Crossbones

Unfortunately, one of those big, bad stores (TRU at Times Square) is no longer... TRU closes flagship store

I think I'd like to have an area where the WV buildings can be set up permanently, to be moved to the family room each Christmas. But it all depends. Step 1 is clear the area and measure how much space I actually have. Step 2 will be layout and track planning, and a rigorous look at what I want and what I can fit! I read a model railroading article a long time back on planning, and the author suggested making a list of things that you were not willing to compromise on ("givens") and things you'd like but that could potentially be modified or left out ("druthers"). That made a lot of sense to quantify those things, so now for any project I start, I have a list of "givens" and "druthers" to help me plan and guide the project. Making that list can be tough, and I almost always have to moce some things from "givens" to "druthers" as reality dictates. For example, in the layout I want to start, one "given" will be a passenger station, since I want to run the Super Chief and have to have a place for passengers to get on and off. When I measure my actual space I'll detail the list and post it. I often find getting other's opinions helps me solidify and refine my own thinking.

Absolutely! I started off thinking I'd built a huge table - it was twice the size of last year's display and it dominates the family room... but after putting out the track and buildings it's already looking a little cramped. So, I did what any Lego loving maniac would do. I resolved to build a permanent layout in the basement! First step is cleaning out the space, which will hopefully begin in the first few weeks of 2016. I will start a thread in Train Tech to document the process.

Sure thing, thanks for asking. I posted a thread over on the Train Tech forum: link You will notice I cheated and did not use Lego for my tunnel. I am not sure I have that many pieces. I guess the latyout does cross themes, so could have been posted in Town as well. And since the kids have invaded with Stormtroopers, Orcs and Hobbits, maybe in the licensed section?

For the space I think it's a great layout with a lot of operational possibilities packed into its area.

Also picked up a 70413 Brick Bounty for $69.99 at a Target in Austell, Ga., yesterday. It was their last one, but there may be others in the surrounding stores.

Those are great! Thanks for the tutorial on your blog. I am new to the modular craze, and I've been reading along and learning from your wisdom.

I was afraid of that. Thanks for the information!

Very nice, it's quite similar to ours. I love the tunnel, I think every train track, no matter how small, looks better with a tunnel!

It's great! I especially like the shape and style on the cruiser.

This is a newb question - but is there a specific date or time of year when sets are retired? Any kind of advance warning at all? Or is it just speculation until they go to "SOLD OUT" on lego.com? I am an adult fan, who has gone through several "dark ages" before getting back into Lego a few weeks ago when we set up the Winter Village for Christmas. I do not want to miss out on the sets I like simply because I wait until I have the money saved up... Thanks!

Very nice!

A couple of additions. Yesterday I dug out a box I'd had since they were being cleared out - the 79111 Lone Ranger train set. I enjoyed building it, it really is a cool set with a lot of neat details. But there was something missing - a motor. I found an online video by Patent Pom showing how to do it. I did not have enough bricks to complete it (Bricklink order placed! ), but it works: And, while it was makings its rounds, we discovered that the Orcs were hard at work beneath the tunnel, setting up explosives to bring it down!

Simply amazing! Thanks so much for sharing.

OK, I finished the mountain. gave it a coat of white over some texture to match the rest of the board. I added tunnel portals carved out of styrofoam as well to add a little detail: Merry Christmas everyone!

I felt that as well - nice job!

Well done, makes me want to run right in and grab a pint! Merry Christmas to you as well.

Walmart at Lithia Springs, GA, had an Excavator and Truck today for $35. They also had the Arctic Outpost I think for $80, which is not that much of a bargain IMO.

Wow, these are great! Could you share the file for the latest condemned building please? I might want to give that one a try.

Nice job salvaging those parts. The tip about using tape to protect the markings you want to keep is great.

Thanks for the information. I found a link to NILTC and I'll take a look at their standards. I figure since I am just getting started I can take the time to do it however works best for me now, and not have to go back later and re-do it.

Nice - sure you all had great fun setting that up!

Great idea! I love the curling rink and the well. Wonderful details.

Hi Farmer Harv! Thanks so much for posting the photos and progress of your layout. As soon as we get past Christmas I am on a mission to clear out a section of the basement for a layout, and I am inspired to see what you have done - great work! Also, it's interesting to see people using standard plastic tables for benchwork. I come from an N-scale background, and I always think of building up the benchwork from wood, which costs big in terms of labor, time and money. What's the general consensus on here? Keep it simple and buy some cheap tables, or build my own?

Nicely done. That looks great, and the SW1500 would be a great addition to almost any railroad not just NASA, so it is very useful.