If you had your choice, would you prefer to have a simplistic functional layout apperance that emphasizes the trains themselves enhanced with operating accessories, bells and whistles or would you favor a layout which emphasizes scenic details through which the trains run? As always, many thanks.
My small layout is a diorama of the 1950s, with tracks and trains for added interest. When I look at train magazine photos or actual layouts, the first things I note are the scenics and diecast cars.
When I designed and built my new layout, I wanted realistic scenery and structures. I run scale-sized steam engines and diesels, and I wanted them to look like they 'fit in' with the rest of the layout. I don't plan on weathering either the motive power or the rolling stock. So, I guess I am almost a hi-railer, but not totally!!
My layout is still in the planning stages. I'm hoping to capture the spirit of the department store displays of the fifties, although the equipment will be mostly recent production. Emphasis will be on operating and static accessories, and automated running on tubular track. Scenery will be minimal - grass mat, roads, plasticville type structures. For realism I'm working on an HO switching layout.
Texas Pete
"You can’t study the darkness by flooding it with light." - Edward Abbey -
I like a mix of both train function and scenery, but if I had to pick one it would be functional train/operating accessories.
The layout that my son and I have is toy train style with Fastrack and green indoor/outdoor carpet with the emphasis on operating accessories and running trains.
Founding member of the All Aboard Fastrackers! See us at: www.allaboardfastrackers.com
Joe, Greg, Texas Pete, David,Captaincog: Thanks for your replies.
Once MTH introduced its PS2 series, I knew I wanted to take full advantage of those good looking, great running engines and place them into believable scenery. I do a lot of railfanning, so I wanted a layout where I can watch the trains working the terrain, even recreating scenes from the 70's that I missed out on.
That being said, I can appreciate someone's grass mat central with fun operating accessories, or someone's homage' to the 50's store window. It's all good.
My friend Kooljock up in Vermont has mastered incorporating the best of both worlds, by having a fully operational toy train empire running amidst pretty scenery...and in a surprisingly small area to boot! Trust me, an evening in his basement would have you all reconsidering...
My layout is a place to store and display my collection, and to enjoy watching trains run. It will never measure up to the excellent scenery and details that some folks on here have acheived. It is a way to recapture the memories and experiences of the Carpet Central layouts that we built around the Christmas tree when I was a child. I still turn the light out sometimes and watch the headlight of the engine and the lights in passenger cars swing around the two loops. Sometimes I even put my head down on track level to watch. My trains are a sensual experience: the sights, the sounds, the feel and weight, and yes the smells. The scent of Flyer Smoke from the S gauge engines and the smell of ozone are forever etched in my memory. I enjoy seeing all the ways the people approach this hobby, some are not for me, but I understand the passion with which they pursue the hobby. Make your layout work for you.
The Northwoods Flyer Collection
of
American Flyer Trains
"The Toy For the Boy"
Fifedog: Northwoods Flyer: Appreciate your notes. (And photo)
I prefer the department store table top display layout theme where the focus is on trains and accessories. I want the accessories place logically without being crowded.
I'm building a sort of supersized version (8' x16") of the department store layout, with the usal accessories. I have three loops of track with one more to go. Two loops around the outside of the table, one small 4" oval & I'm getting ready to build a figure 8 up & over. Sorry no pic's yet.
Rob
Combination of functionality and scenery this time.
Layout building in progress. Std ga on bottom loop, O ga on elevated loop. Gargraves flex track exclusively.
Functionality is first priority though. If trains don't run right, it ain't no fun no matter how detailed your secenery is.
On the other hand, if I did it again, I'd lay one single long straight track. No switches, no curves.
Pics coming in a few weeks.
CJ Meyers
I want my layout to have detailed scenery and structures. I am not interested in collecting accesseries. My locos and cars will not be weathered though.
Give me steam locomotives or give me DEATH!
Berkshire Junction, bringing fourth the cry of the Iron Horse since 1900.
cjmeyers On the other hand, if I did it again, I'd lay one single long straight track. No switches, no curves. Pics coming in a few weeks. CJ Meyers
I know the earth is round, but what exactly did you have in mind?
Count me in for the department store type layout. Green painted plywood, grey painted roads tubular track with grey painted roadbed, accessories, Plasticville buildings, diecast cars and trucks, and even a train or two.
J White
Berk765 ... you can weather buildings and the rest also !
Thanks to all for continuing the 'Thread'.
My layout is designed for operation (ie switching) in a realistic setting. All the trains and buildings are weathered, and the track is weathered with added ties, and the scenery is scale and realistic instead of plasticville and stuff. I do enjoy the other stuff and my Christmas layout is made with ceramic houses and plasticville in a less then realistic setting.
runtime cjmeyers On the other hand, if I did it again, I'd lay one single long straight track. No switches, no curves. Pics coming in a few weeks. CJ Meyers I know the earth is round, but what exactly did you have in mind?
Just venting my own frustration a little, in not making quick enough progress on building my new layout. This is my first time using Gargraves flex track. My previous layout was all old original Lionel tubular sectional. I wanted something a little more 'realistic' this time. Also have plans to do some electronics magic using three insulated rails.I can imagine one could lay track fairly quickly using sectional Fastrack or similar. Bending, cutting and fitting curves, taking too long. Growing impatient that's all.
Maybe just trying to say If I wanted lay track quick, I'd just lay a big long straight length of track and call it a day. I feel I've got more ideas than time.
Ole Timer Berk765 ... you can weather buildings and the rest also !
Yes I will be doing that!!
When I was working, which was usually a 12 hour day with a lot of work related international travel, I never had the time to really do scenery on my 22 x 22 layout. I retired last year and I am in the process of rebuilding the layout with a lot more scenery along with all the operating accessories that I have accumulated over the past 50 years. The footprint of the layout has grown a tad to 25 x 25 and I spend a couple hours each day working on the scenery or an accessory placement in a specific location.
Bill T.
Bill! Your layout is larger than my apartment. Thanks.
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