I must be a poor hobbiest because the initial work on what is now called in my household as the Cascade Valley RR, started life in July/August of 1959. At that tender time it was going to be the Great Atlantic & Pacific RR. As I have become more and more vintage, the scope and backstory gets refined to a smaller and tighter framework. As a youth I could easily envision conquering the world, now just maintaining order in one corner of a cluttered basement seems like a larger accomplishment.
This layout still has original lumber in the benchwork and has been moved many times. Ten years in a hayloft spurred one of several rebuilds over the years.Each rebuild has kept some of the previous work and improved either track work, operations or scenery. I can be as critical of my own work as any one else, but learned a long time ago that I could live with almost any imperfection for a long time, so long as I kept searching for a preferable improvement.
Despite being a bit anachronistic and contrarian to current trends in this hobby, building and operating a railroad is a journey-not a destination. So many facets that I have yet to master, so much great modeling that others do that I take great delight in seeing.
Don H.
richhotrainI just wonder how old are some of your layouts?
Mine began with the rental of a diamond concrete saw in 1995! I had to move the darned laundry room from the outside basement wall to a more central location and the drain lines had to be moved... I never looked back. I like the design and track plan I have for my layout, tonight it is 13°F outside and 71° in the basement. I have indirect lighting, drop ceiling, "almost" wall to wall carpet, stereo, two big flat screen TVs and I can stay in my basement layout room 'til the goats come home (I raise goats) So I am reasonably content trains are proof that God loves us! Well, and too! Ed
richhotrain NP2626 I started this layout in 1988 and have been working on it for 26 years. 20 locomotives and 130+ freight and Passenger cars later, the layout seems to take a back seat every once in a while to R/C airplanes. I have determined that maybe 20 locomotives is 10 to many, the maintenance on that many, takes up to much time. I suppose if I'd bought all DCC ready locos the maintenance would be less. Still, I sort of enjoy taking DC locos and converting them to DCC. NP2626, it was your reply to another thread where you mentioned 26 years that inspired me to start this thread. My goodness, that is a long time. Good for you. Rich
NP2626 I started this layout in 1988 and have been working on it for 26 years. 20 locomotives and 130+ freight and Passenger cars later, the layout seems to take a back seat every once in a while to R/C airplanes. I have determined that maybe 20 locomotives is 10 to many, the maintenance on that many, takes up to much time. I suppose if I'd bought all DCC ready locos the maintenance would be less. Still, I sort of enjoy taking DC locos and converting them to DCC.
I started this layout in 1988 and have been working on it for 26 years. 20 locomotives and 130+ freight and Passenger cars later, the layout seems to take a back seat every once in a while to R/C airplanes. I have determined that maybe 20 locomotives is 10 to many, the maintenance on that many, takes up to much time. I suppose if I'd bought all DCC ready locos the maintenance would be less. Still, I sort of enjoy taking DC locos and converting them to DCC.
NP2626, it was your reply to another thread where you mentioned 26 years that inspired me to start this thread. My goodness, that is a long time. Good for you.
Rich
I have an understanding wife who has encouraged me to continue to be involved in the hobbys I participated in, as a kid! She tempers my buying habits which would be: see it, like it, buy it, if not for her. I'm concerned (as I have been many times in the past) that I may have overstepped my boundries this month, as I just bought a Walther's Proto 0-8-0 N.P. switcher and a few other items and am over $300.00.
Still she knows that I wouldn't do this if I didn't absolutly need this stuff!
NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association: http://www.nprha.org/
This layout began in 1983 and it has grown over the years. Just about the time I think it is done, I come up with something else to change. The only thing that is still as it was on the original layout is the farm and that has moved across the layout. Oh, well.
