Should one ever "finish" their layout?

I could see myself doing that: finishing the layout and then getting out.  I've done it with other hobbies.  Until then, nothing to do except have fun.

Interesting observation.  I agree having something to look forward to as far as improving the layout helps keep the hobby fresh.   My diminutive layout is almost “finished” but I have plans to start a new one once I retire in little more than a year.  That should keep me busy for many years.   Enjoying different aspects of the hobby also keeps it fresh. Lastly, My train time diminishes drastically in the summer months as my time is filled with other activities.  After the break I start “train season” with renewed vigor every fall.  Interested to hear what others do to keep the hobby fresh

I am not familiar with this "finish" word you speak of.....🤣🤣

Working on, updating, changing, expanding, evolving, etc., of a layout is most fun for me.

Warrenville has been evolving since 1983 - I still make changes very frequently, as you might note from my posts. The "About" link on my website will tell you about its major evolutions.

IMHO, no, one should never finish their layout - "working" on it is just too much fun while, at the same the time, it provides feelings of accomplishment. Sharing the changes here and on my site is fun too!

Why would you want to “finish” a layout? I am finally able to build one of my own. Folks want to know when it will be finished. My answer is maybe never ! You saw the first part in the October issue of OGR. I can report that the second part is under construction. Plan A didn’t work so I went to plan B. Good thing it worked as there was no plan C.

Keep on building !!!!

George Lasley

There are many ways to build a layout. Those that seem to survive are those designed with operations planned from the beginning no matter what the scale. Bob Bartizek’s in the 3 rail world comes to mind. I think you stay engaged operating with others and your mind is always working for running that perfect session.

Nope!

https://ogrforum.com/...hed?postsPerPage=200

Finish? Let me think of what still has to be done: Upgrade from TMCC to Cruise 4 locomotives with ERR kits that are somewhere on the shelves, Add LED's to over 20 assorted passenger cars, Upgrade to LED's as many incandescent lamps in buildings, etc. that i can easily access, Add coil couplers to 3 GG1's, Make and plant another 20-25 trees, Build an icing facility to replace a yet to be removed mine, Convert a number of twin coil switch machines to DZ1000's, Install 4 more ground level PRR position light signals, and more, Plus ongoing general maintenance. See my signature below; it says it all.

@ADCX Rob posted:

https://ogrforum.com/...hed?postsPerPage=200

Hi Rob:

I remember Frank's layout and as I recall, he was dismantling and selling it off piece by piece within less than a year.  I actually purchased one of his buildings ( Annabelle Lee's Home For Wayward Girls)  and it is on my layout now.

Don

This is a great post; made me think - not one of my strongest points. I sort of finished my 25x5 layout a few years ago and except for some occasions, I never run it anymore. I've got kids at home altho' I'm nearly 75, so that makes me busier than I want to be, but I'm trying to be truthful with myself about my layout time.

I ran the crap out of it as I was finishing and have shared some pix of those days, but have kept ordering (mostly postwar, my thing) and am loaded with engines and rolling stock, but the layout sits there. I'm seriously thinking about taking down the table and putting trains on the floor again. But that was about 15 years ago, and my back was 25 years younger then, heh heh.

I like the idea of being able to do what I did as a kid and just set stuff up and run, then change something. The problem with a "finished" layout is that like all things new, when done, the "new" wears off and interest wanes. That's probably typical. I like what some guys are saying about keeping some corners of the layout unfinished or needing more attention as good ways to keep the interest up.

An interesting post Don !   My neighbor down the street says his HO layout is “done” and it just sits in his basement now.  I’ve been “starting a layout” since 1990 in 7 different houses, long story.  Now in my 8th & hopefully, last house, I still have the same desire to build & run a layout that I hope will never be done !  This is an great multi-faceted hobby !

A term used in construction may be better suited to this discussion.

"Substantially Complete" still not done, but far enough along that you can run trains and have fun.

