Ch..Ch..Ch..Changes... Yet again

So once again, I've changed my plan of attack. That said, I can for sure say this is the last time, because there is actual progress. No camera right now, so I can't post pics, but hopefully soon.

It all began on the Japan Modeling forum. Ulrich Abramowski started a small desktop loop layout based on the work of a Japanese modeler. The layout was composed of a series of micro modules built from plywood. As I watched Ulrich's progress, and visited the site of his inspiration, I decided that this was the way to go. As I currently had a loop of 145mm radius track, this seemed the best to base my dimensions around. I also designed a straight module at 260mm long. This was based on a 200mm piece of flex, a 60mm split in half to give a connection, and 15mm at each end for a 30mm connecting piece. I was just going to butt the ends together, but early experiments showed that the intermediate joiner piece was the way to go.

Next step was to figure out benchwork. I was going to use plywood, but decided after some thought to try an experiment in foamcore. A bit of research on the net showed that it would work reasonably well for the smaller modules I was planning, so I decided to give it a go. More details once I get pictures.

In the meantime, I'll post a quick trackplan showing the completed modules and the planned scenery for each. The one with the track off the edge is to meet with a planned station module.

Curse You Mike Danneman!

Unbidden yesterday, I was thinking about the possibilities for a North American themed layout as a "what if I wasn't doing Shintahara" post. That said, it got me thinking about the NA prototypes available, and with F7's, E8's, passenger coaches and RDC's, I thought "Alaska Railroad". Innocent enough... then track plan ideas started rolling through my head, not so innocent. Let it be known that I love designing track plans. Apparently even moreso than building them. The plans I've designed over the years would fill a storage locker I'm sure...

I remembered Mike Danneman's small 5'X9' N Scale Rio Grande layout from MR and Model Railroad Planning. After finding an image of an expanded version on Google Books, I set about to adapting it to T Gauge. I drew it manually first, and then loaded up Anyrail. Below is the result.


The layout is designed as two 18" X 30" sections that mate to form the full layout. Now I'm looking at it going "Hmmmmm" and just like that my shelf module plans go into doubt.

This is what happens when I have too much time. I still want to model the Shintahara line as I've planned, but what if Baiji became a station on a 48X30 inch layout with a branch off the edge. I've already adapted it with the branch line off to the right from the short siding. Possibly the long stretch along the back could be hidden behind a backdrop and used as a storage yard. Even if I don't build this layout, I put it out there for others to mull over. Mr. Danneman's small plan has alot of potential, even though now he's moved onto bigger and better things.

Enjoy