Roger Hensley= ECI Railroad - http://madisonrails.railfan.net/eci/eci_new.html == Railroads of Madison County - http://madisonrails.railfan.net/ =
Let's see. I started one about 12 years ago in the basement of my then current house. It never got beyond the raw wood stage because I moved into the condo I am in now. I tried to move the layout and, needless to say, it didn't go well. I reassembled parts of it 7 years ago, other pieces of it were recycled, added two new sections and began the scenery about 3 years ago. I still have some raw wood so my the objective is to get these areas 'done' this winter - maybe. Looking at adding another new section.
There's never time to do it right, but always time to do it over.....
Built the first three sections (adding up to 17 linear feet of shelf layout, 21 square feet) in 2005-2006, moved the layout to a new house in 2006, added four more modules and expanded one from 3 to 6 feet--currently at 46 linear feet of shelf layout, about two-thirds of the way around my 11x24 foot layout room, about 56 square feet. The plan is eventually to reach all the way around the room, finishing the existing modules before expanding farther--then, expanding via peninsulas into the center of the room. HO scale standard gauge, interurban/urban switching layout using small diesel and electric locomotive, minimum radius 15" mainline/12" siding.
Jetrock,
Your layout sounds interesting. I was always interested in street running and interurban, but really never got my feet wet. I grew up in Chgo in early fourties, so saw a lot of that.
Take Care!
Frank
Frank!
Handsome dude! Unlike most of the rest of us!!
Always wanted to drive one of those rigs. Nobody was stupid enough to let me try.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I figure my layout is at about the -1 year mark. My son, after a couple of setbacks, has finally landed a real career at which he he will be able to make a really decent living. The next step will be to get him to move out on his own, which he really wants to do and has for some time. He has enough money in the bank now to take on an apartment, but he is fixated on buying a car. Tomorrow, on the occasion of his 25th birthday, we will solve the car problem by giving him our 2008 Honda Civic. Hopefully, and with a little bit of loving pushing, he will find his own place soon.
Then, THE GARAGE IS MINE!!!! Ha Ha Ha Ha (evil chuckle sound effect)!
Heck, I've aready cleared out enough junk out of the garage to actually be able to use my spray booth again for the first time in several years. The layout can't be too far behind!( he says hopefully!)
hon30critter Frank! Handsome dude! Unlike most of the rest of us!! Always wanted to drive one of those rigs. Nobody was stupid enough to let me try. Dave
Dave,
LOL. Those were the good yrs. You wouldn't want to drive one of those on the bad days. Same truck, 2yrs later, stuck in truck stop for 17hours, because of bad wreck on bridge near Oil City. PA.off of I-80, don't make no money sitting still and You still got to pay for the fuel that I'm burning sitting there:
Like many, the layouts of my youth gave way to the responsibilities of adulthood. This one was begun in 2006 with the grandchildren, but has grown.
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
WHoa Frank, was the wreck you were stuck working around a big pileup out on 80? If it's the one I'm thinking of, my GF was in that mess - managed to scramble up the embankment just before the next truck unable to stop on the ice made a pancake of her car. Now they have deicers installed along that section of 80.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinker WHoa Frank, was the wreck you were stuck working around a big pileup out on 80? If it's the one I'm thinking of, my GF was in that mess - managed to scramble up the embankment just before the next truck unable to stop on the ice made a pancake of her car. Now they have deicers installed along that section of 80. --Randy
Randy,
It started out on the West bound side of I-80 where the arched bridge's are before the Ohio Line, then a few hours, the East bound bridge was also shut down. Ten trucks on the West bound scattered all over the bridge, four wheelers included, was a big mess. There was solid ice under the snow, that turned into a blizzard. That truck stop had cars trucks, parked all over the road, backed up on I-80 for miles.
I had a USPS mail load from Jersey City, NJ. going to Bedford Park, CSX Intermodal that missed the train out Kearny, NJ. Did that alot, when I was leased to CSX. UPS loads also. We always beat the train also, Weather, permitting.
My current Citrus Belt Branch dates back to 1984 with reused benchwork from a prior HO layout that harkens back to 1977. It was my first endevor into S scale during the stone age for that scale, not much has changed to it over the years which probably explains why i'm no longer satisfied with it as it is pretty much complete and not to my current standards.
