Clearance issues galore, A 9x14 O gauge model railroad build, Part 1

[@trainman7401]

Hi - These videos are great. It's well structured and go at the right pace to learn and understand these concepts. Thank you very much for doing this - greatly appreciate

[@vincenthuying98]

Yep, clearance, especially on such a complex fairly small layout can raise such problems. It might be easier to work with a set level, either on the level of the visible track, or to the level of the middle layer. A level baseboard is often seen as a good base, however, where our layouts become more complex, to find the ‘true’ level might be much more helpful. Set level, as gardeners or contractors set out their garden or floors. Either a yard or a meter above finished ground or floor level. Set level which can be determined in our planning for the most dominant or determining level of our layouts.

[@johnpandolfino8663]

I was wondering how and what program you used to print the layout out at full scale...... thanks 👍

[@MRBenchwork]

Virtually every track planning program out there offers the ability to print at full size. I just have my printer settings and printer set up to print on 36 inch wide by however long of a sheet I need. The printer is actually called a plotter and it’s the same thing that architects use to print blueprints. In my particular case I’m using a program called rail modeller pro which is a Mac based track program.

[@elleryparsons5766]

Wouldn’t think putting the Board Down First then go from there on out Use the Staraphoam to do Upper Levels?

[@MRBenchwork]

I didn’t quite understand your question. Care to rephrase?

[@JW-ol4cp]

Always follow the 7 p's for success: Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance

[@MRBenchwork]

While this is something I typically adhere to inevitably when building complex layouts issues still pop up even with perfectly practical preparation and planning. Additionally There’s a lot about the planning and execution of this layout that I haven’t shared due to client privacy but it’s safe to say it’s titled the nightmare layout for a lot of reasons.

[@HumancityJunction]

What program do you use for your track planning?

[@MRBenchwork]

I use two different programs and really they are the only options on a Mac unless you are running an emulator. For this layout I used Railmodeller PRO. The other program I use is Empire Express Deluxe.

[@HumancityJunction]

@@MRBenchwork I am also a mac guy, but could not get into Railmodeler Pro. I eventually got Anyrail and run on an emulator. It is a pain to do, but I find the program easier. I need to check out Empire Express Deluxe.

[@MRBenchwork]

@@HumancityJunction I like to call empire express the MS paint of track planning programs. If you don't like Railmodeller Pro you definitely won't like Empire Express. That said I love using it for 2D CAD and it's saved my butt a few times in that regard. Out of curiocity when was the last time you messed with Railmodeller Pro?

[@HumancityJunction]

@@MRBenchwork It has been about 6-8 months since I have tried it. I could not figure out how to lay flex track, but it worked pretty well for set track.

[@MRBenchwork]

I will make a tutorial for RailmodellerPro at some point. It’s in my list. I’ll be sure to let you know when it gets posted.

[@feminazislayer]

That's the thing with o scale.....NO ROOM. NO PRODUCTS, TO EXPENSIVE, ITS NOT A STORE BOUGHT HOBBIE. I scratch build everything in o scale except the trains, although I do build custom loads, even cars. I'm more of a fan of doing a large diorama and have thrain pass through it because of the scale is too large, unless you have a full basement to work with a 9×13 layout looks corney. A table full of tracks criss crossing on green skate board grip tape looks wierd. Not realistic, goofy 50s style is all you can find in o scale, ugly expensive plastic buildings. It takes way more imagination to do o scale which is why most prefer ho.

[@MRBenchwork]

Honestly it's just a preference. Each person is different. Heck my preferred scale is L gauge (Lego). That's the beauty of the hobby, you can build whatever you want, in whatever scale you want. You can make it realistic, or whimsical and either is ok because it's YOUR layout.

[@mattstrains4841]

For me ho is too small and i prefer the postwar toy look

[@timbarrett9199]

Wow. That looks like a 3D chess match on too much Red Bull! With the complexity of the multiple layers and lines, only having had three significant problems is really pretty impressive. Also, thanks a lot. Now I “need” to buy a 36” Plotter… (Okay, I only WANT to buy the 36” plotter, I what I NEED to do, is convince my wife.

[@MRBenchwork]

Ohh I wish I could drink Red Bull but unfortunately I really don’t like the taste. The build speed is mostly just experience and an excessive use of time lapse 😀 Any decent print shop can print a track plan 1:1 but the struggle will be finding someone willing to spend the time to make it work as it’s not a simple one click process. If needed however I do offer layout printing as a service. Cost varies but feel free to reach out for a quote if needed.