I was just reading a thread about whether or not to wire telephone and power poles and several posters said that they would not do that til they where done or nearly done with their layouts and that got me thinking ( yes that is smoke coming out of my ears, why do you ask ) about what that really means and how many of us actually finish a layout, and if so how many have then gone on to build a new one after not to long, i guess what i am saying is how many here have found out it was the journy and not the destination that they enjoyed more, i would like to know all your thoughts on this, thanks.
Hi. This question pops up now and then (see below, and a search of “is a layout ever finished” brings up others), and the consensus is that some are finished much more quickly than others, but mostly when their owners realize the mistakes are becoming showstoppers and it’s time to move on. Otherwise, guys like Joe Fugate have layouts dated in 10 to 20 years…and they’re still not done!
You can always change things here and there, add detail, and so on…so the builder is the greatest single determinant for the answer to your question.
We actually finished a store layout some years ago when we decided not to run wire on the poles to allow free access for 0-5-0’s to the interchange.
There is ALWAYS something to do. ALWAYS.
But finished layouts? Sure. When enough is enough and you actually enjoy it running trains.
Or discover that you like to sell it and start on a new layout.
I dont think I recall any topics in MR that relates to all of the stages of layout building, probably too much like instructions set in stone.
As for my own road, I dont expect to ever be finished. Call me in about 20 years and ask me how things are going.
Falls Valley RR, do you have any photos you can post of those 0-5-0’s? I’d love to see one of those…[swg]
Jim in Cape Girardeau
It took me 30 years to get this one built, why would I want to start another? I like my layout and can add to it anytime. As said in the above, there’s always something to work on. And now OPERATE!
My layout has been “finished” for several years. That is, track and scenery are complete, but I am continuously adding details, rolling stock, structures and making small modifications. Thus, it will never be truly finished…and that’s great!
I’m on #5 and haven’t finished one yet. Always because of moving to another location.[banghead]
An Operator can finish a layout, but it won’t look finished. A Builder can complete a layout, but he’ll never think it’s finished.
I’m a Builder. I’m planning the extension already. Pink foam is still visible.
My layout (click on my signature block) is essentially finished. Now I just change out the occasional structure or add a few details from time to time to keep it interesting.
Now I’m working on improving my locomotives and rolling stock.