Mike! Thanks for this great episode! You really like the building of the layout! A big part of what you do is share your love of the hobby with us to help us become better modelers! It is very rewarding. I have been enjoying your layouts and videos for many years. And, I tell you now, that I have been expecting you to announce that you would start building another layout! As you get towards having a completed layout, you always start getting an itchy trigger finger to tear out and start fresh. That is actually a good thing! It's your nature, so be yourself! And you are right, Robin is your best advocate! You hunted down and bagged the ACT4! Now you are wanting a new safari! I truly get it. And adapting Plan #29 to an unfolded, workable N scale Railroad seems like a challenging and rewarding adventure to me! Especially the part about keeping it from absorbing your entire mancave! Which we all know it will try relentlessly to do! 🤠Start working on the plan and see whether that leads you to keep working on the ACT4 and or to the new challenge of the ACT Central! Either way we will be here to go on the adventure with you and Happy Railroading! And a happy new year to you Robin and family!🎆🎇✨
Its ALL about the Journey! Another great video :) I'm sure we will be seeing a new design and build soon and can't wait to see the details of building the scenes AND new building kits :) There are many new people getting into the hobby, that have still to learn the ins and outs of layout design and scenery. And of course, those of us already involved such as myself, can always use some tips and suggestions during the process to help us learn from somebody such as yourself and from each other. Keep up the awesome work :) CHEERS!
Hi Mike , I’ve noticed that every modeler comes to a point with their layouts to expand your start over. I didn’t understand at first but now I do. I planing to expand my layout. Mike do what ever makes you happy and still enjoying the hobby. I’ll be looking forward to seeing what ever you do. Thanks for sharing. Have a good week. Happy New Year ! ! 😎😎 👍
Possibly make one in a “museum” style - 2, 3, 4+ different type/style of loops, all trains running thru fantastic scenery in the background, while you and your friends watch a race, game or just chit chat. No switching, just the enjoyment of watching trains run. Have a Happy New Year!!
I've been in that place from time to time. I just went through it with one of my online projects. The change was immediate! Do what makes you happy. I mean after all this is a hobby. I totally understand the issues you have now. I'm not familiar with the other layout, but it sounds great. It would be interesting to see an HO layout converted to N scale. I wish TH-cam was there back in the day when I tried to build an N scale layout. It was a failure simply because I didn't have anyone to show me the right way to construct one. Happy New Year!
Hey Mike...That is my all time favorite track plan. My dad was building that layout when they decided to move. Always wish I had the room for it. I say go for it!!! You guys have a great new year!
Hey Mike. You should do the layout you want to do. You can always sell off all your old buildings and such. Someone like me can always find a spot on our layouts for your great looking models and you can do new builds. Just a thought. I love the way you create the scenes you make. It gives me a lot of inspiration as an amateur. Keep up the great work and all of will follow along. Cheers and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
No Mike, thank YOU for sharing your layout, time, creativity and love of model trains with us. Each of your 20,000 or so videos has given me something positive. If you build a new layout, we will come along for the ride. On a more practical note, when you showed us your hanging electronics at about 4:45 or so, I see you connected your led wires to the Woodland Scenics boxes with what looked like white or gray shrink tubing. Were those in fact a soldered connections or some other type of splice? Thanks. I'm going to check out the Midland Scenics layout to see where you may be heading. Ron
Happy New Year to you and your family Mike. I have really enjoyed following you as you built your current layout, and you have inspired me to continue working on my own layout. I'm sure I will also enjoy following your progress if you decide to build an N-Scale version of Atlas #29.
Follow your heart, Mike! Your railroad, your rules! Whatever you decide, I hope it brings you peace and happiness! Happy New Year to you and the family!
Happy New Year Mike from the great white north, Toronto. My wife has been buying me Hallmark Keepsake trucks every Christmas forever, we've been married 60 years. This year it's a 64 Dodge D100 pick-up. I have my own Christmas tree and all the ornaments are trucks. Sounds to me that you, like me, you really enjoy the building part of the hobby. Good luck.
