Hi all
My wife made what I feel is an interesting point....
Especially as I am a newbie to this hobby..
How do you keep your interest going...
You have built your mega layout and your really pleased with it BUT what happens after 6 or 9 months....do you get fed up with watching the same thing or is it a never tiring experience or do you trash it and start another project?
Hmmmmm :uneasy:
What your views on this
FW
A layout is never finished, you can always find something to change or add, and then there will be new locos and stock to run.
I'd echo Mike's reply.
There's always something that you can add or improve.
Also, maybe even change the era or even the region from time to time so instead of , for example running WR steam , change it to Eastern Region BR blue diesels. Just an idea.
Quote from: Fireman Wallie on May 10, 2015, 08:31:49 PM
You have built your mega layout and your really pleased with it BUT what happens after 6 or 9 months....do you get fed up with watching the same thing or is it a never tiring experience or do you trash it and start another project?
The short answer is "yes" by itself a built layout can get boring. I think it's inevitable that once you've made your first layout, you'll have improved your skills to such a degree that you'll be ready to build a more challenging second layout! But there are ways to future-proof your layout to some degree:
(1) You could try building your first layout more slowly, kit-building instead of buying readymade items, or even scratch-building instead of kit-building. Whether it's scratch-building trees or making a straightforward kit (such as the Peco Diesel Depot) instead of buying a ready-to-plant building, you'll find your layout becomes more involving and rewarding (as well as slower to finish!).
(2) Build some of your rolling stock. 4-wheel wagon kits are not difficult to build well. The N Gauge Society has a really good range of kits for skill-building, and Peco does cheap kit versions of some of their ready-to-run wagons as well, and these are great kits for beginners. You can use the skills developed with these to move onto more complex projects, and your layout becomes the place to test out your modelmaking skills over the months and years.
(3) Plan for operations rather than simply moving trains around. This might be by inventing complex shunting puzzles, but could be through operating a realistic timetable of trains within an operating session.
One thing I have learned is that there are lot more manufacturers out there than you might imagine. I've recently discovered Peedie Models, who have a whole range of brass and resin kits for N gauge. Because I'm building and painting these, I know that whatever I create will be unique to my layout, which adds to the pleasure of seeing the layout come together.
Cheers, NeMo
My interest in N gauge goes in distinct phases. I don't have a scenic layout and just run my trains as a roundy-roundy train set; as you can imagine, this could lead to boredom but really, it's not so bad! Here's how I alleviate the boredom without blowing hundreds of pounds buying new locomotives/rolling stock to keep things interesting...
1. Window shop for trains (potentially expensive)
2. Read up on prototypical formations and try and recreate them on the layout (free)
3. Play out shunting puzzles (free if you have the easi-shunts!)
4. Weather/make a mess of my existing rolling stock (not very expensive, unless you break something)
5. Make different loads/duplicate loads for wagons (not very expensive)
6. See how much stuff each loco can pull...(Free) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGdHi3enHsY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGdHi3enHsY)
7. As seen above, make silly videos about my trains
On a more serious note, making a little scenic section, a few feet long to photograph locos in really appeals as it could be made super realistic for a small outlay and not take up loads of room. It could offer an opportunity to model something completely different to your current layout, you could use up left over scenic materials and build up skills in different areas.
You got it. Enjoy running your trains, mess about, have fun.
I have a large layout which I began in 1987. I have never tired of it. There is always something to be done on it, and as others have already noted, there are new models appearing on a regular basis, and, even if everything was considered finished, you then turn your attention to prototypical operation.
Yeah, collective sighs and big :sleep: I know, but I'm referring to Peter Denny's Buckingham layout again! :thumbsup:
There do seem to be people who are serial layout-builders, but each to his own.
Also relatively new to this hobby, I've spent most of the last year just experimenting (as well as the all-important acquisition of stock) to get an idea of the kind of layout I want, and am glad I didn't dive in straight away and end up with my original idea... I've also been a bit distracted by life, work etc.
