Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => HO => Topic started by: Ken Huck on July 13, 2020, 03:17:55 PM

Title: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on July 13, 2020, 03:17:55 PM
Thought I'd start another THREAD not 'stream' so as not to confuse anyone about my water scenery
application skills.  Here's three pictures of my entire layout.  The camera was about ten and a half from
the distant wall.  The layout is approximately sixteen feet from lest to right.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50109150986_9de7b29be0_z.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50109153221_929ae17fe1_z.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50109393287_30aeaf97e1_z.jpg)

I tried to get the photos 'side by side' but it didn't work, they would've been pretty close for a panoramic view.

I should've gotten that bottle of glue out of the first pic too. ::) Oh well.

Thanks for looking.

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: jonathan on July 13, 2020, 07:04:22 PM
It's good to see some distance shots. Gives one a feel of how a railroad operates.

Looks like you're making good progress. Thanks!

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: WoundedBear on July 13, 2020, 07:30:56 PM
Agreed. The overall shots are nice. Gives some context to the individual scene photos.

Do you do a lot of ducking under things Ken? Or is it all accessible easily?

I have a duck under in mine.......it isn't terrible, but since the hip replacements, I do regret it.

Sid
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on July 13, 2020, 10:52:30 PM
I forgot to add before I logged off, that the center photo is 42 inches above the floor.  It's very easy
to duck under.  The photo on the right, (the highest) is 62 inches above the floor.  I don't have
to duck under that side because I can walk behind it.  The "Diamond Coal Company" by
Walthers is still removable and I still have a bit 'under layout' work to do before I make it
semi permanent.  The 'left' (first photo) is still under the 'not sure if I like it'  category.  I'm still 'inching'
my may through it, scenery wise.

As always, more to follow.

Ken

Parting shot:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50099470377_d12773e93e_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Grumpy468 on July 13, 2020, 10:59:55 PM
Very nice. Thank you for posting pics.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Trainman203 on July 14, 2020, 06:30:32 AM
If there's clearance some people use a rolling office chair to go through the duckunder.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: graywolf on July 14, 2020, 07:16:07 AM
I use a mechanic's rolling stool that Harbour Freight sells for about $20. Works great and has a tray under it that will hold whatever you are taking inside the layout without you possibly dropping it. Don't get the round one --- get the one with 4 wheels.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Trainman203 on July 14, 2020, 08:54:50 AM
That's even better
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Terry Toenges on July 14, 2020, 11:07:47 AM
It looks great Ken. I am very impressed with it.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on July 18, 2020, 04:34:30 PM
Here's another "overall" shot.  I was standing on the second last step into the basement to get back
far enough to get it all in one picture.  Just above the cardboard, where the track is right on the edge is
62 inches above the floor.  I'm planning on extending the outer edge like I did on the other edge of the
layout.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50126359998_e80267928f_k.jpg)

This is the opposite corner of the layout.  The camera is 8'10" from the wall.  On the left edge
is what I was working on to prevent 'void' contact, and is what I'm planning  to do on the opposite edge.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50126363953_f9d65032c9_k.jpg)

This is just another of the same, only closer to the wall to show some temporary 'removable'
backdrop sections.  The one closest with the two tunnel portals is just sitting on a 1X2.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50126364903_274f0a6551_k.jpg)

The elevation is about 'top of my shirt-pocket' high.  I only have to bend over a little bit to get under it.

Still got a lot to do, more to follow.

Ken

Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Grumpy468 on July 18, 2020, 04:36:26 PM
Very impressive work Ken, great job.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: jonathan on July 18, 2020, 07:32:43 PM
I kept wondering why your ceiling was so low...  :)

My first layout was 48" high at the sub roadbed. It was nice to sit on a stool to work on wiring underneath.

Starting to get a good feel for the size of the layout. Nice. Thanks for sharing.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: OLDERTIMER on July 19, 2020, 11:08:59 AM
Great work, Ken.  Are those aircraft lurking in the background?  A century or so ago, when I was young, I hung a Zero with a P-40 in hot pursuit from the ceiling of my bedroom.  It takes one back. :)
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: WoundedBear on July 19, 2020, 11:14:19 AM
Ken....that is going to be spectacular once all the gaps get filled in with scenery. Again....I really like the overall shots.

