Rich noted a common problem: One small problem. It is called a wife.
One small problem. It is called a wife.
Yours too? Mine is 4 foot 10.
Frank countered: Send the Wife on a vacation.
Send the Wife on a vacation.
Mine's going to Florida in a few weeks. When she returns there will be 6 feet more benchwork on Phase 3, just a bit of layout beyond the staging tracks.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
richhotrain I do have a potential project for my layout that could take all winter. I would love to add a staging area, and I have the room in my basement to do it. One small problem. It is called a wife. Rich
I do have a potential project for my layout that could take all winter. I would love to add a staging area, and I have the room in my basement to do it.
Rich
Yeah! You could also incorporate Your freight house somewhere on that also.
Take Care!
Frank
Rich.
How about under the layout staging? The helix would be a great project, especially if you have never done one.
Show us a photo of your trainroom or better still take us on a video tour. I bet we can come up with all sorts of ideas to keep you going.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
zstripeBrent, Too bad it wasn't as easy as changing Your Avatar.
Frank.
"Tis the season". My Xmas one is my favourite it actually has a train in it.
Alton Junction
BATMANWhat's a guy to do?
Brent,
Too bad it wasn't as easy as changing Your Avatar.
I would like to bring up maintance, what maintance except for an occasional run by the track cleaning cars and 5 min with an eraser, and I do not have a small layout. Sure there are the very rare thing that breaks but I only have to spend a lot of time on maintance when I have just finished scenery on an area. When I go dead rail iven that will be a thing of the past.
I am not anywhere near finished mine, but I already see changes to things that are not even complete yet. I see a spot where a town will go in that wasn't there before. Also a carfloat operation where a stock pen is slated for. However there is a layout that has shown up at the local train shows once in a while where the guy does a "time shift". He goes from current day back to 1900 by removing anything modern from the layout and replacing it with time appropriate pieces. All diesels go off into staging and out comes the steam and era correct rolling stock. He had no paved roads on the layout and thus all the cars were replaced with horses and/or buggies. In areas where he would remove modern structures and not replace with anything else, he had designed it to look like land that had never been developed. In one spot he lifted out a factory to have kids playing in a little water hole that was hidden underneath.
I am strongly trying to do the same as I build my layout and it is challenging. I like the early 1900s steam era the best, but still want those big modern diesels to run occasionally. What's a guy to do?
Heartland Division CB&Q Rich ... No raw nerve here. I'm glad to talk with you. ... My layout has numerous industries, and it is fun switching cars in and out. Several industries ship cars of freight to other industries. ... Grain elevator ships to flour mill, and flour mill ships to large bakery. For example. .... Local switchers put the cars on main line trains to haul between towns. ... Meanwile, passenger trains pass travel down the line making stations stops. Some of the pasenger trains haul mail and express. .... There are endless possibilities for fun. Most of the time I do it by myself.
Rich ... No raw nerve here. I'm glad to talk with you. ... My layout has numerous industries, and it is fun switching cars in and out. Several industries ship cars of freight to other industries. ... Grain elevator ships to flour mill, and flour mill ships to large bakery. For example. .... Local switchers put the cars on main line trains to haul between towns. ... Meanwile, passenger trains pass travel down the line making stations stops. Some of the pasenger trains haul mail and express. .... There are endless possibilities for fun. Most of the time I do it by myself.
Nah, I knew that I hadn't really struck a raw nerve with you. I just said that for comedic effect, thus the grinning emoticon.
So, you do run trains by yourself. Good to know. After the main work on my layout was completed in 2010, I built the Dearborn Station module in 2011, the coach yard in 2012, and the double bascule bridge lift out section in 2013.
But now with golf season ending here, and winter coming on, I am finally faced with the prospect of a layout season without major projects. So, now I need to figure out exactly what I will do this winter.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
LION is a Lone LION builder/operator. LION has done so much re-wiring that it appears that it will never stop.
LION automated railroad of him, so it operates with little more effort than a roundy-round. But I always see things that I want to fix.
