Lou Sassi's Mohawk Division for sale on eBay!

[kalbert]

I say go for it man, even if you end up renting a storage unit and standing on end in the corner. Who better preserve it than the guy who took the design to the next level? Its amazing that it has survived this long without meeting a chain saw, a guy like you who maybe has some nostalgic connection to it would certainly be a good keeper.

[eric220]

Okay, I'm going to attempt to be a voice of reason.  It's not always fun being a dissenter, but I'll add this.  Other than owning a piece of MR history, I'm not sure that I understand the appeal of actually owning the Mohawk Division.  You stated that you wouldn't modify it.  I don't blame you there; I'd probably want to avoid desecrating it, too.  But really, what good is a layout that is constructed of two similar HCD layouts really going to do for you, if you do get into ops sessions?  Nothing, so you keep it separate from the Juniata Division, but then it's just taking up space for something that could be so much better, i.e., an expansion of the Juniata Division.

I would much prefer seeing you take that money and invest it in the next HCD and expand the Juniata Division to create a layout that can add the ops that you say your layout lacks at present.  Some of the plans in your Juniata Division thread that you, DKS, and others have designed will be really nice to see you bring into fruition, and the Mohawk Division really won't fit into that plan.  As for the PRR vs. Conrail on two separate but similar HCDs, I say enjoy swapping out the equipment every few months on the same layout.  That will prevent the doldrums and keep the layout interesting.

DFF

As I said before, as much as I'd like you to have an excuse to come visit, I have to give DFF a wholehearted

+1

[DKS]

Okay, I'm going to attempt to be a voice of reason.  It's not always fun being a dissenter, but I'll add this.  Other than owning a piece of MR history, I'm not sure that I understand the appeal of actually owning the Mohawk Division.  You stated that you wouldn't modify it.  I don't blame you there; I'd probably want to avoid desecrating it, too.  But really, what good is a layout that is constructed of two similar HCD layouts really going to do for you, if you do get into ops sessions?  Nothing, so you keep it separate from the Juniata Division, but then it's just taking up space for something that could be so much better, i.e., an expansion of the Juniata Division.

I would much prefer seeing you take that money and invest it in the next HCD and expand the Juniata Division to create a layout that can add the ops that you say your layout lacks at present.  Some of the plans in your Juniata Division thread that you, DKS, and others have designed will be really nice to see you bring into fruition, and the Mohawk Division really won't fit into that plan.  As for the PRR vs. Conrail on two separate but similar HCDs, I say enjoy swapping out the equipment every few months on the same layout.  That will prevent the doldrums and keep the layout interesting.

DFF

I'll stand with DFF here as well. I wondered what the appeal of the Mohawk Division was from the outset, when you already have a superior version. Save the space for a more logical expansion of the JD, which will make a great layout even better.

[Dave V]

I think my wallet just breathed a sigh of relief...

[coosvalley]

I think my wallet just breathed a sigh of relief...

I didn't read it that way at all, I think they are saying whatever the high bid is, is what you have to spend on an expansion of the JD....

[Dave V]

+1

Not to mention that your town is much more believable. Those shots you've taken looking down main steet practically make me feel as though I've been there.

Well thank you!

It's based on any number of Pennsylvania towns I've driven through, visited family in, or drank with other Railwire asshats on someone's porch...   

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I didn't read it that way at all, I think they are saying whatever the high bid is, is what you have to spend on an expansion of the JD....

Funny, that's how I read it too. lol.

And I'm glad you've backed off of the idea Dave. Keep in mind, it's not always a good idea to meet your heroes. I remember the time I got to run the Clinchfield. I definitely had a "that's it?" moment.

[mmagliaro]

Dave,
That Sassi layout was a big step in its day.  But hands-down, you have one of the best layouts out there in terms of balance, colors, scenery, just the overall look of it.   When I see close-up shots of your right-of-way or your roads and town shots,
I immediately think "central Pennsylvania" (and remember, I lived there for about 20 years!)

I think buying the Sassi layout would make for having a cool conversation piece.  But if I were you,
I'd be building my own expansion.  Your work is better.

[basementcalling]

The attraction?  I don't know.

My layout seems to have a fan base that befuddles me.  I suppose having the original would not only give me a piece of MR history but allow me to remind folks that mine is NOT the original, and that Lou Sassi deserves all the credit for what the JD is.

Be the Robber Baron.    Aquisitions and mergers with the CEO's permission will be easy for "stockholders" to approve.

[bman]

    Where I can see the appeal to own the original layout  ( I have the MR issue and started to build it until I seen the JD, then I stopped as I knew I would compare Dave's to the one I was building).  Unless it could be picked up locally, I would be hesitant to have someone "crate" it up and ship it.
Like Dave mentioned, still dealing with the movers.  Something of this size would move LTL (less than truckload) likely and would require a serious crating to prevent any damage.  That cost plus the shipping would add to the final price dramatically.  I worked in LTL for many years and I would be very hesitant to ship a layout.  Just MHO though. 

[CVSNE]

Dave,

Build your own dreams - the Mohawk Division inspired you, and it inspired the Carolina Central when I built that a few years later. But the CC and the Mohawk - and the Clinchfield Ed mentioned - like all project layouts were built to illustrate magazine articles and to encourage people to get their hands dirty and show it could be done. The CC was built in two weeks when the contracted outside layout builders weren't able to deliver their far more elaborate project and we needed a layout to bring to Trainfest!
I was offered the CC when I left MR - but since I knew the layout's limitations, and how it didn't fit my vision of what I wanted to do next, I turned it down. No regrets. Well, maybe one regret.....based on the inexplicable number of fans that thing has do you know what I could have sold it on eBay????
Besides, if you ended up with the Mohawk division you're going to be fretting everything from the code 80 rail to the types of trees and the finish on the structures. If you leave everything on the layout as is it will never look as good as your Pennsy. If you bought it and "upgraded" those things then would it really still be the "Mohawk" that inspired you?

Just some thoughts,
Marty
 

[ednadolski]

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/1993-Model-Railroader-N-Scale-Project-Layout-/00/s/MTYwMFgxMjAw/z/FFwAAMXQAEFSGA5C/$%28KGrHqZHJDgFIJosO3gsBSG!5BjEOQ~~60_57.JPG

Love that layout.  But is it just me, or is that a fairly serious-looking kink in the track in the lower left corner?  (next to the loaded gon)

Ed

[Dave V]

In the end I just hope it ends up with someone who will treat it with respect and not a glorified Thomas table for the kids.  As long as its new owner treats it as a model railroad, I'm good...even if that means fixing track kinks and greening up the scenery.

But yeah, I'm thinking if I had this layout, all the same operational shortcomings if the JD just get multiplied by two.  I'm better off spending the cash on upgrading the JD's track to code 55 and making the track arrangements more operations friendly.

[davefoxx]

I'm better off spending the cash on upgrading the JD's track to code 55 and making the track arrangements more operations friendly.

This.  Now, get to it, damn it.   

DFF

[JMaurer1]

Dave, something is wrong with the JD (database error).