I am sorry for your loss. Your layout is beautiful and you are clearly a very talented young man. I totally get the reasons why you are starting over. In time you will be glad you did. All the best to you moving forward. Cheers. 🙂👍
Best part of model railroading...ripping it out and starting fresh! Good therapy, fun, exciting, improvement, and lessons learned! I have done it 10 times in 40 years...and I'll do it again someday! Best wishes and looking forward to your progress!
Thank you Doug, and so sorry for what you are going through. I understand your reasons for starting a new layout. I wish I could do the same, but it's taken me 30 years to get nowhere on my simple 4x8. You are an inspiration. I can't wait to see the new project.
All great reasons to move forward with a new build. It's probably painful, but I'm sure the birth of a new vision will spark lost enthusiasm. I can't wait to see the future layout progress.
I totally understand,...but what a work of art as well as an amazing layout. I'm 57 and after watching videos since last year,..i'm finally jumping in (the deep end). Thanks for all the great ideas and pointers ,..and ones beyond.
The quality of scenic work is amazing. You can easily imagine tiny people living on the layout. When the digger moved by itself at 1:33, it just confirms it 😊
Definitely best when you do what makes you happy, If you don't like the design or space you will not ever be happy with area. Moving seems to be the best solution. Good luck and thanks for posting. I look forward to seeing the new layout in its new location. I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you in prayers.
You have created an awesome layout and it is a shame it has to be torn down. You have put in many hours to create what you have but you will have many more hours of enjoyment building the new layout so, enjoy and I look forward to following the new build. Thanks for sharing.
Doug, thank you for the update. Sad to see the layout go, but the reasons for the move are very valid. I hope you are doing well, and hopefully you will share your journey with the new layout with us. Cheers, and stay safe, Happy New Year, Michael
It is always a bummer to see awesome modeling go away, but also awesome to see the new modeling sprout up in its place! I look forward to following along and learning from you. I really do hope to apply it all to my own effort one day. Thanks so much for sharing!
Tough decision given all your great work. Hope You can repurpose a lot of it. Your rationale makes perfect sense and you will be much happier once you start. It’ll be a refreshing new project. Thanks for a great update. Look forward to the new one.
Excited to see what happens with the new layout. I admire your courage to acknowledge that sometimes a fresh start is the best option. Everything is a learning experience, so I'm sure the new layout will be even better than this already wonderful current iteration.
Hi Doug, I hope you are doing well after the last few hard months. It takes courage to do what you’re doing and I get why after your explanation. All of us look forward to seeing you get back into your craftsmanship. You have so much creativity and many awesome kits built and on display, I hope you’ll salvage them. Best wishes for a new start.
You highlight a number of important concerns that you have decided must be corrected. That is an excellent lesson for me as I'm just starting out. Thanks for sharing. Regards.
I don't have a layout, and don't have any plans for one, but I've really enjoyed dipping into your, and other, railroad/way worlds. I came here from Jason Jensen's channel, and I've enjoyed your different approach and watching your version of New York/Queens evolve. I love that you are now ready to take it onto a new level, should be fun! Good luck with moving those wonderful scenes, it should be interesting seeing the process, and happy thanksgiving!
I just stumbled into your channel and would like to say you did a great job with the scenery on your layout! It's really cool to see the work you've put into it, and I am excited to see your plans to move forward in the hobby by starting out fresh. I am sorry for your loss. Take care, Jesus loves you!
Doug the next layout is going to be out of this world! You made good use of your space, but you are correct, accessibility is a big deal. It will be nice to see you apply lessons learned on the next build and I'll definitely be following along. Again, I'm very sorry for your loss. Take care.
I understand about when it is time to start over. Been there done that. I do want to tell you I have enjoyed watching your videos. I appreciate your talented artistic hand and I look forward to seeing whatever you come up with in the future. Rob
Sad to see you starting over, but I can certainly appreciate your reasons. I'm looking forward to seeing where you're headed and to watch the progress. You are a great modeler!
