New Year's modeling resolutions

Reflecting back on what I did and didn't accomplish last year on my railroad, I made a small list of goals for 2022. Hopefully these goals won't be too steep of a grade up the mountain.

1. Install and finish the roundhouse. Those boxes have been sitting under the layout for far too long. The tracks going to the turntable are installed, I just need to install the turntable, which is in another box under the layout.
2. DCC. I have lots of decoders to install, most all of them drop in or plug in. My DCC fleet is growing, but it's mostly from adding locos with pre-installed DCC. I also need to learn the system a lot better. I want to be the expert people are calling at 3am when they need to figure something out.
3. Spend less. I don't need any more rolling stock, but I somehow managed to add almost 140 cars last year. ScaleTrains is already putting me to the test with another release of the 5161 hoppers. I don't want to talk containers. JTC is killing me with all those great monthly releases. I could build a prototypical length PSR era intermodal train and have plenty left over. I'm not worried about engines. I'm comfortable with the fact that I like to buy special paint schemes to collect and not necessarily run.
4. Wiring. I hate wiring with a passion. But it must be done.

Anybody else have a list of goals?

 

Because the layout is in the living room I can't make any specific plans.
I *Hope* I:
* Learn a lot about scenery
* Make a lot of structures
* Get the Main Line running smoothly, (again)

 

Being retired from a stress-filled business career, I've happily set aside most goals, objectives and resolutions. I'm progressing on my new railroad and if any one of the residents on the train table demands a commitment on anything, my response will involve a 1:1 Scale hammer upon his 1:160 Scale head.

 

Moose's resolution for this year (just like every past year!) is to stop making plans for "some day" projects, and concentrate on finishing the projects on Moose work bench... Get'er done!

 

Just a thought, what are the possiblities I can hit 10,000 posts with only 80% fluff, (like this one) ☻

 

I was determined last year to begin building a simple layout in my garage but every time I think I am happy with a plan I fear disappointment of the simplicity. So, 2022 will bring the beginning of a layout of some type. I removed my old layout in 2014 and have only been tinkering with modules since then. I miss running long trains.

Good or bad. I'm starting.

 

I wrestled with that decision too, but in a lesser space. I stuck with the larger train tables and so far, it's been a good choice.

 

As the commercial says Just Do It! Don't fall victim to paralysis by analysis.

 

I thought the same thing when building THERR. Then it dawned on me that I like just running trains and not having to be sitting in front of a control panel flipping switches all day.

 

@jhn_plsn and everyone Two months ago I had 32' Shinkasen point to point, 18' Main Line oval and 32' point to point switching, (G&G).
And was getting *nothing* done.
So:
I eliminated the Shinkansen line and disconnected the Main Line interchange with the G&G.
By simplifying the layout I am getting so much more done on just 8' of the G&G.

 

The only resolution I have...if you can call it that...is to enjoy my layout and trains. THERR is 95% done so I can relax now and do just that.

 

My resolution was already started. Learning more about this newer system. Last week I got another book "A Practical Introduction to - Digital Command Control for Railway Modellers" by Nigel Burkin. It's from England and covers America. It's also written for beginners and explains it a lot better than the books I've gotten from American press.
I just finished a chapter that mentions a 'simple decoder tester'. It includes a picture and wiring diagram. But, I'll bet there's one available 'on line'. I do have an HO motor on wheels for the load.
Otherwise I'll be taking my time and watching what I spend. Best wishes to others.

Rich

 

My modeling resolution is this… finish my T-trak modules scenery, and build a new home layout.

So the first resolution will require me to build a few homes, some roads and bridges, make all the buildings and stuff from Cars so I can have my Radiator Springs module done. Plus I have a couple ideas that require some extra work, so we will see.

My second is a years long project, but I want to have the benchwork built, and trains running by the end of the year. It’s only 5.5 x 3.5 so I feel this is doable.

 

Well, I was offered early retirement and took it.

We sold our house in Boise and and that included my layout room. We moved full time to our cabin in Island Park Idaho. The only layout that I currently have is my Macey Yard Inglenook Sidings switching layout.

We plan on building a large shop in the next year or so. Then I get the loft above it for my own. I plan on building my layout in that loft.

So I plan on/have resolved to build a portable/stowable test track of Kato Unitrack.

Then I want to finish putting decoders in the rest of my locomotives and get them speed matched. I also have some custom decals to finish and then finish my AD&N locomotive fleet and some AD&N cars that have not been and probably never will be offered.

I also need to work through all of my rolling stock and ensure that all of my cars are properly weighted and are fitted with MT or compatible couplers and good wheels.

I figure that should be enough resolving to get me through to getting my shop built and being able to start on my layout.

 

Very nice, will it be climate controlled the shop area? Sounds like a great plan. Keep us up to date, curious to see the portable layout. Know what size it will be?

 

The plan is for the shop to be 32’ x 64’. The loft is supposed to be about 16’ x 64’ minus the landing for the stairs. I would like to take half of it for the layout.

Yes, sir, it will be climate controlled.

 

Congratulations on your early retirement! It will be good to know that every day is Saturday!

 

Congrats Tad on retirement.

 

My general resolution about modeling is to try to do more of it. The Wilmington won't rebuild itself...