Well folks...
It's been a long journey, but I'm in a new house, with a new basement. Mostly moved in... :)
It looks like I have room for a 6' X 16' layout, with access in the the middle:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48815384908_ba69586a5a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hnDBeo)DSC_1527 (https://flic.kr/p/2hnDBeo) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48815740266_47ebd4f565_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hnFqSf)DSC_1525 (https://flic.kr/p/2hnFqSf) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
The first tier will be a double-track mainline--peanut shaped--with plenty of room for switching with industries.
The second (maybe 3rd) tier will be some kind of roundy-round thing for my smaller equipment.
Enjoying the planning process for now.
I'M BACK!!
Regards,
Jonathan
I'm looking forward to watching it grow.
Yes! I enjoyed reading your old layout thread (and your locomotive modifications), so I'm really excited to see how this progresses.
About time you got busy again ;D
Sid
WOOHOO ! ! !
Ken
Looks like you could put in a long riser, or testle maybe, for a branch line going to a shelf along the wall above the main layout.
Len
Jon, What control system(s) will you use?
Are you going to have a lift-out section ?
First responses:
I haven't planned out the second, or third tiers, yet. I do like the shelf-branch line idea.
My home layouts have always been DC. I don't plan on changing that. I leave DCC for the club layout operations.
Been thinking about a 2'X2' lift out, or hinge out, piece. Not completely sold on it, yet. I'm getting older, but can still stoop under to get at the middle area. ;D The mainline will measure 39" high at the railheads. I'll be able to get on one knee to slip under the benchwork. My thinking is stability in this case. I gain rigidity by keeping the benchwork connected all the way around.
Regards,
Jonathan
Made a dent in the back portion of the benchwork. The sky boards (2X8 masonite or something) will attach to the vertical struts. I'll add diagonal supports with the leftover lumber after the main sections are done.
I'm even playing with lighting. Haven't noodled out the lights for the front. Anyway... progress:
Regards,
Jonathan
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834602831_6ed4a3bc6f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hpm73T)DSC_1530 (https://flic.kr/p/2hpm73T) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834233853_6f8342e52e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hpjdnc)DSC_1529 (https://flic.kr/p/2hpjdnc) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Question: How are you going to run a couple DC trains with only 1 pair of outlets? Let alone any scenic lights and overheads. Use a bunch of power strips?
Bb,
Yes. My previous layout ran on two outlets and two power strips. I use dual throttle MRC power packs for the trains. Lighting, both overhead and scenic, is LED. I try to be efficient with amp draw.
Regards,
Jonathan
A bit more progress today:
Completed a little more benchwork... then ran out of lumber.
Added the sky boards and started patching all the little holes and irregularities:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48845057822_f25679b755_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hqgFXm)DSC_1532 (https://flic.kr/p/2hqgFXm) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48844505813_775243409b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hqdRRX)DSC_1531 (https://flic.kr/p/2hqdRRX) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Gotta get some more wood and some paint for the backdrop. Getting there...
Regards,
Jonathan
Are you going to add any diagonal bracing for the legs? Or just hope any weight on the tabletop will be light enough not to matter?
(Hint: cross braces are your friends) ;)
Quote from: bbmiroku on October 05, 2019, 12:38:00 AM
Are you going to add any diagonal bracing for the legs? Or just hope any weight on the tabletop will be light enough not to matter?
(Hint: cross braces are your friends) ;)
From reply #10, "I'll add diagonal supports with the leftover lumber after the main sections are done."
Len
;D Yep. I've started the diagonals already:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48848791596_f6a16e68b5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hqAPSL)DSC_1534 (https://flic.kr/p/2hqAPSL) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Need to do some more, but you get the idea...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48848985752_4eed208c50_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hqBPAh)DSC_1535 (https://flic.kr/p/2hqBPAh) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
For the backdrop; I saw a video once where the modeller took a tray of white paint and added some drops of dark blue, right into the tray, without mixing. He then used a roller to spread the paint and got a reasonable sky effect. So I tried it. Not bad:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48848985632_6c7b0c6b10_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hqBPyd)DSC_1536 (https://flic.kr/p/2hqBPyd) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48848985557_604fcd1ff8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hqBPwV)DSC_1537 (https://flic.kr/p/2hqBPwV) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
That's about all I have time for this weekend. I need to continue with track planning before I lay hands on the layout again. Thanks for reading.
Regards,
Jonathan
Addendum:
Meant to show my homemade compass. Using a yardstick and a 1/2" dowel, I was able to scribe a 32" radius curve. This is my mainline. Should be able to run just about any model there is on that radius. Cheers
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48849274553_a4ec11ebe9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hqDirB)DSC_1540 (https://flic.kr/p/2hqDirB) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48849274598_3f220eeeac_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hqDiso)DSC_1539 (https://flic.kr/p/2hqDiso) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Woohoo!
Let the fun begin!
Regards,
Jonathan
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48855082566_511f3d1eb8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hra4XL)DSC_1541 (https://flic.kr/p/2hra4XL) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
nice, are you using flex track?
Ton
Thanks, Ton. Yes, flex track for the mainline. I may use sectional track for the upper level.
Regards,
Jonathan
This week, I pulled out some boxes to begin some of the electrical work and planning industry placement.
I didn't snap a pic of it, but I've run the bus feeds for the mainline, using all the wire I saved from the last layout.
Also, I placed some flex track around the mainline--not installed yet--just to get a feel for how much track I need to acquire; turnouts, more flex track,... etc.
Made a temporary control area with my power packs--this could be permanent with a little fancy work.
Finally, added some more lighting, though not quite bright enough yet.
Regards,
Jonathan
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48892718432_d2cb3e3fe6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hutXN1)DSC_1543 (https://flic.kr/p/2hutXN1) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48892004453_3a25cdc385_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2huqiy2)DSC_1544 (https://flic.kr/p/2huqiy2) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48892536436_97a74f4390_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hut2G9)DSC_1545 (https://flic.kr/p/2hut2G9) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
All this work is in 2 weeks time? Man. 💥🌪🚀🚀👏🏻👏🏻😎
A little track-laying refresher, in case there are new folks joining us...
For flex track on a curve, I leave the new piece of track straight, while I solder, then bend to the curve:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48917381348_c6b429e5cb_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hwEndG)DSC_1549 (https://flic.kr/p/2hwEndG) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I used a toothpick and put a liberal amount of flux in the track joiner before I joined the track pieces... And used a couple of heat sinks to reduce rail tie melting:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48918114712_cc85b5af0f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hwJ8dU)DSC_1548 (https://flic.kr/p/2hwJ8dU) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I used plenty of solder and held the iron to the joint for a few extra seconds, to make sure the solder creeps down deep, for a good bond. Plus, I intend to attach a feeder wire here, so some extra solder is helpful:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48917909601_93b1f05cf5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hwH5fv)DSC_1550 (https://flic.kr/p/2hwH5fv) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Now I can tack down the track and add leftover ties for good looks. It looks off-center because it is off-center. I put the inside curve a bit inside the center line on the roadbed. The outside loop goes a bit to the outside of the center line:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48917909571_15eba895f2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hwH5eZ)DSC_1552 (https://flic.kr/p/2hwH5eZ) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Finally, a cut off wheel makes quick work of excess rail. I have used track cutters and razor saws as well. They work great, too:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48917381488_c9b9bc4227_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hwEng7)DSC_1551 (https://flic.kr/p/2hwEng7) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Ready for the next piece!
Regards,
Jonathan
And for the beginners, you want to use a soldering iron that gets hot enough to pass the heat to the joint, and solder, quickly. So you can get off the joint before the ties start melting. Some folks use a soldering gun for this, but personally I prefer something lighter to handle. I've used a Weller 1040a soldering iron, with a 45 watt heating element and chisel tip for this type of work for years.
https://www.weller-tools.com/consumer/USA/us/Weller+Consumer/Soldering+Irons/Stained+Glass+%26+Hobby+Applications/1140A
The heating element can be unscrewed from the handle if it needs replacement, and a variety of tips are available to use on the heating element. I find the chisel tip best for this type of track work. Applying some powdered graphite to the tip and heating element threads helps keep them from siezing due to the heat. It's a popular iron among people who do 'lead strip caning' of stained glass, and can be found on many stained glass supply web sites, It may also be availabe on Amazon.
Len
Update:
I've wired the mainline and run a couple locos almost all the way round (no turnouts yet).
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48930989876_5a5b589847_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hxS7yu)DSC_1560 (https://flic.kr/p/2hxS7yu) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Also, the second tier is under construction. I'll have to remove the 4X8 module when it's time to add switch machines. Planning for that:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48930449213_2e41208c79_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hxPkQH)DSC_1559 (https://flic.kr/p/2hxPkQH) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
And getting a better feel for placement of industries and roads:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48931176042_c31d8d3802_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hxT4Uf)DSC_1553 (https://flic.kr/p/2hxT4Uf) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
That "ramp" will actually be a gentle 2% grade to get from the branch to the mainline.
Regards,
Jonathan
I like the two tier idea. The elevated mine and tunnels will be nice features to work with.
Go man go!
Sid
Thanks Sid!
I'm actually pondering a third tier. It would involve bridges and viaducts going around a mountain on the other side of the layout. Might make the layout a spaghetti bowl. The other plan is a turntable and round house like my last layout.
We'll see which side of my brain wins. :)
Regards,
Jonathan
Jonathan I agree with your tips about the soldering iron. I learned the hard way that a cheap 25 watt iron is not sufficient for trackwork. I use a Weller 45 watt as well.
I like the third tier idea. I like bridges and viaducts. Your second level mine is cool.
If you raise the third tier enough, you may be able to use N-scale things to 'fool the eye' even more.
Quote from: bbmiroku on October 23, 2019, 09:54:17 PM
If you raise the third tier enough, you may be able to use N-scale things to 'fool the eye' even more.
Or you could use 9mm (N/HOe/HOn30) track and narrow gauge HO equipment for a lumber operation above the mines.
Len
What's the e for?
N gauge
?
HO narrow 30"
H0e stands for H0 eng( pronounced as in (b)ang) .
Eng is German and means narrow.
30 inch in H0 scale is about 9mm.
So the American name H0n30 is correct.
Ton
Some folks say the 'e' stands for Egger. The Egger brothers made and marketed the first HO scale narrow gauge equipment to run on 9mm track, calling it HOe, under the 'Egger-Bahn' name in 1963.
They first appeared at the 1963 Nurenberg Toy Fair, so a case could also be made that the 'e' stands for "eng" (narrow) as Dutchbuilder said.
Len
Thanks, guys, you've given me lots to ponder on the third tier.
Meanwhile, while not much to show visually, I have been picking away at the second tier.
The track is laid. The inside loop is 19.75" radius. I chose to use flex track rather than sectional.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48967305728_596a2f23e6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hB5eZS)DSC_1562 (https://flic.kr/p/2hB5eZS) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48967847876_580e627321_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hB82af)DSC_1561 (https://flic.kr/p/2hB82af) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I've prepared lots of feeder wires and some bus wire in advance. Also, I've installed several tortoise switch machines already.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48967848086_4418449606_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hB82dS)DSC_0001 (https://flic.kr/p/2hB82dS) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Can travel a complete circuit on both loops of the mainline. Getting there...
Regards,
Jonathan
No return track from the top layer?
Did you leave some expansion gaps in the flex track for warmer days?
Ton
Yes. I'm working on some sort of reverse loop for the return. I want to get the third tier built to get an idea for the best configuration.
I do not solder the tracks connecting the turnouts and do leave very small gaps. However, basements seem to be fairly stable environments.
Regards,
Jonathan
Yes, stable. Translation: always cool and slightly damp, except by the furnace and/or water heater.
You might want to invest in some DampRid, or something of the sort available at a dollar store or en mass from homedepot.com
Take the lid off the container, set it on the floor out of the way (or between your first and second tiers) and forget about it until it needs to be replaced.
A little more to show this week...
I finished wiring the track and turnouts for the second tier. Gonna be for mining:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49003176693_72c0241df0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hEf6bM)DSC_0138_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hEf6bM) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Began planning the reverse loop that will get the trains back down to the mainline. In the photo, you can see the LH turnout, back/right, for the return. I will need a curved turnout for the end of the outer loop to set up the entrance into the return. Hopefully this photo will give an idea of the Wye (sort of) configuration I'm planning:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49003719731_75d1db5429_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hEhSBv)DSC_0137_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hEhSBv) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Got most of the wood construction done on this same area, which is also the grade leading back down to the mainline:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49003176783_5bd5c282ea_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hEf6dk)DSC_0136 (https://flic.kr/p/2hEf6dk) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Finally, I'm working on the third tier pieces and parts needed to start construction.
I will need a lot of trestle bents for the travel between two tall mountains. I looked at what was available at the last train show. Couldn't find anything real satisfying. So... I've decided to scratch-build my viaduct/bridge work. Drew up some plans for bents on graph paper, made some copies, got some basswood and balsa, and just started going to town:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49003719881_f55b64d895_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hEhSE6)DSC_0135 (https://flic.kr/p/2hEhSE6) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Going to take a long time to build all the bents (think I need about 20), plus build up the whole trestle structure, before I can start to lay track. It's a bit of a pain in the neck. However, I think it will be worth it in the end.
Regards,
Jonathan
Love it so far. A properly Handbuilt Trestle is something I've always wish i had the skills (and patience) to do. for now, there's no space on the ol 4*8 for such a thing anyway so i can just pretend THATS why i dont :P
Any particular prototype's bents are you copying, or just the Atlas-style?
If you can find them at a show, or on eBay, Black Bear Construction made a nice set of jigs for building trestle bents in HO, S, and O scales. Sadly, the owner passed away a while back and they are no longer in business.
Len
Thanks again, guys.
