What do you feel is the "wow factor" on your layout? (Pics)

Interesting and good question. Saturday, we held a summer outing at our home for a group of our friends, most who had not visited our layout before. What struck them all, more than anything else was our replica of the Newport Bridge. This bridge was not planned to be the focal point, I just wanted a representation of my home State on the layout. My guess is what draws every bodies attention is the lights and the size of it. You can't miss it.

Brian; I love that shot.

Thanks Spence, your comment means a lot.

That is a stunning image, the bridge itself, the harbor...there is just so much to take in.   

Wow factor is not necessarily "big"

my layout has several mini wow factors, that needs time to discover.

here is one of them, that if you watch my layout you will never know that this bench vise work like a real one or like the saw can cut.

AG.

Here's my double tracked bridge... BTW my wow factor for people is the layout is very big, and it takes up the hole room up.

This was mine. Too bad as it no longer exists due to major changes to the city scene.

jim r

Without a doubt...

I think Red Rock will always be my favorite:

Jim

Brian - I tend to forget about your Newport bridge, but I can see from the photo that it has a big "wow factor" in person.  I'm sure when you added the lighting it made a huge difference.  Your newest passenger station that Alex made has to be very impressive too.  Isn't it interesting that sometimes visitors are more impressed with features that we begin to take for granted.  Great picture.

Art

AG - I definitely agree with your point that your "wow factor" doesn't have to be big.  Those pieces are very impressive.  Wow!

Art

From the looks of this photo and others you've previously posted, you certainly are a "Passenger Train Collector" (and operator).  A very impressive lighted bridge.  Did you buy this in a kit, or was it scratch built? Those lights are remarkable. Nice going.

Paul/Matt - Your bridge definitely has a "wow factor" and makes me want to see more of your layout.

Jim - Love your el track supports.  You have really captured that big city look.

Elliot - Your whole layout has the WF for me, but the helixes are over the top.

Jim P. - You have so many on your layout, but the Red Rocks are very spectacular.  They must really get your attention when you enter the train room.

Great pictures everyone!  Please keep them coming.

Art

Definitely the decorations on top of the mountain

Nice work, everyone!

Brian and Jim, I really enjoy seeing your pictures.

Jeff C

Thanks I have a lot of more work to do, like the yard and whare you see bare ply wood is whare I half to do more seanery and the white hill needs plaster cloth and grass,trees ext... 

i have the most densely packed layout I have yet seen. But, as I get more room it is coming down.

Chris & Vern:

Thanks for the compliments. Vern, the bridge is scratch built from aluminum and steel. Therefore it is pretty heavy and stays put without being secured to the benchwork. It measures 6 ft. long and the towers are 38" tall. The towers are a replica of the Newport Bridge and the color is the original in a light shade of green. Today, the bridge is painted gray. The lights are by Evans Design and what is not pictured is the two flashing red lights at the top of the towers. I agree with Art, the lights make a huge difference. The real McCoy is below. Please click on this photo to expand the picture and you will get a much better look at this beautiful bridge.

News Flash....... Just received an e-mail from our Rhode Island connection Wood Foss who informs me they are now painting the Newport Bridge to the original green color so that it matches mine  .

I have to be a "me-tooer" impressed with the Newport Bridge/Harbor scene...the lighted cars passing make the whole scene almost touch reality.   And the Red Rocks are the kind of scene I would like on my layout, and look to be a combination of Colorado Nat. Monument, and Arches (Utah) Nat. Mon. (the auto entrance reminds

me of the steep drive up into Col. Nat. Mon.)

Hi Chugman • Spectacular Features • Shelf Layout

I would like to say spectacular feature is the overall layout design, Called

Shelf Layout.  Over the years I have read several article about Shelf Layouts in the popular Model Train Magazines.

Model railroaders & non-model rail roaders, tell me that I have pack a lot of model train into a small basement and still have room for other things in the basement. Like a full Black & White Darkroom. Digital photography has cut into that business. The only thing I do now is restore & print classic negatives.

Below you will see three photos of the Shelf Layout, about 25 feet long and 10 feet at the widest point. Along with a cover of a book that I used while building the main parts of the layout.

• Click Picture to Enlarge

That's pretty much what I was aiming for - glad you could recognize it.

