Bill: However you design your layout, plan for some kind of purposeful operation, someplace for the trains to go and a reason to do it. For that reason, I suggest some sort of point-to-point plan, with a provision for continuous running, at least for starters.
SHABBONA RR ended up as strictly point-to-point, and because I'm a lone operator, it works out fine for me. I have all the components of an interesting model railroad, terminal switching, main line running, and industrial switching. The only difference is, I have no provision for continuous running, nor do I feel that I need one. A train takes enough time to get from one end of the line to the other without it. In fact, I really could have done without Mt. Zion and Bonaparte intermediate stations. They still are not operational, and I do not miss them; I have enough to do already! The most satisfying element is the realistic movement of trains and locomotives back and forth over the line, including the locomotive "assignments" I mentioned in my earlier post. Also, rolling stock destinations are easily determined, and without sophisticated car assignments, etc. More on this later, the dog is about to get my breakfast! Bob Nicholson ______________________________________________ --- In [email protected], "David Heine" <dave...@...> wrote: > > Bill and others, > > I have a modeling friend, who happens to be building a large Sn3 layout, who > said that you have to redo what you did over 10 years ago because your > skills increase. In some ways he's right. > > Anyway, some of my own observations. I build benchwork in open grid > sections that are small enough to be moved if necessary. As a consequence, > I happen to some sections that have been around for at least 25 years and > are on their third layout (plus in storage twice). However, when I took > down my last layout, some areas where stripped down to the frame work and > other areas where left intact. Originally, I was planning to reuse some > things that took a lot of time to build, such as yards, but in the end I > discarded all the track and scenery, other than buildings, bridges, and > trees. It would have been easier not to have to move everything. The only > section remaining intact of that layout is a small section that was > removable to access the air handler. > > Others have modified the same layout for several locations, but it just > didn't work for me. > > The sectional bench work is something I do like, and still use that method. > For my current layout, I hardly had to buy any wood. I was able to use the > existing framework as is, or take it apart and use the lumber to build new > section. The exception was the legs, I decided to make this layout higher, > so I needed some longer legs. > > Sometimes people forget that locomotives and rolling stock aren't the only > costs for a layout. I don't necessarily agree with Dick that scenery is the > most expensive part, but our definitions of scenery may differ. I've seen > people with a closet full of brass boxes whine about the cost of track > switch (turnout), especially when they realize they need more than two for > their layout. From my experience, I like detailed layouts, not just trains. > > Sometimes for general layout stuff, I evaluate things in terms of brass > engine units. For example, would your second floor cost make your layout > better than the dollar equivalent of brass loco? Of course, you have to > have the money or give up something else. Another example, would a new DCC > system (or a lifetime supply of string) do more for the layout than another > locomotive? > > > Just some thoughts, > Dave Heine > Easton, PA > ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
