Well- all my flip-flopping over what layout design to build came to an end today. My wife ordered the Woodland Scenic's Scenic Ridge package for me. She bought the whole deal- track, buildings, power pack.... Anybody here build this thing before? Is it pretty good for the clueless (me) to learn how to do all the scenery and whatnot? All I know is I can't wait for it to show up at the house! I am so ready to start building.
Well, I'll start with the bad news and how to plan for it and move to the good news. The bad news is that it is a "starter" layout, probably right up your ally. But the track plan is too simplistic and over time, will limit your enjoyment of the layout. You are at a good stage to address this problem. I would take the track plan and post it in your hobby store and ask for suggestions as to how to expand it in the future... It would be a simple modification to install additional track running off the edge of the layout which could join up with future expansion latter. YOu might want one at either end, of the lay out. The good news: it is an excellent starter kit, and everything you learn with it, you will use latter... Happy railroading.
I think it was Will Rogers who said, "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you don't move. It's better to get started on something, than to keep stewing about what you're going to build. A little layout can be a lot of fun, and a great experience. I just sold this tiny, 36" diameter layout for $300 at the GATS show this weekend, plus I won 5th place in the layout competition. [ 13 February 2001: Message edited by: ten87 ]
Why dont you "kitbash" the entire kit? Just because Woodland Scenics suggests a certain track plan to go with the kit doesnt mean you have to follow it. I saw all the advertisments they have of it and it looks like you could do alot more with it then intended. But, as Ed, said, dont just sit there and ponder on what your going to do, just do something! Mike
I have seen some great things done with this kit, and I think it will be just right to start out with . I do agree that you will need to build in what I call "escape" tracks at either end of the layout for later expansion. These could be built as turnouts to industries or simply storage tracks until you are ready to expand . Other than that, I think it is a cool set up...have FUN with it, don't rush and ask lots of questions !! Happy Modeling!! John
Guppyman, you are on the road now, just take your time and follow the instructions. When you get hung up on something, post the question here, and all of us will pitch in with possible solutions. You can then pick the one that you feel most comfortable with and proceed. It is true, you will eventually get the hang of railroading, and be able to expand some along. Be wise at this point, as we suggest, and add two turnouts that will lead off this layout edge. I suggest you go ahead whith the scenery and buildings, except right around these two switches for now. Later is soon enough to worry with these switches. You may want to add a yard, say, coming off one switch. Then add the scenery to the switch and the yard. Another thing, the cost is spread out over a period of time, so isn't felt as much as buying a $6,000.00 layout all at once. Build the benchwork and brace it well. The track and scenery is easy, and only takes a little time and thought, the rest is all fun! Enjoy, and keep us posted as you go along. Take photos as you go, they will be invaluable to you in later years to see how it came out.
