Do you need to know the details or can a layout evolve successfully?

I confess to be an over-planner and a "change the plans as I go along" merchant.  As one thing changes (like the actual size of my shed once it had been lined) I get to change the plans.  Thus the plan is constantly evolving.

The Yarslow system is currently on v32.  Need I say more?

[user=2202]6243[/user] wrote:

[user=1512]Headmaster[/user] wrote:

Then, of course, my ideas of what i want change so radically that I pull it all up and start again - although hopefully just the once!!

Which is where things have moved on *so* much since iteration 00000001 of 9C, back in 1986. Nowadays, software makes changes a lot less emotionally painful and even keeps track of all the versions to allow us to combine station version F14 with loco shed version B11 and scenery Q37.

……..and so easy to share accurate plans and seek feedback and other points of view as well.

This was something I found when exploring a layout design for my grandson over in Perth. To have laid all the track in an impossible working configuration would have been a huge disappointment / waste of time for them. Avoided thanks to some very wise counsel from the experienced folks here. (thanks are worth repeating as young J really loves his layout now it's up and running).

This topic has come back to life with 2 new takes on a similar old problem.

I have become involved in conversations (via 3rd parties) with 2 guys who have plans to eclipse the Yarslow Model Railway with plans for massive layouts - I was asked to give my opinions given my meglomaniac leaning  :shock:.

I share the views given by all contributors to this thread - more ar less - sometimes you plan and sometimes you fly and sometimes you fly with a plan and sometimes you plan on the fly - BUT…………………….

…………… we are all, generally, experienced in layout building (some more than others perhaps) and have a bank of knowledge/mistakes/successes to call on when faced with an issue.  Or, we know that a quick post on here will bring some appropriate comment from a wise sage to guide us along.

The 2 guys I referred to above are both complete novices - not even returners.  One of them has no issues with trying to get others to do his modelling, offering payment in exchange for very specific requirements (W. S. Norris spring to mind?).

Its easy to opine that they are facing disaster but that's not easy to say.  I can only suggest that they try to get a small part of their proposed empire up and running first to test a few theories/skills/beliefs and then grow outwards.  Perhaps a section of layout that becomes incorporated into the greater scheme later on.

One guy is already laying miles of track around a loft, struggling with baseboards, gradients and curves whilst the other is worried that the weight of his baseboard will undermine the floor of his loft and bring the whole thing crashing through the ceiling.
What advice can one give these guys?  I don't feel that letting them fail is a valid option.

On the one hand Barry,  the 2 brothers who started "Miniature Wunderland"  in Hamburg had very little experience - certainly not in building large layouts - and look at them now…..   They did however, have a Bank Manager with vision and the willingness to stump up more than a month's salary as a loan.


I'd suggest your guys find a disused warehouse and, far more difficult,  a kindly Bank Manager and away they go….


More seriously, they really ought not to embark on anything too ambitious otherwise they're highly likely to find out what failure feels like.  You, perhaps more than most, will know what costs are associated with large layouts.  It can be very difficult to maintain both momentum and interest when, having spent funds and hours, all you can see is plywood, wires and shares in Peco or some other manufacturer.

I think the first thing is to ask 'why" they want a large layout.  That might make them think a little harder. Similarly, is their interest in the building or the operation ?

Large layouts bring plenty of pleasure but more than plenty of problems - electrical, cleaning, sheer cost and massive amounts of time.  Smaller layouts are more achievable for mortals and still give loads of pleasure.

Hi Barry,

Out of interest, what is their definition of massive? Several of my fellow modelers here in northern VA have basement empires of the order of 60 x 30 feet, 3-4 islands, and in some cases triple decked. Something we refer to as "Texas" layouts. Several things common to almost all of them are a large basement, deep pockets, plenty of willing friends, and a clear plan detailed to the last freight car. Last operating session I went to had radio DCC control, in addition to a hard wired telephone system to get hold of the dispatcher. Last I headed he wad installing a dedicated WiFi telephone system. There is a local club who occupy a disused train station. Some of the local modular groups are at least 60 x 60 feet. One home modeler in MD bought a large house and uses all the ground floor and a double garage. Again he has a group who assist in building and operating.


Nigel

Jealous Nigel - just jealous