I studied some prototypes of trestles, and searched what other modelers have done with their trestles. Pretty amazing stuff. I am copying the bents I saw in, um, oh I forgot I guess. I liked the six, round verticals and two upper horizontals. The look is appealing to me. I also like the idea of a long wooden bridge between two middle bents. I will attempt it. Time will tell of I'm successful. BTW the vertical struts are those round kabob skewers from the grocery store... like 100 for a buck kinda stuff.
At the Timonium train show, there was a company called "Hunterline" that sells trestle kits--will even build them for you... if money is no object. Money s an object for me... hence building my own. I also liked the iron viaduct system that Micro Engineering makes. Couldn't find any of those kits at the train show. I was wary of getting those kits on line with having seen the real thing first. So scratchbuilding became the answer.
Regards,
Jonathan
Off topic a bit, but jonathan, did you see the helix table in the south room? the foam-backed helix templates that you put together.
neat stuff, and really rigid.
I did see the helix table. I liked it. They have really nice system. Right away I was thinking that might be a neat system to use for a transition to my third tier. :) So much track, so little time...
Regards,
Jonathan
Making progress on my trestle bridge/viaduct.
I have to build it in two 3-foot sections. The bare bones are done. Just showing a little progress. Got a ways to go.
I chose a "weathered gray" wood stain for the bridge. It did NOT turn out the way I hoped. Maybe some serious weathering will get it closer to what i had in mind. Anyway, you can see I'm using a lot of rubber bands for clamps:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49041154777_8000df1bbb_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hHAJKk)DSC_0140 (https://flic.kr/p/2hHAJKk) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Regards,
Jonathan
That is coming along really fine. I wish I'd have thought about rubber bands, could've save me some
headaches. I'm looking forward to seeing the "void" this thing is going to fill.
Keep it comin',
Ken
It does look good so far.
Thanks, Gents.
You know your project is getting too big, if you have a tough time shooting a photo that fits. I didn't realize I was recreating the Bridge Over the River Kwai :) :
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49043033706_d9ed424f6b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hHLnhE)DSC_0142_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hHLnhE) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49043033586_639a04d7ce_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hHLnfA)DSC_0145_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hHLnfA) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Building two more bents, and will add a little more cross-bracing. Otherwise, it's starting to look more complete.
Regards,
Jonathan
Actually, that grey color looks pretty good for weathered wood that hasn't been treated with creosote.
Len
Thank you, Len. Much appreciated. I was thinking about creosote when planning this project. Perhaps there's a greenish weathering powder that will give me that hint of weathered creosote.
OK. project done for now... These are a last few shots of the bridge. You will have to imagine a mountainous area behind the bridge, instead of the big hole in the benchwork:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49048487732_1562dcd068_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hJfjzA)DSC_0146_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hJfjzA) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
After studying all the wooden trestles, both models and prototypes, I was most impressed with the ones that stayed simple, for lack of a better word. I wanted a bridge that was sturdy, but did not interfere with the scenery that would sit behind the bridge:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49048272916_7d0b932163_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hJedHS)DSC_0148_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2hJedHS) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Hence, my bridge doesn't follow a specific plan. I borrowed from many examples and used the elements I liked, such as the round vertical struts, minimal cross bracing, and the like:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49047771113_ce90416bc9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hJbDy6)DSC_0151 (https://flic.kr/p/2hJbDy6) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Now on to laying more track. Probably won't have much to share for a while. But I'll do some show-and-tell when I reach something interesting.
Regards,
Jonathan
WOW!! That thing is a monster!! Real delicate looking, too--don't send an EM1 or Big Six over it! Their Cooper ratings are way too high!
Where is it going to go on the layout?
That beautiful thing looks too big for the layout. Timber trestles that size largely date from early railroading, I thought. There were a few back home on the T&NO in the 60's but they were 4 or 5 bents long and maybe 30' high, much smaller.
Has a civil engineer friend ever checked that trestle? 🤔😱😂😂
As Bob Ross used to say;"It's your world and somewhere there lives a happy tree".
That sad it's more a threstle with a layout than the other way arround.
In my humble opinion, your layout is to small.
Nice trestle by the way.
Ton
;D
OK I get it. bridge is 70 feet high and 500 feet long. scaled up. I'll make it work. I kinda like it now... especially after all that work.
Thanks guys!
Cheers!
Regards,
Jonathan
Quote from: jonathan on November 11, 2019, 05:55:43 PM
;D
OK I get it. bridge is 70 feet high and 500 feet long. scaled up. I'll make it work. I kinda like it now... especially after all that work.
Thanks guys!
Cheers!
Regards,
Jonathan
I like it, I think it looks good, you find a place for that thing!
Jonathan
Very impressive build.
Remind's me of the trestle which allowed access to the plant that I worked at. length and height would be close to your
model, basic difference was that the trestle was curved crossing the valley.
Ken Clark
GWN
One of the problems with the 3rd-tier build is that I have to lay track so high off the bench work. Everything has to be fairly smooth and sturdy--even though it's 9.5" off the deck.
I have a 6-foot expanse that will need three bridges, while staying straight and level.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49075017896_17fd95821e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hLAi5d)DSC_0156_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hLAi5d) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
My idea is to use some thread, strung across the expanse, at track-tie height. I can follow the thread across, while I build up sub-roadbed, piers, and the like:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49075018181_9914943b06_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hLAia8)DSC_0154 (https://flic.kr/p/2hLAia8) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I pounded in a couple of track nails on either side of my expanse. Then attached some thread from an old sewing kit. Who needs day-glow green anyway? One thread-end is tied, while the other end is wrapped and weighted, so I can move it as needed.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49074488448_84cc8dbb41_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hLxzFN)DSC_0153 (https://flic.kr/p/2hLxzFN) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49074488208_f3946d6a30_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hLxzBE)DSC_0152_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hLxzBE) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Hopefully, this will work, while I build across the layout. Most of this will be hidden by hilly terrain, but it still needs to be done well for the trains to run smoothly.
Regards,
Jonathan
It's really coming together in a way I couldn't imagine. Sewing thread is another good idea. I spend a lot of time
back and forth measuring wasting a lot of time. Can't wait to see the finished track plan once it's all laid.
Keep the pictures coming...
Ken
I'm loving it. Such a huge amount of work you are putting into it and it will be such a neat layout.
Thanks, guys.
Indeed, I was starting to do a lot of measuring and math. Just figured there had to be an easier way. I'm sure I didn't invent the thread trick, but it came to me while I was staring at the length of the expanse, wondering how I was going to manage a straight line. Felt like magic at first. Now I'm wondering why it took me so long to think of it.
Yes, once I finish this last loop, and get the reverse "Y" put in, I'll get up on a ladder and shoot down on the layout, so the overall track plan will become evident.
Regards,
Jonathan
I have never put a reverse loop into any of my layouts. This is a first for me. So... I'm hoping for some free advice as I start to piece together my reversing Wye.
Here is my curved turnout. The main route is up to the left. The divergent reverse Wye is up and to the right:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49092536318_b95c456344_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hN95FY)DSC_0159_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hN95FY) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I've isolated the entry in to the Wye, at the top of the turnout:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49092536238_090d69760e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hN95EA)DSC_0162_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hN95EA) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
So far, so good. I will also isolate the second leg of the Wye at the other turnout. Sorry, didn't shoot a pic. As I begin to wire it up, I may ask for a sanity check along the way. :)
The frog on this turnout is really long. Another first for me will be powering the frog. There is a handy little tab to which I've soldered a wire and fed down underneath:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49093048296_6499ec1c98_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hNbGTb)DSC_0160_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2hNbGTb) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I intend to wire the frog to my switch machines. Been doing some studying. Hope I have this straight...
On my machines, I use tabs 2-4 to wire my signals. Gotten used to that. For the frog; I THINK I connect tab 5 to the frog, then connect tabs 6 and 7 to the North and South rails:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49093247302_e17ed6976d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hNcJ3j)DSC_0158_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hNcJ3j) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Scary part; I won't know which rail goes to which tab until I run a loco through it (a loco I don't care about presumably) ;D
That sound about right?
Regards,
Jonathan
Jon.....
I think I have this exact set-up under one of my no.8 turnouts.
Lemme try and get a couple pics of it tomorrow.
Sid
Awesome! Thanks Sid.
Have you considered using the tortoise contacts to control the polarity of the wye tail track? You really don't need an autoreverser if you use the contacts. You can also use the contacts on the SPDT switch you use to control the tortoise to control signals and panel lights.
Jward,
That's a great idea! Thanks. This is especially good news as this layout is DC. Didn't know you could do that. Will have to study and plan. I assume I only need one tortoise to control polarity of the tail track. I really need this machine for the long frog on this particular turnout. As there are two more turnouts in the wye, which don't need powered frogs or signals, I can use one of them for polarity.
In the meantime, I've soldered a couple feeders to the tortoise:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49094340161_cb471efb8a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hNijUH)DSC_0168_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2hNijUH) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
For now the frog is connected to tab 5, inside rail to 6, and outside rail to 7:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49094528387_4b267fee81_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hNjhRZ)DSC_0167_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hNjhRZ) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I'm still wiring up parts of the layout; no DPDT switches to any of the turnouts, yet. So, it will take me some time to get to testing my work. I'll get there.
While we're waiting:
I'm not quite to the golden spike, but you can now see about 95% of my track plan by now. Here's some elevated shots of progress so far:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49094338351_b39aa05746_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hNijnv)DSC_0166_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hNijnv) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49094338516_b4c8176305_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hNijqm)DSC_0165 (https://flic.kr/p/2hNijqm) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49094528622_0fe4b27634_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hNjhW3)DSC_0164_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hNjhW3) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49093818018_03f5912478_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hNfDGf)DSC_0163_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hNfDGf) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Difficult to get a shot of the whole layout in one frame.
Regards,
Jonathan
you are correct that you only need one tortoise to reverse the polarity but you will need to use all 6 contacts. I would use the one on the single tail track to control the polarity.
Yep.....same set-up, but I used different tabs.
1 and 8 are from the toggle switch and power the tortoise itself.
2 and 3 are L and R rails.
4 connects to the frog itself.
I checked continuity with a multimeter before making final connections.
Hope this helps.
Sid
(https://media.fotki.com/2v2HodpMMxfwZGL.jpg)
There are two SPDT switches in the Tortoise. One connects to terminals 2,3 & 4 and the other is on 5, 6 & 7. The pin outs are:
2 - Normally Open
3 - Normally Closed
4 - Common
5 - Common
6 - Normally Open
7 - Normally Closed
Either one could be used to control power to the frog.
They can also be combined and used as a DPDT switch to control the polarity of the reversing section of a wye or reverse loop.
Len
Thanks, guys. That's a big help. I'll noodle with it for a while. Len, according to the Manufacture diagram, it looks like tab 5 is the common, like tab 4. Have I got it wrong?
Regards,
Jonathan
Quote from: jonathan on November 20, 2019, 10:21:09 AM
Thanks, guys. That's a big help. I'll noodle with it for a while. Len, according to the Manufacture diagram, it looks like tab 5 is the common, like tab 4. Have I got it wrong?
Regards,
Jonathan
Ooops! You're correct. I've gotta see about some new glasses real soon now. Corrected my earlier post.
Len
A little too windy and wet to remove leaves from the yard, so I was able to spend some time with the layout this weekend.
I have 8 turnouts and machines installed. It was time to wire 'em up and try to run a locomotive to test things out.
I don't have a control panel, yet. So the toggles are just laying there for now:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49117767087_f53e7f3819_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hQnoVe)DSC_0177_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2hQnoVe) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I made a quickie distribution area for my wall wart (12V:1amp). All the turnouts get power through here:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49117064328_145b48e289_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hQiN1G)DSC_0178_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2hQiN1G) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
OK. On to the testing. Here's a B'mann loco that runs very well, but doesn't fit into my scheme. If I burnout the motor, I'll live, but still a bit sad. Anyway, it's already on the siding, waiting to climb the grade to the second tier:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49117767312_c01cc22a58_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hQnoZ7)DSC_0170 (https://flic.kr/p/2hQnoZ7) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I have set up a temporary solution for my reverse wye, while I noodle out the tortoise wiring. The first tier, maniline provides power to the track into the first leg of the wye:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49117766932_7e3dfed022_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hQnoSy)DSC_0171 (https://flic.kr/p/2hQnoSy) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Here, you can see the loco about to cross onto the track powered by the second tier throttle. Not too dangerous, as long as I remember to match polarity. I simply cut the track here and filled the gap with plastic. Not pretty, yet. That's for later:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49117568346_5aa4fa787b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hQmnQE)DSC_0172_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2hQmnQE) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
The loco/train is now free to travel around the second tier loop for a while. In the meantime, I can switch polarity on the first tier mainline in preparation for the return.
Once that's done, I can throw the switch for the curved turnout and start my return to the mainline:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49117064488_f86c636060_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hQiN4s)DSC_0173_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hQiN4s) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Return to mainline throttle happens immediately after the curved turnout.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49117568286_654b258e02_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hQmnPC)DSC_0174_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hQmnPC) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Now I can cross out on to the mainline and run as fast as I want: :)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49117767247_8326bdb2f9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hQnoXZ)DSC_0175_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hQnoXZ) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
That's all for now. Will be pretty busy now that the holidays are here. Probably won't have much to show and tell for a while.
Regards,
Jonathan
This keeps getting better each time you put something up.
I'm starting to understand your track plan. It looks as though you could run three trains on each separate level
independent of one another ? ? ...and then cross when passing cargo.
I'll be working on the upper level yard and engine facility over the Christmas Holidays.
See you next near.
Ken
Hoo-boy, electrical. My least favorite thing to do right along with carpentry. You don't see it much here, but computer geeking has become another facet of model railroading that I avoid.
How the layout operates:
The 1st tier has a long (16') yard in the front of the layout. It will be 4 tracks wide. Here I can assemble trains. Still need one more crossover and approach to the engine facilities. From the yard I can run two trains on the main level.