My layout have been effectively finished for a couple of years; effectively as I now and again add a few details, but there's no room for anything of any size to be added.  Being a model builder, it served a purpose and still does as a test bed for models that get built.  Not taking it down either; doubt I would ever build another - just too much work and not enough fun.  But I'm building 2-3 new models every month so that aspect of model RR'ing is what I find fun.

I stopped doing anything for a while because of an anticipated move.  Then the bug hit again due in part to visiting two forum members layouts that looked just great.  That lit a fire under me and I have been improving scenery and lighting all winter.  Like others I have some upgrades to ERR to complete and an expansion into another room that "should" enhance operations so no it is never finished.  If we do move nothing will be salvaged except perhaps buildings and turnouts and I expect whatever space I end up with will not afford me the opportunity to build again so why not keep going?

My favorite musical group is Finnish (really).  I'm not familiar with the term as it applies to the hobby.

-Greg

My layout has been "substantially complete" ( thanks RSJB18 for that term )  for many years and even featured in OGR Magazine Run 290 in 2017,however, it has been in a constant state of change because I regularly reworked & created new scenes, changed out automobiles & trucks,  and tweaked scenery.  

I'm now in the process of rebuilding the entire west end of the layout.  This rebuild requires rearranging some existing track, adding, deleting &  relocating some switches, removal of all buildings ( and  eventually replacing with some of the same buildings, however in a different arrangement than before, and adding some new buildings ),  rewiring for lighting of buildings and roadways,  replacing vehicle roadways, and extending an elevated trolley line so it runs the entire length of the layout.  A trolley station will have to be constructed in the west end of the layout.  Lots to do and it's a such a thrill to reimagine and embark on this project.  The technical and creative challenges excite me to no end!!  I LOVE being in the " creative flow" of the process!!

After I built several "permanent" layouts and then dismantled them, I built my first layout "module" a couple of years ago: only 9" wide and less than 6' long. This year I started my third. They are designed to connect together, but they also look OK by themselves. So this way I can "finish" a layout, but still can build more when I feel like doing so.

@RSJB18 posted:

A term used in construction may be better suited to this discussion.

"Substantially Complete" still not done, but far enough along that you can run trains and have fun.

I laughed out loud.  That is a fantastic term I have never heard used in this context. 

I have never finished a layout.  Maybe after I move and start a new one.

Glad you posted this. I am finding my interest is fading a bit. I still have changes in mind on my layout. The one problem for me is crawling under the layout to do wiring.  Not as limber today . In fact I dislike the thought . But I still like making scenery changes.  I call it a redo. Not to change the subject matter is there a creeper/crawler that is made for under the table work? Any ideas appreciated I need to get down under for redo's

Don,

Great Topic! I have been working on my first layout in my adult life since 2005 and there's still much more to do. I have taken my time purposely so as not to end up like some of the people you mentioned. Not to mention I have used this layout as an experiment to improve on my skill level. Thanks to this forum and the internet the ideas keep coming. That is why I have had so many do-overs. I love trains too much and can't see myself tearing my layout down and leaving the hobby. However, I know that once I get to a reasonably finished state with this one, I probably will be moving out of this current home. I can easily understand if someone "finishes" their layout how they could become disinterested. This could have been a goal they wanted to meet and once met, they move on. I would think that if they had layouts that were magazine worthy, they may have put a lot of effort, time, money, and neglect on other aspects of life to accomplish the honor. That's a lot to do more than once.

The key for excitement to me, is pacing myself to keep me busy and interested. So to answer your question, it depends on what your goal is with your layout. I will also say this, when it's time for me to leave this great place, I would hope that I have gotten to a point on my layout where the average person would perceive it as "finished" and I had the opportunity to get to that place and realize my vision. If not, that potential could potentially end up in the dumpster with no understanding of what that vision was.

Dave

I re-entered the hobby at 50 years old and have designed and built nine O-gauge layouts in 32 years: five at home and four with a local club. My current 15x19 L-shaped home layout is essentially done, but I add/subtract minor features to it when a jolt of creativity strikes. I'm now 82, so it's my last layout project.

