Okay I think this may be a longshot, but are there any RR modellers on the forum? I am weighing whether to downsize my hobby or just sell it all and switch to another interest. My vision is to build a modular set-up that could be broken down for storage (if available in an RV or perhaps a toy hauler, though we aren't feeling the love with many of the floorplans that could accomodate such a space hogging endeavor). My thought is building a stand alone set-up that could be erected on site (in good weather) or at a CG clubhouse (in bad weather) and at model RR shows. It would be built to what is known as "Free-MO" specs in the hobby. This way it could be conceivably connected to other "mods" to build a much larger set-up should the occasion arise.
I have about fours years before going FT but if it's worthwhile, I'll make it work. FYI, I had a whole basement full of the stuff and I'll definitely have to downsize a good portion at the very minimum. When/if we come off the road years from now at least I'd have a great starting point to rebuild my RR empire!
If you're out there, send me a PM... lets see if we can work something out.
Brian
Terry and Jo said
10:39 PM Feb 11, 2015
While I'm not into the RR modeling, I do still have the Marx engine, tender and cars that I had as a kid. So far, I've not been able to bring myself to rid us of something that just sits in a box.
For those that might not remember Marx, it was a train that was lower priced than the Lionel sets. Us poor folks (back in the late 40's and early '50's) could better afford the Marx.
I hope you can find some kind of solution. Oh, and if you are ever in Oklahoma City, there is a railroad museum there and they have a long model setup in an old rail car.
Well, in the '80's I acquired a collection of brass steam locos with the intention of re-creating Bellows Falls VT in 1953. It was an awesome collection, I had every B&M, CV, and Rutland variant. But about 12 years ago, I realized I was never going to build it, so I liquidated. It was a good decision, I really don't miss them, and they weren't going to appreciate in value. And even though I'm officially "out" of the hobby, I now have an excuse to buy an occasional mass-produced loco. ;) I once saw a G-scale ATSF PA-1 that I almost bought for a shelf decoration. Starting over is good. The hobby is about the process more than the result.
Anyway, I'm still immobile, but I've been looking for ways to build a sizable office/workspace into a trailer or 5th wheel. And I see some models with a rear bunkhouse that could be cleared out to 8' wide x 6'-8' deep. Remember, you only need 18"-24" of vertical, the rest can be storage or whatever. Maybe you could build a layout with a removable modular section? Pull-out workspace underneath? Or just build atop the bunks?
Build it in front of a window and you can have a constantly changing background. ;) Build a reversible module, so the terrain can change to match your location. All you need is some space, there are a lot of creative things you can do.
Perhaps a 5th wheel would have enough headroom so it could be lowered from the ceiling?
Like you, the idea of toy haulers came up, but there are a lot of negatives that make them undesirable for living. It's too bad no builder offers a "spare room" floorplan.
Anyway, I say go for it. ;)
TRAILERKING said
09:31 AM Oct 19, 2015
When we were in Deadwood, S.D. two weekends ago we went in the basement of a building on main street and there was a huge train set-up. It was pretty cool. A lot of intense hours went into that display.
Because of Bobk's comment, it spurred a memory in my mind of a m.)odel railroad we used to enjoy many, many years ago. There was a restaurant in Amarillo, Texas that had suspended a track from the ceiling. (I think it was called Myers Restaurant This track ran in and out of at least two different rooms and was continuously running during restaurant hours. Since I was a kid at the time, when we went to Amarillo, I always wanted to go to that restaurant, and we'd ask for a table or booth where I could see as much of the train and its track as possible.
That said, maybe Brian ought to go with a fifth wheel with a straight-line roof, giving more headroom in the rear, and suspend his track as well?
Terry
BiggarView said
12:19 PM Oct 19, 2015
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Terry. Though I don't think it would fly with Cindi. I'm still kicking around a modular set-up but storing it is the 64,000 dollar question. By my estimate, it will need 72 cubic feet at a minimum just for the sections of the layout, add in the various other goodies, supplies etc and it looks more like 90 CU FT. LifestyleLuxury has the side hauler floor plan that might suit this rather ambitious project in storage mode. Everything could be taken out and set up in the campsite or at CG community center if available. Then put away again when done for the day. (would not be set up everyday, still gotta get Josie out for her daily constitutional, visit local attractions and such.)
Many clubs around the country have adopted a set of interoperability standards so I could always hook up with them on occasion and have a truly monsterous "layout"
Brian
-- Edited by biggaRView on Monday 19th of October 2015 04:03:44 PM
FastEagle said
03:12 PM Oct 19, 2015
A couple of years ago we took a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. A tour of the Lionel Train Museum is part of the tour. I took a lot pictures and put them into a blog about the train ride and tour.
Here is the blog address to that train ride. http://fasteagle-scenic-train-rides.blogspot.com/2012/06/are-you-going-up-into-great-smoky.html
BiggarView said
04:17 PM Oct 19, 2015
Terry, Cindi says I have to share the space in the side-hauler with her crafting gear. I think it might work. Still have to reduce the roster of locos from about 50 down to perhaps 5-10 and the fleet of rolling stock currently near 300 down to about 50. Then there is the huge assortment of buidlings, and misc other accessories and over 200 automobiles and trucks. Soo much to sell off, oooooh the agony of separation.
But it's all good. When one door closes, another opens as they say.
Trailerking and FastEagle, thanks for the links.
-- Edited by biggaRView on Tuesday 20th of October 2015 11:50:10 AM
Terry and Jo said
10:49 AM Oct 20, 2015
Brian,
All I can say is that as one gets into this lifestyle, one finds ways to manage to do things. Fortunately for us, my interests (primarily photography) don't take up much space. Even with my new HUGE camera bag, I don't take up near as much space as Jo does with her sewing and embroidery center.
