N Scale Hi Rail - Retro Hollow Core Door Layout

[DKS]

That's the exact same photo I based mine on. Inside front cover of the book, as I recall.  And I don't think that was one of the plans in the book!!  I interpreted it as two separate loops.  And that's the booklet I had, to be sure... couldn't put my finger on the title!

We should build that as the next challenge!!

Yes indeedy!

[choochin3]

I've got tons of vintage goodies in the collection just waiting for a run.
Somtime this year I'll get over the bridge to run some deep flange stuff on your retro pike.

[Doug G.]

A retro N layout I think would probably be one where the tracks are set up on any convenient flat space, not fixed down. Buildings placed around, powerpack right next to the track, different assortments of cars removed or replaced by hand at intervals, running trains and switching.  After several days (or hours), the track rearranged or added to, more running, more car change-outs. Stays in place for a couple of days, then is packed up or moved to another convenient flat space -- say, an unused floor area where a BIG layout can be set up -- and so on and so on. Even more retro-ish, everything can be packed up in one box (cars & locos in jewel boxes) so the "layout" can be taken anywhere, set up anywhere.
That's what my first N "layout" was.

You mean kind of like this? I believe it meets most of your criteria:




Doug

[OldEastRR]

Yeah, that looks like what my first "layout" looked like. I wasn't disputing what a retro layout is, just that it can have different variations. I guess my description would be a proto-retro pre-layout (as we start a whole new lexicon about first gen N stuff), but it was a very short phase. The desire took over pretty early to have something to run on without having to literally build it from the ground up each time . But one thing I did do with my layout-in-a-box was to take it with me to every relative's house, every neighbor I knew, and set up a layout on their kitchen table to show off these neat little brand-new scale trains. Only once of course, as not many RR fans in my family.

[wm3798]

That's pretty much how this mad adventure started.  A box of loose track on the kitchen table...

[DKS]

That's pretty much how this mad adventure started.  A box of loose track on the kitchen table...

Funny how that happens, innit? My Postage Stamp layout started pretty much the same way. But my latest crazy concept, I'll admit, was inspired entirely by your current retro layout.

[wm3798]

Can't wait to see it.  I've enjoyed exchanging pleasantries in the back channels, and boxes of goodies at the mailbox!

Packing up the track we discussed now... any last minute adjustments?

Lee

[wm3798]

Since we're talking about what we did back in the day, here's a very rough video of a layout I built back in the early 90s.  Life Like GP38s, Atlas Roco GP30s, code 80 rail, the whole gamut.

Lee

[DKS]

Can't wait to see it.  I've enjoyed exchanging pleasantries in the back channels, and boxes of goodies at the mailbox!

Packing up the track we discussed now... any last minute adjustments?

Lee

Maybe just one or two extras of each. That should do it, thanks.

[Doug G.]

BTW, the picture above is as the layout exists today.

Doug

[wm3798]

While digging up bones in the garage, I stumbled across this...

Game ON.


The rail is 5-7/8" long, I built this for that Laurel Valley layout that's in the video.  My K-4 fits on it... the couplers hang over the ends, but that's all good.

It uses a headphone jack and a DPDT for track power, and is what the kids today would call "Thumb Drive"...  I'll have to see if I still have the pit walls... two courses of 6" embroidery hoop... what you see there is the inner ring that I didn't use.

Sweet baby Jesus, there's going to be an engine terminal!!

@David K. Smith , when you have that track plan updated, we may as well throw it out here for comment.  Thanks again.
Lee

[Philip H]

With all these fabulous archaeological finds, when's the next used equipment auction?  I'm about to drop coin on a GP40-LW kit from Briggs, but I want to make sure to leave myself room for you next rounds of who's its and what's its.

[wm3798]

I only have one GP40 left in inventory, and it's an old custom paint in my namesake number...  Something about clutching dead hands should cross your mind when thinking about obtaining that one...
Lee

[MK]

You mean kind of like this? I believe it meets most of your criteria:




Doug

Retro it certainly is!  It even has the LPs in the left background.    Perfect timing as I just got caught up on the LP vs. CD/digital thread in the Crew Lounge. 

[peteski]

Retro it certainly is!  It even has the LPs in the left background.    Perfect timing as I just got caught up on the LP vs. CD/digital thread in the Crew Lounge. 

It might be retro, but what's up with the pink "grass"?  No green or brown tablecloths?