Is any model railroad ever complete?

Mine was finished when it started to look shabby to me. Over the years, dust had accumulated, dulling the colors of the scenery. Humidity had warped the Masonite backdrops, and I no longer had the desire to refresh or re-do any of it. What's left of it is sitting in the driveway, waiting for trash day. 

Creating the scenery gave me the most enjoyment. I think I looked on the layout as a big model. Building and weathering structures, creating rivers, roads, forests, and rock work were much more fun than just running trains.

Its been over 6 years since I built my benchwork and I'm not even close to half way done with scenery. For me train operation is my favorite, however "creating an environment" for the trains to run in is more "rewarding" because one can step back and say wow what a difference. Its amazing how much some plaster and ground foam can bring a layout to "life". In turn, the "environment" around the trains, makes the trains stand out like performers on a stage......making them more fun to run

I believe my 9 X 15 layout is done, because I can't think of anything more to do to it.  It took a year and a half.  Oops, I just thought of a spot where I could put a mountain train station.

The creation of the layout is the most fun and rewarding for me.  But I sure do love running all the trains I couldn't have as a kid.

I started my layout July 2 1982.  I did a huge upgrade to catenary 1n 1998.  I have no more room for tracks or anything else.  I could say it is done.  I feel a layout is like an Interstate Highway.  It will always require care and maintenance to keep it top notch. 

 Of all the layouts I have done over 55 years, I have never completed one. You are always changing or build on to it.

Over many years and due to somewhat frequent moves, I have never had a layout that I considered anywhere near complete.  I'm hoping that the one I'm very slowly working on now (which will likely be my last one), will reach a decent state of completion.  I actually enjoy creating the layout and find that process to be as much, or more, fun than simply running trains.  The key word there is "creating."

Apparently my 4x10 layout never will be complete, because once I get trains to running nothing else matters.  If the indoor/outdoor carpet didn't quiet the tubular track so well I might take it off and run on the plywood.  For me it's all about the trains and the action accessories.  However, the tube track lets me constantly fiddle the track arrangement and I am gradually acquiring a feel for what I might want a more permanent track plan to be.

Pete

Yes Pete, rearranging the tubular track always was a lot of fun for me as well.  That's the only drawback to a permanent layout - no more flexibility.  But I stuck with tubular for my layout.  I almost gave in to GarGraves, but just couldn't bear the thought of running my older trains on something so realistic!

The layout I built this past 4 years may look complete but I am always looking for ways to change and upgrade it. Better buildings, improved scenery is just some of the things I have done. Although my layout is not huge, it's 16x10 I am having allot of fun.

Geez . . . if that day ever came it would be catastrophic -- like the end of the world as we know it!

The journey starts by placing one single solitary piece of track onto a piece of wood. Nothing more...nothing less...the paths taken from there vary.  the journey however...never ends. 

I have completed 4 layouts in my life, and today they don't exist.  One was an HO scale shortline that gave way to a 15 x 25 American Flyer layout in the same space.  My next was an O scale 2-rail in a 26 x 40 basement.  One was an outdoor backyard 1.5"=1' large scale ride-on system.  Today I'm staring at the start of what I consider to be my last layout to play with --- back to AF, and downsizing to keep it all simple. 

No, a layout is never done in my opinion.  I've learned in my years that once a layout is considered complete, there is always more that can be done.  I'm almost 60 and ready to settle on my first love, the AF, and leave it at that.  I have the feeling of "been there, done that already."  Whenever we finish something, I and probably many others might feel it's time to move on to something we never tried or which looks more attractive.  I just have to get moving again and release all those goodies from the boxes they're packed in.

I think many of us are a restless lot.

Phil    

Jeff, I have to say, that is one weird picture of you.

Funny picture of you, Eddie...as well as the guy holding you.

Life moves on.  I started this layout in 1993.  By the Fall of 2003 I was nearly 85% done. Everything was wired. I was getting ready to finish the track ballasting and ground cover.

Then, we decided to move and all came down 2003-04.  Joined a modular group in 2009. New, smaller, home layout started in 2010. The modules require constant "upkeep and refreshment".  The layout is just starting to be wired, though trains are running.

It's a life-long process. For me, the fun is in the doing and with the modular group, the cooperative effort.

Peter

Over the years, my friends have kidded me that my philosophy must be "if the layout is old enough to need dusting, it's time to rebuild".

I think the secret to "finishing" a layout is not to get hung up on any one aspect of construction. Once track is in and operating correctly, work on one small area at a time. Finish the scenery on one small (2'x4' for example) section of the layout instead of getting discouraged by all that bare plywood. Before long the layout will look complete, even if a few places could still use a few finishing touches.

Getting hung up on ballasting "miles" of mainline at one time, or covering "acres" of scenery with plaster will discourage anyone. Doing a variety of tasks on small areas will keep you interested.

Jim

I always considered a model railroad a living entity where it is always changing and evolving. When the model railroad passion first hits us, we usually start with a simple loop on a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood. That usually evolves into a larger and more elaborate setup.

My current layout was first built in 1999 and although the basic shape and track plan has stayed constant, it's contents have not. An elevated trolley line was added along with upgraded roadways, new houses and a few more accessories. Some of the original simple buildings have been upgraded to more elaborate operating structures. Of course there is always room for another tree or diecast vehicle.

As technology changes, the eletrical and electronic systems are upgraded as well. How many of you started with a ZW and upgraded to TMCC or Legacy?

So to answer the original questions; NO, a train layout is never complete and planning and building the layout is just as rewarding as running trains.

I have yet to "finish" a layout, in O or HO scale.  I haven't even finished spreading ballast on the one I have now and I'm already re-drawing the plan.

I'm wanting to expand my yard and keep looking at the cost of getting (1) 072 Wye, (1) 072/054 lefthand curved switch, (4) 072 Lefthand switches, and (3) 072 Righthand switches, plus curved and straight sectional track (and lumber).  For a 2x12 foot yard it's going to cost about $1250!!!

To me, it won't be finished until I get the yard in, and that's just trackwork.  I still have to ballast and scenic about 50% of the rest of the layout.

I really feel the right thing to do is run the layout for maybe 2 years before any ballast or scenery is in place.  If the trackwork does what you want only then would I proceed with the rest.

A model railroad layout is a journey, not a destination.

Rusty

these are two different views of the same layout at two different shows.

every time i take the board to shows, i add something new. since these were taken, the locomotive "staging yard" has been replaced with an airport, landing strip, plasticville hangers, airport administration building and rotating beacons(Lionel 494).