When we began to purge things, we had to get rid of my mother's original oil paintings. In our 2250 square foot home, we were surrounded by about 55 to 65 of her paintings. It was difficult for me to give those up, but at least they went to my sister's, so if we ever move back into a house, we might get some back. We did keep a few of her smaller ones to hang on our RV walls. So far, only one of my photos are on the wall. I use them for a slideshow on my computer, so if I want to look at the good photos, I just back away from the computer and let it set idle. (By the way, if you look closely in that photo above, you can see 5 of my mother's small paintings on the walls. A sixth is just barely visible through the shelves of Jo's storage unit, but it is called "Terry's Unfinished Work" because it was an attempt on my part to do an oil painting. Mother and I both "worked" on that one, but it never got finished.)
Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Tuesday 20th of October 2015 10:53:08 AM
BiggarView said
11:59 AM Oct 20, 2015
Yikes (with all due respect to Jo), but I can't let Cindi see that.... (oops too late). There'll be no room for my trains. That 49 foot Continental Coach certainly looks like it might fit the bill, but then we'll need a HDT to tow it, something I can't convince Cindi to attempt despite offers of "fam rides" by Jack Mayer and others in the HDT community to "help" ease her fears. Time will tell. I like the idea of a drop down set-up (replacing the bed on a movable platform) in the garage of a toyhauler but a suitable floorplan that we both like has so far eluded us.. Some of the floorplans that have storage under the rear section of the coach might also fill the storage requirement for a modular layout but then we still have to find space for Cindi's Craft Corner.
-- Edited by biggaRView on Tuesday 20th of October 2015 12:00:45 PM
bobk3d said
05:27 PM Oct 20, 2015
Terry and Jo wrote:
... Fortunately for us, my interests (primarily photography) don't take up much space. Even with my new HUGE camera bag, I don't take up near as much space as Jo does with her sewing and embroidery center.
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Tuesday 20th of October 2015 10:53:08 AM
Well don't take up 3D photography, and definitely don't shoot slide film. ;) I've been doing it on and off for 30 years, and in this age of InstaFaceSnap, it's become a been great way to differentiate from the pack. 3D has been a dud for video, for good reasons, but stills can be pretty striking when done right. I make worthwhile income from it, so I need to take my show on the road somehow. But I have 2-3 twin-camera rigs, 5-6 film cameras, and the Fuji X digital kit that I use for regular stuff. Processed film takes up space, and I need a table to sort and mount film, and I need to carry some inventory. Two film scanners and probably a flatbed. An office printer and a dye sub. And all of that stuff is pretty non-negotiable. Dual-monitor PC, I can't work full time on a laptop.
Oh, and battery chargers... I've lost count. And did I mention lights? Stands. Sandbags. Ugh.
Anyway, model trains are starting to look simple by comparison. Fortunately, sitting at my desk here while envisioning it has given me some ideas how I can save space by modularizing and storing; I usually work on only one thing at a time. I'd be fine if I could take over a double bunkhouse, but that seems extreme. I can probably make it work by replacing a sofa with a desk and using a folding table, as long as I have some extra storage space. But geez, even my pared-down kit involves a lot of stuff.
BiggarView said
06:53 PM Oct 20, 2015
Purging train stuff.... All I can think of is "Apocalypse Now"..... the horror, the horror.
I know its gonna happen, just haven't reached a cathartic moment..... yet. I love Cindi's support for finding a way to keep doing it OTR. I've worked out a track plan that will work for an interesting modular layout. So reducing rather than eliminating appears to be the order of the day. I have several candidates lined up to post on eBay for the Xmas buying season. should bring in a tidy sum.
Is that supposed to make me feel better? I guess it will make a great campfire story one day.
BoAndRach said
06:57 PM Oct 20, 2015
For a bit, I thought we were crazy for searching for an RV specifically to accommodate five (soon to be six) mountain and road bikes. Glad to see we're in good company with all the other big hobbies!
Brian, I hope you're able to make your train room and Cindi's crafting room a reality!
Terry and Jo said
09:03 AM Oct 21, 2015
bobk3d wrote:
Terry and Jo wrote:
... Fortunately for us, my interests (primarily photography) don't take up much space. Even with my new HUGE camera bag, I don't take up near as much space as Jo does with her sewing and embroidery center.
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Tuesday 20th of October 2015 10:53:08 AM
Well don't take up 3D photography, and definitely don't shoot slide film. ;) I've been doing it on and off for 30 years, and in this age of InstaFaceSnap, it's become a been great way to differentiate from the pack. 3D has been a dud for video, for good reasons, but stills can be pretty striking when done right. I make worthwhile income from it, so I need to take my show on the road somehow. But I have 2-3 twin-camera rigs, 5-6 film cameras, and the Fuji X digital kit that I use for regular stuff. Processed film takes up space, and I need a table to sort and mount film, and I need to carry some inventory. Two film scanners and probably a flatbed. An office printer and a dye sub. And all of that stuff is pretty non-negotiable. Dual-monitor PC, I can't work full time on a laptop.
Oh, and battery chargers... I've lost count. And did I mention lights? Stands. Sandbags. Ugh.
Anyway, model trains are starting to look simple by comparison. Fortunately, sitting at my desk here while envisioning it has given me some ideas how I can save space by modularizing and storing; I usually work on only one thing at a time. I'd be fine if I could take over a double bunkhouse, but that seems extreme. I can probably make it work by replacing a sofa with a desk and using a folding table, as long as I have some extra storage space. But geez, even my pared-down kit involves a lot of stuff.
