After 3 years, I’ve finally gotten around to taking some photos of my layout. I’d be interested in feedback on both the photos and the scenes depicted.
As background information, it’s an HO layout set in the Upper Midwest (IL, WI, MN) modeling the NP and CB&Q. The layout is a doubledecker around the walls and with a central peninsula in a 10x20 single car garage. Lower level is largely complete and upper level is at 25%. Thanks.
Brad
i looked at your photos before reading your post and the first thing i thought was ‘Chicago’ . so i guess you nailed the look . very nice !
ernie
That looks awesome! Great work. I really like the second photo.
I like it alot, especially the city views. It’s also good that you have a rural r-o-w in there as well for some variety.
I’d like to see your track plan [if it’s available in digital form]…
VERY nice start!!! Only two suggestions I could make: 1. some light weathering and 2. finish the soffits/ceiling!! Being in a garage your prone to dust/dirt - closing the ceiling/soffit will eliminate much of the “overhead” dust. I can’t see the floor from the photos, but it should be painted to seal the concrete - another source of dust/dirt. Also can’t see the overhead door - that needs to be well sealed also. Overall, an excellent set of pics - can’t wait to see more!![:)]
NICE! [tup]
Are you planning an upper level as well? I am wondering because I have a three level layout under construction and I am planning on finishing the lower level first (which you have done if in fact you will be adding additional levels). Jamie
REALLY nice!! [bow]. I admire your choices of railroads to model, which is probably not that easy a task, considering that not a lot of motive power is that readily available for either NP or Burlington (or am I wrong on that?), two of my favorite railroads. You’ve put a lot of work and care into the layout, which is pretty obvious from your photos.
As several other posters requested, I’d be interested in seeing a track-plan, also.
And WHERE did you get that beautiful Z-series Challenger? I’m drooling. I’ve got a new-release Sunset Z-6 on order that’s supposed to come in January, but that Z of yours is just gorgeous!!
Tom [:D]
Thanks for all of nice compliments. To answer some of the questions asked:
-I do have a Cadrail track plan but am still trying to figure out how to export it to a file that can be posted. I’ll keep playing with it but certainly let me know if someone knows how to do this.
-I am planning an upper level. If you look at the right rear of the photo showing the aisle you’ll see the edge of the helix. The upper deck does not yet have any lights installed so I haven’t tried taking any photos yet. The part currently under construction is above Union Station and is on the other side of the backdrop from the Stone Arch bridge scene. I have mixed feelings about doing a double decker. It was the only way to get this much railroad into a 1-car garage (the other compromise was 2-foot aisles) but it does require more planning and can create some awkward construction situations (like wiring an upper deck turnout over a completed scene 2 feet from the aisle while squeezing between fascia that are 14 inches apart.
-Engine selection is somewhat limited for NP and CB&Q. I’ve had to buy mostly brass for my steam locomotives. The Challenger is an Overland model. There is a good selection of brass NP steam but very little for Burlington but there is decent diesel selection for Burlington in plastic.
-The garage is actually fairly well sealed. I put down carpeting and the walls and ceiling are drywalled. The roof that you are seeing is actually the underside of a loft. I had not thought about installing drywall under that. I’m not sure there is sufficient headroom. The loft is actually not used at all since I built the layout underneath where the pull down ladder is. BTW, I remember seeing an ad for an air circulator that reduced dust buildup but I don’t recall the name anymore. Anyone know what I’m talking about? I’d b
To get a track plan that you can post, open up CADRail and get the levels, boundaries, etc. showing that you want in the view and do a screen capture (Ctrl-PrtScn). Then open your photo program (whatever you normally use to manipulate your photos) and have a blank page, position your cursor in the blank page and do (Ctrl-v). Voila, a bit map image of your layout will be in your editor. Crop, rotate, etc. and then save as a .jpg file. From there just follow the same procedure that you use to post any photo on this forum.
Regards,
John
Looks like a very nice layout.
I really like the C&NW commuters. What are you using for motive power on that trainset?
NIce job. Your benchwork looks well engineered and the layout looks well sceniced. I look forward to more pics and a track plan!
Chris
Wow! You’re definately in the top 5% of great looking layouts on this forum. We need more pictures!!!
Great job!!! One of the best Ive seen on these forums!
The farm area reminds me of my hometown area- and I’m from Southeast Michigan. Looks great!
Fantastic layout, I’m really impressed. Very inspirational!
