Model Train Journal

What a $200,000 custom-built layout looks like: Stout Auctions Layout for sale

Sorry but for 47k, some rookie job plastered with structures and vehicles that look like they came out of the ceramic village and toy sections of Walmart don't cut it. Frank Ellison must be rolling in his grave to think someone would pay that.

I hate those buildings. Like Dept56, cast in white snow on the roof of porcelain structures. The whole first part looks like Dept56. And the requisite yellow schoolbus. And no track plan. And how did they spent $200K on that?

Lousy camera work. Some of the buildings are real adept 56, Dickens Village, Christms in the City, while others are Wallmart knock offs. Main/downtown city area not even shown. Weird.

ScaleCraft wrote: And how did they spent $200K on that?

Somebody built it for them and gave them a bill, and they paid it..........

And, for all it's horrors, I'm pretty sure that there are folks out there that think it's just adorable,

There is a stickey on this from Stout Auctions on OGRR forum. You need a 55 Ft. space. Their Dept. 56 buildings and as I am high rail they don't look realistic enough for me. The general opion in O gauge is good luck finding a buyer.

jlong wrote:Sorry but for 47k, some rookie job plastered with structures and vehicles that look like they came out of the ceramic village and toy sections of Walmart don't cut it. Frank Ellison must be rolling in his grave to think someone would pay that.

This! About 1000x. That was exactly my reaction. Really not my cup of tea.

Sorry. Pass. Hard pass.

George

I have read selling a model RR is difficult, otherwise there would be a lot more for sale when people decide to build a new one or move. Everyone's space is different. Everyone wants what they like built to their taste. To many building it and the feeling of accomplishment is part of the hobby.

What do you guys want for a measly 47K??? Maybe we can get you a "buy" on the Brooklyn Bridge!!!

v8vega wrote:I have read selling a model RR is difficult...

Moving a model railroad is difficult, unless it was built such that a move was anticipated. Even if you get it out of there, it will likely never be the same. Scenery is inherently fragile. I recall seeing Tom Snyder's layout after they moved it the first time to the venue in California...it looked like it had taken a few hits along the way then, and it was subsequently moved to New Jersey.

healey36 wrote:Moving a model railroad is difficult, unless it was built such that a move was anticipated. Even if you get it out of there, it will likely never be the same. Scenery is inherently fragile.

Mine is constructed of modules yet not really amendable to disassembly. Almost all of the structures are planted in such a way as to make them removable.........probably.

Rufus T. Firefly wrote:

healey36 wrote:Moving a model railroad is difficult, unless it was built such that a move was anticipated. Even if you get it out of there, it will likely never be the same. Scenery is inherently fragile.

Mine is constructed of modules yet not really amendable to disassembly. Almost all of the structures are planted in such a way as to make them removable.........probably.

I attempted to build Panhandle 1 with the idea that it could be moved. Uh, no.

Even if the modules could be unbolted from each other, the presence of scenery rendered that fiction unworkable.

In the end, I salvaged the track, buildings (some), and roadbed. The backdrop was sold and lumber scrapped. I would guess that most layouts have to be disassembled with a Saws-all.

George

If the scenery is removed from my layout the rest could be taken apart and moved.
But all scenery would be scrapped. Now this is not possible for me to do so it
would be junked. I would not build another. I'm too old.

I've been involved in several. No saving them. Pull the track and buildings, sell it all off for a grand, rest in a dumpster.

A Clarke Dunham or a TrainWorx layout could be disassembled and moved and then set up again. They are designed that way because they have to build everything "back in the shop" then crate up the modules and ship via tractor trailer(s). The modules have casters, levelers, quick coded disconnects for wiring, etc. They are effectively giant mobile cabinets. The "Train Station at City Corp" was moved back and forth between Dunham's studio in upstate NY for a number of years. It was actually a two story ring structure with an upper level control room. Of course the guy that designed and supervised the construction was a Broadway set designer/tech director and his construction crew were of similar skills/talents.

This ain't one of those layouts. As well built as the modules bases appear to be they don't look like they are built for moving at least not with the track work and scenery intact.

Parts is parts. I suspect a lot of the "value" is in the scenery but only if you like or are looking for Dept. 56 "collectibles". The ross switches are recyclable and I guess the operating accessories have some value as well. It's just too big and I am guessing the auction house does not want to pay for disassembly/piece meal sales but it may come down to that. That's a lot of sh*t to move.