March already! My room preparation is complete except for very minor details and once I move everything around (for the last time!) I will have a quality space to start my layout. It has taken a year to get the room preparation done but I hope it was done right and I will be able to use the space without putting any more work into it for many years.

Being away from the hobby for twenty years the materials available to work with have changed considerably. I am building with the goal to simulate running a railroad in the end, however my idea of simulation seems to be closer to the concepts of war gaming then what seems to be the common view of operation in the model railroad community. One thing about war gaming is that you have to think or your army will “die” and as with any contest following the rules is not “optional”. I expect that over time I will find a group of operators that share/enjoy my view of “operation”, but because I am seem to be planning something a little different then the mainstream or “correct” way to play with trains I can expect this to take some time.

Considering where I am at, I have decided to start with a 108” by 30” switching layout where the cars arrive by barge or ferry. The small layout will allow me the option to rebuild if I don't get it right and to do “proof of concept” on the methods and skills I need for the complete layout. When the switching layout is complete I will be able to start operating sessions for two or three operators and test some of the traffic generation ideas that I have in mind. Because I will be using DCC for the large layout I will use DCC on the switching layout even if I only have one locomotive on it so I can learn how to work with DCC.

Coming up next some modeling and a track plan – I can't wait.