Started my new layout 3 weeks ago ( New Pictures 2/ 5 / 16 )

This may seem like an obtuse observation, but I think it was, or is, a really good idea to get trains running right away.  That makes the layout fun right away.  The rest is gravy.  Too many guys get lost or buried with complicated schemes.  Simple elegance, for me, is the essence of standard gauge.  And the standard by which I gauge my life.  

Ok, that last line was stretching it a tad.  Have fun.  Cheers!

So I started this Layout and was getting a lot done I then hurt my back. Got a some more done and had back surgery . well today I worked on the layout most of the day. Still have a lot to do but at least it is starting to come together.

wow! if you got all that done being under the weather......looks fantastic Doc!

Looking GREAT, Thom--hope the back isn't holding you back; and, thanks for your updates and photos.

I will post some more later today. I would say the back is good. I hope to go back to work soon. 

Hello Doc;  The layout looks great.  Do you have anymore pictures.  thanks

Very Nice Doc!!!!

Thom,

I am glad your back is feeling better.  The layout is coming along nicely.  See you at Greenberg!

Took a few more today.

Hope I didn't make you bored with to many pictures.

can't get bored with all those great trains and layout to look at, post away!

Absolutely do not get bored looking a lay out pictures. If that happens to anybody on this forum I would kinda sorta be shocked.

Nice stuff and good work Doc.

Larry

Great pics!

Peter

Doc;  thanks for posting the additional pictures.  The layout looks great.  Out of curiosity,  what size is it and what type of grass did you use?  thanks.

The Layout is 7x13.  I have a 4x4 to add at the far end it will be elevated 1 foot. I hoped to have that in but didn't happen yet. I hope soon.  The Grass I wanted to have the layout look the way they did years ago. I painted the board cream. Taped it off. Painted it Green ( had it mixed so it looked like the green Lionel used)  the I sprinkled original Lionel Grass on it. Let it dry and Vacuumed up the loose grass to use over. Over time the more grass that come off the layout will get that old look with green board showing through.  You can find bags of Lionel grass at shows and the bay.  I am happy how it is turning out.

Have not done a lot but when I do I will post a few pictures. I am Happy to say I am back to work The back is now 100%. No Pain at all .   9 weeks off work is a very long time.

That is one fine looking layout Doc!  You run both standard gauge and O-gauge.  I run both gauges on my tinplate layout too.

IT looks fantastic! This is the old Lionel 919 Artificial Grass, yes??

After pouring over these large size versions of your pics, I'm experiencing:

SERIOUS Standard Gauge Layout Lust.

Thom, 

 Good luck on the layout and more importantly, your back. I was out of work for a week at the beginning of the month with a combination kidney stone and bad muscle spasm.

Tom