It’s
the end of the line for the CP Rail Manitoba & Minnesota Sub.
Not
this blog; I hope to keep it going for awhile yet! I’m talking about the layout
which the blog is based on.
In a
year or two, we expect to move to a smaller place. The kids are grown up and
moved out, and we don’t need such a large house. (As nice as it is.)
So rather than rush to tear down the layout, I’m taking my time this summer to take it apart.
I hope
to leave up a section of the upper level along two walls to build a small industrial
shelf layout; got to have something to work on!
This
isn’t the first time I’ve dismantled a layout; I did it in 1994 in our previous
house, when I tool down my 12 x 18 CP Rail Grimm Valley Sub.
(Interestingly, as the photo above shows, it was almost 25 years ago to the week that my first layout had its last run.)
And in 2010 I tore down the three-level centre peninsula of my current layout, a
several-year process to create a single level portion in the middle of the
room.
But
now, after 25 years, the whole layout is disappearing. It’s sad, but it’s also
time.
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| Before . . . |
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| During . . . |
Truth is, I’ve been spending less and less time in the layout room of late. I always enjoyed running trains from time to time. But those times had become less frequent.
So I’ve
been preparing myself psychologically for this day for a number of months. Doesn’t
make it any easier, but it helps with the resolve.
In
preparation for the tear-down, I had some friends over for a last time. Then,
on July 19, I did a final run—just me and my memories as I watched a train traverse
the layout for the last time.
Then, a day later, the dismantling began.
Then, a day later, the dismantling began.
Over the next few posts, I’ll talk a bit about what it’s like to dismantle a layout, and what the layout has meant to me.
In
the meantime, enjoy the photos of the last run.
I've really enjoyed your blog over the years. Thanks for all the great posts! I'll miss seeing photos of your amazing layout. Best of luck with the move.
ReplyDeleteSad to see the layout go. I've enjoyed following the progress and your photos. Look forward to seeing your next project!
ReplyDeleteAndrew Kerr
Model railroading allows us to continually evolve - modelled locale, modelling skills, model layouts. So while it's not surprising that the M&M Sub (Layout only!) is evolving into history, I find it hard to believe a new layout will not rise from its demise. Perhaps the Phoenix Lines??
ReplyDeleteAll the best and looking forward to the next stage of this journey, John!
Eric
WOW. Its not an easy thing. All the best to you.
ReplyDeleteIt was always fun, running a few trains on your layout, John. Foreign power was always welcomed on the M&M Sub! Thanks for having me over and for all the times you opened it up for others to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteSad to read. I've really enjoyed your photos of your layout on your blog. I hope that you start something new and satisfying for you!
ReplyDeleteAll good things come to an end. I'm glad that I was able to see it before it disappeared.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSad to see it go after all these years. If some of your equipment needs a new home, I'd be glad to provide one!
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading your blog and learning from your layout. I hope you will choose to build a small switching layout. Will you be keeping the Thompson river layout?
ReplyDeleteHi John
ReplyDeleteI was sadened to read of your news -
and as I read about it I recalled an guest editorial that you wrote in Canadian Railway Modeller about MOdel Railroads and Tibetan sand sculptures a copy of which I have hanging in my model railway room.
perhaps you will be inspired and find future enjoyment on a "new Canvas" in the form of perhaps smaller model railway project.
Good Luck and best wishes
John Green Vancouver BC