Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => HO => Topic started by: jonathan on August 13, 2016, 12:49:59 PM

Title: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on August 13, 2016, 12:49:59 PM
After 10 years of working on a layout in my garage, I finally got tired of the summer heat and cold of winter.

Thus, I cleared a space in the basement... essentially rearranged the furniture and got rid of a ton of junk. You know how basements can get...

Here are a couple of shots of the new benchwork under construction.

I used 1X3's... which sounds small at first, but things are starting to get rigid as I add the angle pieces:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0348_zps4vdlx1s8.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0348_zps4vdlx1s8.jpg.html)

I'm building two 4X8 platforms.  They will be tied together to form an 'L' shaped 14X8 layout.  I've begun some track plans which call for a modified figure 8 (triple track), with two small yards for engine and car service. 
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0350_zps0ufshjht.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0350_zps0ufshjht.jpg.html)

I'm very excited about the new LED shop lights.  I'm using those for lighting the layout as you can see (one in place already). They're pricey, but worth it I think.

The sub-roadbed will be L-girder construction with 1X3 supports and plywood for the sub-roadbed.  I hope L-girder is the right term.  It's been a while since I cared about layout construction.

Will recycle everything off my old layout for trackwork and scenery.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on August 13, 2016, 05:32:52 PM
Used the good old Masonite for the backdrop.  I rolled out some flat white on the smooth side, then sprayed some light blue, but not completely.  Hopefully this will look a little like clouds when the scenery is in place (fingers crossed).

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0353_zpsdxx8qlqf.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0353_zpsdxx8qlqf.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0352_zpsk6sv8ykj.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0352_zpsk6sv8ykj.jpg.html)

Will have to work on making the seam disappear. 

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: BaltoOhioRRfan on August 13, 2016, 05:45:13 PM
Looking good so far.....every time i clean out the basement it ends up filled with junk again before I can begin building. It's also not climate controled ( no heat or a/c)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: rogertra on August 13, 2016, 08:06:59 PM
Looking good Johnathan.

L Girder is the way to go and use sheets of plywood, supported on L Girders, for yards.

Keep us posted.


Cheers


Roger T.

Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Trainman203 on August 13, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Lucky guys up north, every house has a basement, a potential layout area.  We don't have basements down here, we have attics that get to over 140 inside unless you severely insulate and condition.  In my case the highest my attic is in the middle is barely 6', really unsuited for anything except junque storage.  Plus, access is by a pull down stair that blocks the hall when down.

Of course, in trade off, we have 50 degree winters. :o :D 8)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: BaltoOhioRRfan on August 13, 2016, 09:06:49 PM
Quote from: Trainman203 on August 13, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Lucky guys up north, every house has a basement, a potential layout area.  We don't have basements down here, we have attics that get to over 140 inside unless you severely insulate and condition.  In my case the highest my attic is in the middle is barely 6', really unsuited for anything except junque storage.  Plus, access is by a pull down stair that blocks the hall when down.

Of course, in trade off, we have 50 degree winters. :o :D 8)

I don't mind cold snowy winters. I perfer them over 80 degree summer days
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on August 14, 2016, 08:50:20 AM
Quote from: Trainman203 on August 13, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Lucky guys up north, every house has a basement

???

Ever hear of a "slab" foundation?

Quote from: Trainman203 on August 13, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Of course, in trade off, we have 50 degree winters. :o :D 8)

We do as well ;)

Quote from: BaltoOhioRRfan on August 13, 2016, 09:06:49 PM
I perfer them over 80 degree summer days

I'll take 80 degree Summer days, but you can keep the humidity ;)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Trainman203 on August 14, 2016, 10:28:19 AM
I spent my life in construction Brock , I know what a slab is.  They, like a flat roof, are not a good idea down here.

We have at least two months a year with days in the mid 90's and really high humidity.  It's all what you grew up with.  I'm very used to it.  I'd way rather be too hot than too cold.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Trainman203 on August 14, 2016, 12:00:44 PM
Back to the layout.  Any more progress, Jonathan?

I'm looking at all that carpentry and cringing.

After 15 years of continual rent unit repair evert weekend,  and two full renovations of my house (and looking at a third time around), I never want to see woodworking tools in any form ever again.  I built my entire layout with only one saw cut.  I'll put up some pictures of the method.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jhanecker2 on August 14, 2016, 12:37:05 PM
The only problem with becoming a home owner is learning to do all kinds of things you never wanted to know about .   Even if you become wealthy , you will still have to deal with myriad situations that are going to come up.   I unfortunately  love tools  of many kinds  and  enjoy using them .

Houses without basements are dangerous ,  providing  no areas  for storm shelters and even worse   providing  no areas for beer , wine , and whiskey  cellars . Good stuff must always be protected and allowed to mature .    John2.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on August 14, 2016, 01:23:01 PM
My dad taught me a little about carpentry... not that I enjoyed it very much.  However it does come in handy from time-to-time.

Progress is going to be a little slow for a while, as I have to disassemble the old layout for the rest of the materials:  wood, screws, track, wire, cork roadbed... you get the idea.

I am recycling my skirting (black cloth):
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0355_zpskciim7si.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0355_zpskciim7si.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0354_zps4vbdsich.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0354_zps4vbdsich.jpg.html)

I may use some old kite string to tent-back the cloth, just a little, so it doesn't hang over the backdrop and block the lighting.

Regards,

Jonathan

Addendum:  Looks like my mainline will have a max radius of around 30" and a minimum radius around 26".  That's about the best I could do with the space available.  On the plus side, I'll be able to run everything I own with no problem.

jv
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Trainman203 on August 14, 2016, 01:46:17 PM
We can't have basements in South Louisiana, the water table is too high.  If you dig a hole deeper than a couple of feet it will fill up with ground water.  Large construction jobs have 24 hr sumps running.   In a hurricane a basement wouldn't do you any good even if it was dry, the house would blow away from above you unless it was clipped down well as per new codes.

The right way to build a house down here is wood framed floor elevated 3' or more above grade on masonry piers, with a pitched roof with an overhang, and no gutters. The most important part, the layout room, needs to be a separate building out back accessible without going through the dwelling unit.  It should be at least 1.5 times the size of the dwelling unit (2 being much better) with its own bathroom, kitchen snack area, and a small bunk area for overnight crews to crash in when the ops goes beyond 2 AM.  It needs operable windows with screens to let in the fresh breezes for most of the year so you aren't in a dungeon on a beautiful clear 70 degree day.

Later I'll post pictures of how to build a layout without a saw.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on August 14, 2016, 02:04:55 PM
JV, are you going to be able to reach/access across the 4ft wide sections?
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on August 14, 2016, 02:30:47 PM
Quote from: Trainman203 on August 14, 2016, 10:28:19 AM
I spent my life in construction Brock

I recall Flory.  It is what helped you get involved in that get rich quick scheme of flipping houses, right?  How'd that work out for ya?

Quote from: Trainman203 on August 14, 2016, 10:28:19 AM
They, like a flat roof, are not a good idea down here.

Quote from: Trainman203 on August 14, 2016, 01:46:17 PM
We can't have basements in South Louisiana...The right way to build a house down here is wood framed floor elevated 3' or more above grade on masonry piers, with a pitched roof with an overhang, and no gutters.

Can't say I am interested in what the building codes are in LA or IL for that matter. Just wanted to know what the foundation was (pun intended) for your statement that "up north, every house has a basement."  Was it your 'construction background' that led you to make such a statement?  Because it holds as much water (again, pun intended) as your statement that up Norf, people don't work on their layouts in the summer ::)

Quote from: Jhanecker2 on August 14, 2016, 12:37:05 PM
Houses without basements are dangerous.    John2.

What prompted this statement? Ever stop to think this generalization may only pertain to certain areas of the country and not others ???

Quote from: Jhanecker2 on August 14, 2016, 12:37:05 PM
no areas for beer , wine , and whiskey.    John2.

Beer goes in the fridge and can be stored in the garage.  Same with the wine.  The whiskey always has a place in the liquor cabinet or a kitchen cabinet ;)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Trainman203 on August 14, 2016, 03:09:32 PM
Answered Brock offline.

Now.  Back to topic...... How about the wide sections Jonathan?

I purposefully kept my layout narrow, 15" wide, and found that, while along the line it is fine, you need more in settled areas for industries and non-railroad structures.  Wish I'd done 24" now ..... Along with code 70 rail.  This current layout has about a year to go, then I'm passing it on to a friend, then build a new one incorporating lessons learned.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on August 14, 2016, 04:21:43 PM
The majority of the track work will be close to the front edges, within reach. I'm intentionally building in crawl space, so I can pop up behind the trackage. The back scenery will be on removable platforms. I can build the scenery on my work bench then drop in place.

That's the plan anyway ;D

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on August 14, 2016, 07:45:43 PM
Quote from: Trainman203 on August 14, 2016, 03:09:32 PM
Answered Brock offline.

And what a glorious answer it was.

Quote from: Trainman203 on August 14, 2016, 03:09:32 PM
Now.  Back to topic...... How about the wide sections Jonathan?

Missed I had asked that question about an hour earlier?

Quote from: jbrock27 on August 14, 2016, 02:04:55 PM
JV, are you going to be able to reach/access across the 4ft wide sections?
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on August 17, 2016, 10:01:02 AM
No new picture to show, but an interesting observation.

I have start to disassemble my old layout, starting at one end and working my way around the layout.

I have discovered how easy it is to harvest the old track work.  Just a spritz of water and the track lifts right off, after pulling the track nails of course.  I laid down the cork roadbed with 1/2" brads throughout most of the layout. The roadbed lifts right off as well.  Looks like I'll be able to reuse most of the track nails.  Saving a lot of bucks here. 

The messy part is spraying the track and roadbed (outside) to remove the remaining ballast.  Though messy, it sprays off easily, too.

This must be why we are encouraged to add scenery with diluted white glue or matte medium.  The job is not quite so tedious as I imagined.

If only I could say the same about the wire.  That is a tedious job, but I should be able to save most of the wire.

Have decided to save the trees, but flush away the ground cover, hydrocal/plaster, and any other fiddly bits that don't seem worth the effort.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jerrys HO on August 22, 2016, 08:07:19 PM
Been awhile since I trolled here but good ole Jonathan brought a little spirit back to me with this project. Jonathan I know it will be just as great (I am thinking better if that's possible) as your last layout. I will definitely be lurking around for more progress reports. Your truly an inspiration.
BTW....... Hello to everyone else missed yall'  ;)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on August 25, 2016, 05:09:33 PM
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0358_zpsppnhpcxy.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0358_zpsppnhpcxy.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0356_zpspna7kaeg.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0356_zpspna7kaeg.jpg.html)

Not much to show, yet.  Still disassembling the old layout.  However, I have started to piece together the mainline subroadbed.  You can just make out the figure 8.  I managed to work the grade down to 2%--perhaps just a skosh less.

Max radius is 30".  Minimum radius is 27" so far.  Hope to keep that way.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on August 25, 2016, 07:12:08 PM
What happened to the bucket there?
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Bucksco on August 25, 2016, 07:41:26 PM
Looks like someone kicked the bucket...
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jerrys HO on August 25, 2016, 08:10:12 PM
Quote from: Yardmaster on August 25, 2016, 07:41:26 PM
Looks like someone kicked the bucket...

Now I see who Brock gets it from  :D

Jonathan how much smaller if any is it compared to the other one.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on August 25, 2016, 08:33:36 PM
Ah the bucket... It's one of those silly things that's been hangin around so long, I can't seem to let go of it.

This layout will be about half the square footage of the last layout, but will be more operational, and more attractive I hope.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on August 25, 2016, 08:35:24 PM
Quote from: Jerrys HO on August 25, 2016, 08:10:12 PM
Now I see who Brock gets it from  :D

While I was thinking that, and hoping to get to be able to use that line myself, your statement really has no basis. ;)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on August 25, 2016, 08:38:13 PM
Quote from: jonathan on August 25, 2016, 08:33:36 PM
Ah the bucket... It's one of those silly things that's been hangin around so long, I can't seem to let go of it.

Regards,

Jonathan

What the ???  Does a totally busted bucket serve some purpose I am not aware or have not thought of?
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jerrys HO on August 25, 2016, 08:47:33 PM
Quote from: jonathan on August 25, 2016, 08:33:36 PM
Ah the bucket... It's one of those silly things that's been hangin around so long, I can't seem to let go of it.

This layout will be about half the square footage of the last layout, but will be more operational, and more attractive I hope.

Regards,

Jonathan

I know what you mean Jonathan I have a silly old thing (friend) on this forum I just can not let go of  ;D
Looking forward to seeing more as always.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on August 25, 2016, 09:01:03 PM
Quote from: Jerrys HO on August 25, 2016, 08:47:33 PM
I know what you mean Jonathan I have a silly old thing (friend) on this forum I just can not let go of  ;D

While this may be very presumptuous of me to say Jerry, I have to say that is a very, very sweet thing for you to say :'(

No really, I would like to know what the point of keeping a busted bucket around is...

Quote from: jonathan on August 13, 2016, 12:49:59 PM
...got rid of a ton of junk. You know how basements can get...

Jonathan

...but in retrospect, this sheds some light.  Yes, I can understand, especially if junk is kept and not gotten rid of over time, LOL.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on August 26, 2016, 05:19:51 AM
Stop the skit.  Stop the skit. It's entirely too silly!

OK.  When I am drilling holes, or otherwise creating sawdust, I set the old, busted bucket underneath to catch the mess.  Keeping the floor clean is a lofty goal... one in which I am falling behind. When I'm done with the benchwork, I promise, I'll throw out the bucket.  ;D

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Len on August 26, 2016, 06:12:12 AM
"Throw out the bucket." ???

A little sheet styrene, a heat gun, some Plastic Weld, a bit of oak planking contact paper, and it'll be good as new.

Len
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on August 26, 2016, 07:06:39 AM
Quote from: jonathan on August 26, 2016, 05:19:51 AM
When I am drilling holes, or otherwise creating sawdust, I set the old, busted bucket underneath to catch the mess. 

Regards,

Jonathan

Ok, now there we go, the bucket does have a purpose which I had not thought of!  Good enough.  After this post, I will no longer speak of this bucket :D

Things are coming along nice JV.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on August 27, 2016, 03:34:35 PM
OK. Taking a break for clean up and getting the kidz ready for school on Monday.

You can see I'm nearly done with the mainline.  Just a couple more feet to go to reach the near side of the bridge.  You can also see where the roundhouse will be planted.  I have enough parts for 8 stalls so far. Would like 12 stalls to make a half-circle.  Pay no attention to the "soda" in the hippy koozie.  In Russian, it's a brewski for meeski and youski.

I will be building some sort of support between the two bridges, so I can run all three tracks completely around the figure 8.  This gives me more switching options for the yard-- roundhouse on one side, and freight yard on the other...

Regards,

Jonathan

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0369_zpso1d6kufk.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0369_zpso1d6kufk.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0368_zps3jt6uzaw.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0368_zps3jt6uzaw.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0364_zpsclgqgqws.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0364_zpsclgqgqws.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0361_zpsg51d0zee.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0361_zpsg51d0zee.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0360_zpszb3dlgbs.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0360_zpszb3dlgbs.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0359_zpsgc5bsjan.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0359_zpsgc5bsjan.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on August 28, 2016, 09:33:24 AM
I'm amazed at how neat you are keeping things during construction!  Should be a good looking road by the time you're done. 

Of course, we have to ask what are the plans for the aquariums!   :D

We have a pretty good look at the trackplan--it's essentially a figure 8--and it will be interesting to see the details that come in with yard and enginehouse setups.

It does look a bit smaller than what you had, which makes me wonder what you're going to do with all the neat buildings you have on the old one.

Then again, maybe new structures for this one. . .

Still looking forward to progress!!
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on August 28, 2016, 11:04:02 AM
Thanks J3a!  I'm saving the good structures for the new layout.  The cheapies (or poorly constructed ones) will head to the dump.

As for the aquariums, my son really likes critters. We have been through a few over the years... and will probably re-use those tanks.  :)

I hate this part:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0370_zpshisyprbn.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0370_zpshisyprbn.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0371_zpsuofk0hwn.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0371_zpsuofk0hwn.jpg.html)

If I can think of something clever, I think I have room to run the third track between the two bridges.  There may be a prototype.  Fingers crossed...

I like this part:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0373_zpso8rjro19.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0373_zpso8rjro19.jpg.html)

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Len on August 28, 2016, 12:57:27 PM
Atlas has an 18" through truss bridge http://www.atlasrr.com/Trackmisc/hothroughtrussbridge.htm (http://www.atlasrr.com/Trackmisc/hothroughtrussbridge.htm) that's a bit narrower than the pony truss bridges your using. They don't have the wide walkways on both sides, so might make it easier to fit three of them into your space.

Len
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on August 28, 2016, 02:08:18 PM
Two other possibilities in regard to the bridge--

One, consider it a prototypical operating bottleneck, plenty of examples are in the real world.

Two, find a double track bridge for two adjacent tracks, and add a second single track bridge on one side.  Again, this is something you see in the real world. 

Either idea will work!
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on August 28, 2016, 07:19:28 PM
Quote from: J3a-614 on August 28, 2016, 09:33:24 AM
Of course, we have to ask what are the plans for the aquariums!   :D

Quote from: jonathan on August 28, 2016, 11:04:02 AM
As for the aquariums, my son really likes critters.

Jonathan

I hadn't asked bc I just figured they were to raise a Gila Monster, which was going to be used later to terrorize towns people on the layout :D
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jerrys HO on August 28, 2016, 09:34:08 PM
Jim that's not the reason and you know it, you were focused on the bucket and completely missed the aquariums.

I like J3's 2nd suggestion and it could be a line coming from the yard and joining in to the double. The possibilities are endless.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on August 28, 2016, 09:52:17 PM
Quote from: jbrock27 on August 28, 2016, 07:19:28 PM
Quote from: J3a-614 on August 28, 2016, 09:33:24 AM
Of course, we have to ask what are the plans for the aquariums!   :D

Quote from: jonathan on August 28, 2016, 11:04:02 AM
As for the aquariums, my son really likes critters.