Mount a video camera on the front of your locomotive, and you will find plenty to fix.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
Heartland Division CB&Q I will never run out of model railroad projects to take my time. So, it is a little hard for me to relate to the question.
I will never run out of model railroad projects to take my time. So, it is a little hard for me to relate to the question.
OK, let me rephrase my question yet again.
Granted, that one's layout is never truly completed, if you are a lone wolf without other fellow model railroader's by your side, how do you "run your trains" all by your itsy bitsy self? Do you just sit back with a beverage in hand and let them run around your layout, or do you attempt to sumulate the real thing, be it freight or passenger operations or both? In other words, how hands on are you?
I am working on the final section of my layout, and I suppose the layout might be called completed when I'm through with this section. However, there is much more to do on this section. Also, the exsting layout does need attention. Mantenance takes time. There are several projects on the older section awaiting my time where I will improve what is there. Scenic details (like my pumpkin patch) can be added just for fun. I doubt I will ever run out of projects on the layout.
Next are the locomotives and cars. Regular maintencance and occasional repairs take time. I have many locomotives not yet converted to DCC. Many locomotives need details added. Many of the cars need attention.
I enjoy building passenger cars from kits or kit bashing. Some of my prototypically correct passenger cars were from kits made and sold by NKP Car Company, and I like assembling them.
Next, operating the layout is much fun and very time consuming.
cmrproducts This folks - is WHY I decided to build the size of layout I am currently working on! I had the space 2500 sq ft and knew I could easily do a typical 4 x 8 in a couple of weeks. SO! I decided to build a Mega layout pretty much by myself - I figured it would keep me busy for a couple of years! ;-) Then Operations got in the way and I spend more time RUNNIG the layout than WORKING on it. SO! - I guess it will take a couple more decades to get this thing finished! None of this switching Scales - going Narrow Gauge - I finish a project first before I start another one! So - Guess it is going to be around a while. Unlike the rest of the Hobby guys - that get bored so quick doing a simple 4 x 8 only because they can see the end of their project in coming in a few days and don't realize the reason one purchases ELECTRIC TRAINS is to play with them - NOT Build Layouts over and over! Appeariently the Model Press has once again failed us and told us that Roundy Round IS THE ONLY WAY! :-) ;-) BOB H - Clarion, PA
This folks - is WHY I decided to build the size of layout I am currently working on!
I had the space 2500 sq ft and knew I could easily do a typical 4 x 8 in a couple of weeks.
SO! I decided to build a Mega layout pretty much by myself - I figured it would keep me busy for a couple of years! ;-)
Then Operations got in the way and I spend more time RUNNIG the layout than WORKING on it.
SO! - I guess it will take a couple more decades to get this thing finished!
None of this switching Scales - going Narrow Gauge -
I finish a project first before I start another one!
So - Guess it is going to be around a while.
Unlike the rest of the Hobby guys - that get bored so quick doing a simple 4 x 8 only because they can see the end of their project in coming in a few days and don't realize the reason one purchases ELECTRIC TRAINS is to play with them - NOT Build Layouts over and over!
Appeariently the Model Press has once again failed us and told us that Roundy Round IS THE ONLY WAY! :-) ;-)
BOB H - Clarion, PA
Something I've enjoyed doing is taking my 1960-or-thereabouts layout and making it dual-era. I did this because I caught a case of steam a few years back when an 0-6-0 whistled at me at my LHS. At the moment, I've got most of my locomotives and rolling stock active as I do trackwork. (I believe in "continuous testing" by running a variety of equipment.) Sometime soon, though, I'm going to remove my 50s and 60s autos and trucks, take the diesels off the tracks and go back to my Jordan vehicles and steamers for a while. I have a Transition Era movie theater that will be replaced with a saloon, too.
