building a movable multi-deck layout

[tebee]

I've got potential space for my new layout of 18ft by 24ft plus another 12ft square on one side, now this isn't big enough for the layout I'd like to build and we may be moving again in about three years time - life's never simple is it?

The plan at the moment is to build it in sections - big sections like 8ft by 2.5 ft, that can be reused in a future layout. I'm wondering if anybody has ever built a multi-deck layout with the idea of moving it at some time in the future. I realize there is little chance of a muti-deck layout fitting in to what ever space I may have in the future in anything like it's original form but ....... don't want to have to start completly again from scratch.

My last layout was double deck but with brackets firmly fixed to the walls, I actualy saved two large section of this to re-use but somebody stole the van they were in as I was putting them into store.

The layout is planned to be HO, DCC with walkround control, Peco track, switches manualy operated, single track line . Open top, cookie cutter construction , 1/2 in ply top on wood frame with steel studs for uprights.

At the moment I'm leaning towards the idea of doing a single deck layout or maybe one with staging only on a lower deck but any sugestions/advice would be welcomed.

Tom

[scubaterry]

My wife and I moved from Pensacola Florida to the FLorida Keys almost two years ago. We knew we would be leaving here in about two years. So as I contructed my layout, I built it in sections with the idea of taking it apart and moving it. The layout is a 14 x 12 ATR single level. I made it in sections and bolted the sections together. The biggest section is 8 ft and the smallest is 4ft. When I ran the bus wires underneath I put a loop at each section joint so I can cut them for dismantling but have enough wire to splice later when reassembling. The legs are put together with large nuts/bolts. My only concern is damage to the track side when I put them in the moving van.
Terry[8D]

[tomikawaTT]

The best way to have sections that can be reused in a new layout is to divide your plan (and construction) between modules (meant to be reused, possibly in a different sequence) and space-specific/expendable construction. Corner curves, single track connecting towns and large areas of scenery without trackage are good candidates for the latter category. The modules should be framed as stand-alone units strong enough to take the stress of over-the-road travel in a U-haul. The expendables need only be strong enough to hold themselves up, along with whatever may be attached or put on top of them.

In this case, expendable does not mean throwaway. Track, structures, L-girders (if used) and other structural members can all be salvaged and reused - just not in the same configuration. I list most scenery as expendable because it usually doesn't travel well and isn't that expensive to replace.

Chuck (who operates one module that has survived five moves in 26 years)