Jonathan

I hadn't asked bc I just figured they were to raise a Gila Monster, which was going to be used later to terrorize towns people on the layout :D

Ho, ho, ho, I wonder if J. Brock recalls the drive-in film "classic," "The Giant Gila Monster."

Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJgcIwfyToY

That movie does incorporate its titular creature attacking a train; this starts at 0:48:29 in the copy of the movie below, and it's right in Jonathan's time period:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QVPE4XmU1Y

Note that the models used were from Lionel--and check out the continuity problems, too!

Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on August 28, 2016, 10:01:52 PM
Amazingly, the movie was remade in 2012, under the title of "Gila!"

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2175675/

Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccXaHREoCI8

Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jhanecker2 on August 29, 2016, 07:53:07 AM
Good Morning  :  I remember  the  1959 original ,  used to watch it on television   in the sixties after school  .   It was  a product of it's  time and I can't think of a reason that it needed to be  remade  .   John 2.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on August 29, 2016, 01:33:16 PM
Quote from: Jerrys HO on August 28, 2016, 09:34:08 PM
Jim that's not the reason and you know it, you were focused on the bucket and completely missed the aquariums.

Completely false.  I would have to be blind to see it and to not have seen the aquariums.  Rather, I got the sense jv was getting a little peeved answering questions about the aforementioned and decided to give discussion about non train related items a rest.  But then, J3a opened the door, so... ;) 
And I could be completely mistaken, but I get a sense that jv intentionally includes such things as the aforementioned, the bottle and the aquariums in his photos as 'conversation pieces' ;)

Quote from: Jerrys HO on August 28, 2016, 09:34:08 PM
...a line coming from the yard and joining in to the double. The possibilities are endless.

Really?  I would think while perhaps vast, the possibilities are still finite and not infinite. ::)

Quote from: J3a-614 on August 28, 2016, 09:52:17 PM
Ho, ho, ho, I wonder if J. Brock recalls the drive-in film "classic," "The Giant Gila Monster."

LOL !  Of course I do!  The whole reason why I mentioned it.  I think I even have a DVD of it somewhere around here.

Quote from: J3a-614 on August 28, 2016, 10:01:52 PM
Amazingly, the movie was remade in 2012, under the title of "Gila!"

Now THAT, I did not know, LOL :D

Quote from: Jhanecker2 on August 29, 2016, 07:53:07 AM
I can't think of a reason that it needed to be  remade  .   John 2.

Nor can I.  LOL.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on August 30, 2016, 07:28:43 AM
Taking J3a's suggestion, I went searching for railroad bridges that might match my plan.

Low and behold, there was a series of Rock Island railroad bridges at an obvious choke point along their line.  There were five arched truss bridges, just like mine, all lined up, crossing a river--both single and double tracked bridges.  Very neat!  Just as I've read before:  if you can imagine it, there's probably a prototype out there somewhere.

Oh, the next time I post some photos, I'll see if I can't find more interesting things to throw in the photo, just to get us more off topic.   :) Didn't realize how much fun we are having with that. 

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on August 30, 2016, 01:06:58 PM
Quote from: jonathan on August 30, 2016, 07:28:43 AM
Didn't realize how much fun we are having with that. 

Regards,

Jonathan

Oh, tons of fun.  Just like a Barrel of Monkeys :)  Hope you're having fun too.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on September 03, 2016, 06:19:04 PM
Finished laying the track for the mainline today. Just been pulling cars around to check for any hiccups.

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0377_zpss31aljnu.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0377_zpss31aljnu.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0379_zpslqv4ambv.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0379_zpslqv4ambv.jpg.html)

The turnout on the left heads to the locomotive parking and service area with all the accoutrements that go with it.  The turnout on the right heads to the freight service area.  Trying to decide on any industry that might be trackside there.  There is a way for switchers to cross from one track to another, to deliver cuts of cars to trains on the mainline.  I kept it simple, but time consuming.  I have just enough tortoise machines to cover this area.


(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0380_zpsx5t9oqmq.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0380_zpsx5t9oqmq.jpg.html)

OK, Since we seem to love distractions so much, here's one of my collectibles.  Let's see if you can guess what it is.  Here's a couple of hints:

It's upside down.  When in use the pointy end faces down. 

It's around 200 years old.

It's a nautical item.  I am a retired sailor after all.

Let the games begin!

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0382_zpsnbkm7ttf.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0382_zpsnbkm7ttf.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0384_zpsd2s8r5as.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0384_zpsd2s8r5as.jpg.html)

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jhanecker2 on September 03, 2016, 07:03:03 PM
To Jonathon :  Just to start off the discussion  it looks like something that fits into a frame and could be part of a lighting device .  It appears to have considerable weight from the thickness of the glass . I am wondering  when gimbals  lights  were installed aboard ships ?  John2.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Ken Clark on September 03, 2016, 08:21:41 PM

  Jonathon

   Would you believe a Deck Prisim, used to pass light to lower deck.

   Have one myself.

   Ken C
    GWN
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on September 03, 2016, 09:35:58 PM
Oh man. Thought I had a hard one. This audience is much too clever. Ken is exactly right.  :D

Gonna have to work harder I guess.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on September 04, 2016, 08:50:03 AM
The layout is looking good :)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on September 05, 2016, 05:09:05 PM
Thanks, Jb.

Well, the bucket is back.  I'll pull some trinket out of a box to spice things up, soon.

Anyway, I've decided to lay the track for the entire layout, before taking out the soldering iron.  I figure I'll be at wiring for quite some time... might as well do it all at once, just like laying the track. I have knelt under the layout and drilled 1/2" holes for the bus wires.

Here is the locomotives storage/service side of the layout.  I'm starting to like the way it looks.  Though, setting up a turntable and roundhouse is no picnic.  Measurement and alignment seem to be very crucial.  I will have to complete the turntable and roundhouse build before I can move on to the freight side of the layout.

I've also begun to design the command station.  Yes, this layout will stay DC.  I'm old fashioned at heart.

Enjoy!
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0389_zpsqe3tlulk.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0389_zpsqe3tlulk.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0388_zpswi7rtyfa.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0388_zpswi7rtyfa.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0386_zpsxwiiaymf.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0386_zpsxwiiaymf.jpg.html)

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: WoundedBear on September 05, 2016, 08:47:53 PM
I can't wait to see your finished roundhouse. Who made the kit?

Sid
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: rogertra on September 05, 2016, 11:56:19 PM
Nice work Johnathan.

Cheers


Roger T.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on September 06, 2016, 07:25:22 AM
Thanks, Roger.

Sid, the kit is a Walthers Cornerstone Roundhouse... the big one.  The smaller kit would be more correct for B&O, but I like this one.

The main kit comes with enough materials to build a 3-stall roundhouse.  There are add on kits (3 stalls) that come without the exterior walls.  I'm adding mortar to the brickwork right now.  That's a bit time consuming. 

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jhanecker2 on September 06, 2016, 04:41:48 PM
Just bought the smaller cornerstone  roundhouse and their older un-powered turntable .   Motor to follow  later .  My biggest worry is how to glue in the rails properly and to wire them .  I will be using  DC Controls  as well  , going to have to locate the books on wiring and track planning . Round houses seem a good way to store  Diesels though  Dedicated  Engine house seem to be a better way to service them .  I  read something about about round houses having cranes internally but that must have been on the larger newer houses  .   I would suspect that  heavy crane- ways and cranes would have been much easier to construct in rectangular  buildings .   My Dad and I  actually  built one  in the new addition to his shop  in Chicago  back in the 70's . That addition was actually designed around that crane  and we left it there  when he sold the shop .  One of the things  I am too old to even considering doing again .  Nice work on the layout .
John2
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on September 06, 2016, 08:56:46 PM
JH2,

I used Superglue to attach the rails.  They seem to hold fine.  I plan to solder feeder wires, to the rails, just outside the front doors.  On my last roundhouse, I pre-soldered the ends of the rails (inside end), then glued in the rails.  Either way, one will have to drill through the deck to set up on/off switches for the rails.

I bought the unpowered turntable as well.  I already have the motorizing kit.  I took apart the motor housing, then re-lubed the motor with some grease for the gears, and super light oil for the gear axles.  Motor seems to run very well.  I haven't built the turntable, yet.  That's next, after the roundhouse.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on September 07, 2016, 04:52:47 PM
Roof pieces are not glued down, so I can detail the interior:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0400_zpsdlu7clga.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0400_zpsdlu7clga.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0399_zpsb3ksecxh.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0399_zpsb3ksecxh.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0397_zpsmvtpiiun.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0397_zpsmvtpiiun.jpg.html)

...Getting there.  Still a bit of work to do.  Then it's on to the turntable.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on September 08, 2016, 06:32:09 PM
My Spectrum Heavy Mountain, with long Vandy tender, is the longest loco that will run on this layout.  It barely squeezes onto this turntable:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0406_zpscwfgbpol.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0406_zpscwfgbpol.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0405_zpswhuchprt.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0405_zpswhuchprt.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0404_zpsedpykmte.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0404_zpsedpykmte.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0403_zpsbrvnhizx.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0403_zpsbrvnhizx.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0402_zpsstqd9shn.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0402_zpsstqd9shn.jpg.html)

Finished the painting and weathering.  Next is building up the motorized mechanism, and praying that it might actually work.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on September 08, 2016, 08:36:04 PM
Quote from: jonathan on September 08, 2016, 06:32:09 PM
My Spectrum Heavy Mountain, with long Vandy tender, is the longest loco that will run on this layout.  It barely squeezes onto this turntable:

This also undoubtedly explains, at least partially, your choice of the larger roundhouse!   :)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: RAM on September 08, 2016, 09:26:54 PM
Well the UP ran the 4-6-6-4's to the east end of  their line and turned them on a tt that was not long enough for them.  How ever I don't know how you would do it in HO. 
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on September 09, 2016, 12:00:12 AM
Quote from: RAM on September 08, 2016, 09:26:54 PM
Well the UP ran the 4-6-6-4's to the east end of  their line and turned them on a tt that was not long enough for them.  How ever I don't know how you would do it in HO. 

The B&O itself normally ran its 2-10-2s and later its 2-8-8-4s no further east than Brunswick, Md.; double-headed 2-8-2s were typical from there to Baltimore.

Part of the reason for this--perhaps a large part--was that the main locomotive terminal in Baltimore, Riverside Shops, had a roundhouse and turntable in a cramped location that couldn't handle anything longer.

However, operation of the bigger engines could take place there, but it wasn't terribly convenient.

The alternative to that too short turntable was a wye in the vicinity.  The big problem was that one leg of the wye was the busy, double tracked main line to Philadelphia and New York!  You could turn a Yellowstone on it, but it took a lot of planning or a lot of time to make sure you had track authority between all the other trains racing past, including Royal Blue passenger trains with President class 4-6-2s!
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on September 09, 2016, 06:41:39 AM
Yes. Amazing how limited space on our model layouts mirror problems encountered by the prototypes!

I intentionally built an extended stall in the roundhouse, so one of my EM1's could park in there.  That track goes straight across the turntable to the yard tracks.  I normally run those monster locos at train shows where our club's modular layout can handle big locomotives. This will be mostly for display.  Though, I suspect an EM1 will fit just fine on the new layout. It has a permanent reservation in stall #2.

I have a brass S-1a (2-10-2), which is medium large and requires big radii on curves.  It does fit on the turntable.  Of course, the Big Six won't be running much, but I did want to have enough room so I could back it out of the roundhouse and show it off to those that would appreciate it.  That locomotive has a permanent reservation in stall #1.

I still plan to make a semi-circle roundhouse by extending the one I just built.  It will have to wait until the trackwork and wiring are done.  Plus, those structures get to be a bit pricey as the size increases.

Now on to the freight yard.

Regards,

Jonathan 
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Len on September 09, 2016, 07:08:37 AM
That's a problem encountered by many lines as steam power kept getting larger, to the point of no longer fitting existing turntables. In several cases an extra turntable approach track, sometimes two, was added to allow moving straight across, without having to rotate the deck, into a roundhouse stall. It was way cheaper than replacing the turntable.

Len
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on September 09, 2016, 07:37:11 AM
That's a great idea!  A second approach track could also serve as a useful siding.  I like it a lot!

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Len on September 09, 2016, 10:19:47 AM
Here's an example. Note how the left hand approach track lines up with the expanded roundhouse stall directly opposite:
(http://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/5371679462184798/filePointer/5371679466286238/fodoid/5371679466286234/imageType/LARGE/inlineImage/true/JacksonStreetRoundHouse.jpg)

Len
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on September 09, 2016, 10:36:57 AM
Nice shot!

Gives me a great example of how things were done.

Thanks.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on September 09, 2016, 08:25:27 PM
Quote from: Len on September 09, 2016, 07:08:37 AMIn several cases an extra turntable approach track, sometimes two, was added to allow moving straight across, without having to rotate the deck, into a roundhouse stall. It was way cheaper than replacing the turntable.

Len

Actually, in all but the smallest of engine facilities, it was normal to have at least two roundhouse leads just to avoid congestion.  Naturally one would be primarily for inbound locomotives, and one for outbound.  Busier terminals might have three or more.

Usually there would be service facilities on these leads as well for coal, water, sand, and ash handling, or else an oil filler for oil burners that replaced the coal and ash facilities.  This of course required yet another track to spot the coal hoppers and ash gons or the tank cars, though this normally would be connected only by a turnout leading in and wouldn't connect to the turntable.  This wasn't universal; sometimes the service facility had to be elsewhere if space was tight.

Some people have suggested a model railroad based on enginehouse operations can be of interest.  Basically this becomes a switching layout in which you move locomotives around, with stops at the appropriate places to load coal, dump the ashes, add water and sand, spot the engine in the house or turn it and have it ready for departure. . .

I had a chance to see a video clip of the late John Allen's Gorre and Daphetid, and one of the things that stood out was he had a light and a smoke unit in his ash facility at the Great Divide roundhouse, simulating the embers, smoke, and dust you get when you "clean the fire" on a coal burner.  

This is visible at this promotional link for a video on the road starting at about 1:20

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0tHHK-LI6Y
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on September 09, 2016, 08:45:43 PM
Judging from the flames, it might be that the crew is dropping the fire, but you can get plenty of still-burning pieces of coal just cleaning out the ash pan, which is one of the reasons the ash pan is also hosed out with water to reduce the fire hazard.

And note that this is not an instantaneous process.  It takes time to do this, as does almost anything else with steam servicing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TwOpOkhx9o

Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Len on September 10, 2016, 08:21:16 AM
J3a - In general, I don't disagree about the 'Inbound/Outbound' approach tracks at many turntables, including the one pictured. My point was the far left track was added from the passenger car service area specifically to acccess the expanded roundhouse stall by locos that were too long to be rotatated on the turntable.

Len
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on September 10, 2016, 01:13:57 PM
OK, decided on a configuration for my loco yard.  The single-parking track, behind the roundhouse is going away (pulling it up). Put in a second approach track.  Then my roundhouse will circle around to have 17 stalls... eventually.

I like this set up:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0414_zpsdlpsxufm.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0414_zpsdlpsxufm.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0411_zpspiznjmge.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0411_zpspiznjmge.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0410_zpsivxmzuib.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0410_zpsivxmzuib.jpg.html)

Regards,

Jonathan

Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on September 10, 2016, 01:38:44 PM
Wow!!  You work fast!

And I like how this looks like its on it's way to becoming a big sprawling facility, which will, like many a prototype, have the look of being added on and modified over time.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: BaltoOhioRRfan on September 10, 2016, 03:32:12 PM
Looking good Jon, wish i had the space to do a good size layout, i'd have to hire you to do the wiring. haha


Emily
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on September 11, 2016, 02:46:26 AM
Brain cells being tickled again. . .

Somewhere around here you may want to add a track for a wreck train.  A lot of engine terminals of any size at all had them back in the day.  This would just be a spur somewhere to hold a crane, its tender (usually converted from a flat car, used as an idler car with the boom, and also to carry spare trucks, cables, blocking, etc.), a tool car (old baggage car), old Pullman (dorm car).  It often would be handy to a roundhouse, having the steam wrecker of that time hooked up to house steam to keep it hot without a fire, the air charged with house air, and handy to the roundhouse crew who also were usually the wrecker crew when it went out. 
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on September 13, 2016, 08:16:17 PM
Indeed I am looking for a way to line up my three cranes, boom cars, tool car, and the like.  It's getting tough to find room for everything when your new layout is half the size of the old one.  I'm borderline, spaghetti bowl the way it is.  :)

I finished my trackwork today.  Of course, changes may come about later.  Just wanted to pass on a couple of things:

Instead of bending up a lot of track nails, this time I predrilled holes as I was laying track... just enough so the nail would set in without having to hammer, yet still hold the track in place;
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0426_zpsaulzktn0.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0426_zpsaulzktn0.jpg.html)

Also, notice the cedar shim under the spike.  For a buck fifty at HD I received a good pile of these cedar shims, which turn out to be great for transitioning track on and off roadbed.  I wanted my loco service area to be rather ground hugging.

Anyway, here's a few shots of the completed trackwork.

Next, is harvesting all my switch machines and wiring from the old layout.  Turnouts and wiring are what come next.  I won't have much to post for a while I suppose.

Regards,

Jonathan

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0425_zpshmers4fx.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0425_zpshmers4fx.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0423_zps0wkgszs2.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0423_zps0wkgszs2.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0419_zpsfmtbwz3n.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0419_zpsfmtbwz3n.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0415_zpsbmarjpxq.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0415_zpsbmarjpxq.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Irbricksceo on September 15, 2016, 03:10:41 AM
I pity the man who has to retrieve the log-laden car on the end of the inner yard track. Hell of a switching job!

Seriously though, looks great jonathan. I wish I had the time, money, or space for a nice large layout. Keep us informed!
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on September 15, 2016, 07:35:02 AM
Thanks Irbricks!

This layout's surface area covers about 75 square feet.  I was considering this a small layout--perhaps it's really a medium? Dunno.

Right now I'm harvesting wire from the old layout to make track feeders.  Hoping I have enough larger gage wire for the buses. 

