If starting over I'd try to do a 5' x 9' layout so that it would be portable to the next house.
I would also go back about 25 years from now, and I would simply keep some Overland Models Alco Century diesels, instead of selling them in favor of some other things at the time. I would not have participated in the excessive trading/changing my mind and trying of new models since then. Sometimes we don't know a good thing when we have it...
If I did those two things, I'd be financially better prepared for eventual retirement, and I would have been able to afford any rolling stock I wanted (that could negotiate a 5' x 9' layout).
John
oldline1Actually my first choice would be to hope for the lottery numbers and do 1 1/2" scale live steam!
.
You know, if I lost everything, I might just finish my 7 1/2" guage mikado!
-Kevin
Living the dream.
If I were to start over I'd probably do a freelanced On2 line based on the SR&RL using mostly NJCB SR&RL brass equipment.
Actually my first choice would be to hope for the lottery numbers and do 1 1/2" scale live steam! I finally got the acreage to do something like that but lack the funds.
oldline1
If I lost all of my trains through a disaster of some kind, I’d do just like I did, well maybe make more of an effort to have some home layout or two. It would be a sentimental loss. Some of my stuff is 60 yrs old.
Era: 1958 to 1965 centering on 1962.
Roads: UP and SP.
Scale: I’d probably switch to S gauge 1/64.
Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)
ATLANTIC CENTRALI don't want to sound too negative here, but if I was in the position of loosing all the items I have thru some tragety, and knowing what I know about this hobby and this industry, I'm not sure what I would do.
Sheldon,If I lost everything I' not sure what I would do.. I'm 71 and in poor health.. OTOH I'm not sure I could give up the hobby that I enjoyed for 65 years.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Kevin,
Now think 800+ freight cars, some not built yet, but including vintage 50's/60's Varney and Athearn metal cars, Silver Streak and other wooden craftsman kits, etc as well as recent high end/medium end RTR.
And then think about 140 locomotives/powered units of various manufacter from 1960's brass to recent but currently out of production steam and diesels, many kitbashed and carefully custom painted and decaled.
Then consider nearly 200 passenger cars, mostly just Athearn and ConCor 72' cars, but with working American Limited diaphragms, reworked for close coupling, extra details, special trucks, some with interiors and lighting, some kitbashed into unique cars, many also custom painted and decaled, and some yet to build.
And we have not even gotten to 100 or more structures, 600-800' track, 100+ turnouts, 400 ice cube control relays, detectors, switch machines, 10 radio throttles, power supplies, etc, etc.
Money aside, starting over would just be overwhelming.....
Sheldon
ATLANTIC CENTRALThe idea of completely starting over would be very discouraging. Attemping to replace 50 years of accumulated models, many no longer in production for decades, in the current market, would really give me pause. Maybe a really big pause.
I am going to rethink this, and go on this hypothetical idea...
If I lost everything in a natural disaster, and my insurance company came through with a fair settlement, what would I do?
For me, this would be devastating. The custom decals I have collected over many decades, including the personal collection of Whit Towers, an orginal set of V&O decals, and many other special sets, could never be replaced.
100+ freight cars I have individually assembled, painted, decorated, and weathered also would take 2-3 years to build again.
What about 60+ old style Shinohara code 83 turnouts. Can I get those again? A dozen Troller 2.5 power packs? The tools, supplies, paint, etc... what a task that would be.
I have two 27 gallon totes full of scenery supplies. I don't even want to think of hunting all that down again. My scrap box is priceless and cannot be replaced by any means.
I am too old to completely start this STRATTON AND GILLETTE project over again from scratch.
I do not know what I would do, but it would probably be ready to run large scale, maybe 1/32, and have real sound on board.
Maybe a huge ISL or something. I just do not know.
Starting from scratch again or not - no change. I like what I'm doing. If I wanted to model differently in any way I would, regardless of money already invested.
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
I took Larry's questions to mean starting over as in building a new layout, OR, making a personal choice to change scales or era, etc.
