Life & death of a layout. 2-15-11 to 6-18-23

Thanks for all the nice coments.

Dave, Right from the start I wanted to be able to switch cars not just in one place, but all around the layout. I still have a few more places to add industry and more sidings. So far the track plan seems to work OK.

Steve C.

Looks great Steve. I like the vidoe.

 

 

Ralph

Steve Looking great!

 

Love the video, thanks for sharing.

I always expected to have some sidings, just not a "working" yard. Of course, I've seen working layouts, but I never paid much attention to the "working" part or gave much thought to a theme. However, seeing some layouts here and on YouTube, I've seen what can be done in my space. I also realize now that I don't need 10s of buildings either to make things interesting. Having an actual train with switches and an uncoupling track to work with now, dropping off and picking up a car now and then finally appeals to me. I've also been watching **** On Wheels and the western theme works.
I guess too many folks I've talked to in the past have been so wrapped up in "realism" that I got turned off. Thanks to this forum, I'm now seeing a theme that appeals to me and a train the right size. I've always wanted O gauge, but settled for HO or N. I thought more track would be okay, but it's just not the same as O. I thought G was the answer until I moved back to Phoenix and saw all the money and effort it takes.

The bottom line is I think I've finally found what I've been looking for. I'm going to spend 2-3 years learning and testing, so that when the 10.5x21 bedroom becomes available, I'll be ready. I've got several plans to play with on my initial 6x11and then 11x11 table space. If nothing else, I should have some fun over the next 5-6 years.

Good work Steve.  I dont know if its just me but it seems as if the old track uncoupler section gets small mention with all of todays modern electronics, add that to the electo engine uncoupling. This is perfect for train operations. Great video. 

It is always a pleasure to visit Steve's layout. I can spend the whole operating session watching a CNJ diesel sitting somewhere and making those train sounds.

 

Kind of like railroadin' 1:1...just on overtime. I miss the 16 hour law!

 

Walter M. Matuch

 

I too liked the "working" part of the video. It leads me to a question...what brand of uncoupling track did you use? I had Gargraves on my older layout, but I must have been driving them with too low of a voltage since they never worked. I'd really like to engineer their locations like you did so I'm going to have to get some that work well. I'm using all Ross track.

Trainman,

  Mine are all Gargraves uncouplers. The old GG were the Lionel bullseye type. The newer ones are longer and usually will open both cars.

Walter,

  You are welcom any time. 

Here is an updated track plan.

Steve C.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Got some more skirting done today. A black curtain will hang under the molding.

 

Steve C.

That looks great !

Steve,

 

Excellent work!

 

I really like how you finished the bench work around the sides.

Steve

 

Looking beautiful, great work!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

Alex

It's a beauty of a layout. I do like the way you incorporated the nice looking molding to complement your layout.

 

Fred

with the moulding, are you going to have panels that butt up to the edge? looks like that is maybe what you were doing with the that.  looks nice.  the way you have the cut-away is a great idea.  almost like a slice of the earth!

Looks good Steve. Going to have water under that trestle?

Thanks guys.

Chris, I have black fabric that Velcros underneath the molding.

Joe, Absolutely!  I have to finish the upper part of the mountain first.

Steve C.

Steve in the trestle photos how large are the 3 curves I am trying to get some perspective. Great work and layout.

Thanks George,

 

   The smallest loop is 58" and the 2 mains are 73" & 82".

 

Steve C.

Is that radius or diameter?

Diameter center rail to center rail.

Had a little time so I through some ground cover down just to see what it will look like.

Here is the progression.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve C.

 

 

 

 

Finally got some skirting on.

Steve C.

Steve.....it is simply beautiful!!  I like the way your are finishing the edges with the nice red trim...

 

Alan

Very pleasing work.  I like irregularly shaped layouts, and yours is a beauty.

The scenery is looking great Steve. Makes a huge difference.

Steve,

 

Excellent!

It is coming out really nice.

Steve,

 

  You are a true craftsman, the layout looks beautiful.

 

Thanks, Alex

Thanks guys.

 

     I'm always humbled by the talent on this forum.

 

Steve C.

Well it's been awhile. Life through some wenches into the machinery but I finally got some time to work on the layout. Mostly foam work but the top of the mountain is roughed in, as well as a tunnel portal and an area for some buildings. 

 

Steve C.

Worked on a section (a bridge and tunnel) that has been bothering me.

This is what it looked like for the last few years.

I angled an old Lionel bridge to get across the lower track but it never looked right to me.

 

 

It covers up three tracks and I needed to have access just in case.

Part off the mountain is removable to reach any derailments.

Adding some girders to the side gave it a more substantial feel.

 

 

Looking great Steve. I'll have to get over soon. How's that engine running?

 

Ralph

Thanks Ralph, I hope to pick it up next weekend at Allentown.

Wow. The mountains, portals.....all looks great. I like the way you made use of the plasticville accessories (station, water tower). ....blends right in.

Sir,

I must say that this is an incredible layout and you are truly a world class model builder.  The trestle is beautiful.  A major understatement!

 

Not sure how I missed this thread before, but glad I found it.  Great job!

Started the other side of the bridge yesterday.

 

Coming along nicely... keep the pics coming.

I can't get enough of this thread!  Great modeling.

Hi Steve,

 

Looking fabulous !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Alex

Steve...the layout is really beautiful....I am enjoying this thread!!

 

Alan