5 tips for moving a layout

Many people spend years building their dream layout into their home, never thinking that they might someday have to move. But life happens, and things change. When building your layout, even if you’re not planning on moving, you might want to build it so that it can be disassembled in sections in case the unexpected happens.

Here are some tips from professional layout builders that will get you started and keep you on the right track:

Build modular sections. ❶ On average, these sections should be about 3 x 6 feet, such as this module built by Pelle Søeborg, so they can fit through the smallest door to the outside. Some doors are less than 3 feet wide, so measure the door width first to avoid having to cut down tall scenery pieces.

Organize your wiring. ❷ Wiring should be labeled and color-coded. Terminal strips or Molex plugs will make it easier to unwire and reconnect your layout. Make backdrops removable. Don’t attach your backdrop to the wall. Attach it to tempered hardboard that can be secured to the back of the layout.

Secure the scenery. Some modelers choose not to glue their ground cover and ballast to their layout. If you never have to move the layout, this is not an issue. However, if it does have to be moved, that loose material will fall off and turn into a real mess. This can be prevented by gluing your scenery down prior to the move.

Don’t bury screws. Be sure that benchwork screws or bolts are easily accessible. You don’t want to have to saw legs off because benchwork braces, fascia, scenery, and other elements made the fasteners inaccessible. – Stephan Lamb and Scott Perreault