Backwoods NE in Florida

Started by cuse, December 21, 2013, 08:35:32 AM

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cuse

OK...finally something worth sharing:

Here's the initial concept. There are two modules, so far - both 4' tall, 4' long, and 2' deep. I've put a lot of thought into how easily they can be joined, moved, wired, track access, lit, etc and I think this is a plan that will suit me. The backdrops don't extend all of the way down because I just used what I had on hand and figure that my intended scenery will extend up quite high for dramatic forested mountains. Also, at this point, I have no plans to build more until I (a) finish the scenery, etc and, (b) feel like it  ;D

They are so tall because I want to feature mountainous scenery and two separate lines, one of them being HOn3 and the lower, more complex one being my usual HOn30...mostly because I already have so much track & rolling stock. I plan to have a pretty simple track plan, especially on the upper level, just meandering along the mountainside and over bridges and through tunnels.

I'm a big fan of continuous running, so, at some point, I'll create a "hidden" loop behind the modules. That's the reason that I have the cabinets & modules so far from the back wall...there's room back there for a nice workbench, plenty of storage, and great access for hidden tracks, wiring access, etc. Someday, I'll decide whether I want to have a back-to-back configuration with turn modules at the ends or a "run around me" with a duck under from the outside and a large operating pit in the middle...no need to decide for now...It's time to start planning the modules - I've got some scenes I want to prioritize, so I'll need to start scribbling.


Mark Dalrymple

I'm interested to see where you go with this, Cuse.

Just keep reminding yourself to keep it simple.

Cheers, Mark.

ReadingBob

That looks like a nice start, John.  I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with.
Bob Butts
robertbutts1@att.net

There's a fine line between Hobby and Mental Illness.

cuse

time to wake this thing up (again)...

I'm going to knock out one more similar sized module this weekend and then really try to start turning it into a layout. Ultimately, the plan is to have it surround me, with the "front" part - facing the door and the remaining room, to be without a backdrop, so it can be viewed from inside and outside the "donut". The 4' high modules with the tall backdrops will feature tall mountainous scenery.

Dave Buchholz

How about posting more pics of the harbor area. (I'm always looking to steal ideas 🤔)
New home of the North Coast Railroad, along the shores of Lake Ontario

ACL1504

John,

Good to see things coming out of your head and onto the layout. If you could put as much effort in building as you do thinking about building you could be running trains now.  8)  ;D What's there is looking good.


Just saying.

Tom
"If we are to guard against ignorance and remain free, it is the responsibility of every American to be informed."
Thomas Jefferson

Tom Langford
telsr1@aol.com

Dave Buchholz

#981
That's so true of so many of us. The thought process limits use of the hands to get things done.
New home of the North Coast Railroad, along the shores of Lake Ontario

Rick

John, those are some very good looking modules.
Keep having fun with construction.

GPdemayo

Gregory P. DeMayo
General Construction Superintendent Emeritus
St. Louis & Denver Railroad
Longwood, FL

cuse

thanks for the interest and encouragement guys!  There's no harbor scene (yet - or track, or wiring, or scenery of any kind  ;D), but here's some of my previous layout...hope I can replicate the level of scenery or better this time.

Dave Buchholz

Thanks for responding with the water related pics.
New home of the North Coast Railroad, along the shores of Lake Ontario

Larry C

John you're off to a great start and really like your module concept.
Looking forward to your adventure since your previous layout looks
spectacular. Have fun and enjoy the process.
Owner & CEO of the
Pratt's Hollow Short Line RR

http://www.ussvigilant.blogspot.com

Rick

That's a fantastic looking layout.
Isn't that the Bar Mills Sn3 layout?

cuse

Quote from: Rick on February 07, 2025, 10:26:06 AMThat's a fantastic looking layout.
Isn't that the Bar Mills Sn3 layout?
Wow...I wish. I was fortunate to visit that "Wharf Street" layout a couple of times...probably while attending the old Craftsman Structure Shows or Expos...definitely one of my favorites, so Thanks!

I miss it, but I didn't build it to be moved, so...here I am  ;D...hence the reason I'm spending so much time making sure I build modules that make sense. Little things like "can I reach the wing nuts once the scenery is in place" and "will these fit around that corner if I do ever relocate again?" are weighing heavily. 

Truth be told, my local friends know I will start over at the drop of a hat. Seems like whenever I attend a NNGC, I come home with better ideas  ::)

Jerry

John I loved the old layout!  It was a work of art.  

Hoping you get the same results with the new one!!

Jerry
"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." A. Lincoln

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