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**UPDATE**
Well I got the layout back to my place today and what do you know, I can't get it to fit in my basement. Right now i'm still looking at some options but pretty much my problem is with the mountain part. The turn into my basement is pretty narrow and thats causing the problems is the height. The length and width isn't a problem because I was able to get a pool table down there with no problems. So i'm not sure where to go from here. My best bet would be to take out the mountain and try to keep as much as I can of it in tact I suppose. Or I can cut the 4x8 layout in half but then i'll have to put it back together again which could cause some structural issues.
Carefully cut the mountain off in such a way that you can reassemble it later. After you reassemble it, you can either temporarily stick it in place or permanently mount it with some joint compound or plaster, then cover it with ground foam or something to hide the seam.
After further review I'm thinking cutting both sections into a 4x4 section might be better. After looking it over some more I'm going to have to remove all of the mountain area's. Everything in red would have to be cut off the layout and removed before I would be able to get the sections into my basement. Cutting the 2 4x8 sections in to 4x4 would eliminate that, the only issue then would be reinforcing them which shouldn't be too bad since each 4x8 is framed. On the other hand when I cut the sections that's 1/8th out of the layout that I would loose so i'm not sure if that would effect the track lining up at all.
If I were you, I'd cut a slot into the seam (like a jigsaw puzzle) so that when you reassemble it, it will help you line up the tracks again.
The mountain on the left looks like it should go (if you derail in there, good luck getting your cars out!)
I'm going to cut the sections right down the middle. To compensate for the 1/8th i'm going to lose I'll staple a piece of cardboard in between the two 4x4 sections so the track will line up, then i'll just plaster over it when I get everything setup and hooked up. The tunnel on the left is hollow on the end so it wouldn't be too bad getting them out.
I was able to cut the two 4x8's in two and now have them in my basement. I have to join them back together into 2 4x8's and then join the two 4x8's to make the 8x12. I should have it setup by tonight then the fun part starts. Wiring!
I'm up and running with the exception of the balloon loop. I'm going to re-route it so the +/- don't becoming an issue and I don't have to worry about cutting power to parts of the track. Should save me headaches in the long run.
My next issue is the 8x12 layout is huge in my basement. Might be too big. I'm sort of thinking of slimming it down some. Still looking at some options though. I'll get pictures up tomorrow.
Well unfortunately due to space limitations I was forced to remove about 3ft of the layout. I put in red what was taken out.
My issue is not re-routing the track. I have a bunch of flex track that i'm not sure what to do with. I've never worked with it but its my understanding you can cut it to fit your needs? Assuming this is true what is the best way to go about this? Right now I have a few spots that would need to be cut. 2 on a curve so one part of the track is longer and would need to be trimmed down, and then a straight piece needed to be shorted. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
**UPDATE**
I decided that I had to leave the 3ft section in the layout. I couldn't get everything to fit right with it out so I put it back in and will just have to live with the lack of space.
I now have all my turnouts wired up to a switch board and have my reversing loop fully functional as well. On to the next step...
I have everything set and ready to go, its time for some landscaping, building, and roads. The attached pictures show the area I have to work with and i'm looking for some idea's.
Right now for the pavement that I have laid down I'm using old roofing shingles, I'm going to get rid of them and use foam possibly, after a quick search thats one material I came up with that seems to be popular to use. The buildings are just there for now, might keep them, might get rid of them.
My dad had a coal station setup at the first turnout in the 2nd picture but the building broke a while back but i'm planning on putting another one there. I'd like to put a factory of some sorts at the end of the track at the 2nd picture and use one of the turn outs as a loading dock.
Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
Here's my town area so far. I've been working on it for a few days now, i'm pretty happy with it so far. Comments welcome.
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