What's your level 2 of the hobby?

For me, level 2 was back in the 1980's when I discovered the many uses of insulated tracks. I used them to control switches, signals, crossing gates, and even other trains. A train would stop at a switch and wait until another train cleared the switch and by means of an insulated section gave it the "all clear," turning the signal green as well. I had three trains running on one main line, with a reversing loop/holidng section and each end, and two on another main line.  Of course, I had 40 feet available at the time, too.

I guess I see several "level 2s" in my layout.  First, a decision a couple of years ago to strictly scale engines (escept for my collection of pre- and postwar stuff, etc.).  Second, 'Streets (Superstreets, EZ-Street).  When completed, I will have about half as many'Streets track down as train track (about 144 to 300 feet). And while I spend only about 10% of my toy-train budget on 'Streets, I probably spend 80% of the time in my workshop or working on the layout on 'Streets.

For me it would be finally finding a method of bench work (L girder) that I could build, was cost effective and be flexible. 

None of the above.  And I have no need of #3 at all.  The next step beyond "a loop of track" is a dedicated benchwork layout, to get the trains off the floor.  And many of us don't have the space for that.

My level II came with the purchase of my first TMCC CP rail Passenger set (circa 1998). I didn't have a Cab 1 at the time, and quite frankly didn't know what to expect. From previous attempts at loco sounds I had heard (i.e. The mighty sound of Cheese); I was expecting the beep-beep of the old battery powered Lionel diesel horn, and a badly taped sound of a lawn mower motor for the prime mover. Boy was I surprised - I still giggle when I hear the EMD diesel engine starting up. Of course, having this lovely set and no place to run it forced me into action, and I had to build a layout.  Since then I have never looked back, and have both command systems and more locomotives than is proper, but having tons of fun.

r0d

My Level #2 falls into the "More Advanced System of Control" (MTH DCS) category.

I went to my first train show in the early 90's and saw PS2 for the first time.

I got a good deal, I thought, from the Loco Louie Rep and purchased my TIU, AIU, Z4K and my first PS2 Steamer.

I couldn't even leave the place without asking the Local Railroad Club if I could place my engine on their track and watch it work. My wife, to this day, will tell you the look on my face as it lit up was priceless. Our small layout on the tree would never be the same.

My Christmas Garden has grown over the years from a single 4x8 plywood to several tables/levels in the house with about 6 4x8 sheets in total.

When I created my signature I was thinking of this very subject... Where am I in the world of model trains?

I'm a part time operator but share the hobby with others when I can and especially when they're up and running.

I'm a bit of a collector and now possess a collection of PW Lionel. Research, Value and Display/Run of these PW I see as a honor.

When my son asked, soon after he was married several years ago, if he could borrow one of my trains to put under their tree, I was a very very proiud Papa.

My "Level 2" is building a "permanent" layout with a finalized track plan that has easements and superelevation for smooth and reliable running.  Also I am beginning  an attempt to create scenery that is a step above the toy train level.  (Not that there is anything wrong with that!).  Oh, and adding sound to all locos and LEDs where I can, and adjusting the top speed of the "racers".

Level 2: Rewinding armatures, repairing e units, changing wheels, using rivet press.

Level 3: Museum quality repairs on vintage boxes, determining the difference between repro items and original items without a guide book.

Command Control for sure.

Being a 3RSer, I have to say that Kadee couplers, fixed pilots, and taking a Plain Jane engine or piece of rolling stock and bumping it up a level by adding detailed parts, is also part of the process.

Next level for me is scratchbuilding.  Ed Reutling pushed me into building a Seaboard Whalebelly hopper and ever since then I have been building a small number of Seaboard specific items such as a Vanderbilt tender, low-side gondola, Double-Door boxcar (soon to be in a Seaboard-CoastLine Modeler ezine issue).

It's benchwork for me as well. Remarkable things can be accomplished. I'm a little over half way thru but it certainly has to be my 1st level 2 of which I hope to have several. Terry

My Level 2 started back in the early 70's and that's when I started using real water effects in my Christmas layouts.

Shortly followed by me building my own animated items to be used in my layouts. I had all of Lionel's postwar operating accessories and I finally grew frustrated by them not wanting to work all of the time. So with building my own operating items, I had them located all over my layouts and they worked when I wanted them to.

Level 3 came when I started designing and building public Christmas layouts in 1981. The very first one was 10' x 32', 3 different levels, 4 trains, over 100 handmade animated items, 2 real water waterfalls and a day & night time effect. This layout was built within a 4 week time period from scratch and the platforms that I designed for the layout could to be used year after year. Even though every year the layout was built completely different. I had about a dozen members of the fire company that helped with the construction and operation of the layout. And I taught them the processes of designing & constructing the display to these members over the years so that if something would happen to me that this Christmas tradition would continue on. And I'm happy say that it does to this day, even without me today. And that 1st. layout meant that I had to disassemble the layout that was in my basement since the fire company had no trains of their own and they agreed to help pay for the repair of my trains and animations that needed repair. And with the donations that they received they started buying their own equipment for the layout.

I have no room for even a small display in my home today, And since my retirement last year we have been looking into moving, maybe into southern PA. to be closer to York even thought I'm not that far now. I want to have a place for my trains but we may wait for our daughters to graduate from HS the last one in 3 more years.

So I am presently looking into the possibly of putting up a smaller Christmas layout maybe for a hospital or such to bring some holiday joy into some lives.

I'm still struggling to make a good enough layout to qualify as level 1. 

It's when I add the planned elevated town over one end of my 4x10... isn't it? 

Pete

Now that's Funny!!!

The only reason I returned to model railroading is MTH. Correspondingly, my Level 2 is DCS. DCS provides train operations unheard of a little more than a decade ago.

My level 2 is occuring now, as I have been "given" our family room over the garage for my layout.  I will have a 17 x 14 area to work with.  I'm painting and installing better lighting now.  No more garage layout that I can't touch during the summer months because of the heat. I'm a happy man!!