OK, after years of work, the layout is completed.
I am not a member of a club, and I don’t have others come over to help run the layout.
I don’t care much for “operations”.
So, what is a lone wolf supposed to do?
If you are a lone wolf, and your layout is completed, what do you do?
Rich
Rich - in my 51 years of model railroading I have yet to see a layout that really has been completed [swg]
Seriously, if you think there is nothing you can do to improve it, and your don´t really like operating, you have a couple of options on how to proceed from here:
Personally, I think, you will find many areas you could improve, giving you years of fun again.
Oh, btw, that´s the reason I like small layouts - they can be easily sold and the proceeds from that can go into a new layout project…
Rich I tend to agree with Ulrich been doing this for about 50 yrs and I’ve seen a few layouts that were “complete” untill they saw something new they could get for the layout I’m in the process of tearing out two sections of mine to add two helix so I can add a narrow upper level it will add about another 150’ of running room It never ends Oh and I’m the only one here working on it the only person that has seen it is my granddaughter and to her its “cute”
Rich,
You might look for a club, even if it’s a bit far away. Or join the NMRA. Or take some pictures and post them here. Or write them up and submit them to the MRR mags for publication. Create a website featuring your layout. Scratch build some rolling stock. Set up for demo operations. Have as many trains as possible on the layout, and run them past the visitors one by one and back into staging. Do you have working signals, grade crossing protection, street lights, traffic lights? Do you streets have mailboxes, parking meters, trash cans, news paper boxes?
Tear down, start over…worked for John Allen 3 times 
I am also a lone wolf even though I live in the D/FW area where there are lots of modelers. When I have a layout that nears its completion, I like to start over. Most of the time in a new scale / gauge. It keeps things fresh for me.
I also tend to model on the cheap side. I like to use old MDC cars and older locomotives that I can repower and work them up to my standards. To me, that is as much fun, or maybe more, as building a layout.
C’mon now, throw your head back and howl at the moon!
Where is my Staples button - “that was easy”!
Congratulations, many of us still haven’t even started, or in my case, justing getting restarted after 15 years of no place to build. Count your blessing man! Most of us would love to have the “problem” you have! If you are bored with it, tear it down and build another - per Model Railroader Magazines 2nd mantra - the first was brought to us by Ulrich, below!
OMG, after reading MR magazine between 1975-1990, that was the most “worn out” phrase - it makes me want to scream!
Here, repeat after me one more time “a model railroad is never finished”. We are now thoroughly brainwashed and glassy eyed!
I too consider my layout mostly “complete” even though it isn’t really anywhere near it. I canstantly see places where a couple trees would look good, or these figures should be moved a bit, or I’m not really happy with this water scene. There is always something to be worked on.
However, I am in a bit of a different situation as I am focused on solo operation and my layout was built with it in mind so, I won’t likely get tired of my current layout.
Riogrande5761 - one may consider a layout to be complete at nearly any stage, but too few people actually pay attention to track detail - lots of room to improve a good layout!
I agree with vsmith - Tear it down!
BUT - the ONLY reason I built the large layout I did was becasue of OPERATIONS and having 20 guys come in and make my layout come alive.
We (our I-80 OPs Group) are planning a trip to Bruce Chubbs layout in Michigan this coming spring - Great fun for the group going and getting to see and OPERATE on these famous layouts is a blast. And we have plans on visit others in the future.
Obviously that is NOT your cup of Tea.
To each his own!
BOB H - Clarion, PA
If you have a PC, use Google to search, know how to use You Tube, you are not a lone wolf.
Many modeler’s and even train companies use Facebook.
Use Photo Bucket to share pictures. You Tube to share videos.
With the Internet, there are no valid excuses to not be able to enjoy and share the hobby.
I keep a iPhone and iPad handy also.
I am over 73 so you can do it also.
