Just chiming in here, If you have a 2'x4' board that you can use for a yard, throw a few industries in on that too and make it a little switching scene, then use your 4'x4' to highlight more "Mainline Running" and really get rid of a lot of what you have there, with maybe only a passing siding on the backside and one small industry spur or an interchange (with a cassette maybe?) I think a 4'x4' would be a lot of fun because you could split it into two, three, or four different scenes without trouble, giving you not only an interesting layout to look at when you're done, but also breaking up the modeling process into smaller, completely different tasks, which is a lot of fun and a lot less monotonous than it can be. I'm doing something similar on a 11'x8' double-decked, around-the-wall layout, with the upper half being for more mainline running split into several scenes, and the bottom being devoted to a yard and local switching. This way, if you want to switch or operate, you certainly have a place to do it and can also send the trains out across the "mainline," but if you also just want to sit back, relax, and watch your new engine do a few laps with those expensive cars you just bought, or snap a few photos and make people think that your layout covers your entire basement with all the variety of the shots, you can do that too! Just my two cents, though. Alex
yeah, nah I've decided to take a modular approach to building a layout. I'm about ready to just call it quits on the whole darn thing though, it seems to be a shortage of space, money, focus, or time that is acting as a problem currently.
Don't give up. You can think as big as you want but start small. A sectional layout may be your thing. Start with something small but make sure your design allows for expansion as you get money, time and space. Most modelers end up doing some form of this unless you have acres of space to begin with. Don't get discouraged. This is a life-long hobby for most of us. It is nice to run trains but the creative part is what keeps us going. Hell, I myself spent the past 12 years or so reading and picking up train items from time to time because I didn't have anywhere to model. Now I have a decent size spare bedroom I am trying to figure out how to best utilize and in some ways it is like starting from scratch all over again even though I have been a model railroader for the past 35 years in some form or fashion. Regards, John
I agree with Pacodutaco. Sometimes we bite off more than we can chew, and end up, only disappoint ourselves. I am in the same boat, been playing/planning/buying/building/working on my layout for over 35 years, too. Had one very LARGE one, took up my entire garage! It had no rhyme or reason, just track laid on anything that would hold track back in the early 80s. Again, mid 90s made a smaller "planned" layout. Lost interest and put it all away. Recently, my wife, 4 years ago was my girlfriend. She knew I had N Scale trains out in the garage, and asked that I set it up for Christmas at my place, when we were dating. So, I went out & bought some Bachmann EZ Track, made an OVAL around the Christmas tree. After we got married a little over 3 years ago. In December of 2012, she suggested I build a layout! She let me know where there were train shows, in the area. Encouraged me to build a fun layout. Pushed me to spend money on rolling stock, track, scenery, and locomotives! BIG money, too. I love this lady, and if it wasn't for her, and her persistence, I would have given up for all the reasons you listed above several years back. My most recent purchase was a "custom painted" Kato SD40-2 locomotive, arrived today. My point is, back away from the layout, take a deep breath. Save some money up for the BIG items. Work in smaller chunks. Leave some time for yourself to relax, along the way. This is supposed to be fun, remember? Nice & relaxing... N-Joy!
yeah, just figuring my next moves. got three loco's in the paint shop awaiting broadstripe scheme and decals, plans to pick up a pair of Kato GN F7A's and some nice Con cor GN EB cars, get some foam to lay atop the board, then the benchwork. So far I've figured my biggest problem will be wiring, I dunnoI'm entering the part of life where big decisions have to be made and followed through. THank you for the support guys.
Tred made a good point which is something I do is to save a little money here and there to use for bigger purchases. I keep a jar full of change and a bank bag for a few singles from time to time. Nothing that would be missed just a few bucks here and there. I use this fund to pay for my hobbies.
