002 - Richlawn RR v2 - Discussion of Givens & Druthers

Normally I subject anyone that wants me to design a layout to my 10 pages "What Do You Want Your Layout To Be" questionnaire.  It is a grueling task to complete, but once done, the owner/builder knows pretty much exactly what they want in their railroad.  I've spent a lot of time with Rick, so we just sat down for an hour and I posted questions to him.  Here is what he's looking for:

Givens & Druthers:

• Be in the new house in a week or so. 
• Bedroom next to the layout could be taken, currently planned to be a guest room.  Likes the cartridge systems 
• Layout sectional and moveable 
• Lance Mindheim fan – likes his stuff 
• Would like to be able to walk in front of the windows. Maybe work on either side of the windows. 
• Double decking is an option, maybe not connected 
• Continuous run option 
• Swing bridge or gate that moves in 
• This is his office, so a pull out drawer needs to be in the room. Workbench will be in the garage, but needs to be able to work underneath the layout. 
• Helix is ok, but needs to be herniated. 
• L & N in 60’s or 70’s 
• 4 axle locos, and cabooses 
• Propane, boxcars, hoppers, flatcars, scrap yard 
• Hoover town will be salvaged 
• Palmer asbestos – brake shoes 
• Kentucky, Virginia, Pennsylvania 
• Would like to do some scenery 
• Rock cut, radius 30” radius 
• Lots of warehouses 
• Falls City Brewery – Louisville, KY (no real rail but wants to include) 
• Grain elevator 
• Go see on MRH the video of Kevin’s layout – link buried 
• Going to send me room pix of his layout 
• Not into hand laying, so stay with Micro Engineering, code 83 and 70 
• Scenery is going to be compromised 
• DCC for the layout, still running with Loconet/Digitrax and JMRI 
• Signals are possible 
• Operations – Ran with a work order, drop and pick from a switch list. Short time, running by yourself. Logical connection between the industries. 
• Make an industry swap chart 
• Mostly self, but could have others come over (one or two simultaneously). Maybe a working fiddle yard. Design it to expand his knowledge. 
• Good woodworker, so anything goes on benchwork 
• Good electronics, so anything goes 
• Not good at handlaying track or turnouts, but might want to try. 
• Water features, and challenge him 
• Prefers to use wall brackets 
• Well equipped for rolling stock. 
• Has a lot of 40’ rolling stock. Can stay tight. 
• Use Bob’s dowel system 
• Lighting – track lighting may be the thing. At least for single 
• Include boxes for operation, pencil and drink holders, and small desks 
• Nighttime running options, or twighlight. 
• Benchwork, armpit and elbow. 45 to 55 inches. 
• Scott will set up a Blog. 
• #5 turnouts, Walthers 
• Duck unders are out 
• Pull out drawer for DCC system