With the pending move to a farm in NC, I'll have a potential 20' x 40' clear span layout space in our 40' x 50' shop building. That would easily accommodate an expanded version of the N-scale SP Ventura Sub that I had planned for my current basement. However, the more I think about the enormity of the work and cost involved, I'm inclined to think I'm nuts to even think about that plan. I just turned 67. Did any of you similarly experienced folks take on a such a major project at an advanced age?
As much as I love the SP in Southern California, I think I'd be wise to let it go. Brakie's ISL concept seems more logical and in line with my past couple of small layouts. My last ISL was just a freelance attempt at getting a switching layout.
I've discovered that I abhor anything that's not prototype based (apologies to all you freelancers and proto-freelancers). Therefore, I was thinking about changing to model the DL&W's 25th Street South Brooklyn Terminal.
http://members.trainweb.com/bedt/indloco/dlw25bp.jpg
The whole thing can be modeled in 17' x 4' at its widest. I could do it as an island to keep the reaches manageable. Might be something I could finish before I "buy the farm" the last time.
Ray
I can't speak as to the cost. But as long as your able ,why not? You'll never know if you don't try.
Could be that you will wake up on your 110th birthday,run out to the still empty shed, and wonder why you didn't
I'm 68,and just started a rebuild,If the ''big one'' comes befor I'm done ohwell
"Industrial Switching Layout" implies an area wholly-owned and operated by one industry -- like a cement plant, steel mill, or industrial park. That's different from a switching area operated by a railroad, which is what you seem to be describing.
For a smaller switching layout without abandoning the locale, consider the Ventura County Railroad. This N scale switching layout design is large in scope, but one could do a portion of the prototype, which has had interesting traffic in many eras (and provides a home for SP equipment). Of course, if you want to change locales, that's fine, too.
Good luck with your layout.
Byron
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
[quote user="UNCLEBUTCH"]You'll never know if you don't try. Could be that you will wake up on your 110th birthday,run out to the still empty shed, and wonder why you didn't[/quote
Amen
How's your health? None of our business, nor something you need to answer in a public Internet forum, but answer silently, to yourself.
The social security acturarial tables say you have another 16 years to finish it. If you are a strong supporter of the obesity epidemic and smoke a couple packs a day, and take insulin so you can keep eating those cookies, plan on something less expansive.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Ahhh, go for it. You have already figured out the worst that can happen.
Bear "It's all about having fun."
Post a layout plan. Most layouts can be built peicemeal. Start at one point you like the most and expand from there.
Some background on why I planned the SP Ventura Sub to begin with. My "passion" is operations planning. That begins with an Excel based program that I developed that generates prototypical waybills with junction routing, weights, tariffs, etc. The program includes 1000+ custom car routings between the various online industries and off-line origins/destinations. So while the SP Ventura Sub includes the full Coast Line and Valley compliment of mainline trains, the real focus was to be on the local industrial switching at Glendale, Burbank, Hewitt, Raymer/GEMCO, Northridge and Chatsworth on the mainline, and North Hollywood and Van Nuys on the Burbank Branch.
So the layout was really just the stage upon which to play the local freight game.
I had originally developed the Excel based program to generate waybills for a model of the DL&W Harlem Transfer. It has 1000+ custom routings for the industries and team tracks at the HT based on real local customers. I similarly did the same for the DL&W 25th Street South Brooklyn Terminal - another 1000+ custom car routings.
All three layouts, the SP Ventura Sub, Harlem Transfer and 25th Street have been fully "modeled" in 3rdPlanit to the point where operations can be simulated. The 3rdPlanit models of HT and 25th Street include detailed 3D renderings of every building on the properties. Truly virtual modeling.
My goal is to move beyond computer simulation to "real" modeling. I'm afraid that I wouldn't be able to get the SP Ventura Sub to a decent operating level in a reasonable time. The HT trackwork scares me (but not as complex as the CNJ Bronx Terminal). So the 25th Street layout seems achievable.
BTW, health isn't an issue. If it was, I wouldn't be thinking of adding "farming" to my regular full time engineering work. No plans for retirement anytime soon. I enjoy engineering too much to ever quit.
