I don’t know about you guys, but I get excited about the layout. For all of you that have your layout almost done or have “finished” (I know you never really finish a layout but you should know what I mean." I just finished painting the walls of the new layout room sky blue. Part one of the bench work is done down a ten foot wall. That dirty four letter word “work” will take up my time on Monday…but Tuesday afternoon I’ll be back at building the rest of the bench work and be at that point where I’ll be drawing out the layout and getting the list ready for a one hour drive this Friday to Birmingham, Alabama. No hobby shop here in my hometown. It’s online or drive to B’ham for supplies. I’m just real excited about the fact that the layout I’ve been planning for several years is about to become a reality. I guess I wanted to share with some model rail fans. Not many in my neck of the woods. I’ll be running wire and laying track next weekend. Really can’t wait. Keep your fingers crossed!
I gave my old 4X8 layout to a friend who wanted to build a layout but didn’t really have the money or time. He’s running trains tonight. I’m getting ready to build my “dream” layout. Not bad for a Thanksgiving weekend.
And here’s to you, guy! [bow] Embarking on a ‘dream’ project is going to keep you busy for quite a while. My Yuba River Sub is eight years old, and today I was out there to run some trains and take a photo or two, and I suddenly looked at a section of scenery that’s been up for about seven years and said to myself: “Ye Gods, I need more TREES, there!” Luckily, I had more trees, and put off the running and photographing until I’d planted them. Suddenly, an area that had satisfied me for a long time took on a completely new meaning as I glued them in. “That’s better. Hmm, I think it needs a little more undergrowth–”
The great thing about this hobby is that it’s NEVER done, because as you work on it, there’s always something new to do or improve. Scenery–wiring–getting that slightly recalcitrant locomotive you love to run better–installing a signal system that works–you name it, it’s there waiting for you every time you turn around.
You’re starting on a pretty terrific adventure, that Dream Layout. Enjoy it and just let it happen. There will be times when what you’ve planned might not work, but I don’t think there’s anyone in this hobby that hasn’t had to step back and re-plan things. God knows I have!
Tom said it all so well! I just want to add a couple of things.
Never stop being excited.
Get some runnable track down early on to add interest but DO NOT STOP working on the scenery, wiring, etc etc. You will be amazed at how your skill improve with practice and how much better the layout looks as the details get filled in.
You are about to begin one of the most exciting journeys of your life. Best of luck,