Welcome back to the blog! Today, I’m taking a final look at my first model railroad layout, the Dystopia Project, before I dismantle it for good. This layout has been a big part of my journey in model railroading, so I want to share some of the inspiration behind it, highlight a few unique features, and explain why it’s time to say goodbye. Let’s dive in.
Pandemic Spark: Rediscovering Model Railroading
When the pandemic hit, I found myself with more time at home and a strong urge to reconnect with some of my hobbies. It had been about a decade since I last worked on any model railroading projects, but the itch to build something new was back. There was this project railroad called the Carbondale Central by Malcolm Furlow that I’d always wanted to replicate, but finding affordable urban kits had been nearly impossible. That is, until I stumbled across Outland models. Discovering these affordable kits was like finding the missing piece, and it reignited my passion for the hobby. With that, the idea for the Dystopia layout was born.
The Vision: Building an Urban, Post-Apocalyptic World
With the track plan in hand and a new source for affordable urban kits, I decided to dive into creating a gritty, urban layout. The timing was fitting—what better theme for an urban layout during a pandemic than one that’s post-apocalyptic or dystopian?
I was drawn to the idea of a multi-level design with the railroad on the base and the city towering above it. The look of elevated highways spanning across tracks was particularly appealing. The overall design, with the railroad tracks tucked behind a cityscape, offered a unique challenge and visual interest. Instead of making the railroad front and center, I wanted it to be hidden from view—a dirty, gritty, and secretive little Pike.
Why It’s Time to Move On
About two years ago, I started my new layout, the Union Project, with the intention of coming back to the Dystopia layout from time to time. But as much as I had sentimental attachments to it, it became clear that I wasn’t going to return to it. It was taking up space, and it no longer aligned with where my interests were heading. So, the decision was made—it was time for it to go.
The truth is, I’ve learned over the years that I’m someone who enjoys the journey more than the destination. The joy for me comes from building, learning, and creating. Once a project is done, while I might be happy with the outcome, it’s the process that really matters. I’d gotten all the enjoyment I could out of the Dystopia layout, and it was time to move on to the next thing.
Lessons Learned and What’s Next
The Dystopia layout has heavily influenced the Union Project, and it taught me a lot about what I like and don’t like in model railroading. I learned that I enjoy railfanning and longer passenger equipment, as well as urban scenery with its contrasting sizes—skyscrapers, highways, trains, and people. I also realized that the layout design was too limited in staging and operational potential, which led to boredom. These lessons have informed the design of the Union Project, which now includes more staging, long stretches of track, and the ability to run multiple trains.
Many of the structures from the Dystopia layout will be carried over to the new one. Some, like the Ghostbusters Firehouse, will take on a more background or obscured role, but they’ll still be part of the new elevated city area. I salvaged the turnout controls and the elevated highways, but the track and turnouts are too permanently affixed to be removed. They’ll stay with the old layout.
Advice for Fellow Model Railroaders
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s the importance of building with the end in mind. While I didn’t make my layout modular, I’d recommend others consider designing their benchwork with the possibility of future dismantling. Also, it’s crucial to think about what you enjoy most in the hobby. For me, it’s the building process, so dismantling one layout to start another is just another opportunity to do what I love.
I also believe that every dismantling is a chance to do things differently and better. Even though it can be heartbreaking to tear down something you’ve worked so hard on, the excitement of starting fresh with new ideas is a great motivator.
Conclusion: Moving Forward with the Spirit of Dystopia
The Dystopia layout has been a significant part of my model railroading adventure, and while it’s sad to see it go, I’m excited to carry forward the lessons and spirit of this project into the Union Project. I hope this post has given you some insights into the practical aspects of concluding a long-term project and maybe even inspired you to take on new challenges in your own layouts.
Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll see you next time!
