/ Register

Scenic Cassettes

Discussion in 'Planks, Switching and Shelf Layouts' started by ianvolvo46, Jan 18, 2019.

Page 1 of 2
  1. Jan 18, 2019 #1
    ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

    Messages:
    5,350
    Likes Received:
    1,614
    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2015
    I've had an idea … (no tinto was uncorked during this process) like many others I often think of a trackplan/layout and start to build it then 'rethink it' and rip it up and start another … thus the build either takes a lifetime or we end up with more than one plank, and for those with a space restriction this can cause confrontation with the domestic authorities … so as I said I've had an idea … we have cassettes for our stock so that we can run various types of locos/trains .. so why not have scenic cassettes? The idea being that today you might want to run a small terminus layout, tomorrow you may want to run an industrial layout or a timber yard or …. you get my meaning. So instead of altering the layout or building another just lift the current scenic section out and replace it with another. First you decide on a versatile trackplan … then as the mood (or tinto) takes you build whatever scenic ideas you want in cassettes that can replace the one you currently run. This is ideal for planks and those that enjoy modelling or just want to run trains whilst having just 1 baseboard. I've put an example below .. there will be issues but hey keep your corkscrew handy. (things like footbridges/buildings at the front of the layout can be easily removable)

    scenic cassette.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jan 19, 2019
    jakesdad13, NotHarryPotter, Ron and 1 other person like this.
  2. Jan 18, 2019 #2
    cmcan

    cmcan Full Member

    Messages:
    474
    Likes Received:
    56
    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2016
    Ian

    Why not! Good idea. Ken Patterson designed his layout in sections that he could replace when it suited him or if he wanted a change in season.

    Would like to see how it works out.

    I noticed a harbour scene. Can the goat swim?

    Look forward to seeing this one.
     
  3. Jan 18, 2019 #3
    ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

    Messages:
    5,350
    Likes Received:
    1,614
    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2015
    hi cmcan thanks it can if its a sponge goat! ... ref the cassettes I shall do a feasibility study as it saves having to build baseboard modules and the subjects are numerous, the harbour scene was just an example but I don't see why it couldn't be done :scratchchin: mmm

    Ian vt
     
  4. Jan 18, 2019 #4
    cmcan

    cmcan Full Member

    Messages:
    474
    Likes Received:
    56
    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2016
    Expands any operational potential!
     
  5. Jan 19, 2019 #5
    ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

    Messages:
    5,350
    Likes Received:
    1,614
    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2015
    At the moment I'm waiting for a friend to take me to a timber diy type unit to get a board for my train roof, I need it to place across my trestles to support my plonk and also to use as a work bench … now the beauty of my scenic cassettes is that I can carry on with my scenic build/s whilst I'm waiting so I'll start the first soon and document it here ... (I think I'm in the right place) The reason I've chosen my track plan is as I've stated before .. the uppermost line is to run Triang so only 1 point .. a more versatile plan could be used to suit the various cassettes (industrial, docks, etc)

    Ian vt
     
  6. Jan 19, 2019 #6
    Gary

    Gary Wants more time for modelling.... Staff Member Administrator

    Messages:
    7,338
    Likes Received:
    3,883
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2015
    Excellent idea Ian. Maybe you could incorporate Gormo's idea of using strong neodymium magnets to secure the individual modules in place.

    Cheers, Gary.
     
  7. Jan 19, 2019 #7
    ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

    Messages:
    5,350
    Likes Received:
    1,614
    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2015
    Good idea Gary I've got quite a few of different sizes cheers

    Ian vt:cheers:
     
  8. Jan 19, 2019 #8
    ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

    Messages:
    5,350
    Likes Received:
    1,614
    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2015
    Right! first hurdle … I can only get 60cm x 40cm hardwood blackboards (see image... these are easy to cut and snap with a craft knife ) which I will build the cassette frames out of and my scenic section was 105cm so …. I've lengthened it to 120cm and will build the cassettes in 2 halves … that's fine as it will be easier to move them around the apartment and with a clever bit of overlap tinkering the joints won't be too noticeable

    chalkboard.png
     
    Last edited: Jan 19, 2019
  9. Jan 19, 2019 #9
    gormo

    gormo Staff Member Administrator

    Messages:
    6,024
    Likes Received:
    4,224
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2015
    Top idea Ian.........:thumbs::thumbs::thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:
    As you know, I do removable scenery to give me access to hidden areas.
    That works and I can`t see why your idea shouldn`t work as well. It`s actually a natural progression :scratchchin: and opens up a lot of possibilities.
    If you are going to use standard size modules, could you place the back scene board along the length, but down the middle of the module.??? If everything is low relief, you could have a double sided module, which would cut your storage problems in half.?????
    Just simply lift off the module, turn it around......new scenic section.....just like magic...:thumbs::thumbs:......and I haven`t even had a drink yet..:avatar::avatar::avatar:
    :cheers::tophat:Gormo
     
    Timbersurf likes this.
  10. Jan 19, 2019 #10
    paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

    Messages:
    9,858
    Likes Received:
    5,916
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2015
    Great idea - just think how different it may have been with tinto :cheers:
    Toto does this in 27ft long sections - oops sorry, he just keeps restarting the same layout - ouch :avatar:

    If you make a 3/4" master template, then screw on top an over sized piece ply / mdf and run a router with a flush trim bit around the edge to produce an exact copy of the template as a base for each module.