@@N-Scale Could be. I'm an N scaler, had one of the original Mustangs, have a hopped up 53 Ford pick-up and I'm a NASCAR fan. Just too many coincidences.
I get it. When I moved from a large 18 by 20 space for my layout into a smaller space. It gave me a space that I could build what I wanted in the smaller space. What I have is basically on two walls - about 16 foot long and 12 wide - 30"deep max. An "L". I wanted to have a staging yard so that I can bring in a train to a city and industries, drop and pick up cars, and finish the loop and go back to staging. I have a large shelf system over the staging yard so I switch out cars by hand off the yard into the shelf and bring down new cars to be delivered. For me (not for everyone) it is fun. With your size room I think I would do a staging yard on a lower lever, arm chair reach in, and use a helix to get up to the L. That way you can work the yard "off" the layout" and have a way to see trains come and go. Finally - you are right. I love to build buildings. Do the detail etc. I have been thinking about putting a shelf on the wall and put buildings I can't use but want to use but have them where I can look at them. We will see. At least - keep the fun piece in hand - that is the reason we all do this and are not afraid or reluctant to change things. All the best, Tom A Fun Future for you!
Hey Mike! You do you! We’ll be here to watch and learn! Here’s a quick fix. Get another shed. LOL. Happy New Year to you and your family. See ya next year.
Great vid Mike. Your work always blows me away. Good luck with whatever ya start doing next. Guess mine will keep being new to me cause I do everything but head towards a completion LOL. I'm enjoying the operation, locos, and electronics type stuff. I add a small amount of structures over time. Thinking of doing some different color grass matting in places and keep slowly adding buildings and vehicles. 🤷♂️😊. I imagine you and your better half will come up with a great plan LOL. Your thoughts help me keep in check also. I sure like my GFP loco!!! Lubed it up and it runs like a dream! Shoot, I think these models of Atlas are my favs cause they are so easy to take care of and they obviously are robust being almost 25 years old hahahaha.
Mike, you should do what will make you happy. I think building another layout will definitely help with the frustration of being burned out. Building new structures and scenery is always fun and exciting. I’ve seen the track plan along with some folks who have built it and it’s a neat looking layout. Whatever you decide I will certainly look forward to watching your new videos and progress on either layout. Everyone else will do the same regardless of your choice.
Good morning Mike. Another option other than blowing the whole layout up is to gradually replace all the old structures with new ones that actually suit the area/purpose of the layout. I’m sure you could sell or give away many of the old ones as they’re replaced. The layout design you made is a well thought out one that just needs a fresh look and to erase the ghosts from layouts past.
Love to follow your progress . But , if your inner self says do another layout , go for it . And build all new buildings . There's those of us who wish we had the room you do . But watching you is gratifying. Enjoy watching and purchasing from you . God Bless
Hi mike, no harm in designing a plan for a different layout, so you can see what it would look like in the space. All the best whatever you decide to do, Anthony
Your layout looks fantastic, i always heard that a model layout is never done. I'm still trying to figure my layout out. Be interesting to see what you design.
NO DOUBT !! It is the build process. I am the same way. It keeps our minds busy. I would love to build small layouts, but having the room to display them would be impossible and saleing them would be hard. It seems we all go through these emotions.
Mike, we aren't getting younger, need to follow your heart. Model railroading is supposed to be fun and challenging and when it ceases to be so, time to consider 'alternatives'. There is no such thing as a dream layout/layout for life, things change, plans change, new beginnings call out to us! Do what will make you happy and be thankful that Robin will support this if you decide to pursue it. You are batting 1000 there! Keep us posted.
I am finally getting back into model railroading and have decided to go with the Kato N scale unitrack. I was told by a local dealer that using insulation foam as a sub roadbed isn't good for the unitrack. He said that the foam isn't level and over time the track will "warp" at the joints, damaging the connectors. Has any unitrack user had issues with the track not staying flat and level on the foam?