And check your PMs ;)

Sid
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: OLDERTIMER on July 19, 2020, 03:06:19 PM
I just looked again and noticed the top lefthand corner of of one photo with the front of an aircraft poking it's nose into the scene.  Is that a Spitfire?  That was one of the neatest looking fighters and along with the P-51 and the F4U the best allied fighters of WWII.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on July 19, 2020, 04:13:43 PM
Sorry Oldtimer, it's Spitfire fodder (ME109).  Once in a while I'll do a 1/32 scale aircraft. 
Got scads of 1/35 scale armor too.

...anyway, back to rairoad.  The next photos were taken following a train around the 'loop'.
My mainline is basically a double-folded dog-bone.

Starting at the top, near the main yard, after being made up, the train pulls away.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50130666281_87f8a5ea6c_k.jpg)

After going East it makes a leftward turn down a one and half percent grade.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50130097793_21bd7a8a92_k.jpg)

After crossing Johnny's river and rounding the poor side of town, it reaches the ore mining area
of the layout.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50130891322_b5af7aeaa9_k.jpg)

Passing the mining area it enters its first tunnel.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50130891097_37248851c1_k.jpg)

Coming out of the tunnel on the lower level, it passes the coal mine at Hooterville.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50130665496_f0608fc08d_k.jpg)

Coming out of the second tunnel (while the caboose is still going in) it starts across
a large trestle.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50130890647_00129ba864_k.jpg)

Crossing the trestle it enters the double tunnel heading back up hill.  The entire train
will be completely in the tunnel this time before the engines exit.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50130890412_65f0346615_k.jpg)

Coming out of the tunnel, it would've entered a siding to set out/pick up any ore cars.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50130890212_db52136067_k.jpg)

Now it's heading back up to the yards.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50130096458_7147b07d21_k.jpg)

Back on level ground, it slows a bit before crossing another trestle.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50130889762_5291d5e7c8_k.jpg)

After crossing the trestle (and crossing another), it approaches the yards.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50130098138_002f5245eb_k.jpg)

Back where it started.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50130889367_a40c108e30_k.jpg)

Hope you enjoyed the trip.

More to follow.

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: WoundedBear on July 19, 2020, 07:26:36 PM
Loved it. Nice little trip around the layout.

Sid
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: OLDERTIMER on July 19, 2020, 07:50:53 PM
Looks good Ken, Paul
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Terry Toenges on July 19, 2020, 10:09:18 PM
I like the way you did that so we could keep "track" of the route. It looks so much more complicated when looking at it from a distance but that is good.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on July 31, 2020, 03:39:41 PM
Another little update:

With the recent addition of a new country church and school, the poor old souls
in the poor side of town found themselves on the wrong side of Johnny's river so
they decided to build themselves a bridge.

First the void:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50167709337_6d505259d7_k.jpg)

I decided to scratch-build something.  So, with three different sizes of match
sticks and split bamboo skewers I set off...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50166916518_f5ec486706_k.jpg)

At this point, I wasn't sure what TYPE of bridge I wanted.  A simple truss of some sort
would've been a good choice.  I already had a couple of those.  Then I thought:
A covered bridge !

Next, I started on the lattice that would support the sheathing.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50167708832_a88ca1ab84_k.jpg)

At this point I thought:  What have gotten myself into ?
This is how far I've gotten so far.  Cutting and splitting bamboo skewers takes a
while.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50174458717_1f987d3ac5_k.jpg)

Hopefully, by the end of this quarantine, I'll have made more progress.

More to follow,
Ken

Gee, ...a plank roof or a shake one ?

Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: WoundedBear on July 31, 2020, 05:01:08 PM
That's a lot of sticks man ;D

Little projects like this are always fun.

Sid
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Len on July 31, 2020, 07:53:38 PM
Did you do the upper beam using pegged halved bridled and squinted scarf joints?

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w2JIeXirB7g/T0BzXUuI7RI/AAAAAAAAAiI/WeXcDk16tgU/s1600/IMG_2138.JPG)

Len
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on July 31, 2020, 09:48:39 PM
I just knew I forgot something !  ::)
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on August 04, 2020, 03:30:27 PM
A little more bridge update, I've started on the roof.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50189709262_d9575595c4_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50189708692_7136bba825_k.jpg)

Work is going a little slower because of all the tedious cut (approximately), split (and split again), glue
(wait 24 hours to dry), then sand smooth...and glue the next piece.

More to follow,

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on August 08, 2020, 05:51:22 PM
Back again with another update.

A couple of views from the back side:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50204049342_6486073dc5_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50203778751_6c0750fb15_k.jpg)

Starting to work a little on the 'approach'.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50204047327_3b0557f7cc_k.jpg)

...and here's what it looks like down the street.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50204047587_e1c5641cdc_k.jpg)

Enjoy, more to follow.