That's one of the great things about this hobby. The process of being able to look at what we have accomplished and being able to change and make things better. Really looking forward to seeing what you do with the On30.
Doug, we've ALL had to rip up all or part of our railroad. We change, things change... we learn what we like and what we don't like. Its a part of growing. And, at 77, there's this little "niggle" that wants to make changes on my logging railroad. You're very talented you can do it! GO for it! Cheers.
Doug, sad that the old layout is going but it's good to hear that you have bigger and better plans for a new layout. ...and it's just good to hear from you.
Seat of your pants design never works in the long run. Create a benchwork design and track plan that works for you on paper. Then mock it up in the room with cardboard and Bristol board templates. Then stick with it. Your models are absolutely gorgeous and I’m sure a new plan will keep you inspired. Can’t wait to see the new plan in action
I’m currently building my seventh (and last) model railroad. It’s over 500 sf. Previous layouts were 400 and less. But all the structures bridges rolling stock trees etc were saved! Best of all is the opportunity to begin anew with new and better ideas. I’m 3 years into this new layout and getting more enthusiastic. You have s wonderful layout and I can’t wait until you get the new one well underway. It will definitely be spectacular! All the best.
I agree. I spent over 100 hours designing my new layout on paper. (My seventh). I modify track and scenery slightly as I build but never rip out something already complete in the interest of getting on with the project. (This is just personal discipline learned from previous decades of layout design and building. ). You don’t have to be handcuffed by the layout design but you do need to know where you’re going and what fits where.
Looking forward in seeing what you will be creating for the future layout. I hope you can save some of those awesome scenes. I saw Jeffries Point on the pier and it looked great there. Thanks for sharing Doug!
Looking forward to the changes Doug. Love the idea of a separate On30 layout, I’ve been thinking of doing the same with my small space, running each scale down opposite walls with shared cassette/stagging in the middle.
Good luck with the sectioning of the layout. I helped a friend do something similar with part of his. We used an oscillating multi tool with great speed and effect, in particular removing glue joints - and I'm thinking of your retaining wall. Looking forward to seeing your next projects.
In the end nearly all layouts end up in a dumpster. But the emotions from tearing apart something that one has lavished hundreds/thousands of hours on constructing aren't easy to deal with. Hang in there, layouts are also like a phoenix and new ones can rise from the debris (ashes) of the previous one. Thanks for sharing.
Sorry for your loss...I have rebuilt my small layout several times. I'm on my final iteration with Kato N-scale Unitrack. At the same time I'm simultaneously rebuilding a small switching layout. Looking forward to the updates.
Oh Doug, be careful with the "narrow bug" it can get away if you're not careful. I've been there and currently working my way to a more "balanced" vision. Haven't started the layout yet, and like you have got a good idea of what I want. It'll be neat to compare your progress to mine, and I'm sure I'm going to learn plenty more from your build.
Dear Doug, sorry to see this setup go, truly appreciated all the effort you’ve put into this experiment. Will be cool though to see how you will reuse the elements of this layout in your basement. Cheerio
Tough decision - it's hard to walk away from all that work. But ya gotta do whacha gotta do! I predict a year from now you'll be asking yourself why you waited so long!
Nothing more I can say which hasn't been said by others..I do have an idea/question: Can not, the 4 steel columns and all they're supporting above them be removed, along with all the lighting above the layout ? Or, are they integral with the building itself (which I'd tend to doubt) ? 'Tis a shame, after such complex trackwork, scenery and structure making; the hours and dedication to detail, that you have to destroy any of it.. In any event, it is merely a hobby. Just be 100% sure when you remake the benchwork it's going to serve your needs in every way, far as supporting whatever you lay atop it and/or even redo something yet again, that the worst of it, benchwork itself, will never again be an issue..
