Model Train Journal

[url][/url]After many many years of not having a train layout, I finally bit the bullet and started the first phase of a train layout in my new house. I will be using Super O and it will be postwar Lionel flavored, a complete 180 from the full-scale 3RS I have been doing.

Starting with a 4x8, but considering adding extensions.

(In the first photo I had the 4x8 on top of a folding table for a couple weeks, but was taken down for the actual layout construction)



Layout table construction:





More to come!

Looks good!
Can't wait to see it built up

Track is back up, but not finalized. Considering adding a 4x6 extension on the close end to make it a more of an L shape

Looking good.

A few pictures from this evening. The 4x8 addition is on hold, so I'm making the most of the space I have for the moment.

I love the yard area!!1 There's something about those classic PW trains. Wish I still had my Dad's Super-O track.
So what made you decide to do a PW layout ?

Thanks!

For the most part the decision about postwar Lionel was the space. The space that I got in the basement from the wall out is limited so I wouldn't be able to build a layout which could accommodate the large curves for my scale equipment. I also felt like it would be fun to try something new, and challenge myself to make the most of the space.

ogauge47 wrote:Thanks!

For the most part the decision about postwar Lionel was the space. The space that I got in the basement from the wall out is limited so I wouldn't be able to build a layout which could accommodate the large curves for my scale equipment. I also felt like it would be fun to try something new, and challenge myself to make the most of the space.

I totally understand. I'm in the same boat. The room I have the layout in is very small, so I knew that scale stuff was out of the question. That being said, as nice as the scale stuff is, there's something to be said about postwar Lionel. It has a charm all it's own. Almost magical

christopher2035 wrote:

ogauge47 wrote:Thanks!

For the most part the decision about postwar Lionel was the space. The space that I got in the basement from the wall out is limited so I wouldn't be able to build a layout which could accommodate the large curves for my scale equipment. I also felt like it would be fun to try something new, and challenge myself to make the most of the space.

I totally understand. I'm in the same boat. The room I have the layout in is very small, so I knew that scale stuff was out of the question. That being said, as nice as the scale stuff is, there's something to be said about postwar Lionel. It has a charm all it's own. Almost magical

I agree. My only small complaint is how fast the slow speeds are. I gave TMCC much thought but just stayed with conventional.

An update for 1/17/19

I removed some of the siding tracks to make room for a 3356 Operating Horse Car and Corral, as well as a 145 Operating Switch Tower and a 151 Semaphore, which will be hooked up once I get a couple insulated tracks sections. I also soldered power hookups, 2 per loop, replacing the lockon components.





More to come...

Looking good.

2/6

Layout has been painted. Green for the baseboard and painted under the track to represent ballast, like the old dealer display layouts. I did away with the ugly and unreliable track contacts, now the tower and signal are wired to an insulated track section

Pretty sharp. Looking good. If you want to go full retro try some green and brown sawdust.

Nice. Looking forward to keeping an eye on this thread!

Looks nice. I second the green/brown sawdust!