Sorry, Bob. I'm not THAT involved with photography. I simply have two Nikon DSLR's, 4 different lenses for those, and other related accessories. The Nikons are a D300 and a D700, so I have both FX and DX formats. As a backup (and a loaner camera for others), I have a Nikon Coolpix 5700 in a separate case. The latter is basically a point and shoot (non-interchangeable lenses) that does see 'through the lens' instead of having a dedicated viewfinder lens.
I primarily like nature and wildlife and scenic photography, but I'm also likely to take pictures of just about anything that I find interesting. I don't do 'artistic' photography, nor do I do much post-processing. All of my cameras are digital.
Terry
bobk3d said
10:24 AM Oct 22, 2015
Nearly everybody who does photography for income wishes they could strip down to the basics and just do what they enjoy, so keep at it. That's the kind of photography I'll be doing on a daily basis, but I usually shoot 3D when it's not too much extra work. There will be plenty of scenic train photos, but 3D lets me shoot the same overused angles as everybody else and still be different. ;)
For scenic shots, I have a pair of Canon Rebels that link together, they just work better for 3D than the pro models or full-frame. Even so, it's a beast of a rig to lug around. And the film stuff... all I can say is that you have to see it done well to appreciate it, and it's rarely done well. I was fortunate enough to have been inspired by some bartender/artists in my youth, a small group who were creative enough to get a feature in Life magazine, 09/81. I shot a lot of 3D trains in the 80's, but I was an early adopter of digital (1997), so 3D went on hold for a while. Then I reconnected with my 3D friends in 2008, and they were still working away at it, so I dived in head first. And since they meet monthly, I know I'll always have an audience of at least six. :)
My main 2D cameras are now a Fuji XT-10 and X-Pro; I downsized from a full-frame Canon because I live in a condo and I have to take the camera with me when I go out. The Fuji kit is so much lighter and more compact, the Canon was getting left at home unless I had a specific reason to need it. Image quality is pretty comparable, the Fuji is better in many ways. Canon's sensor technology has really fallen behind over the last few years. I'd love to try one of the new Nikon or Sony full-frame models.
Shooting people is a whole other skill that I only started 5-6 years ago; I don't claim to be good at it, but I'm passable, occasionally creative, and I've gotten over the fear that paralyzed me when I started. It's really more of a people skill than a photography skill, I'm glad I've learned what I have, but I can see my limits, too. And it's an emotional roller coaster... it's so weird to take somebody's money when you think the photos you took for them suck. I could never get over that. I keep a placeholder page on the web, rarely updated: http://bobk.com
The Bear II said
01:17 PM Oct 22, 2015
For your enjoyment here's a buddies large garden railroad setup in Nevada:
Love it. Call it crazy but the "imagineered" history he has created adds a real flavor to his passion. At the peak of construction on my own home layout, I had fictitiously named my railroad the the Piedmont Subdivision of the CSX. It ran through parts of TN, GA and NC and was headquartered in Bostic, NC. I even created the "Bostic Bugle" (fake newspaper) with a cast of fictitious characters that were the subject of several news reports for my model RR friends. These characters had tongue in cheek names like Willie Maykitt, (the local johnny come lately), Ivanna Biastar (celebrity wannabe and socialite) or Detective Jess Duffacks (always commenting to this reporter on suspicious unusual phenomena around the railroad property) just to name a few. All in good fun. A recurring theme was the presence of benevolent giant aliens lurking in the woods near the train tracks that were always ready to help with the construction of the mainline.... true story!!!....who'd a thunk it? There's even reports that the aliens have been caught on film. WOW!
I have in mind, doing something similar if we ever get a blog off the ground for our future adventures. There is a rich tapestry, fodder for the grist mill that would make some great story telling for the amusement of all readers.
Thanks for sharing the link.
Brian
-- Edited by biggaRView on Thursday 22nd of October 2015 02:02:42 PM
bobk3d said
03:14 PM Oct 22, 2015
Well, my current hobby is sort of like garden railroading, but less imaginary... they're currently building a 1:1 scale passenger corridor in my backyard. I'm about 200 feet from the Florida East Coast line, which they're rebuilding with double track and concrete ties for passenger service, and building three new stations. It's fascinating to see it come together piece by piece.
As a model builder, I was always more interested in recreating history than creating my own. But that was just me, most of the model RR's that I admire sprang from the builder's own vision. John Allen is the perfect example, of course.
BiggarView said
03:18 PM Oct 22, 2015
He was one of the masters. The Gorre & Daphetid RR will live on in my memory forever.
-- Edited by biggaRView on Thursday 22nd of October 2015 03:19:10 PM
Terry and Jo said
10:48 AM Oct 23, 2015
WOW!!! I never knew that the model railroaders got so much into their hobby. That is cool about Brian's "newspaper." At one time in my life, I went to college for one year on a Journalism scholarship. (Too bad I changed my major from Journalism to Party.)
I guess I need to ask you that are modelers to post some other links to model railroads. While I'm still something of a train buff, I never had the patience (nor ready cash) to build my own. So, when I have a chance, I revel in the work of others. Maybe you might even start a new thread in the "Pursuing Hobbies and Interests On the Road" category entitled for model RR links?
Terry
bobk3d said
12:19 PM Oct 23, 2015
You know, it dawned on me that there are some large model exhibits open to the public. I've never made it to any, but I know there was a big one in San Diego at Balboa Park, several clubs run it. There's also an attraction called Roadside America, I think it is, along I-81 in Pennsylvania. Again, I haven't been, but a friend shot some 3D there, and it looks like fun. You usually don't have to be a train enthusiast to enjoy them, I think of them as folk art.