Mike, you really need to make a layout that you like. If that means tearing down and redoing the layout you would like to do in Atlas Track Plan 29, then do it. It suppose to be fun and if you are not having fun then what's the point of the layout. Happy New Year to you and your family. Thanks for sharing your layout dreams with us. Always, glad to watch your videos.
Mike, you are loke most of us yiu enjoy the building not so much the running them. Nothing wrong with loving the building . I happening to like the dreaming and planning and matbe one day even building one again too. 😂
Mike I'd love to see you do another layout. Even if you think you do not want to, you do. You love to build and tinker and you are an excellent builder. Look at the fun you had doing the n track module? You were creating and it was fun for you and honestly for us too. Building will keep you young Mike, remember that, and if wanted to shock everybody you could do it in HO scale.😂 It will be alright and making it smaller but more intricate like that midland layout is might be cool and allowing yiu room to do all the other modeling you enjoy doing too like model car building and such. It is a new year and you have at least 20 more years to go, so relax give your current one to your grandson and whatever happens have fun. Wishing you and Robin and your entire family and pets a wonderful, healthy and entertaining 2025 and thank you for making my modeling hobby more complete.
A good idea might be to just build the buildings you want to build, sell off the buildings you have that you don’t want to keep, and then design a layout around the functionality of the buildings you actually want to have on your layout. I use AnyRail for my designing. My wife and I just bought house this last year and I didn’t gain much more space for trains than our apartment had, so I have been designing and redesigning to get something that is small enough for my space and yet has functionality for one or two continuous trains running and the ability to have a local switching out a couple of industries while bobbing, weaving, and working around the “main line” trains. All this to say, you aren’t the only one out there working through what to do with a future layout, despite having an existing one or not.
Our former club layout included a section that was connected by a switch with a 2% grade to the switch back from the lower level to main with a 3% grade to the main which limited trains to 7 cars at best. too often what we thought be great is not so after. to me its great.
That's the problem with most model railroaders, they love to dream and design. Next step is to plan and organize and build. Then we add the finishing touches. Then we enter the period of looking at the layout and begin wondering "what if?" I believe we enjoy the dreaming, designing and building more than the finished product. In other words we enjoy the journey more than the destination.
Hi Mike , been watching you for years. I can see how distressed you are , we often loose mojo we also often do thing to make them fit, after having a major operation and time off it can be hard to get back into the layout, sometimes because i am in Australia it is very frustrating trying to get n scale parts , loco , building etc. It's also about being creative and making do rather than what we want to. The best way is to stand back do something else then take a fresh look. It's about what makes you happy and being creative . I hope you can sort out what you want to do happy Christmas and happy new year 🎉 regards Greg
nice video update Mike .I wish you and your family a healthy 2025 it is indeed with your feelings of am I doing well with my layout I have had that too for a year now I wanted to quit but now I have started with kato and I am getting back into the model train world to continue
@N-Scale What I meant was have always worked with peco 55 and the trains didn't run so well and then I wanted to quit model trains but now I use kato tracks and all runs and I'm having fun with it again .
Question: Are you planning on installing non-gated crossing by the abandoned gas station? What ever you do, may you, and Robin, have a blessed and prosperous New Year! ♥
Hi Mike I do agree with the others here when they say do what makes you happy!! Its not our layout its yours!! we are just looking lol You are the one that has to be happy with it not us!! You know I have been in your position many a time lol so you are not alone! I love the layout love seeing the trains run but if you need a change then make it I am sure we can adapt to whatever you do lol we are all big boys and girls here lol yes we are big kids at heart too and you know kids they are only happy with what they have for a certain amount of time before they start saying we are bored lol lol 😂 with that said dont get down on yourself about it instead take action!! life is short so get on it asap if you are going to do it!! dont make yourself wait to see if you will be happy with the plan do it and then step back and look as needed I am sure you will do another layout as Robin says you will lol. I look forward to seeing what happens! and oh be looking for an good size order coming from me soon I will be ordering things in January after the News Years Holiday! Thats if the the things i want stay in stock lol take care Mike sending lots of love and good vibes your way!!
choices..mmmmm. well you could sell this layout...rip out the layout... or modify....then there is the other option. if feasible, time for a second shed/man cave. then you have 2 layouts and maybe just maybe a outside track to bridge the 2 together. just me thinking out loud..
