Skip to main content

I just got this topic idea from a reply I just posted on another thread, and I think we can have a lot of fun with it.

Most of us know that the great Pennsylvania Railroad was known as "The Standard" in the big World of real trains.

Whose O Gauge layout do you believe would be "The Standard" in the little world of O Gsuge trains, and why?

It could be your layout, someone else's layout, a club layout, whatever.

I will post my answer to this question later, but will say that my layout will not be the one I select as The Standard.

Arnold

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

When you get to the stratosphere, personal preference more than likely influences your rankings.  John Shankland's Chicago area layout was top of the line.  Bob Bartizek's is right up there.  As mentioned, Norm Charbonneau's is in the stratosphere.  I cannot recall the couple's name but about thirty years ago they did a Santa Fe layout in the living room of their Arizona home which rivaled any two rail layout and may have started the hi-rail scale trend.  They wrote a book about their railroad, I am sure one of our members will furnish their name.  No list would be complete without the past Santa Fe two rail layout in Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry.

Of course none of these layouts belong in Three Rail Traditional forum.

How do you consider professionally built layouts and owner built layouts in the same arena?

John

Last edited by rattler21

I would nominate Phil Klopp's layout at his home in Easton, PA, and the NJ HiRailers club layout, for the distinction of being regarded as The Standard.

One reason I chose them is because I have seen them in person, and they are outstanding, IMO, for different reasons:  NJ HiRailers layout for its enormous size and having so much that is done so well; Phil Klopp's layout for it's beauty, modeling craftsmanship, whim and whimsy, great size, and for another unique reason I will share later.

By the way, in case you haven't noticed, I'm a merciless teaser. LOL.

Arnold

Great idea for a thread Arnold!

Some great current layouts have already been mentioned.  Being a Pennsy fan myself, I agree with the term “standard” for both the prototype and the layouts mentioned.  That said, my nomination goes to the late great John Armstrong’s Canandaigua Southern.  He was an innovator in so many ways.  I particularly liked his unique steam locomotives and his layout name resonated with me as I grew up in nearby Rochester NY.

As a runner up, I think the South Shasta Lines was magnificent.  I drooled over that layout in the pages of MR as a kid, but I do not remember the builder.   Can someone help with that?  Any idea what happened to that layout?

I think Tinplate Art is right, standard and best are two different things. Which makes me rethink my answer. Are these beautiful scale layouts really the standard? Or are they just the best? So is a “standard” layout something where most of can and do run? If that is the case then it is a layout with tubular or fast rack with anywhere from 27” to 48” diameter layouts. But are able to incorporate great scenery and operating capabilities, not just plywood painted green. I’ll still go with John’s Trains but I think Arnold’s is a candidate also.

While I have been privileged to see many extraordinary layouts, including home, club & museum, my all time favorite will always be:

"ROADSIDE AMERICA".

The nostalgia it provided as well as one man's craftsmanship has not been equaled in my book.

Laurence T. Gieringer paid tribute to his local area as well as God & Country with his creation.

Both he & his layout will be missed by many.

Ken

mceclip15

mceclip16

mceclip17

mceclip18

mceclip19

mceclip20



mceclip22

This picture is especially for you Arnold ( Baseball Game ).

mceclip23

mceclip24mceclip25mceclip26mceclip27mceclip28mceclip29mceclip30mceclip32mceclip33mceclip34

mceclip35






Attachments

Images (21)
  • mceclip15
  • mceclip0
  • mceclip16
  • mceclip17
  • mceclip18
  • mceclip19
  • mceclip20
  • mceclip21
  • mceclip22
  • mceclip23
  • mceclip24
  • mceclip25
  • mceclip26
  • mceclip27
  • mceclip28
  • mceclip29
  • mceclip30
  • mceclip32
  • mceclip33
  • mceclip34
  • mceclip35
Last edited by LIRR Cannonball

To many layouts to choose just one for Standard. The NJ club layout looks awesome.  Never seen it in person just on here and videos.  So when it comes to massive well done layouts it's what I have in mind.  Out in Alliance Ne. their is a On30 that I would say takes a spot at the top of the charts. I will have to get some photos of it next time.

I appreciate everyone's nomination for what they regard as a Standard or great layout. Let's have an inclusive approach and feel free to share whatever layout the Forum member regards as a great layout for any reason.

That way, we can, hopefully, visit some of these great layouts in the future.

I agree with John H that the Choo Barn layout is superb. About 25 years ago I visited the Choo Choo Barn with my wife and then young children when we went to York. The layout at the Choo Choo Barn was spectacular in every way. It was, by far, the best layout at a hobby store that I have ever seen. I know the owner of the Choo Choo Barn, who built the layout, passed away during the past year or two. If the layout is still at the Choo Choo Barn, I plan to visit it when I go to York in October.

Arnold

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×