Making it to the finish line

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Sat, 2013-08-17 09:33 — mt813

After 10 years of working on the layout the wife and I have decided to put the house on the market next June. It's time to downsize. Over about 40 years I have attempted to build my "dream" layout. Don't we all. This is layout number 4. All the others never made it beyond plywood centrals due to moves. This one had a real future. But alas, the clock is ticking. However I am not deterred. Yes it will come down in a year, as all layouts eventually do, but I will salvage much of it for number 5, if and when that happens. So follow as I try and make it to the finish line here before the end of the line. ( For the railroad, not me ).

So here is Montville, a spur line to a small farming community. Montville was created when the wife gave me a sazall for Xmas 2011. The next day I cut one of the layout walls in half and added to the layout. Surprise !!!! I never liked that side of the layout anyway. It is my first attempt at 2" foam benchwork .The track is already wired up and running. Right now I am working on painting the track, backdrop, and putting in roads. So follow my progress and feel free to offer suggestions and opinions as I go. Many times we just don't see the forest for the trees.

Jeff Z in CT

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mt813's blog

Comments

Ain't It The Truth

Sat, 2013-08-17 13:12 — David Calhoun

I'm on what is likely layout number 100, counting all the dream layouts on paper that followed me through 28 countries while in the service and several (I think mine is now number four also) actual attempts. Just maybe this will be the last before they take me to a retirement home in 20 years. Don't despair. It looks very good and get some trains on those tracks!

From the photos, it looks like a few winter nights of scenery and "building placement" will bring it to life. Go for it! And save all you can as there will be some small space at your new diggs that will just cry out for a railroad, trust me - been there.

Chief Operating Officer

The Greater Nickel Plate

Looking forward to the progress

Sat, 2013-08-17 13:16 — ratled

Coming along nicely. Just out of curisoity, what are the 2 depths of the layout and how tall is the back drop?

Steve

http://klamathline.blogspot.com/

Dimensions

Sat, 2013-08-17 13:46 — mt813

The area is 24" wide x 12'6" long.The backdrop is 14" high.

Jeff Z in CT

Thanks Jeff

Sat, 2013-08-17 17:21 — ratled

I am working on a layout now that has similar dimensions (2 @11'x2' and 1 @14'x2') and it really helps me visualize the backdrop height

Steve

http://klamathline.blogspot.com/

Suggestion Propective

Mon, 2013-08-19 11:36 — arthurhouston

I am almost willing to bet you are to high up on back drop for those last mountains. Been their done it. You want them to be far far away. By putting them that high they become bigger. Try painting a 6 to 8 ft section as you envision and step back and look. I am attaching a video of my layout a section with a yard for grain cars and and large grain elevator. The painting is of the fields and mountain is the distance. This is a second painting first time it was double in high. Do not watch the engines watch background. The level you are looking at is 60" off floor in a room with 10 ft ceilings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCdF-5S0P1s

Height of Mt's and Hills

Wed, 2013-08-21 06:41 — mt813

Hi Art,I see what you mean. Right now I am about 10" high with a 15" high back drop. I will try and lower it a bit and see how it looks. While I have you, are those light switch covers you are using for control panels for switches ??? Thanks for your input Jeff Z in CT