Something’s Gotta Change: HO Scale Layout Construction Next Steps
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- Опубликовано: 17 сен 2024
- So, a couple weeks ago, John at @TwoRailfans asked about the next project on the layout - I’m not sure whether that was genuine curiosity or a gentle push.
The switch panel artwork I mentioned in the video:
• Draw Model Railroad La...
Subject of this video is Motivation and the Task at Hand -
Stalled layout construction due to outside responsibilities AND working on engines and railcars for youtube
Me on the BH&E? I don’t even have all my benchwork in yet.
The keel of the helix was laid in the spring of 2020 during the shutdown. That was the first of the BH&E benchwork built. The fact that I’m still not done with benchwork in four years is an embarrassment. Honestly.
Burr Stewart quipped in a recent clinic about work on his layout stopping since he started uploading YT content.
Burr suggests Triage - get the most important stuff done first - 1 - 2 hours per week to get stuff done on the layout…
And, keep a log:
Date
minutes spent
Activity
So my path forward is to get motivated and start keeping a log as Burr suggests.
Staging level panels, tortoise machines, ground throws and Frog Juicers Tour of what needs to be done.
Show panel.
Reliable
My aim is to have all this done by early to mid-fall so we can begin working on benchwork once again.
I have many projects under development and close to completion and some produced uploaded and queued for release.
Going to bring you more exciting content on the channel this fall Most of these projects are rail related, but a few are not.
One thing I have found that helps me is remembering this is just a hobby. I work full time and have other interest like playing the violin. So cannot devote as much time as say a retired person.
I have found you can also become a slave to your RUclips channel. I used to kill myself in the beginning trying to do monthly updates, worrying about losing subscribers if I did not churn out videos, etc.
Again, it’s just a hobby.
@JosephMusgrove Thanks Joe! I've thought about the master/slave thing a few times, but this is the first time I've seen anybody mention it. My problem is I have sooo many interests within the hobby and, like you, interests outside the hobby. I've had a blast making content for this channel. That will certainly continue, but perhaps with a renewed focus on fun and moving this layout toward my first real operating session!
Always lots of projects we want to get done. Then life gets in the way. Slow and go keeps things moving.
@sdrailfan892 For sure. I ended up spending all of last Saturday turning wrenches on three separate projects in the garage. That was a little unexpected, but I had to find a way to enjoy those projects too!
I understand the problems. I also have been trying to balance RUclips, trains, other hobbies, work, and life. I haven't done an update video in over a year. There is never enough time to get it all done. I have so many projects in the works; trains, house, vehicles, RUclips. I find that the trains are having to take backseat to almost everything else and when the trains are in the backseat RUclips is in the trunk. At least railfan videos are easy and aren't too time consuming. All we can do is keep moving forward and work on things when the time presents itself.
@realwildman For sure. I spent a couple of Saturdays doing nothing but mechanic work on three separate projects. What has to change for me is the way I direct the train time I do have. Working on railcars and engines in the little time I have isn't helping me move the ball forward with the layout!
Just asking because I really want to see that helix lead somewhere. 😁 It's funny that this video went live today. I talked about this briefly in our video today. We try and split our time between running trains, layout projects and loco/rolling stock projects and generally have a list to keep track of the next steps on the layout. We certainly aren't moving quickly, but we are moving. Your main challenge is that your layout is quite large, which is of course a double-edged sword. It's an incredible space, but obviously more time to complete. We tend to use layout updates to hold ourselves accountable for carrying out plans, so that might keep you motivated and moving too. We're looking forward to seeing your layout progress!
@TwoRailfans I took that as the good natured comment that it was originally meant to be. I'm fascinated with the idea of DM&E interchanging with BN in downtown Deadwood, just off where the helix ends now. I'm thankful for people like you who are supporting me in that!
This channel was originally meant to cover more layout development like you guys are doing. I always meant to cover some homesteading stuff as well, but I never thought I'd seek refuge in doing engines and railcars. It has been amazing fun and will certainly continue. However, I recognize that @tworailfans actually shows layout things getting done rather than just talking about it (me).
I'm going to take a cue from you and get some layout construction done. Thanks!
@@blackhillsandeasternrailroad well we creep along at a slow pace. 😂 We were stagnant for a while with layout work, but started just making a list of small things we could do when time was tight. I have enjoyed your other non-train videos too. I just sprayed my yard with a crazy concoction of lawn nerd stuff this week.
@TwoRailfans I'm enjoying your lawn nerd reference. I'm probably a lawn nerd too. Sometimes I'm unclear whether the same guys are watching train videos as are watching the homesteading stuff. List making applies to the lawn, garden, orchard and railroad!
Good luck finishing your layout.
Thanks! Stay tuned...
My channel has helped me with both setting and achieving goals, as well as motivation. I gain confidence and encouragement from the interest and feedback I receive from my viewers. My layout isn't as large as yours but it still seems overwhelming at times. I would encourage you to continue with the construction updates and set short term, realistically obtainable goals. Good luck from an interested viewer!
@KandWRailroader I thought about your comment last night... This is a reasonable approach. I don't know the frequency yet, but a regular construction update could be a very good thing. I have a couple of pages worth of ideas for this channel, but the obvious ones are missing. Layout construction. I've been neglecting that priority. Not to say that I've not had a blast with the other stuff though!
We all go thru these phases of stagnation and “ life “ taking priority (as it should) over the hobby. I struggle to do work on the layout and make YT videos of that work. Looking forward to your progress. Dave
@Crookedriverandeasternrr for sure. And recognizing that, in the time I have, I might just as well be making YT videos of layout progress!!!
Just a reminder that this is a hobby. I know that life has gotten in the way of any work on my layout. And I don't even do YT videos. Thanks for sharing.
@johnbanicki7232 Here is the voice of reason. I need to get better at prioritizing the hobby time that I do have!
Looks great!
Thank you! We are getting there!
I would do as few powered switches as possible
I would caboose ground throws and get operating
Crazy to spend all this money and never get to run.
Tortoise on mainline interlocking
@N_scale Agreed... Caboose ground throws in Sioux City yard. But the rest of this is mostly hidden staging which will be less accessible once the mid-level benchwork is in. So I'm thinking tortoise machines are going to be unavoidable there. I've been building on a shoestring with almost all secondhand components. Still a lot of money. And time. I need to get going on putting those panels in!
You have the same issue as me -- too ambitious a starting point. In hindsight, a smaller shelf layout would have been easier to complete. Regardless, good luck!
@jeffklein602 Maybe? To listen to the model railroad podcasts lately, you'd think all of the cool kids are doing shelf layouts now. For now, I've got my youth and enthusiasm on my side. All I need is a little organization, discipline and luck!
The mic isn't working...
I need to get a better mic or improve the acoustics in that area!
You layout plans are very optimistic and also overwhelming. I would feel overwhelmed and probably not do anything.
Stop doing other modeling projects for a while and just get the mainline operating - so you can run trains in a loop or 2. Then maybe switch off to a little scenery work, which can be fun and rewarding. Running trains should bring some joy and eventually motivation to do more.
Then only work on the level you are on and forget about the upper level for now. Focus on one smallish thing and keep at it until its completed.
@chrisbarr1359 Yes, certainly a reprioritization is needed. I've been avoiding working on those switch control panels. I need those done so I can finalize these three staging areas before I can even think about benchwork above. I've run some small operating sessions by myself and with Milo and let me tell you, those have been very good medicine. Motivation to get more layout built!