I started in 1993 on finishing out the room, building benchwork, then laying track. Basically finished track and wiring in 2003, although I have a couple of very small projects on those left and the turntable only went in in 2006. It’s HO/HOn3, with quite a bit of dual gauge.
Room is 28’ x 16’, with one end narrower. Scenery was all roughed in by spring of 2007. I still have lots of scenery detail left, plus a BUNCH of structures to do.
Unfortunately, it seems like everyone is sueing everyone else lately, and I’m real busy at work. I’ve managed to get a BUNCH of car kits built in the past two months (as in, 20 or so?) because I can glue a piece in placewhile I’m waiting for a query to run. However, it’s taken me the past month to just get the ballast in place on ONE of my modules (maybe 11’ of track), and there is still some time to go on cleaning up- still a fair number of granules stuck to the top of the ties.
Running in time for Christmas is a worthy goal, but I agree with others- concentrate on 1) having fun, and 2) doing quality work. There will be other Christmases (and family visits), but you’ll be running trains regularly on that track, and you want it solid!
Don’t feel bad it took 3 years to do a 4X8 but in the end I’ve had 15 years of enjoyment. Now the grandkids love to play with it. My rail yard just took 6 months. Take your time don’t be in a rush I’m just getting started on my 8X12 layout and getting the frame together. I was hoping to get my track in by January and wired and figure out DCC. Have been running DC to long (late 70’s). It’s a hole new ball game for me. So I’m taking my time on this one.