I finished carting off model railroad debris this week. I kept the original 5x11 box that moved into the house 30 years ago, but the rest is history. The newer part was not built to move, it would not survive transportation.
I had originally planned to have an abandonment party, inviting the few people who have operated over the years, but the virus ended that idea - but it also gave me a story to tell. I started making up press releases about the road's woes due to lost business, then as services were curtailed I made a last run and took of the rolling stock. But after I had to put away my commuter engine, it suddenly became no fun anymore and I dove into the scrapping project.
The basic process was to strip to benchwork, salvage all the good manufactured track, tearing down the control panels, pulling back the wire to salvage or scrap, then disassemble to pieces I could cart out of the basement by myself.
Now my 21x21 area only has two table layouts (N and HO Museum layout) stacked in the corner. The original 5x11 is being split again for removal.
There have been losses in my life lately, and this was one more, plus a metaphor for those losses. It was best just to dive in and treat the scrapping like a project... 920 lbs. of memories to the transfer station. But the 5x11 will rise again.
Genesee Terminal, freelanced HO in Upstate NY ...hosting Loon Bay Transit Authority and CSX Intermodal. Interchange with CSX (CR)(NYC).
CP/D&H, N scale, somewhere on the Canadian Shield
Through adversity to the stars!! Good luck going forward.
I took down my "Spare Bedroom" layout in 2017, and threw away (or Purged) at least half of my model railroading items.
That turned out to be the best thing I could have done. It got me moving on my freight car fleet project that had always been a big dream. Also, it got rid of a layout that was too many compromises to really enjoy.
Disposal can be a good thing.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
When I moved I had a compeated 15x30 ho layout ment to move but in the end it just went in the trash, saved most of the turnouts but never used them as I had a bunch of new ones. Old one was in the garge so it had times of being too cold even though I lived in a warmer area. Also had tenants above so had to be quiet at times. Now building a 12 1/2 x 11 that will be super derailed, in a spare bedroom with no one to bother except family.
I had two layouts in my home one was my ho that was 25x13 and my brothers std gauge tinplate layout that was 20x12. Both were trashed.
I'm now in a small senior apt and I'm building a 12x5 ho layout, so what I'm trying to say is keep building if you can. It keeps your mind sharp and it gives you something to do. Beings it's smaller I have to get more creative. It's allot fun and I still love running trains no matter the size.
Dave
Sounds sad....Trusting there are better days ahead for you....
Thanks for the kind words and sharing your stories.
Here's to beginning your next modeling adventure!
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton