Model Railway Forum

If you finish a layout, then what. You either sell it, cos you get bored, or like me, decide you can make a better one. Mine now has 2 helix, joined by a bridge, for continuous DC running. Then there are 2, 12x 8 foot DC tracks, with sidings, and 2 12x8 foot DCC tracks, with TT, sheds and sidings. Just added a couple of N gauge loops for fun. Finally, a shunting puzzle for 0/4/0, DC locos. Did not interfere with 2 20x 12 foot DC loops runing round the room, but added a 3 rail and a TT run, just for testing. Now, with grass, starting growing, the 3 acres of garden, become the priority, unless it rains.

I have a general idea about a layout or box file then it just sort of grows organically (whatever that really means!) I haven't finished anything yet as I tend to go back to buildings or areas and improve them or start again using the better knowledge and techniques I have acquire through experience.

I'm not sure a layout is ever finished as there is always something you can do/add/change. I have a number of things to do, but I just potter away. I now have the glue (basing and layering) on the way, so I can try getting the static grass sown(?)

I wish my grass was static, Barry. Its already 5 inches high in places, where i would get stuck in mud, if i tried to mow it.

Mine is static, we planted it over 30 years ago and it hasn’t moved an inch.

Hi John - according to those in the know - if the weather is dry-ish in March you can mow the grass. My newly serviced (first time in many years) mower is rareing to go.

Brian - Please don't tell me you have an astro-turf lawn

Definitely not Barry. It’s just exactly where we sowed it.

Hi Barry, I treated myself to new Twin 4 wheel drive, Husqvarna Rider last August, as one I bought with the house, also, Husqvarna, was 20 years old, and needed about £1000, spending on new parts. Keen to put it to use.

My back garden is plastic grass bound by railway sleepers (staying on topic) to retain flower borders.
The grass is ideal for our dogs as it doesn’t wear out, they don’t dig it up and it is easily cleaned after toilet use.
Every time I look at it, it looks as if it has just been mowed.
Works for me.
One day the layout might get some.

need a few rolls for my place. I have used static grass, in the days when i considered landscaping, was worth the effort. These days, as my layout, regularly changes, avoid all landscaping and ballasting. Tracks are never in the same place long enough to warrant the effort. When hornby had their Mad sale, bought bags of various colours, but only managed to use on my N gauge layout, where it looks ok.