The trains are dead :(

[protege]

Some of you know that I've moved to a new house recently. Because I now have the space, my model railroad is coming as well. However, last weekend was a bit depressing. Not so much because of the move, but because of some things that went on. Rather than simply pack things away, I had a "last run." That is, I used one of the locomotives to gather up stray freight cars, and shove them into the yard. While I was at it, I couldn't resist having a "rare mileage" passenger excursion, since I might not be able to run them for awhile. Right after that, the locomotives, cars, vehicles, and buildings were packed up for the 50-mile trip back home. I still have some minor wiring work to do on the train table itself...then it'll get taken apart and moved.

It just sucks to see something I started nearly 15 years ago being taken apart and moved. It wouldn't be so bad, except I can't run anything yet :cry:

[Banrion]

But just think of how much fun you will have setting up a new track, and getting those puppies going in a new home. Heck, maybe it's time to expand that collection and track.

[counterjockey]

I know how you feel. ;)

But at least your line is coming back as soon as you have the chance and the floorspace. Mine's getting harder and harder to find in the wild, but I'm looking pretty hard around the grain elevators this time of year. If I can find a few photogenic grain hoppers I'll have my latest desktop wallpaper taken care of.

[Crosshair]

Just think of all the things you can do when you are putting it back together.

[protege]

Well, sort of. I brought home the entire layout Sunday night. I'm not sure how, but all 20 feet (three 2x6 foot tables, plus a 4x4 foot square) somehow fit into the back of my mother's Saturn Vue. Getting it in there was the easy part. Getting it out of its former home was not. Rather than deal with tracks over the table joints, I simply cut the rail joiners, then lifted the sections off. While I was at it, I installed trailer hitch connections for the wiring. That way, all I had to do was unplug things.

Once home, I couldn't resist setting up some things, and running a few trains. I can't go very far, since half the layout is sitting in the garage. But, at least I can shuffle some freight cars around.

Eventually though, the entire layout is getting moved into its final location. I still have a few minor tweaks to do (such as move a control panel to the other side of the table, and replace a control switch) before it'll be ready. Then, all of the buildings, vehicles, and other toys can come out of hiding :)

It's gonna be freaking awesome!