Bruce Chubb’s Sunset Valley Oregon system is the sort of layout 99.999% of us could only dream of. I defnitely hope that there will be even more photos of the layout in the March issue and MRP 2006.
I may be a bit prejudiced though - his layout basically incorporates the entirerailroad I’m modeling… as a secondary line.
The article on switch controls is a decent coverage of the topic, and will probably influence how I set up turnouts in future construction on my layout. It was a good “beginners” topic, as the conifers could be considered beginner/intermediate and the O scale combine would be an advanced topic.
Something for everyone - and a layout to dream about.
Rats…haven’t gotten mine yet…Oh, wait…the mail hasn’t come yet. Better go look…
[;)] Got it!! Woo Hoo!!! Reading material tonight!!..Man, look at all the SALES!!!
Yes, I was really bumbed when the original Sunset Valley was torn down. The second one was no comparision. This one is WOW. I suppose the scenery oriented people will say it is too dense but I would love to go an operate that.
I thought the Workshop “Getting a good grip on your modeling” was worthless filler.
The step-by-step was excellent. Unfortunately, it is not a new concept and I already knew how to do this.
I am not certain I understand the “Bending the iron”. Survey articles usually always seem to be lacking something. This one didn’t even cover the normal above the layout ones that come with many RTR turnouts like Atlas. More unusual because this is an issue one would expect a bunch of people who got train sets for Christmas would be reading. And I can’t believe they printed the “how to install a tortoise”. I mean can’t people read the directions that came in the box? The author does say how they drilled up from the bottom and that they do use heavier piano wire than is provided, but that is hardly worth 1/2 page.
I loved the “Add a RIP track”. I had never seen anyone suggest simulating the car inspections before. We might have to include this into our club layout to smooth repair efforts.
I also loved the “Scratchbuild a mixed train combine”. I am going to try the project just because it looks fun. The only problem I see is that it is O-scale and will be much harder to do in HO.
As for adding ambience with background music - while it is a cool idea and I’ve seen people try this with saw mill noise, or water rushing, or machine shop stuff … the last thing any layout I’ve ever been associated with needs is MORE noise. Background or otherwise. Once the trains (now with loco sound and cows in stock cars) get moving, with their now metal wheels (making bunches of noise), and people try to communicate with their operation, no one can hear the back ground noise anyway.
Of course I am a big fan of Bruce Chubb’s layout set in Oregon, including the Siskiyou Line and the Coos Bay branch.
I remember visiting Bruce in 1993 and we talked at length about his layout plans while he walked me through his huge empty basement. Since we both model similar parts of the country, Bruce and I exchange notes a lot.
I thoroughly enjoyed the new Sunset Valley Oregon Division coverage in the Feb issue of MR and am looking forward to futher coverage in MR and MRP!
My issue arrived on Friday. I have already been through it once or was it twice, how many more days until the next issue. Our addiction may not go over well with the wife but at least it will not get you thrown in jail. Phil
Well, not quite. Most magazines today actually go to press about 7-8 weeks ahead of their cover date and are mailed 5-6 weeks ahead. Preparation of future material, however, can run anywhere from 3 to 6 months ahead. Odds are that the MR staff is currently writing the April issue.
A new subscription, which I believe you were actually addressing, would indeed more-or-less result in up to a technical 3 month delay between the time you mailed it and the cover date of your first issue, although less than 2 calendar months should have elapsed.
I am one that buys old issues just to get the pictures. I get most of my inspiration looking at pics and trying to figure out how they did something. This was a good issue.
