Sounds grand doesn't it, but we could if a few of us wanted make it happen !

 

Over in the Box-file project thread members have been asking why we don't join them up ( it was always a plan of mine, a bit like this one ) with the box-files being a smaller project than the modules, then on another thread ( Switching layouts ) lots of discussions about different types of switching track plans have also be discussed, so the main factor in all of these  threads without anybody knowing is the forum doing something together, so here goes !

 

How about a YMR layout ?

 

We would need  a track plan ( discussed on here ) that could then be designed on Templot and printed out with sections sent to those that wanted to participate, meaning that the boards and tracks would fit. The scale and type of track etc all needing to be agreed by those that fancy a longer term forum project, this could then be something that the whole forum helps with, some building track others buildings, trees etc etc,.

 

We have enough members that want to do something different on here and as the show proved, we all enjoyed doing something with a common cause, ie the good and future of the forum, depending on the size of the layout some sections could be worked on by members living close, other sections might be built by one person with help from others, this then means that it will be something that ALL members can help with if they so want without stopping work on their own layouts or projects, so what do you all think ?

Sounds like a winner to me Alan. Would you envisage the completed layout being stored somewhere?

Les.

Yep, sounds a great idea.

 Individual sections could be exhibited on their own, either as a diorama or working layout with the addition of fiddle yards ( a boxfile at each end!).

And, they can be joined as planned to create a larger layout.  

Brilliant!

A sort of "continuous run" module set-up.

Sounds good but I think it would have to be modules and not box-files !!  Those around in the early module discussions may remember I advocated a "fixed size" module for easy world-wide shipping…………………….:roll::roll:

Maybe Marty could give us some pointers regarding shipping costs.  I didn't think they were too bad.

It's a good idea Alan and something I'd certainly be interested in. :thumbs

Works for me too Alan.Working in OO scale would give my failing eyesight a much needed break!:roll:

Cheers,John.B.:thumbs

Perhaps build it as linked scenes rather than truly modular. An individual scene, be it a level crossing or Kings Cross could be built on its own. to any size - possibly as part of a home layout and/or with its own fiddle yard, continuous run, whatever by an individual or a group.

These individual scenes could then be linked by black boxes, like the modules, to produce a larger exhibition layout. Using individual scenes, like the modules, would avoid problems with the scenic transition from board to board.

[user=339]Ian Morton[/user] wrote:

Perhaps build it as linked scenes rather than truly modular. An individual scene, be it a level crossing or Kings Cross could be built on its own. to any size - possibly as part of a home layout and/or with its own fiddle yard, continuous run, whatever by an individual or a group.

These individual scenes could then be linked by black boxes, like the modules, to produce a larger exhibition layout. Using individual scenes, like the modules, would avoid problems with the scenic transition from board to board.

Who did you have in mind for Kings Cross Ian………….:shock::shock::shock::shock:

[user=6]Petermac[/user] wrote:

Who did you have in mind for Kings Cross Ian………….:shock::shock::shock::shock:

It would need to be someone who had a lot of screws :mrgreen:

The idea was for a layout, not a set of modules, we as a forum have already done that, this project needs a lot of discussing but it really could be something special, it wouldn't have a time scale, so anybody could dip in and out as they feel fit and have some spare time, we could use some of the monthly projects to help ?

What we really need is around 5/6 to be involved and start to plan, the layout could be Kings Cross ! or it could be a little smaller, that's all to be decided, the first thing is shall we as a on-line club try something like this ?

Fair enough. I was thinking of sort of 'super modules' - imagine three or four 'super modules' of stations, others of viaducts, countryside, industrial areas and so on - each large enough to be a worthwhile layout on their own, linked together to suit which 'super modules' are available and the space offered for a given show. Probably a bit too ambitious - even for us!

[user=339]Ian Morton[/user] wrote:

Fair enough. I was thinking of sort of 'super modules' - imagine three or four 'super modules' of stations, others of viaducts, countryside, industrial areas and so on - each large enough to be a worthwhile layout on their own, linked together to suit which 'super modules' are available and the space offered for a given show. Probably a bit too ambitious - even for us!

hmm

Like the sound of that, again if the track plans could all be designed then it wouldn't be a problem if they needed joining

I have always fancied building something with a longer time scale and with a real purpose, a project like this could be
a large but stunning thing to be involved in.

I know that this is huge but with a bit of planning it could happen !

I used the word module more to suggest a modular layout rather than the modules we've already done Alan.  Maybe a "sectional layout" better describes your proposal.

