Wow, some response from a big pile of plywood! Guys, Thanks for all the comments. It is a big challenge to get a layout started and built, and I'm right there with you guys about being king collector. I've started three layouts since getting back into the hobby and the best effort barely made it past ballast before yielding to the next, much more complex attempt that was progressing slowly but surely until life got in the way and a ultimately a move sparked its demise. So now I'm hell-bent to get a layout to a certain point of completion so I hope third times a charm.
Just keep at it. Getting the track plan down is sometimes the hardest part. Also don't forget, with Mockingbird yard you can model the Dingo (DGNO) engines as well. Great to see another layout in Dallas.
Just a quick update. No layout progress, but I did complete a fairly accurate track plan AND started a Trainboard Blog about the layout's progress. (or lack thereof, in this case). So, check out the blog to view the trackplan and for future updates. I will be posting more info about the layout concept and the prototype and its operations in addition to the layout construction progress. So I do plan to keep the blog going strong and I welcome your feedback on just about anything...especially commuter rail ops/signalling which I know little about. Anyway, enjoy!
The December 31, 1999 Issue of the dallas Morning news had a huge pull out full color picture of Down Town Dallas from the south catching Union Station, Renunion Arena/Tower and the sky line nicely. If you can find one it might be modified into a realy nice back drop. I have a laminated copy hanging in my office. It was taken in darkness...so the city is lit up.
Doug, There is a video that you can get that shows a east bound trip from Fort Worth to Dallas. It is from the caab view. I wil try and add the link for this evening. Alan
Doug, The video is called A Day On The AC&J Plklus Trinty Railway Express. The publisher is Hot rail Productions There web page is http://www.hotrailpro.com Hope this Helps. If you can't find it. The number is 1-888-609-7245. Alan
Doug, The layout is looking good so far. I am glad you are starting another one. I think you'll get this one completed. Where are you building it, at your weekend house? I would not put the Gentlemen's club in there unless you built a removable roof! Hehe. Don't let Jeff influence your scenery decisions. Or who knows what you will end up with. I did check out your blog, it looks good. I will have to think about posting my layout in one. Keep this thread up to date at least with Blog notices. Time for another lunch.
Doug, You're off to a good start. I live about 2.5 miles north of the TRE in the mid-cities The diesel horns make an alarm clock unnecessary-a good thing for a railfan. I work near downtown Irving and those same horns are a pleasant diversion from work! In fact, one day I was searching for an alternate route home and found their yard that parallels Rock Island Road in Irving. A nice surprise and it begs further investigation. Please continue to post your progress.
I took a picture today while I was on Metrolink. The carpet is pretty much the same colors as the seats, but a very small print.