Anyway like others have said, there's no such thing as a "finished" layout. Mine I intend to construct "iteratively", i.e. get the general baseboard construction and something like the "final" track design in place temporarily (easy to do with Unitrack ;) ), and gradually work on scenery. I envisage doing things like plonking down "RTR" buildings first, then as time allows improving them. Lighting is also something I want to add. Maybe later some kind of computer control... And I have some ambitious ideas about modifying stock, then there are some interesting kits around... So much to do, so little time. Oooh, and learning how to make nice pictures, both with a normal camera and a train-mounted mini video camera.
I reckon at the glacial progress I make on my layout(s) I'm more concerned I'll survive long enough to finish anything.......and I am retired ::) :-[
That's why I'm thinking of starting again. My layout is too big. Progress is slow and I keep getting distracted by other stuff...
Like callin' in on you. :beers:
George
Quote from: d-a-n on May 10, 2015, 10:34:48 PM
6. See how much stuff each loco can pull...(Free) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGdHi3enHsY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGdHi3enHsY)
I'll match your 45 wagons and raise it by 3. Mine are all Yeoman wagons. I could add a few more since this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWu08f3nVR8) was shot as I now have 66 Yeoman wagons and I reckon the class 56 will cope with them easily :goggleeyes:
Hi FW
An interesting point you raise indeed!
The posts above outline very well some of the facets to this hobby, of which there are many. As mentioned, mess about, experiment, just have fun.
My angle on the hobb is that I enjoy servicing stock. That means stripping locos down to their bare components and rebuilding them (second hand stock that is). Much of the second hand stock is gunked up with oil, carpet hair, little Jonny's hair, Boris the cat's hair ... and so on and so on. I'm not sure I'll ever tire of the satisfaction gained from bringing another old loco back to top spec. It's frustrating at times (when you need to take it apart for the "n"th time - sorry, "n", get it? Ok ok, yawn) but it all helps to increase the overall satisfaction.
I too am constructing what started out as a test track but is slowly morphing into a layout. The beauty is that you can start out and your plans can morph into something else. I too am building paper / card kits for buildings, downloaded from the internet. I find these fantastic, since by building them they are my creation and are customised in my own way. This, in my opinion, provides far more satisfaction (and longevity in the project) than "ready to plonk" buildings. However, as Railsquid said, "each to his own" , and there is no right or wrong way. It's whatever works for you.
I also like NeMo's point that the short answer to your question is "yes". I say this as so done who has bought the odd layout in the past. No matter how beautiful it might be to look at, it's not your creation and even if you cannot match that skill (as in my case), it doesn't matter. Far more important is that you roll your sleeves up and get stuck in and have fun. A slow project, doing a little here and there, is far more fun than buying something off the shelf. Like most things in life, instant gratification doesn't last long.
All my own opinion of course.
Cheers
Dan
It's all a matter of a pinion said the man with the wooden leg :uneasy:
Thanks all,
Really interesting info gleaned here!
Its obvious from what you've said, A `quick fix` just aint gonna do it, luckily that wasn't the way I wanted to go, as many moons ago (Before Nelson lost his eye ;) ) I loved model making and feel that most of my rolling stock is either going to be kit form or 2nd hand and modified to suit my vision.
A few weeks ago I bought on Fle-Bay a small layout just Peco track and 5 Lekkie points really cheap, and so I am going to modify this and add more track and points.
I will post some piccies of the layout and suggestions obviously welcomed. All the points work fine. Up to now all I have done is cut away some excess board to enable to fit into its space.
:thankyousign:
FW
Quote from: Fireman Wallie on May 12, 2015, 06:40:59 PM
A few weeks ago I bought on Fle-Bay a small layout just Peco track and 5 Lekkie points really cheap, and so I am going to modify this and add more track and points.
I'd suggest posting your proposed track plan for the 'collective' to ruminate over before committing track to baseboard as it might save you some grief further down the line (intentional if poor pun) :thumbsup:
Hiya Newportnobby :hellosign:
Its already on the baseboard, that's how I bought it!
