A rather sobering conclusion:
I'm not getting any younger.
You see, I suspect many of us model railroaders have projects and things we want to do "one of these days". Just this March, I turned 70 years old.
I think "one of these days" is HERE.
That is, IF I'm going to finish up some of my goals I had for "one of these days", then it's time to get with the program while I still can.
That so, I began to se the 19th century layout idea having the potential of being a huge time sink. Time that I really don't have to allot to it IF I want to make significant progress on my KC&G theme. In my opinion, the Colorado & Pacific theme would be at least a 10 year project to ready the engines, rolling stock, build the structures, build the layout, and get scenery to a "reasonably complete" level. If successful, I would be 80 years old.
Sometimes choices have to be made.
SO... I seriously debated the thought of poop-canning the C&P theme idea. Besides, the overwhelming bulk of my exposure and experiences within railroading have been diesel. (Aside from the very few years I worked as an extra Engineer at the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas.)
For decades, I've been tempted to have a 19th century layout... but to date any concept I concocted never gained enough traction to displace my desire to model using diesels. Thus, the temptation to model 19th century steam might be one of those "day dream" things that's simply not practical for me.
THAT so, I would start the liquidation process on my steam stuff sometime in the next few months.
Now, as for my KC&G "Ozark Sub" layout in my out-building...
The NEXT "Big Project" for my KC&G theme will be to pack up all the equipment for safe keeping, then:
* Installing the back boards for the back drop.
* Smoothing/sealing/priming of same, then painting a pleasing sky blue.
* Install overhead lighting top/bottom levels, et al.
* Install the needed lighting valances.
* Install basic fascia.
I figure the layout will be OOS (Out Of Service) for about 2 months to accomplish the above, but, once accomplished, the entire visual experience and operational experience will be greatly enhanced and well worth the inconvenience. From that point on, choosing a place to create some scenery will be a realistic option for me. Accomplishing the above will be a major milestone for my KC&G Ozark Sub.
OH, but I do have an idea about this computer room...
You see, I would like a layout here in this computer room for those crappy days (pouring rain, nasty cold, icy, etc) that I simply don't want to hassle with the weather to get to/from my out building, but I want to run some trains and/or piddle on a layout.
For that, I'm thinking about reviving the idea I had a while back for a small, shelf type, diesel operated switching layout here in this computer room. The switching layout would also be set in the autumn of 1964 like my Ozark Sub layout. Thus, the shelf layout could use one of the KC&G switchers (that I have on hand) and rolling stock (that I continue to acquire) that would compatible for both the Ozark Sub layout and the small shelf layout. (i.e. I don't have to build equipment for it!)
Now, THIS idea may have merit and just might gain the needed traction to make it happen within a year or so.
More about this shelf idea in a bit.
All fer now!
Andre