There are also some good full-size museums. I'm ashamed that I haven't visited Steamtown since it was in Vermont; since it's now National Park Service, it's oriented toward the broader public with a focus on history. Cal State RR Museum in Sacramento is also very good like that. There are dozens more that would appeal mostly to train enthusiasts.
Unfortunately I don't have any links handy, but now that it's on my mind, perhaps I'll come up with some.
With any luck, a year from now I'll have collected a good list of places to camp trackside.
Terry and Jo said
10:55 PM Oct 23, 2015
Here's a start, Bob.
Durango, CO
United Campground - claims to have the Durango/Silverton railroad tracks go right through their park
Alpen Rose RV Park - the map shows it to be close to Highway 550, which parallels the D/S tracks, although I don't know how close they are to the actual tracks.
Now this next link isn't to an actual RV park, but is a 2010 entry on Railroad Forums (.com) website. I have no idea how accurate the information there is.
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Friday 23rd of October 2015 11:02:11 PM
bobk3d said
12:45 AM Oct 24, 2015
Yes, apparently there are a couple of parks in Silverton, and along US550 just north of Durango. I think the D&S only runs one round trip a day, but it's a beautiful area. Late September, wow. It does get crowded around then.
Here are are the best candidates I've found on a map search:
Jame M Robb State Park, just across the Colorado from the D&RGW, which currently sees about 16 trains/day.
There are also some campsites along Cal 70 in Feather River Canyon. Cal State parks and as I recall, they're expensive and no hookups. Feather River Canyon from Portola to Oroville is a must-do route; train traffic can be spotty but it's so scenic that you don't care. Museum in Portola.
Crystal Hot Springs, Honeyville, UT; I think the UP line behind it is pretty busy, but I've never been to the area.
http://www.crystalhotsprings.net/
Thousand Trails has a park in Soledad Canyon, CA, along the UP/Metrolink.
Afton Canyon east of Barstow has dry camping, and it's close to the UP main.
One place I've always wished I could go is the Meadow Valley Wash on the UP between Moapa and Caliente, Nevada. I once rode it eastbound on Amtrak leaving Vegas in the evening, and we kept passing campfires along this winding canyon route, it seemed like the ideal spot. But it's a remote dirt road, I don't think it's RV territory. We might find out.
https://goo.gl/maps/UjWfxBoyqXB2
Colorado River Road going north from Dotsero, CO. is a maintained dirt road, and there are 2-3 free state campsites trackside on the UP/D&RGW. I'm not sure it's worth the trouble in an RV, but it's a really fun and scenic drive in an SUV. This curve is ridiculously scary when there's a train passing: https://goo.gl/maps/2Xm9HHtteXF2 It narrows to 1.5 lanes, rock wall on one side and trains on the other. If somebody were coming the other way, a head-on might be the best outcome.
-- Edited by bobk3d on Saturday 24th of October 2015 12:54:28 AM
-- Edited by bobk3d on Saturday 24th of October 2015 12:56:55 AM
Terry and Jo said
08:14 AM Oct 24, 2015
Bob,
During Summer and Fall, the Durango/Silverton train runs up to 3 times a day between the two towns, depending on dates. See schedule here.
During Winter and Spring, they don't go all the way to Silverton, but only to Cascade Canyon. See schedule here.
As for RV parks in Silverton, I've not checked those out yet. During the summer this year, we went tent camping over to Lake Molas Campground, which is about 5 miles south of Silverton. However, since we were in tents, the RV option (at least for our size of RV) was not possible at Lake Molas.
Terry
bobk3d said
12:00 PM Oct 24, 2015
I think the parks in Durango are across the 550 from the tracks, but close enough to walk since they're on a schedule. The one time I passed through, I found some photo locations just north of town.
Funny, one thing I don't enjoy is riding steam trains. I did some x-country trips in Amtrak sleepers back when it was affordable, those were fun. But riding inside an old train isn't any nicer than riding a new one, you never even get to see the loco. The D&S route might be interesting just because it's so extreme.
My dad, who actually rode steam trains for transportation, had no nostalgia for them. All he talked about was how dirty they were.
-- Edited by bobk3d on Saturday 24th of October 2015 12:02:04 PM
Wannabe_Fulltimer said
12:09 PM Nov 15, 2015
Well I'm not full timing yet, but have started the planning towards that end. I'm also a model RRer. My wife, who has always been supportive of my hobbies, suggested that a good way to slim down is to build a section at a time of a larger model railroad for grandchildren. That might be a module, or a 2' X 4' quadrant of a 4' X 8' layout. Either should fit in storage without taking up too much space.
John.
BiggarView said
02:53 PM Nov 15, 2015
I have worked out a design for a modular layout, that could be transported in an RV... if the floorplan or available storage compartments will allow. Assembled, 4 modules would be roughly 6'x15' (maximum size I have under consideration) plus an extension for staging trains on. Obviously I could only set it up outside on a campsite or at a CG community center building if available. After an "operating session", it would be disassembled and put away for the next time. Stowing it would require roughly 90-100 cu ft of space and would weigh about 240-300 pounds for everything depending on construction methods employed. Using Free-Mo standards I could attach the entire set-up to a larger train show or club layout or other modules similarly designed for added modelling or operating possibilities. Alternatively, I have considered switching scales and going to N scale from HO. It would require half the space to stow it... an important consideration.
Discussions on here about electrical situations at CGs has me rethinking some options as most of my equipment has digital command control circuit boards in them and might not take kindly to voltage fluctuations. Frying electronics is not my idea of fun. At least with N scale, it could be set and run safely more easily from protected rig power equipped with one of those Progressive surge protection systems. So much to think about.
