The Dream Model Railroad

[Anonymous]

With money and space not being factors...the Denver & Rio Grande Western in HO scale from Devner to Salt Lake City, complete with branch lines. Could be FUN!!!

[Anonymous]

With money and space not being factors...the Denver & Rio Grande Western in HO scale from Devner to Salt Lake City, complete with branch lines. Could be FUN!!!

[Anonymous]

As a child I was taken to the R.H & D. Miniature Railway almost on an annual basis, if not the largest it is definitely one of the worlds bigger layouts. Lots of live steam, big enough to ride and carry passengers. 13+ real miles of layout space. Serious boredom diversion. http://www.rhdr.org.uk/rhdr/rhdr.html

[Anonymous]

As a child I was taken to the R.H & D. Miniature Railway almost on an annual basis, if not the largest it is definitely one of the worlds bigger layouts. Lots of live steam, big enough to ride and carry passengers. 13+ real miles of layout space. Serious boredom diversion. http://www.rhdr.org.uk/rhdr/rhdr.html

[Anonymous]

Well I haven't thought of my dream layout in a really long time, but if I can remember correctly, I wanted to model the CP Mainline from Calgary to Vancouver. It would include all the scenery along the route, the tunnels and bridges and everything else. Once it reached the city I would include the entire port of Vancouver with Container Ships and miles of tracks. I had it all calculated out how much space I'd need and if I remember correctly it was in the miles, so if I want this dream to come true I'd need billions of dollars and an army of guys to help me build it, but to see a 100 car train winding its way through the Canadian Rockies would be well worth the time and money.

[Anonymous]

Well I haven't thought of my dream layout in a really long time, but if I can remember correctly, I wanted to model the CP Mainline from Calgary to Vancouver. It would include all the scenery along the route, the tunnels and bridges and everything else. Once it reached the city I would include the entire port of Vancouver with Container Ships and miles of tracks. I had it all calculated out how much space I'd need and if I remember correctly it was in the miles, so if I want this dream to come true I'd need billions of dollars and an army of guys to help me build it, but to see a 100 car train winding its way through the Canadian Rockies would be well worth the time and money.

[CBQ_Guy]

My first response is, "I'm building it now.", and in reality I am 'cause this is the BIG one I've wanted since I started in the hobby almost 50 years ago, and at this point in my life and situation, I probably ain't gonna have anything bigger. But since we're dreaming here, I would like a bigger area than my 24 by 38 foot area mainly to add more scenic opportunities to rural, urban, towns, residential, and industrial areas, in addition to being able to make my scenes a bit deeper and my aisles wider. And oh yeah, longer mainline run between towns and/or switching areas.

And the REALLY big dream -- I think it would be super neat to have one of those outside layouts where you can actually ride on the trains (1/8 scale?) built on many acres of land. It would be built like a giant model rr but you could actually operate it closely to the prototype. Major fun, IMO.

[CBQ_Guy]

My first response is, "I'm building it now.", and in reality I am 'cause this is the BIG one I've wanted since I started in the hobby almost 50 years ago, and at this point in my life and situation, I probably ain't gonna have anything bigger. But since we're dreaming here, I would like a bigger area than my 24 by 38 foot area mainly to add more scenic opportunities to rural, urban, towns, residential, and industrial areas, in addition to being able to make my scenes a bit deeper and my aisles wider. And oh yeah, longer mainline run between towns and/or switching areas.

And the REALLY big dream -- I think it would be super neat to have one of those outside layouts where you can actually ride on the trains (1/8 scale?) built on many acres of land. It would be built like a giant model rr but you could actually operate it closely to the prototype. Major fun, IMO.

[cp1057]

Given the opportunity to model in a larger space with decent headroom and no furnaces and other appliances to negotiate, I think my dream layout would have space for much larger sidings than what I have right now. Trains of much more realistic lengths could be run.

Enough space for: mainline running, branchline operation to a lakeside port, and a working interchange with another road.

All this being said, the layout would be small enough to operate and maintain on my own and not become another workday.