And my responses that indicated I would not change anything are based in several factors, most important being that I figured out a long time ago what interests me the most about this hobby, and therefor my purchases in the last thirty years have been focused on that set of goals.
I'm not the kind of person who jumps from one interest to another casually......
Now, at 62 years old, or even when I was 40 years old, I would not just sell it all and start over. That goes against my nature.
I don't want to sound too negative here, but if I was in the position of loosing all the items I have thru some tragety, and knowing what I know about this hobby and this industry, I'm not sure what I would do.
The idea of completely starting over would be very discouraging. Attemping to replace 50 years of accumulated models, many no longer in production for decades, in the current market, would really give me pause. Maybe a really big pause.........
As for DCC, I have said many times that if my layout concept was different, or my scale different, I would consider it based on the different factors. But to build the layout I am about to build, no amount of available funds would automaticly compel me to go DCC just because I was starting from scratch.
A big factor for me is the limited run, preorder system. I don't like it. And I don't really like the "hunt", at train shows or other means on the secondary market.
So what I consider the "spotty" supply of some products necessary for my layout concept, might really have me wondering if I would want to attemp that?
Happy I have most of the trains I want, happy with my choices, in trains and in life......
Thanks all for your replies.
I would change one thing...As I stated I would focus on one road name instead of having a hodge podge collection of road names.
If there is a bright side I can say my hodge podge road name collection is the roads I like.
jjdamnitThe only thing I would/could do-over would be adopting DCC immediately.
If I had to start over from scratch, and did not have the collection of locomotives I already have, I would absolutely go with DCC control.
Hello All,
The only thing I would/could do-over would be adopting DCC immediately.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
Hmmm? Possibly give NZ120, or more specifically, NZ TT9, a go.
Have not heard of that! Is that 3´6" gauge 1/120 scale on 9mm tracks?
Happy times!
Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)
"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
I would purchase all my track and all my turnouts right after I had a layout plan before the build.
TF
BRAKIE If you had to restart the hobby from ground zero knowing what you know now what would you do? Would you: A: Choose another era? All steam? All early diesel? Both? The 60s? 70s? 80s? 90s? Today? B. Downsize your "dream" layout and use the "kiss" method? C. Prototype or freelance? D. Go with how you currently model? ----------------------------------------------
If you had to restart the hobby from ground zero knowing what you know now what would you do?
Would you:
A: Choose another era? All steam? All early diesel? Both? The 60s? 70s? 80s? 90s? Today?
B. Downsize your "dream" layout and use the "kiss" method?
C. Prototype or freelance?
D. Go with how you currently model?
----------------------------------------------
1. The same era--1980s
2. Same as current layout.
3. Same--combination of both.
4. Yes
I had started on a number of room size layouts with a large yard, turntable, roundhouse etc. but have changed my mind after reading an old article in MR years ago with only one town, but no roundhouse, turntable or large yard. it will just be a large circle with many staging tracks on the backside of the circle with through freights and passenger service and a local to switch the town, along with a short branchline to whatever industries or coal mines I want to service.
As far as era's I will choose between the transition era and the end of the PC changing out cars and locomotives as needed.
I will keep some more modern stuff to run on the club layout but all before the mega mergers of the early 90's, the current stuff is just to blah and graffitti riddeled.
Rick Jesionowski
Rule 1: This is my railroad.
Rule 2: I make the rules.
Rule 3: Illuminating discussion of prototype history, equipment and operating practices is always welcome, but in the event of visitor-perceived anacronisms, detail descrepancies or operating errors, consult RULE 1!
If I had to start all over again, I might do some things differently...not because what I've done so far was wrong, but just because I'd have done it before so might try something different. I've been doing HO scale free-lance iron ore railroading for about 30 years. If I started over now from scratch, I might do something like Milwaukee Road narrow gauge in southeastern Minnesota / northeastern Iowa in On3 or On30...or New York Central's Canada Southern double track mainline in N scale.