With a touch of the Canyonlands from the other side of Rt 191 in Utah thrown in, too.

Jim

on mine right now, it is the Mess!

Looks good guy nice layouts!!!

Live catenary.

"Live catenary."

would count as a "Wow" for me.

    I don't know how to download pictures yet so hopefully I can describe this well enough. I have 2 Atlas double track Prat Truss bridges with A 5 1/2 foot double track box beam curved 90 degree scratch built trestle between them. The inside line on the curved trestle has A Ross switch witch comes straight off the one end of the curved trestle to A single track scratch built straight trestle to make my reverse loop on the upper level. I know everyone keeps telling me not to put switches on trestles but its only way to make my reverse loop work out. Choo Choo Kenny

Jim, 

Can I ask you how you created these rocks?  Thanks. 

By far the Great Lake Car Ferry that Alex Mallie had built me a few years ago.  Here it is on the old layout just after it was installed.  The new layout it will be the main feature and I will have realistic operations designed around loading and unloading it to move goods across Lake Michigan for the war effort.

Great topic Chugman!

My wow factor is temporarily back in the box. But, when the Lionel #213 Lift Bridge was out people of all ages had to operate it.

Definitely the cup holders.....naturally they're big enough to hold a tumbler of bourbon too!

Thanks for all the great replies!

Marty - Live cantenary is very impressive.  So is your fabulous custom built station.

Jdeveleejr - Your Great Lake car ferry is a major WF.

Pete - That Lionel lift bridge is really cool. 

Drew - Great building, very realistic looking.

Witz - You're making me thirsty.

Art 

People seem to like this especially at Christmas. 

Chris - Beautiful scene!

Art

So far... this

It would have to be the double bridge crossing the stairwell in the attic.

Gilly

The whole layout!

It sits in a corner of the living room and when folks first come in they quite often say something like, "Wow, you have a train set in your living room!"

Then it goes down hill from there with "Are they your kids' trains?" or "You still play with your old trains?"

Chessie,

They are mostly carved Styrofoam with a thin layer of Structolite plaster. A complete description of their construction was featured in OGR Run 230 - Aug/Sept '08.

Jim

Marty, it is this!

Brian & Marty - If that station isn't the perfect example of the "wow factor" I don't know what is. 

Art

Gilley - I love that bridge and with it's location it looks like you can't miss it.

Laidoffsick - Your roundhouse scene just keeps getting better.  The attention to detail and lighting creates a very realistic and impressive scene.  Great job.

Art

One of the scenes that I am developing may become a "wow factor" and that is my Midwest grain elevator complex.  I am trying for that massive look that I remember from my days of living in Wichita, Kansas.

Art

Art, what a great thread you started!!!!!!!!!

Here's two of my favorite area's on my layout. I also have one more, my amusement park area. I don't have a picture of it right now, because i'm away on vacation.

I don't know if I'd rate this a "wow", however, it certainly is the centerpiece of my layout. This transfer table uses scratch-built rails and sidings, and operates completely under DCS.

It was also the subject of an article I wrote for OGR Magazine in Run 236, June/July 2009, "Creative Extensions for Lionel’s No.350 Transfer Table". Some of  the pictures below were taken by Jim Barrett for the magazine article.

While much iof the layout has changed and grown over the past 5 years, the transfer table engine yard has remained as it was in 2009.

Mostly, it's the "Wow! This thing still works!" every time I fire it up.

Farm

Alex - You have so many great scenes on your layout that it is hard to narrow it down.

Barry - That transfer table is definitely a "wow factor" in my book. 

Mike - I love that first picture with the colorful engines going through a curve with the hoppers behind.  Your bridges really have a WF factor for me.  I really love your farm scene too.

Great shots guys, keep them coming.

Art

Mine is the fact the trains and accessories actually run and that I actually built the thing.  

--Greg

Aside from what visitors to the layout have express as their WOW factor, here is my personal choice. This would not have been possible were it not for the wonderful work of Alex Malliae. And Art, you are very correct.

Brian - I love that picture!  It has both your beautiful bridge and the station in the same shot.  There are so many lights and activity in that shot, just breath taking.  Very nice job.

