I just got started in the hobby and right now I'm building a small (2x5) layout just to get some practice with design and construction. I like the idea of a small, easy-to-finish layout, but it's also clear that a larger one would provide more interest and realism in the long run. So while I work on this one, I'm thinking of what I'd like to build in the future.
I don't think I'll ever have the devotion, time or space for a full-fledged basement layout. I've been quite inspired by Iain Rice's idea of a number of modules connected by hidden staging tracks - this would also hide the fact that mainline runs, even on a huge model RR, are ridiculously short. I also like the idea of being able to build a bunch of different modules that represent very different parts of the same railroad so as to be able to model the sections that are most fun or scenic without having to restrict the entire layout to a very specific geographic location. For instance, I would like to have one module of a medium-sized urban scene with a passenger station, and another module going through mountain scenery, and maybe a third of an interchange with a logging line... all connected only by hidden (and removable) staging. Being able to finsh and detail a module at a time seems much more realistic and within my ability than embarking on a full-scale layout empire head-on; I would probably get bored before I finished it.
My question is, has anyone tried this? Iain Rice's idea was to have disconnected modules representing a single theme - such as a logging line - my take would be to have disconnected modules of quite different themes. It would be interesting to see what people have tried in this vein. BTW, I'm not really looking for NTrak-style modules that are intended to be connected directly, but rather a set of stand-alone, almost diorama-style modules that would be highly detailed and operational on their own.
Opinions welcome...
I don't think I'll ever have the devotion, time or space for a full-fledged basement layout. I've been quite inspired by Iain Rice's idea of a number of modules connected by hidden staging tracks - this would also hide the fact that mainline runs, even on a huge model RR, are ridiculously short. I also like the idea of being able to build a bunch of different modules that represent very different parts of the same railroad so as to be able to model the sections that are most fun or scenic without having to restrict the entire layout to a very specific geographic location. For instance, I would like to have one module of a medium-sized urban scene with a passenger station, and another module going through mountain scenery, and maybe a third of an interchange with a logging line... all connected only by hidden (and removable) staging. Being able to finsh and detail a module at a time seems much more realistic and within my ability than embarking on a full-scale layout empire head-on; I would probably get bored before I finished it.
My question is, has anyone tried this? Iain Rice's idea was to have disconnected modules representing a single theme - such as a logging line - my take would be to have disconnected modules of quite different themes. It would be interesting to see what people have tried in this vein. BTW, I'm not really looking for NTrak-style modules that are intended to be connected directly, but rather a set of stand-alone, almost diorama-style modules that would be highly detailed and operational on their own.
Opinions welcome...