Hi again!
Thought I'd get caught up on this thread, and maybe share some drivel along the way.
Mark said:
"As soon as I read 'surreal impression' I immediately thought Malcolm Furlow and John Allen, before getting to that line."
You're very perceptive, Mark!
"The backdrop painting first does sound like a good idea to test the waters on your Colorado scenery ability...<snip>"
More on that backdrop thing down below.
"I do see the small size of the 19th century HO locomotive."
The small size and the Colorado backdrop/scenery are my only concerns with this theme. The small size in view of the aging process, and the Colorado backdrop/scenery as to seeing if I can gain those skills. The work required for the rest of the theme is plenty "do-able" at this point in my life. (But it will take a lot of tedious modeling.)
"BTW, your photographs look great!"
Thanks, but which ones? Not all of the photos in this thread are mine. The three photos I used to illustrate traditional 3-rail among realistic-type scenery were from two other forumites, one name lost to memory (the two FA powered trains), the other two by "Christopher2035".
TED S:
First off, thanks for the kind offer on the train BS'n! The last time I've been down your way was a few years ago when the wife and I went to purchase a dual sport motorcycle for her that I'd found on Craigslist.
As for your workbench idea: We really have to do whatever it takes to meet our needs on an individual basis. I've done that too as needed in the past. This time, I have purposely chosen to limit the layout so as to have an inviting work atmosphere even after a layout is in place.
J DADDY asked:
"One thing <snip>... What entertains you in running trains? <snip: lots of scenarios>"
Yes.
Seriously: I like so many aspects of model railroading (and prototype historical railroading) that I can pretty much say yes to all of your options!
Trying to be concise, I would say that the two scenarios (themes) that could be entertaining for longer term play value would be:
* Colorado 19th century, with a helper grade and some interesting towns/mines to switch. The emphasis on this theme would be creativity, and the "drama" of running trains (operation) in a rocky mountain railroad.
* Urban/industrial, either early 1950s (if 3-rail) or early 1960s (if HO). All of my track plans for such have incorporated double track mains for giving the impression of heavy "city type" traffic, a good yard, and lots of industrial spurs/sidings for industrial switching. The emphasis of this theme would be the trains of my childhood and the fun of some challenging operations.
The "operations" part of the equations in regards to traditional 3-rail's ability to for same, was the reason for my questions in my "PW Questions" thread.
IF any of the above becomes the "final" direction for me, I could be satisfied, but there is a caveat.
That caveat being: For decades I've toyed with the idea of a TOC19 (Turn Of the 19th Century) steam set amid a mountainous layout. Every time I was poised to take the plunge, I would chicken-out and return to diesels. SO, I'm sort of thinking that I owe it to myself to at least make the ATTEMPT. I suspect I will know within a couple years if it's the right direction. BUT, this thread has reinforced the idea I've had previously to address the Colorado backdrops/scenery question mark before I start cutting lumber. That I feel I really ought to do. (More on that below.)
"Malcom Furlow sure was a great inspiration and his San Juan Central was a great layout."
Yes, he was. He certainly wasn't a rivet counter (I'm trying to NO longer be a rivet counter), but in spite of his rivet counting irreverence's , the overall feel and atmosphere he was able to create was magic.
RUSTYRAIL...
"Andre, You just need to take one of your cl planes out for a lap or two and that'll clear your mind."
Those old combat planes will HAUL the MAIL. Even on paltry 10% nitro they're good for over 100 MPH... and on 60' lines that can be quite exhilarating! Trouble is, my C/L years seem to be winding down.
Sounds like you've found your "happy place" in regards to making your hobbies work for you!
All:
Next time I'm in Fort Smith (AR), I will be swinging by Hobby Lobby and picking up a canvas. Upon that I will start trying to paint Colorado backdrop that I can accept. I've tried painting Colorado in the dateless past, in fact, I even have a picture I snapped of my attempt. I wasn't too pleased with it at the time, but I DO see ways to improve it. Ways that I think I can do. Here's a pic of one such attempt back when I was poised to take the "19th century Colorado steam" plunge, but wienie'd out and went back to diesels.
Just noticed that there are some of my unfinished experimental "horse hair" spruce and pine trees in the photo.
Anyway, this was painted some 20 years ago. IF I can improve upon that... then there's hope for an attempt at my 19th century Colorado theme layout.
Humph... nice shadows from the foreground trees on the painting.
All fer now!
Andre