First Layout Finished

Beautiful! Amazing job, congratulations.

Absolutely gorgeous, Frank.

 

Peter

Fabulous looking layout with great details! Terry

I will get to be the first here to say that is an awesome 1st layout and you should be proud of your work. Great details, it is like stepping back in time to another ere. Beautiful looking and can't wait for more pics.

Frank,

Yours is one of the great 3-rail layouts. I've always admired your postwar trains, on tubular track, set amongst some of the best scenery seen on any O-gauge forum. 

Great work indeed.

Mike

 

Outstanding, Frank.  You have an amazing talent.

.....

Dennis

Outstanding and gorgeous layout, and that's an understatement.

 

First and last...should we read between the lines I'm in the same boat.

 

Why do I have a feeling you took some progress pics between 2004 and 2013...it'd make a great magazine article and I'd love to see how you did it!!

VERY nice.  I like your building backdrops and the Texaco station in particular, and the eathering and color of the streets is fantastic.

 

You have my condolances, though: if I ever finished my layout it would breakmy heart, because I would have nothing more to do.  I don't think I could bear to tear it up even with the prospect of all the new work to build it over!

Very good work

WOW!!

 

Richie

Fantastic!!

Frank

I remember when you were just starting it.

Don't remember the exact situation, but you were in a rush to finish up something you were working on because your sister was coming the next week for a visit.

 

Would like to see a few videos now of running trains

Frank,

 

Great job!  I have always enjoyed your scenery posts.

 

Dave

VERY nice work!!!! It reminds me of John Allen's work and what I hope mine comes close to. Congrats!!!

Awesome---"Postwar Scale"

Thx for posting

I've enjoyed "watching" your layout come together

Great job

Joe S  

Wow, a real work of art.    Congratulations.

 

- Mike

Congrats!  Beautiful layout.  You have created so many great scenes and your structure building is top notch.  You are so talented, Frank.  It has been very enjoyable following your layout progress.

Frank, beautiful, reminds me of John Allen's HO G&D railroad of old. 

Dan

 

Congratlations Frank.  Look forward to the upcoming magazine article and display.

Fantastic Frank!!  But what are you going to do now.....and what am I going to do as there wont be any more "build it " threads to follow on this and other forums? !!

 

Or could I be wrong?.................

 

CHEERS MIKE

Great job Frank53.......Love it.

 

Any tips on how you toned down the brightness of the O-Gauge Tubular Rail?

 

Rick.

Magnificent work, Frank!  Yours truly is a Great Model Railroad, right up there with the work of Allen and Sellios.  And your photography is superb as well!  Congratulations on the completion.

 

Pete

Frank,

That is one absolutely stunning layout.  I'm looking at your pics for the first time and I'm just blown over by your talent and the wonderful scenes you've created.  Like others have already stated, it is truly a work of art.  Who made the Texaco Service Station?  Is that by any chance a Raggs to Riches kit?  I'd sure like to pick one up if still avilable.  You've done an outstanding job, thanks for sharing with us.

I agree, I'd love to see more pics and some videos of your layout.

Beautiful, Frank.

 

It's been fun watching your progress over the years (and picking up ideas ). Everything has really come together. The big Lionel building is still my favorite scene among so many great scenes. 

 

Your decision to limit equipment size based on the overall layout size was a good one too. It's kept a nice balance for you between trains and scenery.

 

Jim

Wow.  Great work.  I like Lee, Really like the Texaco station.  Keep it up.  You inspire with your craftsmanship.

I'll second what everyone else says; "fantastic"

Love the Texaco station as well.  Very similar to one I built on my HO layout.

 

Something about the tubular track mixed with such excellent scenery just speaks to me.  Like a perfect representation of reality meets our fantasy worlds.  As a kid, I always had visions of what 3 rail Lionel would look like in the real world, and your layout displays that perfectly.  I honestly remember wishing the 2 rail 1:1 was using 3 rail.

 

Thank you for sharing the pictures, especially from such humble beginnings.

Frank,

 

Great job!!  I enjoyed watching your progress over the years.  I like the postwar with the highly detailed scenery.

Fantastic!!! It must be true, All good things take time. Thanks.

I've been a BIG FAN since the start.  Now everybody can see why.  I am amazed and humbled.

 

Jon

Nice! You did a outstanding job.

Hi Frank53,

 

wow, wow, wow! Like others, I enjoyed following your posts over the years and your efforts to create the amazing realism in the buildings and scenes.   

