The MAT has been on the go for 4 years now. Originally I used the experience from previous layouts to dvelop the current MAT plan. It has been a lot of fun building and operating this layout but it is really interesting what you learn.
I never thought I would ever believe this would ever happen but I am thinking of rebuilding the whole layout.
WHY??
(1) I found that I do not like a two level layout. The lower level is too low and the upper level is too high for enjoyable operation.
(2) Under track work is far too awkward and I have spent many frustrating hours crawling on my knees to wire the lower level and head banging and scenery destruction trying to wire the upper level.
(3) Mobility, this layout as it is today can not be moved. For the next few years, that is OK but at some time we will be moving to a smaller 2 bedroom bungalow. Basement areas are about what we have now so space isn't an issue.
(4) Long tunnels and helixes don't provide the enjoyment I thought they would. If anything happens such as derailing then it is sure to happen in a long tunnel. This means haveing to get under the layout again to fix problems. I did make sure of smooth track laying in these tunnels so problems aren't caused by the track, rather it is the result of cars being pulled off the 15 inch radius curve. This appears to be a car weight problem and I am dealing with that but don't want cars to be too heavy either.
So with all that said, I am working on a plan that will have mobility in mind. I want the various sections to be bolted together and will cut the track where necessary so no section will be larger than 4ft. by 7ft. This size is maximum I can bring up the stairs from the basement.
The layout will be single level and will be about 55inches up from floor level so there will be easy access for below track work.
Minimum track curves will be 20 inch radius. Trains look much better on this curve .
There will be a few short tunnels and bridges but mostly the track and therfore trains, will be visible.
I will be able to use all my structures and trees in the new layout .
The purpose of the layout will remain the same and will be an end to end layout with futher expansion depending on the space available in whatever new home we move to.
I will post the proposed layout plan when it has been completed.
This is a huge step to take so wonder if any of you have come to this point in you model railroad lives.
I never thought I would ever believe this would ever happen but I am thinking of rebuilding the whole layout.
WHY??
(1) I found that I do not like a two level layout. The lower level is too low and the upper level is too high for enjoyable operation.
(2) Under track work is far too awkward and I have spent many frustrating hours crawling on my knees to wire the lower level and head banging and scenery destruction trying to wire the upper level.
(3) Mobility, this layout as it is today can not be moved. For the next few years, that is OK but at some time we will be moving to a smaller 2 bedroom bungalow. Basement areas are about what we have now so space isn't an issue.
(4) Long tunnels and helixes don't provide the enjoyment I thought they would. If anything happens such as derailing then it is sure to happen in a long tunnel. This means haveing to get under the layout again to fix problems. I did make sure of smooth track laying in these tunnels so problems aren't caused by the track, rather it is the result of cars being pulled off the 15 inch radius curve. This appears to be a car weight problem and I am dealing with that but don't want cars to be too heavy either.
So with all that said, I am working on a plan that will have mobility in mind. I want the various sections to be bolted together and will cut the track where necessary so no section will be larger than 4ft. by 7ft. This size is maximum I can bring up the stairs from the basement.
The layout will be single level and will be about 55inches up from floor level so there will be easy access for below track work.
Minimum track curves will be 20 inch radius. Trains look much better on this curve .
There will be a few short tunnels and bridges but mostly the track and therfore trains, will be visible.
I will be able to use all my structures and trees in the new layout .
The purpose of the layout will remain the same and will be an end to end layout with futher expansion depending on the space available in whatever new home we move to.
I will post the proposed layout plan when it has been completed.
This is a huge step to take so wonder if any of you have come to this point in you model railroad lives.
