Weekend Update 3/28/21

[peteski]

I noticed a couple more N layouts-in-progress went to oblivion in the LER thread this month. I wonder what the proportion of actually completed to never finished layouts ratio is. I think the only other activity that starts with charged-up gusto and fizzles out after a short time are New Years' resolution diets. (How's your diet doing?  )

Full disclosure: I never did finish the more than half-dozen layouts I've had. Currently striving to make this last one -- which is my best running one ever -- complete. (Although I did help build and complete a friend's project RR for a series in N Scale Railroading a while back)

Is any model RR layout ever truly complete?  Even if it appears complete, there is always something to add or modify.

[keeper]

Is any model RR layout ever truly complete?  Even if it appears complete, there is always something to add or modify.

I totally agree.

[DKS]

Is any model RR layout ever truly complete?  Even if it appears complete, there is always something to add or modify.

I don't agree...

(Full disclosure: my completion rate has been abysmal... up to now.)

[peteski]

I don't agree...

(Full disclosure: my completion rate has been abysmal... up to now.)

I guess it depends on you point of view.  For example, can't you add a tree or two to your completed layout?  Or few more figures or vehicles?

[DKS]

I guess it depends on you point of view.  For example, can't you add a tree or two to your completed layout?  Or few more figures or vehicles?

I could if I'd wanted to. But that doesn't mean the layout is incomplete.

[dem34]

I noticed a couple more N layouts-in-progress went to oblivion in the LER thread this month. I wonder what the proportion of actually completed to never finished layouts ratio is. I think the only other activity that starts with charged-up gusto and fizzles out after a short time are New Years' resolution diets. (How's your diet doing?  )

Full disclosure: I never did finish the more than half-dozen layouts I've had. Currently striving to make this last one -- which is my best running one ever -- complete. (Although I did help build and complete a friend's project RR for a series in N Scale Railroading a while back)

Most of mine fizzle out because of some running issue that I can't resolve without redoing the track. (Layout worked in the bare bones stage but 2 joints ended up too close or some track arrangement just doesn't work, or seasonal expansion kicked out a track) I've had an entire layout that was never posted here at all because I ignored my own usual advice and relearned the lesson.  And beyond that I never really feel like I ever make enough progress to justify a post which then adds up over time, and boom everything that might be interesting is already done and I'm eyeing the next layout.

[randgust]

While I have a 'main layout' (Santa Fe) that's 'done' except for upgrades and revisions, I've got two portable layouts - one truly finished and one about 2/3's done (and been that way for about 3 years), and five T-trak modules, three of which are 'done'.    Even something as small as a T-trak double takes an absurd amount of work to finish.....

The Santa Fe layout is old enough that most times it's maintenance and upgrades.   Replace old buildings with scratch, upgrade track, and last week, finally attack the worst remaining legacy turnout on the layout, an Atlas #4 with a kink in it that I've never been able to get 100% and my bigger steam hates it with a passion.   It's now so beat up..and it was transferred from my '72 layout.  I'm rebuilding about 3' of track on the workbench for a drop-in replacement, making sure the geometry is perfect and it's electrically solid, but man, what a chore to replace it as it's partially in hidden track, fully sceniced, with contacts and detectors for signalling.  It could be more inaccessible, i suppose, if I'd worked harder.

So even if you want it to be 'done'.... it's not done.

[CRL]

I certainly feel layouts can reach a “completed” stage, especially smaller layouts. However, consider the world around you... Is your town “completed” or is it in various stages of being renewed? Why should it be any different with a layout?

[ednadolski]

I wonder what the proportion of actually completed to never finished layouts ratio is.

I think the concept of a "completed" layout is a myth....   

Ed

[PRSL66]

 :)I agree 100% Ed. I would hate the idea of a complete layout...

[muktown128]

JFRTM!!!

[ednadolski]

I would hate the idea of a complete layout...

The idea probably has roots in the "project layouts" that MR would do over the years.   After the last article in a series, then the layout was "complete", and it's on to the next one (just in time to sell more magazines).

Ed

[peteski]

I think the concept of a "completed" layout is a myth....   

Ed

That was also my thought earlier in this thread. Good to see others agreeing.

[basementcalling]

No layout is complete until the chain saw sings.

[DKS]

I have no idea why this myth that a layout cannot be completed is so popular, but whatever...

Maybe it helps modelers who never finish one feel better about themselves...?