I've seen Shakespeare done in full Elizabethan regalia, WW I uniforms and modern business suits and ties. "Forbidden Planet" is a re-staging of "The Tempest" in outer space. You can do the same with your model railroad with just a few minor costume changes, and see it in a different way.
rrebell richhotrain I see that I managed to stir the masses with this thread. I accept the caveat that a layout is never really finished. Sure, I could weather my buildings and rolling stock, make the building interiors look like they are occupied, add clouds to the sky bue backdrop. But, at this point, I am satisfied with the overall condition and appearance of my layout. It is "good enough". Stated a little differently, I don't want to do anything else on my layout in terms of landscaping or weathering or signaling or whatever. But that is what prompts me to ask myself, and members of the forum, what do you do when you are a lone wolf who has "finished" your layout? If you are not into operations, do you just "run trains"? My dilemma reminds me of the 1972 Robert Redford film, The Candidate. When he unexpectantly wins his political race, on election night, he asks his campaign manager, "What do we do now"? That's me. Rich I know exactly what you mean. After awhile it all becomes too easy. You work hard all your life, or a portion of it and achive all your goals, now what?????? I started upgrading all my rolling stock, thought that would take a long time because of the cost but soon I had more bargins than I wanted and the money for them because the less detailed stuff sold for a premium. Sure one could start over but starting over just to start over is rather pointless. I could go on but I have not found the solution.
richhotrain I see that I managed to stir the masses with this thread. I accept the caveat that a layout is never really finished. Sure, I could weather my buildings and rolling stock, make the building interiors look like they are occupied, add clouds to the sky bue backdrop. But, at this point, I am satisfied with the overall condition and appearance of my layout. It is "good enough". Stated a little differently, I don't want to do anything else on my layout in terms of landscaping or weathering or signaling or whatever. But that is what prompts me to ask myself, and members of the forum, what do you do when you are a lone wolf who has "finished" your layout? If you are not into operations, do you just "run trains"? My dilemma reminds me of the 1972 Robert Redford film, The Candidate. When he unexpectantly wins his political race, on election night, he asks his campaign manager, "What do we do now"? That's me. Rich
I see that I managed to stir the masses with this thread.
I accept the caveat that a layout is never really finished. Sure, I could weather my buildings and rolling stock, make the building interiors look like they are occupied, add clouds to the sky bue backdrop. But, at this point, I am satisfied with the overall condition and appearance of my layout. It is "good enough".
Stated a little differently, I don't want to do anything else on my layout in terms of landscaping or weathering or signaling or whatever. But that is what prompts me to ask myself, and members of the forum, what do you do when you are a lone wolf who has "finished" your layout? If you are not into operations, do you just "run trains"?
My dilemma reminds me of the 1972 Robert Redford film, The Candidate. When he unexpectantly wins his political race, on election night, he asks his campaign manager, "What do we do now"? That's me.
I know exactly what you mean. After awhile it all becomes too easy. You work hard all your life, or a portion of it and achive all your goals, now what?????? I started upgrading all my rolling stock, thought that would take a long time because of the cost but soon I had more bargins than I wanted and the money for them because the less detailed stuff sold for a premium. Sure one could start over but starting over just to start over is rather pointless. I could go on but I have not found the solution.
I rest my case.
[/quote]I know exactly what you mean. After awhile it all becomes too easy. You work hard all your life, or a portion of it and achive all your goals, now what?????? I started upgrading all my rolling stock, thought that would take a long time because of the cost but soon I had more bargins than I wanted and the money for them because the less detailed stuff sold for a premium. Sure one could start over but starting over just to start over is rather pointless. I could go on but I have not found the solution.
Take lots of good pictures, maybe even a video of the current layout.
Teardown and build a new layout changing one or more of the following:
Era
Scale
Theme
Narrow to Standard or ivce versa
Locale - different part of US or different country
Alternatively, build micro layouts see Carl Arendt's site http://www.carendt.com/.
Enjoy
Paul
Buy new trains! Seriously just get some new passenger trains and run them. Its always exciting getting new equipment, and restores enthusiam for the layout.
