Hi,
I may be a little late coming to the party, but as the builder of layouts since the mid 1950s, I do have some thoughts on the OP's questions.........
- As observed, there is always more to do (i.e. extensive detailing, operational set-ups, etc.). But the term "finished" is subjective, in that what "finished" means to me is likely different from what each of you may feel. After mulling that over,
I'm thinking "finished" just might mean the point in which the builder doesn't feel like doing any more to the layout. Perhaps he/she is bored, out of time or money, or just feels that everything is done that they want to do.
- I'm finishing off scenery on an 11x15 two level HO layout, and quite honestly, I should have "finished" it two years ago. But for numerous reasons (including "I just don't feel like it"), I have dragged it out. For me, the real excitement was the design, benchwork, tracklaying and wiring that got those creative juices flowing.
- OK, what does one do after the layout is "finished" (to their definitition) and for want of a better label, they are "tired of it"? My thought to that is to ask the main question........"Are you still interested in the Hobby, particularly building a layout?" If the answer is "no", then open up an Ebay account and recoup what you can............
But if the answer is "yes", then I think I can offer some suggestions. For me, the thought was, instead of a mainline ATSF layout in HO, how about a narrow gauge mountainous layout? Or a room filling detailed loco terminal facility (or station)? Or perhaps a sentimental building of a Lionel (or Flyer) layout to bring me back to the happiest MR times of my life...........
- Sadly, we have to face reality at this juncture. I'll be 71 next month, and seriously doubt I have the physical/mental stamina to tear down and rebuild. Others may not have the financial resources, or will face resistance from significant others or parents.
I guess in conclusion my thought is... Think the question out thoroughly. Run a pro / con spreadsheet to the alternatives. Seek advice from others (or not). And when the time is right, make a definitive decision - and go with it. And, perhaps most importantly, never look back.
ENJOY!!!!
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
mobilman44 I guess in conclusion my thought is... Think the question out thoroughly. Run a pro / con spreadsheet to the alternatives. Seek advice from others (or not). And when the time is right, make a definitive decision - and go with it. And, perhaps most importantly, never look back.
Rich
Alton Junction
richhotrain mobilman44 I guess in conclusion my thought is... Think the question out thoroughly. Run a pro / con spreadsheet to the alternatives. Seek advice from others (or not). And when the time is right, make a definitive decision - and go with it. And, perhaps most importantly, never look back. Always look back. It gives you the ability to see things in perspective as you move forward. Rich
Always look back. It gives you the ability to see things in perspective as you move forward.
I agree with you Rich and Mobil.
Mike
“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.” -- John Lennon