I'm in a new apartment and have some room for a layout. I haven't done this in approximately 30 years and consider chopping plywood and working plaster to be too noisy/messy. Rather than get on the wrong side of my landlord, mod-u-rail (by Woodland Scenics) or somesuch would be a better choice. Does anyone around here have any practical experience with systems like this? :question:
I don't have the experience requested for input. However, I do have a thought. Are there any of the so-called big box type home centers in your vicinity? If so, check with them. They usually will cut plywood for you. And if not too many pieces, may even do so at no charge. As for plaster, you could just try using one of the el cheapo plastic paint drop cloths.
That did come up and I really can't do carrying stuff up the stairs. Carrying boxes in bags would be OK though!
I have not done any of those type layouts. Not because I think they are a bad thing, just out of my budget. I like the fact that they remain portable. Being in an apartment makes that even a better choice. You just never know when you might want to move someplace else. I would say go for it if your budget supports it. to me it was pretty spendy to just get a train running. The upside is all the planning is already done.
The portability, everything scenery wise included are two factors in the plus side. A little pricey but not totally outrageous though.
From your profile, looks like your an N scaler...course I could be wrong. A 4x8 sheet would be a nice bit of real estate in n scale, course at the sametime goes back to the carrying that up the stairs. Another thing you might look into is prebuilt cabinets. If you went to say Home depot or Lowes which ever is in your area. They make and sell premade unfinished cabinets and counter tops. Usually for like bathrooms and such. But you could buy a couple of those, place the wood on top and build on top of it and you would also have the storage of the cabinets as an added bonus. On top of this you could set them up to be easily broken apart incase you ever to have to travel. You can have them go along the wall so its not sticking out too terribly far. Just my 2 cents. Link: for example of what i am talking about. Look at the unfinished ones. http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZary9/h_d2/Navigation?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051
