Cisco Bridges: a new layout concept

[Santa Fe Guy]

Good move Scott. Nice to see you move onto something else especially when motivation wains on ones current layout.
I did it way back in 1994 when I started my SFRSD and never regretted it for one second.
Have fun with the new project,
Rod.

[Dave V]

Wow, another N scaler heading for larger scales and possibly narrow gauge no less!  However, like the rest of the crew here I'm sorry it comes at the cost of your excellent N scale layout.

As you can imagine I know exactly how you feel and can assure you that once the initial decision is made, moving on is liberating!

[eja]

OMG ...say it isn't so.

Your layout (and the scene it represents) has been my model rr inspiration since your start.

How can you do this to us mere model mortals !  Obviously I will never get to see it in person.


Thanks for the journey !

eja

[chessie system fan]

I'm sure your next adventure will be even more impressive.   If you can at least salvage the bridge section I'm sure someone would love to have it. 

It's good you're taking lots of pictures.  It needs to be published in a magazine. The layout puts n scale at its best.   Plus, more $$ for the next  project never hurts.  I'd be willing to help with the writing, if you like.   

[robert3985]

Scott, have you thought about offering it up for sale?  You might be surprised at who might want to incorporate many of your scenic elements into a larger layout, and be willing to pay for your expertise.  Just sayin' because I really hate to think about it going into a dumpster.

On the other hand, model railroading is definitely transient art, and the vast majority of layouts that get built end up with an ignominious end.  However, your layout is something special, and deserves to be preserved.  Hope that's possible!

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[eric220]

@Scottl I'm as sad as anyone here to see your layout come down, but I also understand the exhilaration of having a clean slate to work with.  I'm sure you'll keep the attention of everyone here with your next endeavor, and I'm very much looking forward to it, whatever it may be!

[GaryHinshaw]

Offering the bridge section for sale is a fine idea.  Otherwise, take lots of pictures for your memories, then look ahead to new challenges.  It's been fun to watch.

(Maybe one of the mags would like to send a photographer over to take some professional shots for an article?)

[Chris333]

Hope you keep the bridge. Hang it on the wall!

[S Class]

Sad to hear you've had that funk Scott. Funny thing happened a few days ago, I was shown a photo by a friend that was taken at the bridges IRL when he went on a trip. Having only seen your work to gauge the area by my immediate thought was "wow that looks just like the model I've seen".

[LIRR]

Been there, done that Scott, I experienced the same funk. my solution was a switch to HO. it totally rejuvenated my modeling...
looking forward to photos of your new project....

your bridge was outstanding...

[Scottl]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the comments.  I like the idea of getting a professional photographer to give me a set of photos to preserve the layout.  I hope I will be able to find homes for some parts, especially the bridge.  There is a small museum in Lytton near Cisco that might want it, but I'll see what is possible.  I"m going through the area in late April before RMMBC http://railwaymodellersmeetofbc.ca/.

[mark dance]

Thank you for all the inspiration you provided Scott.  I am looking forward to the phoenix that takes the layout's place...maybe Bernie's clinic in May can provide some inspiration? http://www.7divpnr.ca/railwaymodellersmeetofbc.ca/sites/default/files/pictures/2018%20clinic%20photos/bk%20image.jpg 

md

[davefoxx]

Scott,

I hate to see your masterpiece go, but I totally understand where your head is in this game right now.  I went all-in by leaving N scale and going to HO last year.  I sold off the layout and most of my rolling stock, and I have never regretted my choice.  So, the suggestion to sell the layout is a good one.  The sale of my layout helped fund my conversion to HO scale.  My wife would have killed me otherwise. 

Oh, and having a clean slate for the next layout is always exciting.

DFF

[Scottl]

Thanks both, I'm not sure I have put n scale behind me yet, but it is a possibility.  There is an attraction to selling the layout, mostly to see it survive in an operating form rather than any financial reason (although my very understanding wife would no doubt be supportive of this!).  I'm not sure I could physically get the layout out of the basement as it was built in place.  It could probably come out in two large pieces (Cisco and Skoonka) intact, including backdrops, so that might be something to contemplate. I would probably have to build a frame around the bridge section to protect it.  In some ways, that would be preferable than removing the bridge module from the layout it is in.

Mark, I'm really looking forward to RMMBC, in part to see everyone I met in the past, but also to operate on one or two remarkable layouts and to meet Bernie and Max, both masters of the hobby.  I know that without a doubt I'll get some positive energy from the experience that will help me develop my plans.  I can't wait!

[Cajonpassfan]

It would be a terrible shame to see such fantastic modeling going the way of the dumpster, and I hope some of it, especially the bridge, can be preserved. It's been an inspiration to many and particularly to those of us of us interested in recreating prototype scenes. Beautiful work!
But having said that, I'd be interested to learn just what it was/is about the layout that's not satisfying. I suspect I know, but I would be useful to hear from Scott...certainly it can't be the lack of scenic wonders or an uninteresting prototype.... and it raises an obvious but seldom asked question: just what is it that we reallywant to have when we are finally done with our grand plans? Is it the process of getting there that's enjoyable,  or is the ultimate goal an operating railroad? Is it the pleasure of watching trains run in a setting we like, or the challenge of "operating" based on realistic procedures, or something inbetween? There's no "right" answer for everyone, but finding it is a lot harder than might seem on the surface...
I can't wait to see what Scott comes up with next...
Otto K.