I've got retirement in a few years and the misses has put me on notice that she wants to pull up roots for new parts which will included capacity for an expanded and more refined layout, probably will move the time frame up, retire my steam and replace with electric and overhead wires to move all those reefers, but the theme and reason for being will remain unchanged.
I started my layout in 2001, but due to health issues, I had to take about a year hiatus from working on it. So, at this point (late 2014), it's about 13 years old. But, parts of it are newer than the mainline section. I had so many trains on it, I had to add a 3'x12' section, and another 2'x12' as holding/staging tracks.
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
It's interesting how many of you who I assumed to be "Old Hands at this stuff, really have just started down this road. I don't mean anything belittling in this comment; as, everyone seems to know far more than I do about trains!
NP2626:
That is the entire purpose of this forum. People share knowledge. The "old hands" share the things they have learned over the years. Experience is a great teacher. They keep the lessons of the past from being lost. The "new guys" stand on the shoulders of the old masters and reach farther. Sometimes a fresh perspective is enlightening. Without new ideas we would not have DCC, LEDs, or the budding technology of 3D printing. Everyone, young and old learns from everyone else. That is, after all, how the "old hands" became the experts that they are.
Phoebe Vet NP2626: That is the entire purpose of this forum. People share knowledge. The "old hands" share the things they have learned over the years. Experience is a great teacher. They keep the lessons of the past from being lost. The "new guys" stand on the shoulders of the old masters and reach farther. Sometimes a fresh perspective is enlightening. Without new ideas we would not have DCC, LEDs, or the budding technology of 3D printing. Everyone, young and old learns from everyone else. That is, after all, how the "old hands" became the experts that they are.
Phoebe Vet,
NP2626 My point was: I have been involved building my current layout since 1988 and other than a few, I have more longevity in this hobby than most. Yet, I am impressed by the knowledge that the newer people have, many times far exceeding my knowledge on the subject.
My point was: I have been involved building my current layout since 1988 and other than a few, I have more longevity in this hobby than most. Yet, I am impressed by the knowledge that the newer people have, many times far exceeding my knowledge on the subject.
Some newer people may have perfected their modeling skills to a greater degree in a shorter period of time, but not likely the extent of their knowledge.
Knowledge comes with time and experience.
Alton Junction
Started mine three years ago after we finally found a basement with a condo above it.
We bought this house in January of 2008, came with a basement 40 x 70. Its about 80% full as of it's beginnings in 2009 and I just added the yard this past year and still working on it and some scenery, it may never end LOL.
richhotrain NP2626 My point was: I have been involved building my current layout since 1988 and other than a few, I have more longevity in this hobby than most. Yet, I am impressed by the knowledge that the newer people have, many times far exceeding my knowledge on the subject. NP2626, given the number of years that you have been in the hobby, your knowledge surely surpasses that of any of the 'newer people' in the hobby. Some newer people may have perfected their modeling skills to a greater degree in a shorter period of time, but not likely the extent of their knowledge. Knowledge comes with time and experience. Rich
NP2626, given the number of years that you have been in the hobby, your knowledge surely surpasses that of any of the 'newer people' in the hobby.
Very kind words, Rich! Will try to live up to them!
My Maclau river is 35 years old for the oldest part, Port Allen, more recent addition were added during the 2000's
The BRT&T (Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.) was started in 2008. All track is done and operational via dcc and about 40% of the scenery is done.
Two 17 foot long mountain ranges (Bragdon Geodesic Foam/resin system) are scenicked and about 1/2 ground cover is done Structures to start this winter.
I work on the layout nearly everyday for hours and I'm constantly amazed how much work and dedication it takes to build even a small to medium sized (8'X17')layout especially when doing nearly everything for the lst time, ever. Starting some ops session end of Winter/early spring to bring the layout to life and remind me of why I'm working so hard!
