Comments on: My Railroad Without Scenery

By: Jay Ross

Jay Ross — Thu, 13 May 2021 14:57:59 +0000

I can relate because I love to focus on the technology side of this hobby. My layout has “just enough Scenery” to get by. I love making operating accessories, here are a few I’ve made: 12 HO scale RC vehicles, including two fully functional fork lifts in HO, and three operating dump trucks. An operating rotary dumper, operating Trummel tower, that sorts grades of gravel into hopper cars, four, fully functional, modified loading cranes, Dcc controlled, two fully functional rail cranes, Dcc, Also, two camera cars with built-in track cleaners. So, I spend much time tinkering. If you ever come across a great deal on a layout that someone else built, that wants to sell, that may be an option for you.

By: geoff

geoff — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 00:34:49 +0000

Your railroad, your rules.

By: Ralph Furth

Ralph Furth — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 20:54:24 +0000

I agree to what ever everyone is saying about their response to Phil’s concerns. I for one am interested in how I like to play with my ideas and make changes to my layouts on the fly. My first layout started with me trying to understand what goes where and when. This led to many problems with the length of my layout. (5×14) Next it was the wiring. What I found out later it was better to lay the track down without scenery and do the wiring in steps. I changed my configuration to a more modular layout (4×4) so I can work on each section individually. This made it easier for me do decide
where to place a scenery if needed. “Good luck to you Phil”.

By: Bill Poehlman

Bill Poehlman — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 22:32:28 +0000

Phil, You probably have gathered by now that Model railroading is a multi-faceted hobby. I got my first train when I was 6 ( a windup toy that probably had a 15 inch circle. Then in 1942 I was given my first electric train (O27 Lionel). Throughout my life I have dabbled with HO trains every few years with Christmas tree layouts until 5 years ago ( I am now 91 ). Presently, I am tearing apart a Harry Potter scene and will soon start building an Altoona, PA Train Museum diorama. I have a 4X8 plywood board that severely limits the technical things that can be done; however,I always start from scratch and build the best track system that I can fit on the board. I use both DC and DCC components and make sure that the electrical controls work before starting the next scene As you can see I like to do both technical and dioramas and I enjoy both. In summary, if it isn’t fun don’t do it. Bill.

By: phil johnson

phil johnson — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 20:11:42 +0000

My friend, you have more friends than you’ll ever know. Most if not all modelers have faced what you’re facing. Start a small section with something simple and easy. Don’t be afraid to practice. I joined a club many years ago and that’s helped me with scenery… FYI practice makes us better. Check out videos. Have fun and good luck

By: Morgan Bilbo

Morgan Bilbo — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 18:56:14 +0000

Relax: I too, have no scenery. I’ve dabbled at it. Ballasted about a meter of track. Some flats of buildings. Some plain cardboard – representing buildings. Just a bit at a time, as I feel like it. As mentioned, it’s your MR, and you are it’s god. So do what pleases you. I too, have people asking me the same. I just tell them in a nice way – it’s my railroad and I’m boss!

By: Hubert McDonald

Hubert McDonald — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 17:00:44 +0000

I am like you, I enjoy working on the trains and not the scenery. Good luck with your hobby.

By: Frank B

Frank B — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 15:30:00 +0000

I think that in any model railroad club you go, to you will find people with a wide range of interests and specialisations. Your expertise in technical matters with surely be welcome !

By: Mark Vogelpohl

Mark Vogelpohl — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 14:20:12 +0000

I too am an “operator “, no modeling just a layout with 2 tracks and accessories. In fact, there’s no room for the trees and buildings. I like to tinker and keeps all working while my family really enjoys all the movements on the layout. Just have fun!

By: Robert Gunter

Robert Gunter — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 12:42:42 +0000

I mainly built to RUN, RUN, RUN trains! The only real scenery that I have put together is a round house. I have used empty train car boxes to make a tunnel and have played war games with miniature soldiers on mine. Do what you what to do, whatever makes you happy is all that matters!

By: Bob

Bob — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 11:59:43 +0000

I always thought a Christmas tree and a few colorfully wrapped packages were enough scenery.

By: NICHOLAS WESTWOOD

NICHOLAS WESTWOOD — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 07:49:41 +0000

My layout is also devoid of scenery, except for the hand built station platforms with lighting, and I too built my own control panel using meagapoints control systems.
I can’t seem to gather any enthusiasm for adding scenery, and the thought of hours of ballasting appalls me.