I managed to retrieve 5 tortoise switch machines and three other kinds of switch machines.  I'll have to get three more tortoises.  The last 3 turnouts will get the old finger flip, stiff wire treatment, as they are not critical to normal operations.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on September 15, 2016, 08:54:13 PM
Quote from: Irbricksceo on September 15, 2016, 03:10:41 AM
I pity the man who has to retrieve the log-laden car on the end of the inner yard track. Hell of a switching job!

Ha!  Many a real railroader has had to deal with just that situation!  Meant having to pull the whole string to get the car or cars you wanted, and then shove the whole lot back again! 

Of course, that adds to the realism!

I haven't seen it in years, but there was a YouTube or something video showing just such an operation. The draw for the photographer was the Alco power, but the crew did just what we're talking about, starting with the locomotives cutting off and rolling past the switch, backing in to the spur, coming out  hauling a long string to get to two cars at the end that were ready to move, shoving the two cars back to the rest of the train, coupling them on, then cutting them off from the cars they had to take back, pulling the string clear of the switch, shoving them back in again, and finally the locomotives coming back out, backing to the train, and finally getting on the way again!

Yes, it took a while to watch that, too!
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on September 15, 2016, 08:57:08 PM
Now I'm looking back at Jon's newest photos, and looking at all the track he has, and I'm wondering what else he's going to fit in. . .I would bet he's thinking of a factory district of some sort, either near the roundhouse, or squeezed into that curving yard. . .a place for his Dockside, naturally!
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on September 16, 2016, 06:23:32 AM
Well... now that you mention it...

I am trying to salvage some of my industry structures from the old layout.  I'm hoping to set up something credible in the middle of the freight yard. 

My biggest problem right now is my coal mine structure.  It's pretty neat, but I can't find a functional spot for it.  Definitely don't want to add more track.  I have too much as it is.  Perhaps the powers that be will allow me to expand the layout one day.  However, this could affect my man-cave.  A couple of the photos show the rest of the room with a big TV, couch, and lazyboy. This basement "rec" room went unused for quite some time.  Now, my son and I are decorating it to manly specifications.

As for the dockside--I'm thinking it's going to get a spot in one of the short stalls in my roundhouse.  Tested it on the turntable the other day.  It still runs... not bad for a 70 year old hunk of Zamak.

Just finished tinning a big pile of track feeders, and soldered about half the track joins so far.  I'm hoping to get a long session this weekend, to feed and solder some bus wires.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on September 17, 2016, 10:13:07 AM
Got the first track up and running this morning. 

I used green bus wire (18 gage), with white, with 22 gage feeders for the North rail; then blue wire (16 gage and 22 gage) for the South Rail.

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0433_zpslfwmynfa.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0433_zpslfwmynfa.jpg.html)

I will cover the bare wire after I've completed all three tracks of the main line.

Tested a train for about an hour, to work out the kinks and ensure trains will run smoothly.  My 0-6-0's (double-headed) will pull 15 cars up the 2% grade, before they start to show a bit of slippage.

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0430_zpsgimvt4me.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0430_zpsgimvt4me.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0429_zpsjowo76ca.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0429_zpsjowo76ca.jpg.html)

So far, so good.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Ken Clark on September 17, 2016, 11:10:15 AM


    Jonathon

Looking good, I used Tap-In-Splice connectors for my wiring. Lot neater the solder and no nicks, burns or smoke to put up with. And you do not need to cover. I am currently rebuilding my layout and reusing them from the first layout, no problems in 4 years of use.

  Ken Clark
   GWN
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on September 17, 2016, 05:18:37 PM
Speaking of cover, JV, you plan to insulate the splice with Liquid Electrical Tape?
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on September 17, 2016, 09:47:43 PM
I just use regular electrical tape.  I find it easier to remove when it's time to disassemble.

I got lucky and had a loooong session with the layout today.  So, all three tracks of the mainline are up and running. Plus, got to start adding some fascia to cover up the benchwork and wiring:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0435_zpshhtqsu0x.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0435_zpshhtqsu0x.jpg.html)

with flash
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0434_zpssquqjfru.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0434_zpssquqjfru.jpg.html)

I'm pretty tired.  Think I'll hit the hay now.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: rogertra on September 17, 2016, 10:48:09 PM
Quote from: jbrock27 on September 17, 2016, 05:18:37 PM
Speaking of cover, JV, you plan to insulate the splice with Liquid Electrical Tape?

I use wirenuts.  Easy to use and remove when required.

Cheers


Roger T.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on September 18, 2016, 07:02:29 AM
Quote from: rogertra on September 17, 2016, 10:48:09 PM

I use wirenuts.  Easy to use and remove when required.

Cheers


Roger T.

I am sure they are.   

I prefer barrier strips and tap connectors myself.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on September 18, 2016, 04:20:36 PM
You know how the big hardware stores have an "oops" paint shelf, where you can buy somebody's reject paint color for pennies on the dollar?

Well, I went into such a place this morning and got a can of paint for $2 that looked a little shady, yet somehow familiar.  I started getting excited when I started painting the fascia.  As it started to dry, the color looked even more familiar:



(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0438_zpscvfc4gvq.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0438_zpscvfc4gvq.jpg.html)

Two coats and I'm ready to move on to more wiring:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0440_zpsp3dthcka.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0440_zpsp3dthcka.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0441_zpscweg7npk.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0441_zpscweg7npk.jpg.html)

I also started putting a floor under the layout, for storage of train related items.  That pressboard (nomen?) is leftover from installing a floor in my attic.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on September 25, 2016, 08:20:29 AM
Update:

Trackwork and wiring become tedious after a while, so I'm taking a break to make a control panel.  I googled MR control panels and saw some spectacular designs.  Obviously, some of these guys must work for NASA, just looking at their incredible wiring behind the panel. I have chosen a simple, old-timey design.  I believed I mentioned I get a bit old-fashioned when it comes to trains.

Anyway,  I took a piece of 12X24 birch plywood and painted 4 coats of white (sanding in between coats).  I designed, on grid paper, the area where the yards join the mainline.  Using thin masking tape, the panel looks liked this:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0444_zpsj0mdlr5f.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0444_zpsj0mdlr5f.jpg.html)

The only flat spray paint I had left was a shade of brown, so that was my primer:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0448_zpsbqqzf1r4.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0448_zpsbqqzf1r4.jpg.html)

I haven't decided whether to seal the panel with flat or gloss finish.  

Here is how it will sit on the layout, once the switch controls and brackets are mounted:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0452_zpszvppxudg.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0452_zpszvppxudg.jpg.html)

I have also begun putting together the control area for the roundhouse and 2 additional engine houses:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0453_zpsubzmievu.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0453_zpsubzmievu.jpg.html)

The first 17 switches are for the stall tracks.  The next 3 switches are for the engine houses.  Finally, the last switch is for the turntable.

I have a really old 6V Bachmann transformer (from the 70's I think).  This is the sole source of power for the turntable.  I can put the throttle on 20%, and the turntable creeps real sssssssslllllllloooooooowwwww.

Regards,

Jonathan

Addendum:

I'm not buying all new switches... just recycling whatever I had from the old layout:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0455_zpsr4oluhqw.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0455_zpsr4oluhqw.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on October 01, 2016, 06:56:27 AM
Update:

I'm up to 12 stalls on the roundhouse... only 5 more to go.  As usual, I don't have the roof pieces glued down, yet.  I wonder if there is something I can use to make the roof pieces stick down, but would still be able to pull them up later when it's time to detail the interior? ...and I'm out of soot, so weathering is on standby...

Anyway, I wanted to model the poles and wires that connect the turntable bridge power to an electrical source.

I used 2lb. test fishing line for the wires (painted grimy black) and bamboo skewers for the power poles (buck-a-bag at the grocer's).  The poles I painted with a highly diluted solution of rail brown.

I drilled #76 holes in the poles and that turny thingy at the top of the bridge.

My plan is to have a set of power poles lined in the background, behind the roundhouse.  This is why the power lines run up and over the roundhouse.  Plus, I think it looks cool.  ;D

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0012_zpsagfcfxx0.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0012_zpsagfcfxx0.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0011_zpsc85wtcjy.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0011_zpsc85wtcjy.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0009_zpsup25bhmd.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0009_zpsup25bhmd.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0003_01_zpsfmoapp5n.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0003_01_zpsfmoapp5n.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0002_zpsrdxoq7dw.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0002_zpsrdxoq7dw.jpg.html)

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Ken Clark on October 01, 2016, 10:55:42 AM


  Jonathon

  Looking very good, as to a system for the roof, might it be possible to use a catch strip and magnets to hold them in place, so they could be removed for viewing of the interior?.

   Ken C
    GWN
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on October 02, 2016, 04:55:16 PM
Thanks, Ken.  I hadn't even thought of magnets.  I was thinking about some cheap caulk that would hold the roof down even, then pull up later.  But magnets... great! That could be a permanenct solution, if I can find the right size.

Here's my reward to myself for all the work so far:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0014_zpsibpgfq9c.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0014_zpsibpgfq9c.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0016_01_zpsuyu8opkh.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0016_01_zpsuyu8opkh.jpg.html)

For J3a-614, notice the wreck train stall I'm putting in outside the roundhouse... Along with a caboose track:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0019_01_zpsbwb1c2em.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0019_01_zpsbwb1c2em.jpg.html)

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jhanecker2 on October 02, 2016, 06:18:40 PM
To Jonathon :  Coming along very nicely . John2.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on October 03, 2016, 05:13:24 AM
Thanks, John!

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on October 08, 2016, 07:28:56 AM
I have enough trackwork/wiring done that I can play with a little scenery.  The next several shots show some of the progress.

A friend gave me a couple of old backdrops he found in his father's attic (had a date of 1974 on 'em).  So, I...

Cut the sky out (from the backdrop);

Mounted the drop to the sky-board with matte medium; and

Blended the edges with some of the paint that was used for the sky-board.

Finally, I put some ground foam and trees (the dead one is real) in front of the backdrop scene.

The shots start in close and move back so you can see the effect from a normal observing distance:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0021_zpsiwjzqhmo.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0021_zpsiwjzqhmo.jpg.html)
The retaining wall is represented by some card stock, as a place holder.  Will put some kind of flexible retaining wall in there eventually.

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0022_zpse206ewkr.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0022_zpse206ewkr.jpg.html)
I won't ballast the mainline until every locomotive can make it around without derailing, in both directions.  The Bachmann locos work just fine.  Now I'm tweaking the track so even my most sensitive brassie can run the gauntlet.

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0023_zps2on4ei8a.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0023_zps2on4ei8a.jpg.html)
Up to 14 on my stall-O-meter.  Only three to go.  All the tracks are wired.  This is where I'm using up my old ballast.

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0024_01_zpsixz9ijfj.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0024_01_zpsixz9ijfj.jpg.html)
The mainline will have a very nice, light buff-colored ballast.  I'm mixing medium and fine grain together.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: rogertra on October 08, 2016, 06:05:57 PM
Coming along really nicely.

Meanwhile, mine's dragging it's heels.  :(

Cheers

Roger T.

Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on October 09, 2016, 07:49:23 AM
Thanks roger!

Regards,

Joanathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: ebtnut on October 10, 2016, 11:33:26 AM
Isn't it amazing what just a little bit of scenery will do for a layout?  Good stuff, Jonathon.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on October 10, 2016, 06:10:56 PM
Thanks ebt!

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: on30gn15 on October 10, 2016, 10:10:58 PM
Looks like that'll work!
While we're talking roundhouses and turntables - how about a minor tangent from earlier today of where this one in Greece has the stall approach track area around rails leveled with concrete and painted yellow. http://www.railpictures.net/photo/592033/ (http://www.railpictures.net/photo/592033/)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: RAM on October 10, 2016, 10:40:42 PM
Most  if not all tracks in engine serves areas are fill in up to the rail heads.  Just think,  there are all kinds of worker walking back an forth,  Some of them pulling carts, Trucks moving here & there.  I see you have some locomotives backed into the round house.  Locomotives pull into the round house for two reasons, The smoke vents are in the back, and most work is done on the locomotive,
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on October 11, 2016, 01:19:45 AM
Quote from: RAM on October 10, 2016, 10:40:42 PM
Most  if not all tracks in engine serves areas are fill in up to the rail heads.  Just think,  there are all kinds of worker walking back an forth,  Some of them pulling carts, Trucks moving here & there.  I see you have some locomotives backed into the round house.  Locomotives pull into the round house for two reasons, The smoke vents are in the back, and most work is done on the locomotive,

I bet RAM is saying "Phooey!!" or something he can't print, thanks to editing problems!

Locomotives pull into the round house for two reasons, The smoke vents are in the back, and there is more room where the stalls are wider, the light is better from all those windows, and with most work being done on the front of locomotive.

I'll also add that a lot of roundhouses and other facilities, including some on the B&O, had wooden walkways or sidewalks, including some running parallel to the front of the roundhouse, between the roundhouse stalls and the turntable.

Just another option to consider!  :)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on October 11, 2016, 07:01:21 AM
Indeed, I have been considering filling in up to the railheads around my roundhouse.  Half the locomotives that will park there are brassies, which are incredibly sensitive to all kinds of things.  I am hesitant to get the tracks more prototypical around this area, for fear of not being able to get the brass out smoothly.  Operability is more important to me here.  Still, I will probably add more ballast as I get braver.  I will stop when things get dicey backing out of the roundhouse.

As for backing in... All the locomotives will eventually drive in forward.  Right now I'm just trying to keep them out of the way while smoothing out the trackwork.  Funny, I thought larger radii would solve most of the running problems of my locomotives.  That works to a degree.  I'm finding my biggest problem is laying used track and roadbed. This has led to unforeseen humps and dips.  I'm getting the last few cleared up.

Planning a couple of short tunnels, and I can't have any issues with track when areas become unreachable.

The real fun will be scratchbuilding triple track tunnel portals, as there are none on the market... and triple track tunnel portals are really, really rare in the real world, too.  I have found one so far in my searches.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Len on October 11, 2016, 03:42:50 PM
You could use code 70 rail to create flangeways on the stall tracks to keep ballast away from loco wheels. Or use basswood strips to simulate 'timber' walkways between, and along side, the stall track rails.

Len
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: RAM on October 11, 2016, 10:02:26 PM
J3a I was half asleep when I wrote that.  In fact I would wake up and have 4 or 5 lines of the same letter.  I should have deleted it and went to bed.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on October 12, 2016, 01:06:51 AM
Quote from: RAM on October 11, 2016, 10:02:26 PM
J3a I was half asleep when I wrote that.  In fact I would wake up and have 4 or 5 lines of the same letter.  I should have deleted it and went to bed.


That can happen to the best of us.   :D
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on October 12, 2016, 01:10:46 AM
Quote from: jonathan on October 11, 2016, 07:01:21 AM

The real fun will be scratchbuilding triple track tunnel portals, as there are none on the market... and triple track tunnel portals are really, really rare in the real world, too.  I have found one so far in my searches.

Regards,

Jonathan

Like bridges, tunnels in triple track country are usually in pairs, one single, the other double, usually as a result of a new tunnel going in at some point next to an older one.  Don't know how you might tackle this given the relatively minimal track spacing you have, but that might be something to look at.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on October 13, 2016, 04:56:24 AM
Yep.  Now that my layout is half the size of my old one, I'm having to compromise a bit.  Hard to pack as much action into a smaller space. The whole idea of three tracks was to allow for switching operations while trains were moving past.  And I love that area moving through Sand Patch/Cumberland.  Some of the best photos of old B&O was along that mainline... which happened to be triple track along part of that route. Anyway, I'm afraid I'm going to have to live with three tracks in one tunnel.  Soooo....

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0026_zps3cekirrz.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0026_zps3cekirrz.jpg.html)

These are made of 1/2-inch plywood.  I traced the pattern of a double track portal and stretched it.  Adding a little detail to them, to keep them from being too dull.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jerrys HO on October 13, 2016, 09:16:39 PM
Jonathan I am sure you have been to the Chicago Science Museum and seen the layout there but in case you missed it this video at 7:40 has a triple tunnel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl6Jjj59_r0

Your layout is really looking good. It is amazing in even a smaller space you have built another award winning layout.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on October 14, 2016, 10:35:11 AM
Thanks Jerry!

Dunno about award winning.  Fun to build though.  Check out Sid's layout for award winning.  If I recall correctly, your layout is pretty spectacular as well.  Haven't seen an update in a while.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jerrys HO on October 16, 2016, 04:43:56 PM
Have not looked at Sid's in a good while will have to revisit as to what I had seen he has the talent for this as well.
As for mine, I have been in a long process of redoing it and pretty close to finishing the track work. Spectacular NO but as you said...... fun! Will try to get some pics up after trackwork is complete and mess is cleaned up.
Jerry
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: BaltoOhioRRfan on October 16, 2016, 05:01:36 PM
Looking good Jon. wish I had that kind of patience to do that much detail work....

Emily
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on October 16, 2016, 07:36:23 PM
Thanks B&ORRF.

With the West end of the railroad well in hand, it's time to turn my attention to the East end and figure out a plan.

I have been tacking a few things in place just to get some inspiration.  I think I've come up with a few ideas.

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0035_01_zpsccn1zgiu.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0035_01_zpsccn1zgiu.jpg.html)

I want to recycle my mine structure, but it means I'll have to set the mine in a sort of ravine, between to large hills (mountains).

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0033_01_zpsulnjsz4m.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0033_01_zpsulnjsz4m.jpg.html)

I had to redo the yard tracks to accommodate the mine stalls.

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0030_zpsfuqol1wg.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0030_zpsfuqol1wg.jpg.html)

Also toying with the idea of continuing the large, steep hills to the back of the layout, where I may try to re-use my town structures.  Though, nothing is written in stone, yet.

That's all for now.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: BaltoOhioRRfan on October 16, 2016, 07:57:02 PM
Is that a pass train i see?

