More Layout Pics

It's train time again! My MTH Brass Piper seized up. I read about the info in the Tinplate forums and I felt lucky that it wasn't happening with me. No sooner than reading that info... My Piper seized up. I'm probably going to tap one of my esteemed train friends/colleagues to help me un-seize my Piper. I absolutely love that engine and want it back on the roster asap! I have an original Piper I may press back into service.

So here are some more pics, I know some folks would like to see a picture of the whole layout, I'll try and work on that a bit later. Please don't hesitate to write or comment. The blog only gets better with reader pictures, feedback and info. The great thing about trains is not just the toys but the great folks you meet along the journey....
Marc

Starting the Layout

Well, I have started my standard gauge layout. This is a little bit of a psychological challenge for me. The last full blown layout I did (not inlcuding my floor) was from when I was 12 years old (I worked on it until I was about 16).

A new layout is a lot like a blank canvas. Eventhough I have all of the right toys to go on it and paint one heck of a nice picture, it still is daunting. How daunting? Well, it took me about 8 years to get here (my attic has been completely finished for about 9 years). I know, it sounds pathetic. But creating is much harder than buying. Buying toys is easy, building a great layout and having fun running them is another part of the hobby, the actual creative part.

And I am definitely looking forward to it! If anyone has any ideas....

marc

Tinplate Youtube

Pulled this little gem off of Youtube. I have the DVD and it's wonderful. Remember I didn't post this on Youtube (thus I don't control the content or quality).

It's nice if you're at the office and need a toy train fix....

Marc

New Layout Addition

Glenn sent me these pictures of his changing layout. It's a bit dusty because he had to move some items to make way for the new monorail!

He's ordering more track from MTH, right now the monorail track that came with the set can't traverse his entire layout. After Glenn adds the track this monorail will have plenty of room to stretch out and run.

Interesting thing I noticed about these pictures - this monorail looks great with O gauge or standard gauge. I know, scale really isn't an issue in the world of tinplate toys. The monorail fits nicely and that's something most of us couldn't have experienced with an original.

M

Layout Pic

Rob sent me this pic of his friend's train room. It's the kind of busy layout we'd all like to have...

Marc

Nice Layout on AOL

Check out the link above, it takes you to a nice standard gauge layout on AOL. Makes me wish I had this kind of room in my basement or in my attic.

Speaking of which, I will post some pictures of the Glenn Snyder Shelving with standard gauge on it. This stuff is really fantastic. I just wish I had more room for it.

Funny story (not funny for me): I was putting up the shelving last night in my attic/trainroom/office. As I drilled one more screw in place, I felt a whoosh of air by the side of my head.

Two bats had gotten into my attic and buzzed me. Guess they like standard gauge trains as well. A friend of mine came over and opened the windows to let them out but suffice to say I didn't get to sleep last night until 2 am. I know they can't hurt me but they scared the heck out of me. Just not something you expect when you're putting up standard gauge shelving. At least I was a lovely shade of white for the rest of the evening....

Night Time Standard Gauge

DOUBLEYO
Originally uploaded by mrkuffler.

It amazes me what you can do with just a little (or alot) of electricity. This picture is from GREBNESI. The amazing thing is that years before the 50's and "glow in the dark" or intense video games, just lighting up a layout like this one is a show unto itself.

Anyone that isn't awed by this kind of sight should check their pulse and make sure they are alive and kicking.

I have about 40 lights and signals (not including what's in my buildings) for my layout. How many do you have? Do you use MTH or original Lionel?

Marc