I haven't posted on here in a long time. My interest in model railroading comes and goes, but I always come back to it. This, I guess, is one of my dilemmas. Anyway, I live in a small apartment now but I want to build a layout in the next couple of years and have already started gathering rolling stock and such. I haven't decided on what kind of setting that I want to model. I like the mountains. I live in Northeast Alabama in the lower Appalachians and would like to model that, but I am inspired by Papa Bear's beach layout. I have always loved south Florida, the everglades, swamps, and the Tropicana Train. I have settled on a prototype and era, however. I want to do the CSX in the late 80's and early 90's. I like the Chessie system. When I was a kid my aunt would take me to the old train tunnel on an now abandonded CSX line near our home. I loved watching the trains go through. We always looked for the "cat" on the Chessie system. I like this era because I can use so many different locos like Seaboard system, C&O, and B&O. Here are some examples of what I am talking about.
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=169751
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http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=168533
I want a rather small but detailed layout; small being 3x6 or 4x8. I also like the small around-the-room type layouts. There are two industries I must have on my layout. A semi-modern grain elevator, and a scrap yard. I also would like something to do with the Tropicana Train. Everything else is up in the air. I want a small southern town with a courthouse square and a couple of antebellum homes. I want a "long" single track main line. I like watching the trains run for the most part, but I do want a small yard and some switching possiblities. A couple of my friends and younger cousin's would like to "play" with the trains one day. I know I want DCC power, but one of my problems is that the wiring will be a big problem for me. I think I will be good at the modeling, detailing, and weathering aspects, however, because I have a degree in art from the University of Alabama (roll tide!). That will be my favorite part of the whole layout and I've had experience painting miniatures. Like I said before I don't want too big of a layout because I want it to be super detailed with lights (there is that wiring problem again) and all ! I guess my questions is can anyone give me any advice you might think I need. LOL ! I'll take any suggestions, layout plans I might like, advice, links & ect., ect. I heard that it is better to have a couple of large industries on your layout instead of several small ones. Does anyone have any suggestions for these and maybe how I can incorporate the Tropicana Train into my layout. All suggestions willl be greatley appreciated. Thanks for your time.
Clint
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=169751
&
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=168533
I want a rather small but detailed layout; small being 3x6 or 4x8. I also like the small around-the-room type layouts. There are two industries I must have on my layout. A semi-modern grain elevator, and a scrap yard. I also would like something to do with the Tropicana Train. Everything else is up in the air. I want a small southern town with a courthouse square and a couple of antebellum homes. I want a "long" single track main line. I like watching the trains run for the most part, but I do want a small yard and some switching possiblities. A couple of my friends and younger cousin's would like to "play" with the trains one day. I know I want DCC power, but one of my problems is that the wiring will be a big problem for me. I think I will be good at the modeling, detailing, and weathering aspects, however, because I have a degree in art from the University of Alabama (roll tide!). That will be my favorite part of the whole layout and I've had experience painting miniatures. Like I said before I don't want too big of a layout because I want it to be super detailed with lights (there is that wiring problem again) and all ! I guess my questions is can anyone give me any advice you might think I need. LOL ! I'll take any suggestions, layout plans I might like, advice, links & ect., ect. I heard that it is better to have a couple of large industries on your layout instead of several small ones. Does anyone have any suggestions for these and maybe how I can incorporate the Tropicana Train into my layout. All suggestions willl be greatley appreciated. Thanks for your time.
Clint