If I were to go back to 2007 when I started the current layout and start over from then, I would probably do the same general layout, but a bit differently. Things that were unexpected in 2007 like the great recession causing kids / grandkids to move in with us, limiting space and money, caused considerable delays in building the layout. Knowing what I know now, I would have started with a smaller layout that could be added to later, rather than starting from the beginning planning and building an around-the-walls basement-sized layout.
Well, I'm in the process of building a new layout. What I am doing differently is the following:
Staying with a freelanced shortline theme, but update the era to mainly post-2010. I will also run older equipment in a year about 1994; GE uboats, Alco C420s, High Hood GPs, some different hoppers, more boxcars. Operating plans for each era will be about the same.
Benchwork will be more precise. Simply better planned compared to last time, which was sort of planned as I went. Better grade lumber too.
Build and paint the backdrop first, not last. Butting the tabletop up to the backdrop rather than placing the backdrop on top of the table top makes more sense.
U shaped layout will have two broad curves, one 36 inch and the other about 46 inch radius curves. Use #8 turnouts where possible, mainly on the two primary runarounds. Previous layout had some 24 inch radius curves.
Size is about the same. Last layout was around three walls of 30x 13. This one is 24 inch deep shelves around three walls, 13 x 30 x 18. About as big as I ever want to go and still keep it lone wolf manageable, IMO.
- Douglas
A. My era is the 1950s, partly 'cause that is when I grew up, and largely 'cause I like steam and I like diesel and both of them ran together in 1950s. By 1960 most steamers were scrap and EMD Geeps ruled everywhere. And the 40 foot freight cars common in the 1950's don't take up as much space (and track) as the bigger later cars do.
B. My current layout is a thin around the walls design, no peninsulas, that leaves enough space in the downstairs 11x14 guest room to fit in some house guests from time to time. It's big enough for me. It has a single track main line, with two long passing sidings. I am the only operator so I have no need of DCC.
C. Years ago I liked the idea of free lance. For the last few years I am happy with a Boston and Maine prototype. I live in B&M country so there are prototypes to be rail fanned and photoed. I can buy B&M rolling stock all painted and lettered, freelance I have to paint and decal all my home road rolling stock. And there are all those great Paul Dolkos articles on his B&M. Inspirational.
D. I am on my fifth layout, including different three club layouts over the years, that I have built. I am too old the start over again, this layout is going to have to do me. But, if I was to start over I would do things pretty much the same. Perhaps work on doing better scenery, more well painted people, more small details like mailboxes and parking meters. I am in HO, and my eyes are getting too weak to think about going smaller. I like making models, and going smaller than HO is not much fun. HO is big enough, I don't need to go bigger. The base is two inch foamboard with shop made white pine roadbed atop it. Flextrack. #14 AWG power bus. Tortoise switch machines.
David Starr www.newsnorthwoods.blogspot.com
Interesting question. As I have mentioned before, when I started my layout I bit off more than I could chew. I really didn't know what I was doing. And there was no internet with great forums like this.
But... If I started again it would be the same era, late 1950's. But no steam.
It would be freelance but would include some prototype railroads. I model central Pa so I can run the South Penn railroad and by switching engines and some rolling sock, become the Pennsylvania RR.
Things I would change. Wider walkways. Make sure I can reach everything on the layout from the walkways. I have one section of my layout that will probably never have scenery on it. I can't reach that area without cutting out some of the layout. I'm an idiot.
Use all code 100 rail. It might be my imagination, but it seems I have less trouble with derailments using code 100 switches. And, for me, it is easier to work with. There would be more hand-laid track.
I have 520sq ft of space to work with. This time I would better utilize the space. I have plenty of track and steep grades, but no real yard or staging area. I would also start with a smaller layout with provisions to expand.
Yes, there would be a lot of changes, but some stuff would stay the same.
A: If I had A LOT more space and A LOT more $$$ I would model the late 90's/early2000's. I still like the late 70's though.
