The Thoughts We Have...
Here a couple weeks ago, right before we left for vacation, I'd been spending some time out in my Ozark Sub layout building. During some of that time, I had been running (operating) trains.
That operating session was the first time I had run a solo op in several months. Plus, it's been at least a couple months prior since running at all (with visiting operator, or operators). Running this op session solo, there were no personal life schedules to coordinate, no worries about mechanical or electrical issues (track and otherwise). No "body dodging". None of what accompanies hosting others to enjoy the layout with me. No, it was just me and my trains.
For a change of pace, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
At one point, I was headed south with a Extra 323 South. My power was an A-A set of EMD F's. (In KC&G paint! No undecorated units in the consist!)
I had brought Extra 323 South down The Mountain, and seeing as the 'Spatcher had added work to the trip, I had stopped at the town of Ozarka to make the few moves that would be needed. As I was accomplishing the set out and pick up at Ozarka, I found myself simply grooving to the visuals of the set of F's, as well as the cars easing along the track behind them, and the sounds that were being emitted from the engines by the magic of DCC/Sound.
My Ozark Sub layout is working out great. I was concerned about an aspect of it as it shaped up on paper, but now that I've modified that portion that had me concerned (removed that "compromise" section and totally revamped that corner), along with having operated on it for many sessions, I'm very glad to find that my Ozark Sub layout is tripping my trigger nicely. It's my most successful layout yet.
As I stood there enjoying the sights and sounds of the switch movement, I found myself thinking:
"I really should make some meaningful progress on this layout along with my KC&G theme".
Sensing this, makes me feel even more confident that I'm making the right decision to pull the plug on the proposed 19th century layout in the computer room idea and give more attention to my Ozark Sub layout. Even when the abandoned 19th century idea becomes reality, I will be in no hurry to remove the current bench work, or commit to a small L shaped shelf diesel powered switching layout. If there's a shelf switching layout, that idea will simply come along in its own time, if it happens at all.
In the meantime, I have things I want to accomplish on my Ozark Sub layout before summer's end, and then I truly want to make some progress on painting/lettering/weathering on the extensive undecorated motive power fleet I have in service.
There's much to do.
(More to come later.)
Andre
