My Design - A Primer

I thought I'd start out by setting out the constraints I need to work within to achieve my goals.

Operating Constraints

Size of the Room

The room I've selected is a spare bedroom, the smallest in a 4 bedroom house. However, it's proportions are generous (3.2m x 3.4m) so should easily accommodate my meagre requirements.

Room Use

The room will remain a guest room so will be set-up with a single bed and will retain storage space for clothing, etc. It will also house some of our other possessions so it won't just be "my room".

Permanency

Perhaps my biggest headache is our propensity to move house. I can't explain why - I'd hardly label ourselves nomads but having called 25 different places home in 45 years probably auto-qualifies me for the moniker. Which basically means - this layout needs to have wheels!

Timeframes

Perhaps one of my luxuries, at this instance there are no specific deadlines on anything - which is good because I want to do this properly. In the past, I would've rushed out and bought some basic bits-n-bobs, dropped some track on a board, plugged in a controller and then happily watch it go to pot whilst I drove trains around a dodgy layout.

Not this time - I want to immerse myself in the prototype, come to understand its operations and slowly learn the art of modelling - something I've long admired in those who create those amazing working dioramas we all love and ogle for hours wondering "if only I had one of those".

Budget

Well, whilst it's not zero, it certainly won't be unlimited and whilst I admire my brother's subtle attempts at making loco purchases through trickle payments, I'd rather go in with a plan and slowly aquire the bits I need, when I need them - only allowing myself to pickup "glory box" items if the opportunity is too good to miss. For now, that means my focus is likely to be more Bunning-esque than Hobbyshop-esque.

Design Approach

Som what does all that mean? For me, I think it's going to be a modular development - one I can build in sections, provide a focus on, and gradually build my empire. It also means that not only can it move with us when we (inevitably) move, but it can also move to exhibitions, club meetings, etc - which I find the thought of rather attractive.