Emily
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: HoModeler on October 17, 2016, 05:50:11 AM
I like your Layout nice design for the size & space you have.... My HO layout is 17ft long x 6ft wide / 9 Track Yard area with industries to shove cars into / 2 Track mainline / & a 3 Track interchange with a passenger station leading to my mainline tracks / 23 switches controlled by Air... My Layout is all DCC controlled / Full Scenery / Took me 4 1/2 years to build non-stop every night after work & weekends until complete... I would include pictures but I don't know how to get them off my Cell onto hear.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on October 17, 2016, 06:35:39 AM
Yes, well the passenger cars are sitting on a "goes nowhere" track I added for parking cars.  I had room to add one more approach track on the turntable (now 3). That track travels parallel to the main and ends at the far end of the layout.  In the photos you can just make out the tunnel portal where the track ends.  That will be handy for setting rolling stock off to the side that won't get much use.

For HOmodeler:  thanks.  You need a photobucket or flikr account to store and post photos on this forum.  Hope you set up the account and post photos.  All inspiration is welcome.  I steal ideas all the time.  ;D

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jhanecker2 on October 17, 2016, 07:34:43 AM
To  Jonathon :   Your use of the triple track  tunnel portal  isn't that unusual .  John Allen used  one on his  Gorre &  Daphetid layout .  I just finished reading
Linn Westcotts  Book on John Allen  & his model  railroad  . John did some awesome work & photography .  John2.    Keep up the good work.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: HoModeler on October 17, 2016, 08:43:58 PM
http://s35.photobucket.com

Hear you guys go Photos of my Layout
In a lot of the photos & 2 small videos clips is a mix of in process build & scenery work over 4 years I started my layout January 2012
As of Spring of 2016 my layout is 98% complete All I have to do is add accent lighting
All comments are welcome    ENJOY
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on October 18, 2016, 07:28:53 AM
The link took me to photobucket, but not your page. 

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: HoModeler on October 18, 2016, 07:10:52 PM
@ jonathan.... It should be there when I click on link it brings me right to all the photos.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jerrys HO on October 18, 2016, 07:14:09 PM
had the same problem as jonathan. to post a pic off photobucket click the IMG code and it will flash copied then just paste here.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on October 18, 2016, 08:54:42 PM
Here ya go.  Not overly complicated to figure out...

Quote from: trainmainbrian on February 21, 2014, 10:25:41 PM
http://s35.photobucket.com/user/maintrackbrian/library/?sort=3&page=1

Hi everyone I have some new photos in my photo library if anyone is interested.... FEATURED is my Bachmann Acela Passenger Train on my layout...
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jerrys HO on October 18, 2016, 11:43:13 PM
Quote from: jbrock27 on October 18, 2016, 08:54:42 PM
Here ya go.  Not overly complicated to figure out...

Quote from: trainmainbrian on February 21, 2014, 10:25:41 PM
http://s35.photobucket.com/user/maintrackbrian/library/?sort=3&page=1

Hi everyone I have some new photos in my photo library if anyone is interested.... FEATURED is my Bachmann Acela Passenger Train on my layout...
Yeah if you were a little more observant you would have caught ho modelers other name "trainmainbrian"  ;D
Compressor under the bench gave it away along w/ his photobucket account name.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: HoModeler on October 19, 2016, 05:42:04 AM
Forgot about my other forum name... I cant remember the login info for them LOL
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on October 19, 2016, 08:00:41 AM
I'm just glad I was able to help you and others see his layout pics Geraldo ;D
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on October 19, 2016, 06:00:10 PM
Don't know why, but as soon as I saw your mine scene, I remembered your layout (and your old moniker). Very nice. The pneumatics blew me away. I recall posting about it a while ago.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: HoModeler on October 20, 2016, 06:04:28 AM
Thanks jonathan...
My layout looks a little bit different with all the now completed scenery (& a few add on's)  & I have now built a small enclosure for the Air Compressor & I have black screening up now I picked up from a local textile co in my area (hiding my Layout legs & supports) Also I built in a viewing bench 5 feet long so seeing & viewing my layout is easier. My layout is a Bit High for stand alone viewing so I added the bench LOL & glad I did makes working my layout easier too. All I have left is Accent (Layout) Lighting & Carpet for the floor (with Padding) for insulation & build a small laundry room for my wife (starting that project this weekend) going to rain LOL. & mount my 40" flat screen TV on the wall complete with cable TV... What's better than playing with Trains & watching NFL football LOL Well & to watch DVD's of Train movies too
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on October 20, 2016, 07:28:07 AM
Quote from: HoModeler on October 20, 2016, 06:04:28 AM
What's better than playing with Trains & watching NFL football LOL

Depends on which team you are watching  ;).  And I would put watching the NHL right up there, especially on a nice big screen like a
40 incher  :).
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on October 21, 2016, 05:06:49 AM
My first attempt at weaving cardboard hillsides:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0041_zpsooaot5wq.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0041_zpsooaot5wq.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0040_zpslp8so8t5.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0040_zpslp8so8t5.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0039_zps1b3okhpj.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0039_zps1b3okhpj.jpg.html)

This may be my last attempt at cardboard hillsides.  I'm ready for the burn unit after messing with those hot glue guns.  Seriously, I feel safer with a soldering iron or butane torch.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: HoModeler on October 21, 2016, 06:10:10 AM
That's how I did my mountain scene's on my layout. I will admit it is very time consuming but in the long run it pays off. & yes I have burned my hands a lot too with the hot glue & hot tip of the glue gun itself but after a wile you learn where not to put your hands. But the end result is awesome everyone that has seen my layout (I get how did you do the mountains did you buy them in the store like that) I reply made it by hand with cardboard webbing stapled together (I get oh wow that looks great).... But stick with it you thank yourself in the long run. if you seen my layout my back mountain scene with rock faces showing that runs the hole length of the back of my layout & the left side of my layout took me 5 months to complete with scenery working on it few hours at night after work & long hours on the weekends.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on October 23, 2016, 01:41:33 PM
Hope it's not too annoying that I keep posting updates.

Anyway, I went through my first batch of plaster cloth today.  So, I celebrated by cleaning the tracks and running some trains, just to make sure everything is still in order.

If I can get photobucket to cooperate, I'll post some pix here.  I can't cover my access holes, yet, as I have some important electronics to finish.  I don't have all the parts I need.

Regards,

Jonathan

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0048_02_zps1nfcyrfw.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0048_02_zps1nfcyrfw.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0046_zpshlqm6dpd.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0046_zpshlqm6dpd.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0044_01_zpsdkvqqaj9.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0044_01_zpsdkvqqaj9.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0043_zpsfle7jxs8.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0043_zpsfle7jxs8.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jerrys HO on October 23, 2016, 02:15:07 PM
QuoteHope it's not too annoying that I keep posting updates.

Boring? excuse my french but HELL NO!
Inspiring YES! Talented YES! Entertaining YES!
Your Picasso, Michelangelo in the train world  ;D
Please keep it going. I never thought a smaller layout would work for you but again I stand dumbfounded.

I have been very disappointed with Photobucket lately. Lots of adds and slow loading because of the adds popping in.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Len on October 23, 2016, 02:31:17 PM
Quote from: Jerrys HO on October 23, 2016, 02:15:07 PM
I have been very disappointed with Photobucket lately. Lots of adds and slow loading because of the adds popping in.

I use AdBlocker Plus with Firefox and it pretty much eliminates that problem.

Len
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on October 23, 2016, 07:53:29 PM
Quote from: jonathan on October 23, 2016, 01:41:33 PM
Hope it's not too annoying that I keep posting updates.

Regards,

Jonathan

No, of course it's not annoying.  Why on earth would you even think or say that?!?
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on October 23, 2016, 07:55:28 PM
Quote from: Jerrys HO on October 23, 2016, 02:15:07 PM
I have been very disappointed with Photobucket lately. Lots of adds and slow loading because of the adds popping in.

Is there any alternative that will perform the same function and work here?
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jerrys HO on October 23, 2016, 08:12:39 PM
Quote from: jbrock27 on October 23, 2016, 07:55:28 PM
Quote from: Jerrys HO on October 23, 2016, 02:15:07 PM
I have been very disappointed with Photobucket lately. Lots of adds and slow loading because of the adds popping in.

Is there any alternative that will perform the same function and work here?

Oh there are plenty but I have most if not all my picture's there and would hate to lose any pic's. I am not as savvy. on a computer as most
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on October 23, 2016, 08:14:37 PM
What else is out there that will work here like Photobucket does?
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jerrys HO on October 23, 2016, 08:20:22 PM
Like Len stated there is Firefox and on some of my other forums some use Tapatalk and download them from their phone's.
I'm not sure how many are out there but I know there are different one's
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: WoundedBear on October 23, 2016, 08:35:27 PM
Quote from: jbrock27 on October 23, 2016, 08:14:37 PM
What else is out there that will work here like Photobucket does?

I use Fotki.


Sid
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on October 23, 2016, 08:56:51 PM
OK, guess I'll keep posting often.  Thanks

Started a Fotki account.  Never heard of it before.  Let's see if it works:

http://images59.fotki.com/v1640/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0043-vi.jpg

oops:
(http://images59.fotki.com/v1640/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0043-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0043.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

OK took a few minutes to figure out, but I think I got it.  Thanks, Sid!  So far, no "add" delays.

Cool

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: James in FL on October 23, 2016, 09:24:17 PM
@ jonathan  We all love pics of anything rail related, especially pics of progress on a new layout, please keep posting.
@Len I too use Ad Block plus with Firefox and no longer have the annoying pop-ups, on any site I visit.
@jbrock27  I used to use a program called Imageshack years ago. It worked here but do not recall why I switched to photobucket, IIRC it was very limited on space, more so than photobucket. Not sure if it still is that way. If you want a look see, it's here;
https://imageshack.us/
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Len on October 23, 2016, 11:10:24 PM
Adblock Plus is also available for the Chrome browser if that's what you use.

Len
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Irbricksceo on October 24, 2016, 03:04:42 AM
Quote from: jbrock27 on October 23, 2016, 08:14:37 PM
What else is out there that will work here like Photobucket does?

I'm an imgur user myself.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on October 24, 2016, 06:22:47 AM
Quote from: Jerrys HO on October 23, 2016, 08:20:22 PM
Like Len stated there is Firefox

Thank you Jerry, but I know Firefox as a web browser not a holding place for photos.  I used Firefox at one time.  Now I use Chrome.

Thank you Sid, James, Len and Brick.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on October 26, 2016, 05:08:49 AM
Starting to get use to Fotki for photo sharing.  That was a great tip, Sid.

For this hillside, I have painted brown where the foliage will be planted and gray where there will be exposed rock.

(http://images34.fotki.com/v1633/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0057-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0057.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

(http://images46.fotki.com/v1637/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0053-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0053.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)



I'll start with the grass, bushes and trees... 'cause I'm terrible at rocks!




Hey... wanna see something really scary?















AAAAAuuuuuuugh!
(http://images34.fotki.com/v1633/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0050-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0050.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

Happy Halloween.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jhanecker2 on October 26, 2016, 07:50:25 AM
To Jonathon :  I sympathize  with you regarding the complexity of wiring .   I had a similar issue with the wiring  of my Main Stereo  System in Chicago . The system was set up  for  Quadraphonic  operation and had  twenty-five  pieces of powered equipment and set into three towers . The wiring did not show from the
front but was  evident if you could get a look behind the towers .  Making modifications and sending equipment to be repaired was a major task as the towers would have to be moved away from the wall to access the connections .   The connections  were in multiple Layers with power lines , speaker wires , DIN cables, RCA cables , and antenna wires interwoven . Contemplating doing the work some times required a stiff drink.  It was a great piece of sonic assembly and supported  some truly awesome parties . It was disassembled when we moved but  never had a place to reassemble it . Pieces of it are used in several areas but most of the specialized  equipment is stored away . Hope springs eternal that it will rise again .   The bones of technology may not always look pretty but if they work that is all that  really matters .  John2.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on October 26, 2016, 09:09:17 PM
Re: Wiring

Yep, kinda scary :D
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Len on October 27, 2016, 01:51:03 AM
So...Is there a color code to the wiring, or is it random bits and pieces??

Len
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on October 27, 2016, 06:35:49 AM
 :) Len,  Yes there is a color code.

Red and Green wires are power supply for track.  Red and black are power supply for the turntable motor.

Blue and White wires are North and South on the stall tracks.  North and South are oriented the same on the first 10 stalls, then switch places for the remaining 7 stalls.  Hard to tell in this mess, but the blue and white wires do switch places about halfway through.

Of course, after a while, it all starts to look like a jumble.  And I still have three more stalls to go.  ;D

I have to get in the zone when I crawl under there to wire up the tracks.

The wiring for the main line uses a different kind of wire, so I can tell the difference when I'm under the layout.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on October 28, 2016, 04:20:29 AM
Well, this little mountain was not turning out at all.  I was going to give up on it, but at the last minute, the right ground color and foam adding technique started to make this thing look ok... for a background piece of scenery anyway:

(http://images34.fotki.com/v1633/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0058-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0058.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

(http://images15.fotki.com/v1631/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0060-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0060.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

(http://images20.fotki.com/v1632/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0063-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0063.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

The base color ended up a mixture of "café" (that's what it's called... looks like tan) and white.  I then blew most of the ground foam on.  You add the adhesive to the mountain (white glue), put the ground foam in your cupped hand, and "blow" it onto the mountain.  Cool.  I saw it done in an old Keller video from 1979 or so.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: HoModeler on October 28, 2016, 05:51:42 AM
Your mountain scene looks really good scenery is really starting to look good. Now the wiring that's another issue although everything is powered up & working & the wires are under the layout. I would of taken a little more time & routed the wires more neatly. My layout wires under my layout are nicely routed no jumbled mess & even have the wires marked & direction & what there for I wrote on my layout support legs with a sharpie.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on October 28, 2016, 07:09:55 AM
Yep.  Wiring is not my forte!  :) 

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Len on October 28, 2016, 06:21:38 PM
For the turntable wiring in your pic I would have used 18ga lamp cord. The two conductors are locked together, so you can route it almost like a single wire. And one side has ridges, the other sides smooth, so you can keep the polarity straight. It also comes in a variety of colors, e.g., white, black, brown, grey, blue, and clear. So you can use different colors for different things.

Len
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on October 28, 2016, 07:09:05 PM
I am a cheapskate.  I get my wire for free, from wherever I can scrounge it:  old PC cable, junk spools of telephone wire, or whatever.  I am not picky.  I am lucky that I can scrounge enough wire to color code. I will break down and buy "hook up" wire from Radio Shack for important things like bus wire... unless I can find free wire thick enough to pass for buss wire.

Did you notice the cheap wood I used for the benchwork?  I am cheap, I mean squeaky cheap... well, except for the locomotives and most of my rolling stock. 

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: HoModeler on October 29, 2016, 08:05:52 AM
Quote from: jonathan on October 28, 2016, 07:09:05 PM
I am a cheapskate.  I get my wire for free, from wherever I can scrounge it:  old PC cable, junk spools of telephone wire, or whatever.  I am not picky.  I am lucky that I can scrounge enough wire to color code. I will break down and buy "hook up" wire from Radio Shack for important things like bus wire... unless I can find free wire thick enough to pass for buss wire.

Did you notice the cheap wood I used for the benchwork?  I am cheap, I mean squeaky cheap... well, except for the locomotives and most of my rolling stock. 

Regards,

Jonathan

LOL Jonathan.... I like to ( Get Discounts ) But I have no problem giving out the CASH to my Hobby Shop For instance my other passion next to Model Railroading is R/C Car's & Trucks Just this Spring & Summer starting with April I bought a $700.00 R/C 4x4 Truck than in May I followed it up with a $650.00 R/C Car than in June I got 2 more R/C Trucks & just recently last week in September I got $500.00 R/C Speed Boat... My hobby Shop owner joke's with me I paid his Mortgage a few times between my R/C hobby & Model Railroad I get everything form my Hobby Shop From Track / Wiring / Buildings / Scenery / Rolling Stock / Engines...
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: HoModeler on October 29, 2016, 08:29:39 AM
Quote from: jonathan on October 28, 2016, 07:09:05 PM
I am a cheapskate.  I get my wire for free, from wherever I can scrounge it:  old PC cable, junk spools of telephone wire, or whatever.  I am not picky.  I am lucky that I can scrounge enough wire to color code. I will break down and buy "hook up" wire from Radio Shack for important things like bus wire... unless I can find free wire thick enough to pass for buss wire.

Did you notice the cheap wood I used for the benchwork?  I am cheap, I mean squeaky cheap... well, except for the locomotives and most of my rolling stock. 

Regards,

Jonathan

Also Jonathan.... You should find yourself a local hobby shop (try to stay away from a big box store's like Hobby town USA ) Like me I deal with a mom & pop Husband & Wife owned Shop in there 2 car garage behind there house. They don't have the inventory big box stores have or get but mainly they keep in stock the most wanted stuff & a lot of parts they will also order you in what you want too if they don't have it when I order something for example I wanted an EVO engine ( last winter) they ordered it for me on a Monday my EVO was on my layout Wed. Over 4 years of being a loyal customer & only dealing with them I get awesome discounts. Mom & Pop owned Hobby Shops will work with you more maybe not the first couple of visits but after you show your LOYAL & Build a Good Rep with them they will work with you & offer discounts. That's how I started out with my hobby shop...
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on October 29, 2016, 08:59:00 AM
Quote from: jonathan on October 28, 2016, 07:09:05 PM
I am a cheapskate.  I am cheap, I mean squeaky cheap...  

Regards,

Jonathan

LOL, like you needed to point that out, LOL  :D

Quote from: jonathan on October 28, 2016, 07:09:05 PM
I will break down and buy "hook up" wire from Radio Shack for important things like bus wire...

Regards,

Jonathan

BTW Mr. Cheapskate, there are many other places to buy wire from that are much cheaper than RS. ;)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on November 02, 2016, 09:02:10 PM
Time for a quick assessment of progress using a wide shot:
(http://images20.fotki.com/v1632/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0065_01-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0065-01.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

Seems like it will take forever to finish the job.  Then I remember how far I've come in the last three months.
(http://images56.fotki.com/v714/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0066-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0066.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

I finally got the last three stalls for the roundhouse. Structurally, the roundhouse is done, but I will be adding lighting and interior details.  Working on more of the big picture for now.
(http://images16.fotki.com/v378/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0069_01-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0069-01.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

I believe someone wrote that I need some kind of walkway for the workers, plus filling in more ballast around the tracks. There ya go...
(http://images12.fotki.com/v1641/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0070_01-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0070-01.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

I made the walkway out of wood. Looks neat up close, but it's been a pain to deal with.  All the glue that is being used for scenery, seems to get sucked up by that wood.  The locos are now having a hard time passing through the walkway.  I am waiting for it to dry before I go trimming away at it.

