Lawrence has been in touch with his O scale train layout:
“Thanks for all your effort and time for sending out all the emails, it is really appreciated.
Getting started on the extension to my layout. I came in possession of a couple of O scale DC engines and cars. I decided I wanted a long run for these two trains. The layout picture shows the new extension in color.
The straight run is about 40 physical feet. Both ends of the U-shaped track will be populated. Each track is basically one big circle (inner and outer circles) so the trains can run independently.
The San Francisco style bridge is built exclusively from one eight-inch dowels. I saw a utube on building it and duplicated the process. I sent pictures of the building of the lift bridge a couple of months back, I never saw it posted.
One picture shows two micro switches that supply power to the four isolated tracks when the bridge is down. Thus, preventing the train from running off the end of the track when the bridge is up.
One end of the track is finished, for now. The upper level is houses and hotel, etc. the lower level is shops. The other end has a long way to go yet. Presently working on the green houses to be installed on one corner of the layout. All the buildings on this layout are from printouts from your store. Half way between the two bridges is a Battery factory, restaurant, and train station.
The tracks were weathered before being placed. They are held in place with screws through a tie, the foam board and the plywood underneath. The tracks were tested for a couple of hours before putting downs the ballast. Needless to say, I used a LOT of ballast.
Working on this is a very slow process as I have a couple of other hobbies (leather working (holsters) and cross stitch (of trains)) that take up my time. Even being retired I am busier and never have enough time for all I want to do. Does that sound familiar??
Thanks
Lawrence
Madison Virginia”
I do love an update!
A huge thanks to Lawrence for sharing his O scale train layout – and here’s Lawrence’s last post.
That’s all for this time, folks.
Please do keep ’em coming.
And if you want to stop dreaming and start doing, the Beginner’s Guide is here.
Best
Al
PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.
Retired, but still not having enough time for projects…you are so right! I know the feeling.
I’m trying to find space for a 5×9 layout. What I would give for a space like that.
That Look’s Great.
I am trying to get my 0 Gauge MTH Trains on Lionel Fastrack set up again, I do like the lift Bridge set up up get in the center of the layout.
Great Job A +
Hello Lawrence, that’s one extensive O scale layout. The lift bridge is amazing. Thanks so much for sharing. Cary in New Market Maryland
Hallo,
Fantastic trainroom and layout.
HC Treintje Belgium Herman.
Nice job and well planned. I had more time to work on my layout before retirement as well. Now weeks can go by without doing anything because MY “free time” doesn’t seem to be mine. Cheers! NJ Mark
Wow, a most impressive layout to say the least.
After a 40 year hiatus, I am getting ready to get back into it in HO scale.
And after just moving after 20 years to another state and more property and a bigger house at 70 years young, some might think I’m nuts!
But have accomplished more in less time than our old place!
Fascinating use of space. I wish I had the space you have for your layout. Thank you for posting. –Tom.
My father once said that after he retired, hew wondered how he ever had time for a job!
Needlework — Cross stitch, funny how that was a second hobby of mine… And one I intend to get back to soon!
LEatherwork? Wow… and I need a holster also… Hmmm.
Great, Lawrence. Always a pleasure to see the work of a fellow “high-railer”.
I’ve been working on a large “O” layout since retirement (12 years ago). With
other commitments it is a long journey (merely half done, at best), with many
bumps in the road. The progress of you and others is the inspiration that keeps
me going, albeit at a seemingly snail’s pace. Ah, one day!!!
WOW! WOW! WOW! Incredible layout! Thanks for sharing. Bill in San Diego
Looks like a great layout. I am like others here, wish I had that much room. Keep on down the track…