Art

Mt wow factor is the size of my trains. Great pics all!!!

Ray Marion

Art, That grain elevator is definitely a WOW factor of 10!! It really captures the massive scale of those things.

Right nice of them to do that for you.  

Doug, I really like this shot. You should send me this one

So far when I have visitors they seem to be most impressed with my small Midwestern town of Spencer. 

Art

Art,

What an amazing scene, this look's fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Art please post a few more pics of this area.

Thanks,

Alex

Wow is right!

All of you guys are making this post great.

I would be too, Art. That is one great looking small town scene.

PTC, when did you add that to your layout?!?

Chipset:

The South Station is not on my layout (though I wish it was). This photo came from our recent trip to Marty Fitzhenry's layout. He is the proud owner of this marvelous train station.

When Marty posted to this thread, he commented that in his opinion his CAT system was the standout feature, and it is really nice. But for me, his South Station pictured above is it.

Thanks Alex.  here is a little different view.

Art

Brian,

I thank you for the kind comment's, the station looks fantastic. So does your beautiful layout, it's a must see on my bucket list.

Thanks,

Alex

Art,

It just keeps getting better and better, this is the type of scenery that draws your eye in more and more. Simply awesome.

Thanks,

Alex

Well...I am coming in a couple of days later to the party since this weekend was busy...but I really don't know which part of my layout has a "WOW" factor.  Art, thanks so much for mentioning the skyscrapers at the start of this thread as perhaps that is a WOW factor for some folks....so....I will post some pictures that most have seen already but let you all determine if any of them creates a "WOW" ...  Art, sorry for so many pictures...

Thanks,

Alan

Alan, you have too many WOW factors to limit to one.

I don't have a large layout, but I do have a couple of "wow" factors. The first photo shows the steps to my station made by my friend Richard Fleischer. I sent the photo to one

non toy train railroader and she said "you can't fool me, that's the real Back Bay Station".

The second factor is my use of a 45 degree crossover to make the layout look larger than it is.  

Visitors always admired our vintage Hellgate Bridge flanked by a beautiful stone arched viaduct spanning abut 15'. The viaduct was built off site by Tim W of 'I Love Bridges' from my crude drawings and measurements. He shipped it to us in 1 foot sections and went together just fine.

Another area of interest was the waterfall under the large MTH arched bridge. Most feel that our technique really captured the effect of a real waterfall. There was a second fall beneath the Hellgate bridge but was not easily seen by visitors due to being at the rear and behind the multiple bridges

Alan, you have the dream layout we all wish was ours.  The pictures are beyond WOW.  Dotty and I will see it one day.

Alan your layout is beyond WOW, i would love to see it some day.

Ken M

Brian....thanks so much.  You are correct, the layout has too many WOW factors...like:

WOW...I have to get this ballasting done!..or...WOW....I don't have my turntable area done after a couple of years!..or..WOW I don't have my weathering done!..and...the biggest WOW is....WOW I've got too much to do!!..LOL!!

Marty....LaKeeta and I are looking forward to the time you and Dotty are our guests!!

Ken...thanks!...hey, you are not far from my part of the country so PM me anytime you want to come!

Alan

I totally agree with the others Alan. The whole layout is a WOW factor! 

Gee, Alan. Had the question been "What do you feel has the least wow factor on your layout?" you would have nothing to post.

Pretty amazing stuff.

Sam:

You also had many WOW factors on your previous layout. Thanks for the photos.

Alan - Your layout is the one that most of us think of first when we talk about "wow factors".  You understand the value of creating a scene that makes people say wow when they see it.  I always think of your large city buildings first and your magnificent custom train station and shed, but as has been pointed out you have many WF's on your layout. 

Sam - It is sad that your beautiful layout now exists only in pictures, but we can continue to enjoy it through them.

Lewrail - Looks great!  Thanks for sharing.

Art 

The Run Room size is the first wow factor.

The helix joining all levels is fun for runners.

See my fun toys at my Run Room Trackside Industries Tour .   (Operating accessories are set up for all visitors.)

The complete Run Room Photo Tours are available for runner's viewing.

here's the look from the top of the stairs i was talking about.  almost everyone makes some sort of exclamation at this point.