I picked up some much needed switch machines at the last train show (last weekend). So I'm switching from scenery to a bit a trackwork, for a while.

Regards,

Jonathan

[/Addendum:b]

I prewired my switch machines prior to installation.  Three of the machines have a green and white wire soldered to pole #2. My B&O CPLs have a white light at the top of the mast, which seems to be on whenever the green signal is given.  Yes, yes, I'll learn the signal rules someday.  ;D

(http://images34.fotki.com/v1633/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0072_02-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0072-02.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: HoModeler on November 03, 2016, 05:46:02 AM
I like your Round House... I also like your collection of Steam Engines Do you model all Steam or do you have Diesel's too... Layout looks Great & well thought out & planned
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on November 03, 2016, 06:49:33 AM
Thanks very much!

I do have some diesels: SD7s, H16-44s, an S-2, and a 44 tonner.  They are parked here and there on the layout, or in my train show box, which travels regularly.  I'm thinking of collecting a few F and/or E units sometime in the future.

Yep, the roundhouse will be the main feature of this layout.  I have many plans for super-detailing this area, but need to finish all the basics first.  There are many things to complete before I can cover my access holes with scenery.  Trying to come up with some kind of hinged lid configuration for my access holes--in case I need to use them again.

Regards,

Jonathan

Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jerrys HO on November 03, 2016, 12:25:52 PM
Great layout JV....... I am still in progress  :'(
I envy your roundhouse, beautiful work.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on November 03, 2016, 01:06:57 PM
Thanks, Jerry!

I've always wanted a big roundhouse.  If I had the space, I would've built a full circle.  This'll do.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on November 06, 2016, 04:57:50 AM
My son fell asleep on the basement couch last night, so I couldn't work on the layout this morning. However, this gave me the opportunity to start on a caboose kit.

(http://images52.fotki.com/v1639/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0074-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0074.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

I've decided I want to light this caboose. Hence, I made some caboose trucks with pick up:

(http://images12.fotki.com/v1641/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0081_01-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0081-01.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

Those are Tichy caboose trucks, Intermountain wheels, Kadee springs for the pick up, and 1-72 screws to hold it all together.  I didn't have a 1-72 tap. I drilled a #60 hole and the threads made their way alright.

I will have to file down the screw heads just a skosh so they don't rub on the bolsters underneath.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: WoundedBear on November 06, 2016, 09:13:04 AM
I like the job you did on the truck pick-ups. Nice tight work.

Sid
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on November 06, 2016, 04:10:16 PM
Thanks, Sid!

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on November 11, 2016, 08:09:23 AM
Not much to show today, but...

I've built a little circuit and stand to install in my caboose project.  I used two LEDs and two 680 ohm resistors, electrically reversed, so no matter how the caboose is oriented, it will light:

(http://images56.fotki.com/v714/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0082-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0082.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

The stand is a chunk of paint stick with a little scrap wood for legs:

(http://images61.fotki.com/v1635/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0084-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0084.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

It fits inside the caboose like this:

(http://images51.fotki.com/v1638/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0088-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0088.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

The caboose is in it's ugly phase, where touch ups and tweaks are required prior to final assembly.  That assembly will be quite complicated:  there are the trucks and lights to wire; fitting weight inside, around the lights somehow; window glazing; extension grabs; and so on.

On the layout, I've started laying ballast in certain areas:

(http://images41.fotki.com/v1634/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0091_01-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0091-01.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

With a little more work, I'm really going to like the retaining wall behind the roundhouse.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: West Bound on November 11, 2016, 09:20:34 AM
No adlake marker lights? Should be no trouble to add those while doing the interior. I've added those to several of my cabooses and they make a bigger impact than interior lights. I had to place some tissue paper over my interior LED to soften and diffuse the light.   -John West
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Trainman203 on November 11, 2016, 11:30:21 AM
It's easy to be a critic and I'll say that I'm not up to doing this kind of work, but if I was ......

I'd add the marker lamps.  But the biggest thing I'd do is partition off one end of the caboose and light only that end with the dimmest, yellowest light I could.  The reason is that most likely the only light inside a caboose would have been a coal oil lamp at the conductors desk.  The dim interior light would not have made it to the other end or up into the cupola seats.  The crew would want the cupola dark anyway to be able to see outside, the same way you keep your car dark inside while driving at night. Adding some half pulled down window shades would help conceal the lack of interior detailing.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on November 11, 2016, 04:28:49 PM
The kit comes with resin markers that I will detail, but will not light (too hard).

I wanted to light the interior just for the fun of doing it.  Whether it's prototypical, or not, is not a concern.  I have added caboose interiors in the past.  That was fun and prototypical, but when it's all done, it's impossible to see...

Anyway, I attach the roof with white glue. If I want to add lit markers later, it won't be a problem.

Here, the wires and LEDs are being soldered and installed in the interior:
(http://images20.fotki.com/v1632/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0094-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0094.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

(http://images51.fotki.com/v1638/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0097_03-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0097-03.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

The a little weight is added... about 2 ounces in total.
(http://images56.fotki.com/v713/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0100_02-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0100-02.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

I little test before I continue on.  The roof is on loosely, so you'll see a little light leakage:
(http://images20.fotki.com/v1632/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0101_01-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0101-01.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

The caboose in front in an I-5d. My new one is an I-1, modernized:
(http://images45.fotki.com/v1636/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0103_02-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0103-02.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

Pay no attention to the derailment!   ;D Oh, I did add the shades, half way down the windows.  Liked that idea.  Thanks!

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Trainman203 on November 11, 2016, 04:35:52 PM
Good looking crummy. ( remember that name?)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Trainman203 on November 12, 2016, 11:29:38 AM
I remember late one night years ago driving in west Texas and passing a FW&D freight, and seeing the caboose interior dimly lighted on one end only. You could hardly see the light at all .
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on November 12, 2016, 10:44:22 PM
There. All done.  I'll get around to weathering it after the novelty wears off.

Enough distractions... back to scenery!

Regards,

Jonathan

(http://images54.fotki.com/v1642/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0104_01-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0104-01.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

(http://images51.fotki.com/v1638/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0106_01-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0106-01.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: HoModeler on November 14, 2016, 05:52:00 AM
That's pretty neat good work... I should add lighting to my 3 LVRR cabooses. Looks good though NICE
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on November 14, 2016, 07:33:36 AM
Thanks!

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on November 16, 2016, 05:09:45 AM
What I was hoping to show...

(http://images61.fotki.com/v1635/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0107-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0107.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

(http://images15.fotki.com/v1631/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0108_02-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0108-02.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

I spent some time stringing 2lb fishing line to my poles behind the roundhouse.  I even painted them... still really, really hard to see, especially in a photo.

Anyway, I've completed all the major work on the west end of the layout.  Lighting and super details will come after I've worked all the way east.

Regards,

Jonathan

(http://images59.fotki.com/v1640/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0111_01-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0111-01.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

(http://images45.fotki.com/v1636/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0112-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0112.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: ebtnut on November 16, 2016, 10:54:37 AM
jonathon:  Really nice work on blending the foreground scenery with the background print.  Keep it up!
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: WoundedBear on November 16, 2016, 12:26:46 PM
Ya.....what EBTNUT said ;D

Amazing what a bit of well thought out scenery can do for a layout!

Sid
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on November 16, 2016, 01:03:28 PM
Thanks, guys!

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: RAM on November 16, 2016, 10:58:28 PM
Just about time to start over.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on November 20, 2016, 05:21:46 AM
Started installing several signals.  My arms got tired from reaching up and twisting wires together.  So, thought I'd stop and take a few photos before I got out the soldering iron.

(http://images59.fotki.com/v1640/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0113_01-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0113-01.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

Here, I've thrown the turnouts associated with these signals.  If the photo is sharp enough, you can see the aspect changes of the points:

(http://images56.fotki.com/v713/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0114_02-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0114-02.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

Another angle for perspective.  The next section of hillside is complete.  That shows up in the background:

(http://images12.fotki.com/v1641/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0115-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0115.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

Regards,

Jonathan

Addendum:  Been researching coaling towers.  I need to add one in this portion of the layout.  However, I don't want it to be overwhelming.  There are some nice towers out there, but they're so big, they would become the focal point of the scene.  I like the T.W. Snow tower--the one that looks like a tilted toilet paper roll.  It is pricey, and complicated to build. Studying...
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Len on November 20, 2016, 08:06:10 AM
If you want to keep the coaling facility size down, you could do something along these lines:

(http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/FM_Coaling_Tower.jpg)

Coal storage could be as simple as a bunker that feeds coal to the tower by a conveyer system in trenches under the tracks. Note the "storm drain" type cast concrete trench in the lower left side of the pic.

Len
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: WoundedBear on November 20, 2016, 09:45:22 AM
See if you can find a Life Like kit # 1377 or if you like wooden kits, a Kanamodel kit #1034.

Sid
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jerrys HO on November 20, 2016, 10:02:31 AM
or the JV wood kit......
new in box
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HO-JV-Models-2029-Coaling-Tower-Branchline-Unstarted-Kit-JN-634-/361720737686?hash=item54383c6f96:g:vUQAAOSwCfdXpkJ-
or from an estate sale
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HO-Craftsman-KIT-JV-Models-Coaling-Tower-ESTATE-/201721085987?hash=item2ef7838023:g:~ggAAOSwux5YLbyY

WOW that's a lot of dough!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Scale-Structures-Ltd-1116-T-W-Snow-Coaling-Tower-kit-Form-/231128138748?hash=item35d04f83fc:g:XDsAAOxyVaBSxZRP

Nice job on the mountain by the bridge. Looking GREAT!
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on November 20, 2016, 09:39:14 PM
JV, that a Porsche I see parked next to a Model A?
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on November 20, 2016, 10:43:01 PM
Quote from: Len on November 20, 2016, 08:06:10 AM
If you want to keep the coaling facility size down, you could do something along these lines:

(http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/FM_Coaling_Tower.jpg)

Coal storage could be as simple as a bunker that feeds coal to the tower by a conveyer system in trenches under the tracks. Note the "storm drain" type cast concrete trench in the lower left side of the pic.

Len


There's a classic kit available of this, which is partially of matboard (cardboard), originally marketed by Alexander Scale Models.  There was also a scratchbuilding article about it in Model Railroader, back in the 1950s:

http://www.hobbylinc.com/suncoast-fairbanks-morse-automatic-coaling-station-kit-ho-scale-model-railroad-structure-3080
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on November 20, 2016, 11:44:48 PM
Quote from: jonathan on November 20, 2016, 05:21:46 AM
Started installing several signals.  My arms got tired from reaching up and twisting wires together.  So, thought I'd stop and take a few photos before I got out the soldering iron.

(http://images59.fotki.com/v1640/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0113_01-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0113-01.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

Here, I've thrown the turnouts associated with these signals.  If the photo is sharp enough, you can see the aspect changes of the points:

(http://images56.fotki.com/v713/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0114_02-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0114-02.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

Another angle for perspective.  The next section of hillside is complete.  That shows up in the background:

(http://images12.fotki.com/v1641/photos/8/3734628/14166112/DSC_0115-vi.jpg) (http://public.fotki.com/jonvogel/my-first-album/dsc-0115.html)Hosted on Fotki (http://www.fotki.com)

Regards,

Jonathan

Addendum:  Been researching coaling towers.  I need to add one in this portion of the layout.  However, I don't want it to be overwhelming.  There are some nice towers out there, but they're so big, they would become the focal point of the scene.  I like the T.W. Snow tower--the one that looks like a tilted toilet paper roll.  It is pricey, and complicated to build. Studying...

In regard to the railroad as a whole, I was wondering how it was going to work out, with a huge roundhouse on on side and what appears to be a developing coal mine on the other.

What makes it work are those bridges that act as a sort of scenic divider, at least in certain camera angles--neat!
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on November 20, 2016, 11:54:35 PM
A thought about the coaling tower--a lot of the difficulty you face is from one of the classic problems of all model railroaders, a lack of space!

You might want to consider locating the coaling tower about where that Atlas water tank is, though I don't know where you would locate the track for hoppers to supply it.  As to water supply, it wouldn't be unusual at all for an engine terminal of this size to use a large steel tank that might be behind the roundhouse, with a lot of penstocks where you actually needed to fill tenders.  The prototypes did just this for the same reasons we do--not enough space!

An alternate location, and again with the challenge of locating the supply track for it, would be along the main line in front of the small engine house, but then you are talking about a large structure, one that's quite tall, right in front of the roundhouse and blocking the view!

Well, that sort of thing does happen in the prototype!! :D
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on November 21, 2016, 06:52:12 AM
Ooh boy, where to start?

First, thanks for all the helpful comments.  I do have a bit of a pickle to sort through.

Second, yes, the Porsche Cayman was part of my spree when Walmart was selling HO cars for a dollar-a-piece.  So, I have a bunch of vehicles from an era NOT associated with the 50's.  They show up from time to time on the layout.  That'll change.

Third, I definitely do not want to block the scene around the roundhouse.  As J3a has pointed out, I can move structures around, after the roundhouse, to accommodate a coal tower.  I have seen the FM kit, and it's a more reasonable size.  Considering it.  I keep thinking a poured cement coaling tower would be more prototypical for mid to late 50's--especially given the size of the roundhouse.  Location and footprint are still being noodled-out.

Fourth, one of the reasons I chose a figure 8 layout is the disruption to the space-time continuum that exists under the bridge.  I can create two scenes, on either side of the bridge, while the train travels 20 miles instantaneously traveling under the bridge--arriving at a mine and freight area just seconds after leaving the service area.  ;D That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Finally, I do have one penstock installed so far... might add a couple more.  I do like the water-tower-behind-the-roundhouse idea.  Might be able to squeeze something in back there.

Thanks again, guys.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Len on November 21, 2016, 08:16:17 AM
You could always cover the outside of the FM coal tower with 'wood' sheathing.

Anybody asks, FM later copied yours in concrete.  ;D

Len
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Trainman203 on November 21, 2016, 10:51:07 AM
If you REALLY want to keep the size of the coaling facility down, do what the Cotton Belt did in Hamilton , Texas......

Coal was delivered in gons or hoppers, didn't matter which.  The "night watchman" (hostler) would by himself shovel it all out overnight into a pile on the ground.  Then, he'd coal up each engine the same way, from the pile up into the tender.

"That", friends, is what you would call "work."

Fortunately, though, these engines were moguls, ten-wheelers, and 4-4-0s, though, not 4-8-4s.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on November 21, 2016, 06:59:57 PM
Quote from: Trainman203 on November 21, 2016, 10:51:07 AM
If you REALLY want to keep the size of the coaling facility down, do what the Cotton Belt did in Hamilton , Texas......

Coal was delivered in gons or hoppers, didn't matter which.  The "night watchman" (hostler) would by himself shovel it all out overnight into a pile on the ground.  Then, he'd coal up each engine the same way, from the pile up into the tender.

"That", friends, is what you would call "work."

Fortunately, though, these engines were moguls, ten-wheelers, and 4-4-0s, though, not 4-8-4s.

Alas, this railroad rosters a T-class 4-8-2, at least one Big Six 2-10-2, and will occasionally host an EM-1 Yellowstone!

And then there are all those Mikes and chunky 2-8-0s, too.

One model to consider for the coaling tower, even though it represents a wooden prototype, is made by Bachmann:

http://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=879_754_757_759&products_id=2396

Yes, it is on the crude side by modern standards, but it can also be dressed up with things like better steps, walkways, railings, and coal chutes.  There was an article on just such a conversion not too long ago, and the results were quite acceptable.  In terms of overall size, it might be a bit small for an engine terminal of this size, but not too much so.

Wooden construction would not be too out of place, either.  A number of facilities, among them the B&O division point yard at Brunswick, Md., had a large coaling station of the trestle type, and it was wood.

You wouldn't want to use this type here--it takes up way too much space--but proof that such a facility was in use into the late steam era can be had in this shot from the Northern Pacific, and it looks like it's made of wood:

http://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/2415514336986800/filePointer/10299794783761816/fodoid/10299794783761812/imageType/LARGE/inlineImage/true/Coaling%20Station.jpg

Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on November 21, 2016, 07:16:38 PM
One other point to note--a lot of coaling stations, including the concrete ones, also incorporated sanding facilities, as does the Northern Pacific trestle station shown above.  That might be something else to consider to gain some more space in lieu of the sandhouse model that's visible now.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: RAM on November 21, 2016, 10:47:20 PM
Yes you could move the water tower and tower down by the bridge.  Then you could put a short siding to supply coal for the coaling tower.  Another thing would be to move the scale house to the other end of the siding. That way you can take a cut of cars (4 or 5) and run the over the scale track. 
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on November 22, 2016, 06:52:55 AM
More excellent ideas to ponder. Thanks! Now I have at least three locations to consider, with few changes to the track plan.  I am not married to my current structure locations, but I do like where my passenger station sits at the moment.  I could get over that.

I saw a brass Ogle coaling tower yesterday with a minimum footprint--could go just about anywhere.  But the price... oh my gosh.  I don't spend that much on locomotives.  :o

There's a couple of train shows coming up, over the next few months.  I may let fate decide by what I find at the shows.  Meanwhile, I've got plenty of other areas on which to focus.  Thanks again.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Martha on November 23, 2016, 04:59:30 PM
Wow Jonathan!Wow! You rock with your layouts, especially the attention to details. Just awesome. Can't wait to see your progress. Happy Thanksgiving
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on November 24, 2016, 06:13:15 AM
Thanks, Martha!

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on November 26, 2016, 04:37:59 PM
Well, it  looks like Fotki does not stay free, so I've lost that account.  I'm stuck with photobucket again. Crap.