Jim
Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.
Mine is ready to start putting up benchwork as soon as I have some "jingle" in the pockets. Lost time last year with medical problems and have managed to "sort of" catch up. Next month is slated for the first steel studs to go into place. Guess you could call it a "rusty spike"event.
God's Best & Happy Rails to You!
Bing (RIPRR The Route of the Buzzards)
The future: Dead Rail Society
Well, my layout from my teenage years didn't survive the long period when life intervened. I have one more or less completed, which has been around since 2002. This one actually incorporates a couple of structures from the first. I am working on a new one, which I started about 18 months ago, but then immediately stalled on for about 9 months as I gave it a major redesign. Now I'm gradually moving forward as time and budget allows.
Connecticut Valley Railroad A Branch of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford
"If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." -- Henry Ford
Frank,
Good looking Freightliner! Seeing those old Bingo stickers on the door brought back a lot of memories. I must have put hundreds of those darn thing on doors over the years.Never mind all those little sitckers you had to sitck your sheet .Boy, thank goodness those day are long gone.
I started my layout about 2000 when the first grandkid came along.He like roundhouses and the turntables, so it was a small 4x8.Then the other three boys came along and two more extensions,and being much older and somewhat limited in movement, did away with a duckunder by going behind a 275 oil drum around the back wall of the basement. Layout is still not complete. I seem to find a good project every winter to pass the time.
Ken
Mine has been a steady in progress of sorts since I was about 16....14 years ago. I've since moved out of my parents house, took it with me (that was fun) and am working on the same one in my own, making it double in size. I was having trouble with it being semi-completed- wanting a fresh start but not wanting to get rid of all of my hard work- until I read the article Cody G. did about the hay field in (2 months ago?) MR. He said he didn't like the original field and wanted a re do. That got me to thinking it's ok if I have a scene/section of the layout I don't like, I'm going to tear it out and make it better. That sits better with me than removal of the entire layout. Plus it's easier financially. I've been working on that the past few months.
Modeling the N&W freelanced at the height of their steam era in HO.
Daniel G.
Well, when the question is about how old your current layout is, that doesn't really indicate how long anyone has been in the hobby. The obvious question would be "how long have you been in the hobby" but another one might be "how many layouts have you had".
By my count, my next layout will be the seventh one soley built by me, not counting the earlier ones built with my Dad or any time spent as a member of a club.
For years - I am 48, and I have home movie proof of my 2-year old self running an HO train around the Christmas tree. Other stats - I have the receipt from buying my Zephyr 13 years ago, so I've been in DCC that long. Prior to that I was researching DCC and designing a layout but moved before even benchwork was started, so I never bought the DCC system until settled in my next place and could start building something. I've been mostly HO with a few sidelines in N scale over the years. The most 'complete' layout, scenery-wise, using more 'modern' techniques (no dyed sawdust, materials OTHER than lichen for trees and shrubs, etc) is probably the N scale 3x6 I built when I was 13-14. Everything since has gotten only to the most rudimentary scenery level - some track painted and ballasted, a few structures sitting around, uncompleted, as place holders.
My daughter will be 48 this coming May, She was born when I was in Vietnam, didn't see Her until 8 months later when I came home. Also a Son 45, one 40 and the youngest 35. Started American Flyer 1947 and started and stayed in HO 1951. All done solely by me, my Dad's hobby was working. The layout I have now is my seventh and the longest I have had one up and running, just revised a few times and still all DC cab control, but I do run DCC/with sound once and awhile, have six BLI diesels, usually when the Grandkids come over, I have 8, but almost all of them are in their teens now and into other things.
Ken,
Thanks for the comment on the Freigthliner, that was a good truck. Got the job done and then some. It should have...It had a 425 Cat in it. I had quite a few trucks over a twenty year span. I owned my own and had a couple drivers working for me, for a good 15 yrs, so I guess You can say...We did well. Also a retired Teamster 25 yrs.