When we moved into the new house after rebuilding from a fire, MOH disignated a 13'x22' space as the "train room." Since I was still working 25/8 on the farm and bus route I was only able to attend shows and buy for my dream layout. Had the basic plan picked out from the data base, but never got further than the sheet rock installation, not even taped. Son moved home, he and his kids took up both similarly sized spaces. I got sent to the basement, where i have stalled, with my little 4'x6' in the center of a 7'x14' space. Had a heart attack last fall, now selling off a lot of excess stuff, but trying to get myself rolling to get a shelf up and track down. Once I can get something running again I will work on scenicking.
Since you have a nice large space and are 6 years younger, assuming no major health problems, what about this idea? Take your basic plan and divide it into modules. Start with the two ends of your Ventura sub. When they are coming along nicely, put in the basis for a module between them and start working on that one. You could build from one end to the other or do the center section, whatever you wanted. Build the interesting (to you) sections, then build the connecting scenes, the order could be your choice.
I have heard of many layouts here started later in life. Do as you prefer and if you should buy the farm before it's done, well, you had fun dreaming and doing.
Good luck,
Richard
I'm hopefully getting to the end of this divorce nightmare, and I'll be moving south with a truck full of trains. My girlfriend is fully supportive of my hobby.
In looking back at the years it took to build my layout, I realize that I spent most of my time building structure kits and scenery, in addition to rolling stock kits. I have most of what I need, and most of the effort will be re-configuring for a new track plan. It should go fairly quickly, and if I have to put off ballasting until a rainy day, well, so be it.
I just turned 71. The girlfriend and I will spend our time cooking, making beer, eating and drinking, bicycling, going for walks and generally enjoying life. It will be a busy retirement. It's the way I want to spend my years as the fast clock runs down.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Ray,
I'll be clicking over 67 next month. No-one knows where they are on Mr. Brink's list and the graveyard is full of healthy people. Years ago with coronary artery disease and stent placements tugging at my sleeve I considered abandoning my plans to build a layout. The layout is now more than halfway to what I consider complete, but don't know if I'll ever get there. One thing's for sure, I'm glad I didn't miss out on this fun filled and enlightening journey, regardless of where it ends.
Best wishes and regards, Peter
My space available was 24' x 30'. I made the layout 15' x 24' with an eye to expanding if I finished the 15' x 24' part. 11 years later I have not yet expanded and found what I have now quite large enough to maintain. Benchwork and track go up fast, while everything else moves at a much slower rate.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
cowman Since you have a nice large space and are 6 years younger, assuming no major health problems, what about this idea? Take your basic plan and divide it into modules. Start with the two ends of your Ventura sub. When they are coming along nicely, put in the basis for a module between them and start working on that one. You could build from one end to the other or do the center section, whatever you wanted. Build the interesting (to you) sections, then build the connecting scenes, the order could be your choice.
I think this, or a variation, is a great idea/approach.
You can plan for something big, but build it with modules. Less pressure. And you can play sooner.
Ed
I have a friend, aged 82, who just sole his house and moved into a seniors condo.
He's making plans for s shelj type switching layout, as that is all he has room for.
Dave
I am 74 and still building on my latest layout. I do have some health issues but if I was not busy with my RR, I would be going crazy watching TV. I see it as theraphy. My biggest challange is working under the layout (body does not want to cooperate) and the slight tremors I have in my hands. If you don't do it, you will be kicking yourself later.
Paul D
N scale Washita and Santa Fe RailroadSouthern Oklahoma circa late 70's
I don't understand why you don't use the entire 40' x 50' area. I would. My grandmother lived to be 100 years old because she was busy every day. She never just sat around watching TV or reading. Keep busy. In a big space most of it can just be rural scenery so you don't have to build a lot of structures. The more empty space between towns the more prototype it is. Enjoy!
Whatever you do, just keep doing it.
The virtual thing sounds cool, as its important to keep the kind busy, too, but you need actual physical activity for what it brings to the table.
I'd start something, but leave plenty of room for expansion. You might be surpirsed at how much the layout surpports you.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
What does "ISL" mean?
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
Brunton What does "ISL" mean?
Industrial Switching Layout
Lone Wolf, regarding using the full 40' x 50' shop. I'll still need some space for farm maintenance, etc. Also, while the building is insulated, it isn't currently heated or air conditioned. My plan for a layout room, if I go for the larger SP Ventrua Sub route, is to wall off one end, put in a ceiling (for storage above) and heat and cool the subsequnet layout room.