B. Don't have my dream layout yet.
C. Prototype, without doubt.
D. Sort of, but better.
Harrison
Homeschooler living In upstate NY a.k.a Northern NY.
Modeling the D&H in 1978.
Route of the famous "Montreal Limited"
My YouTube
- Continuous running on double mainline
- Less switching
- Larger hidden staging.
FWIW
I like modeling structures and scenery then running trains through as oppossed to fiddle yards etc. I prefer staged hidden unit trains like oil cars, containers, auto racks and passenger that run through my scenes.
Trying to model a container port, auto plant, big city station etc. takes up too much of my layout.
BRAKIEIf you had to restart the hobby from ground zero knowing what you know now what would you do? Would you: A: Choose another era? All steam? All early diesel? Both? The 60s? 70s? 80s? 90s? Today? B. Downsize your "dream" layout and use the "kiss" method? C. Prototype or freelance? D. Go with how you currently model?
Larry, this was an interesting, thought-provoking thread. Thanks for making me think about my layout.
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
gmpullman tstage D. Wouldn't change a thing selector Larry, I wouldn’t change thing. Track fiddler I wouldn't change a thing. Add me to the wouldn't change a thing camp.
tstage D. Wouldn't change a thing
selector Larry, I wouldn’t change thing.
Track fiddler I wouldn't change a thing.
Add me to the wouldn't change a thing camp.
Add me to that list as well. Not because every thing about my layout is perfect; far from it. But because I don't model a specific prototype. I happily include things from many different prototypes and many different locales and eras. I am so lax with the rules that basically there are no rules. And when there are no rules, it makes it kinda hard to cheat.
But one thing I might rethink is the idea of using curved turnouts. I have six Pecos, and both the large- and small radiusses (radii) are plenty generous (in theory), but they are also plenty finicky. I guess a positive benefit is that they force me to double- and triple check both track gauge and wheel gauge. Even as I type this, I have half a dozen cars on the 'penalty box' siding awaiting refitting with in-gauge steel wheelsets. Something I was planning to do anyway, but anyhow . . .
Robert
LINK to SNSR Blog
I don't think I'd change my layout plan, scale, era, etc. but I would be much more disciplined in my shopping.
I've been making very slow progress on my actual layout, but I started buying a few years ago and if starting again I'd definitely be more intentional in my purchasing and sticking closer to my 80's-00's era. There's a large quantity of of cheaper 60's and earlier prototype stuff that I've bought and sold off already.
I'm a bargain hunter and yet I had to re-learn the adage that if you just wait around what you want will show up at a bargain price eventually. My standards for detail and prototypicity aren't very high, but there are so many times that I bought two $4-5 cars when I should have just bought one $8-10 car.
I've kept some of the old stuff for fun, especially Chicago area short lines and some passenger equipement. Also, I've been able to modernize a fair amount of rolling stock by weathering it and chopping the roof walks to get it at least into the early 80's. Still, if starting again I'd be much more disciplined and intentional in my buying.
Visit the Chicago Valley Railroad for Chicago Trainspotting and Budget Model Railroading.
tstageD. Wouldn't change a thing
selectorLarry, I wouldn’t change thing.
Track fiddlerI wouldn't change a thing.
Primarily I stay within a range of mid-1950s - early 1960s era but on occasion I like to run some early Amtrak and Penn Central (even a little ConRail!) stuff and sometimes I'll stick some temporary PRR-style catenary supports in place when I feel like running some GG1s, Metroliners, P5a or New Haven stuff.
I like it ALL!
Sometimes just changing a few details such as vehicles and billboards in a scene can vary the era by a decade or so either way. Mainly I do this for taking photos of specific scenes I like to set up so having various eras of equipment that I can stage on the layout brings me a lot of satisfaction.
Good Luck, Ed
I just finished track-laying my current layout. It's operational and I am very pleased with the design at this point. Three gauges on one layout - a dream come true for me. I guess the only thing I am wondering about is portability. Although we have no intentions to move, it will be a pain to take the thing apart. The next one will definitely be portable.
Simon