After dismantling the first Munoz Lines, taking a two year hiatus, and rebuilding the new Munoz Lines from scratch, I tried to establish a list of priorities for what would be my last major layout. I had to take those two years to get away from the incredible magnetic attraction of that first layout in order to do something that would require the absolute attention and dedication of whatever was left of my brain power. I wanted to write a novel. Layout priorities took a back seat.
A funny thing happened on the way to finishing the novel, however. I missed the trains more than I thought I would. Slowly, but surely, tracks appeared on the bare tiled floor of the lower level of our home where the Munoz Lines once stood. As I worked to complete the novel, the lure of seeing the trains run became greater than I expected. I forced myself to work harder than ever on the story, but, like sunlight breaking through the clouds, the trains reappeared, whistles tooted, horns blared, and dispatchers were heard saying, "Take the green."
Once plywood and two by fours once again became commonplace in the layout room, I realized I had to have a plan. It had to be a great plan because it would be my last. The list of priorities had to be right on. No mistakes this time. No regrets. The list became reality. Priority number one would be the eighteen inch test. The eighteen inch test starts very simply and then becomes incredibly complex and vexing. From six feet away, a layout can look stunning, but when you get eighteen inches away the layout might reveal areas where the work didn't seem as good. I wanted the new Munoz Lines to be an eighteen inch success and I was determined to be as happy from eighteen as I would be from six.
Good luck.
Now that the trackwork and wiring appears to be a success, I am working on the primary front module, my GG-1 scene. I began with a concept in mind. I wanted to GG-1's to run along an urban corridor similar to the path taken when they ran from Penn Station down through Philadelphia. John Sethian has captured that so beautifully on his O scale layout. As I work, I realize that the scenery planning has become an incredibly detailed choreography of order. Start from the rear, get that background believable and progress forward. It's just that today I needed a 5/8" square dowel and all of the dowels on hand were every size but. Now I have to wait for tomorrow. Gee whiz.
John Sethian borrowed beautifully on an image created by Edward Hopper. I hope to do the same.
Just have to add dynamite catenary.
Good luck.