Charles
Hillsburgh Ontario

[cp1057]

Given the opportunity to model in a larger space with decent headroom and no furnaces and other appliances to negotiate, I think my dream layout would have space for much larger sidings than what I have right now. Trains of much more realistic lengths could be run.

Enough space for: mainline running, branchline operation to a lakeside port, and a working interchange with another road.

All this being said, the layout would be small enough to operate and maintain on my own and not become another workday.

Charles
Hillsburgh Ontario

[Anonymous]

My dream layout doesn't have to be the biggest--I just want it to captivate me each time I'm ready to turn on the power and watch the trains roll. Ideally, I look forward to the day when I can construct, in the basement, a layout with at least one section of it with minimum straightaway of at least 40 feet. This would be a blast, to watch at least four long passenger trains race over the 'countryside', before disappearing into tunnels or behind rolling hills or buildings. I'd also like an 'E' shaped track plan, with the middle section of the 'E' devoted exclusively to a major train station with stub-end tracks and intricate throat trackage. And long coach yards! I'll have the house with the desired basement soon enough, so maybe this won't be a dream for much longer after all. Oh: one other modeler said that he would want to be able to operate his layout exclusively if he wanted, and I have to agree that would be very, very important to me as well. It shouldn't be so complex that I have to seek out five other modelers to help run things. Continuous running and me staring in awe--now that's a dream layout.

[Anonymous]

My dream layout doesn't have to be the biggest--I just want it to captivate me each time I'm ready to turn on the power and watch the trains roll. Ideally, I look forward to the day when I can construct, in the basement, a layout with at least one section of it with minimum straightaway of at least 40 feet. This would be a blast, to watch at least four long passenger trains race over the 'countryside', before disappearing into tunnels or behind rolling hills or buildings. I'd also like an 'E' shaped track plan, with the middle section of the 'E' devoted exclusively to a major train station with stub-end tracks and intricate throat trackage. And long coach yards! I'll have the house with the desired basement soon enough, so maybe this won't be a dream for much longer after all. Oh: one other modeler said that he would want to be able to operate his layout exclusively if he wanted, and I have to agree that would be very, very important to me as well. It shouldn't be so complex that I have to seek out five other modelers to help run things. Continuous running and me staring in awe--now that's a dream layout.

[Anonymous]

Lots of rivers
Lots of Mountains
Lots of bridges
Lots of deep cuts
Pastures
small industry
A big Freight Yard
A Big round house
Full of Allegheny's, Selkirks, Mountains, Northerns, Consolidateds and Mikes
All big enough for the engines to meander for a time without crossing the same track.

[Anonymous]

Lots of rivers
Lots of Mountains
Lots of bridges
Lots of deep cuts
Pastures
small industry
A big Freight Yard
A Big round house
Full of Allegheny's, Selkirks, Mountains, Northerns, Consolidateds and Mikes
All big enough for the engines to meander for a time without crossing the same track.

[AggroJones]

My dream layout would be much larger than my current one. It would fit in a finished 2-car garage, and be 12' x 18'. Mostly around the wall with a peninsula. Having 5 main lines would be the fufillment of a dream. [:)] I would also welcome wide curves so my locomotives can negotiate easier.

[AggroJones]

My dream layout would be much larger than my current one. It would fit in a finished 2-car garage, and be 12' x 18'. Mostly around the wall with a peninsula. Having 5 main lines would be the fufillment of a dream. [:)] I would also welcome wide curves so my locomotives can negotiate easier.

[Anonymous]

How about a large kind of scale outdoor ride on RR! Think about, the chuffing of livesteam locos, the rumble of diesels. All in a 20mi by 30mi area. My real dream.

[Anonymous]

How about a large kind of scale outdoor ride on RR! Think about, the chuffing of livesteam locos, the rumble of diesels. All in a 20mi by 30mi area. My real dream.