Fantastic layout...always enjoy your pictures...doesn't hurt having POSTWAR LIONEL on it either!!!  Ron B.

Frank53

Frank53,

   Congrats on a fantasic 1st layout, beautiful!

PCRR/Dave

It's been a long journey but the end result is definately worth it!  Absolutely wonderful layout you've created!

 

--Greg

Great job.

Beautiful.  An inspiration.

I have always thought that your layout is just amazing! I truly enjoy seeing the postwar trains running on a scale layout. Thank you for sharing these pictures with us.

 

And welcome back to the forum!

You do the kind of work I can only dream of.  But it's seeing layouts like yours that keep me trying.  Thanks for sharing your fantastic accomplishments with us.

Thanks.

 

The Texaco station is a modified Bar Mills kit. The kit is just the station. I scratchbuilt  the back portion which is a repair garage at ground level and an upstairs apartment.

 

 

The station itself backed up to a post war switch machine. I decided to build the add-on in order to conceal the switch, which is why there is an open space at the back.

 

 

 

 

Bar Mills had a feature on this modification on their website last year.

 

You can get the Texaco Station kit from Bar Mills - but only by direct order on their website -- >> http://www.barmillsmodels.com 

 

You will find it in the kit section in the "Kits under $50.00" section. Unfortunately that's for the HO version. The "O" version is $89.95.

 

I agree w/ you, CarGuy, and his layout is a handmade masterpiece. He has an artist's-eye and hands. I esp. love that diner w/ the blue florescent tubing around the front window, to mention only a fraction ofwhat I admre in Frank53's very skilled craftwork, make that artwork.

 Frank M.

P.S. I'd love to see his entire adventure/journey w/ that layout chronicled in a book.

The rails are painted on both sides using Floquill "Roof Brown." If you paint the track before installing, you can mask and spray. If not, you can brush it on. You can spray it by masking it. I added three extra ties between each metal tie. I used a supply of wood ties I had on hand and when I ran out, I glued two quarter square pieces together and sprayed them using Wal-Mart Color Place flat black. In addition to adding ties, I placed a wood tie within the hollow gap of the metal ties. The ties are overly wide - as is the case with all tube track 

 

I ballasted all the track and tinted the glue/water mixture with "Burnt Umber." I applied several dabbing coats of diluted Burnt Umber to the ballast. I finished it off by using Alcohol/India Ink wash on the ballast to get it good and grimy.   

 

 

Thousands of pictures . . . 

 

 

 

Frank

Is the Lionel Building no longer on the layout?

Frank53,

 

Thank You for the info. I really like the look of weathered tubular rail with extra ties. NICE.....not to mention the fact that it is "prototype" for Lionel Trains!

 

Rick.

Really impressive....nice job!

Right in the middle, hiding the door to the outside:

 

 

 

 

And I would be more than happy to feature Frank's layout in the magazine (as an expanded feature) if he is willing and able to do it.  As I understand it, he may already be committed elsewhere.

Allan Miller

 

 "he may already be committed elsewhere"

 

If that is the case, perhaps a "tech" article on one aspect of his layout such as Lighting or Scenery or even his Photograghy could be considered.

 

Rick.

Thanks for the consideration Allan. I have had a commitment from Roger for several years now for "whenever it is finished" and must honor that promise.

 

Rich and I have discussed a number of "how to" articles I have in the hopper and I would welcome the opportunity to pursue any of those. 

That's certainly one of the all-time great layouts.

 

I think there might be a word that fits, here.

 

Masterpiece -

 

A work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship

 

An artist's or craftsman's best piece of work

 

Ya, that word seems appropriate!

 

My compliments, Frank.

 

 

Rick

 

Beautiful work, as many others have, I have also admired your progress over the years. This layout is truly museum quality.

Frank,

Please do an article for the OGR Magazine. I for one would like to more about your great looking layout, and your modeling techniques.

I would welcome and be happy to consider any how-to articles you choose to submit.  I am always in need of how-to articles.

 

It's a shame that we won't be able to give an expanded "tour" of your fine layout, but I respect your prior commitment in that regard.  I can't imagine they'll give it the sort of 12-page-or-more treatment I had in mind, but that's water over the dam (or under the bridge) and I'm sure my friend Roger will do it up fine.

 

When you find the time, just send me a list of possible how-to articles you would like me to consider and I'll incorporate them into the schedule.  Could use several in the remaining issues for this year.

 

Others here who have good how-to features (or layout features) in mind that they would like to share are certainly welcome and encouraged to contact me.

Wow looks great Frank

 

 And thank-you for using tubular,that's what I'm gonna use.

Frank,

Great looking layout. It pays to take your time and be thoughtful of the area. Thanks again for posting the layout.

David

And I would say you did a very very good job. The details are what makes it come alive!

Absolutely spectacular. 

Absolutelty  Beautiful!  Unbelievable-

Just wow! To see the modest first picture makes the subsequent ones even more impressive.

I left my comments across the street on your layout, so I won't do it again here.

I do like the title of this post, though, because I'm looking forward to the SECOND layout completion.

Frank,

 

It's come a long way. Beautiful layout.

You can't see my face but it is green with envy...all I can say is wow!!!!

 

Great work

Frank....somehow I missed this thread until now so am glad I noticed it!!  I told Frank long ago how much I admired his work.  Words just don't express the talent he has for "seeing" the details.  If I were a miniature person I would want to be on Frank's layout for sure!  He is up there with the all time greats....the masters....the artists that inspire.  He is proof positive that the size of the layout has nothing to do with the quality of the work....his touch is certainly gold in this case!!  AND to make all of this even better....to top off the icing on the cake, Frank is always so generous with his knowledge and willingness to help his fellow modelers....

 

Frank....we are proud to have someone of your ability in the hobby and are equally proud to have you as a member of our Mid America 3-Railer group.  I am looking forward to the CTT article and I am willing to bet that OGR would still do a full fledged spread on your layout since there are so many details to see....one article could never capture all of the grandeur!!

 

Thanks for the beautiful pictures....

Alan

Frank,

 

Simply amazing, you are a true craftsman

 

Alex

WOW, a work of art!

Frank, thank you for sharing your marvelous work.  Your level of accomplishment will be an inspiration to do better.  As others have said, it is both a happy day and a sad day once a layout is "complete".

 

Happy railroading,

Don

Absolutely fantastic work. Beautiful. 

Thank you very much for your comments. Some new photos:

 

 

 

 

Boy oh boy.That's a gorgeous Layout.

 

Bryan

Fabulous!!!  Good to see you posting here again. 

 

David

I missed this thread till Frank posted a link in another. 

 

I've admired Frank's work since joining this Forum several years ago.  I believe you would run out of superlatives before you could accurately describe this work of art. 

 

Magnificent Frank; simply magnificent! 

 

Curt

If there is ever to be an O-Gauge Hall Of Fame you've certainly set the standard.  Looking forward to your spread in CTT.

No wonder it took so long, it is fabulous! I know I will see your layout in a magazine spread soon! Sit back and enjoy your beautiful creation, we all will.

Outstanding, Frank.  But what's next.

 

Bud

What else can be said WOW, Fantastic, Outstanding!!! 

I could only hope to have a layout half that nice some day.

Ditto the WOW !!!

Very nice Frank, I remember when it was in the early stages. Enjoyed those Friday night chat sessions, were very encouraging. I have just started working on my layout and trains a little after more or less ignoring it for the last couple years, mostly to clear up the clutter so I can start rebuilding.

 

Great work!

Spider!!!

Lookin good   The alley next to the diner is my favorite scene

Spider! Spider! Thanks Spider!

 

Right across the street from that scene is  your spot . . .

 

Well worth the wait!! The detail just sucks you in to each photo looking at every little nook.

 

Sorry Allan, but 12 pages would not began to be enough space to cover this one!

 

Can we get a "Great Layout Adventures" film crew out there ASAP???

Nice detail work Frank. Thanks for the photos.

Some stunning pics Frank, well done indeed.

The thing that most people don't see in this layout is the stories behind each structure.  Use Spiders as an example.  Its named after a character in the movie Goodfella's.  Frank and I are fans of this movie and used to trade lines back and forth in threads.  There is a scene where he gets shot in the foot and was one of the lines we traded.  So if you look in front of Spiders bar you will see a guy on crutches because he was shot in the foot.  Hence his tag that it is my place. That is only one story  Nearly every structure in the picturess has one.  There are a million stories in the naked city

Probably not, but I suspect that's way more pages than it'll see in the competition.

 

And a "Great Layout Adventures" video would almost certainly have followed IF a feature had appeared in our magazine first.  Our contributors and supporters obviously merit first consideration.  When possible, we try to coordinate release of print and video versions so there might even have been a video available as early as the fall York Meet (for example).  But that's all water under the bridge at this point.