Michael
CEO- Mile-HI-RailroadPrototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989
stebbycentral richhotrain OK, after years of work, the layout is completed. I am not a member of a club, and I don't have others come over to help run the layout. I don't care much for "operations". So, what is a lone wolf supposed to do? If you are a lone wolf, and your layout is completed, what do you do? Rich There is only one thing you can do Rich; change scales. It's worked for me three or four times now. May I recommend "S"?
richhotrain OK, after years of work, the layout is completed. I am not a member of a club, and I don't have others come over to help run the layout. I don't care much for "operations". So, what is a lone wolf supposed to do? If you are a lone wolf, and your layout is completed, what do you do? Rich
OK, after years of work, the layout is completed.
I am not a member of a club, and I don't have others come over to help run the layout.
I don't care much for "operations".
So, what is a lone wolf supposed to do?
If you are a lone wolf, and your layout is completed, what do you do?
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
I have figured out what is wrong with my brain! On the left side nothing works right, and on the right side there is nothing left!
Rich,
I would rather not go to or join clubs. I'm happy just the way things are. Trains have not moved on my layout in close to three months. After I completed my track work in part of the brick street section, I put a lot of them away, so they would not be in the way of the work I'm doing now. I am working on My dream layout,right in an area of existing one. You said You wanted to build that freight house for Your dream layout, but my dream layout is now, by redoing some of my existing layout. I'm kit bashing three open air Transload buildings from Walthers into one long Truck dock, rail served on one side. I'm removing my grain elevator complex that was there, that had three tracks. I don't know what I'm going to do with the third track yet and do not want to take it out. Cause it diagramed on my control panel with toggles. Found a great place that makes Decals for the Truck Line that I worked for 15yrs, so I'm bashing and building Trucks and Trailers for it.
Maybe You ought to do the same thing. Incorporate your freight house that You want into your exixting layout. That will keep a lone wolf busy. LOL.
A few months ago, my layout looked pretty "finished." I knew it wasn't, as I still wanted to add at least working crossing signals and some significant sound effects, but as far as trains, track and structures I was about there. There was no longer a bare spot on the layout to set my beer down on.
So, I addressed the problem by expansion. I've got a whole new pink beer table along the wall. Mostly, it's staging, and I'm doing that so that I can actually consider operations. I've never done that. To me, it's a logical step, even as (so far) a lone wolf myself.
I dunno Rich - my layout's not yet finished. However, I think I'd look for a lone wolfette. That'd likely take your mind off trains for a while, and perhaps eventually lead to a renewed interest in your layout.
Wayne
What draws us into a pastime isn't necessarily what keeps us there. So far, I have built two layouts and have taken about eight times as long to get to where I am on my current build as I did on each of the first two. I'm not sure I'll ever finish, but there is a lot to be said for scrapping a plan, or for finishing/doing all you have the imagination or stomach to do on a current one, and starting over.
If you are left scratching your head, Rich, or bored, or bereft of interest and ideas for changes that could keep you busy, it's probably time to cash in the chips and consider a new direction. Some change hobbies, some only change scales or roads.
Some take a break and try to become experts at superdetailing and weathering structures, dioramas, or rolling stock. Some set about to invent a new tool or system that can earn them a great retirement. Think of an automatic, in-mouth flossing device. Who likes to floss? I don't, but I know I must.
It has all been said on many threads: take a pause, start over, change directions, or start a new hobby interest. Sounds like you have wrapped up this chapter.
How's the plumbing in the house? Windows? Trim? Any stairs need rebuilding? Chimney need repointing or a complete rebuild?
-Crandell
richhotrain I don't care much for "operations". Rich
What is your definition of "operations"?
Do you mean, A protoypically accurate representation of a time and place?
Switching?
or simply running trains?
- Douglas
I've been in the hobby for 44 years+ and am very much the lone wolf. My layout is a work in progress. I tell people about it and some have seen it. Then I am asked when it will be finished...I always say 'never'. It's a perpetual project and if I ever do reach the finished point...I'll have to tear it down and start over.
Mark H
Modeling in HO...Reading and Conrail together in an alternate history.