All, I have been reading your forum comments and see so much knowledge in the posts, so I decided to turn to you. Im in the middle of my N Scale Layout which measures 3x4 and is DCC. I feel like a writer with writers block. Although I started with a plan it seems the structures and scenery ideas change often, is this the norm? My track plan never changes. I found that I have quite a bit of Kato Unitrack left over, but not too much room to expand the current layout. I have thought about using it for a small DC layout that I can store under my bed because I do have engines that I have not converted to DCC, and may not, due to cost and complexity. I guess my overall concern is not to go over- board. Im just curious if anyone has ever had 2 layouts and DCC and DC and being new to the hobby, Im wondering if Im on the right track. (No pun intended) Thanks in Advance for your help!
Years ago, I had both an HO E-shaped layout and a dogbone N-scale layout. I’m working on a new N-scale switching layout after being out of the hobby for quite awhile and I might do an HO switching layout to run my old HO equipment on. So yes, there are people with multiple layouts.
As far as redesign goes, that’s not uncommon either. A lot of people make false starts or build several layouts over the years as either their interests change or they become dissatisfied with the limitations of their original design.
Most of the hardcore gardeners I know do the same thing - the garden is never quite right or finished or they just like to experiment with different things.
There is an adage in business though that at some point you need to make a decision and run with it - right or wrong - or you’ll be a victim of analysis paralysis.
FWIW.
I’d be inclined to spend money improving the DCC layout (more scenery & details) and eventually sell off or pack away the DC stuff. Since you already have a layout, why spend time building another.
I was a multiple layout modeler and felt guilty everytime I spent money on one & not the other. It finally got to the point of having to make a decision before I went to the Poor House.
I finally began selling all the DC stuff including some long-time favorites. I eventually got over seeing old friends disappear and quickly realized it was the best decision for me to go 100% DCC.
I, too, work in N scale. My last layout was large (by my standards) and filled a small extra room in our house, measureing 10’x8’ along two walls. I never quite finished any individual task on the RxR, so while it had most of the track running well, and some of the scenery finished, etc. it never made it to the “ah, success!” stage. Little decisions became paralyzing (should I put a mountain here or a tunnel there?) and I never got over the hump. I tore it out last year, and have now “come to terms” with the loss. I saved what I could (not that much, really) and I am now working on a much larger layout, but I am building it in “modules” that measures 2’ x 6’. The modular approach to layout building allows me the luxury of seeing my work through to completion fairly quickly. I plan on construction more modules that can be joined when I finally move into a home with the “dream” basement thats all mine… For me, building in modules is wonderful. While I can’t run long coal drags or couple together all my passenger cars I am able to finish each section completely and thus enjoy my creation more fully. When I need a new challenge I can undertake a new module.
I am in an appartment and I have a 30"x48" n scale layout that I am building. Trust me what your going thru I went thru. I changed my track plan twice and like my second version much better. 1 thing I found that helped me was to pick a time period to model. That narrows down the choices of things to do/ build. I am also just going to do DCC as why spend the money to wire in DC then turn around and spend more money to convert it to DCC later. you can see pics of my layout here, http://public.fotki.com/curtw944/
I am going to be doing the mountian and laying track bed this weekend. Keep an eye on my fotki account untill I get my web page up and going. If you have any questions I will try to answer any as best as I can.
Curt
Nice looking layout Curt…good job
OK good point. Ill go broke before I know it.
I didnt even think of that! Perfect! Thanks for all your help…all of you. It looks like I’ll build in modulars which means I will work bit by bit. Being that I am house hunting and looking to move this spring It would be perfect. I have broke down and chosen an era, which is between the 30s and 40s. Seems like geting things for that time period is pretty difficult. I guess I love steam but at the same time I love the begining stages of Deisel such as Zephyr streamline days. I will stick with DCC although I will have to learn a little about installing decoders in steam that are not DCC ready. I guess its nice to know Im not alone in being indecisive. In fact I may never complete my layout during my lifetime, but I never feel unaccomplished knowing that. Again Thanks all…I will keep in touch regularly…and Curt Nice Pictures
Thanks for the compliments on the pics guys. Really do keep in touch. The reason I have decided to go with DCC is because of expansion and ease of wiring. Yes as it sits it is going to be difficult to run 2 trains on the loop at the same time but I have added another siding along the front that you will see in the next couple pictures i am going to post this weekend. It isnt a run around siding but is for a small staging yard. Any way take care and talk to you soon.
Curt
curt,
what year is your bug? i’ve got a hot rodded 56 that hasn’t run in 2 years. i’ve been itching lately to get it going. your sig line sums me up perfectly!
mac
Do you want the quick answer?? lol, if thats the case it is a 62. Down and dirty answer is, it is a 74. The bug hasnt been running for the last 5 years and I am finnaly getting the funds to get it back on the road. Body and interior is all thats left really minus motor. It took me a good couple months to settle on that sig glad you like it.
Curt
PS you have any pics of your 56??
My experience with installing decoders in my N Scale engines has only had a 50% success rate. Now I ship 'em off to Tony’s Trains in Vermont & they spec the correct decoders & do the installation work for me. After botching 1 engine & frying 2 decoders I think the out-sourcing is actually the less expensive solution. In terms of steam, though, I did have success installing a decoder into the tender of a new(er) Model Power steam engine. Plenty of room and the factory wiring is ready for the decoder to be added. Just remember to use GOOD heat sinks when soldering or you’ll fry (literally) the decoder for sure! Good luck & post some pictures so we all can share in your success!
Daddy F Do you happen to have the info for Tony or anyone taht would be able to do this if I send it out? So far I have fried one decoder and really dont want to do it again