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: jonathan on August 08, 2020, 08:28:55 PM
Noice!

Appreciate all the effort for a small piece of scenery. Great stuff.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on August 12, 2020, 10:20:02 PM
Thanks Jonathon, here's a bit more detail for scratch builders...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50220442896_bee3d1db14_k.jpg)

...and with the roof removed...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50220444231_728c63d0f6_k.jpg)

The Cowgirl Saloon out the back door...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50220665792_43a0fea0d5_k.jpg)

With the roof removed.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50219796228_8a04b0f5d8_k.jpg)

...and the second floor removed.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50220446381_815031b1dd_k.jpg)

And now for a 'covered bridge' update.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50220446236_ed8ff7cb6d_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50219795923_9353463074_k.jpg)

As you can see, I've been slowly working on the lattice and starting to experiment on the weathering.

Enjoy.  More to follow...

Ken


Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on September 02, 2020, 10:42:29 PM
Well, I finally followed 'Larry, the cable guys' advice and I 'got 'er done'.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50300059726_05b8068559_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50300214112_71e0f00707_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50299376083_e2bdbb6cd8_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50300213772_8551ed7d96_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50299375753_f21e3f2839_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50299375608_1e3e235846_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50300058806_d22301f124_k.jpg)

Whew ! ! !  There's about eight hundred little pieces of matchsticks and bamboo
skewer parts used making that bridge.  I am glad I'm finished.  I still have to work
some on the 'bridgeheads' and approaches so...

...more to follow.

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Terry Toenges on September 02, 2020, 11:22:14 PM
What a job. It looks great.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: jonathan on September 03, 2020, 07:50:50 AM
Really nice covered bridge! Some serious effort.

Enjoyed watching the build.  Thanks for sharing...

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: jward on September 03, 2020, 07:32:24 PM
It's nice to see an overview of your railroad. I can almost hear those GP15s as they climb the grade.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on September 14, 2020, 02:58:32 PM
I finally completely finished the installation by adding a little of 'fill in' and vegetation.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50342579611_376692dd37_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50342748257_f221c11128_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50342584441_f2ace28585_k.jpg)

(http://)

First across...a horse.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50341905998_b2239b9623_k.jpg)

...and a little preview of what I'll be working on next.  Lift out back-drop scenery using flat
cardboard.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50341904083_e0bc430bb6_k.jpg)

More to follow.

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on September 15, 2020, 10:59:46 PM
Here's more.  I started out with a single piece of cardboard cut to shape.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50347472546_d1ceab0244_k.jpg)

Then, I sprayed it with an adhesive and 'dusted' it with ground foam.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50346777953_508f39c3ef_k.jpg)

Next, I starting adding layers of 'vegetation' and dead fall.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50346777788_6e9780eb81_k.jpg)

I kept adding more and more...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50346777583_82bf8a1f16_k.jpg)

...until I thought I had enough.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50347470571_46282ab42c_k.jpg)

When it was completely dry, I inserted it back into the 'slots' on my backdrop.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50347470391_1280d08177_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50347628082_4b75ea523a_k.jpg)

Once installed, I 'piled' more foliage in front of the cardboard to blend it in.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50347470086_daa64968dc_k.jpg)

I don't know what my next project will be, but...

more to follow.

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: jonathan on September 16, 2020, 06:41:14 AM
I like the carboard hill project.  That's pretty neat.

Do you intend to create a "sky" background at some point?  Seems to be the only thing that keeps me from getting lost in the scenery.

Great stuff!  Thanks for sharing.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on September 17, 2020, 05:07:05 PM
One of these days I plan to hang a blue sheet or something from the ceiling to appear as
a sky backdrop.  Just don't know how far 'back' I'll have to hang it yet.  Meanwhile I've
worked up another QUADruple thickness backdrop for the next section.  I doubled up at the
bottom, then a single lay, then another layer 'behind' the second and another third layer
behind that.  By 'stepping' the cardboard it givers a more three-dimensional appearance.
Now I just have to let it dry overnight and hope everything doesn't fall off when I
stand it up.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50353923807_fb5b30e1f9_k.jpg)

Practice makes better...

...more to follow.

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on September 19, 2020, 05:04:44 PM
Here's more of the last 'section' installed.  It took about three days to dry completely.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50360890061_d3a798e964_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50361051357_5c4f120bb3_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50361051072_ec1d8916d6_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50361050822_12756e27ba_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50360888946_56b9f96b5e_k.jpg)

If you look closely and compare photos from previous installments, you can see where the different
cardboard 'layers' are.
I don't know what I'll do next, but I'm going to have to start wiring underneath before I
put any more topside scenery.

