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Post by atsda on Jan 7, 2023 3:05:08 GMT
? Although I enjoy operating my trains, I keep interrupting myself with repairs and layout changes. I have a ‘to do’ list that will keep me busy. Right now, I am finishing the support for my new covered bridge on the central track loop. I’ll finish out the loop by re-wiring a controller for the UCS there (don’t know which accessory yet), install a crossing gate, and use a whistle shack that activates when a train enters/exits the bridge.
What plans do you have in mind for your layout in 2023? Alfred
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Post by firewood on Jan 7, 2023 5:00:23 GMT
I need to get scenery building and adding structures to my bare bones layout. All the ideas are worked out, just need to implement, execute, do stuff.
Dave
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Post by Adam on Jan 7, 2023 12:52:55 GMT
I've got an idea for a new area. I want it to be car heavy, so either a drive-in or a diner with a full parking lot. Still noodling.
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Post by ptc on Jan 7, 2023 14:24:05 GMT
Wonderful topic. Unlike the last four years, additional substantial changes to our layout would be counter-productive. I have two long sets of string lights to install on 42nd Street that were delayed in the last Quarter of last year. It also depends on Department 56 and their new 2023 releases. Other than that, not much.
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Post by rtraincollector on Jan 7, 2023 16:40:18 GMT
Right now a have a train table that is 10'4" x 16' with only a large loop of G scale on it. So before I get going to far, there is already changes in mind. I know the corners will be bigger but the sides are going to be between 2 1/2' - 3' and there will be a center cut out do I can get in there and reach any problems I have, should I have any.
So reconstruction is going to go on before I even really get going. I'm glad I got steered this way instead of having to climb and walk over the train table hunched over. I'm steering towards 2 G scale and 2 standard gauge loops then figure out how to incorporate O gauge to it. probably a raised layout.
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Post by edlloyd on Jan 8, 2023 2:58:53 GMT
Thinking of building a new layout that will run both O gauge and Standard gauge trains. An 8'x12' with 72" std. curve and 60" and 48" O gauge curve. Thoughts?
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Post by Country Joe on Jan 8, 2023 19:11:28 GMT
I plan on improving the scenery this year. I’m also considering some layout improvements but they are only in the thinking stage right now. They may never get out of the thinking stage but if they do I’ll post my plans and progress on the OGF.
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Post by papa3rail on Jan 8, 2023 22:29:08 GMT
Finish the Texaco station and keep working on the last bit of wall and my last tunnel portal.Going to keep plodding along towards the finish line. Would love to get the edging finished and the curtains hung and maybe even get stated on the Passenger terminal but Ive learned not to set the bar to high it can easily lead to discouragement.
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Post by Joe Saggese on Jan 9, 2023 0:01:41 GMT
I’m thinking about tearing mine down and making it larger with more landscaping and less buildings so I can actually see the trains. Just thinking about it at this point.
I’m also considering switching to tubular track but again, just thinking about it.
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Post by JKP on Jan 9, 2023 0:44:09 GMT
I have a 8x12 layout with a 2x8 with a removable side extension(for when utility company has to get to my meter). I had a 048 outer loop and a 036 inner loop, I decided to make inner loop 048 also because my new steamer didn't like a 036 switch. I have also connected both loops- before they were separate. I can still turn off power to either track. As long as I don't want to change my track again, I'll start filling in with some scenery.
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Post by Traindiesel! on Jan 9, 2023 11:08:33 GMT
Been waiting for some cold and snowy days to work on the layout. But we don't get those here in Southern California! Nah, actually that's my excuse.
Original plans when we moved here was for a large layout in a separate building on the property. But then life started happening, parents got sick and/or passed away, things didn't pan out to make the building happen including different future plans where it didn't make sense to do it. But early on my incredibly wonderful wife Lynley said "Let's build the layout in the living room". It was a temporary solution at the time to get some trains running. But being it was temporary, I only planned to have two loops of track to just run the engines and service them to get ready to run on the big layout. No scenery or accessories just track on styrofoam on Mianne benchwork around the room. Progress was slow because I wasn't really jazzed up about it. I left a 54' X 32' layout area back when we lived in Pennsylvania. A living room sized area wasn't going to allow me the long passenger train straight aways I had and loved. I almost felt I was 'sized' out of the hobby. Lynley has been a Saint allowing me to make a mess of her living room without any progress. She understands how much I miss our previous space. The cats have used the layout as their own personal bedroom/hideout spot! I had to change my thinking. For most of the last few months I've just been watching YouTube videos of other peoples train layouts and prototype railroads. And I started getting the bug again. I thought "Why not build what I have into something magnificent"! I can still run my long trains anyway! I'll make mountains, valleys, a city and elevated track!
IT'S TIME TO PLAY THE GAME!!!
The layout is 17' X 14' around the perimeter of the room. Using Mianne benchwork it's three feet deep on three sides; the aisle in front of the front door, the fireplace wall and the sliding patio door to the back yard, and four feet deep bordering the living room/dining room area that I can access from both sides. I use 2" beaded styrofoam on the top since I can reach most areas. I couldn't find and of the denser extruded styrofoam anywhere in Southern California, but I now wish I went with a plywood top but I'll make due with the foam.
As part of this project I will also be reorganizing the trains stored in the garage. When we moved I was literally still dismantling the layout when the movers arrived. I had to put the trains in shipping boxes as they would fit, so they were all mixed up. (I did inventory the boxes as I added them). So since I'm going to be running trains again I want to reorganize to keep like trains together so it'll be easier to find them. But I won't start that until I have my tracks powered and running. I have a few locomotives stored in the layout area to run first.
So I'm back in the saddle this week. It's why I'm up so late tonight from beginning the build. If you all would be so kind to allow me, I'll document my progress on this forum.
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Post by dennym57 on Jan 11, 2023 3:21:02 GMT
I'm thinking about ripping the whole thing up and starting over. I want to run a double track layout which didn't occur to me in the beginning. I always wanted trains running opposite each other. The track alone will cost a small fortune.
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Post by david1 on Jan 11, 2023 6:13:20 GMT
I have no plans yet but I have had my Christmas themed layout now for a couple of years and I have been thinking of a more high rail layout but I really am not sure if I am up to do it. I may think about it a little longer and see if I really want to do it.
Dave
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Post by Traindiesel! on Jan 11, 2023 7:24:57 GMT
I have no plans yet but I have had my Christmas themed layout now for a couple of years and I have been thinking of a more high rail layout but I really am not sure if I am up to do it. I may think about it a little longer and see if I really want to do it. Dave Dave, just do what makes you happy. Don’t think about how much work it could be. It’s a hobby, not a job! Do it at your own pace. The journey is half of the fun!
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Post by atsda on Jan 12, 2023 1:49:07 GMT
Firewood, looking forward to the updates. Alfred
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