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After a lot of thinking about the best way to impmenet a layout that would be easy to store, maybe ander a bed, I arrive to the conclusion that the best option was a foldable one (once you fold it, not only it saves space, but also remains protected).
My firts idea was a "book" like fold, in the midle, but doing that, the center of the layout would have to be as simple as posible, to allow it to be folded, so I got the idea of a 3 parts layour, one of 3" x 4" in the middle and two of 3" x 2" (one on each side, so that those two would fold over the biggest one. Doing that I keep the center section for stations, deposts and a 8 figure with a pass-over, and the side sections only for the main curves and scenary.
Here is the layout plan:
I plan this for an N scale layout, I would apreciate any comments!
Hi, Sea Lion. You might want to use PhotoBucket for your images since ImageShack is full of popup ads and really irritating to use.
There's no reason that the foldable layout won't work in theory but it doesn't do so well in real life. The first issue is any scenery above track level. If you fold the layout over, you'll crush anything in the way. The second problem is track. You must first fnd a way to provide electical power to the tracks on the foldable sections that can withstand the folding. Even if you have no scenery, the tracks from the two folding sections will rest on the tracks on the fixed section and damage to the tracks over the long term is inevitable.
What are the actual dimensions of the layout? It looks like you're attempting to build too large a layout for the space you have available. If you want to store a layout under a bed, a smaller layout on casters makes a lot more sense since you don't have to worry about electrical and mechanical problems and you can have some real scenery.
Yeah, maybe you are right about too many complications... I can make it smaller and save a LOT of problems.
About the folding, the idea is to put the hinges over wood risers, in that way, when closing, the two lateral parts will end sepated by a distances that is twice the height of the risers. I found that solution in a book. So, the layout, when folded, is not like one panel over the other, but like a "box", so you can even put small buldings insided, provided there is nothing on the other side that will crush it when closing.
John Armstrong came up with an N-scale alyout that folded up like a bed to the wall and worked pretty well. In addition to what Jim said, the track plan you have in the fold-up has to have some monster steep grades that will complicate the process even more--even if the engines can pull something up them.
I would think in terms of a one-level flat layout.
I could be done, although it would certainly limit your choices about things like mountains. You can use N-trak standards for joining the track and electrical connections together after they fold open. For some of the scenery, such as the buildings, you can put them in place after the layout is open - that will limit damages. Each end could be mountains which fold into the middle, providing the middle section does not have any tall structures.
If you are worried about protecting the layout against dust and debris, a very thin piece of plastic (sold for painting drop-cloths) can be draped over even the most delicate scenery. That would be much better than trying to fold the layout into a box. Of course if your object of protection is a dreaded cat, then I suggest you quietly eliminate the cat!
If your cramped for sppace Isaak's bookshelf layout: http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11688
is way better route to go. I had something like that when I was a kid. works great, just need lot more elmers glue thoe Under the bed thing will get old fast! BTW> MRR had a layout plan some time ago like isaaks but it was in a head board of a bead! the layout came down over the bed! that was cool. not sure what issue but it was around the 90's i believe!
Under the bed thing will get old fast! BTW> MRR had a layout plan some time ago like isaaks but it was in a head board of a bead! the layout came down over the bed! that was cool. not sure what issue but it was around the 90's i believe!