Just replacing the pictures that were mysteriously deleted from the original post.
This first photo is a 4X4 section that I saved from my earlier layout. I wanted to keep the 'matchstick' trestle and
just re-landscaped around it.
Just more of the same from a different angle.
More of the same, but now all three levels are one continuous loop.
Some new 'tree making' technique I dumbed into. On the upper right you can see the 'distance' created
by using 'forced perspective'. By using the smallest bits of landscaping material at the top and gradually
getting bigger the lower you go, you give the image of distance.
The far distant hill just in front of the painted 'sky' backdrop is a single thickness piece of cardboard with
landscape foam glued directly onto it.
More to follow.
Ken
Nice.
I hope you continue to share your progress. Thanks for letting us look.
Regards,
Jonathan
Is that a MOP caboose? Are you modeling the Mopac like me?
It's a Hallmark brass import. I don't model MoPac, but I do model their rolling stock.
My layout is pure fantasy.
It's a Hallmark Model brass import. I don't model MoPac, but I do model their rolling stock.
My layout is pure fantasy.
For some reason I was unable to put this photo in the above text last night. I did have to reset the decal
because it was heavily 'silvered'. First I cut the decal between the sheathing and apply several coats of decal
solvent. Then I added Elmer's white glue as window glazing, and replaced the trucks with some from Kadee.
...And a little weathering.
Must've been a long day
If you want to get rid of that caboose let me know. I saw cars just like it 60 years ago every day.
Well, it's been a while since I updated anything on here. That's because I haven't added any new track or landscaping.
I have been working on a project that will add some scenic interest.
First up: The VOID. That single line of track. right in front on the left side of the layout. I didn't just want to add an
apron to the front and nothing beneath.
First, I needed some raw materials and a jig. Fireplace matchsticks and craft stick (or wide tongue depressors)
should do the trick.
This is what I came up with.
Here the trestle is parallel to the track it will support.
Hope to finish this within the next month or so, will keep you updated.
Whoa!
Len
Outstanding Ken!
Staining that is gonna be a job unto itself. Nice work man.
Sid
Is it my computer? I can't see any pictures.
See if this one works.
That's weird. I can't see any of your pics on the post even from back in March. It's just blank space, no image tags or anything. Since the others are commenting, they must be able to see them.
no problem at all.
Ton
Quote from: Terry Toenges on July 04, 2018, 12:01:33 PM
That's weird. I can't see any of your pics on the post even from back in March. It's just blank space, no image tags or anything. Since the others are commenting, they must be able to see them.
Funny, I can't see the first couple from my March post either ! ! !
I see two pictures from the first slide; looks like there were supposed to be more.
I can see the pics on the other threads just not this one. I wonder why.
I believe I've replaced the original pics on my first post. I don't understand why you cant 'see' the ones on subsequent posts.
Well, I've made a little progress on my trestle.
Here, I've added cardboard sub-groundwork.
From the other side.
Next, I started to pour plaster groundwork.
You can see the 'smooth' surface of the poured plaster. Then I sprinkled dry plaster onto the poured plaster
and then misted it with 'wet water' to sort of blend it in.
Here's a wider angle, the blue painters tape is used as a dam to prevent the plaster from running where I don't
want it to go. Sometimes it works.
Here's the backside of the trestle.
And the frontside.
Next step is to finish pouring plaster, then landscaping. Meanwhile, I still have to glue 97 bridge ties to the
underside of my flex track....
More to follow.
Wow Ken! What a difference staining it made. Your landscape technique is interesting......I like it.
That is one impressive structure, man.
Sid
It looks great. I'm envious of the trestle. I'm going to get around to building some some trestles for mine but haven't tackled it yet. I've been working on equipment lately. I'm finally able to see all of your pics. I wasn't able to see them before.
Cleaning the woodwork from plaster splatter is going to be a hell of a job.
Look impressive never the less.
Ton
Sid: Staining, I used a Rustoleum rattle can of 'Warm Caramel'.
Terry: Glad you can finally see the pics. For a while I was worried.
Trainman203: I also replaced a photo on the original post that caught your eye of
the MoPac caboose.
Ton: A little soapy water on a short stiff bristle paint brush will work, tedious yes, but it'll work.
Thanks for all the interest.
Edit: I had the comments for Terry and Trainman203 combined, sorry.
This is interesting. For the past few days, I have been on my new computer because I was getting the DVD drive replaced on my old one. I just got my old one back and I am on it now. I'm back to not seeing the pics so it is something with my computer. I could see them on the new one.
I guess I'll eventually transition to the new one but I have all my programs on this one. I don't know how to move my Windows Live Mail to my new computer and the Yahoo mail program on the new one sucks.
If it's any help, I'm using Facebook for 'hosting' my picture storage. I'm also using it with a gmail account with a variation
of my name. Maybe there'd be some way you could access the pictures that way. I don't know. But it is frustrating
though not being able to figure it out.
I don't think it's a problem on your end, Ken.
I see all your pics on both my phone and desktop with no problems.
Sid
It's not you. It's something in my computer settings. I have trouble seeing some of Sid's pic, too. I don't know what setting to mess with to fix it. I've looked at my "Profile" settings for the B Board and don't see anything there I could change that is picture related.