[Anonymous]

My dream layout would be the whole chicago northwestern mainline and branches. I talking the real thing here. I would use Sd9 frames and chassies with ge electrical system from the dash9

[Anonymous]

My dream layout would be the whole chicago northwestern mainline and branches. I talking the real thing here. I would use Sd9 frames and chassies with ge electrical system from the dash9

[METRO]

I would buy a great big old warehouse from the turn of the century, in a big city in the Eastern US or Ontario, the kind with vast open spaces and 30-50 foot celings. Then I would build all of the Toronto-Montreal corridor into it, starting with Hamilton to the west, the Blue Mountains (floor to celing of course) and the Huron Coast to the north, Lake Ontario to the south and Downtown Montreal to the east. I would of course form it to my designs, freelancing where I saw fit, and even adding another totally fictional major megaopolis into the line. I would even build to scale models of the CN tower and all of the other skyscrapers. *closes eyes* Haha I can see the slick GO Transit, AMT and Via liners flying across the line now!

I would hire some programers to write me some great software so that I could just come in after a long day and run the entire line myself, from dispacther to many many cabs, all fed into my G4 laptop and iPod. All trains not directly in my control would be controled by the computer according to operating sessions I worked up. I could also however, disengage the computer system and go to wireless cab control on iPods for a few of my closest friends, or the entire local NMRA chapter. Wow I'd probably need an entirely new generation of DCC for that to work.

[METRO]

I would buy a great big old warehouse from the turn of the century, in a big city in the Eastern US or Ontario, the kind with vast open spaces and 30-50 foot celings. Then I would build all of the Toronto-Montreal corridor into it, starting with Hamilton to the west, the Blue Mountains (floor to celing of course) and the Huron Coast to the north, Lake Ontario to the south and Downtown Montreal to the east. I would of course form it to my designs, freelancing where I saw fit, and even adding another totally fictional major megaopolis into the line. I would even build to scale models of the CN tower and all of the other skyscrapers. *closes eyes* Haha I can see the slick GO Transit, AMT and Via liners flying across the line now!

I would hire some programers to write me some great software so that I could just come in after a long day and run the entire line myself, from dispacther to many many cabs, all fed into my G4 laptop and iPod. All trains not directly in my control would be controled by the computer according to operating sessions I worked up. I could also however, disengage the computer system and go to wireless cab control on iPods for a few of my closest friends, or the entire local NMRA chapter. Wow I'd probably need an entirely new generation of DCC for that to work.

[Anonymous]

If my pocket book ever catches up to my ambition, My layout will make Northlands look like spare bedroom layout.

First I would build a grand palatial structure complete with train shed (To house my collection of full scale equipment [8D]) There would be at least five stories above ground and two below.

On the first level would be the main concourse which leads to the full scale trains and the appropriate ticket booths for booking train rides. Also there will be a restaurant and a hobby store so that visitors may buy their needed supplies. The main floor will be used for rotating displays as seasons and events come and go. I plan on there being enough room to host a NMRA convention if they are so inclined.

The first basement level would be "My" level where me and my girlfriend show off our personal modeling. (See my profile for more info) Right now my modeling covers Northern Colorado, All of Wyoming, and on into southern Montana. My girlfriend seems poised to catch the entire Northeast. With our combined modeling efforts we may very well end up modeling all the United States.

The second basement level will be primarily used for storage of surplus equipment and rotating displays. As well as house the main workshop for doing model work.

On the second story, I plan this level to be the “Atlas Level” so dubbed because I plan on showcasing the many published track plans that have appeared over the years, giving the plans in the Atlas books center stage. The Kalmbach plans would be prominently displayed as well

The third story would be “Famous Layouts.” This level would feature the layouts of well known model railroaders that have decided to have their work saved and thus donated it to the museum. One project I want to do is recreate the former Chicago Museum of Science and Industry layout, featuring the Santa Fe in O scale. I feel enough documentation exists that I can easily achieve this.

The Fourth story would the library level. Since publications have made a significant contribution to this hobby it only seems logical that an effort be made to house, the collected works of these materials. I have a large start on this from my own personal collection my self.

