Jeff Kraker explains his "less is more" theory

[coaltrain]

here is the build thread for #25, the Mantua boilered MDC old time 2-8-0.

http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=14664

Jeff

[graftonterminalrr]

Yep, that's the one. A fantastic bit of modeling using "found" parts, or components that people wouldn't immediately consider in this day and age.

I have two similar locomotives; a GSB Rail SD40-2 getting detailed to the nines, and a 1957-built Revell SW7 (actually an NW2) that I've detailed as a CN NW2. Still runs using the original motor and rubber-belt drive, too.

[Paul3]

Dear Mr. Kraker,
I was the one that made the comments about newbies with sectional track, how hard can it be to lay track down, and all that (again, I'll state that I hadn't read the article at that point).  I could not understand how someone who attempted to run trains could not make them go for more than a few feet even after 5 years of working on it, all while blaming the size of the layout.  So I questioned it, and you have answered (which I wholeheartedly respect).

Unfortunately for your article, MR's editors chose to use "Less space, better layout" and "Less space, better railroad" as titles without even so much as a question mark.  If the article title said, "Less space, better railroad?", then I bet that other thread wouldn't have started out like it did.  This has implied that your opinion is that a smaller layout is a better layout just because it's smaller, which you have since cleared up.

Keep up the excellent work on your new On30 layout!  I look forward to seeing it in MR in the upcoming years.

Paul A. Cutler III

[leighant]

Hooooo, boy!  These were the pitchchures I was wanting to see.  I read your article 3 times, pondered over the track plan 6 times, and ran two imaginary operating sessions in my head. 

So thanks for the extra pitchers. 

 

[coaltrain]

once I cashed the check the article was all theirs and how ever they decided to edit it is out of my control.   I can see why, in these economic times, they decided to take the spin they did.  I did go back and read my article again and it does explain the situation I was in but I think it was in about one or two sentences and the point my get overlooked easy.

[PASMITH]

coaltrain

here is the build thread for #25, the Mantua boilered MDC old time 2-8-0.

http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=14664

Jeff

Based on the crane in the background, this 2-8-0 may not have a specific prototype. It might however make a nice SP C-8 or 9. Peter Smith Memphis

[IVRW]

Jeff, I just want to say your layout has been inspirational. I am sorry to hear it has been torn down, but I understand why. You did a spectacular job, and I love your results. If this layout is this good, I can not wait to see the next one. Please, please, please! keep us posted on your progress.

[wm3798]

 Jeff,

Great article, and an outstanding layout.  But geez Louise!  You've given us enough material here for four more articles!  Don't spill your candy in the lobby!

Thanks for sharing this information.

Lee

[rdgk1se3019]

coaltrain

here is a shot that shows the engine service area when I first built it.  When I first built it I though it looked a little plain.  Also, the turntable was the 1st gen Walthers turntable and it did not work well at all.  when Walthers came out with their ready built turntable I purchased one with the idea of just replaceing the turntable, that night I had most the engine terminal tore out with a plan to redo the track arrangement, I wanted the look of a busy and crowded engine terminal that was trying to fit in everything they needed in a space that was too small, plus show an expansion for a "new" diesel service track that looked pretty freshly installed.

before

after the remodel.

 some of the new structures included sand, house, oil tanks, fuel tanks, lots of power poles, ice house, oil house, cinder hoist, and blow down drains.

Blow down drains (CNW design)

Ice and oil house (Interstate RR design)

storage shed (Accurail box car)

Sand house (Walthers with scratchbuilt sand bin)

misc photos

Wow.....what a difference the before and after pics are.....the after the remodel pics look as if there is more life to them.

[shortlinerail]

Great Layout, In what issue of MR was your HO Scale trackplan published , I have a 5X16 foot space and want to see what you did.

Tom Hirsch

[riogrande5761]

Thirteen year necro!

[tstage]

THIS is the type of necro threads I don't mind seeing again.  Beautiful modeling!

[gmpullman]

tstage

THIS is the type of necro threads I don't mind seeing again.

       +1

I somehow missed this first time around. Great photos and modeling ideas here.

Regards, Ed

[kasskaboose]

Interesting concept.  Why the old thread?  How does this happen?

[gmpullman]

kasskaboose

How does this happen?

Someone does an online search (Google or one of the others) and invariably there are forum topics that are returned in the results. Some engines allow you to click on 'Show more results from site: cs.trains.com' and dozens of forum replies may come up and not only for Model Railroader but for any of the other Kalmbach magazine forums as well.

Some people are annoyed by bringine up older threads, others find it OK. A new member might not immediately see the particular date of the original thread or simply choose to ignore it.

Personally, I don't mind seeing an old thread resurrected. Likewise I don't mind seeing older books on library shelves. I'm glad my library doesn't throw out all the books that might be a year or two beyond its publishing date.

shortlinerail

Great Layout,

Tom!

Cheers, Ed

[NorthBrit]

gmpullman

Some people are annoyed by bringine up older threads, others find it OK. A new member might not immediately see the particular date of the original thread or simply choose to ignore it.

Personally, I don't mind seeing an old thread resurrected. Likewise I don't mind seeing older books on library shelves. I'm glad my library doesn't throw out all the books that might be a year or two beyond its publishing date. 

Cheers, Ed

I agree wih you, Ed.

I have 'pinched'  many an idea  from old books and threads.

David