Layout Progress: Best of Show for 2019

[wm3798]

As we wrap up our presents, as well as the year, let's all take a moment and look back at what we've accomplished in the past 12 months.  Post up a couple of pictures you're most pleased with, maybe some before/after sequences, projects you've completed, scenes that turned out just the way you wanted... or better.  No voting, no challenge, just a little badly needed kum-baya around the campfire as we ring out the old year.  Provide a little description if you like that describes why you chose the subject you chose.

If your layout has an Engineering Report on the forum, please provide a link to it in your post.  If not, consider starting one.  For the sake of the viewers, please direct any expanded commentary to the related Engineering thread, not here.  If you wish to nod your approval, please do so briefly so as not to interrupt the slide show.

To get started, let me just say that I appreciate and value all that I learn from everyone who passes through these doors.  I'm really looking forward to see what you regard as your best work.
Thanks for playing along, and Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, what have you, to all of you.

[wm3798]

Following up on my teaser in the opening post, I regard my first foray into T-Trak modular railroading as best of my work this year.  The full discussion is here:  https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=46708.0

I started with some scraps from a theater set and a handful of leftover buildings, and a goal of creating a backdrop for the station building I scratchbuilt for my old layout.



After years of trepidation about using Unitrak, I found it easy and reliable, at least in a modular setting, and it had the added bonus of providing a venue for me to operate my growing fleet of old retro equipment.



The modules also gave me a chance to work on a crowded urban scene, something that's always been fun for me.



It also gives me a nice photo backdrop to work with.



And of course, the best part of modular railroading, the ability to share it with your friends, anywhere, anytime!



Looking forward to putting some more work into the Retro Layout, so it can be a little more "ready for prime time"...  Thanks to all for a good year.

Lee

[mu26aeh]

2019 saw the CSX Hanover Sub ( https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=34653.0 ) go from 1 to 2 levels, and not take up any more floor space.



While doing this, it allowed me to install a drop ceiling and new lighting



And here is a somewhat completed shot, even showing some of the monster 2 track helix on the right side to access the 2nd level.



Great progress was made, but alas all may come down again in 2020 to allow for more progress in a wide open space currently occupied by 2 car garage.  ( https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=48482.0 )  More to come in 2020 !

[CRL]

This is not a criticism of double deck layouts... but I do have a question. How do you determine the height of each level given the height differences of the people operating the layout, which could be dramatic?

[wm3798]

If your layout has an Engineering Report on the forum, please provide a link to it in your post.  If not, consider starting one. For the sake of the viewers, please direct any expanded commentary to the related Engineering thread, not here.  If you wish to nod your approval, please do so briefly so as not to interrupt the slide show.

Thanks for keeping the train on the tracks...

[mu26aeh]

Come on Lee,  it's not TRW without thread drift.

As for deck height, I build the layout for me and my enjoyment.  So I chose a height good for me.  I'm short so it should be fine for most other people that stop by.  If they have issues, they can chip in on the construction costs and we'll go from there 😁

[Ed Kapuscinski]

So, I've gone backwards...

From this: https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=30583.0



To this: https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=48056.0



But I had some fun with this: https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=46861.0


And this:


Along the way.

So I ain't complaining (except for the fact that my job actually feels like a job right now and all I want to do is work on the layout).

[coldriver]

Seeing this thread was a reminder of how little got done on the Oregon Joint Line this year.  These shots are from the Snowline siding scene I finished back in February.  It was the last big section of scenery to be completed on the layout other than the urban/industrial areas which I can't seem to get too excited about. And of course there were a few new Youtube videos which were very well received. 

[Chris333]

Started this HOn30 layout pretty much one year ago.

[MichaelWinicki]

There's a lot of what I've done in the last 12 months captured in this image...

[Philip H]

I got this far:

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[chuck geiger]

Finished up this in Feb 2019, sold to a local group to be in a Christmas display.

[Rich_S]

There's been zero progress on the Long Valley Branch this year, but I've been experimenting with different eras and railroads operating the Long Valley Branch.
I've also been having fun creating employee timetables for the different railroads that have been operating the Long Valley Branch.

The railroad started off as a P&WV Branch line


Then the era and railroad shift began.









I even descended into PC madness for awhile. 


But now I've almost come full circle.


I do not know in what direction the Long Valley Branch will head next year?
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and was able to spend some time with family and friends.
I like to wish all my Railwire friends a Safe and Happy New Year.

[LIRR]

I've been making steady progress on scenery....



scratch building some structures....



detailing and weathering some locos....



lettering & weathering freight cars.....



….and extended a branch into an adjacent room....

[Bob]

LIRR -Excellent bridge and river!  Do you have a layout engineering thread where you describe how you did this in more detail?  Also, the pine trees are really great as well - nice work!