Shows how out of the loop I am. I never knew "Great Layout Adventures" existed.

Yep...next one out, in time for the April York Meet, will be #9 in the series.

Allan's bin dangling some nice carrots, Frank; few could resist those strokes.

 

If you've already sincerely given your word, to another outfit, that's important!

 

I don't see why two different features; including, a well-done video, couldn't be worked out. There's some uniqueness, in this case. You/Frank is well-known in this community; even has his own forum and his layout has been a point of interest, on more than one online forum.

 

Sometimes, a vein of gold runs through two properties; and both landowners get rich.

 

 

Rick

Fantastic!

Frank having had the pleasure of watching your layout being built over the years, let me say how well the end product has turned out my friend. Simply outstanding!

Frank

Your layout build postings across 3 different forums has kept me entertained for years.

Thanks for all of your hard work and for posting the story. Great story and a beautiful layout! Congrats on the upcoming CTT spread too! Bring on the video crew.

Thanks!

Rick....very nicely said.  No reason why both magazines couldn't provide its readership with a spread on a single owner's layout.  Frank's layout could fill several books and videos!!

 

Alan

Wow, very impressive.   I started in 2004 and mine is nowhere near as "finished" as yours.  Great job!

 

Thanks, Alan.

 

 

Rick

Actually, there are several reasons for not doing so, including, but not limited to, any pre-arranged agreements that may exist and which may be unfamiliar to those who have not been published before.

 

And keep in mind that there are a number of very fine layouts out there, large and small, complete (if there really is such a thing) and as yet incomplete.  My goal is to give exposure to as many of these as possible over time and to cover the diversity that makes this great hobby what it is.

 

Frank's layout is certainly a very fine one, but I like to think that there are many fine layouts in our hobby, some of which have already been published and some of which may be still emerging or undiscovered.  We have not yet begun to exhaust the potential candidates.

 

I've raised the bar for CTT's presentation of Frank's fine craftsmanship, so now let's first wait and see how they handle it.  

needless to say...a great layout and frank is one heck of a friend to many of us.

frank has always been willing to offer assistance when asked.

 

i've been following his layout for many many years and cant wait to see it in a magazine or video etc.

 

terry...

Frank

 

Just realized this post was about your layout!  Great job, of course. Thanks for posting all those photos in one spot.

 

John

Spider! Spider!

 

Marty E just asked me about "Marty's News" which I built when Marty used to hang out with us in 2006 or so. Still there after seven years, but I suspect his arm is tired by now:

 

 

That little news stand was one of the first things I scratchbuilt - and it looks it . . . .

While looking for that photo of Marty's News (I must have ten thousand photos of this work in progress), I found this souvenir of a familiar guy who I bumped into at the local hobby shop one day back in 2006:

 

Wow

this picture is showing the early days of your layout.

So now you can seat and enjoy the view.

Andre.

Hi Frank,

Your layout looks great!

 Love the Spider story except we both know he didn't end up so good...

 "this time your gonna dig the hole"

What you need are some MTH hoppers on that bad boy!

Frank - I too didn't click on this thread until just now. I'm really glad that I didn't miss it. As others have said, I have followed your progress and been inspired by your work.

 

Your layout is beautiful! I especially like the stories behind the scenes as that is something I am also trying to do, but unfortunately without the eye and talent that you have.

 

Thanks for sharing your pictures, your how-to-build advice, and your friendship. This hobby is better and more fun as a result of the way that you share it.

 

Art  

 

 

All of us here at our house applaud you 

The secret is safe with me, although I have been tempted . . . .

Nice work Frank! It all turned out great.

 

Jack

To Mr. Frank53

 

You have proven beyond any reasonable doubt, that model railroading is a true form of art that cannot be denied.  With your layout, you've created a living being and it will remain  immortal long after all of  us  are dead and gone. Are you tired yet? Your insanity is at the perfect measure. What I like the  best about this thread after the amazing photos, is the subject of the message. I can't wait to see what you do next, assuming you have the energy left to improve on your own perfection! Congratulations and kudos to you. You are a master of the art of model railroading.

 

Perry Richmond

WOW!  This is an amazing layout.  Love the structures and scenary.  Great job.

 

Thanks for sharing.