One can move one train across the end of the yard and crossover to the graded track that leads to the 2nd tier. This will be where the mining and processing takes place. There are two loops to run trains, but I don't yet have a crossover onto the inner loop. Turnouts and switch machines get pretty pricey after a while. I'll get there eventually, but I can still run trains for now. At some point, I'm thinking about a transition to the 3rd tier. However, I'm already dealing with something approaching a spaghetti bowl, and the transition would be steep with a tight curve, possibly down to 18" radius.
Right now the 3rd tier is just a high oval that will travel between 2 tall "mountains". It's sturdy enough to run large locos, but I'll probably run my small trains up there--0-6-0s and ore cars. We'll see how that looks.
Electrical:
Yes, I'm to that stage right now. Spending most of my time under the layout, wiring up feeders, switch machines, and running a bus wire for signals, lights, and the like. My fingers are getting a little chewed up from all the soldering and track work. A few days ago, I accidently grabbed the metal part of my soldering iron, instead of the handle. Fun. Looking forward to being done underneath. Just part of the gig. It's a good thing I like trains so much. :)
Regards,
Jonathan
Update:
Completed wiring the tracks, turnouts, and toggle switches. Time to pull out the trains and give everything a workout. Need to see what's working and look for things that need fixing. My trains sat in storage for over two months, while I moved into this house.
Under the layout, I bundled the trackwork wires and ran some 18 gauge wire for lighting. The black and white wires, that run separately, are for lighting:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49188546236_404e97c7b1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hWCa6o)DSC_0181 (https://flic.kr/p/2hWCa6o) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
The only locomotive that does not run is my USRA 2-6-6-2, converted to a KK-4b:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49188545876_dce1dd4429_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hWC9Zb)DSC_0188 (https://flic.kr/p/2hWC9Zb) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
It lights but won't move. When I bought it, one of the motor wires was loose, and I repaired it. I'm pretty confident the same problem has popped up. I should be able to get it going again, without too much effort.
Everything else seems OK. A couple footboards and air hoses have broken off, but those are easy fixes.
I took a few shots after I ran some trains, so you can see the latest progress:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49188544946_20dc8c2cc8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hWC9H9)DSC_0198 (https://flic.kr/p/2hWC9H9) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49188044863_ee39418cea_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hWzA42)DSC_0197 (https://flic.kr/p/2hWzA42) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49188044298_e6fed09881_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hWzzTh)DSC_0195 (https://flic.kr/p/2hWzzTh) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49188741672_b95439014e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hWDabY)DSC_0194_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hWDabY) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49188044363_d5d19fede6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hWzzUp)DSC_0193 (https://flic.kr/p/2hWzzUp) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49188741762_00e856e6da_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hWDadw)DSC_0191 (https://flic.kr/p/2hWDadw) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49188044433_425c018248_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hWzzVB)DSC_0190_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hWzzVB) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49188044538_8a3e6baf43_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hWzzXq)DSC_0189_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hWzzXq) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49188741407_7cf9ea4880_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hWDa7p)DSC_0186_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2hWDa7p) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49188741912_fd1da38dc2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hWDag7)DSC_0185_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2hWDag7) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49188045268_01d1c902a7_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hWzAb1)DSC_0184_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hWzAb1) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49188545546_7efa78c358_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hWC9Tu)DSC_0183 (https://flic.kr/p/2hWC9Tu) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Next is planning the fascia for the benchwork. I'm using the same material for the control panel. So, I have to get to that step next. Need to mount and label all the toggle switches.
Enjoy.
Regards,
Jonathan
I like your steamer weathering!
Sid
UNBELIEVABLE ! ! ! It looks a lot bigger with locos and rolling stock.
I am amazed ! !
Ken
Thanks, Sid. Thanks Ken. It's coming along...
Oh, I got this little guy running:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49192490876_fa6938f2e5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hWYnGq)DSC_0200 (https://flic.kr/p/2hWYnGq) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Just didn't have one of the connector plugs seated securely. Happens to everyone... well that's what I keep telling myself. :)
Regards,
Jonathan
Did engineering certify that trestle to hancle such a monster??
Len
The railroad has received a warning to keep panda bears away from the bents!
(cause they're bamboo, ya know)
;D
Regards,
Jonathan
Wired up some signals today.
Here is an old Bachmann signal bridge. I am stringing wires and resistors. Will shop for some signal heads at the next train show in February:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49223633447_188960cc3f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hZHZii)DSC_0207 (https://flic.kr/p/2hZHZii) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I've also installed 5 signals onto the layout. They are wired, but I just didn't feel like getting under the layout with a soldering iron today--so, I'll solder everything when I'm in the mood. Anyway, here are a few shots:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49223633622_b3a8af554e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hZHZmj)DSC_0204_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hZHZmj) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49223633522_f87e8590d5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hZHZjA)DSC_0203_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2hZHZjA) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
A Bachmann signal bridge I've already played with:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49222927583_bf103331f2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hZEnte)DSC_0202 (https://flic.kr/p/2hZEnte) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49223633557_b984b200a5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hZHZkc)DSC_0201 (https://flic.kr/p/2hZHZkc) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
The signals all face the same direction, which is towards the layout control seat (I am the "Chief" Engineer after-all).
Regards,
Jonathan
Update:
I'm trying to get the electrical portion of the layout DONE, as much as possible. I don't enjoy getting under the layout and soldering wires. Seems like it will never end.
I'm installing as many of my structures as possible. These are structures leftover from my last two layouts. Some of you may remember a few of them:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49257373853_8feeb904c5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2i3GV9r)DSC_0215 (https://flic.kr/p/2i3GV9r) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49257374028_90f605d4bc_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2i3GVcs)DSC_0214 (https://flic.kr/p/2i3GVcs) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49258053092_5b34dc8a84_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2i3Lp4s)DSC_0213_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2i3Lp4s) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49257374088_be63533da4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2i3GVdu)DSC_0210_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2i3GVdu) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49258053142_18391669e1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2i3Lp5j)DSC_0209_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2i3Lp5j) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49257374168_7ac5730f38_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2i3GVeS)DSC_0208_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2i3GVeS) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I'm really itching to get to the landscaping portion. Can't wait to create mountains and hillsides. Just a few more things to take care of, first.
Regards,
Jonathan
I like the weathering on the coal mine a lot. I was wondering, is that a kit-bash of two kits ?
You did a great job on it and it really looks nice.
Thanks for the pics and keep it up.
Ken
Thanks, Ken.
That is one kit... I believe it was one of those Walthers Cornerstone kits--can't remember what it was called. Built it a long time ago. Sprayed it all over with dullcote and just kept adding weathering powders. Lights are some LEDs and some SMDs (outside lamps which are scratchbuilt).
Regards,
Jonathan
I couldn't stand it any longer. Had to start defining the topography.
I have lots of boxes leftover from my recent move. So a box knife and some hot glue got me started on this project.
Still have a ways to go, but the monotony of placing cardboard strips forced me to take a break, vacuum the layout, and take a few photos. Then it's off to clean my gutters. :)
Enjoy:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49277781698_3c27a72eea_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2i5vvFQ)DSC_0216_03 (https://flic.kr/p/2i5vvFQ) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49278254751_9924eae855_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2i5xWiV)DSC_0218_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2i5xWiV) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49278457672_c9527e4c98_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2i5yYCy)DSC_0220_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2i5yYCy) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49277781578_5060088a41_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2i5vvDL)DSC_0221_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2i5vvDL) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49278457607_d8572a96f5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2i5yYBr)DSC_0224_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2i5yYBr) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
At some point, I will have to get very clever... I need the access holes in the middle of the layout, but also need some scenery in the middle. Gonna get interesting.
Regards,
Jonathan
You move fast buddy. Don't take much cardboard to bring about a major change. I'm starting to see your vision.
Sid
WOW...WOW WOW WOW...!!! What a difference ! Now I'm gonna stay awake the rest of the night.
Loving it. Really leads the imagination on and on and on.....
Thanks.
Ken
Thanks guys.
I kinda hit the end point of my vision and imagination. Now I need to bring it together. Gotten to the 'making it up as I go' phase.
Regards,
Jonathan
OK, it has been a while since my last update. Threw my back out a few weeks ago, and I'm just healed enough where I can move, more or less, normally.
So...
Went to Hobby Lobby and bought all the plaster cloth they had. Thought I had a lot. It was enough to make a dent, but I still have some work to do on my mountains. Here is what I finished so far:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49410990351_0d8f68198e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ihheYK)DSC_0225_03 (https://flic.kr/p/2ihheYK) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49410515508_23c016ed5e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iheNPN)DSC_0228_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2iheNPN) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49410990431_409a416e1b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ihhf18)DSC_0229_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2ihhf18) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I started building up the last bridge I needed. It's a bit slapped together with some old girder panels and abutments I had in the junk box. Once I put in some footings and build up scenery around it, it'll be good enough for me:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49410990141_ce8e2fa0c0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ihheV8)DSC_0230 (https://flic.kr/p/2ihheV8) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49410515313_90fe94a78e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iheNLr)DSC_0233 (https://flic.kr/p/2iheNLr) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
That's all for now. Gonna take some aspirin and watch a little football the rest of the day. Recovery you know ;)
Regards,
Jonathan
Sweet ! That trestle really looks like it belongs there now. I like the way the through truss bridge in the back
is 'framed' between the two mountains, it adds a lot of depth.
Keep 'em comin'.
Ken
It's looking great so far..
Hi Jon - this is Woody -- I've been ill and haven't kept up with this board. Your new layout is super. The trestle is, as my graduate students would say, AMAZING! Looks like you cornered the market of ore cars.
Keep up the great work.
Thanks Woody!
Great to hear from you. I do like those little cars for some reason.
Hope you're feeling better. Went thru a long bout of illness myself.
Regards,
Jonathan
Those of us, of a certain age, remember Malcolm Furlow (sp), who would instruct we young modelers to break up our layouts into little vignettes/scenes and work on one little story at a time... so we wouldn't be overwhelmed by trying to scenic our layouts all at once.
In that vein, I am working on one corner of my layout, which might really entail 3 scenes at at same time.
I broke out some scenery materials:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49512162221_f1b1c389bc_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2irdLRk)DSC_0246_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2irdLRk) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
And went to town on my corner. The glue is still drying all over, but I'll share some shots. Here's a long shot of the corner in progress:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49511651248_d112819ced_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2irb9Xs)DSC_0244 (https://flic.kr/p/2irb9Xs) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
The tunnel portal is some foam molded thing I picked up cheap at the last train show. I started with basic gray and dry-brushed various colors, finishing with white highlights and some weathering powders:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49511650878_0dff1539cd_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2irb9R5)DSC_0241_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2irb9R5) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
For the basic color of the landform, I mixed equal amounts of brown, gray, and white. Was going for something very neutral. Then I spread some matte medium around and sprinkled on ground foam for the hills, and a gravel mix for the parking area:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49512162911_3352a1e1fa_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2irdM4e)DSC_0240 (https://flic.kr/p/2irdM4e) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
The ballast is light gray. I mixed fine and medium ballast together before spreading:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49511650943_bdd9f2affa_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2irb9Sc)DSC_0238 (https://flic.kr/p/2irb9Sc) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49511651513_7c542f07b1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2irba32)DSC_0236_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2irba32) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49511651088_10b99e9aa0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2irb9UG)DSC_0235 (https://flic.kr/p/2irb9UG) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Regards,
Jonathan
Nice.
Even here in the Netherlands, Malcolm Furlow was a big inspiration to me with his articles in the MR.
Ton
Coming along nicely Jon. Once the white plaster goes away, things really shape up.
I have been doing a little scenery also, and doing just what you are. I am starting in the furthest. Hardest to reach corners and working out in little bits. Photos to come.
Siding
This just keeps getting better and better. . . ! !
Ken
Thanks, guys!
Regards,
Jonathan
A little more progress on the layout:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49663031747_c70f56da27_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iEy274)DSC_0256 (https://flic.kr/p/2iEy274) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
My project steps are: Landscape, ground foam, then ballast.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49662210663_b86e147ace_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iEtP2r)DSC_0254 (https://flic.kr/p/2iEtP2r) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I plan to add the fascia prior to superdetailing the scenery: cliffs/rocks, trees, bushes, people, ...etc.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49663031997_679cbfdab4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iEy2bn)DSC_0253_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2iEy2bn) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Some more pics... enjoy:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49662210908_1b47a71008_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iEtP6E)DSC_0252_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2iEtP6E) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49662749701_c3d9e0585c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iEwzgc)DSC_0251 (https://flic.kr/p/2iEwzgc) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49662211188_fdebe06c3d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iEtPbu)DSC_0250 (https://flic.kr/p/2iEtPbu) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49662211588_d21bea84a5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iEtPio)DSC_0249_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2iEtPio) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49662211323_3b4d692967_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iEtPdP)DSC_0248_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2iEtPdP) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49663032707_a7af0e6841_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iEy2oB)DSC_0247_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2iEy2oB) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Regards,
Jonathan
You had me going into withdrawals for a while...thanks for the fix. It's really starting to fill in nicely.
I like that sanding facility you have there. And of course...STEAM !
Off-hand: Do you run any 'Brass' ? I've got a few geared loco's besides my Backmann Shays and Climaxes.
Thanks for posting,
Ken
Thanks Ken.
And, yes, I have 6 brass pieces. They run fairly well. I will put them on the layout, occasionally, AFTER I'm sure the layout is clean and operating smoothly. My Big Six (S-1a, 2-10-2) is my darling of the bunch.
Regards,
Jonathan
We seem to have a little extra time at home these days. So working on a layout in the basement seems to be a safe move. :)
I have cleaned myself out of plaster cloth, ground foam, and ballast. Spent a great deal of time weathering rails... mind-numbing stuff.