Anyway, I'm trying to complete the background before moving on to the more fun stuff.  I'm connecting the two halves of the hillside and putting a little more detail in my structures on top.

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0118_zps0a2rnkve.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0118_zps0a2rnkve.jpg.html)

My intention is to  have a fold-out flap for  maintenance and repair access. That flap will be where the folded down strips are located, if you get my meaning.

I didn't throw too many details at the structures.  Observers can't get closer than 5 feet. The weathered fence covers up that fact that there's no street... or any other detail for that matter.

I tried to take some low-light shots of the buildings... not so great... still learning.

Regards,

Jonathan

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0119_zpsdv3hc3sm.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0119_zpsdv3hc3sm.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0124_zpsrvhi76li.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0124_zpsrvhi76li.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jerrys HO on November 26, 2016, 05:15:26 PM
Man you just have the knack for making things look like they were made to go where ever you put them. You stick buildings on a shelf and all of a sudden you have a town. I am having trouble designing the neighborhood in one of my sections.
You definitely keep my hopes up every time I see your progress.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: WoundedBear on November 26, 2016, 05:49:23 PM
Jonathan...........

Sorry for recommending Fotki to you. I do pay for my storage, I didn't realize you were looking for a free site. I never had much luck with the free ones, that's why I ponied up for the Fotki membership. It's not all that expensive considering other chit I waste my money on.

Sid
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Irbricksceo on November 26, 2016, 06:56:23 PM
Quote from: jonathan on November 26, 2016, 04:37:59 PM
Well, it  looks like Fotki does not stay free, so I've lost that account.  I'm stuck with photobucket again. Crap.

Look into Imgur, I love using it.

In layout news, that looks great, I love how you've made the town look
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: WoundedBear on November 26, 2016, 07:36:32 PM
I don't like this line from Imgur's user policy.........

" Also, don't use Imgur to host image libraries you link to from elsewhere, content for your website, advertising, avatars, or anything else that turns us into your content delivery network"

Sounds like the exact opposite of what a guy needs in a photo hosting site.

Sid
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on November 27, 2016, 12:27:13 PM
Thanks, Jerry et al.  This scene is mostly illusion, since it sits back from the observer.  Your mind thinks there is more than is actually there.  One of those things I learned from doing a little theater years ago.

Sid, no worries.  :) It was great while it lasted.  Perhaps I'll have to break down and pay for a hosting site.  The free ones come with a lot of baggage.

OK, this is my first hidden access panel.  I still have some needed trim work to hide the seams, but you'll get the idea from these two photos:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0126_zpshlfwmwg8.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0126_zpshlfwmwg8.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0128_zpsvp8evvtz.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0128_zpsvp8evvtz.jpg.html)

I'm waiting for the plaster cloth to dry before I continue on.

Regards,

Jonathan

Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on December 01, 2016, 05:10:12 AM
OK. Time for a big picture look to assess progress...

I have the first access panel done, and you have to look real close to see the seams.  Just one square left of the hillside and I can get away from the background for a while.  

Eventually, I'll have to do something about those drapes... and add more lighting.

(standby:  photobucket is "popupping" me to death)

As I was saying, here are the photos, quickly, before I have a pop up seizure (even on firefox).

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0130_01_zps90aetmvn.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0130_01_zps90aetmvn.jpg.html)

Glue is still wet:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0131_zps1hoovazy.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0131_zps1hoovazy.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0132_zpst9p3tiaz.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0132_zpst9p3tiaz.jpg.html)

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Len on December 01, 2016, 06:57:35 AM
Under the Firefox 'Options' select 'Content' and check 'Block Pop-up Windows'. Also install the 'Ad Blocker Plus' add-on. That pretty much put an end to the Photobucket pop-ups for me.

Len
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on December 01, 2016, 09:57:23 AM
Will try it.  Thanks, Len.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jerrys HO on December 02, 2016, 08:55:40 AM
Looking great! What kind of presents is Ole St.Nick leaving in the roundhouse?  ;D
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on December 02, 2016, 12:38:26 PM
Thanks!

Santa could be bring a gallon of white glue at this point, and I'd be quite happy.  :)

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on December 07, 2016, 05:03:25 AM
There's a train show this weekend. I'll be able to look at some of the structures and details I've been contemplating.  In the meantime...

I added some lighting to the interior of the roundhouse. Didn't have to be too careful with the wiring, as you can't see it once the roof pieces are in place (not tacked down, yet). Nothing is soldered, yet.  This is a test to see if it all works.  Now, I can get out the iron and go to town.

Additionally, I painted and planted a few pigeons on the layout.  They look more like seagulls to me (must be all those years in the Navy  ;) ).

I'm afraid I haven't mastered low-light photography, yet. Still, here are a few shots of the progress:

Regards,

Jonathan

Left to right:  Spectrum Heavy Mountain, Brass E-27a, Brass Q-4b, Spectrum Connie, Brass S-1a, Spectrum EM-1.
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0133_zpsgxxluawj.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0133_zpsgxxluawj.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0134_zpskhidhnwt.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0134_zpskhidhnwt.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0136_01_zpsnkn54zz2.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0136_01_zpsnkn54zz2.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0137_zpsd1vvlsik.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0137_zpsd1vvlsik.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0138_02_zps1niokibg.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0138_02_zps1niokibg.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0139_02_zpshwnwdlkm.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0139_02_zpshwnwdlkm.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0142_zpsmjgeub2c.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0142_zpsmjgeub2c.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0146_zpsalcsu7oa.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0146_zpsalcsu7oa.jpg.html)

Spectrum EM-1.
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0150_01_zpsiz2qy9gz.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0150_01_zpsiz2qy9gz.jpg.html)

Spectrum Consolidation.
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0152_zpsx8j3iah1.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0152_zpsx8j3iah1.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0157_01_zpszf1n2yzl.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0157_01_zpszf1n2yzl.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: WoundedBear on December 07, 2016, 09:10:18 AM
I really like the close-up shot, through the window.

Sid
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on December 07, 2016, 10:38:27 AM
Thanks, Sid.

I have to do the old manual focus, to keep the camera from focusing on the window. Then I have to delay the shutter to allow for the extra exposure needed for low-light.  Plus, I should've dusted the windows with a Q-tip. Tough shot to set up. Still trying to learn how to set the ISO.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on December 11, 2016, 02:29:42 PM
Just call me Charlie Brown.  I was looking at some great coaling tower and water tower kits, getting ready to pick out the standard kits, when I spied this old torn box in a corner.  It was a Plastruct Water Tank kit.  I thought what a great score this would be.  Well.... the front of the box should have said, "Warning: this kit is for the scratchbuilder who is looking for something uber challenging!"

I must have been out of my mind picking this up.  Anyway, here is this water tank, just before cleaning and painting.  Thankfully, this will be behind the roundhouse, so a little obscured.

Regards,

Jonathan

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0180_zpsljjn0upf.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0180_zpsljjn0upf.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0179_01_zpsedqpvcvk.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0179_01_zpsedqpvcvk.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on December 12, 2016, 07:55:11 AM
Looks great to me! :)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on December 12, 2016, 07:45:35 PM
Thanks!  This kit reminds me of one of those old Megow kits:  a set of plans and strips of raw material to work with.  The instructions want you to cut pieces, say 39'3" long, in HO scale.  Guess I should have bought an HO ruler at the train show. My measurements were best guesses converting every thing from 87:1.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Len on December 13, 2016, 07:27:03 AM
Quote from: jonathan on December 12, 2016, 07:45:35 PM
This kit reminds me of one of those old Megow kits:  a set of plans and strips of raw material to work with.

That's exactly what most Plastruct "kits" are. Building their 'Through Truss Bridge' kit (shudder!) years ago came close to giving me a nervouse breakdown. It's what finally drove me to get an HO scale ruler.

Len
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: RAM on December 13, 2016, 10:17:47 PM
Megow made ho car years ago. 
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Woody Elmore on December 14, 2016, 12:10:32 PM
Central Valley made some kind of bridge - a buddy bought one but I think he found it too complex. Megow is ancient - where did you find a kit of theirs?

Jonathan - your new Layout is really nice. The roundhouse is definitely an eye catcher.

I hope Santa Claus brings you some nice trinkets for your layout!

Merry Christmas to one and all!
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Woody Elmore on December 14, 2016, 12:16:51 PM
If you don't have a scale ruler, an eighth of an inch works for HO. It is a tad under size. 5/32nds is also workable - it is oversized by a bit.

Maybe Santa can get you one for your Christmas stocking.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on December 14, 2016, 12:45:57 PM
Good to hear from you again, Woody! and thanks...

We've had some old hats in our club, who would occasionally bring in some of their old kits to see if anyone was interested in one of those projects... hunks of wood and plans that look like something out of a balsa airplane kit. I can't imagine trying to tackle one of those.  I know my grandfather built a few.  I have built some balsa airplanes in my youth.  Don't think I'd have the patience for one now.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: ebtnut on December 14, 2016, 04:57:34 PM
Walthers, Megow, Silver Streak, Central Valley, Ambroid, Main Line, and many more made what are now referred to generally as "craftsman kits".  A box car kit would generally consist of pieces of milled wood for the floor and roof, scribed wood sheet for the sides and ends, and various sizes of strip wood for trim, roof walks, etc.  There would usually be a handfull of soft metal castings for end beams, ladders, brake gear, etc.  They might give you some common staples for grab irons.  The good kits came with pre-formed grabs.  Some of the kits came with painted and lettered sides; others, just decals and you had the paint the car body first. The kits came "LTC" - less truck and couplers.  I built a number of them in my day - still have a few stored in some boxes.  With careful work, they could build up quite nicely.   
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on December 17, 2016, 07:20:40 AM
I had to compromise a bit with my coaling tower plans.  The smallest footprint available was the ever-so-common concrete coaling tower.  On the bright side, it's very similar to a B&O concrete tower in Akron, Ohio, which was still standing last time I checked.  

Also, I had to plant the tower a little closer to the roundhouse than I would like.  Still, I think it will fit well with the decor.  :)

What else?  Ah, you will see a lot of rubble... This is all the ballast I had to scrape out to move the track. I will crumble it some more, and use it as filler when it's time to lay new ballast.

For now I'm filling in the roadbed, re-wiring the track.  Oh, and I did thread some wire through the tower and control house. Lights are forthcoming.

Finally, I may have (may have) gone a little crunchy-munchy crazy with the weathering.  I was feeling froggy in anticipation of an upcoming PMP exam (4 hours!).  Was also getting frustrated because the soot would not adhere to the bottom of the tower.  So, I will have to dry-brush some grimy black underneath at some point.

I'm rambling... sorry.  Here are the photos:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0192_02_zpsnjuwayoz.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0192_02_zpsnjuwayoz.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0189_zpsognpmc8g.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0189_zpsognpmc8g.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0186_01_zpsucsazsmt.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0186_01_zpsucsazsmt.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0185_01_zpsf9aoqoqc.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0185_01_zpsf9aoqoqc.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0183_01_zpsgtuhg3ki.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0183_01_zpsgtuhg3ki.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0182_zpsmjpvsrvx.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0182_zpsmjpvsrvx.jpg.html)

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jhanecker2 on December 17, 2016, 09:25:48 AM
Jonathon the location looks fine ,  it appears  to be a functional setting  .  Prototype  railroads  had to squeeze  in equipment where ever  & how ever they could real estate  was always expensive & limited  .  I noticed the conveyors  next to the walls  , where will they be operating ? John2
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on December 17, 2016, 11:03:58 AM
I concur, the tower in its location looks OK to me--with the elevator track as close as it is to the roundhouse suggests this "new" facility is a replacement for an older one, and it had to be squeezed in.

I am reminded of a roundhouse on the N&W that had, if I remember, eight stalls--in two groups of four, located on opposite sides of the turntable!  The reason--the facility was up against a hill, and there was no room between the two segments for more stalls without a lot of digging, and of course other tracks were on the other side of the turntable, the side away from the hill.

So cramped locations, especially with some hill in the area (which you have), are quite prototypical! 

As to your weathering, I think it's a bit understated.  Some in-service photos of concrete towers, especially late in the steam era, show a structure that is almost all black!
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: WoundedBear on December 17, 2016, 11:53:53 AM
Nice. I like your work Jon.

A question about the building weathering.......especially the coaling facility.......powders? washes? both?

Whatever your technique is, the blending is really nicely done.

Sid
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on December 17, 2016, 01:42:07 PM
Thanks, Gents!

The conveyors will hangout somewhere near the roundhouse doors, being used for small amounts of coal, to get the locos lit off before heading out of their stalls.  Then they can get a proper filling at the tower.

I used powders, only, on the tower and coal shed.  I started with "soot" anywhere and everywhere.  Just couldn't get it to stick to the coal bunker and around the legs.  Then I used dark rust around all the metal joints, followed up by medium rust to soften the affect.

Finally, light rust was brushed over everything, to lighten up all the structures.  When finished, the upper part of the tower looked too over-done and splotchy to me.  So, I took an old gym sock, that got too holey to wear  ;D , and rubbed up and down on the tower til it looked a little less overdone. 

Like I wrote before, will probably dry-brush some grimy black over the lower portions of the tower.  I do want that real dirty, used looked around working area.

Thanks again.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on December 18, 2016, 08:17:12 AM
OK. The track and lights are wired and new ballast is laid (still wet).  Need some fine coal to spread around to represent spillage.

Just about to crawl underneath and solder up the wires.  Still trying to work my way to the eastern side of the layout.

Regards,

Jonathan

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0194_zpspufxmbjc.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0194_zpspufxmbjc.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0198_01_zpsmzpgcbl4.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0198_01_zpsmzpgcbl4.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0201_02_zpsyvw4ycnk.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0201_02_zpsyvw4ycnk.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0203_01_zpspcl5kg60.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0203_01_zpspcl5kg60.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0204_zpsp8w0zuuw.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0204_zpsp8w0zuuw.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jerrys HO on December 18, 2016, 04:53:19 PM
Jonathan great work as usual. Be glad you do not live in New Orleans for the mayor would probably want to remove your statue also :D :D :D. Could not resist that eh Trainman203.
Waiting for your next pic JV I love looking for that one piece you seem to stick in there.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on December 18, 2016, 11:49:00 PM
Looking good as usual. . .See you did get to paint and plant the water tower behind the roundhouse, too.

Now all you need is the usual ground stuff, ballast, cinders, and of course lots of trees up the hillside.

What stands out for me in the views as you have them is how much they have the feel of Grafton, W.Va., though of course it doesn't look like it.  That includes the town on the hill above the railroad; again, it doesn't look like that, and in the prototype it's right there, but the feel is there!

Love it!
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on December 19, 2016, 06:36:45 AM
Thanks, guys!

You caught me!  That statue is of a Navy Chief.  I was a Chief, a lifetime ago it seems. He would be over 30 feet tall in HO--so hard to place.  Plus, I don't remember ever resting on a bollard while drinking coffee.  Coffee drinking happened inside the skin of the ship, not the outside.  ;D

And thanks for the "feel" comment.  I have photos of Grafton, Cumberland, a few places in Ohio, and one nice service area with an unknown location.  Space, and lack of skills, prevents me from modeling a replica of an exact location... so feel is what I'm going for.

I made over 1000 trees for my last layout. I will be planting them one day. Trying to get some ballasting out of the way for now.  I need a break from scenery... again.  After the recent thread on the FM H16-44, I think it's time to put some flashing lights in the empty holes on top of my two trainmasters.  Then back to scenery again.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on December 25, 2016, 02:52:28 PM
Finally got to spend a little time on the east end of the railroad.

As you look at the photos, imagine a tall, removable hill in the middle, where the mine's main conveyor will transfer the coal.

The external drop bin will have a couple of big trucks to receive coal as well (I hope).

It's all very raw so far, but I've got some idea how this will turn out.

Regards,

Jonathan

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0229_zpsf4mlcx8w.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0229_zpsf4mlcx8w.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0231_zpsfgzbucdl.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0231_zpsfgzbucdl.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0232_zpsrgqtoq4f.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0232_zpsrgqtoq4f.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0234_01_zps86f2sw60.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0234_01_zps86f2sw60.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0236_zpsifwk4yep.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0236_zpsifwk4yep.jpg.html)

Lights!
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0239_01_zpsleu9r3gq.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0239_01_zpsleu9r3gq.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Jhanecker2 on December 25, 2016, 05:49:17 PM
 Looking  Good  Jonathon  !!!    John2.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on December 26, 2016, 11:11:29 AM
Looking good as always. . .will have to add that little black detail to the roundhouse in time.

http://www.4449.com/aboutus.html
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on December 26, 2016, 04:45:04 PM
 ;D. Hah!  I saved all my cats n dogs from the last layout. They'll find a home eventually.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: James in FL on December 26, 2016, 07:48:49 PM
Food for thought...
Trucks will not be able to get in, or out, surrounded by all that track, unless the Mine wants to build a costly bridge.
Move the conveyer to the other side of the building, 180°, extend it, and attach it to the mountain.
With the conveyer toward the top of the building, it suggests incoming rather than loading.
I think, forget the trucks, everything ships by rail.

Never forget rule #1... it's your railroad.

Looks great jonathan!
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on December 26, 2016, 08:29:41 PM
Looking terrific !
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Martha on December 26, 2016, 11:16:39 PM
Jonathan, what is the purpose for the black cloth you hang above your layout?

Do you put train car kits together? I have a HO scale plastic passenger car kit but it didn't come with glue. do you have a preference with glue?

What type (enamel or acrylic gloss or flat) and brand of paints do you use on the cars?

I admire your work and attention to details. The lighted round house is incredible. Those types of detail sets you apart from the wannabes.

Great work!!!


M
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on December 27, 2016, 08:14:02 AM
Thank you, Martha. Very kind.

Let's see...

The cloth was the skirting from my last layout. Wanted to recycle it. I'm still adjusting, but the plan was to surround the layout like a theater stage... in black. Results are iffy.

I've gone through a number of spray paint brands:  Floquil, Testors, Tamiya, Scalecoat... you name it. I prime all my work with a gray primer from Home Depot. Right now, the only quality spray paint still available is Tamiya. Scalecoat II is great, but harder to get.

