Well it seems like the Candianian Canyons will be wrapping up soon. To me, they've really hit some home runs lately with the CC, Beer Line, Virginian, WSSB (love that little layout), and the David's Olympia. To me these hit the same flavor as the KR&D and Clinchfield from the 70s.
So, with that background, what would be the next big hit? Perhaps Colorado Springs Joint line circa 1980 where the wide mix of diesel schemes in that era? Or maybe a steam era division point focused on engine servicing? That could be interesting. Maine two footer seaport? It gets exciting thinking about the possibilities.
Or has David already given us a hint in his series on track planning Crystal Lake?
I'm getting giddy already.
jim
How 'bout a real challenge...Z scale harbour setting with hand-laid tracks.
jmbjmbOr has David already given us a hint in his series on track planning Crystal Lake?
That's the vibe I got, unless that might be his next home layout. It would also be interesting to see David P. develop some of the ideas he set forth in an article (and trackplan) about his former home of Kirkland IL.
Another thought would be to attempt to recreate, but improve using today's techniques and materials, one of the more interesting of all MR project layouts, the Sierra Pintada -- not only was it point to point but it was not a rectangle.
Dave Nelson
I would like to see a modern one or two engine short line layout or perhaps a updated KR&D.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
I'd like to see something a bit bigger than the pigmy-sized layouts they usually do. Something that supports long-term operation fun would be really nice. What they usually do might be fun in the short term, but I think they tend to build what in a very short time become mostly dust collectors.
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
Canadian Canyons may be already familiar to MRVP subscribers, but we'll be bringing it to Model Railroader magazine subscribers starting in the January 2019 issue. The project for 2020 is an O scale (Proto:48) layout built by MR contributing editor and Model Railroad Planning editor Tony Koester. We're just beginning discussion of our project for 2021. All we can tell you for sure at this point is it will be HO scale. We're looking at what new structure, scenery, and rolling stock products will be coming out in the next year to help guide our choice of prototype, era, and setting.
--Steven Otte, Model Railroader senior associate editorsotte@kalmbach.com
Thanks for the insight Steven. Larry, I agree about an updated KR&D. And in a nod to Mark's comment about larger layout projects, I've always envisioned the KR&D as one terminal of a much larger basement empire (not that I have a basement to work with) where the carfloat hidden stageing links to the other end rather than looping back on itself.
Perhaps what's needed for Mark's question is something more along the lines of the old "Up Clear Creek on the Narrow Gauge" series that I think ran in the Gazette some years ago. MR probably doesn't have the space and of course has to cover a wide range of interests, to take on such a long term project, but maybe there is someone out there who does? I could see doing it as a labor of love if I had more than my 2x8 space to work in.
Construction site narrow gauge. That was the way things were done before bulldozers. A high volume of trains moving dirt and/or concrete would require some sophisticated operation. Think about it before saying "NO! OH GOD NO!"
Steven Otte Canadian Canyons may be already familiar to MRVP subscribers, but we'll be bringing it to Model Railroader magazine subscribers starting in the January 2019 issue. The project for 2020 is an O scale (Proto:48) layout built by MR contributing editor and Model Railroad Planning editor Tony Koester. We're just beginning discussion of our project for 2021. All we can tell you for sure at this point is it will be HO scale. We're looking at what new structure, scenery, and rolling stock products will be coming out in the next year to help guide our choice of prototype, era, and setting.
Just an idea, you could do the D&H in Plattsburgh or Mecanicville NY in the early 80's, interesting track, interesting industries, interesting power.
Harrison
Homeschooler living In upstate NY a.k.a Northern NY.
Modeling the D&H in 1978.
Route of the famous "Montreal Limited"
My YouTube
I recall seeing picture of the highway that went in front of my childhood home being constructed exactly how you described. Tiny trains on something like 15 or 18 inch gauge track. Horse drawn drag pans and graders.
What are the size limitations of a project layout? island plans are great, but shelf and around the walls are more realistic for a train room.
One idea might be a commuter layout, maybe a modern take of those Mike Welch plans? But I am biased to a Chicago track plan.
the background, planning, LDE, compression, operations, and design parameters might be the best value. Applying roadbed and building benchwork might be a little redundant.
After being a armchair modeler for years, the Operating the Virginian video inspired me to build a railroad.
I am surprised I haven't seen any recent attempts to do a model railroad set in the Pacific Northwest. My recent trip up there for Thanksgiving sure has the area on my mind a lot lately.I dunno a few other ideas, go international? I thought that OO Scale layout was a highlight of this year's articles, and would love to see more of that. It would make for an interesting story if it is prototypical, just how would a group of American modeler's go about recreating a prototype scene from an ocean away?
