Plans and Ideas for 2021

 With the new year I like to document some broad plans and ideas for the year ahead.  This (theoretically) helps keep me focused on a goal(s) and minimizes distractions. The reality is things rarely work out as we plan but its a good idea to keep some landmarks in sight.  I will do quarterly posts to review my progress and remind myself what I am working towards.

Research

This is the easiest item on the list and mostly involves going out to the tracks and the industrial sites an documenting what is there today and what might have been there in the past.  It also involves internet and more conventional book research.  I have acquired a copy of the Phoenix Sub-Division SPINS book from around 1984.  This is about 5 years earlier than the start of my modeling period (I'm doing 1989-1995) but most of the track and industries were still there in my period.  This reference also has interesting operational notes for some of the customers that will enhance my operations.  The fact is, I have already completed the majority of the research needed to get started.

Planning

This is the phase I will be most focused on for the next several weeks.  I will be moving into a new house in the next couple of weeks so much of the plan for the physical layout will have to wait until I have determined how much space is available.  I will start by making my own spins diagram of what I would like to include on the layout.  This part is also important for helping me set limits and a direction to my hobby purchases.  It is important for me to not buy things I do not need or have no plans to use.

Purchases

I have already spent a good deal of money in my first month back to the hobby and I have made good progress to setting the foundation.  Going forward the purchases should be more focused and based on the principles I have laid out in my earlier posts.  I think I have completed my motive power collection.  I may spend some money on refurbing or enhancing these engines but I don't need any more.  Some car types that I need are also just about at the right number.  I need to switch my purchase focus to other types and that may need to wait until the plan is more fully formed.  For now I have a good start on the rolling stock.  Track and benchwork will be the large areas of expenditure for the year.  I will start with EZ track to allow me to experiment easily with track layouts and ideas.  Initially I am not concerned with a permanent layout but rather something that is flexible and easily moved.

Modeling and Painting

I have several freight car kits collected and I plan to spend a lot of time assembling these kits.  I also have several undecorated so I will be painting and decaling these.  Most of the collection will need upgrades to wheels and several need couplers replaced.  I need to learn about how to properly configure and adjust the cars and couplers for the best running.  This is something that will be all new to me. Most of the cars will need weathering of some sort.  It has been close to 30 years since I have worked on these kinds of modeling and painting projects and I am excited to bring my experience in painting wargaming miniatures to this hobby.  I know a lot more about how to do this now than I did the last time.  I expect this year I will have a chance to model one or more of my planned industries.  This might just be a kit or maybe a kit-bash of some sort.  I am also thinking about some scratch builds using foam-core and color printed façades. 

I think this is enough stuff to keep me busy for the year.  I really want to make some measurable progress this year.  I have been following some great hobbyists on YouTube and I have seen that it is possible to get something working and looking great in just a few months.  I will be sharing some of my favorites on the blog as I go along.  I am really looking forward to getting this going.