More to follow...

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on October 04, 2020, 04:45:32 PM
Back again with another up date.  The undertaker needed a place to bury people so I
thought I'd add a cemetery.  The first pic shows where it's going to be installed.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50419461017_f174a5579f_k.jpg)

Next, I add sub groundwork with plaster cloth.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50419460782_ee14cf8ac7_k.jpg)

Then I added rock outcroppings and stained them with water color.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50419460637_4a3a4d8066_k.jpg)

Finally, I finished it off with ground foam and clump foliage.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50419460477_ec3a8432e0_k.jpg)

Last, but not least, the unpleasant task of 'burying' all the people.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50418607353_c767d5717c_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50418607183_b72797d1dc_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50419296521_82d8e1d296_k.jpg)

That's it for now.  More to follow...

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: WoundedBear on October 04, 2020, 07:51:52 PM
Fan-freakin-tastic Ken. That dirt road leading up to the church is a great scene.

Sid
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Terry Toenges on October 04, 2020, 11:39:36 PM
I'm thinking that, with all those rocks, that grave digger has a hell of a time digging graves.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on October 04, 2020, 11:54:33 PM
Thanks for the comments guys, Sid, I use real dirt sifted through a window screen
for the road.  Terry, if you'll notice in the sixth picture, the grave digger has a pick axe... 8)
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Terry Toenges on October 05, 2020, 01:12:08 AM
 ;D
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: jonathan on October 05, 2020, 12:03:31 PM
My father, and both grandfathers, were pastors.  You'd think I'd remember to add a church and cemetery to my layouts. I always forget... even have a country church kit.  Sheesh.

Great stuff, as always Ken. Thanks for the guilt.  ;D

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on October 31, 2020, 04:32:43 PM
Well, after waiting and thinking about it enough, I finally got a 'plan' for my mining area.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50552225682_37d42a851b_k.jpg)

The entire mining area will be split-level.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50552222812_f52aa545ed_k.jpg)

I'm not sure yet of what buildings I'll eventually put there but, for one I know
is that "ore chute" in the middle needs to be 'scaled' down a bit.  Now I have to remove
everything and start on scenery. 

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50551358338_527f45b0c0_k.jpg)

...and one last shot of my newest motive power.  A Pacific Fast Mail 50-ton Vulcan Duplex.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50552081926_73c02bd6bb_k.jpg)

That's it for now, more to follow.

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: WoundedBear on October 31, 2020, 05:10:22 PM
Always a pleasure and an inspiration looking at your photos, Ken. Keep it up.

Sid
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: jonathan on October 31, 2020, 08:44:36 PM
Appreciate you sharing your progress.

I am Uber jealous of that duplex. She appears to be in great shape!

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: WoundedBear on October 31, 2020, 08:56:06 PM
Im thinking I could possibly scratch-bash a duplex style engine together. Might be as fun as my cab forward.

Sid
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: OLDERTIMER on November 01, 2020, 02:09:54 AM
Look's Good, Ken!
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on November 01, 2020, 01:02:01 PM
Thanks for looking everybody. 

Sid:  A couple of switchers would look interesting.  Or even 0-3-0's !

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Grumpy468 on November 16, 2020, 09:52:23 AM
Wonderful work Ken. I am really enjoying your progress, what is your secret to such realistic looking dirt roads. I am just starting to do gravel roads etc ,
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on November 16, 2020, 03:06:22 PM
Hey Grump, I use real dirt for my roads.  In the fall or spring (when I till my garden), I usually
have a big coffee can that I fill it about 3/4 full and bring it in the house to dry.  I then break
up the little clods and really shake it up a bit to get it more broken up.  I use a smaller can with
a piece of old window screen stretched over the top to give my "road" a good thick layer of sifted
dirt.  It doesn't matter how wide it is either.  Then I seal it with white glue/water.  Then put
your grasses and vegetation to the edge of the road and seal that.  Once I'm sure everything
is completely dry, (at least a couple of days), I 'scrub' the road with a really stiff 'grill brush'. 
If any little bits of 'dirt' break loose just brush them to the side of the road.

Hope this helps.