There is no such thing as a permanent layout. Goals change. Skills change. Interests change. Even circumstances change. I'm not going to grieve your old layout - it will always exist in videos. I am going to celebrate this decision to take the lessons learned and go forward to something bigger and better. And a new layout means new ideas that will give rise to new kits. And who doesn't need more craftsman kits? [awkward laughter as I think of my stash of unbuilt kits] I can appreciate your desire to save sections of the current layout, but I'm also concerned that in doing so, you might find yourself compromising the new layout's design to fit those puzzle pieces into it. Maybe save them for photography dioramas or the like? Anyway..... Here's to the future! Cheers! 🎉
I've so enjoyed your layout and agree either your motivation for change. My layout is 30" deep and chest high and I really don't like it. I look forward to your future work. Cheers!
I am sorry for your loss. Your layout is beautiful and you are clearly a very talented young man. I totally get the reasons why you are starting over. In time you will be glad you did. All the best to you moving forward. Cheers. 🙂👍
When an artist grieves he/ she creates. It will help and probably be your best work. We are here to support and encourage. Good luck.
Best part of model railroading...ripping it out and starting fresh! Good therapy, fun, exciting, improvement, and lessons learned! I have done it 10 times in 40 years...and I'll do it again someday! Best wishes and looking forward to your progress!
Doug, we're with you 100%. Wherever you go we will follow. Sometimes starting anew is cathartic. I wish you the best.
Enjoyed watching you build that layout. I am sure I will enjoy watching you build the new one.
Wish you all the best
Cheers
Thank you Doug, and so sorry for what you are going through. I understand your reasons for starting a new layout. I wish I could do the same, but it's taken me 30 years to get nowhere on my simple 4x8. You are an inspiration. I can't wait to see the new project.
All great reasons to move forward with a new build. It's probably painful, but I'm sure the birth of a new vision will spark lost enthusiasm. I can't wait to see the future layout progress.
At the end of the video you say you learned a lot in this unfinished project. Not only you - we did also. Thank you!
I totally understand,...but what a work of art as well as an amazing layout. I'm 57 and after watching videos since last year,..i'm finally jumping in (the deep end). Thanks for all the great ideas and pointers ,..and ones beyond.
The quality of scenic work is amazing. You can easily imagine tiny people living on the layout. When the digger moved by itself at 1:33, it just confirms it 😊
I'm happy to see your moving on I know it's hard, my wife is going through it now so I feel you pain and loss.
Definitely best when you do what makes you happy, If you don't like the design or space you will not ever be happy with area. Moving seems to be the best solution. Good luck and thanks for posting. I look forward to seeing the new layout in its new location. I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you in prayers.
You have created an awesome layout and it is a shame it has to be torn down. You have put in many hours to create what you have but you will have many more hours of enjoyment building the new layout so, enjoy and I look forward to following the new build. Thanks for sharing.
Doug, thank you for the update. Sad to see the layout go, but the reasons for the move are very valid.
I hope you are doing well, and hopefully you will share your journey with the new layout with us.
Cheers, and stay safe, Happy New Year, Michael
It is always a bummer to see awesome modeling go away, but also awesome to see the new modeling sprout up in its place! I look forward to following along and learning from you. I really do hope to apply it all to my own effort one day. Thanks so much for sharing!
Tough decision given all your great work. Hope
You can repurpose a lot of it. Your rationale makes perfect sense and you will be much happier once you start. It’ll be a refreshing new project. Thanks for a great update. Look forward to the new one.
Didn't see this coming but your logic makes sense. Looking forward to following your new adventures!
Excited to see what happens with the new layout. I admire your courage to acknowledge that sometimes a fresh start is the best option.
Everything is a learning experience, so I'm sure the new layout will be even better than this already wonderful current iteration.
Hi Doug, I hope you are doing well after the last few hard months. It takes courage to do what you’re doing and I get why after your explanation. All of us look forward to seeing you get back into your craftsmanship. You have so much creativity and many awesome kits built and on display, I hope you’ll salvage them. Best wishes for a new start.
