My layout is now 95% complete. I’ve built 6 layouts in my lifetime but never reached
this point on any of them and I must say I like this phase the best
I’m going around the layout upgrading buildings replacing temporary structures with scratch built ones. I’m also enhancing scenery and creating scenes with people in them
What’s nice is there is no pressure to "Get it Done " and I can run trains anytime on a
Since I didn’t plan my now defunct 4x8, I’m enjoying the possibilities of a new one. I’m hoping to build a new layout in sections. That way I can get each section to a reasonable level of completeness, then move on to the next. I can tell how much I like building scenery by my reaction to not being able to run trains. I miss building and creating more than watching a train run. I’m sure I’ll want to watch trains run in the future. For now, I’m looking forward to the possibilities of the planning phase.
I’d have to say I’m a scenery guy. It’s all been very satisfying, but what really does it for me is completing a detailed scene. I like finding the right detail parts, and selecting vehicles and figures that make it right.
I don’t even mind the ballasting. I’ve made my peace with it. I only do it in small sections, and, since it’s the last bit of scenery work before the cars and people show up, there’s a real satisfaction when it’s done. The hard part is waiting for the glue to dry before I can run trains on that section of track.
If there was any pressure to get it done it most likely came from yourself. Besides that, is Larry the Cable guy’s theme a good source or role model for how to work on a layout? We have a few new members at the club who seem to think getting it done is more important than enjoying or getting it done right. We’ve already had to re-do more of their work than any other in the history of the club.
For me I like to get it done since I usually build small 18" x 10 foot or 18" x 12 foot switching layouts and add the mini details whenever the urge hits me to do something creative.
As for your list:
I hate doing Benchwork even for a simple switching layout.
Another dislike is complicated wiring so,I use the KISS method.I usually wire my layouts using Atlas selectors you see one block equals one wire doesn’t get any simpler then that.LOL!
Of course some times I use 2 wires from the power pack to the track and yes after 56 years in the hobby I still like using a terminal track because-well-its goof proof.
As for pressure to get things done, I figure that I still have at least thirty years, very little else to compete for model railroad time and enough income to support the present rate of slow but steady growth. The best of all possible worlds.
Chhuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
I like planning myself; I spend hours computing how much 8,307 3 ft lengths of ME code 55 N Scale flex is going to cost, 43 pallets of 3/8 inch ply, and 2768 2 Xs. It doesn’t get any layouts built but it sure is nice dreaming about spending that kind of money!
On a serious note I like benchwork and trackwork; I dislike ballasting but it has to be done so I grit my teeth and do it!