What is your idea of a train layout?
Take a look at the posts by Bob Grech, Or Fugate. or Art Hill
You mean like this, for instance … ?
Click image to view larger version
Now that’s a layout! Thanks for sharing that pic, Joe.
FT
As Joe has so exquisitely shown in the photo of his layout, it’s the realism that makes it for me.
Tom
If you hadn’t of told me it was off a layout, I would have thought it was a prototype shot for a while. THAT is a layout for me.
At the moment - a table, plywood, track, and electricity. Anything that’ll get the trains rolling!
After I get over the “I just wanna see them run” phase -something along the lines of Joe’s picture - but it has to FUNCTION as well as look pretty.
For me, it’s what I call “quality of run”. The better the layout’s quality of run, the more fun and satisfying the layout is to run trains on.
Newcomers tend to think bigger is better, so they tend to focus on QUANTITY of run, not QUALITY. But once you get some experience in the hobby, you will realize a small layout with a high quality of run is far more satisfying than a large layout with a mediocre quality of run.
It is also important to note that quality of run is mostly visual. If you don’t believe that, try running your layout with a blindfold on and just listening to the trains run! Running trains blindfolded is maybe just a little more fun than it used to be now that we have sound-equipped locos, but you get the idea.
GETTING A GOOD QUALITY OF RUN
Here are the elements you need to consider in order to get a good quality of run. These are listed more or less in order of priority – which means you should spend more time on the things at the top of the list than the things at the bottom of the list.
- Trains are interesting to run
- Derailments are rare
- Trains run at realistically slow speeds
- Detailed right-of-way
- Locos look real
- Rolling stock looks real
- Scenery looks good
Let’s take each of these one by one and look at each one in more depth.
Trains are interesting to run: If the trains perform a realistic purpose and have real character to them, they can enhance the quality of run greatly. For example, if you run a train called “the Logger”, and it’s full of log bunks loaded to the gills with logs going to the lumber mill, you immediately can identify with the train’s purpose. If it looks the part, the quality of run goes up dramatically.
Notice quantity doesn’t do anything here. More generic trains that don’t have an interesting and realistic purpose just do not increase the fun of o
I agree that quality of run is more important then quantity of run. Bulletproof trackwork, and control systems are a must.
However, my operations are slightly different, as I prefer collecting rolling stock, and building scenery to faithful replication of prototype operations. The fact I’m a yardmaster/trainmaster for a major Class 1 terminal, has a lot to do with this. I would much rather just watch my trains roll, and designed my layout accordingly…a simple oval, with a wye junction connecting the main to the staging yard. I also included some simple industry spurs, in case I get the urge to shift a car or two.
I’m not a stickler for absolute prototype fidelity. For example, I have a fleet of Reading C424s with the Bee Line Service logo, when in reality only Reading’s six axle power had that logo. Although I take some liberties with the paint, my locomotives and cabooses are limited to the types the Reading, Delaware & Hudson, and Pennsy actually used.
While my scenery efforts don’t hold a candle to Joe’s or those of Bob Grech. I am happy with my results.
I have a smoothly operating, and nicely scenicked layout. Yes, I stretch prototypical bounds some, but there are no glaring inconsistencies - like steam engines pulling double stacks. Overall, the layout “looks” right. And that’s good enough for me.
Nick
I would like to add, don’t forget the room itself. The room should be well lit and inviting. You’ll be more inclined to work on the layout (and so will your guests) if you feel comfortable in the space.
Also don’t overlook the importance of a even a simple backdrop, a well done fascia and skirting.
Before:
After:
You don’t need a lot of talent or to spend a lot of money. My backdrop is light blue craft paper. The skirting is landscape weed block fabric. The whole project cost less then $30, but the results were priceless.
Nick