Maybe I should take up RC , an earlier love of mine from way back. Might be safer from a success perspective and take up less space. Good thing I have time to weigh the options.
Brian
bobk3d said
10:11 AM Dec 24, 2015
Now here's a floorplan for modular railroads... Keystone Montana 3791RD, look it up, they don't have direct links. The living area in the rear is raised, and the space underneath is used for storage... looks perfect for modules, maybe 4 or more depending on size. I think a few other companies make variations on this idea.
BiggarView said
07:25 AM Dec 28, 2015
I agree the storage area under the living room looks attractive for modular RR storage and certainly has potential. If only that was all that mattered....
We like the idea, but... (are you listening Keystone et al?) the living room area needs to be massaged. We'd move the entertainment center to the curbside slide, lengthen the roadside side slide about a foot to accomodate a larger/better theatre seating/loveseat, put a sofa in the current location of the entertainment center and change the current theatre seating (inferior design and quality in our opinion) with a desk for a home/office crafting area. Other that, love the storage below the living room area but I'm a bit concerned about the height of the storage space doors as a limiting factor for what will fit into the space. (N scale models would solve that issue). We don't really want to make such major remodeling changes even if the roadside slide was already long enough for our vision, but one can never say never.
Don't think Keystone will be willing to make the desired change in the roadside slide length... so it will probably remain a dream. Time will tell.
Plan B would be to swap locations of the current theatre seating in the plan and the entertainment center, replace with better quality theatre seating, rip out one of the loveseats (probably the curbside one) and install a desk. Not sure the current area allocated for the entertainment center is deep enough to allow nicer theatre seats and let the slides close. The floorplan diagram suggests it will be close, without an actual measurement, I remain skeptical. This strategy would probably be more doable if the theatre seating fits however.
Thanks for passing along the suggestion. We'll take a look at one if the opportunity arises.
Okay I think this may be a longshot, but are there any RR modellers on the forum? I am weighing whether to downsize my hobby or just sell it all and switch to another interest. My vision is to build a modular set-up that could be broken down for storage (if available in an RV or perhaps a toy hauler, though we aren't feeling the love with many of the floorplans that could accomodate such a space hogging endeavor). My thought is building a stand alone set-up that could be erected on site (in good weather) or at a CG clubhouse (in bad weather) and at model RR shows. It would be built to what is known as "Free-MO" specs in the hobby. This way it could be conceivably connected to other "mods" to build a much larger set-up should the occasion arise.
I have about fours years before going FT but if it's worthwhile, I'll make it work. FYI, I had a whole basement full of the stuff and I'll definitely have to downsize a good portion at the very minimum. When/if we come off the road years from now at least I'd have a great starting point to rebuild my RR empire!
If you're out there, send me a PM... lets see if we can work something out.
Brian
While I'm not into the RR modeling, I do still have the Marx engine, tender and cars that I had as a kid. So far, I've not been able to bring myself to rid us of something that just sits in a box.
For those that might not remember Marx, it was a train that was lower priced than the Lionel sets. Us poor folks (back in the late 40's and early '50's) could better afford the Marx.
I hope you can find some kind of solution. Oh, and if you are ever in Oklahoma City, there is a railroad museum there and they have a long model setup in an old rail car.
Oklahoma Railway Museum
Terry
Well, in the '80's I acquired a collection of brass steam locos with the intention of re-creating Bellows Falls VT in 1953. It was an awesome collection, I had every B&M, CV, and Rutland variant. But about 12 years ago, I realized I was never going to build it, so I liquidated. It was a good decision, I really don't miss them, and they weren't going to appreciate in value. And even though I'm officially "out" of the hobby, I now have an excuse to buy an occasional mass-produced loco. ;) I once saw a G-scale ATSF PA-1 that I almost bought for a shelf decoration. Starting over is good. The hobby is about the process more than the result.
Anyway, I'm still immobile, but I've been looking for ways to build a sizable office/workspace into a trailer or 5th wheel. And I see some models with a rear bunkhouse that could be cleared out to 8' wide x 6'-8' deep. Remember, you only need 18"-24" of vertical, the rest can be storage or whatever. Maybe you could build a layout with a removable modular section? Pull-out workspace underneath? Or just build atop the bunks?
Build it in front of a window and you can have a constantly changing background. ;) Build a reversible module, so the terrain can change to match your location. All you need is some space, there are a lot of creative things you can do.
Perhaps a 5th wheel would have enough headroom so it could be lowered from the ceiling?
Like you, the idea of toy haulers came up, but there are a lot of negatives that make them undesirable for living. It's too bad no builder offers a "spare room" floorplan.
Anyway, I say go for it. ;)
When we were in Deadwood, S.D. two weekends ago we went in the basement of a building on main street and there was a huge train set-up. It was pretty cool. A lot of intense hours went into that display.
http://enjoydeadwood.com/attractions/model-train/
Because of Bobk's comment, it spurred a memory in my mind of a m.)odel railroad we used to enjoy many, many years ago. There was a restaurant in Amarillo, Texas that had suspended a track from the ceiling. (I think it was called Myers Restaurant This track ran in and out of at least two different rooms and was continuously running during restaurant hours. Since I was a kid at the time, when we went to Amarillo, I always wanted to go to that restaurant, and we'd ask for a table or booth where I could see as much of the train and its track as possible.
That said, maybe Brian ought to go with a fifth wheel with a straight-line roof, giving more headroom in the rear, and suspend his track as well?