I have been considering removing my peninsula to allow more room for people to come over. I have also been considering removing the bottom level of my layout, however because it’s modular and the same type of modules as my train show modules I could repurpose the bottom level into more show modules. The bottom level would be moving from my basement to my garage and be stored in certain like the other modules I have for train shows. The reason I haven’t yet is I have no place to store the modules until I build more carts and further ready the garage where they would be going. But that is in process. Last month we decided to end paying for a 380$ month storage unit and incorporate that stuff into my home garage. I put up more racking, I purchased more bins, sold off things you name it. Quite surprised that a 10x20 storage unit was able to fit into my 26x24 garage honestly surprised myself! And still have a useable 2 car garage. My idea for you is this. What if some of the other items in your layout shed were setup in the fifer hobby shed? Paint booth, perhaps a couch for your friends like they had in magazines an operators crew lounge. Would it make sense to display the car stuff in the garage ? I’m just trying to think of ways to declutter/ not make you feel crowded. If you had more pegboard or taller racking or whatever it took to give you a 1/4 or 1/2 the space of the store shed for your additional space required for what is crowding the layout room…
Do what makes you happy! Either way I’m glad to follow your progress . Look forward to seeing the new layout construction
Thanks Todd.
Mike! Thanks for this great episode! You really like the building of the layout! A big part of what you do is share your love of the hobby with us to help us become better modelers! It is very rewarding. I have been enjoying your layouts and videos for many years. And, I tell you now, that I have been expecting you to announce that you would start building another layout! As you get towards having a completed layout, you always start getting an itchy trigger finger to tear out and start fresh. That is actually a good thing! It's your nature, so be yourself! And you are right, Robin is your best advocate!
You hunted down and bagged the ACT4! Now you are wanting a new safari! I truly get it. And adapting Plan #29 to an unfolded, workable N scale Railroad seems like a challenging and rewarding adventure to me! Especially the part about keeping it from absorbing your entire mancave! Which we all know it will try relentlessly to do! 🤠Start working on the plan and see whether that leads you to keep working on the ACT4 and or to the new challenge of the ACT Central! Either way we will be here to go on the adventure with you and Happy Railroading! And a happy new year to you Robin and family!🎆🎇✨
PS: I got that WP car and just love it too!
Thanks Michael. Your words of encouragement ALWAYS make me happy and smile.
Thanks Buddy , Mike
Its ALL about the Journey! Another great video :) I'm sure we will be seeing a new design and build soon and can't wait to see the details of building the scenes AND new building kits :) There are many new people getting into the hobby, that have still to learn the ins and outs of layout design and scenery. And of course, those of us already involved such as myself, can always use some tips and suggestions during the process to help us learn from somebody such as yourself and from each other. Keep up the awesome work :) CHEERS!
Thanks so much , Mike
Hey Mike...don't worry if you aren't able to tell us what it is you want to do...do what comes to you, and we will be along for the ride!!
Thanks for the support. I can not say enough about Robin as well.
Mike
I agree - do what makes you happy 7 Happy New Year!
Thank You JB.
Mike
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Mike! Thanks for the update on the layout.
Happy New Year
Hi Mike , I’ve noticed that every modeler comes to a point with their layouts to expand your start over. I didn’t understand at first but now I do. I planing to expand my layout. Mike do what ever makes you happy and still enjoying the hobby. I’ll be looking forward to seeing what ever you do. Thanks for sharing. Have a good week. Happy New Year ! ! 😎😎 👍
Thankls for the support Tommy
Possibly make one in a “museum” style - 2, 3, 4+ different type/style of loops, all trains running thru fantastic scenery in the background, while you and your friends watch a race, game or just chit chat. No switching, just the enjoyment of watching trains run. Have a Happy New Year!!
