THEN AND NOW

  Twelve years ago, I started this blog. A lot has changed since then; additions, updates, and even a rebuilding! Today, we'll take a brief look at some of the major changes between then and now.

These are some of the first photos I took of the layout. As longtime followers of this blog may know, this layout was originally located in the back of the Trains Unlimited hobby shop here in Lynchburg, Va. When the then current owner of the shop closed up, he sold me the layout for $200. Since most of the buildings were my contribution to the layout, I took them when the shop closed, and put them back when I got it back up and running again.

This was the layout two years ago. A backdrop has been added, along with scenery along the edge.

This is today. The cardboard streets have been replaced with Walthers Street System roadway, and the city block has a new look, with the re-located supermarket.

Again, the early look. This is the MOW parking lot.

And this is now. The bare cork is covered with cardstock roadway, the bare painted foam board is covered with dirt, and additional details have been added, such as the light pole and container converted into a shop building. There is also a gravel ramp up to the road, allowing vehicles to get in and out of the parking lot. Lastly, the appearance of the city itself has changed dramatically -especially in the background.

Downtown Hillsdale then, in 2008 (actually 2007; the photo wasn't posted until 2008).

Downtown Hillsdale today. Buildings have been added and relocated, streets have been replaced, and the edge of the foam board is hidden behind the hedges. 

Then; a warehouse occupies the corner of the layout. This was the original location of Tony's Garage. Note the European-style cell phone tower.

Now; the warehouse is long gone, replaced by a small cinderblock building and a boxcar converted into a large storage building. Again, the bare cork has been covered up with cardstock, and a pair of working street lights has been added, along with a fire hydrant at the edge of the parking lot. This view also shows the backdrop curving around the walls, and the expanded "forest" in the corner, along with several more trees along the edge.. Finally, the European-style cell phone tower has been replaced by a North American-style one, and security fencing surrounds it.

Then; bare walls and open grid on the back side with a siding.

Now; the siding is long gone, replaced by Main Street and a row of buildings. Many of the original buildings have been relocated, and the main road into town has been upgraded with Street System roadway. In addition to the backdrop, the main line has now been ballasted, as has the entire yard.

Then, bare walls and not much else.

Now; a backdrop, buildings, access road, and a board on the end to hold it all. The end radius has gone from 28" to 39". There is now a light above the end. And I also have storage shelves to hold my collection of trains.

This was a look back at the "history" of the layout. It brought back a few good memories. Next week back to the present time!