Susan - I can see that your visitors would be very impressed with your layout filling the room with the action and excitement of the model railroad.  The helix is super cool.

Forrest - The same is true about your layout.  I can see the "wow factor" one gets when they first see the size and scope of your layout.

I love it when you visit someone's layout and are still talking about it after you leave.  And then when you are trying to describe it to a friend you mention that's the layout with _____ and then describe the "wow factor" of that layout.

Great pictures everyone, please keep them coming.

Art

Chris...Thanks so much!!

Jon...Thank you for your kind words...I think every layout has more than one WOW factor as one can see from the many fine layouts posted here on the forum...

Art...Thanks for your very nice compliment...it means a lot coming from you.  I am looking forward to your progress as it is obvious you will have a bunch of WOW factors on your layout.  The station area is beautiful and ....HOLY COW WOW...your grain elevator complex is going to be a real show stopper!!....as a matter of fact, it would make a great magazine how to article...

Alan

Alan; I would agree with everyone else. Your layout is just magnificent. I also would love to see it someday.

Other layouts I would love to see;

Brian V.

Alex M.

Marty F.

Roger W.

There is a lot of WOW in this thread.  On my small layout, its is the engine house that Frank53 (Knautz) built:

Alan, Your layout is a wonderland as it has most everything that one would desire.

Here is another photo from the my layout showing the ELevated bridge system weaving its way through the industrial section which includes many of my favorite Lionel accessories from years ago.

Thanks Spence...and you are welcome anytime!  By the way, I love your Mustang!!!

Jim...part of the reason I have some WOW factor is because of you!!...can you count how many custom projects on my layout with which you had something to do..??!!

Thanks,

Alan

Currently it would be these two areas.  Trestle bridge for main level and blue line station stop for subway level.

Bryan, Love your subway level.  I'm going to make one some day, I hope.

Our 'Lionel inspired' arch bridge gets a lot of attention today as it made the transition to the club's layout after our home one came down. The home layout had about 15 bridges in all, about half that were scratch-built..

Here it is today behind the wooden trestle

Well, I have to say that Brian (Passenger Train Collector) is being a bit modest, and while the bridge is nice, I think it has no where near the "WOW" factor as this image below. I was fortunate to view this layout in person and the images do not do the grand expanse of Department 56 buildings justice.

I also think Art is being a bit shy, as when you first see the bench work and track work on his layout it completely overtakes any individual element on the layout. Maybe after the rest of sceanery is complete it may better compete with the track work, but at this time the WOW factor would be the attention to detail of the bench and track work.

Charlie

When I designed my layout, I knew I needed to have a John Allen type scene where I or my visitors could place a stool and watch trains for a long time without getting bored.

This is my "sweet spot".

While my entry in this category pales in light of some of these layouts, this one depicting the Korber roundhouse and Millhouse turntable have my guests saying "wow!"  I guess it is the idea of trains going through walls and the ability to choose which train and which track you can put it on adds to the wow and more importantly to the " fun" factor!

-Pete

Alan - Thanks for your comments, they mean a lot to me coming from a modeler of your caliber.  I'm not sure what to think about a how-to article, I haven't been in the habit of taking pictures during the process.

Bryan - Wow, your wood trestle looks great and so does your subway station.  Definite wow factors.

Charlie - You are right about Brian's Dept 56 city, it is not only beautiful, but very impressive.  I haven't seen it in person, but from the pictures it is fantastic.  And so much to look at.  And thank you very much for the kind words.

TonkaNut - Wow! Wow!  That is the "wow factor" on steroids.  What a fabulous scene you have created!  You are the poster child for WF scenes.

Pete - What a great roundhouse and turntable scene.  Because it is isolated from the rest of the layout it must cause people to stop and really take in all the action and details.  Very nice job.

Great pictures guys!

Art

Wow guy's this thread keep's on getting better and better every time I look at it.

Pete, this scene is amazing, I would love to see the rest of the layout.

Thanks,

Alex

I am thoroughly impressed by all these pics - wow. Thanks for sharing and keep 'em coming. 

Pete, I agree with Alex, that is one great scene!!!!!

Thanks Alex and Brian for the nice compliments.  Alex, I did post a few more pics of the layout in the subway forum and Brian, a compliment coming from you, who has such an outstanding looking layout,  is much appreciated.