I have given thought to two loops , lower and upper but not different shelves.
I've been in that place from time to time. I just went through it with one of my online projects. The change was immediate! Do what makes you happy. I mean after all this is a hobby. I totally understand the issues you have now. I'm not familiar with the other layout, but it sounds great. It would be interesting to see an HO layout converted to N scale.
I wish TH-cam was there back in the day when I tried to build an N scale layout. It was a failure simply because I didn't have anyone to show me the right way to construct one. Happy New Year!
Thanks Dale , Happy New Year
Hey Mike...That is my all time favorite track plan. My dad was building that layout when they decided to move. Always wish I had the room for it. I say go for it!!! You guys have a great new year!
Thanks so very much Mark. I always loved it.
Hey Mike. You should do the layout you want to do. You can always sell off all your old buildings and such. Someone like me can always find a spot on our layouts for your great looking models and you can do new builds. Just a thought. I love the way you create the scenes you make. It gives me a lot of inspiration as an amateur. Keep up the great work and all of will follow along. Cheers and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Thanks Patrick , I have plans for much of my old stuff but we will get there in time.
Thank You, Mike
Hey you have to do what makes you happy. Definitely looking forward to seeing what you do. Happy New Year to you and your family!
Happy New Year
Looks Great... Really Good Work...
No Mike, thank YOU for sharing your layout, time, creativity and love of model trains with us. Each of your 20,000 or so videos has given me something positive. If you build a new layout, we will come along for the ride.
On a more practical note, when you showed us your hanging electronics at about 4:45 or so, I see you connected your led wires to the Woodland Scenics boxes with what looked like white or gray shrink tubing. Were those in fact a soldered connections or some other type of splice? Thanks. I'm going to check out the Midland Scenics layout to see where you may be heading. Ron
Thanks Ron all the lighting is pure Woodland and the way it comes.
Thank You , Mike
Love the WP car and great video 👍
My favorite part of the hobby has always been planning and building a new layout, so, I understand completely.
Thanks , I guess that makes us Model Railroaders
Happy New Year to you and your family Mike. I have really enjoyed following you as you built your current layout, and you have inspired me to continue working on my own layout. I'm sure I will also enjoy following your progress if you decide to build an N-Scale version of Atlas #29.
Happy New Year and the new layout will likely be the ACT Northern Division
Thanks for sharing, Mike. i understand about building a new layout.
Gonna use Peco track this time just to go old school.
Looks awesome
Follow your heart, Mike! Your railroad, your rules! Whatever you decide, I hope it brings you peace and happiness! Happy New Year to you and the family!
Happy New Year
Mike, you are a builder.You like to build weather it's a layout, car, or model. We will all be watching to see what you do next.
Thank You Brother.
Happy New Year Mike from the great white north, Toronto. My wife has been buying me Hallmark Keepsake trucks every Christmas forever, we've been married 60 years. This year it's a 64 Dodge D100 pick-up. I have my own Christmas tree and all the ornaments are trucks. Sounds to me that you, like me, you really enjoy the building part of the hobby. Good luck.
Cool on the trucks and tree !! We are likely brothers from different mothers !! LOL
@@N-Scale Could be. I'm an N scaler, had one of the original Mustangs, have a hopped up 53 Ford pick-up and I'm a NASCAR fan. Just too many coincidences.
Mike - those thoughts go through every model railroader's head. Don't feel like the Lone Ranger. Good luck either way!
Thanks Ed !!!
