N
nachoman
Question: What criteria tell when a layout becomes "completed", or even "reasonably completed"?
Of all the layouts I have started, none has ever been even "reasonably completed". Right now, I am working on a 3x6' HOn3 layout. My thinking is, with a layout that small, I should be able to "complete" it before moving bigger. So, I have set a goal by next summer - this 3x6' space will be "completed". But how do i decide what I mean?
Past layouts I have built usually got to the point of having no "holes" in benchwork. Track was operational, but maybe not ballasted throughout. Ground cover was usually at least latex paint everywhere - with some dirt or ground foam in places. I've never had more than a few structures. So, for my current project, I find it a test of myself to get beyond where I have been before. My goals for "completion" are as follows:
1) All track in place, ballasted, and operational. I don't want there to be major trackwork problems. The test here is if someone came over an wanted to "see it run" I would be able to run a train around the layout within 15 minutes.
2) Scenery so that no bare construction materials show. the whole layout should have ground cover of dirt and ground foam and at least scattered bushes or trees. I model desert scenery so this shouldn't involve much.
3) All major structures should be built - this means all industries constructed, no "vacant lots" in the middle of town, and even no cardboard "mock ups". There should be no more "temporary bridges" of plywood.
What are everyone else's thoughts? Have any of you ever built a layout you considered "completed", and how does that definition apply to your efforts?
kevin
Of all the layouts I have started, none has ever been even "reasonably completed". Right now, I am working on a 3x6' HOn3 layout. My thinking is, with a layout that small, I should be able to "complete" it before moving bigger. So, I have set a goal by next summer - this 3x6' space will be "completed". But how do i decide what I mean?
Past layouts I have built usually got to the point of having no "holes" in benchwork. Track was operational, but maybe not ballasted throughout. Ground cover was usually at least latex paint everywhere - with some dirt or ground foam in places. I've never had more than a few structures. So, for my current project, I find it a test of myself to get beyond where I have been before. My goals for "completion" are as follows:
1) All track in place, ballasted, and operational. I don't want there to be major trackwork problems. The test here is if someone came over an wanted to "see it run" I would be able to run a train around the layout within 15 minutes.
2) Scenery so that no bare construction materials show. the whole layout should have ground cover of dirt and ground foam and at least scattered bushes or trees. I model desert scenery so this shouldn't involve much.
3) All major structures should be built - this means all industries constructed, no "vacant lots" in the middle of town, and even no cardboard "mock ups". There should be no more "temporary bridges" of plywood.
What are everyone else's thoughts? Have any of you ever built a layout you considered "completed", and how does that definition apply to your efforts?
kevin