You're taking this a WHOLE lot better than I ever would! Best of luck going forward.
You highlight a number of important concerns that you have decided must be corrected. That is an excellent lesson for me as I'm just starting out. Thanks for sharing. Regards.
Doug, that must have been a hard decision, but your plan is sound, and I'm excited to see what you do in On30. Thank you for sharing it.
I don't have a layout, and don't have any plans for one, but I've really enjoyed dipping into your, and other, railroad/way worlds. I came here from Jason Jensen's channel, and I've enjoyed your different approach and watching your version of New York/Queens evolve. I love that you are now ready to take it onto a new level, should be fun! Good luck with moving those wonderful scenes, it should be interesting seeing the process, and happy thanksgiving!
I just stumbled into your channel and would like to say you did a great job with the scenery on your layout! It's really cool to see the work you've put into it, and I am excited to see your plans to move forward in the hobby by starting out fresh. I am sorry for your loss. Take care, Jesus loves you!
Doug the next layout is going to be out of this world! You made good use of your space, but you are correct, accessibility is a big deal. It will be nice to see you apply lessons learned on the next build and I'll definitely be following along. Again, I'm very sorry for your loss. Take care.
‘68 Charger at 6:26! What amazing work. I do hope you can save as much as possible.
I understand about when it is time to start over. Been there done that. I do want to tell you I have enjoyed watching your videos. I appreciate your talented artistic hand and I look forward to seeing whatever you come up with in the future. Rob
Welcome back friend much love❤
Sad to see you starting over, but I can certainly appreciate your reasons. I'm looking forward to seeing where you're headed and to watch the progress. You are a great modeler!
Good to see you back, I love the layout as it is, but I'm sure the new layout will be even better!
That's one of the great things about this hobby. The process of being able to look at what we have accomplished and being able to change and make things better. Really looking forward to seeing what you do with the On30.
Doug, we've ALL had to rip up all or part of our railroad. We change, things change... we learn what we like and what we don't like. Its a part of growing. And, at 77, there's this little "niggle" that wants to make changes on my logging railroad. You're very talented you can do it! GO for it! Cheers.
Doug I look forward to following along on the new journey.
sir, your modelling skills are jawdropping
All the best with your new layout. Greetings from Amsterdam, Holland.
Good to see you Doug. Sounds like a fun adventure with a new layout!
Doug, sad that the old layout is going but it's good to hear that you have bigger and better plans for a new layout. ...and it's just good to hear from you.
The layout is so inspiring, I can’t wait to see what you do next! I hope all is well. Thanks for sharing -Justin
Seat of your pants design never works in the long run. Create a benchwork design and track plan that works for you on paper. Then mock it up in the room with cardboard and Bristol board templates. Then stick with it. Your models are absolutely gorgeous and I’m sure a new plan will keep you inspired. Can’t wait to see the new plan in action
I’m currently building my seventh (and last) model railroad. It’s over 500 sf. Previous layouts were 400 and less. But all the structures bridges rolling stock trees etc were saved! Best of all is the opportunity to begin anew with new and better ideas. I’m 3 years into this new layout and getting more enthusiastic. You have s wonderful layout and I can’t wait until you get the new one well underway. It will definitely be spectacular! All the best.
I agree. I spent over 100 hours designing my new layout on paper. (My seventh). I modify track and scenery slightly as I build but never rip out something already complete in the interest of getting on with the project. (This is just personal discipline learned from previous decades of layout design and building. ). You don’t have to be handcuffed by the layout design but you do need to know where you’re going and what fits where.
You are a GREAT modeler, and have a great layout, but I understand why it must go. Best wishes for the new layout!!!
Very exciting news. I’m looking forward to your next creation.
Looking forward in seeing what you will be creating for the future layout. I hope you can save some of those awesome scenes. I saw Jeffries Point on the pier and it looked great there. Thanks for sharing Doug!