Rich
Right now, it will be a major milestone for me to be able to run trains completely around a “plywood pacific” railroad! Scenry - heck, thats going to be a major bonus for me! My first layout was built to a stage I could run trains from one return loop to the other and back, but had to be torn down just as I was getting the cardboard scenery base webbing in place - I had just finished grad school and had to move. Oh well… like I said, to get a layout “finished” would be a major thing for many of us! i.e. basically scenic’s and some buildings.
There are three kinds of layouts.
the one your building
the completed or done
the finished layout.
Your plan of attack
keep building
Start adding extra details
rip it out and go back to 1 followed by 2)
My layouts have been complete (done) many times then I see something I like and add it to my layout in one form or another.My big N scale layout is 20 years old and I am still making changes. My small (for shows) N scale layout is 2 years old and also getting changes all the time.My Z scale layouts are going through the same changes.
If you don’t like something or find a better way to do it,do it.If your sick of the layout replace it.
I’ve been in the hobby for 44 years+ and am very much the lone wolf. My layout is a work in progress. I tell people about it and some have seen it. Then I am asked when it will be finished…I always say ‘never’. It’s a perpetual project and if I ever do reach the finished point…I’ll have to tear it down and start over.
Mark H
What is your definition of “operations”?
Do you mean, A protoypically accurate representation of a time and place?
Switching?
or simply running trains?
What draws us into a pastime isn’t necessarily what keeps us there. So far, I have built two layouts and have taken about eight times as long to get to where I am on my current build as I did on each of the first two. I’m not sure I’ll ever finish, but there is a lot to be said for scrapping a plan, or for finishing/doing all you have the imagination or stomach to do on a current one, and starting over.
If you are left scratching your head, Rich, or bored, or bereft of interest and ideas for changes that could keep you busy, it’s probably time to cash in the chips and consider a new direction. Some change hobbies, some only change scales or roads.
Some take a break and try to become experts at superdetailing and weathering structures, dioramas, or rolling stock. Some set about to invent a new tool or system that can earn them a great retirement. Think of an automatic, in-mouth flossing device. Who likes to floss? I don’t, but I know I must.
It has all been said on many threads: take a pause, start over, change directions, or start a new hobby interest. Sounds like you have wrapped up this chapter.
How’s the plumbing in the house? Windows? Trim? Any stairs need rebuilding? Chimney need repointing or a complete rebuild?
-Crandell
I dunno Rich - my layout’s not yet finished. However, I think I’d look for a lone wolfette. That’d likely take your mind off trains for a while, and perhaps eventually lead to a renewed interest in your layout. [swg]
Wayne
A few months ago, my layout looked pretty “finished.” I knew it wasn’t, as I still wanted to add at least working crossing signals and some significant sound effects, but as far as trains, track and structures I was about there. There was no longer a bare spot on the layout to set my beer down on.
So, I addressed the problem by expansion. I’ve got a whole new pink beer table along the wall. Mostly, it’s staging, and I’m doing that so that I can actually consider operations. I’ve never done that. To me, it’s a logical step, even as (so far) a lone wolf myself.
Rich,
I would rather not go to or join clubs. I’m happy just the way things are. Trains have not moved on my layout in close to three months. After I completed my track work in part of the brick street section, I put a lot of them away, so they would not be in the way of the work I’m doing now. I am working on My dream layout,right in an area of existing one. You said You wanted to build that freight house for Your dream layout, but my dream layout is now, by redoing some of my existing layout. I’m kit bashing three open air Transload buildings from Walthers into one long Truck dock, rail served on one side. I’m removing my grain elevator complex that was there, that had three tracks. I don’t know what I’m going to do with the third track yet and do not want to take it out. Cause it diagramed on my control panel with toggles. Found a great place that makes Decals for the Truck Line that I worked for 15yrs, so I’m bashing and building Trucks and Trailers for it.
Maybe You ought to do the same thing. Incorporate your freight house that You want into your exixting layout. That will keep a lone wolf busy. LOL.
Take Care! [:D]
Frank