David Barrow's Layout in MRP 2004 - what's the deal?

[lupo]

as I look at many lay-outs featured in MR magazine I am amazed by the detail and craftsmanship of the people that put together those masterpieces, but sometimes
it makes me think:
Can I get the skill to make that ? Would it be worthwile to start shouldn't I attend some more clinics read still more books before I start, or should I even try . . . . ?

Looking at the Dave Barrow layout I think:

Neat! I could build something like that ! Where is my hammer and nails Lets get started!

Reading this topic "no scenery" I expected architect mock-ups of buildings: cardboard cubes, but he used real models ! and as I look at the pictures overlooking the lay-out I see a very prototypical sky line: large industries and a lots of empty space surrounding them, just tracks and nothing more.
I like it very much! and IMHO it is very inspiring for not so skilled modellers !

[Anonymous]

this is one of the most interesting threads i have read in quite a while. i find it interesting because it addresses the age old argument--scenery or no scenery. if the railroad is set up for operation,what difference does it make wheather or not there is scenery ? if the design is good it will run well with or without scenery. this in turn begets the question of how you as a indivdual want to build your own layout. why would anyone be upset with any design as long as the builder was happy. what works for you is your business and what you want. mr. barrows in my opinion is one of the finest modelers in the hobby. leave it alone and do your own thing.

[Anonymous]

Sanatfefan, I don't really think anyone is upset that Mr. Barrow built this railroad. The nay sayers do however, feel that it didn't warrent being published in MRP. I can not agree with them, as I feel the article point is well made!

The truth is, I am unaware of Mr. Barrow's intentions with this plan. I don't know that any of us do know! He may have decided he wanted to persue a shortline or switching layout to explore it's potential and instead of devoting time and money to scenery he built the layout without while he made up his mind about the idea. He may simply have decided to build it without ever adding scenery. Nobody knows and he doesn't seem to be involved in this media as he hasn't respomded and he certainly doesn't need to respond either. In the end, I have enjoyed this thread, as there have been much great thought provocing comments! That is what is so fun about doing this!