    It can be used at the front as well, a layout for all seasons

    Paul
     
    Gary likes this.
  11. Jan 19, 2019 #11
    ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

    Messages:
    5,350
    Likes Received:
    1,614
    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2015
    nice idea Paul but my router struggles with wifey/tinternet as it is .. only joking .. I think/hope … but your right it would be useful to have a template :thumbup:
     
  12. Jan 19, 2019 #12
    ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

    Messages:
    5,350
    Likes Received:
    1,614
    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2015
    Gormo (ex his highness the goatee king) what a cracking idea having back to back scenes :tophat::tophat::tophat: and think how much fun it will be to build and it will still work doing it in halves …. :scratchchin: and if I'm really clever that could give even more combinations .. can't wait to start … gonna need a good supply of card and looks like Scalescenes could get a hammering
     
    Ron likes this.
  13. Jan 19, 2019 #13
    ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

    Messages:
    5,350
    Likes Received:
    1,614
    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2015
    Ok …. here's Gormo's suggestion applied (the scenic subjects are examples only at this stage) .. as I only have 24cm max width on my plonk the buildings will be low relief (in the example shown 5cm depth) but I could pinch an inch somewhere and also I enjoy the challenge … each cassette would be in 2 halves so a combination of 4 scenes is possible i.e. harbour with station and at least 1 half will be just greenery ,trees grass etc (not prototypical but after tinto who'll care) … comments welcome

    scenic cassette.jpg
     
    jakesdad13 and Ron like this.
  14. Jan 19, 2019 #14
    paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

    Messages:
    9,858
    Likes Received:
    5,916
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2015
    Or get really crafty and use the roof line for both sides - some even carrying over on both halves, it would give a more meaty feel to the low relief buildings, but each side would be unique.

    Paul
     
  15. Jan 19, 2019 #15
    gormo

    gormo Staff Member Administrator

    Messages:
    6,024
    Likes Received:
    4,224
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2015
    Now you`re talking Ian,
    This is pushing an idea for all it`s worth..........achieving four possible scenes in that space is fantastic.!!!
    As far as I`m aware, I`ve never seen anybody do this before.
    The onus is on you to set up each half module so that they match their other half, but hey!!!, surely that`s not too difficult.????
    I will be interested to see your results.
    Carry on old chap..........:thumbs::thumbs::thumbs::tophat:
    Cheers Gormo
    Edit.....I guess the only thing to watch out for is that there`s not too dramatic a change between each quarter module, in other words, the scenes need to make sense regardless of how the modules are set, but I guess that comes down to careful planning...:scratchchin:
     
  16. Jan 19, 2019 #16
    Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

    Messages:
    15,419
    Likes Received:
    3,842
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2017
    Carry on old chap ......, did you hear that tinto:eek: well I never. :avatar: I can't provide anything that's constructive so I'll just stir things a bit.:avatar:.... sorry Gormo. :avatar:


    A great idea.

    Toto​
     
  17. Jan 20, 2019 #17
    paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

    Messages:
    9,858
    Likes Received:
    5,916
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2015
    Look young un - don't cheek your elders, us old timers might not remember everything, but we'll certainly remember the most embarrassing stuff just at the wrong moment, and forget why we weren't supposed to tell anyone ;) ;) :whatever: :giggle:

    Ian, I'm looking forward to see this developing, even doing the same buildings but changing the brick paper i.e. Red Brick & Random Ashlar, would transform the location of the model

    Paul
     
  18. Jan 20, 2019 #18
    ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

    Messages:
    5,350
    Likes Received:
    1,614
    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2015
    Some great ideas chaps … just got to send the other 5/8ths to fetch my chalkboards ...

    ian vt
     
  19. Jan 21, 2019 #19
    ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

    Messages:
    5,350
    Likes Received:
    1,614
    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2015
    ok so I've measured up and space (depth) is really restricted so plan k or is that l means I'm restricting it to a single line … and although I'll be building the reversible cassettes in 4 sections (2 either side) I'm also restricting the subjects to 2 i.e. 1 side industrial/canal and the other side station/crossing .. it was just a step too far to make more combinations .. anyway here is the latest plan (I've increased the depth of the cassettes to 6cm each side)

    scenic cassette.jpg
     
    Gary, jakesdad13 and Ron like this.
  20. Jan 30, 2019 #20
    ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

    Messages:
    5,350
    Likes Received:
    1,614
    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2015
    IMG_20190130_162920.jpg Finally got my 2 hardboard chalkboards €4.50 each so almost ready to start ... however will now move my build back to the Triang EM2 layout thread 'Planks'
     
Page 1 of 2

Share This Page