Greg’s been in touch with some fab pictures of his HO scale diesel locomotives.
But what I like best about his layout is not the locos, but how he’s picked his theme, and then how he’s made it personal.
Carry on reading and you’ll see what I mean:
“My current layout is 26 foot by 18 foot modeled in HO scale. It is a DC layout.
My layout is a “living scrapbook” of my life. Several of my HO scale diesel locomotives are ones I either road/worked on when I worked for the railroad or ones I have seen in person.
I have done a lot of custom painting and detailing of my locomotives and rolling stock to bring the personal connections to them.
Several of my car and locomotives are numbered for friends and family, birthdates or anniversaries as the reporting numbers. Great way to make things mean more to me personally that way. It has a connection to me more than a store bought stock number.
I have a nice mix of diesel locomotives as well as a few of the giant steam locomotives which allows me to enjoy a wide time frame of operations this way.
The layout is, as most of us model railroaders feel, a work in progress.
I’m still adding details to the scenery as well as more lighting for the night time effect. I’m already working on plans for a bigger layout when we move and have more space.
I started recording videos and made a YouTube channel to be able to share with others. I hope you enjoy it.
Greg”
A huge big thank you to Greg for sharing his HO scale diesel locomotives.
(They reminded me of Craig’s pics: HO scale diesel loco.
I love the way he’s added a personal touch to his layout theme.
I know I’m always banging on about making a start, but a close second to this is picking a theme.
Over the years, I’ve noticed the ones that have a theme from day one stand out a country mile compared to the layouts that are created on the hoof.
When it comes to model train themes, John’s post springs to mind.
I’d really love to hear your thoughts on themes and how you make your layour personal – please do leave a comment below and share!
That’s all for today folks.
Please do keep ’em coming.
And if today is the day you so no to boredom, jump out of your chair and get going on your very own layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.
Best
Al
PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.
PPS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.
Nice scenery and lighting work Greg – excellent.
Best to all.
Brian, Wokingham, UK
Greg , very nice display , I enjoye that you e made it personal , that’s what it’s all about . You mentioned moving , what will become of your layout ? Hope you can save it .
Again , great display , very cool detail , Thankyou for sharing
Very nice, and it’s always interesting to see the motivation behind all the layouts I see hear. My own layout’s location is inspired by the best-selling books by author C.J. Box with the main hub being Saddlestring Wy.
This is such a fun hobby!
Greg
26×18 in HO. Oh what I would give to have that space. Great layout and it looks like the trains run well. The lighting is well done.
It is very cool that you have modelled with your life’s experience as the theme. I just hope that your kin know what’s in your head because I dont think there’s anything more important than ancestry. Nothing is more important than sitting around the campfire (metaphorically speaking) telling real stories to the young-uns. Your layout then speaks volumes.
Big Al
My layouts are not based on reality but a fictional story that is based on my sense of humor. The group of magnificent artists and creators both in the “Hall” and in the everyday blog usually base their work on real stuff and what a great job they do. Me- everything has to be funny. The building, scenery, etc must be look real & professionally done which I am not good at but I try my best and then I name them funny names.
My experience with model trains always was happy and I want anyone seeing my stuff to walk away with a smile. I cant make an OMG layout but when someone says ” There’s something wrong with you!” I have achieved my goal.
Unfortunately todays attitudes make humor risky and many ultra sensitive clods dont know wit from malice. That puts me in a category of dinosaur and “Cancel that Dude” so it looks like only old chaps will be my audience. Oh well.
Wow was great, I hope mine turns out that good.
Nice looking layout Greg like the bridge and mountains
“Landscaping” along/between tracks is outstanding!
I really loved the layout and the burning campfire
I was wondering if Greg owns the Restaurant next to the track, because there is a sign cows crossing. Fresh Beef?
Hi Greg nice layout keep the updates coming.
Changing subject for a few lines. It’s interesting the range of modellers. Those who like a simple layout with huge amounts of detail , those less into detail, those who like to shunt trains around building up a full train to run. Those like myself who just wants to run some trains. No frills no trees buildings etc. The noise of the trains with their sound boards and speakers would drive me insane. So glad that a model railroad is attractive hobby to so many differing individuals.
George, remember: it is your railroad. If it is only you who appreciates it, so what.
I like puns and they abound on the layout. I have a canning factory ( GOOD FOODS. INC) and the slogan is: IF IT’S GOOD IT’S IN THE CAN.
Enjoy your layout. Remember visitors who have a problem with your concept…..the door works both ways!
SF Dan
very nice job.
Some really good mountain scenery. You pull each scene together quite convincingly.