Test Lab

Here's what I really like about this hobby; when it comes to modeling you can do whatever you want. There's no limit to what kind, type, era, geography, etc...lately I've been having a staring contest between my modern day layout and some old clapboard structure from the previous layout as well as some kit models. While I'm enjoying modeling the BNSF and CSX immensely, I'm still craving something else. That of course is modeling the 1950's waterfront. So I've embarked on what I figured I would end up doing; modeling a small shelf layout/diorama where I can model a stretch of waterfront. I've started with what I had laying around - a 12" deep hollow core door to which I added an inch of rigid foam and started cutting away to create nearly seven feet of waterfront. A single length of track runs from one end to the other. Simple.

As much as it is a layout, I'm thinking of it more as a test lab, for new techniques ( new to me anyway) where I don't care too much if I screw it up - it's just a door! But I think what will happen as it's small enough that I can pay a lot of attention to it, I will endeavor to detail it as much as possible. If nothing else I will have a place to run some steam locomotives back and forth. The pic above reprsents what I've thrown togther so far, stay tuned.

The Next Scene

When I first started laying out my current track plan, I was faced with the common dilemma of how to compress lots of railroad into 18" deep bench work. It seemed to be another one of those model railroading compromises I would begrudgingly live with. As things have progressed however, it's come to be a preferred working dimension, for several reasons.

-Firstly, it's very easy to finish such a shallow area. Which is great for me, as I can't always spare the time I'd like on the layout. And if there is one thing I've learned in this hobby, it's that motivation is fueled by what ever was just previously completed. Once I finish a scene and I'm satisfied, I simply want to see more.

-If I screw something up; either some new scenery technique I tried or a new track configuration comes to mind, I'm not hesitant to rip it up and start over.

-Since it is only a foot and a half, I tend to spend more time detailing these areas since it doesn't seem so daunting to finish it. Working on an 18" deep layout is a lot like working on a diorama; I think the mindset is somewhat similar. I think if I was building a layout four times as large, I could see myself taking some short cuts I would have otherwise not.

-Lastly, I like challenges, especially the design and planning kind. This definitely qualifies. Fitting all the features, structures and scenery on your wish list takes some thought, which is half the fun for me.

So, on to the next scene.