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Hello, 

 

I've embedded a video to our train layout. This is the first video or picture I have ever posted of the permanent layout, as I normally post videos of our seasonal (Christmas and Halloween) layouts. 

 

If interested, here is the history of the layout:

 

My Father and I first started building this layout about 16 years ago, and it originated as a floor layout which ran two conventional Lionel engines, a Great Northern (hence my forum name) and a Santa Fe. Over the years, we slowly kept adding on to the layout until we ran out of room. Since we just kept adding over the years, we never had an elaborate preliminary plan, which is why some areas may look over-crowded and less planned. Also, when we first started this layout, we were unaware of command control or any other of the more experienced products (such as Atlas tracks, Ross switches, ect...) so unless we wanted to do a complete overhaul of the layout, we were somewhat limited. 

 

Although this is not the most realistic/prototypical layout, we tried to find a good balance of realism while maintaining the "toy" look of the hobby. We were going for a 1950s/1960s theme, but as I'm sure many of you will realize, many of our pieces (especially the engines) deviate from that time period. Also, we have never given much thought about the road-names we operate, and have typically purchased the engine(s) we thought were most aesthetically pleasing.

 

If you watch the video, I'm sure you will also notice the inconsistencies of the scenery. We did not add much scenery until later in the layout's development, and neither of us has had experience in that area, which I think is evident at times. 

 

Clearly there are things we wish we can do over if we "knew then what we know now" but for now we are proud of the layout we have created. 

 

Here is a link to my channel, that has the Christmas and Halloween layouts as well

https://www.youtube.com/channe...jaBgeit9h_NRtWITSsDw

 

Last edited by Great Northern 17
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Once again, I appreciate the comments. 

 

Rixster, in regards to the background in the Halloween video:

 

To create the background, I simply google imaged "spooky forest," found an image I liked and ordered prints via Walgreens' photo center. They have numerous poster options, and I ended up ordering two 24x36s and one 11x14. I then made any additional cuts that were necessary. The quality of their prints exceeded my expectations. 

 

If this is something you are considering doing, I would advise checking Walgreens' online promo codes daily. Although they tend to do more photo promos, they do occasionally have coupons/promo codes for their posters as well. When I ordered the posters, I was able to use a code that took 40% off the entire order. 

 

Additionally, to help transition the Halloween village into the background poster, I also placed numerous (about a dozen) "dead" trees in front of the poster. To do this, I used a Woodland Scenics tree kit, refrained from putting any foliage on the trees and spray-painted them black. You can also bend the tree branches to your liking.

 

Hope this is helpful. 

Last edited by Great Northern 17

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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