Pete

I couldn't decide -

The JJ Trestle?  

Alarco Elevators?

The Turntable?

The HPJ Subway Mall>

Yard?

Archery Range?

West End view?

Lake Chiemsee?

Alex

How sweet this is   I love this scene

Alex all of them no question

Ken M

Ingeniero #1; beautiful layout & great photos.

Alex - I'm so glad that you posted pictures of your great layout.  There is no doubt that you have multiple "wow factors".  Your grain elevators are really high on my list, but that trestle really makes a statement too. 

Art  

Alex:

From the pictures you posted, I would sat it is this one.

Ken, Spence, Art, Brian -

In retrospect, I really should have narrowed it down to the JJ Trestle and the ALARCO Elevators. But I sort of like it all 

Thank You!

Alex

I think the overall wow factor is the whole scope of the layout rather than details or a couple of buildings that makes a larger impression. I don't mean the size just the overall look.

On the tinplate layout, the trains and accessories are the focus themselves, not scenery.

On the more hi-rail layout, I think it's a sense of place.

On some layouts the scenery seems to overwhelm the trains as if the trains were an accessory to the scenery rather than the other way around.

In N scale, this really seems to be the case. To me its a balancing act that's subjective.

If realism is the aim then the details count..although when I had details..no one seemed to notice them except me.

The more complete the layout the tougher it is to tear down..all that work that went into it...but thats just me.

I would have to say that my steam locomotive servicing facility has the "wow factor" on my layout.

Hot Water - Jack, I would have to agree.  The overall effect of it and your attention to detail are fantastic.  We really need a picture for those that haven't had the pleasure of seeing it in person.

Art 

First Impressions!

Electroliner wrote, in part:

"I think the overall wow factor is the whole scope of the layout..."

I agree, and together with the overall theme, the impression a person gets when first arriving and looking at the layout - that 'first impression' - most definitely can be a wow factor.

In my short experience in visiting layouts, I am thinking of two layouts in particular that have tremendous wow factors when first seen as a whole, and their themes jump out at you.

PatrickH's layout - A beautifully done, highly detailed layout with beautiful terrain, hills, weathered buildings, fully sceniced dioramas, and in addition, it is a lot of fun to operate; i.e., run trains. What a sight to see when you first arrive!

Alan's (OGR As Man) layout - When you arrive and take your first look at Alan's layout, you can't help but to think 'Chicago', and if I remember correctly, that is what exactly what he intended. In addition to his fantastic skyscrapers (*) and impressive train station, he also has a tremendous amount of fine details throughout.

Another wow factor is what you don't see or don't know about some of the layouts. The obstacles, trials and tribulations that some of our friends in the forum have had to endure and overcome just to build a layout, are double-wow factors. I won't mention any names as I do not have 'clearance', to tell.

Just my 2¢.

Alex 

PS. (*) The stories behind how Alan built each of his skyscrapers are wow factors by themselves as well.

Jim,

Thanks for the info.  I quickly checked the OGR digital library and unfortunately your issue is not included....yet.  So I went to the bay and found your issue for under 5 bucks...arrived yesterday.  A fantastic article with great pictures of the process. Needless to say I will be using your techniques on my switching layout.  Thanks again for producing a great article for OGR.  

This page gets beater and beater every day, great job guys,love all your work!!!

Chessie,

Glad you were able to find the article and that it was useful. It's hard to believe that was over 6 years ago already. In "scale time" that might mean it's time to update the geology - a few new arches, etc.

Jim

WOW SIMPLY AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks,

Alex

IMO, not for me to say, but what some - most - folks  have said, the moment they have reached the cellar stairs and looked to the left at the spread of most of the layout (Moon Township) laid out before them, their out-loud "Wow" was due to their not expecting to see so much, both in square footage and in details. I think they envisioned a 4'x8' oval, if that was their experience with model/toy trains up to that moment. Then they walk back and forth, from one end of the layout to the other, on numerous mini-adventures, as they make their discoveries, commenting on this-n-that feature which seemed to have delighted or related to them.

