Why not? I’m looking for other people’s ideas. I thought this would be the best place to do it.
This thread is old enough that one of these projects should be finished and the other should be just about finished. Hope it worked out.(http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)
No, not at all!!! Far from it actually. I still haven’t made a definite decision yet, though I am leaning towards the layout. The layout will literally take me years to finish, and the firehouse will probably take a few months. My time and money are in a limited supply.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news; the layout will never be done. True fact.
John, thank you for pointing that out. No fact is more true than that.
Of course, when I say finished I mean 90% complete. Good enough to be presentable.
If a model railroad is considered “Finished” it has lost its purpose and the owner is basically loosing his/her interest.
And…again; a model railroad can ALWAYS be considered “Presentable”, no-matter what stage it is at. In fact at all stages of the construction, a RAILROAD, model or otherwise, is of great interest to those that want to learn, and share ideas.
A model railroad should grow with its owner, possibly over a lifetime; advancing with technology, and the learned skills of the owner. Sharing it with like minded friends is a bonus, and a joy to experience.
If finances are limited; just take your time, and eventually do both, the model building, and the railroad. It’s a hobby, so what is the rush ?
How about a G scale firehouse, with a small train display in the front in Z scale, with Kadee/Microtrains couplers so you can have a switching layout and a firehouse.
Greg
Looks like a firehouse in in the works. Most chose that. When do you start the build log with pictures?
Pete, i appreciate your enthusiasm, but as I have stated before, I have still not completely decided. Even though most chose the firehouse, I am leaning towards the layout. Ultimately it is my project, and I will start it on my own time.
I’ll have to admit it - as much as I like doing buildings, I really like operations more! (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-embarassed.gif)Not only that, but there’s really a LOT more to do on a little switching layout -put down some track, make a building, landscape it, and design a plan for ops! AND after it’s built you get to play with it! How cool is that?
How many tracks are you thinking about? What will you use for the switch engine? How many and what types of rolling stock?
I’d have to agree with what Bruce said… Overall, the switching layout would present a lot more enjoyment with operating it afterwards or even during basic construction… (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)
Just my 2 cents worth…
2’ x 8’, folds up
Bruce, I plan to have two straight tracks running the entire length of the layout, one on either side, with a spur going in between the two tracks, and another connecting the two outer tracks. Originally, the layout industry was supposed to be a furniture factory, but i would like to do a paper mill instead.
Rolling stock for the factory would be two tank cars for glue/varnish, a flat car for lumber, and a boxcar for finished products.
For motive power, I plan to use the Chessie mighty moe I bought a couple months ago, and maybe a Piko 25 tonner. All locos would be battery and r/c. The era for the layout will be the mid 1970’s, and I plan to model the Chessie System.
Joe Loll said:
Bruce, I plan to have two straight tracks running the entire length of the layout, one on either side, with a spur going in between the two tracks, and another connecting the two outer tracks. Originally, the layout industry was supposed to be a furniture factory, but i would like to do a paper mill instead.
Rolling stock for the factory would be two tank cars for glue/varnish, a flat car for lumber, and a boxcar for finished products.
For motive power, I plan to use the Chessie mighty moe I bought a couple months ago, and maybe a Piko 25 tonner. All locos would be battery and r/c. The era for the layout will be the mid 1970’s, and I plan to model the Chessie System.
Well, that sounds pretty cool! Very cool, even! Looking forward to seeing it all come together - but it’s a pretty massive project! (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-embarassed.gif)
After more thought and a visit to a friend’s amazing HO layout, I have finally decided to go with the switching layout.
Firehouses are great, but trains/railroads hold more of my interest. In particular, I really love operation. I will be able to operate my layout in the interim when friends aren’t holding operating sessions on their layouts.
My layout will be in season year round, and the Firehouse would only be out once a year. I could also take the layout to train shows and display it.
If it is so “Cool”, Bruce; where is the refrigeration unit for keeping it cool…surely there are much more appropriate adjectives to show how nice an idea it is that Joe is putting together…!!!
Joe; keep up the good work. OPERATION is a good way to keep interest alive and enjoyable in the hobby. Let the railroad grow along with you throughout your life.
Fred Mills
For me I find more pleasure in building than running. So building a fire house would win.