I get it. When I moved from a large 18 by 20 space for my layout into a smaller space. It gave me a space that I could build what I wanted in the smaller space. What I have is basically on two walls - about 16 foot long and 12 wide - 30"deep max. An "L". I wanted to have a staging yard so that I can bring in a train to a city and industries, drop and pick up cars, and finish the loop and go back to staging. I have a large shelf system over the staging yard so I switch out cars by hand off the yard into the shelf and bring down new cars to be delivered. For me (not for everyone) it is fun. With your size room I think I would do a staging yard on a lower lever, arm chair reach in, and use a helix to get up to the L. That way you can work the yard "off" the layout" and have a way to see trains come and go. Finally - you are right. I love to build buildings. Do the detail etc. I have been thinking about putting a shelf on the wall and put buildings I can't use but want to use but have them where I can look at them. We will see. At least - keep the fun piece in hand - that is the reason we all do this and are not afraid or reluctant to change things. All the best, Tom A Fun Future for you!
Nice ideas , Thanks Thomas, Mike
Hey Mike! You do you! We’ll be here to watch and learn! Here’s a quick fix. Get another shed. LOL. Happy New Year to you and your family. See ya next year.
Thanks Norman , You are a funny Man !!! LOL
Just think it through! Whatever you decide, it's your railroad and it will be terrific!!!
Thanks Rick. New construction has already begun.
Thanks , Mike
Happy New Year to you and Robin, Mike. I will be interested to see where you go with the next layout.
Happy New Year John and hope you stick with me !!
@@N-Scale like glue!!
Great vid Mike. Your work always blows me away. Good luck with whatever ya start doing next. Guess mine will keep being new to me cause I do everything but head towards a completion LOL. I'm enjoying the operation, locos, and electronics type stuff. I add a small amount of structures over time. Thinking of doing some different color grass matting in places and keep slowly adding buildings and vehicles. 🤷♂️😊. I imagine you and your better half will come up with a great plan LOL. Your thoughts help me keep in check also. I sure like my GFP loco!!! Lubed it up and it runs like a dream! Shoot, I think these models of Atlas are my favs cause they are so easy to take care of and they obviously are robust being almost 25 years old hahahaha.
Mike, you should do what will make you happy. I think building another layout will definitely help with the frustration of being burned out. Building new structures and scenery is always fun and exciting. I’ve seen the track plan along with some folks who have built it and it’s a neat looking layout. Whatever you decide I will certainly look forward to watching your new videos and progress on either layout. Everyone else will do the same regardless of your choice.
Thanks JT it will likely be very extended and a leg coming off to mak it a U shape
Good morning Mike. Another option other than blowing the whole layout up is to gradually replace all the old structures with new ones that actually suit the area/purpose of the layout. I’m sure you could sell or give away many of the old ones as they’re replaced. The layout design you made is a well thought out one that just needs a fresh look and to erase the ghosts from layouts past.
I will also be switching back to Peco 55 and cork on plywood. Just going old school again.
Love to follow your progress . But , if your inner self says do another layout , go for it . And build all new buildings . There's those of us who wish we had the room you do . But watching you is gratifying. Enjoy watching and purchasing from you . God Bless
Thanks Steve it is all about FUN !!!
I understand completely, I'm there too.
Catching up on missed videos, appreciate you sharing your thoughts, as sad as it is to hear of you ending this layout before it was fully realized.
Thanks but model railroads are never done. Happy New Year !
Hi mike, no harm in designing a plan for a different layout, so you can see what it would look like in the space. All the best whatever you decide to do, Anthony
Thanks for the support Anthony !!
great job Mke
That was really cool Mike, I like the night scene and lighting sequencer! Perhaps another layout, we will see! (Dave).
Thanks Dave. Many ideas flying around in my head !!
@@N-Scale Your welcome and that's a good thing most of the time.
Your layout looks fantastic, i always heard that a model layout is never done. I'm still trying to figure my layout out. Be interesting to see what you design.
NO DOUBT !! It is the build process. I am the same way. It keeps our minds busy. I would love to build small layouts, but having the room to display them would be impossible and saleing them would be hard. It seems we all go through these emotions.
Indeed we (I) do
Mike, we aren't getting younger, need to follow your heart. Model railroading is supposed to be fun and challenging and when it ceases to be so, time to consider 'alternatives'. There is no such thing as a dream layout/layout for life, things change, plans change, new beginnings call out to us! Do what will make you happy and be thankful that Robin will support this if you decide to pursue it. You are batting 1000 there! Keep us posted.
