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Pictures are from second layout I had to dismantle in two years. First one came down at the Mountain cottage in March '08 and was kind of sad [gave away 290' of Gargraves Flextrack].

 

But secondly, in October '09, tearing down the 15x25 island type operation upstairs at the Greensboro cluster house the work had become almost too routine. Old age and health needs forced the issue of moving and rearranging life on my spouse first, and then me. Anyway at 82, I had to face the fact that I am past the point where I could maintain large layouts in two locations or even one.

 

Nevertheless, I moved down the hall to the little finished attic over garage and in Feb '10 built a simple 9x16 round the wall layout. Used recycled lumber, electricals, turnouts, track and equipment from the island layout. Power on the rails by March and then I hit the wall healthwise. Being partially disabled, to plumb disabled, off and on for almost 4 years has left the layout far from finished and mostly stagnant. 

 

But things are looking up. After three surgical procedures on spine, back and abdomen; I am navigating pretty good. When the MDs agree, I intend to go back to doing light work on the layout this Spring.The good news is that once I get the ballast glue mix and rail rust paint cleaned off the rails I can run trains again. The Stairlift I installed 6 years ago to accommodate my wife's knee surgerys has now become my vehicle on the 16 steps--it ain't going up but down that is the difficulty and danger.  Anyway it makes a good freight elevator.

 

ps: I take a whole lot of breaks.

 

 

 

 

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Last edited by Dewey Trogdon
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Dewey, good news that you are feeling better and soon you will be back to work on the layout. We all at some point will have to face the decision to retire the trains and layout, but as long as we can physically handle it, they sure make things a lot more enjoyable. So continue on the mend and get back to the layout as soon as your are capable of doing it.

Very glad for you!  
 
Originally Posted by Dewey Trogdon:

Pictures are from second layout I had to dismantle in two years. First one came down at the Mountain cottage in March '08 and was kind of sad [gave away 290' of Gargraves Flextrack].

 

But secondly, in October '09, tearing down the 15x25 island type operation upstairs at the Greensboro cluster house the work had become almost too routine. Old age and health needs forced the issue of moving and rearranging life on my spouse first, and then me. Anyway at 82, I had to face the fact that I am past the point where I could maintain large layouts in two locations or even one.

 

Nevertheless, I moved down the hall to the little finished attic over garage and in Feb '10 built a simple 9x16 round the wall layout. Used recycled lumber, electricals, turnouts, track and equipment from the island layout. Power on the rails by March and then I hit the wall healthwise. Being partially disabled, to plumb disabled, off and on for almost 4 years has left the layout far from finished and mostly stagnant. 

 

But things are looking up. After three surgical procedures on spine, back and abdomen; I am navigating pretty good. When the MDs agree, I intend to go back to doing light work on the layout this Spring.The good news is that once I get the ballast glue mix and rail rust paint cleaned off the rails I can run trains again. The Stairlift I installed 6 years ago to accommodate my wife's knee surgerys has now become my vehicle on the 16 steps--it ain't going up but down that is the difficulty and danger.  Anyway it makes a good freight elevator.

 

ps: I take a whole lot of breaks.

 

 

 

 

100_1200-001

100_1189

100_1184

100_1191-001

 

Although I am younger at 63, I had a similar paralysis that required neurosurgery on my neck vertebrae that added screws and a titanium rod. My legs were useless and walking anywhere was dangerous. I had to crawl upstairs and could not get up from a sitting position without help..keep working those legs! It does get better. Although I look ridiculous I bought an old bike and rode it often up and down the block...couldnt go far at first. Don't give up the ship yet. Hang in there. I wish you the best.  

Originally Posted by Dewey Trogdon:

Nevertheless, I moved down the hall to the little finished attic over garage and in Feb '10 built a simple 9x16 round the wall layout.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Still twice as big as my layout will ever be so I envy you. What you're doing there looks awesome by the way. I'm sure you'll complete it soon. The fact that you truly WANT to get it done means you'll eventually get past those nagging medical issues. Best wishes.

Dewey,

 

In our younger years we often don't even think about "stuff going wrong" or needing some extra time going up and down steps safely.  We just take it all for granted.  

 

Your "young at heart" attitude is a terrific inspiration for us all.  Keep us posted on your new layout along the way!!!  We should all have your attitude when life inevitably throws us a few bumps in the road. 

 

David 

I hear ya'.  Hang in there Dewey, my OGR friend. The older I get the more I realize that layout building is for the young.  However, when I was young, I didn't have the money or the time.

 

At age 77 with spinal stenosis, bulged discs, and one herniated, I am now doing stairs one at a time hanging on to the railing with both hands.  However, I am still playing golf, limping some, and riding my bike to keep those legs exercised.  I pray for you Dewey, and myself, to not get any worse.

 

Dennis

Thanks for the nice comments guys.

 

Dennis, I have finally learned to take life slower, remembering that if you dance slower the music lasts longer! Also it hurts less as you know. 

Anyway I gave up Golf over 25 years ago to increase my testosterone level. Every time my wife[4 time Club Champ] beat me by 12 strokes it dropped

 

Yes Norm, Rolling Rock, I miss those "little green Lizards" from Pa.

[my first Navy boss from Mechanicsburg, Pa. insisted that the water used in Rolling Rock was enhanced by Little Green Lizards that lived in it]. 

 

Last edited by Dewey Trogdon

Here's another vote for stair lifts. I'm still kicking myself for having passed up the used one at Goodwill with the $75 price tag. We actually built our stairwell assuming we'd put a lift in someday.

 

Having a stairlift meant my sister could take care of my BIL at home. Between his back and her knees, it would have been impossible otherwise. (He was a month shy of 95 and she's now 69, so some parts wear is to be expected.) 

Hi Bill

 Good to hear from you. Your Mom is the real inspiration at 101. I empathize with her reluctance to leave home but understand the care needs.

 

Haven't chatted with you in awhile, how are you and Grandson Adian doing on your attic layout? I hope your genes work and a long, long while will pass before you have to use a vehicle like pictured below to reach your layout:

 

 

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Ste 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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