Here are some photos of the latest progress. As I get more details, I'll start getting closer with the camera. BTW, here's a little something I put on my truck, just to let everyone know how cool I am:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49692185512_e97bbcceb6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iH8rvb)DSC_0258 (https://flic.kr/p/2iH8rvb) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
This is where I ran out of ballast. Only had 3 feet left on the mainline. The upper tier is ballasted all around.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49691341153_fe8a599380_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iH47vg)DSC_0259 (https://flic.kr/p/2iH47vg) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49691341093_9952e33fa4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iH47ue)DSC_0260 (https://flic.kr/p/2iH47ue) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49692185352_15810128f9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iH8rsq)DSC_0261 (https://flic.kr/p/2iH8rsq) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49692185307_9ae420e1c2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iH8rrD)DSC_0262_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2iH8rrD) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Here at the back of the layout, I plan to put in a tunnel for the double-track. Then I can bring that last mountain all the way to the backdrop:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49691340888_814cd3d465_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iH47qG)DSC_0264 (https://flic.kr/p/2iH47qG) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
This is going to be a very, very cool scene when it's completed:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49691340828_7c5d55f9f2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iH47pE)DSC_0265_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2iH47pE) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49692185127_aabb71acc6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iH8rox)DSC_0266_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2iH8rox) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Watch-out for stormtroopers!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49691340633_3076834d81_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iH47mi)DSC_0267 (https://flic.kr/p/2iH47mi) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49691340598_d3b564f2f3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iH47kG)DSC_0268 (https://flic.kr/p/2iH47kG) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
This will be another cool shot... someday:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49691340518_875192ab52_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iH47jj)DSC_0269_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2iH47jj) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
TTFN
Regards,
Jonathan
I like the receiver plug! My tow rig needs one of those.
Sid
The rest of the layout is looking good too ;D
That 'mountain pass' scene would be the perfect place for a 'rail fan' lookout. With all that work
you've been doing, the landscaping makes everything look a lot bigger now. I'm lovin' it ! How
'long' is that bottom level ?
Thanks for the pics.
Ken
Thanks, guys, much appreciated.
Ken, the layout footprint is 6' X 16'. The mainline double-track is 80 feet. I know this because I kept track of how much cork roadbed I laid down.
Overall, there's approx. 200 feet of track on the layout.
Did that answer your question?
Regards,
Jonathan
Jonathan it's nice that you post your progress photos for us. One observation I have is that you can see the plaster cloth fabric through your scenery ground cover. You might consider brushing on a layer of diluted spackle to fill in the voids and provide a texture that looks like soil or rocky areas depending on how thick you apply it. Where can you buy the receiver plug?
Just wondering about the signals. Having grown up in B&O country, all the signal posts i saw were painted silver. Were they black in the steam era?
Thanks, Graywolf.
I considered coating the plaster cloth. Where the rock outcroppings occur, I will be adding a bit of spackle or sculptamold or something.
Also, there will be plenty of trees, bushes, weeds, and the like. This will also hide the holes.
Finally, wherever holes still appear, I will be adding bit more dull ground foam.
There will always be spots where some of those holes will still be visible. I'm ok with it for now.
Oh, the coupler hitch cover came from Amazon. I searched "train coupler hitch cover". Occasionally, they show up on eBay as well. Saw one on a truck a few years ago. Just knew I had to have one, too. :) I got a plastic coupler. For twice the price there are cast aluminum couplers that are more prototypical in size and appearance. I was pretending to be subtle.
Jward,
Honestly, I've never seen a B&O signal in person. I have seen photos of both silver and black. Just happen to like the black better. I could be completely wrong. The black signal photos could have been a shadow thing. There was a photo archive I once found online, highlighting B&O signals. Long since lost the link. Just happen to like the black better. FWIW
Regards,
Jonathan
A few more progress photos today.
I'm about 95% complete on ballasting. Don't want to head out and buy any more ballast as our Governor has asked us not to venture out unless necessary right now.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49721157931_35e4a7760d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iKFVZD)DSC_0270_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2iKFVZD) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Down to the last few feet in the back of the layout. Perhaps scenery will make it unnecessary to ballast again the backdrop:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49721472137_a205d53096_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iKHxoZ)DSC_0272_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2iKHxoZ) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I threw some coal under the loading area, mostly to help stretch out my supply of ballast:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49721157626_79c7246ca8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iKFVUo)DSC_0273_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2iKFVUo) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49721472072_9dce2531d9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iKHxnS)DSC_0274 (https://flic.kr/p/2iKHxnS) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
This is where I ran out of ballast. I have started to build up the area where the mountain will carry to the backdrop. Tunnel walls installed with hot glue:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49721157546_7a80200952_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iKFVT1)DSC_0275 (https://flic.kr/p/2iKFVT1) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49720620218_1bee14f016_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iKDb9J)DSC_0276_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2iKDb9J) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
After the ballast is dry, I run a "vacuum" test. The vacuum sucks up any ballast where the glue didn't quite soak in. A little repair required here.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49721157496_e296d0b4e3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iKFVS9)DSC_0278_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2iKFVS9) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I can crawl under the layout and access the tunnel if something goes wrong in here:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49720620163_7c557352cf_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iKDb8M)DSC_0280 (https://flic.kr/p/2iKDb8M) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
One last shot:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49721157401_ca018c49e8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iKFVQv)DSC_0281 (https://flic.kr/p/2iKFVQv) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Regards,
Jonathan
I really wanted to copy Sid's fascia plan and build supports away from the layout. There just isn't enough space for me to do it. So, I'm installing my fascia flat against the layout:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49738541092_e02ccc1ef0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iMe2pj)DSC_0282 (https://flic.kr/p/2iMe2pj) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49738540852_0fa1bdb526_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iMe2kb)DSC_0283 (https://flic.kr/p/2iMe2kb) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
The top lip of the fascia sits 1/8" above the layout's ground level:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49738213961_e0da536a65_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iMcma8)DSC_0284 (https://flic.kr/p/2iMcma8) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
A little more progress on the mountain pass:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49738213856_f19ba625f7_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iMcm8j)DSC_0285 (https://flic.kr/p/2iMcm8j) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Dug out all the vehicles I plan to use on the layout. You may notice some magnet wire projecting from some vehicles. The headlights work on those:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49738213676_f1ffc2e666_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iMcm5d)DSC_0286 (https://flic.kr/p/2iMcm5d) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49738540677_5d7da9576b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iMe2ha)DSC_0287_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2iMe2ha) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49738213801_76b3252e54_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iMcm7n)DSC_0288_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2iMcm7n) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
The '65 Galaxie doesn't fit my scheme, but it was my first car... Gotta put myself in the layout somehow (I've mentioned this before... sorry).
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49738540562_a9b5bb93f6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iMe2fb)DSC_0289 (https://flic.kr/p/2iMe2fb) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Regards,
Jonathan
Interesting. My first car was a used '59 Galaxy with a white roof, primer red body and the word "CONDEMNED" (don't ask, it was there when I bought it) in Day-Glo orange on the front quarter panels.
It was soon replaced by a '57 Chevy with a 327 short block sporting dual Holley four barrels.
Len
I thought the 4 door version of the Galaxy was the Custom 500 which my parents and later my older brother owed for years.
After I got off active duty in '70 and moved to NY, I bought a clunky old '61 Galaxie for a couple hundred dollars from a friend's bro as my 1st car up there. It was a 3 speed on the column and shortly after I bought it, the bit of metal on the column (that held the shift lever pin in) broke. I had to keep the shift lever in the seat next to me and stick it in the column when I wanted to shift. The upside was that, since it was NY, I could take the shift lever with me when I got out and didn't have to worry about someone stealing it.
;D Yes. The 4 door was the Custom 500. Good pull Joe. Loved that car. 289 engine was indestructible. Finally handed it over to salvage when the frame was so rusted, I couldn't jack up the car to change a flat. Minnesota does not provide a good environment for vehicles.
Regards,
Jonathan
Well, I'm pretty much out of scenery materials for the moment. Decided to work on my control panel for a while.
I'm making a rough draft of the panel, in place, to figure out the most logical, and comfortable positions for the turnout switches and track power switches:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49746548948_24de78cbbc_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iMW4RN)DSC_0293 (https://flic.kr/p/2iMW4RN) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
While that is in progress, I'm creating the actual panel as I go. Still need to stripe-in a couple of cross-overs, but this shows how it will look so far:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49746549033_18a7c85259_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iMW4Tg)DSC_0292_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2iMW4Tg) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I had to run the tracks north/south instead of east/west. This is due to where my control seat is situated (the far end of the layout).
I painted the board white. Then used thin masking tape and sprayed the black on top. Unfortunately, I'll have to tape off the two cross-overs and paint white over black. Betting that'll take a few coats. :)
Regards,
Jonathan
Looking good Jonathan. Keep it up.
Thanks for all the pictures. I haven't even started to consider where or what
my control panel is going to look like. But, every time you and Sid put up more
pictures...well....
Ken
Thanks, Ken. Happy to share. Keeps me occupied in my leisure time.
Now this is what I had in mind:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49750018026_a79953f2bf_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iNeR6u)DSC_0295_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2iNeR6u) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Camera had a tough time focusing, even though I had 2 500W halogens pointed at the thing.
All that's left is to create some appropriate labels... eventually. This is much simpler that my last layout... no 17-stall roundhouse to deal with. I do miss it though...
Regards,
Jonathan
Very nice Layout is all your rolling stock Bachmann & Loco's we should exchange #'s my layout is 17ft long by 6ft wide I have a 2 track main 3 track interchange up to the main tracks & a 9 track storage track. if interested in exchanging #'s send me a PM oh & I got you beat on the switches MY SWITCHES are AIR Powered That's right I said air powered
I'm having Deja vu. I think we've chatted before.
My locos on the layout are all Bachmann. Most of my rolling stock are craftsman kits, though some shake the box kits are there. The brass, Varneys, mantuas, and Bowsers come out once in a while.
I am intrigued by the air switches. Do u have pics to show? Is the compressor noisy? This is as close to social media that I usually get. :)
Regards,
Jonathan
There was a company out there that made a full system for air-operated turnout controls. Doubt that it is still around, but who knows? IIRC, you could use "canned air" to power the system. It took very little to operate a turnout so a can lasted a good while.
Still around, sort of...
https://portlines.com/delaire.htm
Len
Fascinating! Looks like it would be real hard to find components (2010?)
OK. I've got the fascia panels up. Just need to fill in a few cracks, then the hard part... picking a color. I've done black and boxcar red. Some sort of hunter green seems to be real popular. As I am color blind, I always get stuck when it comes to shades of whatever.
Anyway, here are few shots...
This is the crawl space under the layout. I cleaned up a bit for the photo:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49757658346_f0725bab60_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iNV1i9)DSC_0299_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2iNV1i9) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49757130923_c601c833fb_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iNSivD)DSC_0298 (https://flic.kr/p/2iNSivD) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49757658491_e29a7175e6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iNV1kD)DSC_0297 (https://flic.kr/p/2iNV1kD) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49757992092_07d44432eb_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iNWHvo)DSC_0296_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2iNWHvo) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Guess I'm on a roll this week.
Regards,
Jonathan
Perhaps laying some track under the crawl space and a motorized dolly with a seat are in order.
You made my chuckle, Terry. Though, a rolling track with a seat might just come in handy. :)
Since, I have no scenery supplies at the moment, I have begun adding feeder wires to my lit vehicles:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49783588688_ec4c311dcd_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iRcUu1)DSC_0300 (https://flic.kr/p/2iRcUu1) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I have a half-dozen SMDs left to use. So, I added lights in two more vehicles. After disassembly, I put some black paint on the inside of the shells, to prevent any glowing body work:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49784128191_6c34775f25_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iRfERM)DSC_0302 (https://flic.kr/p/2iRfERM) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
The pick-up has room for the resistor under the hood. While the sedan will get its resistor in the trunk.
In the truck, I drilled holes in the support panels to thread the SMD magnet wire. It takes some care to manage the soldering and getting all the excess wire under the hood. Not sure which photo is better, so here's two shots of the lights and wiring all done:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49784450667_a2d3410659_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iRhjHH)DSC_0303_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2iRhjHH) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49784450637_aebff7d546_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iRhjHc)DSC_0304 (https://flic.kr/p/2iRhjHc) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
A test of the lights after re-assembly:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49784450812_0cf5870c4c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iRhjLd)DSC_0305_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2iRhjLd) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
It's hard to see, but I added a driver, and cut out the driver's window (rolled down):
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49784128091_5c93b50e7f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iRfEQ4)DSC_0306 (https://flic.kr/p/2iRfEQ4) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49784128271_930097aef7_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iRfETa)DSC_0308 (https://flic.kr/p/2iRfETa) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
This is the sedan all done. It has a driver, too:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49784127966_8a5a551942_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iRfEMU)DSC_0310 (https://flic.kr/p/2iRfEMU) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Now that all the lit vehicles have feeder wires, I can decide where to place them and wire them to the lighting bus.
Regards,
Jonathan
Might just be the angle but that last car looks like the right headlight is out. Don't want a ticket now :)
;D I think the SMD shifted on the driver's side headlight. I'll have to open the car up, again, to adjust it. Razzafraz.
Regards,
Jonathan
Quote from: jonathan on April 17, 2020, 11:49:55 AM
;D I think the SMD shifted on the driver's side headlight. I'll have to open the car up, again, to adjust it. Razzafraz.
Regards,
Jonathan
(Sigh) Those things happen.
At the same time, one could have car with one light out. How many of us have seen just that over the years, maybe had to drive for a time on one light ourselves?
Of course, you don't want to do it too long!! Besides the prospect of getting stopped and having to pay for a ticket, it's possible for the second light to go out at any time. After all, they were both put in at the same time.
I would regularly change out both lights when one went out for just that reason.
Oh, and as to the railroad, it's coming along great!! I at first thought it wasn't going to be that good with the big bridge dominating things like it seems to do, but when you move in, you have some great scenes there!!
