Thank you. You get it. With the reminder, after all, that it's inaccurate to accuse me of "staunchly" refusing. Demonstrably, I have changed my views substantially based upon the advice given here, mostly from David. And some of that advice I've not taken. I appreciate the offers, I hope they continue, and I certainly will continue to reject what doesn't satisfy.
I get it! Its fun to build something that is unique and is your own. To many times I have seen layouts that just do not excite me. Operating wise, they are great and almost exact replicas of what the modeller is copying. Awesome! Just not for me. I really enjoy being creative and learning things on my own. When I sense what I am doing might be expensive should it fail, I look for help here and in other places and modellers. The experience found here is great! And many are more than willing to help out. Sometimes, that help comes across negatively. Don't get discouraged. Its your dream, follow it.... Sent from my Commando
Since you seem to want to simply look at a plan and say yes or no, I'd suggest buying all the MR track plan books you can, scan through them and see if something strikes your fancy. Here's a link to a build thread for a complex, multi-level plan I've always liked. It's the Northern Pacific Cascade from MR's 48 Top Notch Track Plans book. You'll have to find the plan in the book if you can't find it online. I was hoping you'd get to see his progress, but unfortunately all the pictures are gone from the thread. The text may still be of interest to you. Sorry, but I've got to point out the post on p. 24 where the author gives his long list of reasons for giving up on it 7 months later. It didn't seem to bother him and it may not bother you, but it's a real world example of all the warnings you've been getting. It was a lot of money down the drain and you've already said you can't afford to pay for a design even though you don't want to do it yourself. Some of my favorite reasons he gave are:
Paul, I read the first and the last few pages. That guy is a man after my own heart. He did pretty much what I do, that's not understood by many on this board. He stayed in the present, which is to say he proceeded with what felt good while it felt good, and when that stopped feeding his soul he proceeded elsewhere, and damn the torpedos, as it were. And you're right, he was perfectly alright about it. Surely that attitude isn't for everyone, but it looks like his, and it's certainly mine. Concerning my own current planning, I've been looking (and looking and looking) at the photos of the layout that David referred me to in this thread, and I like it more and more. I think I found there something very close to what I want to start with. And BTW, I've found an expert to do the planning for me. Thanks for all the info.
It sounds like you've figured out a way forward, but I would suggest scanning model railroader January issues going back to forever. Their project railroads are not always 4x8s and back pre2000, they often gave you a parts list. I'm in particular thinking of the N-scale BN in western Wisconsin layout they did back around 1990. I think it's a good swag at your goals as stated in the OP. Perhaps not quite the right size, but close enough for jazz and easy enough to tweak the scenery.
Looks like in all fairness I should broadcast that: I believe I've found the ideal starter project, or at least quite close to it, in the layout David Smith referred me to that's photographed in Eric W's gallery. Additionally, I've successfully solicited help for the planning. I don't want to exercise anyone without purpose. That doesn't mean I wouldn't gratefully receive any and all other advice from others here. I just don't want any of you to waste your energy on track plan recommendations because I feel as though I've made a decision.
David....... Is there an actual layout plan for Erik's Denver and Rio Grande ? Or do we have to guesstimate? Sent from my Commando