About "never finishing" ... hobbyists at or near my age should consider "the final end" of their layout -- when the time comes to board the Express Train for a one way trip to the Grand Celestial Station at the end of the line.  Someone will FINISH it; perhaps by allocating it to a friend(s). a club. younger family member(s), or selling it at auction.

Mike M.   LCCA 12394

@Bill Grafmiller posted:

Glad you posted this. I am finding my interest is fading a bit. I still have changes in mind on my layout. The one problem for me is crawling under the layout to do wiring.  Not as limber today . In fact I dislike the thought . But I still like making scenery changes.  I call it a redo. Not to change the subject matter is there a creeper/crawler that is made for under the table work? Any ideas appreciated I need to get down under for redo's

Bill, I was a automotive technician before changing careers to high tech, and I still dabble on cars. The automotive industry has a wide variety creepers that would suit your needs at a reasonable price. The best creepers for under the layout would be ones that have a head and torso recliner. A good place to shop for creepers is Summit Racing, nice selection, good quality, decent prices, and very reliable service! But, obviously there are many other vendors out there.

Note, I use my auto creeper under the layout all the time. Here's a sample at $70.00

summitracing.com

Scott. Thank you for the information I never even thought of auto stores I like the looks of yours. Thanks again

Two things that never seem to get finished...At least in my world...Train layouts and hot rods.

"Should one ever finish their layout?"

Depends on the individual I guess. I won't ever finish the layout because working on the layout is as much fun or more fun than running the trains.  Also goes along  with other things around the house that are unfinished. So there's that.

Nope.  Never.

Like many, I just ran out of room for the two O scale layouts I currently maintain, so I've spent the last 18 months on a new N scale layout over the pool table.  (Can't see the balls good anymore, and neither can any of the poker group)  The N scale is my sixth ever layout.

A major problem for me is passing up on new stuff I'd love to have, but can't fit anywhere on anything.  I love building more than running, but still run all three layouts every few weeks.  There is ALWAYS something that needs work, fixing, relocating, cleaning, etc..  AND, I just love looking at all the stuff I've created and so do all the guys.  To us, the trains are simply gorgeous.  I never weather anything.  The dust is the best I can do on that score, haha.

Jerry

@ADCX Rob posted:

https://ogrforum.com/...hed?postsPerPage=200

I remember on another forum, there were many hundreds of pages of Frank53's layout construction progress. Looking at all of the different scenes made one think that the layout rivaled "Roadside America" in size; wrong, it was only 9 x 12 or so. Each scene was carefully constructed and blended into the next. It all fit together extremely well. One of the best layout photos was a reefer parked in an unloading/loading siding at a building; everything fit just so "right" that it looked almost real. The only giveaway was a tiny hint of the center rail off in the backround.

There appears to be 5 basic types of model railroaders:  1.  armchair; 2. builders; 3. loop runners; 4. operators; and 5. collectors.  Some people overlap in several categories.  

1.  Armchair modelers read and dream about building a layout but never get around to doing it.

2.  Builders actually build a model railroad but get bored once it is done.  Some tear it down and start over.  Others lose interest and abandon the hobby.

3.  Loop runners view building a layout as a necessary task to run trains through realistic of fantasy scenery.  Their pleasure comes from seeing trains run and sharing that experience with others.  

4.  Operators view building a layout as a necessary task to run trains in a manner similar to the prototype.  Realistic scenery may or may not be important.  I am in this category.  My plywood layout gives me hours of pleasure imagining that I am running a real train.  I also like to operate trains with others in a club setting.  Just watching trains running in a loop eventually bores me.  

5.  Collectors collect and display trains.  Running them is not essential to their hobby enjoyment.  Just owning equipment, even if it is in unopened boxes, brings them pleasure.  

