Backwoods NE in Florida

[cuse]

[Mark Dalrymple]

Cool!

Looking forward to watching this develop.

Cheers, Mark.

[deemery]

wow, that's progress!

dave

[nycjeff]

That's a good start to what will be one very impressive scene. Can't wait to see it finished. We need lots of pictures.

[cuse]

wow, that's progress!

dave

Thanks guys...I love high, imposing fascia panels. It's a high-impact project that takes very little time and gives a clearer vision of what's coming. Controlled viewing angles and limited ability to see the whole layout should really be helpful in making my little layout "bigger".

[S&S RR]

Looking good, my friend.  I'm watching with great interest.

[GPdemayo]

Wow.....those are some really big hills John.....

[cuse]

In the interest of waking up a very sleepy layout thread...My new layout is small and largely (will be) mountainous, so my space for structures is limited. I've got some real beauties that just MUST be displayed, so I've been getting creative. Here's an area where I mean to build a significant sawmill scene. The Brewery sign will need to be replaced and I plan to build a detailed log feed out of the pond into the main mill building...the tracks across the pond will be some sort of log dump. Right behind the log dump is going to be the trickiest terrain to manufacture as the high branchline is significantly higher but there is very little space for transitional scenery...it could be a really really high retaining wall or, more likely, a steep rock face that, maybe, even extends out and over some of the log dump area...I'm pretty well able to envision the rest of the scenic forms, but that spot still hurts my head. It may actually become a really dramatic feature (perhaps verging on Disney-ish, but I'm somewhat OK with that).

[Mark Dalrymple]

Coming on nicely, Cuse.

I have a similar problem on my layout.  My plan, at this stage, is to put the top track in a tunnel.  Sounds counter intuitive - but give it a try.  A steep rock face in front of the tracks leading to the log pond with some serious overhang going up and over the top track.  The track curving around underneath would also go into a tunnel.  The top track would enter the tunnel entrance just after crossing the howe truss bridge and would go through to the other side of the curve.  This would split the scene somewhat and help with the believability I would think.  Bare in mind that geologists will poo poo it as absolute fiction!  Just a thought.

Cheers, Mark.

[tom.boyd.125]

John,
 Looks like you have been really busy with those large models for the layout ! Thanks for sharing the updates to your empire.
 Tommy

[cuse]

I'm going to start over! 

I'm excited again, so I know it's the right move...I just built too many scenery & construction pitfalls into the present design that I'm not inspired to get to work. There are some really good scenes developing, but then some very awkward areas connecting them. So, it's back to the drawing board   

I'm actually considering a point-to-point configuration ...for the first time ever. I've always stated clearly that I just like to "turn it on and let em go" while I do other things, but I'm coming to the conclusion that I'm about this close to building a layout without trains at all   I just want lots of nice structures and dramatic, realistic scenery.

Due to my space limitations, I'm considering a single track winding around a linear configuration, with a photo backdrop. Still just my first day or so of conviction...so I may come up with something else. My previous layout was a simple 3-sided oval with minimal track and maximum space for scenery - that's still on the table...just thinking out loud.

Narrow Gauge convention in about 4 weeks...I promise not to build anything until I get that very large dose of inspiration to work with.

[Mark Dalrymple]

Keep us posted, Cuse.

I enjoyed trying to solve some of your space problems.  I do, however, have plenty of my own to solve!

There is nothing quite like the excitement of a new design to get the motivation high...  I think if I were starting over I would consider very carefully whether I really needed continuous run.

Cheers, Mark.

[Zephyrus52246]

I'm sure you'll get plenty of inspiration at the convention.  I think just building scenery without trains is illegal in most states.   

Jeff

[cuse]

If I don't do continuous run...I'm probably doing "never run" 

Went for a long walk and came to some conclusions...I really liked my last layout (that was dismantled when I moved back from the coast)...but I know I can do even better now -while incorporating the good stuff into my new design.

-Keep the track (at least the mainline/loop) REALLY simple...bad or excess turnouts are the most common source of operational headaches for me. I understand that my engineering is not on par with many on here and that's not likely to change as I'd rather focus on other things.

-Minimize the difficulties and obstructions to cleaning or repairing track.

-A couple of long sidings are more aesthetically pleasing than little stubs all over the place.

-The Earth isn't flat...ever. Incorporate as much subtle elevation change as possible...especially small little retaining walls, etc

-Leave PLENTY of room for scenery -especially between different elevations and tracks...and then leave 10% more than you think. I'll never regret leaving too much open space for scenery.

-Don't try to make big things like port areas, sawmills, yards, or mine areas fit into small areas...those types of scenes realistically enjoy wide open spaces and have plenty of "open" areas for associated clutter, sheds, vehicles, trees...if they look right.

- Having two separate loops at different elevations is a nice idea but not if it causes scenic compromises...also, having a fake track come out of a tunnel, cross a few bridges to reach a remote mine isn't "cheating" if you like how it looks 

-Plan for roads, don't squeeze them in later...on a mountainous layout, a twisting climbing road is a lot easier to place than a viable railroad track...and not every (or even most) industries need to be served by rail. Also plan WAY ahead for bridges, retaining walls, view blocking scenery, etc.

-Build the terrain first (before the trains show up) or at least make sure it looks that way. It's also a LOT easier to detail a gorge BEFORE it has a tall trestle in the middle of it. Generally, be meticulous about envisioning the construction process while planning scenes.

-Don't get overwhelmed by "building a layout"...do a little a time and don't worry about the rest. My last layout started as a couple of modules...and that was very satisfying - although I could have used construction methods that would have made it easier to integrate them into the inevitable layout to come.

K.I.S.S..."Keep it simple & scenicked"

Live and Learn.

[ReadingBob]

       

But hey, as long as you're having fun that's what counts.