First Layout Discoveries

[Anonymous]

Well folks, I had a revalation a short while back. It seems my very first so-called serious layout (5x9) has turned into nothing but a 'Test Track'. Instead of trying to fini***he scenery or spiking my track down completely or wiring all of the switch motors properly or gageing anything. I find myself trying different techniques on all facets of Modeling. I am curious if anyone out there went through this same type of scenario. Let me know how you finally broke out of the 'Test Mode'.

John

[Anonymous]

John,

I had a similar experience when I set up a 4 x 8 for my father-in-law. I ended up learning how to do some scenery but little more. It was more than he needed so he was never disappointed with the 'Layout.' I went into it thinking, how hard can it be . . . after all I am an engineer.

After my disatisfaction with that layout, I read every model railroad book I could find (my library is probably over $500 of stuff not including the MR and MRC magazines) so that I could learn what the secret to satisfying modeling would require. For me, I learned it would have to be an operation oriented layout.

Now I have started another "4 x 8" for my son. However, it has a track on the opposite side from the "operators position" where this layout will be able to interchange cars with my layout when it is built someday in the future when I have the R/W. This interchange track is the whole key for me because it means this layout doesn't end at the edge of the existing "benchwork."

Good Luck with your model. - Ed

[Anonymous]

Ed, Thanks for the response!! I have to tell you that I worked as a Process Engineer for GE in the Aircraft Engine group, then became a Field Service Technician for Westinghouse,in a totally different field, (Electricity). My formal training is not in Electricity.

I can appreciate your being an Engineer. I have a bad penchant of getting into 'things' in a big way. Since this time last year I probably have over $7,000 invested in this part time hobby. This might not sound like considerable sum to others. It's not the dollar factor that stops me, I just can't pull the trigger to bring myself to the point of taking over a room to satisfy my need to be a Model Railroader. I do think I would like a point to point railroad. How do you get past that type of feeling??

Regards,

John

[douginut]

Build a MODULE and join a modular club. Then another, then another, and then in the "domino" mode arrange these modules in a room and if not to your liking you can just remove them without having remodled the entire room. Also as newer modules arrive the original ones seem to begin to look a little tacky. that means that you can REPLACE them one by one as needed too. another good thing. A well made module will sell quickly at any train show so if you connect your module to the group layout and just pin a "this module is FOR SALE" card to the front during the show. usually you will get several offers or a bite!
accomplishing two things. 1. you have introduced some one else to the hobby. and 2. you have recucled your funds for newer modules.

Doug

[Anonymous]

I've been in the test mode for the past 3yrs.So when I decide to build my layout I'll still will be in the test mode.My thing is that I'll test as I go along.I do have a 30inch by 18inch diorama I been working my skills on.So don't fret.

[Anonymous]

John,

It's good to talk with another engineer. I have not yet totally overcome the desire to have a point-to-point layout. Without the R/W it isn't possible right now. However, there is an option to consider . . . A point-to-point "virtual layout." You can buy a R/R CADD package and design it as if you have the R/W. The program I use has tremendous 3D capability and I believe it will provide much relief in the next few years before I get the R/W to build the "Big One."

There was a thread recently (I hope this thread does not turn into another) that discussed the future of the hobby. In my opinion, the hobby is most threatened by the computer in that kids are getting so much entertainment from the computer these days. Those who are fond of Railroading, will probably become interested in virtual railroading because these programs are quite capable.

As before - Enjoy the Layout, virtual or otherwise. - Ed

[Anonymous]

Well,
I have another suggestion. First, you should stay in the test mode the rest of your modeling life as change is coming faster into the hobby than in the past, and you don't want to miss out because you have "settled."

Secondly,
I have invented a phrase for what I believe you are caught in and it is "hobby intimidation." Our hobby is a demanding one, calling on skills most of us don't have - electrical, carpentry, computer usage (DCC), modeling (including scrachbuilding and kit bashing), artistic demands of backdrops, scenery, and track layout arrangements. I was frozen in time and remained that way for a number of years - I told myself I was working on the "best" layout for the room I had. But in my gut, I knew I was procrastinating.

Our hobby can be very intimidating. So what did I do? Well, I decided action was better than no action, that even though I was intimidated some how I had faith in myself that no matter how large the problem (and there are lots of them) I would be able to get a solution and move on.

Even now I still have procrastinating lapses as another problem eats away at me and I don't work on the layout. I just over came another problem this week that had been blocking progress for me. I find the psychological implications of the problem to be worse than working on the solution and carrying it to fruition. But I still get blocked from time to time.

So I have begun to recognize my blocks and I work through them.

Something on your layout is intimidating you. In the usuall order I find problems that intimidate are 1) track plans 2) wiring 3) weathering rails and ballasting 4) deciding and re-deciding on scenery 5) worry about skills in building what you have decided on 6) biting off more than you can chew - eg: a prototypical scene but you fear you can't duplicate it.

So work on the next logical step of what has to be done on your layout and give yourself a 6 week time frame (or 8 weeks) then work towards it.

I am a moderator at www.trainboard.com in the Layout Design forum. Twice a year I host a "layout party"...lol. I invite people from various forums to join in and commit to a project for 6 or 8 weeks and report on your progress - or lack there of (and I request honesty - if you didn't work on it, report it). I have found comments like: "I got more accomplished in 8 weeks than I have in the past 6 months!" not to be uncommon. If you go there, look at the "Lonely Hearts Club Band" thread, and the one that is just finishing up "High balling your layout." You will understand what I am talking about.

So assign yourself a task, be your own boss and work on it. Be honest with yourself when you have run into a problem that is blocking you, and post it to the various forums. Lots of people will help you with it, such as this very thread you initiated.

Good luck
Rick Nicholson
aka: nicholson1318
rsn48

[Anonymous]

Rick, You have given some very insightful advice. I apperciate it. I guess I will just have to walk the walk.

Thanks,

John

[Anonymous]

It does get easier, but problems will keep popping up and the first time round, they are all "new" problems. I've developed skills I didn't know I had. But each time I move into a new phase, I get "frozen" for a bit.

[Anonymous]

I know where you're coming from, Rick. I'm in the beginning stages of building a new layout, but this time, I seem to be moving much slower. Admittedly, I don't have much room (I'm working on a 2'x4' N scale layout) and I get discouraged that I can't fit everything I want on a small sheet of plywood.

I have assigned today as a layout day. You can't get enjoyment out of something you're not working on, so...

John

WP Lives!