What kind of layout do you have?

This is an interesting thread - sorry that I just noticed it, but I tend to loiter around the HO forum. So I learned that I am a proto-freelancer, which can mean quite a bit. I really don't have a dedicated layout, although I do currently have 2 running layouts. The first was my first attempt at building one, it fills a bedroom but in reality is a giant learning experience. Still run trains on it but don't want to put any more work and $$ into it as it's going to be dismantled before we move in about 2 years.
The other layout was done as a fully scenic display for my workplace, it's 12x8 in a "L" configuration, one single meandering loop for simplicity and a couple of sidings to set cars and a second train. But basically a depiction of rural West Virginia with agriculture being the highlight. Was lots of fun to build and display, but not truly "my" layout.
My interests are so wide-ranging it's hard to focus in on a set era, unless that era runs from 1946-1986! Definitely not into pure steam era or on the other hand not into current new era either. I have my own railroad, the JNXT, which is fun to explore but so far have not written the formal reason for it to exist, other than that I enjoy being a Rail Baron. All I really know at the moment is that I plan for my next layout to be one where there is space for my passenger trains to stretch out on and no curve tighter than 24"!

 

I am modeling the SP coast division in the 1950's. I call my yard "OXNARD". I call the lead to my industrial area "MONTALVO". and I call my industrial area "SATICOY".Haven't decided on a name for my staging tracks- not sure if I will. None of them even remotely resemble the actual places. Just needed names for the cars to be be picked up at or sent to. The layout is 9' X 14' N scale. I am trying to build everything to SP standards. What I am striving for is the feel of the SP. And- just enjoying building it.

Have fun,
Wolf

 

Absolutely freelance. I am building my first layout, a z scale freelance of the Rokuhan briefcase layout. I have built plastic models for 40 years and decided to try trains because I could tweak the detail infinitely. Low and behold I was infected with the "disease". I started with N scale and stumbled into Z also. I collected "stuff" for a couple of years and decided it was time to get with it. I want to see something run. I have limited space at this time so nothing too big. I will most likely get into a more prototypical mind set as my skill progresses. I have seen lots of cool stuff here and elsewhere and also gotten loads of good tech info. Main thing is I am having fun. I tend to get things that I like the look of, so no telling what you might see me run. I have a special place for Santa Fe, as I used to ride the train with my great grandmother when I was very young. Good times.

 

both prototype and freelance, I model the Burlington Northern and my own Montana Central, the MC is pure freelance while the Burlington Northern is modelled to prototype photos of that piece of stock in the right era (early 1070's).

 

Stickymonk - Do you realize there was an axtual Montana Central? It was a subsidiary of the GN over Helena way.

As for me, I have a proto-freelance vision, it ain't built up to far yet. The Black Hills and Northern Pacific connecting the Glendive, Montana oil fields with those in Baker, MT area and the gold mines of the Black Hills. The freelance part is due to the era, the 1920's. The Cedar creek oilfields weren't discovered or drilled yet! The mainline willalso connect with the NP at Cedar Creek, MT and proceed to the Belle Fourche area where it will connect with the CNW susidiary, Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley.

So I am trying hard to keep the collected pieces to fit the ers! And that can be tough!!!!

 

You can say I do the proto freelance thing. I inherited my dad's layout and since I can't get it to fit in my house with new technology (his was built in the 70's) I decided to take his whole freelance idea (dorado and silver mountain) and tweak it. His was based in the 30's with steam. I am modern so my story is as such. The Utah railway purchased the D&SM before it went totally bankrupt and has since made it profitable. My layout will be double the size with new industries to go with the old ones he came up with. He had a mine, machine shop, livestock, and a passenger train. I have added a smelter for the mine, logging operations, coal operations, grain operations, and increased livestock operations as well. Passenger train are now operated by amtrak, and will have two daily trains. Also run through trains such as double stacks, etc... Also adding a rail fan excursion train called the foamer express. Gotta love modeling!


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