Thanks , I love all of you and my Robin !!!
I am finally getting back into model railroading and have decided to go with the Kato N scale unitrack. I was told by a local dealer that using insulation foam as a sub roadbed isn't good for the unitrack. He said that the foam isn't level and over time the track will "warp" at the joints, damaging the connectors. Has any unitrack user had issues with the track not staying flat and level on the foam?
Nope , 12 years at our club with no issues
@@N-Scale Do you use the pink insulation or another type?
Keep on good work, Mike
Mike, you really need to make a layout that you like. If that means tearing down and redoing the layout you would like to do in Atlas Track Plan 29, then do it. It suppose to be fun and if you are not having fun then what's the point of the layout. Happy New Year to you and your family. Thanks for sharing your layout dreams with us. Always, glad to watch your videos.
Thanks so much Michael and Happy New Year
Mike, you are loke most of us yiu enjoy the building not so much the running them. Nothing wrong with loving the building . I happening to like the dreaming and planning and matbe one day even building one again too. 😂
Go Jack Go !!!! We are all the same inside !!
😊😊😊😊😊
Hope you are well !!!
@ Getting better by the day. Thank you 😊
Mike, although I would not do what you are about to do; it's your layout and you can and should do what pleases you. Good luck.
Thank You Richard. I am having fun right now !!!
Mike I'd love to see you do another layout. Even if you think you do not want to, you do. You love to build and tinker and you are an excellent builder. Look at the fun you had doing the n track module? You were creating and it was fun for you and honestly for us too. Building will keep you young Mike, remember that, and if wanted to shock everybody you could do it in HO scale.😂
It will be alright and making it smaller but more intricate like that midland layout is might be cool and allowing yiu room to do all the other modeling you enjoy doing too like model car building and such. It is a new year and you have at least 20 more years to go, so relax give your current one to your grandson and whatever happens have fun. Wishing you and Robin and your entire family and pets a wonderful, healthy and entertaining 2025 and thank you for making my modeling hobby more complete.
Thanks so very much Lyndon. Happy New Year
It`s your life. Follow your heart! We will continue to learn from you.
Thanks Herman !!!
A good idea might be to just build the buildings you want to build, sell off the buildings you have that you don’t want to keep, and then design a layout around the functionality of the buildings you actually want to have on your layout.
I use AnyRail for my designing. My wife and I just bought house this last year and I didn’t gain much more space for trains than our apartment had, so I have been designing and redesigning to get something that is small enough for my space and yet has functionality for one or two continuous trains running and the ability to have a local switching out a couple of industries while bobbing, weaving, and working around the “main line” trains.
All this to say, you aren’t the only one out there working through what to do with a future layout, despite having an existing one or not.
Go for it brother ❤😊
Thanks Buddy !!!! Love YOUR CHANNEL !!! Go check him out guys !!!
Our former club layout included a section that was connected by a switch with a 2% grade to the switch back from the lower level to main with a 3% grade to the main which limited trains to 7 cars at best. too often what we thought be great is not so after. to me its great.
Do what YOU want .Mike
That's the problem with most model railroaders, they love to dream and design. Next step is to plan and organize and build. Then we add the finishing touches. Then we enter the period of looking at the layout and begin wondering "what if?" I believe we enjoy the dreaming, designing and building more than the finished product. In other words we enjoy the journey more than the destination.
So True. You are a true model railroader.
Hi Mike , been watching you for years. I can see how distressed you are , we often loose mojo we also often do thing to make them fit, after having a major operation and time off it can be hard to get back into the layout, sometimes because i am in Australia it is very frustrating trying to get n scale parts , loco , building etc. It's also about being creative and making do rather than what we want to. The best way is to stand back do something else then take a fresh look. It's about what makes you happy and being creative . I hope you can sort out what you want to do happy Christmas and happy new year 🎉 regards Greg
Thank You Greg and you are so right !!!
nice video update Mike .I wish you and your family a healthy 2025 it is indeed with your feelings of am I doing well with my layout I have had that too for a year now I wanted to quit but now I have started with kato and I am getting back into the model train world to continue
Way to go Ger !!!!