The last time I could go through a crawl space like that was 35 yr ago
Well, I really gave myself more wrinkles ruminating over fascia colors. In the end, I went with the "East of the Mississippi" mentality, and painted the fascia green. It's the darkest green I could find. It's called 'eastern bamboo' from the olive green family. Most of the other greens had too much blue in it:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49821696226_b838d4040f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iUzdww)DSC_0311 (https://flic.kr/p/2iUzdww) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49822010937_9c4ab14e1b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iUAQ5z)DSC_0312_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2iUAQ5z) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I did not enhance this photo--to give you an idea the darkness of this green:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49821696041_d34a47f81b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iUzdtk)DSC_0313 (https://flic.kr/p/2iUzdtk) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I plan to work my flora scenery down to this shade eventually.
Next project is to add scenery lighting. Some of you may remember all the homemade yard lights and street lights I slapped together from my last two layouts:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49821159358_df016cbb12_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iUwsWb)DSC_0315_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2iUwsWb) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Oops. These are some store-bought lights, that might look nice around the passenger station:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49822010682_0ecac898a1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iUAQ1b)DSC_0316 (https://flic.kr/p/2iUAQ1b) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
More homemade lights:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49822010632_12d8ee0987_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iUAPZj)DSC_0320_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2iUAPZj) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Gratuitous shot:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49822010572_38007d429e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iUAPYh)DSC_0321 (https://flic.kr/p/2iUAPYh) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Regards,
Jonathan
Thanks Johathan for all the pictures you (and Sid too) have been putting up. That's the reason I haven't
been posting anything. I get soooo busy and absorbed in all these nice pictures that I get distracted.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it !
Mostly I've been reworking some scenery on my old trestle, it just didn't sit right. The approach to the
trestle 'banked' to the right a little and it was only a matter of time before an entire train came tumbling
down.
Terry: I've got a Bachmann coach and a combine. I repainted the combine and the truss rods seem to
'shrink' a bit in appearance because of the 'flat' paint. They fit in with the timeline of my layout.
Keep up the good work everybody and keep putting more pics so all of us who are quarantined can sit
back and watch.
Ken
Ken - The flat paint is an idea. I might try that.
Installed around 30 more lights in the past week. These are all leftovers from previous layouts. Saves time... other than the soldering under the layout... oy.
Still have a bunch more lights I can add. Time for a break from crawling underneath.
Here are some shots of the lights "at night". Had a tough time convincing my camera that I wanted nighttime shots. Anyway:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49849486138_a6ab4c763d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iX2DuW)DSC_0323 (https://flic.kr/p/2iX2DuW) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49849486048_8f8003ea1a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iX2Dto)DSC_0324 (https://flic.kr/p/2iX2Dto) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49850328347_dd03832a18_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iX6XRM)DSC_0325_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2iX6XRM) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49850327867_851a0fee95_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iX6XHv)DSC_0326 (https://flic.kr/p/2iX6XHv) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49849485883_ac571645d5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iX2Dqx)DSC_0327 (https://flic.kr/p/2iX2Dqx) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49850327782_ae7f5726b1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iX6XG3)DSC_0328 (https://flic.kr/p/2iX6XG3) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49850020196_a1cfdf9935_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iX5ofQ)DSC_0329 (https://flic.kr/p/2iX5ofQ) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49849485678_4867007ec2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iX2Dn1)DSC_0330 (https://flic.kr/p/2iX2Dn1) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49850019641_b45b334674_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iX5o6g)DSC_0332 (https://flic.kr/p/2iX5o6g) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49850327582_7e77d6ca91_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iX6XCA)DSC_0333 (https://flic.kr/p/2iX6XCA) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Regards,
Jonathan
I was in the mood for planting some trees, you know, since I can't get plaster cloth, ballast, and ground foam right now.
I have 400-500 trees leftover my past layouts. Good thing, because it takes forever to make trees. Though, planting them takes a while, too.
I managed to get about 150 trees in the ground this past week. In the photos you may see a bit of white glue still drying. Some trees planted firm into wood and didn't need glue. Other trees went into plaster and cardboard. I like to put a bit of glue in those. I also plant the trees close so they can help each other stand up straight.
I spent some time weathering my trestle, then planting trees below the trestle. This reminds me of some place I've seen in the past, though I can't remember where:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49901270427_6259b125c0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j2B4av)DSC_0338_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2j2B4av) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49901270622_a7a76d4cb5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j2B4dS)DSC_0339_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2j2B4dS) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49901270367_c537cb07ea_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j2B49t)DSC_0341 (https://flic.kr/p/2j2B49t) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49900961906_7cc0c603ed_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j2ztsb)DSC_0344 (https://flic.kr/p/2j2ztsb) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49900961871_618a9df1bd_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j2ztrz)DSC_0345 (https://flic.kr/p/2j2ztrz) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49901270457_24f74b2eab_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j2B4b2)DSC_0346_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2j2B4b2) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I need to look for some kind of "dead fall" to throw under the trees. One more thing to do.
I also installed the last couple of tunnel portals I need:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49901270317_8fa11c61b4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j2B48B)DSC_0347 (https://flic.kr/p/2j2B48B) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Just for fun here's a couple of pics I set up. Just did a quick inventory of all the Bachmann Locos I run at train shows and my home layout.
Half the locos are DC, and the other half are a mixture of straight DCC, Sound Value, and Soundtraxx Tsunami:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49883209387_e09c824723_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j11ufg)DSC_0337_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2j11ufg) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49882373448_b5335e3131_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iZWcKw)DSC_0335 (https://flic.kr/p/2iZWcKw) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I have a couple other Bachmann locos that I left out. Got lazy.
Regards,
Jonathan
You need more locomotives ;D
I like your night scenes from your earlier posting. I was late in considering lighting, and adding it now will be considerably more work.
Your trees look good. The size and density both make a convincing valley scene. What are your armatures? Natural stuff? They don't look like WS plastic ones. Any Supertrees in the mix? Trees are the bane of most model railroaders. Expensive and you can never have enough.
It's all shaping up nicely Jon. The effort is showing.
Sid
Those trees are beautiful. Especially the variety ! A little dead fall will be the icing on the cake.
Ken
Hey thanks for the kind words, guys. Much appreciated.
Can never have enough locos. :) one day I'll post my other locos, including the brassies.
Sid, 90% of the trees are indeed WS armatures. I paint them with a couple shades of gray to make them more "Barky". After I attached clump foliage I sprinkled some of the trees with fine yellow foam. You know how trees seem to change color when the wind blows? Or when it's about to rain? I was trying to add a little contrast.
A few of the trees I attempted the twisted wire thing or are actual sprigs of some plant that I dried and sprayed with dullcoat to preserve them.
Regards,
Jonathan
I was able to do some work around my small yard:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49945452081_b94a4ae782_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j6vuQa)DSC_0349 (https://flic.kr/p/2j6vuQa) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
The hardest part was building up the ground as close as I could get to the top of the rails, and not interfere with the travel of the locomotives. Couldn't quite get it close like the real thing but everything travels ok so far:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49944950548_2508226cc5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j6sVK3)DSC_0350_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2j6sVK3) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
The figures have wire drilled into the bottom of one foot. So I can drill a #75 hole into the ground to plant the dudes without having to glue them:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49945452006_fd64237183_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j6vuNS)DSC_0351 (https://flic.kr/p/2j6vuNS) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I placed some junk around the structures to make it look like it's a reasonably busy place:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49945451951_144085861c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j6vuMV)DSC_0354_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2j6vuMV) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49945741532_990d8f3614_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j6wYSG)DSC_0355_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2j6wYSG) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49945451766_6bee18e85d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j6vuJJ)DSC_0356_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2j6vuJJ) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Regards,
Jonathan
I'm still amazed at how everything just keeps blending together.
One of these days I'll get an engine house and cram it in somewhere.
That last shot is especially appealing.
Keep up the momentum.
Thanks for the pics,
Ken
It's all good Jonathon. Keep at it.
Always enjoy your pictures Jon. I've been distracted with automotive subjects again.
Thanks for the kick in the inspiration to get me back on track. ;D
Sid
Thanks, again, folks. I'm keeping at it.
It was time to get over my fear of plaster and start working on a rock face... No better way to learn than to just get to it.
I have a large cliff-face that will eventually get buried in the background, after the layout is fully landscaped and sceniced (sp?). It will be 4 feet away from the nearest observer and hidden enough where I can't make the layout any worse by messing around with it. Here are three angles of my experimentation:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49960709467_892b30a48b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j7RGjx)DSC_0362_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2j7RGjx) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I mixed up 3 total batches of plaster through the process. The first batch was to cover the area. The second and third batches were for playing with shapes, to see if I could make a rock free-hand, well, with a couple of flat tools anyway:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49960425511_01a87cd2bd_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j7QeUK)DSC_0363 (https://flic.kr/p/2j7QeUK) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I painted the whole thing black, then brown, and criss-crossed stripes of every color I had in my paint box. I hear rocks actually have lots of color in them. Should have taken a picture of that, but I was rolling and couldn't stop.
After the coats of paint, I made some washes of tan/white and gray/white. I alternated between the two washes, adding a little white each time:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49960425451_73d5419898_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j7QeTH)DSC_0364_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2j7QeTH) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Finally, I threw some plant life around the cliff-face. I believe I will go back and dry-brush a little white on all the edges, for a bit more contrast.
This ain't perfect, but I feel more confident now, that I can make some rock outcroppings towards the front of the layout, and not make a total mess of it.
Regards,
Jonathan
Jonathan that's outstanding. I couldn't have done better at carving than that. I've learned that it's better to 'angle off' the corners to fit between adjacent sections of scenery. You can still 'break off' the lower corners to fit it between two hills or the uppers corners to fit it between two valleys.
Maybe you should do a tutorial.
Ken
Thanks, Ken.
I dunno about a tutorial. I'm making this up as I go. :)
Regards,
Jonathan
I like the way it's coming along. You're rocking it! :)
For deadfall, just use twigs and crap from your nearest tree or bush. Get the new growth, as they'll be the smallest on the tree/bush. If you have a gas oven, put them on a baking sheet and stick them in there overnight. The warmth from the pilot light will dry them out extra well so they'll have less chance of rotting, since new growth is often wet.
I wonder if putting them in a zip lock bag with those little white packets of desiccant would work.
Probably not Terry. Just put the dirt or twigs on an old cookie sheet and bake them at about 200 degrees for a couple hours. Dirt will dry, twigs will dry....and any bugs will die.
Sid
You guys have heard of Bald Cyprus leaves, haven't you ?
(https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/101987866_657615598429048_9075180260354784226_o.jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=9eWKWiP4Yt0AX_WzJlb&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-1.xx&oh=6b136a45c2aa20d9bcae5e65b274e4a4&oe=5EFF98BF)
...or even just crumpled up dead leaves...
(https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/101504911_657615398429068_1927592227099284577_o.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=EodI__u-xQQAX-CAkE1&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-1.xx&oh=9f3727121b44e7c52c4c95d25781a95a&oe=5F00E788)
You can even put them in a blender to get them really 'fine'.
OK. I took the advice of the consensus, and decided to try to use a bit of nature for my scenery.
Went into the woods behind my house and collected the smallest sprigs I could find. Though tiny outdoors, I think they will look like tree trunks on my layout. That's probably fine.
I also scraped some dirt off the ground, filling up a "big gulp" sized cup.
I sifted the dirt through a pasta strainer. Apparently I don't own a screen-type strainer. The dirt will be a little chunky, but I think that's ok, too.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49981524662_17fb85ede9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j9GnXd)DSC_0365 (https://flic.kr/p/2j9GnXd) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I baked the materials in a 210 degree oven for a couple hours. Then left them in the oven to cool down. Hopefully, I killed all the critters.
The dirt and sticks are now on the layout, full of glue. Going to take a few days to dry. I will probably spray dullcote on the scene. Perhaps bugs don't like that stuff:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49980742033_91265e0df6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j9CniB)DSC_0366 (https://flic.kr/p/2j9CniB) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49981270496_a89af595c7_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j9F5p3)DSC_0367_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2j9F5p3) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Regards,
Jonathan
Nice ! While the glue/water mixture is still wet you can add a little sprinkle of debris and you
won't have to 'dullcoat' it. Can't wait to see the "dried" shots.
Thanks for the pics.
Ken
Please don't invite me over for a pasta dinner.
;D ;D
The tree and ground scenery seems to be dry enough for a few photos.
Two things happened while drying:
I had some green ground foam already on the deck which floated above the dirt. No problem. And;
A little bit of ballast floated away from the trackwork. I tried to cover the tracks to keep them dry, but a bit of seepage got through. Also, not a big deal I think. Anyway:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49988007661_976cfbcf32_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jagB84)DSC_0374 (https://flic.kr/p/2jagB84) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49988254327_174f61faae_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jahSrV)DSC_0373 (https://flic.kr/p/2jahSrV) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49988007851_0ceb664822_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jagBbk)DSC_0372_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2jagBbk) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49988007941_d931c23021_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jagBcT)DSC_0370_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2jagBcT) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49987492203_99f355aee1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jadXTR)DSC_0369_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2jadXTR) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Maybe throw in a picnic table and outhouse, then call it done. :)
Regards,
Jonathan
:) :)marvelous, Jon. Over the years I've watched you progress from your relatives Varney dockside to
the tutorial on disassembly of the Bachmann 2-8-0 (I have it all saved in a notebook) to your great engine terminal to changing the headlite and the domes on your connies, etc. and am blown away by your vision and skill. A thought. as mustard seeds and others tend to be blown around by the winds and land and grow in cracks in the rocks, i wonder lf your rock wall might be enhanced by the bits of greenery here and there? Again, great work! Paul G ;D
Thank you, Paul. Very kind of you.
Yes. I intend to add greenery around rock faces. I am out of ground foam, except for some bush-sized stuff and some trees. So I'll have to focus on what I've got right now.
Regards,
Jonathan
Jonathan,
I live along the Mississippi and this is what it looks like after the flood waters recede. The trees are
leafed out, but the ground brush having been completed submerged, hasn't come back yet. What ever dead
fall that didn't drift away simply dropped back to the ground a few feet from where it was lifted by the flood waters.
You nailed it !
