Hello,
I've embedded a video to our train layout. This is the first video or picture I have ever posted of the permanent layout, as I normally post videos of our seasonal (Christmas and Halloween) layouts.
If interested, here is the history of the layout:
My Father and I first started building this layout about 16 years ago, and it originated as a floor layout which ran two conventional Lionel engines, a Great Northern (hence my forum name) and a Santa Fe. Over the years, we slowly kept adding on to the layout until we ran out of room. Since we just kept adding over the years, we never had an elaborate preliminary plan, which is why some areas may look over-crowded and less planned. Also, when we first started this layout, we were unaware of command control or any other of the more experienced products (such as Atlas tracks, Ross switches, ect...) so unless we wanted to do a complete overhaul of the layout, we were somewhat limited.
Although this is not the most realistic/prototypical layout, we tried to find a good balance of realism while maintaining the "toy" look of the hobby. We were going for a 1950s/1960s theme, but as I'm sure many of you will realize, many of our pieces (especially the engines) deviate from that time period. Also, we have never given much thought about the road-names we operate, and have typically purchased the engine(s) we thought were most aesthetically pleasing.
If you watch the video, I'm sure you will also notice the inconsistencies of the scenery. We did not add much scenery until later in the layout's development, and neither of us has had experience in that area, which I think is evident at times.
Clearly there are things we wish we can do over if we "knew then what we know now" but for now we are proud of the layout we have created.
Here is a link to my channel, that has the Christmas and Halloween layouts as well
https://www.youtube.com/channe...jaBgeit9h_NRtWITSsDw
