Is there any order of finishing my layout that I should stick to. I have all the roadbed , Track and wiring laid down, everything runs perfect. What should I do next? I have an idea of where the buildings and scenery will go. What order do I have to go in , if any, for Ballast , Turf, Small mountain, asphalt road, some trafic lights, crossing gates, and the placing of buildings? I could sure use any help or advice. Thanks, Mike [ 11. April 2004, 19:45: Message edited by: mfrns01 ]
I will recommend the next step, but most don't do it. It is because most don't do it, that I use as my reasoning for recommending it. Do your backdrop next. Most are intimidated by this task and therefore put it off. Its not at all unusual to see a guy's layout that is 20 years old with no backdrop; he's going to do it "some day." Remember, you don't have to paint it in you can purchase commercial items. You will be surprised at how great your layout will look with the backdrop in and just your track work done.
I forgot to add the layout size is 3x8, that is free standing, still is up against the wall though, So I wasn't to concerned about the backdrop because the area is easily accesable.
I tend to agree that the backdrop should be next. Then it is up to what you would like to do, there are two different strategies you could take. 1. Ballast all the track, then ground cover etc. 2. Pick a section of the layout an ballast, ground cover, scenery roads etc. In my opinion the second strategy is preferrable because the layout starts to come alive sooner and you get to see the results. This is the approach I have taken as it enables others to see what a finished layout will look like. You will also find it satisfying to sit back and see trains roll by the finished area which will further encourage you to finish more sections of the layout. If you were just to ballast the whole layout it may become rather boring doing it repetitively. i'm sure there are different opinions on this but either way the more scenery and structures you install the better the layout will look. Here are some examples from my layout. Good luck and I look forward to seeing and hearing of your progress. **** I deleted this topic in the N scale forum so replies are not scattered between two topics.
Thank you, Paul you're layout is fantastic. I hope one day I'll be able to accomplish what you have done, maybe on my 9th or 10th layout Thanks for the advice....Mike
Mike, Thanks for your compliment actually this is my first real layout although I have built it in sections. I decided when I first built the layout that I didnt want a huge empire of track and wiring so I built the original layout keepingin mind it would be extended but I had a rule that I couldnt extend until scenery etc was completed on the original section. I have almost finished scenery on the extension and I'm now planning to extend again. Here is the thread to my layout extension plans. Layout Extension You might also want to take a look at my recent addition of an engine service facility Engine Service Facility
There are several steps that follow in a logical order after you scetch out you initial plan. You must...... oh wait, you said complete..... er....a... nevermind!
this is an interesting topic because i am at the same point at my empire. I was woundering the same thing. I will tell you what I was thinking about doing, since my track is layed I am going to ballast next then get the buildings into place (maby as I ballast) then draw out my road for the town, then do small sections of ground cover at 1 time then add road, then what ever comes next. hope this helps
