So we have the concept down. Now its time to start filling the space. Right now I have a room in my basement that is 11 x 16 feet. So how do I start filling it? What part of the Mascoutin Valley ends up on my model railroad? Its time to make a list and do a little planning before the first parts of the benchwork get constructed. Its time for the dreaded GIVENS and DRUTHERS!
The Givens and Druthers list that is not a new concept. Its been around since the first cavemen made the made the first model railroads out of rocks and sticks. Its a list of things your railroad must have, can't live with out (Givens)! And a list of things that are nice-to-haves (Druthers). This list will be the starting blocks of how I will construct my model railroad.
Givens:
- Aisle space of at least 30 inches. Even though I'd love to just fill up the room with gobs and gobs of track I don't want to be sucking in my gut just to operate trains!
- Must have an Iron/Taconite Mine. I am a sucker for those little ore jennies.
- The sub roadbed must be 3/4 inch plywood. This may seem a little ridiculous but I've started two layouts this year and both had 1/2" plywood. Both were warped twisted and now in the garbage. Plywood that is 3/4 inch has more plies so it is stronger and less opportunity to warp and bend.
- I must have a staging yard.
- My locomotive roster will be made up of prototypical engines. Either bought or leased from existing railroads or second had locomotive dealers.
- Construction will be done in a modular fashion. Baby steps to keep it manageable. Don't break off too much layout at one time.
- A second major industry - Paper Mill?
- Hand Laid Track except in staging.
- Variation in Rail Traffic. Not just Ore Trains.
- Yard Switching.
- Prototypical car movements and train documentation.
Till Next time keep 'er in Notch 8!
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