The fifth story, would be my personal residence, Hey, I started the blooming place, I own it, I might as well make the commute to work easy. I plan on situating the whole affair on a several thousand acre parcel of land so that should the model railroad outgrow the originally planned space, additional “annexes” can be built. I like what the one guy said about a pyramid. Lots of potential I see for such a structure.

This is what my ambitions and dreams are shooting for. In all likelihood I know this will probably never happen. But hey, I figured the chances of me and my girlfriend ever getting together were more remote than this, so I am more willing to believe that his will come into being now.

[Anonymous]

If my pocket book ever catches up to my ambition, My layout will make Northlands look like spare bedroom layout.

First I would build a grand palatial structure complete with train shed (To house my collection of full scale equipment [8D]) There would be at least five stories above ground and two below.

On the first level would be the main concourse which leads to the full scale trains and the appropriate ticket booths for booking train rides. Also there will be a restaurant and a hobby store so that visitors may buy their needed supplies. The main floor will be used for rotating displays as seasons and events come and go. I plan on there being enough room to host a NMRA convention if they are so inclined.

The first basement level would be "My" level where me and my girlfriend show off our personal modeling. (See my profile for more info) Right now my modeling covers Northern Colorado, All of Wyoming, and on into southern Montana. My girlfriend seems poised to catch the entire Northeast. With our combined modeling efforts we may very well end up modeling all the United States.

The second basement level will be primarily used for storage of surplus equipment and rotating displays. As well as house the main workshop for doing model work.

On the second story, I plan this level to be the “Atlas Level” so dubbed because I plan on showcasing the many published track plans that have appeared over the years, giving the plans in the Atlas books center stage. The Kalmbach plans would be prominently displayed as well

The third story would be “Famous Layouts.” This level would feature the layouts of well known model railroaders that have decided to have their work saved and thus donated it to the museum. One project I want to do is recreate the former Chicago Museum of Science and Industry layout, featuring the Santa Fe in O scale. I feel enough documentation exists that I can easily achieve this.

The Fourth story would the library level. Since publications have made a significant contribution to this hobby it only seems logical that an effort be made to house, the collected works of these materials. I have a large start on this from my own personal collection my self.

The fifth story, would be my personal residence, Hey, I started the blooming place, I own it, I might as well make the commute to work easy. I plan on situating the whole affair on a several thousand acre parcel of land so that should the model railroad outgrow the originally planned space, additional “annexes” can be built. I like what the one guy said about a pyramid. Lots of potential I see for such a structure.

This is what my ambitions and dreams are shooting for. In all likelihood I know this will probably never happen. But hey, I figured the chances of me and my girlfriend ever getting together were more remote than this, so I am more willing to believe that his will come into being now.

[Anonymous]

Dreams...

I dont often allow a dream or two..But mine is for to be debt free, a decent home for the trains in a seperate room. For the manufacterors to be consistent on releases and for the quality to be good.

I proabably will have a complete system in place in a size of about 14 x 36 with about 24 industries all dependant on each other and configured to be run by 1 person for seveal hours at a time.. Maybe as a small operating group in the future.

Mainly I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving and a good Christmas.

Lee

[Anonymous]

Dreams...

I dont often allow a dream or two..But mine is for to be debt free, a decent home for the trains in a seperate room. For the manufacterors to be consistent on releases and for the quality to be good.

I proabably will have a complete system in place in a size of about 14 x 36 with about 24 industries all dependant on each other and configured to be run by 1 person for seveal hours at a time.. Maybe as a small operating group in the future.

Mainly I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving and a good Christmas.

Lee

[Anonymous]

The room my trains will be in is the shape of half an octagon. I thinkit's big enough for a 5x8........gulp.......hope so. :)

[Anonymous]

The room my trains will be in is the shape of half an octagon. I thinkit's big enough for a 5x8........gulp.......hope so. :)

[brothaslide]

For me, my dream would be to have the modeling talent to produce excelent hand laid track, scratch built structures, kit bashed engines, etc.

I'm all thumbs when it comes to modeling. The RTR market is perfect for me, except for the extra costs which come with RTR.