"South Fork Railroad" begins!!

Craig, Yes we have to make compromises.  I have thinking about pointy corners myself.  Rounded layout edges look great, but I am of the thinking I may just just chop corners making a couple angles instead.

Yes, at our age and adding the costs, I am with you in building a layout in the space we have available and make the necessary compromises.  As we have been starting to empty my parents' house of which I was the 4th generation of Boyces to grow up there, I realize time will go quickly, and our daughters will have to be doing something with our stuff.

W&W posted:

Moonman posted:

That was fun, Craig! 

I am still not a fan of the pointy corners in the aisle.    I would have a added a scene of the connector panel from Montanarailpower with some electric buzzing or lightning effects.

Carl,

I understand your “pointy corners in the isle” comment, but I’m not sure what else I could have done considering the room size, & the layout plan. The layout plan was to get as much of the items I had obtained thru the years on the layout with a three track mainline.  I could have had a completely different layout design I guess. The “pointy corners” have not posed any problems.   I could have rounded the one corner, but didn’t. I like the electric buzzing/lightning effects you suggested.  I have been considering installing an audible thunder storm/lightning effect in the area behind the Hellgate Bridge.

I have been considering adding a larger train room to the house, but at my age & the associated costs I’m not sure that would be a wise investment. I held off building the existing layout knowing I needed a bigger train room, but decided to proceed with what I had and am glad I did due to the fun in constructing the layout and being able to run trains.

 

Just teasing you. I made the comment way back when you were started framing. (where the photo in the movie came from) You me told then that you haven't bumped it or had any issues and that is how it was going to stay. I didn't intend to hit a nerve with criticism.

The project is great and keeps getting better and you make your vision happen!

W&W posted:

Moonman posted:

That was fun, Craig! 

I am still not a fan of the pointy corners in the aisle.    I would have a added a scene of the connector panel from Montanarailpower with some electric buzzing or lightning effects.

Carl,

I understand your “pointy corners in the isle” comment, but I’m not sure what else I could have done considering the room size, & the layout plan. The layout plan was to get as much of the items I had obtained thru the years on the layout with a three track mainline.  I could have had a completely different layout design I guess. The “pointy corners” have not posed any problems.   I could have rounded the one corner, but didn’t. I like the electric buzzing/lightning effects you suggested.  I have been considering installing an audible thunder storm/lightning effect in the area behind the Hellgate Bridge.

I have been considering adding a larger train room to the house, but at my age & the associated costs I’m not sure that would be a wise investment. I held off building the existing layout knowing I needed a bigger train room, but decided to proceed with what I had and am glad I did due to the fun in constructing the layout and being able to run trains.

 

Carl,  I always welcome comments(good & bad) from those more experienced in this hobby than I.  You didn’t hit a nerve.  I respect your opinions etc.  Thank you for following my construction. 

Craig

Lots of action at Grand Central Station on the South Fork Railroad.

All I can say is 'Impressive'  Craig!!!

Latest update video of Craig’s awesome layout.  Please like and subscribe.

Great video of a wonderful layout!!  

Trains crossing the Hellgate bridge on the “SOUTH FORK RAILROAD”

Craig was kind enough to host my son and I on MLK Day to run some trains.   Here is a video of his Lionel Acela I shot in 4K.   Enjoy and please subscribe!   

Another video from the South Fork layout.   This time featuring CSX diesels and 'on board' views from the engine.   Thanks again to Craig for graciously hosting my son and I while I dream of rebuilding my Harpers Ferry layout.

Thank you for posting!  That is nice Craig had you and your son over

Obsidian and his sons are always welcome to visit the    South Fork Railroad    to run trains,   take videos,   and mostly just have fun in sharing this great hobby.

Memorial Day inspired video: https://youtu.be/4ARMqKE4sZg

Ken, Thank you for the great Memorial Day tribute on the South Fork Railroad!!  Lots of great engines!!  I hope to see your layout start to take shape someday soon.

For those Forum Members who have not seen the “neat” Lionel Hobby Shop in action, I thought I would post this video.   I think it is a really neat accessory to have on your layout.   I added the people on the outside peering thru the windows watching the running trains.

Busy evening at Grand Central Terminal.

I hadn't visited the South Fork RR in over a year due to respect for COVID.   As you will see, Craig has continued to improve the scenery of his wonderful layout.  Took my new MTH Turbotrain and we had an Amtrak running session.   It was great fun to run fast prototypical passenger trains around the big curves and city lights of the South Fork RR.   Happy Independence Day!

@Obsidian posted:

I hadn't visited the South Fork RR in over a year due to respect for COVID.   As you will see, Craig has continued to improve the scenery of his wonderful layout.  Took my new MTH Turbotrain and we had an Amtrak running session.   It was great fun to run fast prototypical passenger trains around the big curves and city lights of the South Fork RR.   Happy Independence Day!

It was great seeing Ken after a year’s absence due to being “locked up” due to Covid precautions, seeing and running his new MTH Turbotrain.  Always fun having him come out, talk trains, run & video trains.   What a great hobby😃😃

Just received the Lionel Chessie 21” passenger cars to match the recently released Chessie Greenbrier #612.             A BIG Thank You to my local train shop, MARIO’S TRAINS in Winchester, VA.