Hey everyone[^],
been awhile, how is everybody holiday season going and how are the layouts going. Well due to the rain a month or so in Northeast, I ended up with some water in the basement, enough to stop work on the layout, but no damage done. But I was away from the layout for about a month and I think that did a world of good. I slowly got back into and while looking at everything, realized I was heading for a headache. I was reading way to much stuff, wanted to do this & that… when it hit[;)] a simple track plan would easier to complete and I think more FUN…( just want to run trains…), then maybe work in some switching… so now I have simple mainline track plan and picking spots to put my switches… I feel happier and more confident about the new plan and layout…
I think everyone of us goes through the phase. Thinking realistic versus dreaming is an important step to getting started. It is okay to dream but you also need to ground yourself in such a way that you can accomplish small goals. Getting a mainline going as you described makes a lot of sense. Putting in some switches later to add more interest gives you an opportunity for renewed energy and interest.
When I first started I had visions of a huge empire in the basement. I have enough room for a 20x40 foot layout but as time passed I realized I was way over my head trying to build something that big for my first layout. I downsized it to a simple 8x12 foot crawl under with two main lines and a ton of industry for switching. I’m very happy with the progress I’m making and glad I downsized it.
my layout is 15 X 22, along the wall, walkin… benchwork is done, just have to tweak some stuff… should post some photos… just have to find a place to post them… hahaha