The "Encourage Others Challenge": Post a picture of your layout...how many will post???

a few shots of my empire

What a great topic. It's amazing and inspiring to see all the great work you guys have done. Right now all I have is an empty room and a start date of sometime in November. I'll absolutely be checking this thread once the time comes. Thank you all.

I will post some current layout pictures early next week.   

dk122trains posted:

More around the RR.

My Goodness dk122trains, your buildings have impeccable attention to detail, the molding (I think I recognize those), the lionheads at the top of the buildings, overall the layout but the buildings....WHEW, can you share your secrets, I GOTTA KNOW, EVEN JUST A LITTLE BIT. - MARSHELANGELO

Well, 'it ain't much' - but it's a lot of fun. Still have to get the 'river' painted, bulkheads and bridge fenders done, detail the backside a little more and .....

Mill City posted:

I'm still in the hording and dreaming stages. Does that count?

Jon; Lionel loves you I am sure!

Rod

Once your layout is "done" you can concentrate on the details. I cut some doors in a tired FM diesel and fabricated an engine component to simulate a major overhaul in the engine service facility. Adding figures and both interior and exterior lighting enhance the scene.

TJ

 Here is my layout. Mid 1950's era that connects The CPR, CNR and GN thru one mountain pass, yet to be named(and built)

Al

Beautiful work everyone....!!  Here is an early morning picture of the natural sunlight coming in on the layout...By the way,  several folks have mentioned in other threads that they would like to see larger pictures so as a tip (just in case you may not know), if you click on a picture, a larger and more detailed version will be available...

Alan

A work in progress ( a yellow broom handle can be seen in photo 11) :

I wish my layout was as cleaned up as most are here. Been working on mine for about 12 years off and on. More off then on till recently. So here are some pics of work so far along with boxes and things all over the layout. But at least I can run four trains when I work on the layout. Here are some pics from today.............Paul

Everyone's contribution is great!  I do want to make special comment to RickO and Paul 2. 

Rick, I like the winter snowy area you have along with a summer area.  I think it works good.

Paul, I have noticed your second shelf before in photos.  I think it and the transition areas work.

I have been thinking for about a year or combining the two ideas on my layout I hope to start this winter.  I would have two levels, both on shelves like Paul.  The upper shelf would have a winter area where I could put some of my wife's porcelain and ceramic buildings on display year round.  The lower level would all be summer with scale buildings and one area of a few operating accessories.  I'll see how I can cram that into an 11 x 11 room.

Your contributions enables me to better visualize that.  I think that was the kind of thing Alan was hoping for when he started this topic.

Thank you, all!! 

Every single photo is of a nice layout.Thanks for posting everyone. I don't have space for a layout now but I am inspired that's for sure.

Here are a few of mine. I still don't have the stupid backdrop put up. Just don't know how I am gonna do it without wrecking half the layout!

Getting the trains running is only the first step in creating an enjoyable layout.  Adding scenery takes it to the next step.  By adding figures, vehicles and structures you begin to tell a story.  These little scenes, or vignettes, are what bring layouts to life.  There was a thread a while back sharing vignettes on our layouts.  This is a very good thread to reference for ideas.

Here are a few vignettes from my layout.  No captions.  You can create your own story.

Tom

I figured I would join in on the party! Attached is a photo of my layout. I've been working on it since May of this year. It sizes up at 10x7 as that is all that can fit in my current space. 

This is a great topic Alan!

Not starting a layout because you are afraid you might have to move? Maybe I can encourage you with mine. This L-shaped, 9' 6" x 8' 1" layout is designed to fit in an average sized spare room, though it's in a basement right now. It comes apart in six sections, and I've already had to move it once, so I know it can be done! The odd-looking benchwork permits me two lower levels for on layout storage of 5 trains total. Sorry for the grainy pics. The light in the basement is not great. Good news is, if I decide to upgrade it, I can just move the layout out of the way

Another enjoyable facet of this hobby is operation.  Sometimes it is fun to just let the trains go around the layout, unattended.  Other times it is enjoyable to run the trains with a purpose.  I enjoy making up trains and sending them out to switch local industries.  To make things even more interesting, I will sometimes have a train running on the main line while I perform switching moves on the industrial branch.

Here is a video of a typical switching operation on my layout.  Pay no attention to the man in the window!

Tom

Good morning, here are some pictures of my layout which is in our basement

Thanks again guys..!!  If you haven't read all of the responses on this thread, you are missing out!!  Several folks have mentioned their appreciation!  Keep it going!!

Here is my contribution this morning...this was taken in April of this year..click on it for a larger version...

