Since it will take some time to finish my layout, I'm beginning to look at it as though the trackwork I have completed is a layout in itself. I'm going to devise a good working plan and complete the upper level before finishing the lower level benchwork and laying any more track. I have provision for a continuous loop and enough sidings and spurs to make it interesting. When I see how small some switching layouts are I realize that I've got a lot more than many do already. I also want to test what I have and see if I need to make any changes before I go any further. This is going to be a great year :o) I want to say this about a loop. Since my thing is operation, I can only be satisfied with watching a train go around a loop for 5 or 10 minutes before I get tired of it, but I can do that 3 or 4 times a week. Sometimes that's enough to put the world in its proper place and renew enthusiasm. Having nothing to run is discouraging, especially since the trains are only "actors" for me, as Frank Ellison used to say. Sitting on the shelf or in a box they ain't actin'. Ed Koz Sanford, Maine --- On Mon, 1/3/11, Jim and Cheryl Martin <[email protected]> wrote:
From: Jim and Cheryl Martin <[email protected]> Subject: Re: {S-Scale List} thoughts for this year - do something To: [email protected] Date: Monday, January 3, 2011, 11:57 AM Everyone: Bill makes some excellent points here. My days of dreaming of grand layouts are over, and I'm much happier for it. The track arrangement on my Port Dover module is lifted directly from the real thing, and its simple five turnout arrangement can generate 45 minutes of switching for a four or five car train. The Model Railway Show (themodelrailwayshow.com) currently has an interview with noted small layout builder and designer Lance Mindheim, and it's worth a listen by anyone who's feeling a little overwhelmed by his own plans. I attended Lance's layout design clinic in Naperville last October and found his minimalist approach to be a real eye opener. Three or four turnouts, and two or three buildings, and you can have an accurate representation of part of the real railroad world that will yield a surprising amount of operation. There are links to Lance's website on The Model Railway Show website. And although Bill and I have different modular layout preferences, I heartily agree that joining a modular group is a tonic for flagging interests. If others are depending on you to have something ready for the next show, you're far more likely to "git 'r' done" than if you are building simply for yourself. Because my modules are also part of my home layout, I've achieved much more in my basement over the fast five years than I otherwise would have. And I'm having fun. Jim ________________________________ From: Bill Lane <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Mon, January 3, 2011 7:16:26 AM Subject: {S-Scale List} thoughts for this year - do something If you are looking at the same benchwork for 5+ years now and even your S Scale friends can't notice your "progress" perhaps building that massive layout is not going to happen for you. Not everyone can have the grandiose layouts of Ed L, Dick K and a few others. Cut back, tear down, rebuild or rethink what you are doing. Just do it. Get <<something>> started. Don't leave this world after 20 years of PLANNING without seeing your trains run in YOUR HOUSE because of "analysis paralysis". Thank You, Bill Lane [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ 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/
