Backwoods NE in Florida

[cuse]

John I loved the old layout!  It was a work of art. 

Hoping you get the same results with the new one!!

Jerry

Thanks Jerry...theoretically, I should have a clearer vision of what I like    We'll see

[Dave Buchholz]

Do you generally build a structure/scene on the bench, then insert it on the layout?

Fifth Dave to the right

[friscomike]

Howdy John,  your modules and cabinetry look fantastic.  Good luck on the new layout.  I bet it will be even better.  Have fun, mike

[cuse]

Do you generally build a structure/scene on the bench, then insert it on the layout?

Fifth Dave to the right

Yes...for the best, most delicate stuff, I've cut a piece of homasote out and assembled a structure w/scenery right on it, then just dropped the whole thing right back in and blend scenery. I initially did this with my first (only so far - one more on deck) Sierra West kit...it was so delicate and complex a scene, it just seemed like a good idea...also made it an easy salvage from the last layout.

[cuse]

Howdy John,  your modules and cabinetry look fantastic.  Good luck on the new layout.  I bet it will be even better.  Have fun, mike

Thanks Mike...I really do like the way those cabinets (from Amazon) make the layout look like a "presentation", like it's a picture frame or stagecraft...not to mention the storage. 

Actually, was just thinking I'll need more.

[cuse]

It's not much but it's something. If one of you walked in the room, you'd at least be able to ID it as a model railroad, at this point.

[nycjeff]

Hello John, it's good to see that you are at the "doing" point instead of the "thinking about doing" point. I look forward to seeing the results. Thanks for the pics of the old layout, it was good to see them again.

[Jerry]

John great to see you have a start now.  Looking forward to the new build.

Jerry

[Mark Dalrymple]

Nice and light, Jeff.

I like the blue of the backdrop.

Cheers, Mark.

[cuse]

Nice and light, Jeff.

I like the blue of the backdrop.

Cheers, Mark.

Thanks to all of you for your interest.

Mark, I know you'll appreciate the "verticality" of those 4ft tall modules. You can tell that I didn't bother fitting full-size backdrops because I plan to have soaring mountain peaks.

[Janbouli]

Looking good John , have fun .

[John B]

Wow, I started following your thread back in 2014 and some how, I stopped on page 28 of your posts.  I must catch up...Quick question, what was the footprint of your layout compared to the layout size today?

[cuse]

Thanks Jan and John...

John, 

My previous layout (the one that was pretty far along) was basically a double sided, very simple loop with no grades. It was strictly HOn30 and measured 4' x 10' with one end loop exposed and scenicked (so, 3-sided). 

The new one looks to be (someday) a little over 6' deep and 12' long. The present plan is for it to have an operating pit and somewhat hidden workbench in the middle. The tall modules I've already built will be the "rear" side and the front will not have any kind of backdrop so will be viewable from both inside the pit and outside. I plan to have an upper loop of HOn3 and a more complex lower loop of HOn30. I brought back the HOn3 so I could fire up the sound-equipped Blackstone engine as bait for my young grandson. 

I just like scenery and letting them go round and round, even if there's the appearance of a plausible railroad with a backstory. There will be a prominent sawmill scene, at least one mine and various other scenes based on the many beautiful built up (and a couple of unbuilt) structures I've already got...The trick (for me) is to resist the temptation to "overpopulate". I really want to have towering mountains reaching nearly to the top of the backdrops for much of the layout.

Thanks for looking in...hopefully, as things progress, I'll have much more to share.

John

[PRR Modeler]

I look forward to seeing your progress John.