Well John, my portable layout was never intended to be a time saver. That was just what I did with it for one show. Each module isn't very heavy. There are 2' x 4' rectangles and 2' x 2' triangles. All are covered with indoor outdoor carpet. There is no permanent track plan, all the track has Velcro on the bottom of the ties, allowing it to stick to the carpeted tops.
The problems start with the number of modules involved. I have 24 rectangles and 24 triangles, and I frequently used all the rectangles to make a layout. It got to be a pain loading the truck, then unloading and setting up. Then to add to the setup time, I had to assemble the track, then WIRE the whole thing. I had incorporated some time saving features, with folding legs and generic wiring and plugs, which helped, but I still had to make a lot of connections on site.
I wasn't one to keep things simple either. There were no plain loops of track. Each loop had relay automation of some sort. There were passing sidings, protected crossings and yard sequencers where trains would take turns running. Never a dull moment! It was totally unique, because I never met anyone as crazy as myself.
Here are a few pictures of some of my different creations. (Sorry about the topic drift)
I called this thing the "brain". It was eight relay modules wired together to form a four track sequencer.
These next two layouts used the brain to run four trains on the outer loop. Same setup, different locations. Then there were double figure eights in the middle with relay protected quad diamonds.
This was one of the smaller layouts I did.
Double figure eights again, but the outer loop has double passing sidings with relay automation.
This was a crazy one. I was given this space on an outside corner in the corridor of the mall.
There were two loops that crossed over each other. One ran two trains loop to loop with a passing siding in the middle. The other was a giant dog bone with two passing sidings
This was the last setup. A loop of track with the mini time saver on the outside, and a loop with a single passing siding on the inside. The brain was repurposed to just two tracks instead of four.
What this thing really needs is its own trailer, for storage and hauling. That would make a huge difference.
