Large Scale Central

Embarrassing Photos

General Discussion
#1

I’m pretty bummed when I look at it all. Thinking back years ago, how excited I was getting the first locomotive (a used Rogers from E-bay; of course I paid too much-since sold to someone, think it was Vic?), and the first few sections of track (2 sections of LBG 1’ nailed down to a section of 2x4 to display the Rogers on)…

60" sections of Aristo, 48" LGB, some USA too…

Big Curves, Medium Curves Aristo and LGB

Short Curves, Short Straights-LGB, Aristo, USA

An entire layout a local gave me when he quit…Split-Jaw Roadbed!

My once proud workbench for RR and Picture Framing (both gone the way of the DoDo)

Here is a box full of New Switches mostly 2’ but some Large in there too!

Found these in the bottom of a box, packed full since the move almost 3 yrs ago. There are about 1 dozen boxes in the loft of the barn full of rolling stock, locomotives, and other sundry items… I could buy a much needed tractor for what you see here :frowning: I need to get off the rear and do something with this-my kids are still interested-they surprised me by begging this afternoon while I was sorting… Father Fred; forgive me for I have sinned…

#2

Cal just get out their with the kids one weekend and get a small layout going. It doesnt have to be large. Smaller layouts are esier to maintain and require less time. Once you have something down its easy to add on as time permits. Everyone can find time. Even if you dedicate an hour or so a weekend, or wake up a little earlier or turn the tv off. Its quality time spent with the kids. Maybe if we bug you enough you wont have a choice :slight_smile:

#3

http://www.largescalecentral.com/LSCForums/viewtopic.php?id=6875&p=1

found that…look how small the kids are (can I have a man cry here?). wow. lost house in background as well as 2 car payments we no longer have.
some photos gone, guess they passed with the server a few years ago…
7 years; I first caught a glimpse of LS Trains-all these years later and still no finished layout-OK, I su*k!
through it all, I did learn one valuable lesson-don’t build on a grade!

fwiw: TV off since Election cycle 2008!

caution: wheels turning!

#4

It would seem to me that you are in the perfect position to do as Shawn suggested. Just look at the advantages you have over your previous efforts:

  1. No questions about whether the kids are interested. They are requesting it!
  2. Those same kids are old enough to help plan and construct as well as operate the RR. Great learning experience as well as a family pass time.
  3. You don’t need to spend any money. From the looks of the pix and your description, you have enough track and rolling stock to last for near a lifetime.
  4. Start with just a little track and perhaps a couple of switches, then see what you and (especially) the kids decide on.
  5. Well, you get the idea: Seems like you just need a little encouragement to get started! That is what we are attempting here.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

#5

Cale, I 100% agree with Shawn, take some of the track and switches and get a small layout going. Just enough for you and the kids to muck about with. pick out your favorite locos and rolling stock to run. Then sell all the surplus to go towards that tractor.
Edit to agree with Jerry as well!!!

#6
C. Nelson said:
http://www.largescalecentral.com/LSCForums/viewtopic.php?id=6875&p=1

found that…look how small the kids are (can I have a man cry here?). wow. lost house in background as well as 2 car payments we no longer have.
some photos gone, guess they passed with the server a few years ago…
7 years; I first caught a glimpse of LS Trains-all these years later and still no finished layout-OK, I su*k!
through it all, I did learn one valuable lesson-don’t build on a grade!

fwiw: TV off since Election cycle 2008!

caution: wheels turning!


I remember that post. Seems like yesterday. Like Jerry said, you have all the track ect… Money wont be an issue. I think this time you need to start small. Look at my layout. A simple oval with some s curves and small bridge, tunnel , passing siding and a spur or two. Just get something running and it will take off from their. That was my goal. Rather then spend a year buying and thinking I just bought what I needed to start, put track down so I can have a train running and then add on from their. I wanted a large layout at first but then once I got the track down I realized I didnt need a lot of track to enjoy running trains.
I want to see something running a month from now Cal. No excuses. The pressure is on.

#7

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/calenelson/track/trackplanalpha.jpg)

that is the track plan I have the Split-Jaw Roadbed for. Got the road bed, not the track. though I Should have plenty :slight_smile: Not that the plan above would necessarily fit the spot I have, it’s at least an idea of the road-bed I have on hand. I hear ya Shawn, I hear ya…

#8

Cale , You have a great opertunity here to recapture some of the lost family train time. I was around when you built your first layout and remember the boys and their toys in a few of the pics. I recall the first move and the excitement in your post , and the plans for a few loops through the bushes, and again with the boys toys in the pics. Times apparently have been hard on you and yours. I seem to recall you had track power capabilities and i think battery. You have the materials on hand to set up an area for trains even if it’s inside the shed your pics show , and a family who enjoys your hobby. You don’t need to put out much if any , and even that can be done over time. Go for the RR and steal an hour or two each week to spend with the boys and your toys.Take the pics like you used to and join in here if you have the time.
Using what you need for the time with the family is a better way to go than getting rid of what the boys enjoy. Sell what you don’t need to get some of the money you may need. You don’t need a roundhouse full of locos to run a RR and ten cars makes a pretty good size train. In the shed you can make the old paper mountains like I used to do under the Xmas tree, the kids will love the tunnel. Their imagination is a lot bigger than ours , remember.
Good luck on what ever you decide, but it looks like there’s a good deal of positive here on the forum to set up a new RR.

Dave

#9

Cale,
I can come by and give you swift kick in the a** to get you jump started :smiley:
Let me know when you decide what is “surplus”.

And I’d be happy to lend a hand when construction begins.
You might need your railbender :wink:
Ralph

#10

No sense it giving it all up, you’ve got enough stuff to put together something small enough to keep maintenance to a minimum while still providing interest.

BTW, if the Rogers you mentioned is the one that you started to kitbash, I have it. It’s still on my “to do” list of projects.