Thanks,

Alan

Lots of possibilities for your first train layout.   Pick something small, make it portable, celebrate a holiday, or make good use of your basement!

My Layouts

Pizza Layout (36" diameter)

Modular Layout (5' x 15' or larger)

Christmas Layout (5' x 9')

Basement Layout (12' x 12')

Just do it!

Ed

Bridges and Tunnels,  every layout needs bridges and tunnels.

MarkStrittmatter posted:

Good morning, here are some pictures of my layout which is in our basement

Mark:

What products & techniques did you use to make the snow?  I'm planning a winter layout set in SE Ohio and that's pretty much the look I'm going for.  Thanks. 

here`s mine

Tom Densel posted:

Another enjoyable facet of this hobby is operation.  Sometimes it is fun to just let the trains go around the layout, unattended.  Other times it is enjoyable to run the trains with a purpose.  I enjoy making up trains and sending them out to switch local industries.  To make things even more interesting, I will sometimes have a train running on the main line while I perform switching moves on the industrial branch.

Here is a video of a typical switching operation on my layout.  Pay no attention to the man in the window!

Tom

Pretty cool but this got my attention " Pay no attention to the man in the window!" Maybe because I was tired when I read this, but some how I was expecting a little dog pulling back a curtain The Great and powerful OZ has spoken!!!!

Fridge56Vet posted:

MarkStrittmatter posted:

Good morning, here are some pictures of my layout which is in our basement

Mark:

What products & techniques did you use to make the snow?  I'm planning a winter layout set in SE Ohio and that's pretty much the look I'm going for.  Thanks. 

I am pretty sure, I know how he did that and what he used..   Its nice to see what I was visualizing for the new layout.  Snow covered roads are a must for a winter themed layouts, along with drifts and ruts in the road. I would say this is spring where things have started to turn green. defiantly well done.,

Here are some photos of my layout.

Pat, Who made the Western Maryland BL-2 81?  Very nice as always!

MarkStrittmatter posted:

Good morning, here are some pictures of my layout which is in our basement

Mark,

They look great!  I am glad I got to see your layout in person!

leavingtracks posted:

It has been quite a while since we have had a general thread in which pictures of member's layouts have been posted.  Yep, we have the great, long running thread "what did you do on your layout today" but many of us don't do anything to our layouts daily.  How about a thread in which as many members as possible post a picture(s) of their layout?  It doesn't matter if the layout is large, medium, or small...just post a picture to encourage others!   It doesn't matter if the layout is finished, half done, or in the beginning stages...just post a picture to encourage others!  It doesn't matter if the layout is 2-rail scale, 3-rail scale, Tinplate or 027 traditional...just post a picture to encourage others!  OK...I could go on and on but I bet you get the idea!!

Come on...lets work together to make this a reference thread for those that want to go back and see all kinds of examples of how others enjoy the hobby and perhaps encourage those that don't have a layout to take that step!!  This is your chance to help your forum members get ideas and inspiration to create a layout no matter what size!!  Videos welcome too!!

Thanks!!

Alan

Hi Alan, Yours is still my favorite layout I always see something new every time I look at it since I have been a member on here I never seen anything compare to it. keep up the great work I hope you have a open house someday so I can see it in person. thanks Joe D  (30thstreet)

Some pics at Shark Bay layout.

Websites: http://porvoomodelrailroaders.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/P...ModelRailways/videos

Good Sunday Morning!!!  Wonderful work everyone!  Here is a picture of my friend Mickey's layout which is right next door!  His layout is a 2-rail O scale empire....

Alan

Mark Boyce posted:

Pat, Who made the Western Maryland BL-2 81?  Very nice as always!

Thanks Mark!  The BL-2 is a MTH Premier with PS 2.  There is a profile photo of this locomotive in this week's Switcher Saturday thread.

Alan,

   Enjoying the layout pictures big time, here's another one for ya.

PCRR/Dave

leavingtracks posted:

Good Sunday Morning!!!  Wonderful work everyone!  Here is a picture of my friend Mickey's layout which is right next door!  His layout is a 2-rail O scale empire....

Alan

That's a cool looking shot. Don't you just hate it when a pole jumps up at the last second.  This is from last night and this morning. Amazing how trees can enhance a layout.

Or using a mirror

trumptrain posted:

Mark Boyce posted:

Pat, Who made the Western Maryland BL-2 81?  Very nice as always!

Thanks Mark!  The BL-2 is a MTH Premier with PS 2.  There is a profile photo of this locomotive in this week's Switcher Saturday thread.

Thank you Pat!  I'll take a look!

Great idea for a thread. My layout has been cut in size and not much has changed in some time due to a busy family schedule. 

The Micro layout,