Thanks
Ken
I have 10 new photos to share.
Continuing with adding rocks, trees (about 100 more), and greenery.
The plaster cloth is starting to disappear.
Adding washes to the rocks as I go along. They are slowly transitioning from brown to a grayish hue. One shot shows the top of a mountain which will be rocky. Still have a few washes (color) to add, but you get the idea. Enjoy.
Regards,
Jonathan
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50023596093_f6f459de67_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jdq1jH)DSC_0375 (https://flic.kr/p/2jdq1jH) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50024401867_61a4cf3032_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jdu8Rn)DSC_0376_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2jdu8Rn) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50023595973_90dfe9dbb8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jdq1hD)DSC_0378_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2jdq1hD) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50024401442_964179238a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jdu8J3)DSC_0379_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2jdu8J3) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50023595903_1675371e4a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jdq1gr)DSC_0380_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2jdq1gr) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50024141256_2092104a62_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jdsNo5)DSC_0384_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2jdsNo5) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50023595753_e23f130541_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jdq1dR)DSC_0387_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2jdq1dR) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50024401537_1b5a6e84b6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jdu8KF)DSC_0388_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2jdu8KF) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50023595548_cb8f0d82c5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jdq1aj)DSC_0390 (https://flic.kr/p/2jdq1aj) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Started working on the back of the layout. I need to put some kind of scenery in the hard-to-reach areas, in order to cover the access holes in the middle of the layout. Most of these areas are difficult for the casual observer to notice. In fact, I had to place the camera in some odd areas just to get a few shots:
Finally installed the last of the ballast... lots of fun laying ballast through a tunnel. Anyway, here we go...
Overhead shot of the general area:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50079135496_402d21576d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jijEfC)DSC_0402_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2jijEfC) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Now we'll follow the tracks to the background:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50078577133_950ca80fae_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jigNgF)DSC_0394_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2jigNgF) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I just pressed in some polyfiber and a few of my more pathetic trees. None of it is glued down. I may want to change it later:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50079135866_4657cc3f7e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jijEn1)DSC_0395_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2jijEn1) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50078565208_862cdd58ce_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jigJJ5)DSC_0397_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2jigJJ5) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Still shiny in the tunnel... glue is still wet:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50079389692_1775daf740_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jikXPj)DSC_0398 (https://flic.kr/p/2jikXPj) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
The other side of the the tunnel. Not much scenery happening here, yet:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50078565103_281faf1fe8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jigJGg)DSC_0401_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2jigJGg) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
It's getting there. 5 feet done -- 11 feet to go.
Regards,
Jonathan
Looking good Jonathan ! I've been kinda working off-layout projects lately. When they're
ready to add to my layout, I hope to put up new pics. Meanwhile, I'll just keep watching
you and Sid.
Thanks,
Ken
I agree with Ken. It is looking good.
The effort and time spent is starting to really show. As the plywood disappears and the white plaster turns brown, it starts to look more and more like a miniature world.
Keep on with the photos. The more the better. ;D
Sid
My back is killing me just looking at the pics and thinking about you leaning over and doing all this work. Looks Great!
Thanks, gents!
I'm definitely going through some contortions in this area. You'd think I'd learn from Sid's lift-out lessons, but I fail to think that far ahead when I'm into the track laying. Once this little corner is done, I should have a much easier time with the rest of the scenery.
Actually the middle of the layout will have a 2' X 2' slide-out section to help with track cleaning and rescuing a stray boxcar here and there. Also, I can sneak into the tunnels from under the mountains, if/when necessary. Still liking Terry's rolling track idea through my crawl space. :)
Regards,
Jonathan
Sensational work. I like the thought process that went into this. Thank you for posting, it has given me some good ideas.
Still working on the back of the layout. Not my favorite, but it's necessary.
Putting in a grove of trees in the middle of the Wye.
Stuffing some polyfiber between the benchwork and the backdrop.
A little a ballast and groundfoam will finish it off:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50140883001_8faff156d8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2joM8CM)DSC_0430_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2joM8CM) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I will have to get some tall tree armatures for the middle of the grove. All I have left is about 200 small trees.
From the front of the layout:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50140341003_6a371c715c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2joJmvZ)DSC_0429_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2joJmvZ) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I'm also using any excuse to do something other than scenery right now.
Took some old brass track and a scrap of plywood, to make a locomotive cleaning station for my workbench:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50140340928_ef9d630dea_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2joJmuG)DSC_0424 (https://flic.kr/p/2joJmuG) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Soldering on brass is a bit more challenging than nickel silver.
Put a coupler guage on one end of the track. Had to cut a gap to avoid shorts:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50140883136_d0594da528_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2joM8F7)DSC_0426_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2joM8F7) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Cleaning loco wheels seems more entertaining than scenery right now. :)
Regards,
Jonathan
Is that bridge track an issue? It looks a little distorted.
Terry,
Not an issue. The Atlas bridge has extra space where the track is mounted. The only way to avoid the track shifting is to put in some shims. I may get around to that someday. For now, the trains have no trouble negotiating the bridge. That bridge is 18" long. It just looks drastic from that angle.
Thanks for asking, though. ;)
Regards,
Jonathan
I like the cleaning station. Great idea.
I find myself in the same situation as you right now with scenery. I have to get the furthest corners completed first before I can start on the easier areas to reach. It's a pain, but it has to get done in order. If not, you find yourself knocking things over as you try to reach over and past them.
Sid
Exactly so.
Not much fun. I'm in procrastinate mode. ;D
Regards,
Jonathan
I know what you mean Jonathan, i was scared to try landscaping, but once i got going, my brain kicked in the same way it does when i start a building. I really like your layout, i am getting ideas from you , i need to not be afraid to add trees in large groups.
Hi Jonathan, you've talked about running out of supplies, and I'm wondering if you've considered ordering on line? I've gotten two orders from Micro Mark in the last few months and we've ordered other things as well. Sometimes delivery has been slow at times but we always get what we order. Just saying, P' :)
Yessir. I have been forced to perform some online shopping of late. Hobby Lobby has an extremely limited selection of scenery supplies. Train shows aren't happening right now. I'm just an old coot who hates shopping on a computer.
Regards,
Jonathan
Shopping online can be very frustrating at times. I placed an order with Tony's train exchange, to which there are cricket's chirping in the background. No reply by phone or email? The voicemail says they are working remotely? I have ordered a ton of stuff from a hobby store in Edmonton and across Canada. and dip into the USA when stuff isn't available here.
I tried to support our local hobby store, but he isn't too interested in bringing anything in train wise? I like the days of cash and carry.
Just returned from a trip to Minnesota.
So... I'm not a car guy, but I did shoot some shots of my Dad's projects, which were the inspiration for some of my modeling.
I put some John Deere B series tractors in my last layout, and will add them to this layout:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50173499518_d866ac3101_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jrEiow)DSC_0503 (https://flic.kr/p/2jrEiow) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Wanted to add them because my dad restores JD tractors. Here's one from the garage. Pulled it out, gave my son a few quick driving lessons and he was off to the races:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50173499648_fec1643e21_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jrEiqL)DSC_0446 (https://flic.kr/p/2jrEiqL) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I also have a Model A Tudor on my layout:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50174301592_34ec04704d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jrJpPo)31 Model A (https://flic.kr/p/2jrJpPo) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Here is the inspiration for that. Dad's working on a restoration of his first car. It runs pretty well now. The body and the interior need some work, but it's road worthy... If you're strong:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50174301452_d9197198fa_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jrJpLY)DSC_0448_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2jrJpLY) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50174043901_8da75740a8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jrH6dr)DSC_0451 (https://flic.kr/p/2jrH6dr) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I helped very little on these. I'm a good fetch and hand-over guy. Noticed some of you are car guys. Thought you might like 'em.
Took a nice route through VA, WV, PA, and OH heading to the Midwest. Reminds me why I like trees and hills for my own layout. However, my light gray ballast looks more correct for the Midwest.
Anyway, 'nuff rambling for today.
Regards,
Jonathan
I wouldn't mind having a Model A. It looks like it is not too bad shape.
Love them older JD's. Had a friend down here that restored Olivers.
He passed several years ago and his son took over the hobby. At
the last count he had a dozen or more.
Thanks for the pics.
Ken
That Model A is one to kill for. So many ideas when I look at it. That's gotta be a ton of fun just as a stock unit.
Glad you're back....was kinda wondering where ya went.
Sid
I had the same feeling about ordering online as you do Jonathan but having to order our groceries that way all summer has made it seem easy. Now my wife has to watch me like a hawk to keep me from ordering thousand dollar locomotives, or other frivolous things. Glad you're back, Paul :)
Thanks, Paul!
OK... I have a big hole in the middle of my layout, for accessing trackwork and so on. Thus, I need a removable scenery piece, like the cool stuff Sid has shown us.
I've never made a water feature, and this was a good time to try. If it doesn't work, I can just start over.
Anyway, I constructed a box that will slide into place like a shelf or a drawer. I lined it with plaster cloth, then a healthy amount of plaster, paint, ground foam and dirt:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50186409176_ca6cecf608_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jsNsYQ)DSC_0455_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2jsNsYQ) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Was trying to fill in the bottom with black and blending into brown. Hoping it will be highly reflective when through. A little closer:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50186409246_0a16b3faa6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jsNt13)DSC_0454_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2jsNt13) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I couldn't find any of that magic water, or instant water stuff. So I used a resin kit used for the top of coffee tables and the like. Here it is freshly poured:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50186662737_76b951eedf_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jsPLmz)DSC_0457_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2jsPLmz) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50185866353_9375d5db2a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jsKFBP)DSC_0458 (https://flic.kr/p/2jsKFBP) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I'm having a few bubble issues. I'm using a needle, dipped in alcohol to pop them. It seems to be working so far.
After it cures (24-48 hours), I'll put the "Drainage Pond" in place to show its place in the layout.
Regards,
Jonathan
Growing up in a rural community and on my Uncles farm i have a soft spot for tractors. Digging the old hot rod too.
For eliminating bubbles in that resin, first pour thin coats. You can add layers.
But bubbles happen. Use a straw and blow across the bubbles through the straw. I also used a hair dryer on low and cool with success when I was pouring that stuff to cover a vanity cabinet converted from an old hutch.
As always, your layout looks great.
Tom
I have had luck with a method taught to me by a guy that has owned a fiberglass shop for 40 years.
A simple propane torch. Wave the tip of the flame quickly over the resin surface and bubbles disappear instantly. Im sure there are YouTube videos about it too.
No kidding.....use a flame.
Sid
Thanks, Sid and Tom. Getting some great advice about this goo. I learn a lot, just be doing something for the first time.
The next time I pour resin for water, I'll definitely do it in layers. This stuff is taking forever to set up. It's been 48 hours and the edges are hard, but the middle is still tacky. I should have expected that, since the resin is nearly a half-inch thick in the middle.
I'll give it a few more days. I may have to chop out this pond and try again. I wonder if I can just pour another layer right over this one. That would be madness I'm sure.
Regards,
Jonathan
Half inch thick?? Wow! Maybe I'm 'old school', but when I first learned to do "water" on a layout, I was told to do it in layers no more than 1/8" thick in one shot if I needed 'deep' water. These days, for ponds and such, I often just use a very thin coat of clear acrylic floor wax over an area painted to give the illusion of depth.
Len
I'll definitely know better next time.
I felt the need to make the water in one pour to achieve the effect I was after. I know now I could get the same effect in two or three pours.
Here is a 3"X3" section that is cured already. Don't know if the camera angle picks it up, but I wanted the shore line to be visible underwater for the first few scale feet before it disappeared under the depth of the water:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50195236481_083dffc135_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jtzH2K)DSC_0462 (https://flic.kr/p/2jtzH2K) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
It's the middle of the pond that's giving me grief. I'll leave it sit for a few more days to see if it's worth using.
Regards,
Jonathan
I had forgotten about the propane torch trick. Yes it works too and I have done it. Just dont leave it over the area very long. I used to remember things like that better than I do now. Good to be reminded.
Tom
I'm trying this a second time. Hope it works.
I dug out the resin that never cured, then started over from the plaster process. Laid down a good portion of plaster, let it dry, then sanded it smooth:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50235555373_0e09e0fbbe_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jx9mr4)DSC_0463 (https://flic.kr/p/2jx9mr4) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Painted three coats of black paint. Created a new beachhead. Let that dry overnight. Added a "sealer" of dullcote, and let it sit for a couple days. Still drying in this shot:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50236420762_b077a29ebe_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jxdMFy)DSC_0466 (https://flic.kr/p/2jxdMFy) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I followed the instructions quite thoroughly, for pouring this batch of resin. I'm trying 6 oz. of resin for the first pour:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50236206026_afa8966460_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jxcFRd)DSC_0468_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2jxcFRd) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
This coat is so thin, it's having a tough time reaching the edge of the whole beach. In the lower left edge of this photo you can see the goo slowly creeping across to the beach:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50236206081_8e2caf48ea_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jxcFSa)DSC_0467 (https://flic.kr/p/2jxcFSa) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I used the exhaling straw method for removing bubbles. Had a torch standing by, but the straw worked quite well. Felt safer, too. ;D
I'm planning 5 total pours. Each pour will be like a chemistry test. Hope I get an "A."
Regards,
Jonathan
First, let me say thanks, to you gentlemen who offered some great advice on the "water" resin project. It was worth giving this a second try.
I finished with four pours. The first three layers hardened up quite nicely. I added each layer after 12 hours, per the instructions in the box. I'm a little nervous because my final pour was around 11 oz., instead of the 6 oz. on the first three layers. I'll know if it was a total success after 72 hours. For now, the last layer seems to be setting up just like the first three... fingers crossed.
