I can also tell you that not all the accessories will not fit where they are shown in the catalog photos. There was a great article written in the TCA e-Magazine on this very layout that covers a lot of the issues of bringing this layout to life.
Mark Boyce posted:Mike, super layout you are building! I recall using paint and brown and green colored sawdust for my ground cover on my teenaged layout (roughly 1968-74).
Lew, you are the man with the plan!! I never saw any of the old Lionel catalogs. I lived a long way from a hobby shop and had inexpensive HO trains.
Mark, I'm not much of a collector but I wanted this catalog (because Super O) so watched for one at a good price on eBay. One of these days if/when I can get a few low-priority bucks ahead I want to buy a few pieces of Super O track, just because it has always looked good to me.
This may help as it contains a wiring diagram. 
Attachments
Images (1)
Mike,
This is a real treat to watch. This layout captured my childhood dreams as I spent countless hours imagining this layout in Super O and in my basement.
The only aspect I would change is the back-to-back switches that the elevated and lower levels share making it impossible to have two completely independent loops. It’s not true to the original plan, but might be something to consider. The loops could still be connected elsewhere, just not at a shared “merge”, especially if relying upon 60+ year old 112 Super O switches to keep a potential Gomez Addams disaster from happening.
looking forward to following your progress!
Mack
Mike Espy and CSXJOE,
Thanks for the detailed additional info about this layout.
Chuck
PRR1950
When I built my D-190 recreation I used green grass paper cut to fit.
Used Rustoleum flat green spray paint for the table as it was a close match.
Here's a wip pic.
Layout was finished in Jersey now it in storage at our new house in NC waiting for a space. Everything else is boxed.
Attachments
Images (2)
Unless that chair is huge, I think that set is HO.
At most, it’s HO, but seems too small for HO. Compare the steam loco on the cocktail table to the screwdriver, glass, etc. it’s really small.
totrainyard posted:Unless that chair is huge, I think that set is HO.
If were were to assume it's two 4x8's put together, I would put it more likely as N scale.
Rusty
I remember that Linoel 1957 layout well. I drooled and dreamed about it too. In Todays world it does not seem so big and unattainable. At that time as a 12 year where I lived, I could not imagine what kind of super rich person could have a layout like that.
Seacoast George, that looks like a nice ad for "Paul Jones" whiskey and how to enjoy it. A shot or two, a little ginger ale, some ice, and just take a ride on the Club Car. Rusty Traque, I don't think N gauge was around quite yet, the artist might have been sampling the product while drawing it.
The ad does look about the same era as the Lionel artwork.
Started putting down the grass today. Hope I have enough!!
Attachments
Images (4)
Nice work Mike!
Art I agree the Paul Jones layout looks similar to the 1957 catalog track plan.
Looking great! It looks like you’re using the Scotts 4-step program and have a nice thick lawn 
One trick I’ve read here on the forum is to use a small clean shop vac to collect the grass that doesn’t stick to the paint so you can reuse it in another application.
JD2035RR posted:Looking great! It looks like you’re using the Scotts 4-step program and have a nice thick lawn
One trick I’ve read here on the forum is to use a small clean shop vac to collect the grass that doesn’t stick to the paint so you can reuse it in another application.
Thanks for the tip!
If anyone has the correct formula to make the glue spray to spray the grass down with after i have vacuumed up the excess i would appreciate it!
I always use 50/50 glue-water.
Mike,
Hoping all is well with you . Have you made any progress with your 1957 catalog layout? I confess I am anxiously following your project and looking forward to photos.
Keep well and safe,
Mack
I've always been fond of toy train layouts as they were large displays of the PW equipment of the day. While my layout is a more realistic view of railroading of the 40's and 50's, its extremely hard to place more accessories on it and they just sit on the shelves.
So i have made some progress on the layout. I am in the process of getting all of the wire ran to each accessory. Next step will be the control panel. And I will have to admit I am not 100% sure how I want to build it so feel free to offer up any suggestions. I would like to keep it somewhat period correct to what they would have done back in 1958
Attachments
Images (3)
