Module revisions.

As I worked out the details in my module design which would have included a cart or two for module storage, I happened upon another solution which saves materials.  Instead of having simply a module with a scenery base, the design I worked out below includes a backdrop and overhead framework to protect the trains and all the buildings.  I like this design much better, and as I work through the details I'll refine it.  I used the same dimensions as my previous design, 30" width and a 96" length.  However I also incorporated a 24" overall height of the backdrop.  Below is a cross section of the design:

The framework has a 2" thickness, and the scenery base consists of a minimum 2" thick piece of foam board represented by the pink.  Subtract 4" for the frame and 2" for the foam and I will have 18" of vertical height in the module.  While this may seem tall, when thinking in terms of 1:20.3, this would barely house a full two story building.  Thankfully, with the exception of large mining towers, no buildings were built over two stories, especially on steep terrain with nothing but soft lumber as a building material.  For the trains, I can have my porter run and still have another 9" of clearance between the roof of the locomotive and the bottom of the overhang.  with 1:20.3, the 3ft gauge cars are still somewhat short, nothing really sticking up more than 10" off the track with perhaps the exceptions of cabooses (cabeese) and passenger cars, which my railroad will have few of anyways.  I could go taller, but 24" seems to best fit when dealing with 4x8 sheets of plywood.  My one alternative is to rip the plywood into strips and build the entire module from the stips of plywood, but I'd rather cut out larger pieces that are more structurally sound.

One other problem that I anticipate is the possibility that the wood cannot support any weight on top of the modules.  For this I do have a couple solutions: use cabinet grade hardwood plywood and reinforce the frame pieces with strips of plywood to help carry the weight of additional modules or storage boxes on top.

The following are good things about this module design:

• Buildings do not have to be taken off the module if secured properly.
• This design incorporates a backdrop to set the stage
• The layout can have it's own lighting system, thus ensuring an adequate amount of light anywhere the modules are set up at.
• Layout can be divided into individual scenes if desired.
• A simple cloth or canvas skirting to go around the open sides of the module will help with protecting against foul weather during transport.
• Modules can be built with strong plywood and still be very stable and light.
• Modules can now be stacked without the need for a separate cabinet.
• The addition of a backdrop and overhang will draw attention to the trains and their stage which depict the Colorado wilderness.
• The addition of such features also makes the layout camera friendly by blocking out glare from the large spotlights often found in show areas plus the backdrop frames the scene much nicer than the back of my head in the operating pit or even much worse things like a dirty, dusty, and grimy ceiling of a large structure.
• This part isn't so much an exclusive feature of this design, but it is still a plus.  With this module style I must be in front to operate the trains, so I can mingle with visitors, point out details and keep guard over my equipment in front of the layout rather than hiding behind it.  This feature may also be a detraction for those who simply want to site quietly and read a book while their trains go in a circle.  

Besides what was already mentioned in the paragraph above, there are a few downsides, just like any design:

• If you don't like operating from the front of a layout, being in back is possible, but your line of site with your equipment will be obscured.  Besides the possibility of derailments and stalled engines, it will be easier for equipment to be broken or stolen by visitors without anyone noticing.  While I have never had any equipment broken or stolen, there is always that chance, especially at larger shows.  Keeping track of everything is even harder if you are a one man show, which I anticipate I will be for much of the time.  While I can stand for the duration of time a show is in progress, and I can go without food for most of it, this design is not for those who simply wish to sit down and watch the trains run.
• A barrier must be in place.  Some shows have them, others don't, I personally would rather have a barrier for two reasons: 1) since I must operate the layout from the front, a barrier system gives me space to move around without being in visitors' way. 2) this barrier, though ineffective against small children and the adults who really want to get personal with the layout, for the rest it gives an obvious but not intimidating reminder to respectfully keep their distance and enjoy the layout.
• Lack of headroom.  I can't have any grand scenes with this system, but that's okay, for now I don't have room for any dramatic canyons or towering mountains.  If I ever do go with something eye catching and large, it is no big trick to simply make one module that lacks an overhead frame.  
• Curved modules will be impossible, but corner modules will be possible, just more difficult to build.  I eventually want 8' diameter curves for larger rolling stock, but for now I am fine with 4' diameter curves since I have small locomotives and rolling stock.

Aside from that I can't think of much else that would be a problem.  Before closing this post, here is a depiction of the module design in the best 3D that Microsoft paint can offer.

The next item on my planning list is to decide how to support the layout on legs.  After that I will need to develop a budget for the bench work on what I want to do for a project.  If anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to read them in the comment section below.  Thank you!