I like the idea. :thumbs

I do think that perhaps each "section" would need to hold sufficient interest to be a "stand alone" at home - with fiddle yards to represent the "rest of the network".  With the modules, other than practice the various modelling skills, as railways, they seem to lack an element of "useability" :shock::shock::shock:  I doubt there would be much uptake if we repeated that but as a part of a "proper" layout rather than just a collection of "scenes".  How big would a "section" need to be to enable one to "test" trains when it wasn't attached to the rest of the sections ?

On edit: Sorry, I see Mr Morton was one jump ahead of me……………………..:oops::oops::oops::cheers

OK then, I'm with you on this and see it thus:-

A "sectional layout" built by YMR members to an agreed plan, but with a reasonably generous time scale.
Each member will agree to build part of the layout to plan, so that it will eventually come together as a whole and be able to run as if it was built by a single person / group.
Members could build their own section, or join together with others locally to build a joint effort and could make 1, 2 or more sections as desired.

Maybe OO gauge code 100 in sections 2ft x 4ft (metric equivalent) and with the design so drawn that a section (or 2 at most) would make a stand alone "mini-layout" that (with a small fiddle yard attached) could be exhibited in it's own right.

We'd need to agree on a few things (such as DCC or DC, standard board construction, method of joining etc.) but it's a possibility. 

Quickly from me…

Great idea. It should work very well with a local crew or with those of us mad enough to say "at whatever cost I'm being part of this."

Shippng costs are not cheap… I'm still waiting for both DHL and Excessbaggage to get quotes back to me to pick up the module from Cornwall and return it to Australia and will let you know what the damage is in due course.

The Road case for the module cost me about 170 pounds, excess baggage to the UK with Qantas another 80 pounds.

250 pounds so far and that is without getting it home again.

Maybe the Road Case was a bit of over engineering but the module did arrive in Cornwall in exactly, and I mean exactly, the same condition as it left Perth, Western Australia.

Will I take part… probably not with a European layout in the near future. My home layout is going to take priority for a couple of years until it gets to a more respectable standard.

However the beauty of a sectional layout is that over the years the plan can grow and anyone can join in as they get the itch.

Thanks for that Marty. :thumbs

The cost of the one-way journey doesn't seem too bad to me.  The flight case is brilliant and will last for years so that's "capital expenditure".  Regarding the excess baggage charge, £80 from the other side of the world is, frankly, peanuts !!  As you probably discovered when you were in UK, you'd pay that to get from Cornwall to Birmingham - and what's more, you wouldn't be so neatly packaged !!!

I know Greenhills still has to get back but it is a long way !!!

[user=19]Marty[/user] wrote:

Quickly from me…


However the beauty of a sectional layout is that over the years the plan can grow and anyone can join in as they get the itch.

:cheers:cheers

Given fairly simple standards for the connections - something Fremo like - it should be possible to connect up very different super modules/layouts.

For example: Track height 40" above floor. Code 100. 16.5mm gauge. Boards connected to black boxes by M8 bolts.

Single track - bolt hole 2" under track centre line and then further holes every 6" to the baseboard edges

Multiple track - bolt hole 2" under track centre of track nearest the front (viewing) side and the further holes every 6" to the baseboard edges. Tracks at 4" centres.

So with a bit of tweaking of layouts you could send something like this to an exhibition (yes, I know they are different scales and that Gordon can't get Eastwood out of the loft):

That's the sort of thing I was thinking Ian :thumbs

It would be a great idea although someone would have to come up with the track plan then those interested could "take on" sections of their choice.  If we had a fixed size for each "section", participants could do 1, 2 or more "sections".

Any "gathering" could be "finished" sections, "work in progress" sections and all stages in between.

Maybe, if we had absolutely standard "end plates" (2 for each section, a "left" and a "right"), someone could make them and each person could buy however many they need so that everything would fit together perfectly on site.

Go for it Alan. :cheers

I was thinking that ONLY the points where layouts/modules/sections link to the black boxes would need to be standardised - and then fairly loosely.

This sketch shows the sort of thing I mean - the bolt holes and track centres in relation to them are standardised. The boards can be any width with the tracks at any distance from the front.


Obviously a bit of forethought would be needed when arranging which modules to use - whilst you could connect a single track branch terminus to a length of four-track main line only the front track would be a through track between the two units.

The only time that length would be a concern would be if you were trying to make up a circuit and the varying widths in front of the front track would just mean a jagged footprint - some would be further back from the crowd than others.

You are all starting to see my vision, but I must admit that my first thought was more of a new layout/track-plan.

But iif we designed the joiners first, say a twin track, and these where built, like you say with those all that you have to do is locate those on your layout or new layout, and away you go.

Simples :roll: