Room Preparation 2

Constructing the one interior wall separating the utility room (Zone 1) from the remainder of the railroad room was completed quickly. An 8' stud wall was constructed and 4 sheets of drywall were installed and taped, joint compound applied and sanded. Two coats of paint was applied.

The Dispatcher's desk and book cabinet installed on the layout side. The open space on the left of the Dispatcher's desk will be the helix location.

The workbench and the supply shelves are located on the other side. A microwave will be located on a shelf over the left side of the laundry set tub. The dehumidifier will be relocated below and to the right of the workbench.  

About half of the foundation about the sill has been insulated with 1/2 inch styrofoam and R19 fiberglass insulation.

I constructed a tool caddy to hold all the construction tools and nuts, bolts, screws, etc.,  necessary for room preparation. It includes a fan for ventilation and cooling.

Under the stairs is an open space that will contain the heavy tools and supply storage. Right now its a junk storage location.

Layout Design Process 4 - Railroad Modeling

So you want to build a layout. The piece of paper is blank and where do you go from here? What do you want to build? Layout design is the process that creates the product which we call a model railroad. It is a logical and thoughtful route to get you from paper to operation.

The Railroad Modeling Phase

The Layout Design Special Interest Group (LDSIG) advanced the layout design process can be broken down into three primary functional areas:

• Concept. Concept identifies the: Who,  What,  Where, When and Why aspects of the layout development process. It is broken down into two main element: 1) your prototype railroad interests that you wish to model and 2) your specific modeling interests. At the end of the concept phase you should have a 5 second ‘overview' of your layout and a larger ' theme ‘ document to refer to in the track planning process.

• Structure. Structure identifies the parameters within which the layout must be designed. It is broken down into two main elements: 3) layout planning to build the railroad, and 4) resources available . At the ed of the structure phase you should have identified the scale and size of your layout and a series of 'given and druthers' you wish to achieve in the track planning process. 

• Layout Details. Layout details identifies the specifics xxx. It is broken down into two main elements: 5) track planning and 6) construction.

Utilizing the  LDSIG discussions in their Layout Design News (LDN), and the various track planning and design books I had purchased over the years I created a format for capturing my particular 'Givens and Druthers'.  I have published a flow chart of that process in the Layout Design Reference Pages section.

Utilizing that flow chart, I began to research prototype railroading and identified specific items of interest in each of the functional areas identified in the process chart.

My research encompassed a multitude of sources:

• Model Railroad magazines to include:  Model Railroader, Railroad Model Craftsman, Mainline Modeler, Prototype Modeler, et al.
• Multiple books on prototype modeling. 
• Railroad Historical Society web sites and publications to include: The Great Northern Railroad HS, The Northern Pacific Railway HS, the Milwaukee Railroad HS, the Union Pacific Railroad HS, et al.
• Layout design blogs such as  Lance Mindheim's  Model Railroad Design blog  and the LDSIG's  Layout Design Primer. Both web sites offer a wealth of information on layout design and track planning.

The next blog will discuss Dave Clemens' problem solving process of defining and redefining the objective at hand, in this case moving from a broad idea to fine tuning the process (in this case layout design) to those final elements that can be reasonably represented on the layout.

Room Preparation 1

After deconstruction was complete the basement was surveyed to determine what needed to be done before the railroad was installed.

I needed to construct one interior wall separating the utility room (Zone 1) from the remainder of the railroad room. The Dispatcher's Desk would located on one side and the Workbench and supply shelves located on the other side.

The foundation about the sill needs to be insulated with 1/2 inch styrofoam and R19 fiberglass insulation.

One crack needs to be repaired in the south foundation wall.

All concrete foundation walls need to be painted with waterproofing paint. 

The basement was initially lit with 4 ceramic sockets each with a 100w incandescent light bulb. Those 4 bare bulbs are to be replaced by 8 Can lights with LED lamps for general illumination (4 switched circuits).

The ceiling needs to be drywalled to reduce dust infiltration from the open rafters.

A basic frame wall using 2x4's and 2x6's needs to be installed along each wall and down the center line to support the layout's backdrop and L-Girder framework.

Electrical outlet's need to be installed along the outer and center peninsula framing.

The electrical circuit box needs to have 4 additional circuit breakers installed for layout lighting circuits.

A carpeted floor needs to be installed for operator comfort and for overall appearance.

Layout Design Process 3 - Model Railroading

In the late 70's the focus of track planning expanded to the concept of layout design. Those books were oriented primarily toward club sized layouts, but the concepts presented were appropriate for any sized layout. Two that I purchased and used for guides were Creative Model Railroad Design and (Armstrong) and Design Handbook of Model Railroads (Mallery).

It was during this time that John Armstrong's  'Given and Druthers' approach to layout design was popular.  'Givens' were the layout parameters that can't or won't change. 'Druthers' were the layout features that we we would like to have but are willing to negotiate. Both represented hard choices that layout designers had to make from a wide variety of possibilities.

In the August 1986 Prototype Modeler magazine Mike Schafer identified a suggested methodology for layout design (he called it track planning) that he used when he was stumped trying to design his layout. That methodology assisted him in focusing on what he wanted to achieve on his layout. I have published a flow chart of that process in the Layout Design Reference Pages section.

Deconstruction

On August 21, 2015 I bought a basement - with a house above it for the new location of the WWSL. The move from the previous location with quickly - a matter of hours in fact, as the railroad was in storage.

Now wiser heads will tell you that its best that your railroad room be empty during deconstruction and construction - and I knew it - but anticipation got the best of me and things started quickly.

The original basement (25' by 30') was divided into 4 sections and two sections were partially paneled. That paneling was backed with a 1x2 stud wall - adequate for cedar paneling but not a railroad.

 I quickly tore out the walls and the paneling found a new home somewhere else.

Half the ceiling was finished with drywall and mineral fiber based ceiling tiles. As expected, the ceiling tile was disintegrating, stained or missing. The drywall and ceiling tiles were torn out and disposed.

Not shown is a partially tiled floor - that too was demolished for future replacement by indoor/outdoor carpeting.

Layout Design Process 2 - Train Set

Train set plans are a great way to start the hobby, to determine your hobby interests, and to gain techical and modeling skills that can be put to the test on follow - on layouts of greater interest.

For many beginning model railroaders, the first step in constructing their first layout is to head to the local lumber yard for a sheet of 4x 8 plywood. Their next stop is to find a track plan that works for them.

For those new in the hobby, both Model Railroader and Railroad Model Craftsman publish books of track plans. Track Planning for Sectional Track and 101 Track Pans for Model Railroads were two that I purchased years ago as a youth. Atlas Manufacturing published track plan books that highlighted their track and control products and I got several of those too.

Originally those track plans were often simple ovals where the reader could chose the track plan that interested them, and modify it as desired  One designer’s layout recommendation was: 1) discard the layouts that are too big for the space you have, 2) look for a plan that have one or two main line tracks, and 3) while it should have some space for scenery the modeler can sacrifice scenery for more spurs and yards.

Today those track plans are still available as are new published layout plans. The oval layout has been supplimented by L-shaped and U-shaped designs, and can be designed to reflect the modelers interest in operational theme and scenic realism.

Those entering the hobby for the first time will find these layout designs an easy way to determine if the hobby is right for them. The skill level and expectations are low,  the materials are easy to find and assemble, the ready to run equipment (both track, locomotives and rolling stock) are at the lower end of the financial range.

References

Layout Design Process 1 Overview

In the book Creating Model Railroad Design, John Armstrong explained to readers that the early days of the model railroading hobby was focused on building models: scratch-building locomotives and railroad cars. Model railroad layout’s were rare, primarily club layouts and were primarily built to displaying those models in operation.

When manufacturing of model locomotives and rolling stock became more common (Varney, Mantua, Tyco and Athearn among the leading and best known manufacturers) the hours once devoted to model building shifted to building model railroads. Club layouts were still the norm but hobby publishers at the time - Model Railroader and Railroad Model Craftsman - began to publish construction articles on track plans that could be built in the basement or spare bedrooms of homes.

The Train Set

For those new in the hobby, both Model Railroader and Railroad Model Craftsman publish books of track plans - Track Planning for Sectional Track and 101 Track Pans for Model Railroads were two that I purchased years ago as a youth. Atlas Manufacturing published track plan books that highlighted their track and control products and I got several of those too.

Originally those track plans were often simple ovals where the reader could chose the track plan that interested them, modify it as desired  One designer’s layout recommendation was: 1) discard the layouts that are too big for the space you have, 2) look for a plan that have one or two main line tracks, and 3) while it should have some space for scenery the modeler can sacrifice scenery for more spurs and yards. Today those track plans are still available as are new published layout plans that are varied by both theme and operating potential.

Model Railroading

In the late 70's the focus of track planning expanded to the concept of layout design. Those books were oriented primarily toward club sized layouts, but the concepts presented were appropriate for any sized layout, most focused though on the emerging medium to large home layout.. Two that I purchased and used for guides were Creative Model Railroad Design (Armstrong) and Design Handbook of Model Railroads (Mallery).

It was during this time that John Armstrong's  'Given and Druthers' approach to layout design was popular.  'Givens' were the layout parameters that can't or won't change. 'Druthers' were the layout features that we we would like to have but are willing to negotiate. Both represented hard choices that layout designers had to make from a wide variety of possibilities. I have reproduced Armstrong's  'Given and Druthers' format here.

In the August 1986 Prototype Modeler magazine Mike Schafer identified an alterate sequence for layout design. That sequence assumed the modeler had a good idea about what he wanted to model and had the prototype information available to design it.  I have published a flow chart of that process here..

Railroad Modeling 

The increased interest of layout design by experienced model railroad enthusiasts that could not be supported by the hobby publications of the day led to the creation of the Layout Design Special Interest Group LDSIG). The LDSIG published quarterly newsletters (Layout Design News) that facilitated the exchange of information and ideas and develop improved ways hobbyists could learn the art and science of layout design. Numerous contributors debated topics of interest and between all of them they developed the idea of 1) design concept, 2) layout design and 3) track planning as the triad of creative railroad modeling. I have published a flow chart of that process here.

One additional planning tool I used during the process came from an article written by Dave Clemens in the LDN in November 1988. It was a flow chart identifying the problem solving process of defining and redefining the objective at hand, in this case moving from a broad idea to fine tuning the layout design process to those final elements that can be reasonably represented on the layout. Dave's process is visually depicted below.

The next blog will discuss the development of the WWSL's basic concept using the LDSIG layout design process.

Purpose, Goals and Objectives 2020

A statement of purpose and a description of goals and objectives are important elements that are usually found in specific types of result-oriented documentations and manuscripts such as strategic plans and scholarly publications. Thus, these three concepts are essential in undertakings that involve planning or research and inquiry.

Knowing the difference between purpose, goals, and objectives is essential not only in defining the scope and limits of a particular undertaking but also in appreciating and achieving desired results.

The difference between Purpose, Goals, and Objectives 

The following standard definitions provided a better understanding of the difference between purpose, goals, and objectives:

1. Purpose: Purpose provides the reason for doing something or more specifically, for justifying the the desired results. It essentially represents intentions.

2. Goals: A goal is a general statement describing the desired results. It represents aspiration or sets future directions or destinations.

3. Objectives: Objectives represent concrete actions needed to achieve the aspirations or steps required to reach predetermined destinations.

From the aforementioned definitions, purpose supersedes goals, which, on the other hand, supersedes objectives. Furthermore, purpose and goal are general and abstract concepts while objectives are not only specific and concrete but also measurable.

Purpose also influences goals and objectives. It provides the foundation for determining desired results, as well as the general framework for driving toward this desired result.

Purpose

 

To enhance my model railroading hobby experience by designing, constructing and operating version  a HO scale layout. Such layout will:

• further my interests in history, geography, and railroad operations,
• enhance my home renovation skills in the area of construction, electrical and plumbing,
• challenge me in the development and creation of scenic diaramas, and 
• stimulate my interest in kitbatching model locomotives, rolling stock, and structures.

Long Term Goals

LTG #1: I want to build a medium sized HO model railroad layout that's based on my interests in Class III railroads, traction, logging and coal mining.

LTG #2: I want a layout design that will let me operate it in a prototypical fashion, capable of a variety of operational activities that maintains my interest.

LTG #3: I want it to be sectional so that I can expand it easily, transport portions outside for construction, maintenance or show, and bring it with me if/when I move. If I move to a place with a larger basement I can reconfigure my sections to adapt to the greater area.

LTG #4: I want to improve my modeling skill sets in the areas of scenery, electrical, locomotive and rolling stock kitbatching, and structure building. I want to work on the Master Model Railroading Achievement program.

LTG #5: I want the layout to be completed to general standards within 3 years, and enjoyable for a total of 8 to 10 years. I want the layout to be affordable, utilizing my existing modules, locomotives and rolling stock whenever possible.

Short Term Goals (2020)

STG #1:  I want the first half of the layout utilizing the existing WWSL 2.0 bench work installed within 3 to 6 months.

STG#2:  I want enough track from WWSL 2.0 relaid to new design and construction standards and at least some train running in 6 to 9 months.

STG#3:  I want to complete 16 square feet of at least one signature scene within 9 months and one of 4 levels of the layout completed (less detail) in a year.

STG#4: I want the second half of the layout room constructed, benchwork installed and basic modules constructed in one year.