12-23-2011, 04:17 AM
G'day Justin,
Your remark about the 4x8 layout interests me. I would hazard a guest to why you enjoyed it: trains were actually running, and running. While we may have a high level of interest in switching and protypical operation, often just having a train or two circulating around the layout gives the operator a sense of having a `working layout' and a visible result for their efforts. Trains are going somewhere! At present I don't have anything permanently set up, but when I get out the T-TRAK modules, or the Tropicana Warehouse modules, and have something running then there is a real sense of achievement and fulfillment.
Creating scenery appears to be a big issue also. It does take a lot of time, and don't be surprised or discouraged by that, it is just a reality. When you get your track fixed down and the electrics going I suggest that you work out the length of track that is LEAST LIKELY to be moved by a change of plans and then paint and ballast about 30cm (12") of it. After that work on some basic ground cover, grass etc around it and experiment with trees, bushes etc. You will then have a small patch of generic scenery that can grow out over the rest of the layout into more specific terrain and scenes.
Build up a kit or two of small buildings that are not rail related but would make sense to be near your modelled area. You can then place them about the layout in its un-sceniced areas to bring a bit of life and character there.
As I think others have said, also remember that this is unlikely to be your one and only layout, or your best layout. From looking at your profile I see that you are under 25 years of age, you have plenty of time to build many layouts in your life, so take some pressure of yourself and just `have a go'.
It took me quite a while to really come to terms with the building, evaluating, discarding/rebuilding process, but it is very worthwhile.
I hope some of these words are of help.
Regards, Andrew G.
Always learning, from both wins and losses.
My Model Railway blog: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://ttrakandrew.wordpress.com/">http://ttrakandrew.wordpress.com/</a><!-- m -->
Your remark about the 4x8 layout interests me. I would hazard a guest to why you enjoyed it: trains were actually running, and running. While we may have a high level of interest in switching and protypical operation, often just having a train or two circulating around the layout gives the operator a sense of having a `working layout' and a visible result for their efforts. Trains are going somewhere! At present I don't have anything permanently set up, but when I get out the T-TRAK modules, or the Tropicana Warehouse modules, and have something running then there is a real sense of achievement and fulfillment.
Creating scenery appears to be a big issue also. It does take a lot of time, and don't be surprised or discouraged by that, it is just a reality. When you get your track fixed down and the electrics going I suggest that you work out the length of track that is LEAST LIKELY to be moved by a change of plans and then paint and ballast about 30cm (12") of it. After that work on some basic ground cover, grass etc around it and experiment with trees, bushes etc. You will then have a small patch of generic scenery that can grow out over the rest of the layout into more specific terrain and scenes.
Build up a kit or two of small buildings that are not rail related but would make sense to be near your modelled area. You can then place them about the layout in its un-sceniced areas to bring a bit of life and character there.
As I think others have said, also remember that this is unlikely to be your one and only layout, or your best layout. From looking at your profile I see that you are under 25 years of age, you have plenty of time to build many layouts in your life, so take some pressure of yourself and just `have a go'.
It took me quite a while to really come to terms with the building, evaluating, discarding/rebuilding process, but it is very worthwhile.
I hope some of these words are of help.
Regards, Andrew G.
Always learning, from both wins and losses.
My Model Railway blog: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://ttrakandrew.wordpress.com/">http://ttrakandrew.wordpress.com/</a><!-- m -->
Always learning, from both wins and losses.
My Model Railway blog: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://ttrakandrew.wordpress.com/">http://ttrakandrew.wordpress.com/</a><!-- m -->
My FlickR Photostream: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/85896932@N07/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/85896932@N07/</a><!-- m -->
My Model Railway blog: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://ttrakandrew.wordpress.com/">http://ttrakandrew.wordpress.com/</a><!-- m -->
My FlickR Photostream: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/85896932@N07/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/85896932@N07/</a><!-- m -->