Builders are the model railroaders who are most likely to lose interest once they perceive that their layout is finished.  That is why having a layout that is designed for operations is so important to maintain interest in the hobby.   NH Joe

Currently my layout is 6 feet long and 3 feet wide. Believe me, it's finished!

Don, great thread, New Haven Joe nailed it, their are 5 groups of train enthusiast, even 1 more, the fellows that ride the real passenger trains and take lots of pictures. I was glad to have you and your lovely wife visit our layout here in Tennessee and my layouts a work in progress, started in 1998, and there’s a lot of things to complete. Wiring the accessories, learning to do routing with the Lionel Legacy control, and adding the up and coming Cab 3 app. I love selling the off the older TMCC engines and acquiring the newer feature rich models. I’ve loved trains since I was 7 years old, 70 years ago. Lionel has been a truly fun part of my life. There are several super nice layouts near my home, Farmerjohns in Owensboro Ky, Ideathinker in Evansville Indiana, Dr. Jack Fisher in Nashville, Tn, even Dr. Bill Bramlages Tower City Layout in Cincinnati, along with the amazing layout of Bob Bartizeks, a true work of art with realistic train movements…. Every layout I get to visit is a learning experience, and you get new ideas, new technics, and it’s always top notch entertainment. I sincerely do not think one can ever finish a layout, it’s the Friendships we make along the way that perks our interest, train meets, York, and the love of running our trains with sounds, and so much more realism. Sharing the hobby with our friends is probably the best part of the hobby, friendships, train buffs, in Christian fellowship, it’s just so rewarding. Happy Railroading Everyone

Each I am currently building a modular layout with LCCA FasTrack module kits and with Mianne legs & lower cross beams.

Everyone should apply a “finish” to their layout bench work to reduce seasonal wood movement & warpage and for aesthetics. 😀

I am spray painting my benchwork Gloss Hunter Green with Rustoleum 2X paint.  

Because my layout is modular, I can always build additional modules.  Although I plan to operate the layout only in my basement, I could take modules to LCCA meet ups to connect with others’ modules.  

I won’t have to crawl under the layout for wiring.  Each module can be disconnected and turned upside down for wiring maintenance.  

I will probably be a looper.  With many locomotives, Zephyr consists, & freight cars, I will be able to run two different sets of trains each week.  

I look forward to building scenery, structure kits, and detailing passenger & freight cars.

I also participate in annual BRHS meets each Spring & Fall.

I have been a railfan & BR O-gauge collector for close to 30 years.  So finishing a layout will only enhance & strengthen my interest in these hobbies.

Fantastic thread everyone.  Question - Has Tony Lash completely left the hobby, I know it's been a while, I often wonder if he was through.  I heard he had visited the 2019 York show in a late model White Rolls Royce but wasn't told that until I had left the fairgrounds.  Does anyone know of his whereabouts or his status ?

Some people enjoy the destination. Some people enjoy the journey. I know for myself I enjoy the planning and implementation.

@marshelangelo posted:

Fantastic thread everyone.  Question - Has Tony Lash completely left the hobby, I know it's been a while, I often wonder if he was through.  I heard he had visited the 2019 York show in a late model White Rolls Royce but wasn't told that until I had left the fairgrounds.  Does anyone know of his whereabouts or his status ?

I don't know where Tony is, but based on this video, I'd find it hard to believe that he walked away from ourhobby.

https://youtu.be/9iEweZKu1Ow

I hope he is well

As we all know, a layout is truly never "finished"

Bryce

I just finished my last piece of un sceniced plywood 2x9 feet. technically i'm finished, but always something to change or improve. I shouldn't need any more paint  

Lionelski, I’ve seen that video about 15 times, it was made at least 5-6 years before his hiatus/retirement. There are at least 2 videos out about his layout, 1 made by OGR. I think it Fantastic Layouts #5, nonetheless it’s not certain knowledge about his situation or whereabouts. I hope he’s okay and returns.

@RSJB18 posted:

I am not familiar with this "finish" word you speak of.....🤣🤣

I think that it's Swahili or other foreign language!