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That's actually kind of neat effect, Josh. Looks like a translucent skylight section.
The biggest lesson I've learned, and still don't get right, is that roads and highways should always be wider than I plan. It looks fine in paper but I find two cars can hardly get by each other once I build it. I don't know why I always mess up on that.
Cool idea, now If I could replicate it on the rest of the roof. Heck is a spray booth, it'll be fully enclosed to reduce dust, so I'll bank that in my list of "try later" ideas.
One of the biggest things I've learned is to do what you want. I've had ideas and then compromised. I've regretted it every time. If it's a question of money, I'll wait until I can afford what I want now. Every time I try to save money, I decide to replace whatever I bought or built. It's much easier to follow this lesson now that I have an income though!
The biggest, least obvious lesson is to plan for your structures. Structures were an afterthought on my last layout. I'm making them work, which is why it is the least obvious. The thing is I'm doing 3 times the work to make them fit.
I guess I've learned that I like building models more than I like having models. With enough money, I can have any model I want. But only with enough patience, skill and perseverance can I build any model I want.
Of course, I only learned this after I amassed a collection of hundreds of locomotives and hundreds of freight cars. Once I had the 36 unit Roadrailer train, I had virtually no interest in Roadrailers. A similar thing happened with a BNSF coal train. I've since sold off nearly everything to get the tools and supplies necessary to build only those models I really want.
Biggest, least obvious lesson for me: it's all about journey, not the destination.
I agree fully with RCH! I love all of the models that I have, but unfortunately, I have some things that just don't fit the era I plan. I am looking for models that would represent rail operations in or around WV, VA, MD, and PA during the 80's until the CSX merger. With that being said, I shouldn't have bought my CSX SD38, L&N GP40, about 8 double stack cars (BN and BNSF), and some other stuff. I guess it is good to have variety, but from now on, I plan on keeping focused on railroads and paint schemes that would've been more likely...And not just buy it because I HAVE to have it! At least I have found out early! Now I'll just have to make this stuff work!
Good stuff guys!
My biggest lesson (and most expensive) is that I don't have to be the first kid on the block with a new toy, it will always be cheaper in a month or so!
My biggest lesson learned [waaay too late!] is to get outside advice before starting on my benchwork. I was perfectly contented with my 85%-finished layout until the summer of 2006 when I read John Armstrong's "Track Planning" book. Then I discovered a gazillion things that I should have done differently, and I've been dissatisfied with it ever since. Trouble is, now I don't have the money needed to tear everything out and build anew, so I need to make the best of this one for the next 5-10 years.
At least I've got a layout, I can be thankful for that...
The leason I have learned is have a bottle of nail polish remover handy when working with super glue.
I had to drive to the store with my fingers glued together. The looks I got not only because I was buying the nail polish remover but the fact my fingers were guled together. I even heard a giggle or two.
Ok, my next SUPER obvious lesson learned is, Korea, although a parent country of some serious model railroad companies (i.e: Tower 55) has no train hobby shops or places to railfan safely! Next time I will see if Uncle Sam will take my hobby into consideration when assigning me a duty station!... Wonder how that will pan out....I'll keep you guys posted!
Stay focused on your overall plan and the end objective. Be willing to make change or adjustment, but stay with your own "big picture". While advice from others in the form of how-to's are always good, beware of advice that takes you away from your own creativity and loses that precious part of our hobby...MY little world.
Heck is a spray booth, it'll be fully enclosed to reduce dust, so I'll bank that in my list of "try later" ideas.
Maybe because of a thick skull 