I try to use exclusively craftsman kits for my rolling stock. Most of the kits are assembled with elmers super glue. I also use 5 minute epoxy when a joint is crucial and needs to be extra strong.

Admittedly, some ready-to-run pieces still make it to the track.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on December 27, 2016, 08:59:37 AM
Love the look of the stone block wall. :)

Martha, regarding glue, Testor's Model Glue in a tube can work well especially in places where it won't be seen on the finished product or where it is going to get filed once dried.  It can get "stringy" which is why it is good to use it in spots where it won't be seen.  They make 2 kinds, a Get High version and Not Get High version, LOL :D.    Testor's also makes a liquid cement that gets brushed on with it's own brush; this does not leave strings but has a faster set time.  I have used both to put together covered hopper car kits for example.

For spray paints, I find any quality Krylon or Rustoleum spray can paint that includes use on plastic works well.  Flat colors, several light coats to get the job done right.  If you are repainting something already painted, it pays to soak the previously painted plastic in 91% alcohol that can be found at Walmart's pharmacy section.  This strips the old paint off.  Just enough alcohol to contact the plastic.  I like to put the item in a Zip Loc bag and then put enough alcohol in to make contact with all painted parts.  Let is sit for a few days, then wash the plastic good with dish liquid soap and warm water.  Some folks have a specific covered plastic container, like Tupperware or similar they like to use instead of a throw away Zip Loc bag.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Martha on December 27, 2016, 10:21:41 AM
Love the look of the stone block wall.
Quote from: jbrock27 on December 27, 2016, 08:59:37 AM
Love the look of the stone block wall. :)

What is the stone wall? Paper?Plastic?Hand painted?Store bought? I will be needing some of that!








Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on December 27, 2016, 04:01:56 PM
The stone wall is a soft plastic that comes in sheets. It's textured. The sheets are thin so should be attached with white glue or spray adhesive. Most model glues will melt the sheet.

These sheets are common at train shows. I got mine for around 5-6 dollars a sheet (4 X 18 inches I think).

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Martha on December 27, 2016, 05:01:56 PM
awesome. thanks.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on December 28, 2016, 06:58:25 AM
After some contemplation, I have taken James' advice and moved the conveyor to the opposite side of the mine structure:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0243_zpsqlgtwetb.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0243_zpsqlgtwetb.jpg.html)

I made a cover for the hole, using some scribed wood and strip wood:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0245_01_zpsjlwsucyq.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0245_01_zpsjlwsucyq.jpg.html)

Now I don't have to build an added hill on the other side of the mine.  On the other hand, now I have to find a way to fill in all the extra space on east end of the railroad:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0248_01_zpsefvvwz4y.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0248_01_zpsefvvwz4y.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0249_zps52sc8hye.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0249_zps52sc8hye.jpg.html)

Thanks!  I think...

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on December 28, 2016, 07:40:14 AM
Quote from: jonathan on December 28, 2016, 06:58:25 AM
After some contemplation, I have taken James' advice and moved the conveyor to the opposite side of the mine structure

Looks like it belongs.


For those of us who don't frequent the train show circuit, is there a manufacturer's name to the "stone/block" sheets? 

Thank you.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Len on December 28, 2016, 08:03:37 AM
Noch, Vollmer, and Faller all make a fairly wide variety of random and cut 'stone' sheets.

Len
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on December 29, 2016, 06:02:00 PM
Thank you for the info Len.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Martha on December 29, 2016, 09:52:02 PM
Thanks Len (and Jim) for rock wall info. M
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on December 30, 2016, 04:09:09 AM
Quote from: jonathan on December 28, 2016, 06:58:25 AM
Now I don't have to build an added hill on the other side of the mine.  On the other hand, now I have to find a way to fill in all the extra space on east end of the railroad:

Thanks!  I think...

Regards,

Jonathan

Hmmm. . .obviously some sort of industrial scene, something coal oriented, perhaps something like coke ovens. . .

And, perhaps, a chance for a bit of different railroading, in HOn30, and with appropriate American engines to boot!! (though this initial link is for another company):

http://www.central-hobbies.com/products/minitrains.html

How many of us remember the original incarnation of Minitrains, when they were brought in by AHM in the 1960s?

A review of the then recently revived Minitrains line, featuring the old Baldwin 0-4-0T (not shown--the little Plymouth diesel switcher that was a common prototype on narrow gauge industrial roads):

https://modelrailroading.wordpress.com/2011/10/12/the-big-city-hobbies-hon30-minitrains-0-4-0-mining-set-review/

Those narrow gauge 2-6-2Ts did run on some American logging roads, including one not too far from me in West Virginia.

Bachmann is supposed to have a narrow gauge 4-6-0T available, and like the 2-6-2T, is a WW I era prototype, and they too served in the US, most notably in training service at an Army camp somewhere.  Can anyone fill in details on the Bachmann model and the prototype?

EDIT:  What I did find:

http://www.bachmann.co.uk/prod1.php?prod_selected=branchline&prod=14

http://www.bachmann.co.uk/prod1.php?prod_selected=branchline&prod=15
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on December 30, 2016, 08:01:09 AM
Ah, you're making the cogs turn in my addled brain.

While the thought of adding still more trains and track seems a bit like overkill (spaghettification), coal oriented industry does make good sense.  Perhaps a coal-fired power plant is in order.  This would give a good reason for hoppers to travel all the way to the end of my staging tracks. Coke works may also look pretty neat.

On the other hand, a little HOn3 action might be quite interesting.

I will ponder this some more.  Taking on a large structure, with all the brick or wood detailing is quite time-consuming.  However, as I complete the last of the trackwork, and put a dent in the scenery, this could become a good future project.

Thanks, J3a.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on January 01, 2017, 03:18:40 AM
Ah, thanks, Jonathan!  Glad some of this might be helpful!

A couple of comments that might be useful. . .

The coke oven bit might help in that the coke, like the coal, gets to be shipped out, vs. just consumed on site (though a power plant would look cool!)

Coke ovens need not be huge or elaborate if you model the old beehive style. . .and some of those were still working into at least the early 1950s--and the very last ones weren't retired until 1982!

http://www.nytimes.com/1982/09/12/us/beehive-coke-oven-to-fire-up-one-last-time.html

http://patheoldminer.rootsweb.ancestry.com/coke2.html

http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=32773





Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on January 01, 2017, 03:33:21 AM
More info--of note are the illustrations, including a postcard, of such ovens, depicting the glow these things had, especially at night.  As a person who apparently loves lighting effects, this should be right up your alley!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coke_(fuel)

http://swpare.blogspot.com/2012/01/shoaf-coke-works-last-of-beehive-coke.html

Of course, you might also be obligated to provide smoke effects, too, but I'm not sure I'd recommend that. . .not unless you also added them to all those steam engines, and then you would have a train room that would be a most appropriate meeting place for Smokers Unanimous!

As an alternative, you could also work in a mining town scene. . .either that, the coke ovens, or even working in elements of both might be options to consider if you can get it all to fit!
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: uscgtanker on January 01, 2017, 09:50:54 AM
For the Hon30 bit shapeways has a nice conversion shell for the bachmann n scale MDT. It a very easy three part conversion and you just have to add roof stack and possibly headlight.
https://www.shapeways.com/product/35FPJFXQ3/hon30-bachhood-switcher-part?optionId=19196035
I have one for my Hon30 line along with a 2-6-2 and a G-42 garratt 2-6-0+0-6-2. For a little line the shunter MDT works beautiful then you need little cars.
https://www.shapeways.com/product/URQ9PV8L6/009-c-m-tipper-x5?optionId=11458065
or the minitrains side tip.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on January 02, 2017, 07:47:51 AM
I'll have a chance to check out some of these ideas at the next train show in early February.  Until then, allow me to change the subject. Overhead lighting...

One goal is to install enough bright lighting to give the whole layout a full daylight look, in order to facilitate photography.

In this low-light shot you'll notice my basement ceiling has that early 80's affectation; the false beam.  I was going to remove these one day, but I've decided to take advantage of them for hanging bright shop lights:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0252_zpsgil6ifd3.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0252_zpsgil6ifd3.jpg.html)

These false beams can support a little weight. So, I cut some quarter-inch plywood in 9.5" strips and attached them to one side of the false beams.  At the same time, I have started to install some LED shop lights to the bottom of the beams. The plywood is to prevent the shop lights from shining in one's eyes.

Here, with the layout light turned on, you can see I have the west end as bright as is necessary for daylight observation and photography:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0257_zpskn5qgnya.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0257_zpskn5qgnya.jpg.html)

Another angle:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0262_zpsun71ur1d.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0262_zpsun71ur1d.jpg.html)

Eventually, I'll work my way east and have bright lighting across the whole layout, without shining bright lights in the observers eyes.... I hope.  ;)

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: ebtnut on January 03, 2017, 11:31:14 AM
Chooch also has several varieties of plastic sheet stone.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Terry Toenges on January 03, 2017, 01:44:33 PM
This is just me thinking here as I look at your layout.
Regarding the small buildings on the left, they just don't seem right to me sitting above the tunnel. I think I would have moved them to the right side of the big buildings so that none of them are sitting above the tunnel.
Rather than being straight, you could have added a little more depth to your mountain and bent the town around the corner. They would be over the portal where the passenger cars are but that's not as visible. The part where they are now could be more mountain.
You're doing great work as it is so that was just my thought.
The reason it occurred to me was I looked at it and thought, for drainage on the small buildings, an unscrupulous landlord might have just drilled straight down and let the waste empty out in the tunnel.  :D
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on January 07, 2017, 10:03:04 AM
Thank you ebt.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on January 09, 2017, 05:18:33 AM
While I ponder my town's plumbing problems  ;D , also working on the east end of the railroad.

I needed to add a removable access panel. The problem was I didn't haven any scrap plywood leftover that was big enough to make the panel.  I didn't want to buy a new 4' X 8' sheet just for one little panel... so, I cobbled together a bunch of scraps that I kept in a milk crate:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0272_zpsxbj9vgxz.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0272_zpsxbj9vgxz.jpg.html)

Used the rest of my hydrocal to fill in the gaps.  Still needs a bit of sanding, but this should work fine:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0265_zpssje6txdt.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0265_zpssje6txdt.jpg.html)

Now I can add structures and lighting over the panel.  I'll have to remember to use alligator clips to attach lighting the the bus feed.  Everything will have to be removable when I need access to that hole in the layout.

I've also started adding a few details to the east end.

Regards,

Jonathan

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0269_01_zpsybgqdxl5.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0269_01_zpsybgqdxl5.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0270_zpsd1gbemy6.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0270_zpsd1gbemy6.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: HoModeler on January 09, 2017, 05:53:26 AM
Looks Pretty Good.... But I would gotten a full sheet of plywood... Plywood is cheap this way you could of put a full piece in where you needed it. Instead of shoe horning it in with a bunch of scrap wood but I understand everyone is on a budget.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Len on January 09, 2017, 06:41:47 AM
If you don't want to use terminal blocks for your new access panel wiring, I would suggest male/female .110 or .187 insulated quick connect terminals. You can find them at most auto parts stores, Lowes, Home Depot, etc., and they avoid the problem of alligator clips touching.

Another alternative is PowerLock Blocks, but they're a bit more money.

Len
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on January 09, 2017, 07:11:58 AM
Now that you mention it, I do have a couple terminal blocks left over from my last layout.  Thanks for tickling my memory.

I did consider buying another plywood sheet. I have a small car, and would need to have the sheet cut in half just to get it home. Then I would have yet more scrap wood sitting in my garage, taking up space.  :)

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: tiebreaker on January 09, 2017, 07:41:44 AM
No need to buy another sheet if the only thing on it is scenery. I would put a handle on it though to make it easier to handle it when removing.
As far as the electrical part you could use contact strips like this....
https://www.sciencecompany.com/-P6347C667.aspx?gclid=Cj0KEQiAhs3DBRDmu-rVkuif0N8BEiQAWuUJr21p7_N_PzgBYkiEHcEAGsM09OsY7SnsEcCTsh8YA-MaArsr8P8HAQ

You probably have some laying around.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: West Bound on January 09, 2017, 11:32:54 AM
Lowe's sells 4X4 and I think even 2X4 pieces of plywood. I assume other large home supply stores do to.
Your layout looks great and in a very short time. I have been planning a new layout approx 8X20 for the past 3 years but have yet to settle on a final track plan. I think I need to tear down the existing layout 5X14 and start  a new one in order to be able to run trains. By the way I'm also a B&O man. -John West
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on January 18, 2017, 05:18:00 AM
Thanks John. I did end up getting a new piece of 2 X 4 plywood, as my Frankenstein piece started to warp on me.

My camera and I were fighting this morning, and it was winning.  Anyway, I did manage to take a few shots of my coal-fired power plant.

I lit the interior:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0277_01_zpsixofs6ja.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0277_01_zpsixofs6ja.jpg.html)

Put a blinking light on the stack:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0287_01_zpszgstdc5s.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0287_01_zpszgstdc5s.jpg.html)

I put a very light mist of dullcote on the windows.  I didn't feel like detailing the interior, so...
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0290_01_zpsqxdjutry.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0290_01_zpsqxdjutry.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0292_01_zpscg9nxabd.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0292_01_zpscg9nxabd.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0293_01_zpsnngpretj.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0293_01_zpsnngpretj.jpg.html)

For the coal dump, I removed the ballast and ties, painted the roadbed black, and installed the grate.  Should look OK once all the ballast is replaced and scenery is laid in:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0296_02_zpsvzdhtneb.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0296_02_zpsvzdhtneb.jpg.html)

My intention is to build a substation and plant it right next to the power plant.  Plus, I want to run power lines to all my structures... if possible.


Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: WoundedBear on January 18, 2017, 08:33:38 AM
Nice Jonathan. Is the power plant a Walther's kit?

Sid
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on January 18, 2017, 09:52:43 AM
Thanks, Sid. And yes, it is a Walther's kit.  I was looking for a wood craftsman type project, but it turns out Power plants have been built in brick since the late 19th century. Poured cement, and other materials arrived after the steam era. Doesn't leave any choice really.

I did put in a couple wire terminals under the layout (nice suggestion). The power plant and substation will be secured to the removable panel. The wiring will be easy to detach when I remove the panel to work on back areas of the layout.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Ken Clark on January 18, 2017, 10:34:45 AM

  Jonathon

  Having worked in a couple of power plants, and visited a few, I could only wish for the amount of lighting that you have installed. The first power plant I worked in, two of the boiler's had been coal fired, but had been  converted to Bunker D, when I started there  in mid 1967. It was dark, dingy  and still had traces of left over Coal in places. Even if it had windows you would not be able to see out of them other then at ground level, where
they may have been cleaned.

  On the other hand, The Power Plant for the City of Medicine Hat (Gas fired) had window boxes of flowers in each of the lower windows.

    OK so what's with the STOP sign on the roof of the adjacent structure?


   Ken C
    GWN
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on January 18, 2017, 11:28:54 AM
 ;D The stop sign is leftover from my last layout. Was looking for an appropriate place to plant it. The sign will probably sit there until I start organizing some sort of road.

Speaking of coal, I know lots of coal spillage will be all over the place. Was thinking of getting a canister of cinders for that purpose, bit not sure how that will look.  Fine coal seems to be hard to find.  Lump coal (ground walnuts) is easy to find. Always keeping my eye out for the fine stuff at train shows.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Len on January 18, 2017, 02:45:47 PM
I make "ash" by grinding up gray chalk from the local art supply shop, then adding just a touch of black chalk powder.

Len
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: ebtnut on January 18, 2017, 03:01:48 PM
I know there are some B&O fans following this thread so here's a question - I'd like to spiff up my light Mike, and the first order of business is to replace the trailing truck.  I'm pretty sure the prototype has a Hodges design.  The Bachmann model represents a Cole style.  Anyone know of a source for a correct truck?  The Cal-Scale kit is a Cole.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on January 18, 2017, 05:41:31 PM
ebt,

Greenway Products sells a brass Hodges trailing truck. I didn't order one from them. I thought the price was a bit high. Keep hoping I'll find one at a train show.

The Hodge truck was not unique to b&o. One would think they'd be easier to find.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on January 19, 2017, 06:44:54 AM
ebt,

uncle dave's brass trains (he has a web site) also has a Hodges trailing truck for sale.  By the price, I'd say he's holding it for ransom.  :)

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: ebtnut on January 19, 2017, 10:57:07 AM
OK, Jonathon, thanks for the leads.  If I get to Timonium next month, I'll check with Greenway.  And I'll see what Uncle Dave is charging. 
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: ebtnut on January 19, 2017, 11:15:51 AM
Well, having Googled both sites, the verdict is that a Hodges truck must be cast in gold instead of brass.  Dave's truck is $49, but Greeeway's is $45.  The Greenway truck also has an equalizing bar between the spring and journal box which isn't correct for the B&O verson.  I may look around a bit more, but may have to shell out the big bucks to Dave.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on January 20, 2017, 07:45:35 AM
Just put down a bunch of ground foam and ballast.  That goes quickly then there's a big waiting period for things to dry so...

I've always wanted to try putting headlights into an HO vehicle. Granted for enough money, you can buy cars already lit with some sort of hub system for all the cars to plug into.  Believe I've mentioned how cheap I am...  ;)

Anyway, I have a half dozen cars that have lenses in the headlights. Here's my first attempt.

This is an old Ford pickup with lenses:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0314_zpsskqftft2.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0314_zpsskqftft2.jpg.html)

The shell removes from the chassis fairly easy. Just a matter of drilling holes in the wheel wells to accomodate the SMDs. I previously made about 100 prewired SMDs using magnet wire.