Bittersweet news Doug - but with your talent and vision I cannot wait to see the new layout and the On30 shelf layout. All the best
Cannot wait to see the start of the new layout
Looking forward to the changes Doug. Love the idea of a separate On30 layout, I’ve been thinking of doing the same with my small space, running each scale down opposite walls with shared cassette/stagging in the middle.
Good luck with the sectioning of the layout. I helped a friend do something similar with part of his. We used an oscillating multi tool with great speed and effect, in particular removing glue joints - and I'm thinking of your retaining wall. Looking forward to seeing your next projects.
Doug, I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.
In the end nearly all layouts end up in a dumpster. But the emotions from tearing apart something that one has lavished hundreds/thousands of hours on constructing aren't easy to deal with. Hang in there, layouts are also like a phoenix and new ones can rise from the debris (ashes) of the previous one. Thanks for sharing.
Sorry for your loss...I have rebuilt my small layout several times. I'm on my final iteration with Kato N-scale Unitrack. At the same time I'm simultaneously rebuilding a small switching layout. Looking forward to the updates.
Highly recommend procuring an oscillating saw. It will make removing many of these item much easier.
Oh Doug, be careful with the "narrow bug" it can get away if you're not careful. I've been there and currently working my way to a more "balanced" vision. Haven't started the layout yet, and like you have got a good idea of what I want. It'll be neat to compare your progress to mine, and I'm sure I'm going to learn plenty more from your build.
Nothing like fresh start energy.
Best of luck for the move and the future.
Dear Doug, sorry to see this setup go, truly appreciated all the effort you’ve put into this experiment. Will be cool though to see how you will reuse the elements of this layout in your basement. Cheerio
Hi Fos Scale Models & it's is Randy and i like yours video is Cool & Thanks Fos Scale Models & Friends Randy
Happy holidays from Mike Frame in Florida!
Tough decision - it's hard to walk away from all that work. But ya gotta do whacha gotta do! I predict a year from now you'll be asking yourself why you waited so long!
You do amazing work. I hope you are giving this away.
Sometimes its the journey not the destination that is the fun part.
Better to tear down and start over than dislike what you have and never want to work/operate on it.
lets get to it! will follow along! its hard, but it is also a new beginning. lets goooooo! 🤝
New and exciting! Cant wait!
Also sorry for your loss (I just watched the video).
TEAR DOWN? I have like 4 times, totally get it
Incredible ❤
I'm designing a modular layout with KATO Unitrack. Same problems. Different headaches! 🙃
Nothing more I can say which hasn't been said by others..I do have an idea/question: Can not, the 4 steel columns and all they're supporting above them be removed, along with all the lighting above the layout ? Or, are they integral with the building itself (which I'd tend to doubt) ? 'Tis a shame, after such complex trackwork, scenery and structure making; the hours and dedication to detail, that you have to destroy any of it.. In any event, it is merely a hobby. Just be 100% sure when you remake the benchwork it's going to serve your needs in every way, far as supporting whatever you lay atop it and/or even redo something yet again, that the worst of it, benchwork itself, will never again be an issue..
There is no such thing as a permanent layout. Goals change. Skills change. Interests change. Even circumstances change.
I'm not going to grieve your old layout - it will always exist in videos. I am going to celebrate this decision to take the lessons learned and go forward to something bigger and better. And a new layout means new ideas that will give rise to new kits. And who doesn't need more craftsman kits? [awkward laughter as I think of my stash of unbuilt kits]
I can appreciate your desire to save sections of the current layout, but I'm also concerned that in doing so, you might find yourself compromising the new layout's design to fit those puzzle pieces into it.
Maybe save them for photography dioramas or the like?
Anyway..... Here's to the future! Cheers! 🎉
I've so enjoyed your layout and agree either your motivation for change. My layout is 30" deep and chest high and I really don't like it. I look forward to your future work. Cheers!