Terry
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Terry. Though I don't think it would fly with Cindi. I'm still kicking around a modular set-up but storing it is the 64,000 dollar question. By my estimate, it will need 72 cubic feet at a minimum just for the sections of the layout, add in the various other goodies, supplies etc and it looks more like 90 CU FT. LifestyleLuxury has the side hauler floor plan that might suit this rather ambitious project in storage mode. Everything could be taken out and set up in the campsite or at CG community center if available. Then put away again when done for the day. (would not be set up everyday
, still gotta get Josie out for her daily constitutional, visit local attractions and such.)
Many clubs around the country have adopted a set of interoperability standards so I could always hook up with them on occasion and have a truly monsterous "layout"
Brian
-- Edited by biggaRView on Monday 19th of October 2015 04:03:44 PM
A couple of years ago we took a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. A tour of the Lionel Train Museum is part of the tour. I took a lot pictures and put them into a blog about the train ride and tour.
Here is the blog address to that train ride. http://fasteagle-scenic-train-rides.blogspot.com/2012/06/are-you-going-up-into-great-smoky.html
Terry, Cindi says I have to share the space in the side-hauler with her crafting gear. I think it might work. Still have to reduce the roster of locos from about 50 down to perhaps 5-10 and the fleet of rolling stock currently near 300 down to about 50. Then there is the huge assortment of buidlings, and misc other accessories and over 200 automobiles and trucks. Soo much to sell off, oooooh the agony of separation.
But it's all good. When one door closes, another opens as they say.
Trailerking and FastEagle, thanks for the links.
-- Edited by biggaRView on Tuesday 20th of October 2015 11:50:10 AM
Brian,
All I can say is that as one gets into this lifestyle, one finds ways to manage to do things. Fortunately for us, my interests (primarily photography) don't take up much space. Even with my new HUGE camera bag, I don't take up near as much space as Jo does with her sewing and embroidery center.
Now, if you really get desperate, check out the Continental Coach 49-foot fifth wheel. It might have the room for you.
When we began to purge things, we had to get rid of my mother's original oil paintings. In our 2250 square foot home, we were surrounded by about 55 to 65 of her paintings. It was difficult for me to give those up, but at least they went to my sister's, so if we ever move back into a house, we might get some back. We did keep a few of her smaller ones to hang on our RV walls. So far, only one of my photos are on the wall. I use them for a slideshow on my computer, so if I want to look at the good photos, I just back away from the computer and let it set idle. (By the way, if you look closely in that photo above, you can see 5 of my mother's small paintings on the walls. A sixth is just barely visible through the shelves of Jo's storage unit, but it is called "Terry's Unfinished Work" because it was an attempt on my part to do an oil painting. Mother and I both "worked" on that one, but it never got finished.)
Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Tuesday 20th of October 2015 10:53:08 AM
Yikes (with all due respect to Jo), but I can't let Cindi see that
.... (oops too late). There'll be no room for my trains.
That 49 foot Continental Coach certainly looks like it might fit the bill, but then we'll need a HDT to tow it, something I can't convince Cindi to attempt despite offers of "fam rides" by Jack Mayer and others in the HDT community to "help" ease her fears. Time will tell. I like the idea of a drop down set-up (replacing the bed on a movable platform) in the garage of a toyhauler but a suitable floorplan that we both like has so far eluded us.
. Some of the floorplans that have storage under the rear section of the coach might also fill the storage requirement for a modular layout but then we still have to find space for Cindi's Craft Corner.
-- Edited by biggaRView on Tuesday 20th of October 2015 12:00:45 PM
Well don't take up 3D photography, and definitely don't shoot slide film. ;) I've been doing it on and off for 30 years, and in this age of InstaFaceSnap, it's become a been great way to differentiate from the pack. 3D has been a dud for video, for good reasons, but stills can be pretty striking when done right. I make worthwhile income from it, so I need to take my show on the road somehow. But I have 2-3 twin-camera rigs, 5-6 film cameras, and the Fuji X digital kit that I use for regular stuff. Processed film takes up space, and I need a table to sort and mount film, and I need to carry some inventory. Two film scanners and probably a flatbed. An office printer and a dye sub. And all of that stuff is pretty non-negotiable. Dual-monitor PC, I can't work full time on a laptop.
Oh, and battery chargers... I've lost count. And did I mention lights? Stands. Sandbags. Ugh.
Anyway, model trains are starting to look simple by comparison. Fortunately, sitting at my desk here while envisioning it has given me some ideas how I can save space by modularizing and storing; I usually work on only one thing at a time. I'd be fine if I could take over a double bunkhouse, but that seems extreme. I can probably make it work by replacing a sofa with a desk and using a folding table, as long as I have some extra storage space. But geez, even my pared-down kit involves a lot of stuff.
Purging train stuff.... All I can think of is "Apocalypse Now"..... the horror, the horror.
I know its gonna happen, just haven't reached a cathartic moment..... yet. I love Cindi's support for finding a way to keep doing it OTR. I've worked out a track plan that will work for an interesting modular layout. So reducing rather than eliminating appears to be the order of the day. I have several candidates lined up to post on eBay for the Xmas buying season. should bring in a tidy sum.
Is that supposed to make me feel better?
I guess it will make a great campfire story one day.
Brian, I hope you're able to make your train room and Cindi's crafting room a reality!
Sorry, Bob. I'm not THAT involved with photography. I simply have two Nikon DSLR's, 4 different lenses for those, and other related accessories. The Nikons are a D300 and a D700, so I have both FX and DX formats. As a backup (and a loaner camera for others), I have a Nikon Coolpix 5700 in a separate case. The latter is basically a point and shoot (non-interchangeable lenses) that does see 'through the lens' instead of having a dedicated viewfinder lens.