I threw in some extra greenery and a temporary backdrop to enhance the photos. So, three angles:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50242551222_ec7b2849b6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jxLd49)DSC_0469 (https://flic.kr/p/2jxLd49) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50242551127_58e7329cb2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jxLd2v)DSC_0470 (https://flic.kr/p/2jxLd2v) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50242338966_a1fb315724_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jxK7Xy)DSC_0471 (https://flic.kr/p/2jxK7Xy) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Watching it dry. I ain't gonna sleep much for a few days. ;D
Regards,
Jonathan
The quality of the reflections shows just how flat of a pour you achieved. Nice.
Sid
I agree with Sid. It looks like a mirror.
Thanks, Sid. Thanks, Terry.
Still looking good (hardening) after 16 hours. 56 to go.
Mirror effect is what I'm after. I want the water to reflect whatever color surrounds it. However, if I'd had a boat or some HO scale fish... ;)
Regards,
Jonathan
Jonathon: Looks real good. Keep up the great work.
Very Nice mirror finish, i like the shoreline seeing the depth as it goes inward.
Thanks, ebt and sheldon.
OK, the pond has cured for 4 days now. Feels like a table top. Hope it's done.
Added a few more details before testing it on the layout. Notice the Osprey on the left tree:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50251583897_8d8f05a169_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jyyv9V)DSC_0474_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2jyyv9V) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
OK, it's really a pigeon.
Here are a couple of aerial shots, so you can see the seams... which need to find a way to hide eventually. The pond scene slides into the center of the layout like a drawer:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50255925002_5efd8892a8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jyWKBy)DSC_0480 (https://flic.kr/p/2jyWKBy) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Gathers orts and dust as I install (joy):
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50255744506_a24b0370e1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jyVPXy)DSC_0482 (https://flic.kr/p/2jyVPXy) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Now some ground shots:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50255744421_04cab6ba9e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jyVPW6)DSC_0484 (https://flic.kr/p/2jyVPW6) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50255079333_163c9943de_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jySqe4)DSC_0485 (https://flic.kr/p/2jySqe4) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50255744246_5ea0620553_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jyVPT5)DSC_0486 (https://flic.kr/p/2jyVPT5) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Finally, all the benchwork is covered. Now it's down to scenery: trees, rocks, figures... etc. Shouldn't take more than the rest of my life. :)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50255744171_416b0305e7_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jyVPRM)DSC_0489 (https://flic.kr/p/2jyVPRM) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50255744016_42b26461e4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jyVPP7)DSC_0491 (https://flic.kr/p/2jyVPP7) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Regards,
Jonathan
WOW that looks amazing, makes me want to start my layout on fire. What is your secret to great looking trees.
WOW is right!!!! I learn so much from you Jonathan. How about you building my roundhouse, shortening my tenders, and backdating my connies? ::) ::) ;D 8). Paul
;D
Done enough modifying in my own connies, making them B&O, that I'm about burnt out on it. But thanks all the same.
For Sheldon -- trees:
I use Woodland Scenics armatures.
1. Twist into shape.
2. Mist with gray primer
3.a. Use clump foliage and glue a clump to each branch, one at-a-time, or
3.b. Spray armatures with adhesive and dunk in a box of course ground foam. I did both. Honestly, the one at-a-time clumps look better.
4. Some of the trees get sprinkled with fine yellow ground foam for highlights.
I've used light, medium, and dark clump foliage. I've tried to mix it up randomly on my layout.
500 trees leftover from last layout that I am planting now.
Think I'll need another 500 to cover every area needed.
Regards,
Jonathan
Ok cool, thank you.
WHOO Hoo ! Glad to see someone else getting their feet wet ;). I've been
gone for the last week and couldn't log on. When I made one of my pours too
deep and it wouldn't dry in the 'center'. I sopped up what didn't dry with old
newspapers. I then let that area dry for two days. Over a period of the next
few days, I gradually filled in that spot with smaller pours, but still keeping them
about 1/8in deep. Everything eventually dried.
Keep it up Jonathan and thanks for the pics.
Ken
There is a train store called Star Hobby, in Annapolis, about 70 miles away. I had some free time last Saturday, and made the trek to do some real shopping... a special treat.
I picked up mostly scenery materials, as I have about all the locomotives and rolling stock I'll ever need (wishful thinking).
My next project is to complete the middle of the layout. I've made 100 trees, ranging from 2" to 7":
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50385663636_2609b47efa_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jLpGoy)DSC_0492 (https://flic.kr/p/2jLpGoy) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Also took a rock mold, a gallon of plaster, various paints, and made some rocks:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50384964388_ff2f12f2c2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jLm7wy)DSC_0495_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2jLm7wy) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Finally, I set up a little carving station to cut the rocks to fit where I want them:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50384964263_46ac442384_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jLm7up)DSC_0496_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2jLm7up) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Not too exciting, I know, but wanted to record some of the prep-work prior to planting the next batch of scenery.
Regards,
Jonathan
Your rock colours look great. When I look at mine, I often think I went too dark.
And a hundred trees.....wow. That's a lot of work. Well done, Jon.
Sid
Thanks, Sid.
I also have a tough time with rock colors. I started by spraying them black, then dry-brushing increasingly lighter shades of gray, brown, tan, white, and so on. I'm thinking they're too light. Maybe we think too much about it. ;D
Regards,
Jonathan
Your rocks look great ! One of them molds look familiar. I use water color for plaster. It can
just be 'slopped' on and most of the color collects in the recesses. You can always add more
to go darker. When I like the color I acquired, I use a sponge or tightly folded damp cloth,
and 'buff' the edges. Sort of like 'dry brushing' in reverse. It really makes the edges stand out.
Thanks for the pics.
Ken
Made good progress on a couple of scenes.
I put in a country farm backdrop on my skyboard. Added some polyfiber for transistion, and threw in a few trees, hay, and cows to finish the scene.
Another corner of the layout sceniced:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50423659796_66a64c47ee_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jPLrjL)DSC_0496_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2jPLrjL) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
The loco is a B'mann USRA Mikado that I tinkered with, to get it running and looking right.
The next scene is the middle of the layout, where the all the loops on my layout converge to make a bit of a spaghetti bowl. Trying to hide it a bit with lots of trees and distractions.
There's no backdrop on the skyboard, yet. Hopefully, it looks a bit more natural. Still have about a dozen trees left to add here:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50423826422_0fa0bf1b46_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jPMhRC)DSC_0499 (https://flic.kr/p/2jPMhRC) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Along with the B'mann Heavy Mountain (high, right) and USRA switchers, is one of my brassies; a PFM L-2 0-8-0 that I re-motored and decorated... still running strong.
Regards,
Jonathan
That last photo gives me an idea. You know Jonathan, if you had a small logging operation
and had them come in and cut down a couple of those trees, you'd have enough lumber and
space to put in a little country chapel...just sayin'....
Thanks.
Ken
Looking great! There's only one detail missing: telephone poles. Up until the mid 1980s, every mainline and many branchlines as well had their own pole line. They were used for communications in the pre radio days, and for the signal circuits as well.
Even branch lines had them, because there were phone booths at strategic locations where crews could call the dispatcher for track authority. My dad had a speaker with 25 foot clip leads we used to take camping with us. He'd climb up the pole and clip onto the communication line, and we could sit back and listen to the dispatcher and all the tower operators talking on the railroad's party line. It was a good way to find out where the trains were.
Back in the day we hated those lines because they often got in the way of an otherwise good photo, but they gave the railroads a reason to keep the brush trimmed back. Views were far more open 40 years ago than they are to-day.
You are correct, sir. I have a box with poles ready to go. I'm waiting on that. The poles and wires would get in the way while I install other scenery elements. The poles and wires go last.
I will plan to save a small clearing, somewhere to put in my chapel. Good idea.
Thanks, guys.
Regards,
Jonathan
i am going to make my own power poles etc. I am going to try spandex thread, as it is stretchy and should give if bumped into.
A little update:
Have completed 1,000 trees, finally. Still have around 120 left to plant:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50806892216_9928d623ee_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kpCAYh)DSC_0531 (https://flic.kr/p/2kpCAYh) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Also, have added more backdrop to my skyboard:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50807004797_83f7d29644_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kpDbrk)DSC_0523 (https://flic.kr/p/2kpDbrk) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Starting to get the affect I've been looking for, which is trains appearing out of the woods and moving into the scene.
Here's a couple of angles of a freight (b'mann 2-6-6-2) coming out of the woods:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50806146303_5e57957097_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kpyMeH)DSC_0516_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2kpyMeH) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50806892331_fb413c5ef9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kpCB1g)DSC_0519_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2kpCB1g) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Finally... someone mentioned the need for telephone poles. :) I assembled an old Rix kit, and planted 20 poles along the inside of my mainline:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50807004647_bf4160a5d3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kpDboK)DSC_0529 (https://flic.kr/p/2kpDboK) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50806892456_92e4b04e9d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kpCB3q)DSC_0525 (https://flic.kr/p/2kpCB3q) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
The passenger train is a mix of B'mann E-7, F&C REA (mail) car, and various B'Mann and Walthers passenger cars.
Scenes coming together, slowly but surely.
Regards,
Jonathan
That is incredible. I like your trees. the telephone poles look spot on as well.
Thanks, Sheldon!
Regards,
Jonathan
I really enjoyed reviewing your entire thread of the progress and work on your layout...it brought back memories of when I basically did the bulk of mine from 2003 through 2006. Memories of many weekend mornings of getting up early...crabbing a cup of coffee...get a good western on TV and just do it.....
Very nice Jonathan.....
One side note...my layout is a 12' x 26' wrap around against the wall with a duck under entrance. I was unsuccessful in making a hinged lift up. Well 18 years ago I didn't mind the ducking as I sometimes do now...but I have learned to limit the under travel....good old bones...
Thanks Russ!
Regards,
Jonathan
Update:
There is a lot of leftover equipment from my last two layouts. Really want to use all that stuff. So...
I've added 6 feet to the end of the layout, taking it all the way to the far wall (26' total length now).
This is a bit of a rough draft, while I play with track placement. The turntable and approach track are set in stone. Everything else is tinkering:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50918485286_902294d813_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kzuxGJ)DSC_0520_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kzuxGJ) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50918485191_83d22e534a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kzuxF6)DSC_0521_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2kzuxF6) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
There will be a roundhouse (6-9 stalls), and I have to figure the best way to connect the yard in the background. I'll need a caboose track, as well.
The main work, now, is adjusting the turnout for the approach track. The only way to connect was to a branchline that travels down a 2% grade:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50917795233_4731ec0eaa_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kzr1zg)DSC_0522_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kzr1zg) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I've pulled through a small cut of boxcars successfully:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50918617047_2bdff82983_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kzvdSt)DSC_0523_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kzvdSt) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
The worry is the transition from the downgrade to level, which starts to occur right at the end of the turnout. I haven't run a locomotive through the turnout, yet. Still need to wire the frog and add a couple of feeder wires for the turnout--for good continuity:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50918616922_c10a6a9177_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kzvdQj)DSC_0524_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kzvdQj) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Hopefully, I haven't unwittingly warped the turnout. That could lead to headaches. :)
Regards,
Jonathan
I really enjoy the way everything is coming along, Jon. Keep up the good work.
And remember: You can NEVER put up too many pictures.
Thanks.
Ken
Thanks Ken.
I do have to be mindful of the photos. Only have room for 400 more pics, before flickr starts to charge me. ;D
Regards,
Jonathan
Quote from: jonathan on February 07, 2021, 09:06:46 AM
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50918616922_c10a6a9177_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kzvdQj)DSC_0524_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kzvdQj) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Hopefully, I haven't unwittingly warped the turnout. That could lead to headaches. :)
Regards,
Jonathan
Personally, I'd be more concerned with that apparent twist in the track just before the switch. You can see it in the photos. Your grade transition looks fine to me.
Jonathon: That's really shaping up! I agree with the concept, at least for eastern railroading, of trains dipping in and out of the forest.
jward,
It pays to take pictures. I see what you're talking about. Thanks for showing me. Up close, in person, it looks more like a hump on the outside rail. I'll have to deal with that while I'm wiring up the turnout. Again, many thanks.
ebt,
Thanks. Trains appearing out of the trees, or from behind a hill, or industry.... that was a memory of mine.
I also remember out west, one could match speed with a train and keep it in sight for along time.
Regards,
Jonathan
It truly looks great Jon,Paul G.
Thanks, Paul!
I get a jolt whenever I see your name. My brother is "Paul G"(MI).
Regards,
Jonathan
Quote from: jonathan on February 08, 2021, 06:25:28 AM
ebt,
Thanks. Trains appearing out of the trees, or from behind a hill, or industry.... that was a memory of mine.
I also remember out west, one could match speed with a train and keep it in sight for along time.
Regards,
Jonathan
Honestly, that particular scene reminds me of Tunnelton, WV on the actual B&O.
I'm at a stopping point. Next step is to get under the layout for a while. So... time to take a break, and snap a few photos to share.
Here are a few overview pics to show the final track plan. I particularly like the giant question mark that leads to the caboose track:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50939784811_a72b187a0e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kBnHiV)DSC_0525_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kBnHiV) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50939088078_ca77524d32_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kBj9ch)DSC_0526_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kBj9ch) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Looks like there will be room for a 9-stall roundhouse:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50939784586_089930b972_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kBnHf3)DSC_0527 (https://flic.kr/p/2kBnHf3) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
The yard tracks are some really, REALLY old brass track I had stuffed away in a box. I cleaned it up as much as possible, and made a lot of track feeders. The rail-joint feeders are installed on nearly every joint. Hopefully, I'll be able to maintain some kind of continuity:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50939088098_6aa33076ef_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kBj9cC)DSC_0528 (https://flic.kr/p/2kBj9cC) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Most of the partially-constructed roundhouse is painted white:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50939889682_648249afda_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kBofu3)DSC_0531_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kBofu3) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I intend to weather the exterior heavily. Thought the white might look nice when it's really dirty. Plus, whatever interior lighting I make will be helped by the reflective interior.
