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 Posted - August 16 2014 : 5:00:52 PM
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You've heard about a Harvey Wall Banger, well this is a Harvey HEAD Banger.
Why shoot for the moon, why not stars? Go for Jupiter while you're at it. This duck under
has "knighted" so many people, it is a wonder it is still standing.
If I could surmise everything I've seen about HO, and N, model railroading, it
would be:
1. KISS
2. No under the ground turnouts, including under mountains.
3. Maximum reach from any distance not to exceed 30 inches, or the
length of a man's arm.
That last one is tough, because it will result in a 4x8 or lots of extra
carpentry to accommodate the extra mileage. Best of luck, and try to
get a kick out of it.
Edited by - Chops124 on August 16 2014 5:01:48 PM
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Posted - August 16 2014 : 5:37:39 PM
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The biggest lessons I learned from the big layout I just dismantled:
1. Never use heavy particle board/MDF/plywood for your layout base. Use Foam.
2. ALWAYS allow for easy access to ALL parts of the layout. No duck unders, no crawl unders.
3. NO MORE LONG REACHES. And distance is deceptive, you not only want to be able to reach something, but work easily at the distance as well.
http://tycodepot.com/
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Posted - August 16 2014 : 5:39:52 PM
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Well, you could just redo that specific section but then again, that would mean redoing the vast majority of the layout and possibly having to rearrange a ton of things so yeah. But really, my biggest lesson in building a layout is to make sure you have all the track level enough for the train to continue on it's way without much trouble. At least, that is, with track sections.
-Steve
"A lot of modellers out there who go to these train shows see broken HO stuff and go, 'This is useless' when, in reality, they can still be used for modeling whether it's as a prop on your layout or a cool project to make something old new again."
Edited by - kovacste000 on August 16 2014 5:43:01 PM
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Posted - August 16 2014 : 6:52:30 PM
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Oh yeah...track. You can never spend too much time making sure your trackwork is perfect. Not talking about the looks, but operationally. Those little quirks that "should be OK" turn into big recurring headaches in time.
http://tycodepot.com/
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Posted - August 16 2014 : 7:49:10 PM
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quote:The biggest lessons I learned from the big layout I just dismantled:
1. Never use heavy particle board/MDF/plywood for your layout base. Use Foam.
2. ALWAYS allow for easy access to ALL parts of the layout. No duck unders, no crawl unders.
3. NO MORE LONG REACHES. And distance is deceptive, you not only want to be able to reach something, but work easily at the distance as well.
Originally posted by JNXT 7707Â -Â August 16 2014Â :Â 5:37:39 PM
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Darn!! I REALLY Goofed! 
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Posted - August 16 2014 : 8:47:28 PM
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quote: quote:The biggest lessons I learned from the big layout I just dismantled:
1. Never use heavy particle board/MDF/plywood for your layout base. Use Foam.
2. ALWAYS allow for easy access to ALL parts of the layout. No duck unders, no crawl unders.
3. NO MORE LONG REACHES. And distance is deceptive, you not only want to be able to reach something, but work easily at the distance as well.
Originally posted by JNXT 7707Â -Â August 16 2014Â :Â 5:37:39 PM
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Darn!! I REALLY Goofed!
Originally posted by walt - August 16 2014 : 7:49:10 PM
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LOL...Walt, these are lessons I learned for me, other methods work for other people. Biggest lesson I guess is that if it works for you, do it!
http://tycodepot.com/
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Posted - August 16 2014 : 10:41:31 PM
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4. use 2 or 3 pieces of playwood to make one giant 4X8 layout
5. make sure there is access holes or a way to split them to do repairs or move them 
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Posted - August 16 2014 : 11:34:23 PM
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| I'm kinda diggin' the way that curve is elevated. Pretty creative by my naïve mind. Then again, we live in a tiny house (had 4 kids in a room with a trundle and a bunk for a spell . . . good old days, Ha!).
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Posted - August 17 2014 : 12:26:36 AM
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LOL...Walt, these are lessons I learned for me, other methods work for other people. Biggest lesson I guess is that if it works for you, do it!
Originally posted by JNXT 7707Â -Â August 16 2014Â :Â 8:47:28 PM
[/quote]
I understand, Jerry & was just having some fun with the comment.. But I had actually drawn the plan for my layout in the year 1999... My plan broke all the rules on simplicity!! But I had to do it once I had room!
To my advantage on the crazy plans, I built using 2X4s to make it sturdy, (against some advice not to) I'm glad I did. I climb on it a lot. It easily holds all 140 pounds of me.
I built it tall enough for me to get under easily for wiring, etc. Thankfully I'm very healthy and I don't mind crawling or squatting under the table, as I'm very able to do.
I'm tall and have quite a long reach, I can easily reach the 4 foot middle and have a small step stool, but haven't used it yet.
In 1999, I knew the size which was actually planned 8X12 would be a little hard to work with. But with the large basement I added to the length. I thought about 8X24 but it was just too much... I'm very satisfied, and fortunate, to have the room and the trains , etc. that I have...
The last year + has offered me some really great times/things that I sooo appreciate....
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