Layout Update: Modular Mountain Construction and Benefits - Model Railroad Foam Scenery

[@BookBuds]

I love how they come out so nicely segmented!! That’s awesome and so light!

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thanks! The light weight is great.

[@petermenningen338]

Thanks a usable idea for layouts that need to move in smaller scales. You can take off all of the structures and scenery for storage or transportation.

[@dagryffynhobby]

Either for mobility or access, it comes in handy

[@petergulotta8183]

Great work Dave. The modular mountain sections are a super idea. As I’ve gotten older easy access to all areas on my walk in 0 gauge layout have become mandatory. Hopefully no more than a 3 ft reach anywhere. You’ll be glad you designed your layout for ease and comfort when the time come that you will need it.

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thank you! Easy access is so important, not just for building and maintenance but for enjoyment too. A table full of trains is awesome, but my back sure does t want me scooting under a table all the time.

[@northpennvalleysteamrailroad]

Nice job!

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thank you 👍

[@billharrold6038]

Dave, those mountains are really cool! Really nice design, what I like is that those sections can be worked on a work bench when adding details, painting it. What a convenient way to fo the scenery. Hats off to you.

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thanks Bill. It is making the initial work a lot easier. I’m really interested to see how it progresses and if it can stay modular without being obvious.

[@trainman5603]

Very nice to get your ideas! I really am into O gauge, but I have portable layouts down to Z scale. I use foam quite a bit and like it. I find your modular idea and the use of nails to hold it in place really ingenious. I would like to see how you did the long viaduct.

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thanks! The viaduct is still a work in progress. Back when I did this it was just a pattern cut out of a single sheet of 2” foam, then held in place with a screw at each end. Good enough to experiment but not for a finished product.

[@tomrogers5516]

I the pre-thought planning you've used for convenience, Dave. Makes a lot of sense to plan ahead for access and easy alteration when desired.

[@dagryffynhobby]

I’m very good at backing myself into a corner with these things, so I keep stopping to see if it will be a problem before I do anything on this layout. It’s worked so far

[@lonnieosbourne818]

alway's learn something from your videos....never noticed your TV before...

[@dagryffynhobby]

Im always happy to be of inspiration. That tv weighs a ton - need it for my music and movies, and train pictures 😃

[@baldypalmsrailroad]

Nice idea working the modular format. Sure will save you back in the long run. Well done... 👍😎

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thanks! It’s great to be able to lift a whole section of the layout. Hope I can keep it that way

[@NixCrossing]

Those mountains look great!

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thanks!

[@noelsanjuan6969]

Hi I've been watching the way you build your layout. It's so awesome to look at the scene. Keep it up.

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thanks so much. Lots more to come!

[@Coreyt1976]

Great video Dave. I’m learning and getting ideas from you.

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thanks! Happy to be of inspiration!

[@coverdalemineoscalemodelrr7074]

That’s some awesome foam work 👍

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thank you! 👍

[@timstrainroom8007]

Have to admit, I thought till almost the end, what’s wrong with Dave, why the heck is he doing this? He must be hard up for a video or off his nut. Then FINALLY you told us the reason you were pulling it apart and I let out the breath I was holding. LOL. Actually, I like the way you did the sections and the nail, great idea. The way you do the carving to help hold the parts together is pretty ingenious. I think when I start my layout, which is getting closer, I’ll have some bench work for the platform and use the foam board for the design much like you have. Thanks again Dave, good video. Tim

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thanks Tim. There is something wrong with me 🤪and I’m definitely off my nut but not when it comes to the trains 😂 I’m developing these ideas and methods as I go, should make building the next layout easier. I assume there will be a next layout at some point 🤷‍♂️ If anything I do here helps you on your layout then that makes me happy 😃

[@timstrainroom8007]

@@dagryffynhobby I hear ya buddy! I’d be disappointed if you were normal. Normal is totally overrated. LOL

[@francispotter5300]

Great idea thanks for sharing your talents my friend 😎Doug in Ga

[@dagryffynhobby]

Happy to share - thanks for watching!

[@Meagain921]

Very helpful…thanks🤗

[@dagryffynhobby]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MESA-East-Model-RR]

Really smart (or as we say up here "Smaht") idea. I am sure that makes it MUCH easier to work on the different sections and pieces. I have some modular sections on my layout as well. I have 3 sections where I have cut out plywood in the shape of the area. Then I decorate them, add electronics for lighting the buildings and accessories and place them where they go. One section is normally a town area. During Halloween, I switch it out for a Halloween modular section. I am going to do a Christmas modular section I can swap in as well.

[@dagryffynhobby]

That’s a cool plan, I like that. Maybe I should consider something of the sort before I make too much more progress. Not sure that I would do holidays/seasons or just different scenes in general, but that sure does give you the ability to change it up as you feel like it.

[@dagryffynhobby]

And would it be smaht or wicked smaht? And what exactly is the difference between them?

[@MESA-East-Model-RR]

@@dagryffynhobby My bad, it is certainly a wicked smaht idea!

[@dagryffynhobby]

@@MESA-East-Model-RR wicked awesome

[@mkhandelwal01]

Great scenery. Do you have the video where you built those sections

[@dagryffynhobby]

I did various videos early on as I built these areas up. They should all be in the Layout Progress playlist. I wish I could remember which specific videos to point your towards

[@frankbullitt4556]

Looking good. Where do you get all of that foam?

[@dagryffynhobby]

Most of the foam is from Home Depot. Also available at other hardware stores but may be a different color depending on brand

[@tinytowntrainstv]

That's a pretty sharp method you've got there! I will definitely be adopting some of that technique as some scenery opportunities roll around! You didn't mention swinging across from a rope from above as an access option...how strong are your rafters? Thanks. T4

[@dagryffynhobby]

The rafters barely hold up the lights! But mission impossible style dangling from the ceiling would be interesting!

[@tinytowntrainstv]

@@dagryffynhobby Just be sure to pad the wall in case you accidentally over swing...remember: safety first. T4

[@dagryffynhobby]

@@tinytowntrainstv don’t worry, I’ll wear my helmet.

[@tinytowntrainstv]

@@dagryffynhobby Excellent idea... if the ceiling is barely holding up the lights you should probably be wearing one in all of your videos! lol T4

[@dagryffynhobby]

@@tinytowntrainstv you are probably correct on that one

[@joegennari395]

Another note!! We all make mistakes....I made another one. Bought 2 old Atlas GN Blue box cars. What the heck good price, SHIPPING was more than the cars! Man am I sorry!!! I haven't tried them yet to see if they will connect with anything....to upset to even look. ALL PLASTIC TRUCKS AND ALL!! It wouldn't be worth the time to do do anything with them. I have to say it these cars are JUNK! They wouldn't sell at a garage sale!!!! AS I SAID MY MISTAKE!!! STAY SAFE AND WELL!!! HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

[@dagryffynhobby]

No mistakes, only happy little accidents! I’ve bought a few things I’ve kicked myself for, but I figure that it all balances out.

[@joegennari395]

THANKS!!!! SOMEHOW I KNEW YOU'D UNDERSTAND!!! YOU ARE SUCH A POSITIVE PERSON!!!