Outline?

[JazzDad]

Did you use an outline when you built your layout? You know;
1. Build workbench
a. lay track
2. Etcera.

I seem to piddle with this, then do a little of that, then something else. In my mind, someday, it will all come together. But will it?

 

[santafewillie]

No outline here. I made a rough sketch of the benchwork without measurements, and I knew what I was hoping to achieve. From there I "winged it". Built some benchwork, laid track/wiring to get trains running and moved on to the next portion and repeated. Since I was still working at the time when I started, it took almost five years to complete a two level layout with over 1300' of track. I am now going back with the scenery. My only real planning was to make and use some stiff paper templates for the 30" and 32" radius curves. I still have some undeveloped areas which have switches to nowhere installed for future industries. As if 70+ industries so far isn't enough. Did I mention that I like switching?

 

[dave1905]

Actually I have used several, but I find writing down a "task list" helps me keep on track. Otherwise I get distracted and get 100 projects going at once. Plus it helps to make sure I get sequential things in the proper order. In a couple cases I have had to get something done for a an operating weekend, I have found that a list helped make sure I got everything done and was ready to go.

I also like checklists to prepare for an op session to make sure I don't forget anything (shoulda bought sodas, rats) and to go over my pre session orientation. I find that having a set list actually shortens the talk, less chance to get off track.

 

[tootnkumin]

Actually I have used several, but I find writing down a "task list" helps me keep on track. Otherwise I get distracted and get 100 projects going at once. Plus it helps to make sure I get sequential things in the proper order. In a couple cases I have had to get something done for a an operating weekend, I have found that a list helped make sure I got everything done and was ready to go.

I also like checklists to prepare for an op session to make sure I don't forget anything (shoulda bought sodas, rats) and to go over my pre session orientation. I find that having a set list actually shortens the talk, less chance to get off track.

Domestic rats are OK, just don't go for the imported bats.

 

[Patrick]

I face your dilemma, JazzDad. I had a plan years ago and built my bench work accordingly and 8 months later tore it down to move. Since I built "tables" I reused them in a slightly different configuration and took a while even then to figure out what I want (I'm still not sure). At least I can run trains at this time while I piddle trying to figure out what I'm going to do where. I mean I had a huge rise in it and tore it out even before I had everything complete. I have an idea of what going to happen, but will probably change my mind a least a dozen times before I place anything.

 

[Iron Horseman]

Did you use an outline when you built your layout?

No plan or list. It seems too obvious to me the bench work has to be built before one can place the scenic park benches in the town square.

 

[kjd]

I didn't follow a plan, I actually laid some track before I built benchwork. As a result I have a awkward junction with several switches propped up on blocks of various things on a corner of my workbench. It works pretty well, I don't have any unrailment issues and was considering adding a crossover to it to make it work a little more efficiently. Other parts of my layout are Free-mo modules. They have become more permanent than they should be since the biggest motivator/promoter of Free-mo in our area has dropped out of model railroading, they haven't been out since the National Show in 2015. I think I could use the space I have much more efficiently if I started over with something planned to fit the space. As it is, it just sort of happened.

I had a zoom meeting for work yesterday and set up the computer in front of one of the modules. Not surprisingly, a train happened to go by behind me during the meeting.

 

[trailrider]

A lot of my current layout utilized sections of the layout from my previous house. I had a general idea of what I wanted to do, and just went ahead and "winged it".

 

[flyboy2610]

A lot of my current layout utilized sections of the layout from my previous house. I had a general idea of what I wanted to do, and just went ahead and "winged it".

This is basically how George Sellios built the Franklin & South Manchester. He said he usually doesn't draw a plan, maybe a rough sketch sometimes. Otherwise he just does it!

 

[CGW121]

No outline or anything like that. Wife told me one day that I should build some trains in the basement for the kids to play with. She wanted me to build a gscale railroad in the yars but I hate gardening so I just stayed with HO.

 

[Alcomotive]

I just drew a concept plan for my temporary layout. I know I will make plenty of changes and what not but having just a concept plan or development plan just helps. I like to have a preliminary vision then just run with it while making changes and improvements.

 

[malletman]

No outline either. I work, on what I am in the mood to do or having money/material on hand. I have a plan in mind and a vision of what I wish to achieve, as do we all most likely. In past HO railways that were more for "operation", I would develope a back story as to why the railroad exhisted and what its purpose was. These days, my patience is gone and I just like to watch a train go around and relax with drink in hand. Mike the Aspie