New kids fold up murphy bed type layout.

[sirenwerks]

I remember a neat layout for chitlins in MR a long time ago, where the landscape was simply layered ply cut like a terrain map.  Trees and buildings could just lift off, if made sturdily (or be throw-aways made with easily replaceable materials, like paper 'doll' buildings, tree mock-ups, etc.)

[Specter3]

Got the unit built up and primed. Found out we don't have any of her custom wall paint left. Mounted it with the idea that it will slowly get destroyed being moved around in my work shed versus the pain of painting it in place.



Here it is up with the custom artwork that was done by our friend to match the comforter. The art comes down and the protruding screw is the handle to initially get it out of the frame. It sits on the sliding case from the wall. Cables would be in the way and folding legs were more complex than I wanted to get into.



NOw for a final unitrack plan. Surface is 45 x 37 and there is a lip all the way around so track almost to the edge is not an issue.

[Specter3]

After a local train show Belle is really wanting to get her layout up and running so we are starting to experiment with track design. I have the foam cut to size for the platform. Great thing about unitrack is that you can do it in 1:1!





All turnouts will be powered. I have to drop some more power feeds for the outer line. I am wondering about putting feeds on the run around as it will negate its ability to cut off power if she gets a second engine.

[kelticsylk]

This is a great idea.

Of all my grandchildren, the grandaughter seems the most serious about the trains. I have a grandson whose a rabid railfan, but the grandaughter seems to see them as more than just toys. She tells the others that she is the only "qualified" to run them.

Now if we could just convince her parents that she needs a layout.

[Specter3]

Finalized the track plan and just finished wiring the feeders. Had to hack a piece to get the configuration I wanted but it seems to run fine. I have isolated the inner track from the outer loop for two loco running at some point. Configuration should provide some interest both scenically and with some switching.

[Specter3]

Secured the track with good ole PL200 and what do ya know? It stays put when you fold it up!

[Specter3]

Today we took the buildings we had and laid out the general layout and looked at what other structures we needed. She has a birthday coming up and asked for some more buildings so I figured we better lay it out and see what she needs. The largest industry will be scratch built plastic pellet operation on the left side. The far right will be a tank car transload to tank truck stand. Down at the bottom will be a generic boxcar loader scratch built using modular walls.

[Specter3]

PVC pipe being used here for a plastic pellet business on my daughters layout.



Acts as a sort of viewblock as well.

[Specter3]

Got some stand in pieces to see how it will look.



Modular walls not exactly correct for the angular building but I know now it will work and what to get.

[wm3798]

Wondering if you shouldn't have made the box deeper so you could just affix the buildings and scenery and fold them up with the platform...

[Specter3]

There was an aesthetic limit imposed by the wife.

[mcjaco]

^ Wives.  They always get in the way.   

[wm3798]

In that case, get the biggest, ugliest cabinet you can find to store the trains and buildings, and put it on her side of the bed.

Problem solved!
Lee

[Specter3]

Ground gets some color.

[Specter3]

Roads and some gravel drives.