Started tearing down the small layout. There were plans to use it as part of the new layout when I got relocated but tis not to be since my plans have changed. The wisdom in using a water soluable glue has paid off in that just a bit of wetting has let me easily remove trees and some structures with ease. Working slowly front to back and even the small vegetation will be salvaged as I go. Even the wiring will be salvaged. The fun part will be the trestles and will take time and care. So as the predicted snow falls, two feet is called for, a pot of Chili is done, and some sausage gravy gets done tonight, I'll have vittles that can be warmed on my small portable stoves when the power go south. When the snow finally quits and I emerge the layout should be an empty shell. DSCN0068-1 by John Moore posted Jan 21, 2016 at 3:36 PM
Sorry it must go. Following this project was interesting. Keep warm. Only a few light flurries here today.
Sorry to see your layout go. I look forward to your next one! As for the weather, it's 70 have the windows open and Low Country Boil is on the menu for tonight.
It was a relearning experience for me in a number of areas. The first was to see how actual operations would work out on radiuses as tight as 8 inches and what equipment would work best. And then combine that with 4 to 6 percent grades. My first experience with Peco power routing turnouts in place of blocks. Got to test out the car retaining system on slight grades, ie trimmed cat whiskers. And all that was a success setting the stage for designing my small layouts in small spaces. But it accomplished more in testing my limits since having the stroke in establishing what I could and could not do. And this little 30 inch by 55 inch layout did accomplish that and more. One thing it did was reinforce my negative feelings about lengthy tunnels. And in the end all I end up out is the plaster, plaster cloth, some foam, and some ground scenic material. Pretty much everything else will get recycled in the next go round in about a year. As far as the Feline Pride the only time they have shown interest since the build has been when the mini mice are running.
Layouts can be great tools for learning. I built two and learned important track and scenery skills that I applied to my third. Good luck!
John, I have been without a home layout since Spring 2014 because of a pending move that is still pending. Besides these forums, my model railroading has been limit to a table top test loop of Kato Unitrack on a piece of green felt used to protect the table top. It has allowed me to test locomotives newly back from the shop after installation of dcc with sound. My hobby budget has been focused on the dcc installation or upgrade with sound during this period. Eager to move on.
Sorry about the layout John and hope the weather and conditions are kind to you. Hate to mention it will be 70 here tomorrow and wish I could send a little your way. Mike
Well there is nothing to be sorry about, the layout was built more as a test bed than anything else, and in that it served it's purpose well. There were plans to incorporate it into a larger one but those plans changed. Snow is falling, now at 6 inches, more to come, with maybe strong winds later that could knock out power. and due to continue until Sunday AM. Started removing track today. Little bit of wetting and the front track was out spikes and all. Taken to a sink and scrubbed with a toothbrush and all the ballast was gone. Salvaged the rail spikes and managed to salvage most of the wood grade crossing. Holding down the fort here at Blizzard Central and if power is still on tomorrow and I can see I'll start removal of the mill buildings and the incline track. If not I'll just stay in bed with my 18 and 15 pound vibrating foot warmers.
OK, sorry about the weather then. Here in Minnesota, we haven't had much snow, really, especially compared to what we normally get each winter. Temperatures have been pretty mild. My daughter lives right near downtown Philadelphia so I will be watching what happens there. A pride of cats filled with pride over making a major contribution/sacrifice (OK, not really) toward the layout. Doug
Sorry to hear about the Layout and the weather John, but you'll build another Bigger and better or at least Better than the last. Stay warm Glen
I realize that John's layout is small and therefore what I am going to post really may not apply but long ago I came to the conclusion that there is no such thing as a 'permanent layout'. I have supported the notion of building a layout that is sectional with each section being no larger than 2' X 6'. Each section is light weight using styrofoam for scenery not plaster. If the track placement, at the section ends, is standardized it is possible to reconfigure the layout to meet future space requirements. It also becomes advantageous if the layout has to be sold. These are things we do not normally think of when building a layout but we put a lot of time, effort and money into a layout and so for us and our families to lose all of that due to relocation or our demise seems unnecessary to say the least.
John, did the cats agree to these changes? I know what happens around our house when we make changes not cleared with our masters.
Again the use of water soluble materials is continuing to pay dividends. This time the Woodland Scenic Water Effects. It softens with the application of water meaning I can soak, wait a bit and peel back layers. Successfully salvaged the water powered mill and the first trestle this morning, the Hops mill, and the engine service facility. Also retrieved the incline track up to the mine spur. Still got power but the snow is up to the van door handles now and still coming and about 30 inches in places. Both the Wife and I are now over 70 and are content to let Mother Nature take care of some of it instead of risking bad backs and attacks of the heart.
Agreed. I actually draw the line at 4' x 8', and it isn't really necessary to go with full module standardization at the ends of each section. Any additions are most likely to be custom made, so you can build that to suit. But it's good to put some thought into that. Certainly you need to either cut each track right at the joint between sections, or be careful how you ballast there, and I prefer to wire track power into each section separately rather than soldering the rail at that spot. I tend to use two types of screen door locks to locate the sections--hook locks to hold them snug to each other and sliding bolts to keep them located. And you can get automotive-type multiconnectors from various electronic supply houses. These make for an extra step whenever you wire in something new, as you have to disconnect them and deal with adding the little terminals to the connector. But when it comes time to move, you don't have to label each wire so you get everything hooked back up right. To borrow a phrase, you just plug and play. Just get the biggest ones they have, and figure you'll buy enough accessories to fill them up eventually. Most of that stuff is cheap. And life teaches us that stuff happens. So, I can't think of a less expensive insurance policy.
There's a time to say good bye to your teaching layout. Not to worry if you are hooked like I happen to be there will be others. I have my mousers to thank for ridding my train shed those unwanted mice. Now I need to find homes for them. They like playing with my train stuff better then I. Got to love those cat's.
Don't get mad, and don't get rid of the mousers. Get a video camera and start filming a horror movie--Attack of the Giant Cats
Yep, I got a bunch of kids here in the mobile home park that are the worst predators, to my outside cat's. Last summer they killed off a bunch of them. I plan on finding homes for the mice, where else.... in their homes. Maybe then they will leave the cat's alone. HeeHawHeeHaw! Revenge not humanitarianism. Funny George, just to funny. Was on the floor gasping and choking from laughing so hard. Then it hit me, what I should do with the mice. LMAO
Hawhawhaw! The mousers stay but mice have to go. By the way my layout is in bad disrepair. The extreme cold weather up here in Big Bear Lake has taken it's toll. It will be like building a new one, major restoration to get it up and running again. Lots of track replacement. I finally got the train shed insulated last summer. So, looking at maybe stepping up the quality of track and install Code 55. Most of my deep dish pizza cutters have been replaced with low life...uhh....err...low profile wheel sets. I've either converted to the low profile or moved my deep dish stuff off the layout by gifting to others or finding the bottom side of a trash can. Should be good to go.
