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Post by ptc on Mar 8, 2021 19:00:57 GMT
Happy to have you as a new member, Dave. Your experience should be very helpful to our members.
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Post by ptc on Mar 8, 2021 19:21:09 GMT
Train Diesel Brian raised interesting questions in another thread about the width of streets, sidewalks, and parking spaces. The one thing in common for O-Gauge layouts is the width of a 2-lane street of about 5". Going beyond that, there are many options that should be catered to specific layouts. Let me explain. In our case, we have a lot of roadway with very specific requirements. Space was critical in designing this layout and all of the measurements for streets, sidewalks and parking spaces were critical. We also had to integrate the Grand Central Terminal that had street access on two levels. For the top level, we used the 5" wide 2-way streets. The sidewalks are 3 1/2" per a scale that you would find in a large city with very wide sidewalks. For the second level, we chose a divided highway format with two 5" roadways separated by a 3" center strip. The center strip gave us room for lighted trees and street lights, a nice look. We used the same divided highway format for the lower level together with vertical parking spaces. All levels used the same 3 1/2" sidewalk material. Parking spaces can be parallel or vertical. We chose vertical, as yes, it takes up more room, but affords a lot more space for the use of model vehicles. That was a goal for us and it turned out to be a very good decision. What we did will probably not work for most layouts, but no cookie cutter format will work either. Be original, use what works best for you.
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Post by joeh on Mar 10, 2021 18:25:41 GMT
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Post by ptc on Mar 11, 2021 13:16:56 GMT
Thanks Joe for the post. I have one of the books you mentioned and it is an excellent resource.
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Post by ptc on Mar 11, 2021 13:40:51 GMT
Word on the street has it that American Excellence is going out of business and has a sale underway.
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Post by ptc on Mar 12, 2021 16:14:32 GMT
We had visitors recently to the layout (came to work on our heating system for the train room). They are the first since the start of the covid-19 issues. They were blown away by the layout, but what I had not experienced before was the interest that the lead technician had in our model vehicles. We have done a lot of work to upgrade the quality and quantity of them over the past year. They were the first to see these improvements.
This chap had never seen anything like this before. He loves cars and trains and made the comment how much the model vehicles improved the layout. I gave him some history about the vehicles and it sure captivated his interest.
I sure appreciated his reactions. Model vehicles can make a huge improvement in your layouts. Others will notice for sure.
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Post by Adam on Mar 12, 2021 16:30:33 GMT
I've had service techs comment similarly when they see my layout. It isn't too far from our HVAC system (other side of the wall) and hard not to see.
Of course my layout is very modest compared to yours Brian. I can only imagine the reaction when people see our beautiful layout for the first time.
Certainly makes you feel good when others get some joy from the layout.
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Post by ptc on Mar 12, 2021 17:10:39 GMT
I mentioned this here as it is the first time that any visitor has commented about the model vehicles on our layout. I guess what we have done over the past year to create a Car Show and improve the density on the City Streets has paid off. Sure made me feel good.
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Post by joeh on Mar 13, 2021 15:42:16 GMT
Today we continue with some of the Franklin Mint 1:43 automobiles. The 1959 Ford Skyliner retractable hardtop was first introduced by Ford in 1957. That year, 20,766 were sold at $2,942.. In '58 14,766 at $3,163., and in '59, the last year, 12,915 at $3,979. The trunk held a relatively small metal compartment to fit about 3 suitcases standing up. However, you could not remove them if the top was down. The two others are a 1956 Oldsmobile Starfire 98 at $3,700., and a 1955 Packard Caribbean at $5,932. These 3 models are examples of some of the best that Franklin Mint had to offer. I've shown the interior of the Ford because my father owned a '59 Ford sedan, and as a 17 year-old, I spent time driving it. Our car was all white, with gold/white/black seats.
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Post by ptc on Mar 14, 2021 16:22:14 GMT
Excellent models from Franklin Mint, Joe. Thanks for sharing.
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Post by joeh on Mar 14, 2021 17:36:35 GMT
Excellent models from Franklin Mint, Joe. Thanks for sharing. I'm trying to spread them out a bit, as we are going to Florida for 3 weeks. I have about 5 photo groups going with me.
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Post by ptc on Mar 15, 2021 14:41:04 GMT
Many years ago when I relocated to the Chicago area because of a business transfer, I would frequent a train shop called Toys and Trains of Yesteryear. The proprietor, Mike, was a gem of knowledge about our hobby. He introduced me to the various model vehicles available that suits our O-Gauge hobby. It had been a while since I had purchased anything for a layout as I had had many transfers. I was really surprised at the quality and quantity of what Mike had displayed in his train shop.
That's when I started to pick up highly detailed model vehicles for my layout. Then, I found the monthly Dupage Train Show and it became a wonderful place to find quality model vehicles at great prices.
Today, I think that I have matured into a smart shopper when it comes to vehicles for the layout. I know what I like and want and have carefully narrowed my focus. Good place to be.
Please tell us your story.
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Post by Adam on Mar 15, 2021 22:38:01 GMT
Brian,
That's a fun story of how you learned about model cars and how your tastes refined through the years.
I would say that I am close to the front of that process. Still learning what I like and expect in model cars or other components of the layout for that matter.
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Post by joeh on Mar 16, 2021 1:49:13 GMT
I'm old enough to know what 1950s cars I like because I grew up with them. By 1958 I was driving my own car, a '53 Mercury. I was a car nut, and would beg my mother to take me into NYC to attend the '55 and '56 GM Motorama, which she did. I was in love with the 1956 Cadillac, and ended up buying one in 1985. Had it for 10 years doing parades and shows.
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Post by ptc on Mar 16, 2021 12:37:03 GMT
Nice story, Joe. The 50's were without a doubt the best decade for spectacular car designs. The models today sell better than any other decade.
That Caddy must have been spectacular.
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