Hello everyone! Great forum and I’m thrilled to be here! Figured I’d make a thread with the progress of my layout remodel project.
Since 2008 I’ve had an 8x8 L shaped layout set up in a spare bedroom. Has sentimental value since it was the last thing my late father and I worked on together before his passing from cancer. I’ve been into trains ever since I could crawl, all starting with Thomas The Tank Engine little diecast toys (which are stashed in the attic) but every Christmas Dad’s Lionel 2035 would get taken out of the closet and set up on a simple 4x8 plywood platform underneath the Christmas tree. But in 2007 the train was handed down to me as a little side graduation present, yet it’s sentimental value to me is beyond measurable. The next year the train bug bit me considering we built the layout. It consisted of 3 separate lines, 1 of which was elevated for the snow scene on the mountain. Buildings were mainly Dept. 56 buildings, and landscape was just paint, several trees, and some white ballast (I still have no idea why I chose white). Lots of streetlights but a few went out. I also use matchbox vehicles considering I already had a bunch and with the limited space, I can get more scenery and stuff happening IMO. It’s far from any phenomenal layouts like I’ve seen, but it’s what fits together with my limited space and my layout desires.
Now onto the fun part….
Reasons for demolition/remodel:
-I’ve wanted to redo my scenery for quite some time now but just haven’t pulled the trigger on the project. Learning so many tricks and money friendly innovative ideas. I’m entering the world of foam and chicken grit!
-I’m also learning that we constructed the benchwork too low for my liking at 24” so I’m raising it to 36” (any higher and I’m blocking a window I’d prefer not to).
-With a few streetlights out, there’s no better time then now to upgrade my lights to LED. Plus my wiring job was horrendous so it’s being completely redone straight from the outlet. I’ll be adding dimmer switches, using terminal blocks, making separate power sections, all new wire, etc. FUN FUN FUN!
I’m sticking with the same benchwork layout except I’m separating the one 4’x4’ section about 5 inches to make a dropped down river. I am though highly considering removing a closet door and extending the layout into the closet as a yard or possibly a coal industry. It’s a closet filled with clothes I haven’t used in nearly 8 years so instead of losing the space in front of the closet door, I’ll just use it all for the layout! hahaha.
Lots of things still under consideration. Figured I’d make a thread that I’ll keep updated if anyone would like to follow. I know a few others are currently redoing their layouts or building one for their first time so sharing methods is ideal. Advice is always appreciated!
