Does any one actually build their own layout

[FJ and G]

There are various levels one can aspire to as Bill S. alluded to.

For instance, those who've built their own layouts--have you also scratchbuilt your own rolling stock, engines and structures.

Wasn't too long ago, when O scalers had to do that or purchase kits for hard-to-find pieces that are now common.

So my only point, is that there are different levels of layout building and to each his own.

Professionally built layouts don't bother me any more (they used to as I mentioned previously, that I had the same thoughts as Elliot and sulafool). The only thing I wish for is that the professional layout builders (as well as do-it-yourselfers) would offer more "how to" techniques and lessons learned in their articles and a bit less fluffy.

[Dave Farquhar]

There's no such thing as the unattainable, given enough time. I like looking at pictures of layouts I can only aspire to, whether it's because every single item on it is worth several hundred dollars minimum, or whether it's because my skills just aren't there yet. It makes me think creatively, and ask myself, "What's the best I can do in a time frame that would satisfy me?"

The great layouts weren't built overnight. Most of them are the result of years of accumulation, whether that's years of accumulation of the materials, structures, etc., or the money to buy them.

Limitations can be a good thing. They're one of the things that keep every layout from looking exactly the same. One of the reasons I enjoy Marx layouts is because even though you almost always see the same dirt-common locomotives and cars, many of the structures apart from the train stations are unique to the layout.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Well guys, this is clearly a divided issue. It reminds me of Washington politics. If you have the money, you can get better access. Is that fair?

There is only a limited amount of space for publishing layouts. If you were the one who built a layout with your own hands and skills and time, then took the time to write about it and submit it, wouldn't you be frustrated if you saw a bunch of articles about high buck purchased layouts.

We know the skill level of the pros!!!! The little guys don't need to keep having their noses rubbed in it.

Keep in mind, I've seen this issue from all sides. I have been paid by others to build train layouts, I have paid others to help me with mine, but mostly I do all of my own thinking and construction.

If someone pays to have a layout built and puts it on public display that is one thing. If they pay to have it for their own private use that is another. One is promoting the hobby the other is not. If the magazines want to publi***he pros, they should limit it to public displays, period!!!

Perhaps there is no such thing as "unattainable". With patience and some effort all of us can accomplish our dreams. Having one's layout published is the highest honor this hobby has. Handing out first palce medals to someone who hasn't even run the race, well...........

[sulafool]

Right on Big Boy! I like the idea of limiting the coverage of pro layouts to public displays and not show all those monuments to vanity. OK, once in awhile might be allright, but not every damn issue!

Model Railroader specializes in showing enormous layouts. Tho most of them are HO, they are amazing to behold--the details and scenery and things of that nature. Wonder how it is most of those 30 by 40 foot monsters seem to be built by one guy and his sons, or a club? I don't see MR every month, but I can't recall offhand *any* of them being constructed by professional builders. There's no way a hi rail Ogauge layout is any harder to build; quite the contrary, DC operation requires much more planning and organization due to the inherent wiring problems.

One more observation that summarizes my opinion that modelling is a labor of love: most of the pro-built layouts just look like they were done in a hurry, even though it may have taken a good amount of time due to the size. Dunno exactly how to describe it, but they just seem to lack "soul". Consider the legendary Gorre and Daphetid of John Allen. That is a perfect example of how a model railroad reflects something of the personality and humor of the owner. You can tell he had fun doing it and almost everything was scratchbuilt. Standing around directing flunkies that you want a yard over here and a passing track over there isn't what I'd call applying your imagination. You don't have to be a scale freak to appreciate the distinction, either. If it weren't for imagination, none of us would be into trains at all...would we?

[Anonymous]

#65279; CTT has done a fine job of publishing a well balanced array of layout articles. It’s my opinion that all types of layouts, including those professionally constructed as well as those that were scratch build by the hobbyist, should be covered.

I enjoy reading about all types of layouts and since there are no hard and fast rules in this hobby and just about anything goes concerning layout design, construction and building. I want to read about them all: From a simple under the Christmas Tree layout to a Hollywood Personality’s huge layout housed in a separate building.

For a publication to exclude one in favor of the other would be a disservice to its readers.

BillFromWayne
www.modeltrainjournal.com