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A new start: Modular layout set in China

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  • Member since
    February 2019
  • From: Sacramento, California
  • 98 posts
A new start: Modular layout set in China
Posted by L. Zhou on Monday, January 24, 2022 10:53 PM

Well, it's the end of an era, and the start of something new. 

 

I have belonged to a modular railroading club in my town for a couple years now, and have ran trains on the layout but never owned a module (or modules), in part because of life and also the fact that it required time to build from the ground up which would have been a huge commitment. 

The dream and honestly my interests in the hobby languished during the past year due to other involvements elsewhere, but they've been rekindled by a visit to the train show a few weeks back, where I got to pick up a undecorated flatcar and European coach, the latter going to be modified into a Yunnan-Vietnam Railway car. It somewhat repiqued my interest in the hobby. 

Then came the spark that reignited the firebox. A club member was selling off three modules depicting the foothills of California. All of them wired and sceniked, albiet the latter was in poor condition, with buildings and some track ripped out. 

Looking at the modules and the way the track was done (with both a wood and concrete trestle on the mainline), I thought of how it bore a passing resemblance to the rolling hills of Inner Mongolia, the JiTong line in particular. Needless to say I bought all three. 

I've been thinking about these thoughts for the past years or so, but never really had the means or ways to until now. Inspired by the likes of Paul Stapleton, Peter Hayworth and Mjenderby, I'm going to take the plunge into building a layout set in China. 

This will nessesitate dismantling my American-themed 4x8, which I have worked on since I was a kid in elementary school. This would happen somewhat soon, after I get the modules up and running and taking full stock. Pictures of what the modules look like will be up soon. 

"No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow." -Lin Yutang

-

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ludington, MI
  • 1,862 posts
Posted by Water Level Route on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 5:59 AM

Looking forward to the pictures.  A fresh start is always exciting.

Mike

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 6:21 AM

Good morning 

Welcome back L. Zhou.  Sounds like a fun venture. 

My last layout of my youth became dormant for 35 years and hung in the garage rafters in my last residence for about 25.

When I finally took it out of my tool trailer to re-evaluate it about 4 years ago, it found it's way to the dumpster after finding to much wrong with it.

From all the findings I learned through reseach of the hobbies parameters to follow this time around, It was of my best interest to start over so I did.

Have fun with your new build and keep us posted if you willSmile

 

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • 7,500 posts
Posted by 7j43k on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 9:36 AM

Excellent choice.

I saw the railroads of China when I visited some years ago.  Very interesting.

It is my impression that there are plenty of models being made in China of their own railroad equipment.

Please do share pictures or your observations.

 

 

Ed

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