Cold Weather Model Railroading Question... - Model Railroader Magazine

Hi Guys,

First, Thank You for the posted replies and also for those who did a reply via email, a second Thank You.

From the sound of things, while doing the new layout in the shed will work, it's also got the potential be a major hassle. But, it's pretty much use one of my 2 sheds (10x20 & 12x24) or be limited to a 4x6 layout in the house. The only room I could use in the house is 10x10 and already has my modelling workbench which takes up 1 full side of the room and ranges from 20 to 30 inches deep. Scale modelling is my main hobby, so I won't give up my workspace and really can't trim it down enough to bother. So, it looks like I'm gonna be making a list of 'shed problems' from all your posts, and working them out.

I'd already decided on using a foam board base and Woodland Scenics styrofoam risers/inclines, so expansion & contraction of the benchwork won't be as big a problem as it could be with other materials. I can also design the benchwork so that the foamboard is just sitting on it, so the wood can expand & contract all it wants without actually effecting the layout.

It also won't be that big a deal to make a carry/storage case to keep the locos & DCC system in the house. I'll take it out with me after the shed has warmed up. But, the rolling stock, turnout controllers and such will have to deal with the temp changes.

As for the A/C, I'll have to think of something since I don't to cut a hole in the shed wall to mount it.

From what you guys have said, my biggest concern & potential headache, is expansion & contraction of the track. Using a piece of sheet plastic to gap sectional track is no problem. But, I'm working 2 possible trackplans, and both have broad, sweeping curves that will require flex-track (11" minimum radius on secondary and branch lines, maybe 15" min. on onside curves of the double-track main. So, unless I totally rework my trackplans, I'll have some long sections of flextrack on the curves. Would the Woodland Scenics foam trackbed allow more give than cork?

Well, that's about it for right now. 5:30AM comes pretty quick, and I've got to get ready for bed.

Thanks again.

Bill