I primarily like nature and wildlife and scenic photography, but I'm also likely to take pictures of just about anything that I find interesting. I don't do 'artistic' photography, nor do I do much post-processing. All of my cameras are digital.
Terry
Nearly everybody who does photography for income wishes they could strip down to the basics and just do what they enjoy, so keep at it. That's the kind of photography I'll be doing on a daily basis, but I usually shoot 3D when it's not too much extra work. There will be plenty of scenic train photos, but 3D lets me shoot the same overused angles as everybody else and still be different. ;)
For scenic shots, I have a pair of Canon Rebels that link together, they just work better for 3D than the pro models or full-frame. Even so, it's a beast of a rig to lug around. And the film stuff... all I can say is that you have to see it done well to appreciate it, and it's rarely done well. I was fortunate enough to have been inspired by some bartender/artists in my youth, a small group who were creative enough to get a feature in Life magazine, 09/81. I shot a lot of 3D trains in the 80's, but I was an early adopter of digital (1997), so 3D went on hold for a while. Then I reconnected with my 3D friends in 2008, and they were still working away at it, so I dived in head first. And since they meet monthly, I know I'll always have an audience of at least six. :)
My main 2D cameras are now a Fuji XT-10 and X-Pro; I downsized from a full-frame Canon because I live in a condo and I have to take the camera with me when I go out. The Fuji kit is so much lighter and more compact, the Canon was getting left at home unless I had a specific reason to need it. Image quality is pretty comparable, the Fuji is better in many ways. Canon's sensor technology has really fallen behind over the last few years. I'd love to try one of the new Nikon or Sony full-frame models.
Shooting people is a whole other skill that I only started 5-6 years ago; I don't claim to be good at it, but I'm passable, occasionally creative, and I've gotten over the fear that paralyzed me when I started. It's really more of a people skill than a photography skill, I'm glad I've learned what I have, but I can see my limits, too. And it's an emotional roller coaster... it's so weird to take somebody's money when you think the photos you took for them suck. I could never get over that. I keep a placeholder page on the web, rarely updated: http://bobk.com
www.croakerdiggs.com/
Love it. Call it crazy but the "imagineered" history he has created adds a real flavor to his passion. At the peak of construction on my own home layout, I had fictitiously named my railroad the the Piedmont Subdivision of the CSX. It ran through parts of TN, GA and NC and was headquartered in Bostic, NC. I even created the "Bostic Bugle" (fake newspaper) with a cast of fictitious characters that were the subject of several news reports for my model RR friends. These characters had tongue in cheek names like Willie Maykitt, (the local johnny come lately), Ivanna Biastar (celebrity wannabe and socialite) or Detective Jess Duffacks (always commenting to this reporter on suspicious unusual phenomena around the railroad property) just to name a few. All in good fun. A recurring theme was the presence of benevolent giant aliens lurking in the woods near the train tracks that were always ready to help with the construction of the mainline.... true story!!!....who'd a thunk it? There's even reports that the aliens have been caught on film. WOW!
I have in mind, doing something similar if we ever get a blog off the ground for our future adventures. There is a rich tapestry, fodder for the grist mill that would make some great story telling for the amusement of all readers.
Thanks for sharing the link.
Brian
-- Edited by biggaRView on Thursday 22nd of October 2015 02:02:42 PM
As a model builder, I was always more interested in recreating history than creating my own. But that was just me, most of the model RR's that I admire sprang from the builder's own vision. John Allen is the perfect example, of course.
He was one of the masters. The Gorre & Daphetid RR will live on in my memory forever.
-- Edited by biggaRView on Thursday 22nd of October 2015 03:19:10 PM
WOW!!! I never knew that the model railroaders got so much into their hobby. That is cool about Brian's "newspaper." At one time in my life, I went to college for one year on a Journalism scholarship. (Too bad I changed my major from Journalism to Party.)
I guess I need to ask you that are modelers to post some other links to model railroads. While I'm still something of a train buff, I never had the patience (nor ready cash) to build my own. So, when I have a chance, I revel in the work of others. Maybe you might even start a new thread in the "Pursuing Hobbies and Interests On the Road" category entitled for model RR links?
Terry
There are also some good full-size museums. I'm ashamed that I haven't visited Steamtown since it was in Vermont; since it's now National Park Service, it's oriented toward the broader public with a focus on history. Cal State RR Museum in Sacramento is also very good like that. There are dozens more that would appeal mostly to train enthusiasts.
Unfortunately I don't have any links handy, but now that it's on my mind, perhaps I'll come up with some.
With any luck, a year from now I'll have collected a good list of places to camp trackside.
Here's a start, Bob.
Durango, CO
United Campground - claims to have the Durango/Silverton railroad tracks go right through their park
Alpen Rose RV Park - the map shows it to be close to Highway 550, which parallels the D/S tracks, although I don't know how close they are to the actual tracks.
Now this next link isn't to an actual RV park, but is a 2010 entry on Railroad Forums (.com) website. I have no idea how accurate the information there is.
RV Parks Near the Tracks
Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Friday 23rd of October 2015 11:02:11 PM
Yes, apparently there are a couple of parks in Silverton, and along US550 just north of Durango. I think the D&S only runs one round trip a day, but it's a beautiful area. Late September, wow. It does get crowded around then.