Makes for an interesting adventure don`t it!!
FW
Hi Fireman Wallie,
I was thinking more about your proposed modifications and track additions as we all like to get the most out of our layouts (added to which we're just plain nosey :D)
Hiya Newportnobby :wave:
I am looking forward to loads of suggestions from you all. I aint got a clue at the moment! :doh:!
FW
We exist to serve, sirrah :)
Quote from: DesertHound on May 12, 2015, 05:16:20 AM
Much of the second hand stock is gunked up with oil, carpet hair, little Jonny's hair, Boris the cat's hair ... and so on and so on..................
Cheers
Dan
You'll probably think I'm making it up but this is Boris (picture taken about 18 months ago) and he isn't moulting. Neither is his sister Bella who can be seen in the background.
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/56/thumb_6520.jpg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=6520)
To get back on topic just tell the wife to get on with her knitting and leave you alone. Once she's finished that jumper she can knit another. Same as layouts really :thumbsup:
Trainfish says......
Quote.....just tell the wife to get on with her knitting and leave you alone. Once she's finished that jumper she can knit another. Same as layouts really :thumbsup:
Trainfish...... I suspect your missis don't read this Forum. :hmmm:
BUT.... if she does.......
:admiration: :jawdropping: :jawdropping: :jawdropping: :jawdropping: :admiration:
FW
Quote from: Bealman on May 12, 2015, 05:22:33 AM
It's all a matter of a pinion said the man with the wooden leg :uneasy:
:laughabovepost: :laughabovepost: :laughabovepost:
We have a jester amidst us! I must say I really enjoy the witty humour yourself and Nobby bring to the forum. I propose an annual "Wittiness Award", kind of wooden spoon, gongish in style. Both of you would be in the running for the first year's award methinks.
Then again, I think we'd have to rename this The Comedy Forum, as clearly not much in the way of trains would get discussed. :smiley-laughing:
Dan
They look purrrrfect John! ;D
FW
Apologies, I came on here just now to reply to your post about the buying of the layout but got caught up with the usual suspects in Banter Land. Ok, back to the topic.
Buying something that's already been started is fantastic. You can take it forward in whichever direction you feel fit.
I think NPN was coming from the direction of "share with us your plans so that those who've been there before can let you know if you're missing anything glaringly obvious". Understand that most of the track is down but I think he was talking about the additional track you plan to lay.
I've found the forum invaluable and there's always people with far greater knowledge than I, who come up with things I hadn't thought about. Whether I follow those ideas or not is up to me, but to have them is invaluable. Some if the guys are quite savvy here on train operating / shunting etc. and I'm sure they'll shed some light in the extensions to your layout.
Oh, I was thinking about this thread yesterday and I meant I add one or two things. The joys of this hobby are that you can do as little or as much in a day as you care for. Some days I get shedloads on the layout done, other days I might just paint a few sq. cm. both feel equally as good, since I've done as much as I cared to do. Other days I don't touch it - equally fine, since in that day I didn't fancy it, or was busy with something else.
If you get in this "space" as they say, then it's most enjoyable. Some give up because they don't enjoy the project. My thoughts on this are that a) they bite off more than they can chew, commensurate with their experience (been there), b) design something too big, c) realise that what they've built doesn't match with their operating expectations (shunting / roundy-roundy) ... I'm sure the list could be added to.
Falling into the above traps, people then get disheartened and give up and move away from the hobby. I know, it's almost happened to me in the past. Luckily I kept all my old stock and I'm now enjoying the hobby more than I ever have.
Glad you joined the forum FM and looking forward to seeing what you've acquired and what it's going to morph into!
Cheers
Dan
Oh, and remember, if you get and gib from John, aka Trainfish, just remember, he's a Pale Ale drinking pussycat at heart! :beers:
Thanks to you all...
I will post some :camera: in the Layout section.
FW