Deano & Chris,

It really is neat to be able to sit back and admire your own handy work. Of course this layout is far far far from done, but seeing trains running on it is impressive. I was talking to a friend of mine about the layout and realize this is the first fully functional layout I have ever built by myself. I had a layout when I was young, which was two 4X8 sheets in an 'L' which I was able to get a train to run around, but never did master getting the switches to throw. I have been part of permanent and modular clubs, where I learned most of my skills. I did start a shelf layout in Kansas when I lived there, but only had one or two switches that worked, before expanding the plan and ultimately tearing it down for a move. So again, it sure is neat to see something you had planned, built, and now get to operate. The other bonus was from start to operational was only a couple months.

So my next step will be to finish up the throw mechanisms, which is trimming the rods and adding recessed knobs. Then I plan to get the building location figured out, at which point I can apply a basic layer of ground texture. I would like to have all the basic scenery done and the buildings at least roughed in by the local show here in March. If I can keep the momentum and focus, it should not be a problem.

I have been plugging away at my modules again. I have got the basic scenery done on one module and also did some weathering on the ties and track. I have decided to work on one module section at a time in order to allow me the ability to work in small pieces which seems to work better for me. It also keeps me from making a giant mess.

I started adding static grass to my module and I also decided to add a house that I had built a couple of years ago to the module to add some visual interest. I will be adding a second layer of grass, sage brush and shrubs to finish off the scenery. I may also add a few trees just for variety. Finally I will finish the oil distributor building and tanks. Then I will decide how much detailing I will add before calling it done.

Hi,

It´s looking good with some scenery added. Nice little house you have build. Keep it going.

Cheers,Chris

Chris,

I kind of forgot how much I liked scenery and how quickly it can go. I was able to get some shrubs, sage brush and ballast on the modules. I still have some blending and other items to work on, but it really is starting to look like what I had in my mind.

I like your ground cover. It looks ver y realistic.

Hi,

Great.

Regards,Chris

Really coming along nicely Greg

Looks like MRH liked my posts so much they made an article out of it....

http://mrhpub.com/2015-10-oct/port/files/220.html

Hi Greg,

you're just ahead of me, saw it this morning ! :-)

So congrats on your article! Well done. :-)

Koos

Greg,

As Koos said, .

Bruce

CONGRATS GREG!!! :mrgreen:

I am so embarrassed, I get MRH and didn't even put together it was you :oops: :oops: :oops: . Anyways, that's just too AWESOME! , nice to put a face to your name now too .

Thanks Guys!!

It sure has been fun to be back to building a layout and having something I can operate on. I have started the scenery on the other modules and will need to start on the structures.

Congrats Greg! Excellent article! But the best thing is we can follow you in "real time" here on Big Blue. ;-)

BTW, that small house scene is quite convincing!

Matt

Just a little update on my progress.

I have returned to working on my Madras layout with getting the rest of the basic scenery in and the buildings on the back edge roughed in. I have decided to go for the feel of the structures instead of scracthbuilding them to exact scale. This is for training purposes and will also travel, so super detailed interiors are not really a necessary thing on the buildings. I will design the structures so I can go back and add to them at a later date, but the main focus will be safely and efficiently running the railroad.







I will be working to get the track work again operational and the scenery more roughed in over the next of weeks. I need to make sure it is usable by the first week in February as I again will need it for training.