“Hi Alastair,
More work done at the harbor. I find that while working on the waterfront extension, I look for things to continue with it and end up finding detail that is needed at the harbor. I then switch back to detailing the dock in the harbor.
That is what is so satisfying about this hobby, you can move around the layout doing different scenes and not get bored. Your current project will still be there when you get back to it.
The night shift reporting for operations at the dock. The harbor master standing at the top of the stairs making sure that all will be okay for the night shift before he knocks of for a cold one at the bar across the harbor. This harbor scene is almost ready for the last two layers of Woodland Scenics water to be poured.
All the best
Brian – the HOn3 guy Knysna RSA”
(Brian’s last post is at the bottom of this one).
“Hi Al,
As I watch videos with newcomers to the hobby I keep seeing the same mistakes over and over again. I think this video could help some people.
To others, this is old news and they have already overcome their tendency to pack too much into too small of a space. I certainly understand when you start building your first layout that you want it to have everything you’ve ever seen on videos or pictures, but this video will help sort a few things out.
I started my YouTube channel in 2012 but was involved in engineering my entire working life. Along the way, I learned about inclines declines and the efficient use of space. All this experience, habits and knowledge helped me to build Farland B.
Farland B runs flawlessly. I could put a train on in the morning, shut the door, and come back in the evening and it would still be going as I left it. The reason? I used carefully applied good engineering standards to the design and construction. It makes a huge difference.
Rob McCrain – Farland Howe
Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.
A huge thanks to Brian and Rob!
And don’t forget the Beginner’s Guide is here if you want to start on your very own layout.
Best
Al
I can start my 3 branches and 30 sec later either derailment or uncoupling occurs on 1 or all three.Color me FRUSTRATED!
I really like all layouts I’ve seen. But I’m a big fan of weathering. Everybody seems to leave the biuldings and trains looking new.
Re:Farland video: no matter how you clean up your layout, when you take a video there’s always something left behind like a power screwdriver!
Hi,
I am just starting my hobby which I have wanted to do for years. I have an O27 gage frieght train set. I bought this at an estate sale all the track is no good the engine /coal tender and controls are fine. I have various types of buildings and scenery. I am enjoying this app and learning so much
I don’t want to .buy unnecessary stuff.
Jbb.
Alistair,
in my 76th year I have found the Fleishman Piccolo N gauge series engines that I purchased with my then sub- teen daughters, at some stage they fronted up to me and wished that I would purchase their locomotives from at that stage they were very keen participants in the sport of fencing (they went on to become double Olympians in the sport).
These locomotives that I have are 30 to 35 years old and are therefore DC is it possible to retrofit DCC equipment to them what do I stick to DC with the various control’s that have been put away for the 30 odd years? Opinions from you and the readers of your blog will be greatly appreciated. The space I have available for this project is 3.2 m x 1.7 the wall height on 3 sides is only 80 cm.
Peter from Melbourne Australia
Great advice in this video, without a stable solid base with carefully constructed grades a layout will give nothing but trouble. I have pulled sections of mine out and done them again to a more exacting standard to elimaqnate persistent problems.
To Paul O,
So true I was laughing as I read your comment.
Rob McCrain – Farland Howe