Seeing this thread dredged back up from page 100 or whatever it was I see I owe out a lot of thank yous and acknowledgements back to many folks here, so here goes:

 

Perry - I am very appreciative of your comments. I recall you were banging in that last nail when I was just starting with the "track hanging off the wall" as Marty would say.

 

Likewise, my Kitbash King Pal Jack Smith who gave me fistfuls of great ideas though your excellent work.

 

Chug - Thanks for having that sharing go both ways - I have really enjoyed watching your layout come together and your good fellowship along the way.

 

John Sethian - Whose layout and advice along with Ray Mansfield's moved me from plywood central to taking a shot at a more realistic layout.

 

Couldn't find two better pals than thop Terry and AG Andre Terry is one of those "best friends I never met" and if you see details in these photos you like, they probably were handcrafted by Andre the BrassMaster.

 

Thanks Tranz4Mr Kent for digging up that Plasticville for me and countless other favors.

 

And thanks VA Golfer Paul for extending your friendship to me - now get that billboard installed!!!!!

 

Spider! Spider! - What a pal, who also provided me with some great Silk City products to "test drive" and that visit to Paterson remains on my bucket list.

 

Sam - Pity Friday Note TrainChat died off - always had a ball.

 

For years I've admired Vulcan Fred's work and stole more ideas from him than he is ever going to realize and thank you for your encouragement and willingness to share your incredible work and techniques.

 

Fencing with Mr Pink (Monsson) is becoming an Olympic Sport, and makes me hungry for a cucumber on my Big Mac - while marching in a parade. Thanks for your comments and helping me keep my wit sharp and my antenna tuned - Mr White.

 

PS: Makes me want to go out and wrestle a grizzly bear and drag the carcass back to camp. 

 

If you want to see a great layout in a small space- graz is your guy - one of my all time favorites and thank you for your comments.

 

Thanks also C&O Keith - whose incredible sticktoitiveness on the most unique and challenging projects amazes me. Not to mention I love his Lionel Lines collection.

 

Jim Policastro - trust me, I have stolen more ideas than you are ever going to be able to steal from me. Thanks for your always helpful demeanor and friendship.

 

Jim & Leslie M who create some of the most masterful scenes you will ever see - I am so appreciative of having you folks as friends.

 

And likewise Kooljock Jon whose postwar masterpiece gave me plenty of great ideas and is providing some of my excess post war a good home.

 

Texas Pete - A real photo pro - thanks Amigo for your photography comments.   

 

Leaving tracks Alan - I can't think of a finer compliments than "If I were a miniature person I would want to be on Frank's layout for sure!" You might change your mind when you see some of the silverfish I've spotted living in the ceiling tiles. Thanks for your encouragement and kind comments.

 

And thank you Chessie, Retired to Rail, trainut09, Dave Allen, Super O Bob (whose last Super O Layout made my eyes cross), big triuckpete, LIGV Scott, BKT, budgerman, MilwRdPaul, Wild Mary Nick, Curt, David, Bryan, SureFire, DonJones, drodder, Alex Mallie (whose scratchbuilt structures continue to amaze), Hondo, NYCJoe, brr, wston1156, Patrick (whose tenacity is amazing), TMack, mikemike, David, Mackb4, Bobby, Passenger Train Collector, Rick Bivins, Loyal2Lionel, Pennsyk4 (we go back a way to remember my sister's 2006 visit), ACL Fred, Car Guy, Steve, Matt, Greg Houser, Pine Creek, Drew (another guy who goes way back and has built a fabulous railroad), Ron Blume (who might finally stop YELLING at me), Brewman (from whom I have robbed many photos), Larry, Casey, Patapsco, Texas SP, Spence, Cliff, Motts, Dan, Dewey, Mike W (a pal from way across the pond), Mike Caruso, dorfj2, Dave, Rich, Clem, Dave Minarik (who doesn't need me to say his work is amazing), Lee, Pat, Dennis, Michael V, Easton O, Cocoloco, Peter Condro and Rick B of the North - thank you all for taking the time to post your comments. 

Postwar trains and track never looked better!  Great work, Frank.  You must be proud.  And glad to see you back on the OGR Forum.  Cheers.

Frank....I believe that your recognition and thanks to all of those above is one of the most thoughtful I have ever seen.  You certainly deserve the notice and praise....

 

Alan

layout looks amazing !!!

Congratulations on a fine job! To my eye I see a lot of George Sellios' Franklin and South Manchester Layout detail and feel here and I was wondering if you took inspiration from him for your work. Thanks.

 

    --Bob