My wife always waits at the foot of the stairs for that "Wow" moment and enjoys it immensely. (I'm around the corner, out of sight, getting the ZW's cranked up and the ten loops of trains and one trolley ready to roll.)

FrankM

...view from foot of stairs back toward the rear section...

The layout continues off to the right, in the right rear corner of this photo...But this is most of what they can see when we may get to hear that moment of discovery...

..front to back of 2/3 of layout...

...looking toward the left, under the cellar stairs...

...the front, right-hand corner...at stomach level...

Frank....your layout is a masterpiece!!

Alan

Yes...I agree with me Frank....your layout is one of the most beautiful and detailed I have ever seen....absolutely a complete....wow..Wow..WOW!!!

Alan

Alex...thanks so much and yes, I wanted folks to feel like they were traveling down the Chicago River looking at the skyscrapers towering on either side of them.... 

As far as your layout, you have accomplished a lot of "WOW's" not the least of which is the control systems that you have installed...and that BEAUTIFUL trestle bridge......WOW!!!

Alan

What a  pleasant surprise hearing from you, Alan. I much appreciate your very kind approval ! Perhaps, I'll get to say Hello to you, again, in-person at York, this coming TCA Meet in Oct. That would be nice.

FrankM

Wow is right, Chugman. I think Spencer looks great. One can almost feel the peacefulness of that street. Nice job, indeed!

FrankM

Moonson; thank you very much but I really don't think I look great. (LOL)

But I'll bet you'd fit right into such a nice place as Chugman's Spencer.

Frank, Your layout and scenery is truly amazing. The realism is outstanding, you're a true craftsman.

...the front, right-hand corner...at stomach level...

I agree with Alex. Awesome layout Frank. Truly amazing.

I wish this website also had a "love" button. I could sit and look at the pics for hours!

My saw mill, I put a interior kit from B.T.S. and it sit's at eye level, I made it with big window's so you could see in it .

Guy 

My current WOW factor is the newly completed (95% anyways) bar. No the train does not deliver beverages yet... I need to make some 'beverage transport' cars first.

Any my future WOW is going to be the Joliet Union Station. I am hoping to put a lot of time into this over the next few months and am aiming to have a basement grand opening event around Thanksgiving.

Great pictures everyone!

As for me, the "wow" factor on my layout is that I've even got it to the point where it is now!

Frank - Thanks for the compliment which means a lot to me coming such a master modeler.

Guy - Your saw mill model is awesome!  Fabulous interior.

Zett - Beautiful job on your bar and your Joliet Station is fantastic.  I love scratch-built models of buildings like this.  Can't wait to see it finished and in person.

Enjoying all the great pictures of your "wow factors".

Art

I love great passenger stations and this is certainly one of them.

first try at water on my layout, wet lands near my home. Not totally finish but getting close.

Stephen C.

That looks terrific!

Thank's,    cocoloco

Pat B. Thank's, I'am not sure I get you, what is #50? 

Stephen: you said "first" try, Pat said it would look good if it had been your "fiftieth" try.

Just me being a buttinsky.

I feel like the village ideate.........   I'll have to go take my medication now.

Steve,  I meant what Art said more clearly. Not only is this a nice job, I think it is unique.  I don't remember anyone else doing a wetlands scene.  Real wetlands and swamplands like your scene are very common in the south.  Pat B.

If I have "wow factor" it is probably my Main Street, with buildings, vignettes, diecast parked cars, and two lanes of 'Streets framed by five mainline railroad tracks.  

Pat,Art, Thank you both for saying such nice things about my work and for helping me understand what I was reading. Some times this bump on my shoulders just won't work. I live in the Hudson Valley,N.Y. and the Wet Lands in the state are very protected. Thank's Again,   Steve

Lee - While I agree with your assessment, don't overlook the "wow factor" of your SuperStreets and how you have integrated it so well into your town.  And I love your open countryside with SuperStreets running through it.  When I see vehicles that can't be bought running on your streets I say wow.

Art

Lee:

I would agree with your assessment of the WOW factor on your layout. Your adaptation of Super Streets in your layout is sensational.

Lee,

While I agree what has been said above, and to be honest, anytime your name comes up, the 'wow' factor that comes to mind is your "Veranda" character in - The Full Story!

Alex