I finally had a chance to read the new issue of CTT this weekend and was pleased to see a layout made with FasTrack. Major Joe Bolton’s L-shaped layout was a real treat to read about. I think he did a great job of scenicing the layout without the use of mountains, tunnels, rivers, etc. He proved to me that a well done, nice looking layout doesn’t have to have landscaping made out of plaster or foam to be impressive. Food for thought as I begin construction! And I also like his taste in motive power and accessories. He did a fantastic job of mixing the old with the new.
The down side is that the layout no longer exists. For the second time in as many issues, a layout featured in CTT had to be dismantled before publication due to a move. In this case, a deployment to Iraq. I wish Joe nothing but the best of luck and that he returns to the U.S. safely to run his trains for many years to come.
Another article that caught my eye was “New Life for Prewar Trains”. Stunning before and after photos, but I felt as if I would have greatly benefited from more photos of steps in the process. Still, I learned a few things from this one.
For me the Sept. issue came just in the nick of time. I am disabling all of my switch controllers and will be using two AIU’s. The installation looks fairly straight forward but I did have some questions about which gauge wire to use and color coding so this article was very helpful. I just wish I had done this to begin with, now I have to move all the boxes from underneath the layout to do the work, oh well–maybe I’ll find a new treasure or two!
I also enjoyed the article on Maj. Bolton’s layout. I am working on a redesign for our store layout for this Christmas and it’s L-shaped, so I’m always looking for good L-shaped designs.
Hello All ! John Grams has very good taste! He did a Article on the 1688E/8 Series Torpedoes. What a guy! However, He forgot to mention that in 1936-37 most of the Torpedoes had a roof hatch above the engineers cab and that in 1938 Lionel modified the tooling and added extra weight for traction & pulling power.Also in 1938, Lionel changed over to the 1664 series Drive Wheels with the 12 spokes and counterweights and discontinued the 1661/81 series drive wheels that had 8 spokes and no counterweights.The 1661s did not look as good as the 1664s which were a notable improvement and better looking to Boot! Lionel also did away with the roof hatch, Most likely when they made the other changes to the tooling in 1938 also. John should have asked spankybird for a photo of a restored 1688 to complement the one in his article[:)][;)] All in all worthwhile reading and another good issue as well!
CTT makes me glad I stumbled on it and the forum. I remember back in the 70’s and early 80’s when all you could do is wish for a small “O” crumb in MR. Sure is great.
You know, it occured to me while reading about the 1664 steamer, that one of these days we’re going to have to think about qualifying “Prewar” with just what war we’re talking about – Vietnam? Gulf War I (or II)?, etc. Kids today are so far removed from WWII and all. If we keep having to fight these wars, younger people are going to get confused. It would be a lot better if we could just be able to stop them once and for all and save the confusion (and lives), wouldn’t it??
Hi guys, thanks for all of the kind comments on my Fastrack Layout. My intent was to recreate the feeling of a Postwar father and son Lionel layout. Yes, it is gone but I had a lot of fun running trains on it with friends to include Tony Lash. I also want to thank Stirling Woodin for his role as the article’s executive producer, the photographer Dave Taylor ( whose work has been displayed in the Smithsonion) and to CTT editor Kent Johnson who polished it up for publication.
Great job on the layout! I can only hope my permanent FasTrack layout looks as good as yours.
More importantly I would like to thank you and all our brave soldiers for your service to our country. If not for great Americans like you we would not have the privilege to enjoy our freedom (and our trains).
Hello Maj Bolton! Nice Fastrack Layout you had. Too bad it had to be dismantled. A Thank You to You & Your men for fighting for our freedom. Wish you a safe Journey & return.
I think what amazed me the most was that Maj. Bolton achieved such a great looking layout with the most basic scenery materials like simple grass mats, lichen, and some trees. I have re-read and looked over the article countless times and can’t help but be inspired by it. As my first (and very humble) O27 layout takes shape, I will without question refer back to “Basic Training” and other photos of this layout on Tony Lash’s web site for ideas.
As joe0315 wrote: “Lionel SHOULD use photos like this in FasTrack ads”!