Fun shot:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50939088023_34de8449dd_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kBj9bk)DSC_0532_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kBj9bk) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Finally, this is a small control panel I incorporated into my fascia:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50939784481_59f42e37a3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kBnHde)DSC_0534_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kBnHde) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I intend to have the turntable switch and stall track switches mounted in that area.
Regards,
Jonathan
Addendum: I WILL be using good quality track for the roundhouse. 'nuff said.
Update:
I'm about to spend a very long time under the layout, wiring stall tracks and lighting (fun). There won't be much to show for a while. However: here's a couple of shots up top.
The roundhouse is getting close to completion. Gotta add the window glazing and put up some lights:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50960140456_37b1034b3f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kDb3kj)DSC_0535_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2kDb3kj) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I built this on a very flat surface. The benchwork is not as flat. So, I had to compensate. Oh well. That's what scenery is for:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50959441603_e90acb4a84_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kD7sA8)DSC_0536 (https://flic.kr/p/2kD7sA8) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
There are other little structures going up around the roundhouse:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50959441678_28eb24945d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kD7sBq)DSC_0537_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kD7sBq) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Innards a bit more visible here:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50959441648_8598a6f31d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kD7sAU)DSC_0538 (https://flic.kr/p/2kD7sAU) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I know my background hills aren't supposed to be cobalt blue. :) I'm playing with colors right now, to see what works. Tough job for a color blind guy:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50960243122_b4a91e2d2e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kDbyRq)DSC_0539_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kDbyRq) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Once everything is wired up, and I can move locos in the roundhouse, I'll post some photos. Could be a while...
Regards,
Jonathan
It looks great so far. I love it!
Thanks, Terry.
Started crawling under the layout. Procrastinating on the stall tracks, but I did play with some lighting, just to get started.
Almost out of warm/white LEDs. Still have a gross of blue/white. Decided to use some blue/whites in the roundhouse:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50962786348_6fda186a59_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kDpAS9)DSC_0540_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kDpAS9) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I wired these in parallel. It's more work, but I think it will be easier to correct a problem in the long run:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50962786263_dc06765593_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kDpAQF)DSC_0541 (https://flic.kr/p/2kDpAQF) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
A few structures got wired up, too:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50963597027_7ae85bd2fe_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kDtKRn)DSC_0544 (https://flic.kr/p/2kDtKRn) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
OK. Gotta Psych myself up to start wiring stall tracks. There are 12 of 'em and each one has an on/off switch. Lots of wires to string back an forth. No fun holding a soldering iron over your head and keeping it steady. Alright, positive thoughts...
Regards,
Jonathan
Amazing ! Lights make all the difference. If you ever get a whole bunch of buildings, or and
apartment building, consider using Christmas tree lights.
Thanks for the pics.
Ken
Thanks, Ken.
A long time ago, I ordered A LOT of LEDs and resistors from China--dirt cheap. Two layouts later, and I still have some. There's 27 resistors left, perhaps a dozen warm/white LEDs and a bunch of blue/white. Used up all the SMDs. Was the most economical way to do lights... albeit a bit labor intensive.
Regards,
Jonathan
Very nice wiring skills, nice and clean. What does it look like at night?
Thanks!
Sheldon,
Not ready for night shots, yet.
The end of the layout is against the basement back door, and it's daylight out:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50973452511_5c51078137_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kEmgxv)DSC_0549 (https://flic.kr/p/2kEmgxv) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Also, taking advantage of the daylight to work on wiring under the layout. I've got some lights, and all the stall tracks wired. I like the cacophony of wiring that appears when working around a roundhouse:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50972763653_7f7a8a7647_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kEhJLD)DSC_0550 (https://flic.kr/p/2kEhJLD) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Making progress on the control panel:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50972763523_7bb4c4cef9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kEhJJp)DSC_0551 (https://flic.kr/p/2kEhJJp) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Making good progress on the area. It will take a while longer. As soon as I get all the lights working, I'll make a night shot.
For now here's a few more shots:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50972763828_5a113abb72_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kEhJPE)DSC_0548_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kEhJPE) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50973557047_4f6df8228a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kEmNBR)DSC_0547_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kEmNBR) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50973557332_523649d875_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kEmNGL)DSC_0546_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kEmNGL) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Regards,
Jonathan
WOW!!... All those locos peering of those stalls! Looks wonderful, Jon, Paul :D :D
Wow that looks nice. Intense and tedious, i love it.
Thanks, Gents!
Regards,
Jonathan
Well I started to say, great you put the locomotives in the roundhouse right, but then I went on down. Oh well 50% what the heck.
Yes. Yes. I know. It's just that I spent so much time on the front of my locomotives; jewels in class lights and so on--I like looking at 'em. ;D
Regards,
Jonathan
Preliminary night shots:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50981024602_e1ce51738e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kF25sN)DSC_0558 (https://flic.kr/p/2kF25sN) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50981024707_cf1f711dfe_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kF25uB)DSC_0557_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kF25uB) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50980916391_5d0de77300_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kF1wi6)DSC_0556 (https://flic.kr/p/2kF1wi6) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50980209643_0cc496233e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kEWUcM)DSC_0555 (https://flic.kr/p/2kEWUcM) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
The roof isn't secured to the roundhouse right now, but:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50980916276_6260002d81_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kF1wg7)DSC_0554_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kF1wg7) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Regards,
Jonathan
Little burned out on modeling. Time to take a break and do some assessment with some photos.
Putting in a chain link fence behind the roundhouse, to separate the edge of a town.
I soldered some 0.025 phosphor bronze wire together for a frame:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51020320337_5c5f21a872_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJutHt)DSC_0559_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kJutHt) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Added the tool (sp?):
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51019492593_8855445678_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJqeE2)DSC_0560 (https://flic.kr/p/2kJqeE2) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Then a little paint and rust--then planted the fence. The gates swing open. I'll put some sort of backdrop behind the "edge of town" structures, to represent a town of some kind:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51020320717_7fd59ee000_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJutQ2)DSC_0540_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2kJutQ2) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I had a lot of leftover ballast, of a few colors and sizes... which I put down up to the level of the ties. I then covered that with brown ballast up on the rails, as high as I thought reasonable for running model trains. Here, you can see the leftover ballast:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51019492903_0e344c3ccb_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJqeKn)DSC_0549_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kJqeKn) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Building a laser cut yard office:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51019492738_b16af1f979_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJqeGw)DSC_0537_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2kJqeGw) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Installed some more fascia. I'm using a really old Bachmann controller to power the turntable. The Spectrum controller runs the stall tracks:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51020320822_bf9bc3b8df_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJutRQ)DSC_0536_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kJutRQ) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
And a few shots of other stuff:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51020220316_d8b6325a84_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJtXYY)DSC_0550_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kJtXYY) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51020220131_1633a9b256_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJtXVM)DSC_0548_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2kJtXVM) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51019493038_a1c15d102c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJqeMG)DSC_0547_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2kJqeMG) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51019493068_295b82c589_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJqeNd)DSC_0545_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kJqeNd) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51020220586_b4d597ec15_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJtY4C)DSC_0544_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kJtY4C) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51020220706_8d821238f8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJtY6G)DSC_0538_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kJtY6G) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Regards,
Jonathan
Love the fence idea. What are you using as mesh for the chainlink? Also your lites look amazing.
Those night shots are fantastic ! Kind of forget it's 1/87 scale.
I would've never thought of using tulle (asked my wife how to spell) for the chain link.
Do you go to your local dress shop to buy the stuff or what ? I used regular 'screen'
material once, but it's a little out of scale for HO.
Thanks for all the pics.
Ken
Tulle! What a Scrabble word. Couldn't remember how to spell it to save my life. Thanks! There's a "JoAnn" Fabrics not far. Been there more than once for "train" stuff. I've had that mesh for quite a while. The hard part was using CA to attach it to the wire. Stuff did not want to stick for a long time.
Thanks gents. Cheers.
Regards,
Jonathan
OK.
Outta ground cover.
Outta 50's vehicles.
Need backdrops for the skyboards.
So, I'm at a good stopping point for photos.
Started with 30 shots and chopped it down to a dozen that show the main areas of focus:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51043079153_2540d56ed2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kLv87R)DSC_0553 (https://flic.kr/p/2kLv87R) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51043811851_abbd03489d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kLySVz)DSC_0554_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2kLySVz) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51043901497_5e53f7588b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kLzkzc)DSC_0555_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kLzkzc) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51043901427_d9396c481a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kLzkxZ)DSC_0557_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2kLzkxZ) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51043078838_6f97a4e8da_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kLv82q)DSC_0559_02 (https://flic.kr/p/2kLv82q) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51043078313_f68609337e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kLv7Sn)DSC_0562 (https://flic.kr/p/2kLv7Sn) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51043901297_3a0c718d4a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kLzkvK)DSC_0563 (https://flic.kr/p/2kLzkvK) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51043078643_ec0b8631f4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kLv7Y4)DSC_0565 (https://flic.kr/p/2kLv7Y4) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51043078543_7db6e56605_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kLv7Wk)DSC_0567_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kLv7Wk) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51043078493_2d63261c54_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kLv7Vt)DSC_0569_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kLv7Vt) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51043811366_4a9460b914_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kLySMd)DSC_0570 (https://flic.kr/p/2kLySMd) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51043078288_1d8c311c19_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kLv7RW)DSC_0572 (https://flic.kr/p/2kLv7RW) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Regards,
Jonathan
Jon, you just keep hammering away and it keeps getting better.
I do have a question though, how does that coaling tower get filled ?
Thanks again for all the pictures.
Ken
Thanks, Ken.
There is a coal dump shed in the corner behind the tower. There's a hopper unloading, at this very moment. I know the shed should be a bit closer. You'll just have to imagine an underground conveyance of some sort. :)
Regards,
Jonathan
I just KNEW it had to be something like that ! ;)
Staying away from the layout right now. Taking on a few projects sitting on the bench.
I have a spot for another signal bridge on the mainline. NJ International, who make various signals for the B&O, have been sold out of most of their equipment for a while now. Wondering if they're cleaning out inventory and shutting down... getting that vibe.
I managed to get a hold of a few Oregon Press signal heads, but none of their corresponding LEDs. However, I did find some 2mm LEDs that may do the trick. Got 100 multicolor LEDs, and resistors for approx. $13 including shipping... not bad.
They required some trimming to fit into the signal heads:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51111446239_a31fd5bceb_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kSxwgH)DSC_0581 (https://flic.kr/p/2kSxwgH) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I tested 'em after trimming, so far so good.
After tinning, I manipulated the leads so the positive leads will be a common wire. The negative leads with have individual wires with resistors mounted under the layout. The whole mess looks like this:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51111446189_4b1c34c049_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kSxwfR)DSC_0583_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kSxwfR) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I put a 2-56 nut under the positive leads. Hoping I can manipulate a drop of solder down into the middle without melting the whole thing.
From the front:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51111129467_031062723a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kSvU78)DSC_0584 (https://flic.kr/p/2kSvU78) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
The blue LEDS will not be lit or wired. They are there to fill in the hole, nothing more.
This is an old Bachmann double-track signal bridge I pre-wired for this project:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51111606273_62291f1f31_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kSykQV)DSC_0585 (https://flic.kr/p/2kSykQV) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Now the hard part begins. It will require some pretty precise wire-cutting and soldering to get the whole shebang to work.
Will post the final outcome when completed.
Regards,
Jonathan
More progress on the signal bridge:
This may have been the most difficult part of the build, as all the parts are very small, and I had to get in and just touch the leads with a soldering iron, without melting the signal head:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51115339973_248518dba6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kSTtK4)DSC_0586 (https://flic.kr/p/2kSTtK4) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Then it was time to trim the excess and connect the leads to the pre-wired bridge:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51115427486_c1352a3a87_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kSTVKU)DSC_0587 (https://flic.kr/p/2kSTVKU) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
I tested every step of the way. Don't want to lose a connection from this point on, as it gets pretty complicated. Difficult to see because of the backlighting, but I've got all three colors lit:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51116222360_97b682c5be_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kSY13C)DSC_0588 (https://flic.kr/p/2kSY13C) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51116222330_0f39d3150b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kSY137)DSC_0589 (https://flic.kr/p/2kSY137) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Tested again, as I attached the signals to the bridge. Here the yellow ones are lit:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51115181479_205096288d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kSSECp)DSC_0590 (https://flic.kr/p/2kSSECp) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
A few final shots:
I wired this bridge for 4 signal heads. I have 3. I left some wires tucked in the bridge, if/when I find another b&o signal head.
Also, I had a tough time pulling the extra wire backwards through my wiring tubes. So, I did the best I could with some black paint to hide wire as much as possible. Will post again, once I have installed the bridge.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51114865722_596b185ccc_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kSR3Lj)DSC_0591_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kSR3Lj) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51114865782_372c2d2357_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kSR3Mm)DSC_0594_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kSR3Mm) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51116222145_c227a29899_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kSXZYV)DSC_0595 (https://flic.kr/p/2kSXZYV) by Jon Vogel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152929963@N07/), on Flickr
Regards,
Jonathan
Nice work Jon ! Makes me glad that my layout takes place in an era and a location
where electricity hasn't been installed. The residents believe it's trickery and witchcraft. ;)
Thanks for the pics.
Ken
Jonathan, did you know Oregon Rail also makes round circuit boards that fit in the back of those signals, that greatly simplify the task of wiring them? They work for both B&O and PRR style position light signals.
Thanks, Ken and Jward.
I did not know that about Oregon Rail. I thought they were one of those defunct companies, whose leftover pieces still showed up on eBay from time-to-time. I will look them up. Thanks for that.
Regards,
Jonathan
Hey Jonathan. Great to be back.
Good to see all the folks wandering back in.
Dang straight! I found myself in need of some information I remembered Jonathan having shared some time ago about working with brass, and was surprised to see the site long down, had worried about the loss of so much information!
I'm so glad this forum is back on its feet.
what are the blue lights for?
In a description above Jonathan said, "The blue LEDS will not be lit or wired. They are there to fill in the hole, nothing more."
Len