In 2009 I started to realize that my N-Scale layout was not what I wanted to do.  While N-Scale was fun, I had built a layout that was more complicated then I really wanted.  I took a pause from working on the layout and started to think about what I wanted to get out of the hobby.  Was it going to be hyper-realistic, more whimsy, or something else.

I wanted something with lower maintenance then the N-Scale layout was.  I also wanted something with some action.  Plus I wanted a simpler layout. This lead me to dive into 3-Rail Scale.  Or Hi-Rail.

So, after talking my brother-in-law into demolishing the framework for the old layout, I struck out to build the new one.  So far, it’s just what I wanted.  Simpler, bigger models.  Plus some animations.  Rock solid running.  Not much I could ask more for.

Overall the layout is built with Atlas track (some Ross switches where Atlas don’t have what I need), Lionel Legacy controls, K-Line and Lionel loco’s, and then just about everyone’s cars (MTH, Atlas, K-Line, Lionel).  Overall it’s meant to be a spur-line of the New York Central.  Owing to spending some of my childhood in up-state New York, it’s meant to be an interpretation of that region.