What can I say, the last few years for me have been anything but boring. But unlike last time, this is a positive step.
For those that have been around this forum a long time, remember about 2.5 years ago, i went through a shocker of a divorce, as this is a train related forum, the big loss, was losing my garage based Kiva Valley Railway. Far from a dream layout but it was everything I wanted.
Landing on my feet, having to move into my parents house again, it was struggle and I wasted no time in getting back into the hobby, in some ways, it was needed more than ever. I had a lot of stuff, but I was limited to space so I thought I'd try my hand at a swiching based layout...something with rural feel but urban congested to play into the switching. Here in Arizona, my "Whitton Branch", a fictional branch line, wasnt far off from the lines you would have found in Globe or Miami Arizona back in the day.
Here below in the link, it will take you to the original build thread of ti all coming together... and as luck would have it, even though I moved into a small apartment, the main room was the same size so the layout was a perfect fit in the new place. I have magined to squeeze a lot of rail road into a little apartment. My place is a cozy 456 square foot, One bed-room. But I made it work.
Here is the link http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/t/170478.aspx
The happy ending to all this is while I loved the challenge of building a good switching layout..... I really, REALLY miss watching my trains run. I have stuff that has been in boxes for 2.5 years and its killing me..... killing my passion for the hobby.
So, I am taking it down and replacing with one much the same, but as a dogbone shaped layout. The ends will be 40" wide to allow for 18-19" inch radius. yes, its tight but it will work and I can kick back, flip the switch and watch my trains run.
It will have a yard and some switching, again, I will have to really grind on the track plan to get it all but I know what my heart wants. And I shall build.
So, with in the next week or so, tear down and construction will begin. Those that know me, know it will move quick as I am itchy. I will do a build thread on that as well.
So, join me as I take a final tour and show how I got a lot of railroad, into a tiny apartment. Maybe give faith to those that think they dont have enough
Looking down Main Street
Pappy's Hot Rods Located with the sliver truck.. Restore old rides and sells them.
Across the tracks are the small yard that services Whitton and the Office
How it all fits.... The shelves hold the train stuff. The entertainment center is located under the train layout
Last year when I moved it. Even though it was less than 7 miles... I was white knuckle the whole way.
And as added bonus, a 1 minute video the layout and over all room.
Thanks guys and see ya soon
Best Regards, Big John
Kiva Valley Railway- Freelanced road in central Arizona. Visit the link to see my MR forum thread on The Building of the Whitton Branch on the Kiva Valley Railway
It's great to have you back on your feet raring to go, John. I am truly sorry for all the misfortune and heartache of the past couple of years, but it sure sounds as if you are now looking forward and trying to build some progression into your future. I look forward to reading your updates.
Go get 'em!
Crandell
selector It's great to have you back on your feet raring to go, John. I am truly sorry for all the misfortune and heartache of the past couple of years, but it sure sounds as if you are now looking forward and trying to build some progression into your future. I look forward to reading your updates. Go get 'em! Crandell
Thanks Crandell. Things are looking up and actually, have to say I am pretty well on my feet.
Been working on the new foam base of the layout and I am getting giddy. All though, I admit, I am going to miss this one, I was very happy with it.