Change isn't easy but its a good thing

I just finished an impossibly small model of a coal skip.  You know one of those portable conveyors that can be moved around to load trucks and hoppers.  Well it’s tiny in HO.  I’m sure my brother would have no problem but I am at best a mediocre builder.  I always figure, if I can build it any one can.

Well that’s not the point here.  What is the point is that I needed a place on my layout to put it.

When the City Harbor Line was first built it was for a display at shows, (still is) but I built it fast and needed to fill up space.  A logical layout to buildings was secondary to showing off the kits.  Now that it’s up in my dinning room, where I continue to work on it, I find I’ve built myself into several corners.  As I add details and create scenes, I realize that I have spaces that are either too small or too big for the new stuff I want to do.  If you saw the layout at a show you might remember that I have a very nice kind of flat right along the front edge.  Just a long warehouse kind of thing.  Not one of our kits but kit bashed from leftovers and textures.  I really like this building, kind of attached to it, so ripping out 18” of model to make room for a 1/2” coal loader was a a tough decision.  I did it and Im happy I did.  The layout is designed to be viewed from all sides, but there is a front and that was it.  So now instead of seeing the back of a flat, I have a clear sight line into the layout.  It doesen’t look as good from the back now, but I’ll deal with that later.  I now have access to a new team track with a loader and an as yet unbuilt loading dock.

The point is, don’t get too attached to your work.  If something is bugging you as not right, follow your instinct and if necessary rip it out.

I didn’t waste my old work though.  The long warehouse got cut into 3 pieces and now fills gaps in the Iron works that is taking shape on the third module.

:)

Thom

Comments

[John Humes]

Thom,

You are right! "Don't get too attached." As one's skills improve older models just don't look so good anymore and new ones replace what you once thought as being great. And in addition to the improving skills the mission of your RR starts to change and different models are needed.

John

[Jduv]

When I am asked how long before my model railroad layout will be completed, I always say "Never !" This hobby is never done, there is always more track to lay and more scenery to complete. When will my layout be completed, when they find my cold, stiff, dead body on the floor under my train layout.

[Ben]

I wish your website had more pictures.....it would be nice to see what you are talking about!!!

[Dave]

Dropped the camera ben. I'll get pix up soon
Thom