It may be something in your browser settings. Which browser are you using?
Len
Mozilla Firefox
These are the most common problems causing images not to show: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/fix-problems-images-not-show
If the Bachmann site is the only place you're having problems, I'd look at the "Check image permissions for a specific website" section first.
Len
The only permissions I have blocked for this site are "Install add-ons" and "Open pop-up window". Actually, this is on my new computer now and I'm seeing everything. I'll have to get on my old computer and check it.
I'm on my old one now. Permissions are the same as for new one and I'm not seeing all the pics.
I just logged in with Internet Explorer and I can see them so it is a problem with Firefox.
Try starting Firefox in "Safe Mode" and see if the pictures show up. If they do, the problem is most likely with an add-on or extension.
Len
That's what's doing it. I'm in safe mode now and can see the pics.
I'll have to see what add-ons I have.
Thank Len.
I just did a Firefox refresh that took me back to defaults and the pics are there.
Great! Now it's just a matter of looking at your add-ons. It's probably a setting in an image handler, or an ad/tracking blocker.
Len
I couldn't figure out how to find what add-ons I had. That's why I did the whole "refresh" which took it back to stock. I had to re-set up my menu bar. I deleted all my cookies, too so I'll have to resign in everywhere like i did here.
Ken - I apologize for all the "computer" talk. I didn't mean to hijack your thread with these problems. I'm just happy to be able to see your pics again.
Thanks Len for helping out Terry. I actually learned something from all that, hopefully I won't need to use it in the future.
Well, back to the trestle...
The next couple of photos show I've finished pouring plaster, and the third photo gives you an idea of how long
it is. From bridge abutment to abutment is 4 feet 2 inches.
Here, I've started to stain the plaster an 'earthy' tone.
Here you can see the different absorbent qualities of the 'poured' plaster and the
'sprinkled on dry then misted' plaster. By using a flash you can really see the plaster
splatter.
...and finally different colors and textures of ground foam and clusters finish it.
The 'dark' stream under the center span will eventually be filled with 'murky' water.
Well, that was fun and I really enjoyed everyone's comments. I don't know what I'm going to
work on next, but if I can take pictures of it, I'll be puttin' it up here.
Thanks again for your interest.
Ken
And I'll be able to see the pics. ;)
I just love the way trestles look and the sight of a train going over a trestle. You've done an excellent job.
Absolutely fantastic Ken!
About time we got more building than talking around here. ;D
Can't wait to see what's next.
Sid
Another update:
The trestle is finally in place, but not permanent yet. You can see on the left side of the trestle, the stringers and the
track don't exactly line up.
Here's how I glue 'bridge ties' to the under side of 'flex track'. You can see the little 'extra' sticking out on either
side where I'll add guard timbers.
Another view of the 'adjustments I'm going to have to make to get the rail to sit directly on top of the stringers.
A view from the other end. The 'wide' ties will be for the refuges. I decided to put one on either side in the middle.
You'll note the the refuges are mostly on the 'inside' of turns. That prevents articulated engine 'overhang' from scraping off the rain barrels that will be placed on the refuges.
I may have to 'shorten' some rail to get everything adjusted.
As always, more to come.
Ken
Starting to work on refuges and adding guard timbers.
Thought I'd add a handcart shed. It'll eventually be supported by stilts.
Just another view.
Coming out of the tunnel, this is what's in view.
More to come...
Ken
Looking good.
Ken, I hope you don't forget the little platform between the tracks, so the section crew can get the section car on and off the tracks.
Whew ! Thought I was missing something...
I also have to reposition my refuge railing. They're too close to the track and a couple of cars get hung up .
good going. You just saved the section crew a lot of work.
More for your perusal this weekend.
Been working on refuges, one board at a time...
...one refuge at a time.
Also started on the 'back fill' for the track shed. First, I put cardboard for a foundation. Then I added one
rock formation and then stained it.
Next, I sprinkled on dry plaster of Paris and 'misted' it until it was saturated. You get a lot less runoff this way.
Also, if you sprinkle it someplace it shouldn't be, you can just 'mist' it away.
Overnight I let the plaster dry. Then I stained (I use watercolor) the ground with a dirt shade.
Then added all the ground foam and shrubbery.
Finally, I added ballast.
Here's a view from the back side looking Northeast.
Here's another view from the 'high' side of my layout looking East.
The other 'matchstick' trestle with a Bachmann "HERBIE" boxcar. Bonus points if you know what "HERBIE" stands
for.
Finally satisfied with the finish and adjustments that I could finally run my FAVORITE engine 'across the trestle'.
Here's the old trestle, sure wished I'd get that backdrop finished.
And over the new...
...from the front...
This is the final shot of this project, really, I mean it.
Until the next time, meanwhile get all those hook-horn couples and decoders fixed. Then take
pictures and put them up here. Better yet, pictures of your layouts. We can never get enough of those.
Ken
That is very, very cool! Congrats on your work...
Regards,
Jonathan
Excellent work, well done.
BTW, with Photobucket no longer free, what are people using to upload photos?
Cheers.
I've been using Facebook. Works great.
Ken
Once you figure out where to find the links to copy, Flickr works well too.
Len
Thanks guys, now back to the photo.