Large Scale Central

Firehouse Vs. Switching Layout

General Discussion
#1

I have two projects that I would like to work on, but at the moment I only have the time and money to work on one of them. I like them both equally, and I’m having a hard time deciding which one to pick.

For those reading this, please read the descriptions below, choose the one you like best, and post.

Here are my options:

  1. Kitbash a firehouse

I’d like to kitbash a firehouse for my club’s annual holiday display. Ideally, the firehouse will have a fire truck with flashing lights, and a siren sound. I plan on using the PIKO St. Michael’s church as the starting point for a late 1800’s style firehouse.

  1. Start working on a small switching layout

I thought it would be a neat challenge to build a 2x8 g scale layout. A friend of mine was very interested in the project, and drew up a track plan for me. It will be a one industry railroad, representing a paper mill.

Regardless of which project is chosen, I will make a thread on the construction.

Which project would you chose?

#2

I like the switching layout, more fun to play with.

I made one that folded and could be carried easily, on a beer pong table. I made a pretty faithful representation of the classic John Allen “Timesaver”

Greg

#3

Go for both. Switching layouts tend to be pretty basic - just tracks on a board with quick and easy scenery and flats for structures. Something like that shouldn’t take more than a day or two to put together. Firehouse sounds more involved.

#4

I’d go with the firehouse. It would make a nice addition to the clubs display.

#5

What Ken said. Its Christmas time and doing for others just feels especially good this time of year (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)

#6

Fire house hands down. You’ll regret it if you don’t build it

#7

Fire house for sure. But live Dave M, I’m biased. Everybody has trackwork, but not firehouses. (https://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)

#8

Although I am very fond of switching layouts I believe I will have to vote for the fir house, there is so much nostalgic detail that can be added now or later I think it would be a neat build, especially using existing pieces parts, Bill

#9

If the switching layout will be at the show for kids to try their hands, I’d say that. If not, I’m a good lemming and will chime in on being part of…the group scene.

#10

Switching layout as it can be used anytime, followed by firehouse in the near future.

#11

It seems kind of late to complete either one for a holiday display this year.

Anyway, I vote for the switching layout, it will give you something to play with during and after. If you bring it to the ECLSTS, we can all play with it!

#12

I vote for the Firehouse; tis the season of giving.

Mike

#13

Anyone else want to share their thoughts/opinions?

#14

Looks like you already decided, Joe.

#15

I want to see if there are any other people who would like to give me their thoughts before I make a final decision.

#16

Firehouse, everybody loves to see the Dalmatian at the firehouse

#17

a switching layout of sorts needs a table, some handfull of track and ten minutes to be set up when needed.

a firehouse is something more personal. you build it and later you are proud of your build. you see it, and you remember, what corner it was, where you cut into your finger.

you can hunt down or scratchbuild personell, dalmatian dogs and engines.

in short it will be YOUR piece of art!

(and my words are almost not influenced by the fact, that i’m a former volunteer firefighter…)

#18

There seems to be a misnomer about the switching layout I plan to build. A few people have mentioned that my switching layout will be simply laid out on a table with track. In fact, my switching layout would be a PERMANENT LAYOUT with scenery, scratchbuilt structures and custom trackwork. It would not be something I will skimp out on. In fact, a friend of mine has already built me wood benchwork with pink insulation foam.

Not sure if this would impact any of your choices or opinions, but I wanted to set the record straight.

#19

[quote]

There seems to be a misnomer about the switching layout I plan to build. A few people have mentioned that my switching layout will be simply laid out on a table with track. In fact, my switching layout would be a PERMANENT LAYOUT with scenery, scratchbuilt structures and custom trackwork. It would not be something I will skimp out on. In fact, a friend of mine has already built me wood benchwork with pink insulation foam.

Not sure if this would impact any of your choices or opinions, but I wanted to set the record straight.[/quote]

Ah, that changes things.

Firehouse - if you still have time…

#20

So you’re asking this bunch of old softies if you should build something for your group or for yourself?

Why?