Here are are the best candidates I've found on a map search:
Jame M Robb State Park, just across the Colorado from the D&RGW, which currently sees about 16 trains/day.
http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/JamesMRobbColoradoRiver/Pages/MapsDirections.aspx#1
In Oregon, Memaloose State Park along the Columbia River, right on the UP with BNSF across the way.
http://www.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=118
There are also some campsites along Cal 70 in Feather River Canyon. Cal State parks and as I recall, they're expensive and no hookups. Feather River Canyon from Portola to Oroville is a must-do route; train traffic can be spotty but it's so scenic that you don't care. Museum in Portola.
Crystal Hot Springs, Honeyville, UT; I think the UP line behind it is pretty busy, but I've never been to the area.
http://www.crystalhotsprings.net/
Thousand Trails has a park in Soledad Canyon, CA, along the UP/Metrolink.
Afton Canyon east of Barstow has dry camping, and it's close to the UP main.
One place I've always wished I could go is the Meadow Valley Wash on the UP between Moapa and Caliente, Nevada. I once rode it eastbound on Amtrak leaving Vegas in the evening, and we kept passing campfires along this winding canyon route, it seemed like the ideal spot. But it's a remote dirt road, I don't think it's RV territory. We might find out.
https://goo.gl/maps/UjWfxBoyqXB2
Colorado River Road going north from Dotsero, CO. is a maintained dirt road, and there are 2-3 free state campsites trackside on the UP/D&RGW. I'm not sure it's worth the trouble in an RV, but it's a really fun and scenic drive in an SUV. This curve is ridiculously scary when there's a train passing: https://goo.gl/maps/2Xm9HHtteXF2 It narrows to 1.5 lanes, rock wall on one side and trains on the other. If somebody were coming the other way, a head-on might be the best outcome.
-- Edited by bobk3d on Saturday 24th of October 2015 12:54:28 AM
-- Edited by bobk3d on Saturday 24th of October 2015 12:56:55 AM
Bob,
During Summer and Fall, the Durango/Silverton train runs up to 3 times a day between the two towns, depending on dates. See schedule here.
During Winter and Spring, they don't go all the way to Silverton, but only to Cascade Canyon. See schedule here.
As for RV parks in Silverton, I've not checked those out yet. During the summer this year, we went tent camping over to Lake Molas Campground, which is about 5 miles south of Silverton. However, since we were in tents, the RV option (at least for our size of RV) was not possible at Lake Molas.
Terry
I think the parks in Durango are across the 550 from the tracks, but close enough to walk since they're on a schedule. The one time I passed through, I found some photo locations just north of town.
Funny, one thing I don't enjoy is riding steam trains. I did some x-country trips in Amtrak sleepers back when it was affordable, those were fun. But riding inside an old train isn't any nicer than riding a new one, you never even get to see the loco. The D&S route might be interesting just because it's so extreme.
My dad, who actually rode steam trains for transportation, had no nostalgia for them. All he talked about was how dirty they were.
-- Edited by bobk3d on Saturday 24th of October 2015 12:02:04 PM
Well I'm not full timing yet, but have started the planning towards that end. I'm also a model RRer. My wife, who has always been supportive of my hobbies, suggested that a good way to slim down is to build a section at a time of a larger model railroad for grandchildren. That might be a module, or a 2' X 4' quadrant of a 4' X 8' layout. Either should fit in storage without taking up too much space.
John.
I have worked out a design for a modular layout, that could be transported in an RV... if the floorplan or available storage compartments will allow. Assembled, 4 modules would be roughly 6'x15' (maximum size I have under consideration) plus an extension for staging trains on. Obviously I could only set it up outside on a campsite or at a CG community center building if available. After an "operating session", it would be disassembled and put away for the next time. Stowing it would require roughly 90-100 cu ft of space and would weigh about 240-300 pounds for everything depending on construction methods employed. Using Free-Mo standards I could attach the entire set-up to a larger train show or club layout or other modules similarly designed for added modelling or operating possibilities. Alternatively, I have considered switching scales and going to N scale from HO. It would require half the space to stow it... an important consideration.
Discussions on here about electrical situations at CGs has me rethinking some options as most of my equipment has digital command control circuit boards in them and might not take kindly to voltage fluctuations. Frying electronics is not my idea of fun. At least with N scale, it could be set and run safely more easily from protected rig power equipped with one of those Progressive surge protection systems. So much to think about.
Maybe I should take up RC
, an earlier love of mine from way back. Might be safer from a success perspective and take up less space. Good thing I have time to weigh the options.
Brian
I agree the storage area under the living room looks attractive for modular RR storage and certainly has potential. If only that was all that mattered....
We like the idea, but... (are you listening Keystone et al?) the living room area needs to be massaged. We'd move the entertainment center to the curbside slide, lengthen the roadside side slide about a foot to accomodate a larger/better theatre seating/loveseat, put a sofa in the current location of the entertainment center and change the current theatre seating (inferior design and quality in our opinion) with a desk for a home/office crafting area. Other that, love the storage below the living room area but I'm a bit concerned about the height of the storage space doors as a limiting factor for what will fit into the space. (N scale models would solve that issue). We don't really want to make such major remodeling changes even if the roadside slide was already long enough for our vision, but one can never say never.
Don't think Keystone will be willing to make the desired change in the roadside slide length... so it will probably remain a dream. Time will tell.
Plan B would be to swap locations of the current theatre seating in the plan and the entertainment center, replace with better quality theatre seating, rip out one of the loveseats (probably the curbside one) and install a desk. Not sure the current area allocated for the entertainment center is deep enough to allow nicer theatre seats and let the slides close. The floorplan diagram suggests it will be close, without an actual measurement, I remain skeptical. This strategy would probably be more doable if the theatre seating fits however.
Thanks for passing along the suggestion. We'll take a look at one if the opportunity arises.
Brian