@N-Scale What I meant was have always worked with peco 55 and the trains didn't run so well and then I wanted to quit model trains but now I use kato tracks and all runs and I'm having fun with it again .
I know what you are saying. I am rebuilding for the 4th time. I love the building part......good luck with your thoughts
Have some FUN !!!! Happy New Year
I love those external braced box cars but my favorites are the Difco Dump cars, what I don't like are my rat nests.
LOL
Question: Are you planning on installing non-gated crossing by the abandoned gas station? What ever you do, may you, and Robin, have a blessed and prosperous New Year! ♥
Thanks so much but I will never get there
i know,i had a ho an n scale 10x10 the n scale bored me so i sold all my n scale it was to unforegiven too, but HO scale for life
Hi Mike I do agree with the others here when they say do what makes you happy!! Its not our layout its yours!! we are just looking lol You are the one that has to be happy with it not us!! You know I have been in your position many a time lol so you are not alone! I love the layout love seeing the trains run but if you need a change then make it I am sure we can adapt to whatever you do lol we are all big boys and girls here lol yes we are big kids at heart too and you know kids they are only happy with what they have for a certain amount of time before they start saying we are bored lol lol 😂 with that said dont get down on yourself about it instead take action!! life is short so get on it asap if you are going to do it!! dont make yourself wait to see if you will be happy with the plan do it and then step back and look as needed I am sure you will do another layout as Robin says you will lol. I look forward to seeing what happens! and oh be looking for an good size order coming from me soon I will be ordering things in January after the News Years Holiday! Thats if the the things i want stay in stock lol take care Mike sending lots of love and good vibes your way!!
Thanks so much Nancy and Happy New Year
Awesome video keep them up like and subscribe
Thanks for being here Mark !!!
choices..mmmmm. well you could sell this layout...rip out the layout... or modify....then there is the other option. if feasible, time for a second shed/man cave. then you have 2 layouts and maybe just maybe a outside track to bridge the 2 together.
just me thinking out loud..
If I were to put another shed in the yard , The CITY would take me away in cuffs !! LOL
Here we go again...lol!! Stop listening to the voices in your head.....They will come get you......lol!! Bob
LOL , Robin seems to be my only steady !!!
Hey Mike maybe you should take a break from the railroad and work on some of your model cars just a thought
There are no rules that says you have to do it this way or that way. If you don't enjoy doing it, you will find excuses not to run your trains.
Thanks John , Mike and Happy New Year
I have been considering removing my peninsula to allow more room for people to come over. I have also been considering removing the bottom level of my layout, however because it’s modular and the same type of modules as my train show modules I could repurpose the bottom level into more show modules. The bottom level would be moving from my basement to my garage and be stored in certain like the other modules I have for train shows. The reason I haven’t yet is I have no place to store the modules until I build more carts and further ready the garage where they would be going. But that is in process.
Last month we decided to end paying for a 380$ month storage unit and incorporate that stuff into my home garage. I put up more racking, I purchased more bins, sold off things you name it. Quite surprised that a 10x20 storage unit was able to fit into my 26x24 garage honestly surprised myself! And still have a useable 2 car garage.
My idea for you is this. What if some of the other items in your layout shed were setup in the fifer hobby shed? Paint booth, perhaps a couch for your friends like they had in magazines an operators crew lounge. Would it make sense to display the car stuff in the garage ?
I’m just trying to think of ways to declutter/ not make you feel crowded. If you had more pegboard or taller racking or whatever it took to give you a 1/4 or 1/2 the space of the store shed for your additional space required for what is crowding the layout room…
I think my large penensula is the biggest problem. Second to my brain. LOL
@ I have those exact same 2 problems lol