Outsailing86What are the size limitations of a project layout?
It has to be sized to get it out the door of their workshop.
xboxtravis7992I dunno a few other ideas, go international?
What a splendid idea!
There is so much of a model railroading world outside of the Americas, but I guess that only few US/Canadian modelers would take an interest in participating in the making of a "foreign" layout.
With streetcars becoming more popular in US and Canadian cities these days, how about a modern traction layout?
Happy times!
Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)
"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"
maxman Outsailing86 What are the size limitations of a project layout? It has to be sized to get it out the door of their workshop.
Outsailing86 What are the size limitations of a project layout?
And their elevator. Let's not forget placing it in their van. The Canadian Canyons needs to transported in a bigger van due to its height.
Amtrak America, 1971-Present.
I'd like to see something like SP in the Cascades or Sierra Nevadas in the 70s, they could do it in modules, its take some creativity to hide the joints in the scenery but a nice 5x15 layout would be cool.
Steve
If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough!
You've pretty much described Joe Fugate's layout. Doubt MR would be interested in duplicating another magazine's work.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I was curious if they are due for a “let’s build a layout at David‘s house” aka the crystal lake series (?)
whats everyones top 5 project layouts?
Virginian with Thin Branch (not going to lie, gave this a lot of thought)
Black River Junction
Canadian Canyons
Wisconsin Central from the mid 90’s
Mohawk Valley from the early 90’s
Two I always wanted to build were the Kinnikinnick from the 70's (I think that might have been the first project railroad that Russ Larson worked on), and Dave Frary's PRR Middle Division from 1993.
(writing from Amtrack train #670 so excuse any more than usual typos)
The Cripple Creek Central will always have a special place in my heart. I loved the no plan organic development of it. I also loved when they violated the "no soldering" rule on a late article on the justification of "well you'll have to learn sometime."
A working version of the mine run from "Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom"...in Z-scale...including animated crocodiles.
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
It's actually been done by a now-defunct hobby shop in Australia. Dave Jones from the EEVBlog has it now. Here's one of the videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWm7hMkytyI
It actually covers all of the movies with various scenes. I know there is another of his videos that shows some of it running.
Personally, I'd like to see something steam-era (pre-transition). Maybe a short line rural or industrial layout. Probably never happen though because the transition and modern eras seem to be the most popular among subscribers, and business-wise, it makes sense to keep them engaged.
And those MR guys really love their diesels.
- Adam
When all else fails, wing it!
Now if only I could access the digital archives to check out some of the past projects mentioned in this thread.
Seems to be on-again-off-again.
Mike.
My You Tube
I would be interested in seeing a modular layout that is compliant with the NMRA guidlines for modules yet shows all the creativity that the MR staff can fold into those constraints. I mostly see a lot of flat round and round layouts at the train shows. I know the clubs have limitations but it would be nice to see a NMRA modular compliant layout that would knock your socks off yet still be very mobile.
I think this would appeal to modlers who have a decent size space to build a new layout in yet want to build it for mobility so it can be moved to their next house.
Could address issues such as how to mount structures for easy removal yet still look good when installed, different module shapes yet still NMRA compliant, lift out section for a walkway, timeless landscape to allow operating in almost any era, etc.
Paul D
N scale Washita and Santa Fe RailroadSouthern Oklahoma circa late 70's
PEDI would be interested in seeing a modular layout that is compliant with the NMRA guidlines for modules yet shows all the creativity that the MR staff can fold into those constraints.
How well established are those standards among model railroasders? It seems to me that Freemo standards are much more popular.
Again a modular mountain layout would be cool. Ok so not in the Cascades, but perhaps Donner?
I just hope the next project has a custom roadname and the magazine includes decals for it so we can decorate our own freight cars for it.
.
My favorite part of the Turtle Creek Central was the decals!
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Tinplate Toddler PED I would be interested in seeing a modular layout that is compliant with the NMRA guidlines for modules yet shows all the creativity that the MR staff can fold into those constraints. How well established are those standards among model railroasders? It seems to me that Freemo standards are much more popular.
PED I would be interested in seeing a modular layout that is compliant with the NMRA guidlines for modules yet shows all the creativity that the MR staff can fold into those constraints.
NTrak is pretty universal in the US and most HO modular clubs I've seen are NMRA or derived from it. Freemo is fairly uncommon in the regions of the US that I'm familiar with.
I really don't care what modular standard is used. My main objective was to demonstrate how a great layout can be built within the constraints of a modular standard. Might inspire a modeler with limited space to design a big dream layout for the future yet get started by building some of the modules now that can be accomodated within whatever limited space the modeler has.