In this shot you can see how the wires are run. Positive and negative leads from each SMD are connected and pushed down into the engine block area:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0299_zps7smqwddc.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0299_zps7smqwddc.jpg.html)

One negative lead gets the 560K ohm resistor which fits on the floor of the cab:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0303_zps9f1boycu.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0303_zps9f1boycu.jpg.html)

Finally, the leads run between the door and bench seat.  I drilled a hole behind the seat to run the wires out through the bottom of the chassis:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0301_zps2gmtfkpq.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0301_zps2gmtfkpq.jpg.html)

Quick test with a battery before putting the shell back on top:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0305_zpsgmyriei6.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0305_zpsgmyriei6.jpg.html)

Now the pizza of resistance:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0309_zpsmizwen1c.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0309_zpsmizwen1c.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0312_zpspcr7roo2.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0312_zpspcr7roo2.jpg.html)

One drawback to all this:  once the vehicle is planted and wired, that's it, it's permanent.  No pushing the car around going, "vroom vroom."

From now on, I will paint the inside of the shells, to help cut down on the bleed through of the light.

This project took about 2 hours.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: tiebreaker on January 20, 2017, 08:22:04 AM
Great job again Jonathan!
You have seem to incorporate ground effect lighting also  ;D.
There's a country song that has a saying "dashboard lights give off a romantic glow" which you have seem to have accomplished also, oops that song quote is way off. It was a cargo light. Anyway the dash lights look good also.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on January 20, 2017, 09:25:40 AM
Thanks!  Yes, the bleeding light seems to be an issue.  I'll noodle that out eventually.  :)

Just finished this Dodge.  Took an hour:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0315_zpsrardjg3p.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0315_zpsrardjg3p.jpg.html)

The resistor is in the back seat.

Regards,

Jonathan

Addendum:

Again, this one took about an hour. Guess that's about as fast as I can do it.
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0318_zps4raypzja.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0318_zps4raypzja.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Flare on January 20, 2017, 12:57:28 PM
Quote from: jonathan on January 20, 2017, 09:25:40 AM
Yes, the bleeding light seems to be an issue.  I'll noodle that out eventually.  :)


How about painting the inside area black to absorb the light?
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: WoundedBear on January 20, 2017, 01:52:16 PM
I think I would dim them a little Jonathan. They didn't have halogens back then. Like Flare said, a little black paint and dimming should hide any light bleeds.

I like what you have done.

Sid
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on January 20, 2017, 03:16:05 PM
Thanks!  For the last three vehicles, I did use some black paint on the interior. Helped some.

I doctor my photos with some editing software. I think as I sharpen and lighten my photos, the headlights look brighter than they would in person. I'm using yellow white smds which look much dimmer than my structure interiors, at least with the naked eye.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on January 21, 2017, 08:09:51 AM
OK. For the last three vehicles:

Black paint on the interior to prevent some bleed;
larger resistor so the headlights not so bright;

and added drivers.  Done with lighting cars... for now.

Regards,

Jonathan

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0320_zpscpbratdr.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0320_zpscpbratdr.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0325_zpsem7fmz9w.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0325_zpsem7fmz9w.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: HoModeler on January 21, 2017, 08:36:16 AM
Your Lighted Car's look nice & will add a nice touch to your layout...
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on January 28, 2017, 07:52:41 PM
Thanks, HO Modeler.

It occurs to me this thread is no longer about starting a layout.  I'm six months into construction and have put a pretty good dent in my project.  I have one last major structure to install.  Then, I'll stop posting to this topic.

This is a substation for my coal-fired power plant.  I've read these were lit up at night for safety.  Hence, I'm adding a series of SMDs around the power grid.

Here, I've just started planting the SMDs, magnet wire, and resistors:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0381_zps66cznaem.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0381_zps66cznaem.jpg.html)

In the next shot, I've completed the wiring.  I glued the magnet wire right to the deck as this will be covered over with gravel.  The rest of the wiring will be painted a similar gray to the rest of the model (I hope).  My thinking is to hide everything in plain sight.  The model itself is complicated. So, some wiring rigged among the super-structure may not be that noticeable.  We'll see...

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0387_zpsvz5basey.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0387_zpsvz5basey.jpg.html)

Still need to put in the chain link fence (scary), rig some model wiring, and weather it.

This model is complicated. It may take a while.  ;D

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: WoundedBear on January 28, 2017, 08:59:21 PM
Wow. I love it. Can't wait to see the fence. Is it photo-etched or actual wire?

The whole scene is shaping up really well. I wouldn't worry about seeing a wire or two here and there. It could only enhance things by adding to the "clutter of it all". Once lit, it should be an outstanding little diorama.

Sid
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Martha on January 28, 2017, 09:05:29 PM
I for one will be sad when you stop this thread. You're my lighting hero! I am so envious of your talent especially the lighting. I gained a wealth of knowledge looking at your old and now new layouts. I am now embarking on a new layout with my 8yr old Grandson. Nothing elaborate or probably prototype as I hear that word often, its me and Connor creating the C & G  Railroad. It has been fun and challenging so far and my Grandson is having fun and we are creating a bond I hope will last a lifetime. I will continue checking the forum for anything new you might be working on. I am sad also I haven't seen that broken bucket any place on your layout ;D.

Thanks for sharing Jonathan! 

Martha
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on January 28, 2017, 09:43:33 PM
Not to worry, Martha. I'm sure I'll post about other projects. Still have the broken bucket. Can't seem to let it go.  ;D One day you'll have to show us what you and your grandson are building.

Sid, the fence is some kind of nylon netting. Looks like a challenge to cut straight. I put on a coat of primer to stiffen it. Not sure if I should use a scissors or knife, mark it with a pencil or what.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Martha on January 28, 2017, 10:18:39 PM
Fencing.... just a suggestion try heavy spray starch on it prior to cutting it might make it stiff enough to cut. I'd lay it on cardboard or paper towel. Spray it, pin it to lay flat and let it dry. There is commercial stiffening products out there too.

I look forward to seeing your bucket. And I hope to share the C & G RR in the future.

M
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Terry Toenges on January 28, 2017, 11:51:32 PM
I hate to see it stop, too. I look always forward to your new pictures of your progress.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on January 29, 2017, 08:24:00 AM
JV, if you are interested in putting "razor wire" around the top of the chain link fencing, I came across a great idea for it on YouTube where the guy used the springs from retractable pens to make the "razor wire".
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: West Bound on January 29, 2017, 01:03:18 PM
Jonathan, Here is a good u tube video for making CL fences from scratch. -john West
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_guMOYoCpw
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on January 29, 2017, 05:29:10 PM
John,

Great video.  My first attempt won't be as good as that practiced modeler:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0395_zps7cdd2y12.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0395_zps7cdd2y12.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0389_01_zpspgyqeipr.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0389_01_zpspgyqeipr.jpg.html)

I did the back fence for my first attempt.  It will be against the power structure, so pretty hidden.

Need to cut back on the adhesive.

I like the barbed wire ideas.  Pondering...

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: HoModeler on January 30, 2017, 05:48:11 AM
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d175/maintrackbrian/IMG_20170129_175928_zpsk4rmmiyi.jpg) (http://s35.photobucket.com/user/maintrackbrian/media/IMG_20170129_175928_zpsk4rmmiyi.jpg.html)

After 4 years of building my layout hear it is in it's current form @ this point my layout is 95% done just added & wired in the accent lighting over this weekend. There is also a few more new photos as well on there too
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on January 30, 2017, 06:56:40 AM
Sweet lookin.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on January 30, 2017, 07:07:21 AM
Awesome. This is why man invented basements!

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on January 30, 2017, 07:44:45 PM
OK, this is the side that will be closest to the observer:

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0403_01_zpsn0els5wf.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0403_01_zpsn0els5wf.jpg.html)

I had much better luck using less glue.

Also, for the barbed wire, I used my new favorite modeling medium:  2lb test fishing line.  I tried that twisted wire technique on the youtube video... not so good for me. 

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0404_01_zpsscdky8vd.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0404_01_zpsscdky8vd.jpg.html)

In the morning, I'll try lightly brushing on some aluminum paint to the fence and barbed wire.  Then the "high voltage" and "no trespassing" signs go up.  Finally, a bit of dullcote and weathering, and we're in there.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: WoundedBear on January 30, 2017, 08:00:13 PM
Outstanding Jonathan.

Sid
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: tiebreaker on January 30, 2017, 08:17:54 PM
So real looking. What are your plans for the ground. Most substations in my area have gravel.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on January 31, 2017, 06:27:57 AM
Thanks, guys.

Yes, gravel will be on the deck. I'm using fine buff ballast for gravel.

Now the fun begins.  Just a bit of weathering is needed.  Then it's time for installation onto the removable panel with the power station. There is a '41-'46 Westinghouse box truck out there, that I'm hoping to find at the train show this weekend.  That should make a nice accent near the open gate.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on February 02, 2017, 05:17:47 AM
The glue is still drying on the ballast and ground foam, but I took a few shots while the panel is removed from the layout.  I'll have to keep it this way for a while. I've got other work to do with the access hole open.

Anyway, here are three photos.  The first one is the most visible side to the observer:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0416_zpsenkvz1i7.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0416_zpsenkvz1i7.jpg.html)

Then the least visible side.... Unfortunate, as I like this side, too;
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0410_01_zpsozuh2fh2.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0410_01_zpsozuh2fh2.jpg.html)

and the coolest side:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0407_zpsnsufwgye.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0407_zpsnsufwgye.jpg.html)

I did a little bit of weathering on the substation and fence.  Wanted to go farther, but couldn't bring myself to do it after all that detail work.

Perhaps next week some time, I'll have this scene back in and wired up.  Then I'll take a couple last shots while in its permanent location.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: dutchbuilder on February 02, 2017, 08:45:13 AM
Nice job Jonathan.
It's a pity that you can see the seam on the stack.
Maybe hide it with a lightning deflector.

Ton
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on February 02, 2017, 09:07:13 AM
Thanks, DB.

Yes, this is a 20-year-old version of the power plant kit.  The stack came in 4 pieces.  The new version of the kit comes with a one-piece stack.  Hence, I oriented the stack in the back of the scene.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: J3a-614 on February 02, 2017, 10:41:31 AM
This is one facility you might want to go easy with weathering.  A lot of utility structures like this were lovingly maintained, both as a matter of pride and for safety.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Woody Elmore on February 02, 2017, 06:09:58 PM
Jon - great work as usual but the purple 55 Chevy needs a trip to the paint shop! It's not a color from the era you are modelling.

As for trailing trucks - I think there was one in the Cal Scale line. Bowser now owns the line - worth a shot.

You obviously have tremendous patience to put that whole powerhouse structure together.

Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: James in FL on February 02, 2017, 10:42:33 PM
Just love that sub-station kit, wish I could find that in N.
Excellent workmanship.
I have enjoyed following this thread and watching a Craftsman build a layout.
Beautiful work Jonathan, on the entire build.
Salute.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: HoModeler on February 03, 2017, 05:41:52 AM
WOW Looks good for 20+ year old kit you must of had that kit sitting around for some time LOL... Nice work on building the hole power station. Do you have any plans for inside lighting I think that would add a nice accent to your layout.... I am actually thinking of adding some exterior light poles & on my buildings of my Mine area & cigar factory to add a little more to my layout...

But NICE JOB on the build...
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on February 03, 2017, 06:17:47 AM
Wow. Thanks, folks. You're very kind.

J3a, got it... no more weathering.  :)

Woody, great to hear from you again.  You mean in 1955 I couldn't get a Chevy in purple?  ;D
So far, the only Hodge trucks I've found are very expensive.  Don't know if I want to spend that much for fidelity.

Yes, there is lighting... just haven't connected to the bus feed yet.  I need to do some work without the panel in place.  Will show it lit up when I get some more work done.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Woody Elmore on February 03, 2017, 09:27:40 AM
Jon - In the mid fifties GM was into pastel colors. My godmother had a Bel Air that was turquoise and white. They did have them in lots of colors but not purple. Just kidding about the color - the cars are a addition to the layout.

Purple came in with Chrysler in the late sixties - early seventies. They called it "Plum crazy" and the color is coming back. My favorite Chrysler color was a weird green that they called "Gang Green." After negative comments they changed to "Go Green."

Keep up the great work. By the way, I didn't a lot of those old chimneys have ladders on them? Maybe you could hide the seam that way.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: WoundedBear on February 03, 2017, 09:53:02 AM
Woody...........

The Chrysler green was never called either of those names. Green Go (think Gringo) was the name Dodge used and Sassy Grass Green was the Plymouth name. Plum Crazy's Plymouth name was In-Violet.

Sid
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: ebtnut on February 03, 2017, 11:36:43 AM
I guess I'm going to have to suck it up and get the Hodges truck from Greenway tomorrow if they have it with them.  I expect I will also order one of the Cal-Scale Cole truck kits from Bowser in anticipation of acquiring one of the new P-5's.  That is, unless I decide to kind of fake it get a Delta truck and make believe the loco is a P-6. 
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Terry Toenges on February 03, 2017, 01:52:07 PM
In the late 50's and early 60's my grandparents had a farm and they lived at the end of a road. You had travel an old hilly gravel road through woods to get to it. Then it opened up to a big field before you got to the house.
You could hear a car on the gravel before it ever came into view. We all watched from the window for it to come into view way across the field and when it did, Grandma always said,"Purple car coming up the road." and we would all laugh because we all knew that there were no purple cars.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jbrock27 on February 05, 2017, 09:38:21 AM
Quote from: jonathan on January 30, 2017, 07:44:45 PM
for the barbed wire, I used my new favorite modeling medium:  2lb test fishing line.  I tried that twisted wire technique on the youtube video... not so good for me.

Regards,

Jonathan

Looking great, of course, as per usual :)

Just a point of information; razor wire and barbed wire are not the same.  I would not have bothered with following that video either, it  was not one, clearly, that I had referred to.
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: ebtnut on February 06, 2017, 11:05:00 AM
Well, it is feast or famine at train shows.  I've been on the look-out for a number of years for one of the Rivarossi B&O
S-1 2-10-2's.  In the past, if I saw one at all, it was really over-priced.  At Timonium this Saturday I found one in the first 15 minutes for $85, which I felt was a reasonable price.  I really wanted the tender to go behind the new Bachmann Light Mike.  The engine represented by the B&O number on the model got a large Vandy tender later in life and that's what I would like to do.  Well, went in the south hall and found two more, one without box for $40, the other in box for $75.  Figured that was how life sometimes plays out.  Then as I was getting ready to leave and making one last swing I found just the Vandy tender for $10, so got that too.  Now, since I have both the full loco as well as and extra tender my plan is as follows - the loco just barely runs; I think it needs lubed mostly.  But now I want to track down one of the IHC 2-10-4 models that has the correct size drivers for an S-1 and a much better mechanism.  Plop the Rivarossi superstructure down on the IHC mech, do some surgery at the rear of the frame, and I should have a very nice S-1.  The extra tender will go behind the Mike.  Will have to cut out the coal load to access the interior, but that's not a big deal. 
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on February 09, 2017, 08:32:32 PM
What follows are some photos of my power plant and substation, now that they are planted on the layout.

I'm a bit tired this evening, so I'll just link the photos and explain them tomorrow.

Regards,

Jonathan

Addendum

I tried various lighting conditions and lenses for the photos of the power plant ops.  Took around 60 photos for practice.

The yellow utility truck was a bonus at the last train show. Got it dirt cheap.  I wired it for headlights and put in a driver, of course.  Haven't connected the wires, yet.

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0425_01_zpsbopi5nci.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0425_01_zpsbopi5nci.jpg.html)

The substation lights are SMDs pointed down.  I painted the tops of the lights and wires to match the substation:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0427_zpsnqvylxj5.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0427_zpsnqvylxj5.jpg.html)

I disassembled the vehicles, weathered them, and added drivers.  In this case, I wanted some sort of interesting action going on around the substation gate.  That poor driver has no legs and only half a right arm.  Well, I had to get him to fit bwahaha:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0431_zpsfdxnckks.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0431_zpsfdxnckks.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0433_01_zpscnihzfdm.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0433_01_zpscnihzfdm.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0435_01_zpsc7g3ridu.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0435_01_zpsc7g3ridu.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0439_zpsxsbuenpn.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0439_zpsxsbuenpn.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0449_zpskdeatmhs.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0449_zpskdeatmhs.jpg.html)

I used two 500-watt halogen floods to simulate daylight.  Still learning photography.  I can see that I should have had a third flood pointed towards the back of the layout, so the daylight continues through the whole shot.  I'll get there:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0454_zpsbtl16miv.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0454_zpsbtl16miv.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0457_zps6u6uorew.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0457_zps6u6uorew.jpg.html)

Another bonus was this 1953 White 3000 dump truck.  I added this to the coal mine to run under the external bins.

Photos revealed I hadn't quite secured the cab back onto this dump truck after I tinkered with it.  That is now corrected.

Along with weathering and loading it with coal, I added and driver and his faithful dog.  They were hard to get together in a shot, but I did my best.  I used a macro lens to get as close as I could:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0461_zpsmingr4lx.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0461_zpsmingr4lx.jpg.html)

I bought a 3 lb. bag of fine coal at the show (finally found some). I'm going to do my best to use it all up:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0468_zpsfwf7rgor.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0468_zpsfwf7rgor.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0473_zps7lqos1qa.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0473_zps7lqos1qa.jpg.html)

(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSC_0474_zpsnk9ezau1.jpg) (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/jsnvogel/media/DSC_0474_zpsnk9ezau1.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on February 10, 2017, 05:00:17 AM
This is just a little bump.  I added some explanation to the photos I posted last night.

V/R,  jv
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: WoundedBear on February 10, 2017, 08:53:20 AM
Gawd Damm Son....I think you nailed it....lol.

Jonathan, you have produced a really great little patch of scenery here. I really like the scene where the driver is signing in at the gate. The night shots look exceptionally good as well.

Very well done!

Sid
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: jonathan on February 10, 2017, 09:31:07 AM
Thank you, sir!

Means a lot coming from a scenery king like yourself.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Building a New Layout
Post by: Terry Toenges on June 11, 2018, 07:29:22 PM
I got my VHS to DVD converter. I started copying the tapes from our Western vacation in '97. After we left Missouri, one of the first places we visited was the Rails West Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
They have an HO layout. As I started watching the tape, I'm thinking this all has a strangely familiar look to it. I kept thinking about your layout and how much some things on here reminded me of yours, especially the town. It's hard to believe this thread was ove a year old.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzs6qZhP6w0&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzs6qZhP6w0&feature=youtu.be)