The best I have seen for the newbie layout designer

rsn48 Dec 7, 2005

  1. rsn48

    rsn48 TrainBoard Member

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    Well, for the long time folks a hearty hello; I'm brushing off the dust after a long hiatus off the board. Its been about half a year in my disappearance; I needed to blow some steam and clean out the cob webs; I'm back now. And to the newbies here, a long over due welcome from a "missing moderator."

    In my absence, really more from the hobby than here, I missed the new Woodland Scenics layout module system they have developed; I'll post a link to it at the bottom. This new tool from Woodland Scenic I think is one of the most positive developments in the hobby. Lets face it, layout planning ain't always easy; intimidation and frustration, great hopes and dashed dreams are all part of the process for most of us.

    Woodland Scenics has developed their modular system that can be bought a module at a time and worked into most rooms that people have. I just played with their "limited" planning tool and I had a lot of fun. Woodland Scenics, you need more pieces to use in your room, and some shorter joiner pieces would be good.

    I think this new product with foam modules sitting on wooden benchwork which they sell at very reasonable prices, strikes me as an incredible tool whose time has come.

    If you are newer to the hobby and you are feeling reluctant to make the big jump into something beyound a 4 by 8 layout, this is for you. There is no reason these modules can't be the beginning for another John Allen genius to take a hold in our precious hobby.

    Please check out this link (I hope it works), I don't think you'll regret going the module route if you find it appealing.

    http://www.woodlandscenics.com/nnb/MUR/MUR.html

    And oh yes,
    Merry Christmas all!
     
  2. MasonJar

    MasonJar TrainBoard Member

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    Rick,

    Nice to see you back...!

    I have looked at these, and for the (somewhat expensive) price, I tend to waver back and forth.

    On the one hand, they seem quite quite expensive for what you get, and by the time you add on the cost of the stand(s), you are looking at a relatively high cost. Building standard 2x4 modules from 3/4" ply, with a 2" styrofoam top deck is much less expensive.

    On the other hand, they are pretty much ready to go. Plus you get (if I recall correctly) all the scenicking materials included, which is not insignificant. For someone who does not have access to a workshop type area for traditional benchwork (even modular) this can be a real bonus.

    Your point about other shapes being needed is good, like a 18x18 square, other smaller footprint corners, and a variety of angles would be good.

    All-in-all though, a decent product. I wonder how they are selling?

    Andrew
     
  3. traingeekboy

    traingeekboy TrainBoard Member

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    Welcome back RSN.

    For the newbie or the pro these are nice kits. I have been looking at them since they came out. But if money is an issue, nothing beats a doorpanel. You can find door panels by just cruising alleys in cities, there is no need to waste money buying a new one. Or as others have suggested, see of you can get a discounted one that is damaged at a supply store.
     
  4. rsn48

    rsn48 TrainBoard Member

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    Pricing might be an issue, to be frank I haven't really looked at the cost of them. I think I saw something like $29 for the benchwork for one. This is higher than doing it yourself, but for the newbie, everything is pre-cut and ready to go; no brains, experience or otherwise is needed.

    I used to go on about how domino theory would be good for the newbie as some one has done the critical planning, the newbie just mixes and matches. I think it would be great if some one created "standardized" track plans for these modules so that newbie not only gets his benchwork and foam thought out for him, but a track plan as well.

    How are they selling? From the dealer I purchase most of my stuff from, not well but I think these products are in for the long haul. For guys that have been in the hobby for a long time, it all looks pretty elementary; but remember the intimidation you probably felt at first as a "hobby virgin."

    The reason I have added this thread here is that we might get a couple of new members - and new to the hobby - who will see this after Christmas and feel more confident to go with the modulars, rather than the 4 by 8 plans which can be some what limiting.
     
  5. Powersteamguy1790

    Powersteamguy1790 Permanently dispatched

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    These WS modular products aren't selling well in any of the shops I visit in South Florida.

    Most folks like to build their own benchwork, which includes newbies.


    The trackplan is the area where the "newbie" needs help in developing and planning.

    Stay cool and run steam..... [​IMG] :cool: :cool:
     
  6. Espeeman

    Espeeman TrainBoard Member

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    rsn48,
    'bout time you came back! :D Really good to see you around here again!
     
  7. Fotheringill

    Fotheringill TrainBoard Member

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    Geez, Bob-

    I needed help with everything, and still do.
     
  8. Powersteamguy1790

    Powersteamguy1790 Permanently dispatched

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    Mark:

    Give yourself some credit.. Your layout looks fantastic.

    You're well beyond the "newbie" stage with all your "lessons learned".

    Stay cool and run steam.... [​IMG] :cool: :cool:
     
  9. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    [​IMG] Not from what I have seen. You picked up everything swiftly, and with ease.

    :D

    Boxcab E50
     
  10. disisme

    disisme TrainBoard Supporter

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    pity those web pages dont work (the 'print' buttons, anyway).

    Welcome back rsn...long time no see buddy. I'm building a lyout right now with your favorite feature...a nolix... but mine has a twist (a switchback).
     
  11. rsn48

    rsn48 TrainBoard Member

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    Well, I'll show great restraint and not talk about nolix's for a while. Did I mention that nolix's are particularly great in N scale with the reduced radius's we can use, I'll...... oh yeah, I said I wouldn't talk about it.

    Thanks for the welcome back, nice to have a warm greeting.

    I hadn't thought of a nolix with a switch back.
     
  12. BALOU LINE

    BALOU LINE TrainBoard Member

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    I think the greatest atvantage of the mod-u-rail system is it can start small and be easily exspanded later. I've always been a proponent of the modular/domino concept for that reason. Best of all it still gives the builder complete control of their own track plan unlike other beginer packages. It would be interesting to see how cost compares to other prefab systems.
    If the stands were taller I'd concider using the corner units with my 18" wide hollow core doors. They are basically what I envision building myself.
     
  13. mtaylor

    mtaylor Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I am seriously thinking about going this route for the Canton Division. The biggest issue I have with this is the stand height, for me it is too short. With that being said, the stands look pretty basic and I think even I could build stands for these modules.

    The big advantage I see for myself is that the modules are pretty much turn key and include many scenery items. Considering the fact that I was planning on using mainly Woodland Scenics products for the layout anyways.....this just seems to make sense. Again, the biggest gripe I have is the fact that I want my layout height to be 48" This will allow the option of addind a lower level at a later time. 35.5" does not allow any vertical options.

    The biggest fear I have is ending up with warped benchwork. But then again, the floor in my cave is not even close to even to begin with....so I will end up jerry rigging as I go anyways.

    Does anyone have any suggestions on building benchwork for these modules?
     

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