love it, I wanted to do a shelf type with a round house, but i couldnt get it to fit, but you did it, and i see what you did, I am excited now to try again. I love your covered bridge, I did one too, but i think i made too tall. can you tell me how tall in actual inches your covered bridge is? thanks

kevin

[Anonymous]

I don't have a layout, though I'm planning one. I've got a good HO collection, and I plan to join a club soon to learn even more about the wonderful world of model trains. For now, I've got a loop of track with a few turnouts and passing sidings on the floor.

Another thing is you don't have to build the layout on wood benchwork. You could build ne on something you already have. For example, I'm using an old 5x9 ping pong table for my layout.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CBQ_Guy

Have you considered building a V-scale layout?

Any suggestions on which train simulator to get?

[Anonymous]

I myself have wanted a layout for years, I wanted some place to run all kinds of neat trains, something PRR, B&O or something, set in the '50s.

But now, I've realized all I want to do is just collect the trains themselves, especially passenger trains, and run them on club layouts, or such.

I concur, clubs can be a great resource when available.

Alvie.