Stickler for small detail, much?

Sounds like those guys need something else to do...

While I enjoy details, I don't find it necessary to go to that extreme.

I just had my last visitors down to look at my layout. Seems the interest in some is about 15 to 30 minutes. In this time frame, the detail in signal lighting will never be noticed. However to each 'is own and I applaud your effort.

Your visitors will probably be more impressed by your signals' operation rather than perfect color. Even the pseudo three-aspect signals (the five-second yellow) are impressive. Our visitors are impressed watching signals change from green to red as trains enters the blocks, and more impressed when the AGHR Kids properly stop their trains to wait for the signals to clear (the AGHR Adults are the screw-ups who don't pay attention and run signals).

I'm an aficionado of the five foot rule, and sometimes the ten foot rule.

Rusty

Visitors are usually impressed just seeing crossing signals going on and off when the train passes.

Yeah, that one!

I really admire the super detailed models I've seen. Some of them had such incredible attention to detail and were executed so precisely that it was hard to tell they were models, but that level of detail isn't for me. At least not at this point in my life.

rrman....they are called two railers!

TJ

I've built each of my family members' houses - 6 in all.  I go as far as I possibly can to make everything match up.  All of my buildings have styrene outsides.

I'll cite a few examples:

1. I will not use plastic sheets for brick or block that are out of scale for 1:48.

2. When I built my house, which has aluminum siding on the peaks, I shopped and shopped until I found sheets that had the correct width for the siding.

3. I hand fashioned every window and door in all 6 structures to get them to perfectly match to the real ones.

4. I even landscape each  building to match the real landscaping.

I don't think when it comes to model construction that it's abnormal to do these types of things.  Therefore, if someone's passion is their railroad, why not have those same desires?

- walt

It's called a passion.

You might want to find one for yourself someday.  But don't belittle others for having one.

I do admire the folks that can go to that much detail like that, but I certainly wouldn't know the difference so my layout will never be that detailed. I know very little about the prototypes. I'd be happy with something that just looks nice, works and I can enjoy with my grandson.

People have all sorts of "passion."  The fact that it may not be one you share makes it no less so.  I didn't notice any one belittling any one above.

I haven't had anybody complain about the detail-level I have, as too much or far too short, but I did have a non-hobby visitor ask, after about a minute, upon entering the train-room and beholding the whole layout, say, "What day of the week is this (on the layout)? Is it Wednesday?

My wife and I have given up trying to figure that one out.

FrankM.

Oh Walt, I sure wish you would add the photos you took of those homesteads to your reply. You know how I love seeing those masterpieces and never tire of seeing them.

To me, it's the big picture that counts: an operating layout that runs a variety of trains reliably. (actually I have multiple layouts for diversity).

Details are nice but not essential. I might get around to them eventually but my current priorities are to repair more of the old miscellaneous items I've acquired and get them into operation.

Thank you Carl. Perfect!

Talking and doing are unfortunately 2 different things, I wish I had some of the artistic talent some of these "detailers" have.  As it is, my layout looks like what it is...a train wreck.

What's so weird is I don't mind hacking on a $600 engine, but can't seem to bring myself to do simple scenery.

I simply don't have the eye for it

To each his own...........   if a fellow hobbyist wishes to be detailed in their approach, great for them.   Kind of a waste to bring it up really.   But that's just me..........