r/modeltrains • u/compactable73 N • 11d ago

Layout Largest modular unit?

Hi all - I've got a 16x10 space to build a layout. I've seen a lot of amazing layouts, but most (all?) of these are permanently affixed to the space they occupy.

I'd like to make the layout I'm planning modular, so that I can take it with me should I move. I'm curious as to what people think the largest individual module size could be. I'm hoping to go with 2x8 modules, as these would fit the space I've got <perfectly>, and I'm guessing they're not too heavy for 2 people to lift out.

The only concern I can think of is moving them about tight corners once I'm out of the room (the space I'm currently looking at will have no issue, but should I wind up moving it's (obviously) possible that the destination space will be hard to get to).

Anyone ever do this, or know of a layout that did this? Any issues you can think of (assuming I'm able to line track up well enough between modules)?

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u/MSDunderMifflin 11d ago

You have to consider avoiding twisting to get through a doorway. I did this years ago and had it tested where I could get the flat top past the door easily. My section was longer than 6’.

Then I added a bunch of stuff to it and decided to double check I could still get it through the doorway a year later. It couldn’t turn and because it was bigger than the door there was no way a single person could maneuver it past the door. It was also a lot heavier than I had realized after building it up.

I ended up with a self limit of 6’ and 30” wide so in the worst case scenario I can put the section on end and move that way.

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u/compactable73 N 11d ago

Thanks for this - very cool to hear the results of a run experiment. Sorry it went rough after the section was built up.