Here are the diagrams of my NEW track
layout. The overall size will be 14 feet by 16 feet
(over TWICE the space of my previous layout).
The first issue is the
space. My layout will be going in the 22½' by
25' basement.
Items I had to look at are moisture, heat,
windows, and access. |
The NW corner looks the
best. The West wall has no windows and this
corner is the
greatest distance from the laundry room
(moisture) and the HVAC closet (heat). |
My 'J' hape design quickly
morphed into more of an 'L' shape and
resulted in a 14' by 16' footprint with a
lolly column in the middle. |
One lesson I learned on my
first layout is that you need to plan your
benchwork. My old layout started with a frame
then I laid plywood on top to start. That's a BIG
mistake unless you're modeling Kansas or
Nebraska. Since real terrain is far from level, I
found, after I was well into my construction
& scenery, that the plywood should have been
designated as the LOWEST level of terrain... e.g.
the bottom of the lakes/river.
Therefor, the benchwork for the new layout will
be more complex. I will be framing out the edges
with 1"X4" pine and 2"x2"
legs. The cross supports will be 1"x3"
pine and placed BELOW the 1"X4" edges
to allow for hidden storage and terrain
variations. I will then frame in ONLY the path
the track will follow with 3/8" plywood.
Only major terrain formations will be framed in
with wood. All terrain, in between the framing
will formed with small garden wire (rabbit wire). |
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