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Grumpy468 on November 16, 2020, 05:35:54 PM
I have not had good luck with real dirt persay. I have fine dirt/ silt now. but i need to figure out how to get it soaked > i didnt try soaking it with Alcohol before i soak it with a water glue mix?
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on November 16, 2020, 06:09:53 PM
I use a mist sprayer with dish detergent and water.  Mist the 'dirt' first with the
soap/water mixture. Then 'flow' on the white glue/water mixture. 
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Grumpy468 on November 16, 2020, 06:25:11 PM
ok thank you will give that a try.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on January 23, 2021, 04:50:57 PM
Well, it's been a while and I've been falling behind of Jonathan and Sheldon (both looking better and better by the
way), so I started to change things up a bit.

You remember the 'cardboard' backdrop but that where it ends.  I didn't like the grade that increased behind the school.
I decided to put a tunnel entrance there and for it come to come out up behind the mining area.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50711572172_7a6a0e4802_z.jpg)

Here's the lower end of the tunnel,  This entire corner will be 'under' a mountain.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50867162353_15e7fe5194_z.jpg)

Here's the 'topside'.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50867980622_08d5979e5b_z.jpg)

Here you can see 'both' ends.  I got a lot of work (drying time) to do.  I may put a quarry up against the mountain
alongside the mining area.  I'm still not sure what it'll be yet...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50867980302_5bd97ea772_z.jpg)

more to follow

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: jonathan on January 25, 2021, 06:11:40 AM
Ken,

Enjoying it!  Still trying to understand your track plan.  Is it all one continuous run?  Or are there multiple loops?

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on January 25, 2021, 03:25:43 PM
Jon:  It's one continuous loop.  If you look at the third photo (topside) and count the tracks from the top of the
photo to the bottom, the train visible is on track #3 going uphill.  It will come out of the tunnel portal on track #2
and be going towards the right of the photo.  It then goes around the top layer of the layout and comes back
toward the tunnel portal and enters on track #1.  When it comes out of tunnel (behind the school) it will cross
Johnny's River and go around the poor side of town and reappear on track #4 going downhill now.  It will continue           
on to the bottom level and round the lower 'turn around' in a tunnel, emerge on the large trestle and head back up
to where it is now.

Hope this helps, maybe I need to sit down and draw a serious track plan and post it.

...more to follow...

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on February 20, 2021, 04:02:10 PM
Well, I finally figured out the initial configuration of my second level mining area.
Everything that shows 'cardboard' will eventually covered with scenery.  There
may even be more mining facilities.  The few elements that I've fit in now still
need more work and finishing.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50963590071_5d6f7c0d53_k.jpg)

This upper tunnel portal will (hopefully) be 'blended' into the mine facility, as if it's attached to the mountain.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50962880148_15a682c24c_k.jpg)

This just another viewpoint of the same area from the opposite side.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50963589756_b3c5dc93fb_k.jpg)

An overall shot from the end of the second level.  Everything in the mining area is still removable.  I remove
everything, then work a little bit on the scenery, then replace a building, see how it fits, then remove it again
and make adjustments, reinstall, etc...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50963689702_5aaf740fc3_k.jpg)

This last shot gives an idea of how big the 'mountain' will eventually be.  That long horizontal piece of
cardboard in the middle of the pics is the lower end of the tunnel.  I have no idea what's going to be in
that area yet.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50962879663_9d9f09b2e4_k.jpg)

More to follow

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: jonathan on February 20, 2021, 04:58:51 PM
I get a little more impressed every time you update the layout.  You seem to take cardboard, plaster, and matchsticks (over simplification) and turn it into some very realistic looking scenes.  There's a real art to it.  Thanks for sharing your progress! 

Looking forward to more.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Grumpy468 on February 20, 2021, 06:36:15 PM
I love your landscaping, everything looks so thick and plush. I am going at mine slow, lol then i go back and add more each time. Your layout has such a nice flow to it.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: russ daley on February 24, 2021, 04:52:13 PM
Enjoyed viewing your layout. I really liked the usage of horse and carriage and old vehicles. I'm trying to find some affordable vehicles of that era. Jordon, had some nice trucks but they went out of business...Nice job Ken.   
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on February 24, 2021, 06:40:57 PM
Thanks Russ, those are Jordan vehicles and I sure wish I'd have bought more
when they were available.

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on March 11, 2021, 04:06:35 PM
Time for a little update.  Been working on buildings for my mining area.
First five pics show the tedious process of using bamboo skewers for logs/shakes/and stringers.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51026157503_fcc7d84636_z.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51026159228_7a922613f0_z.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51026160188_fd78356950_z.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51026160938_649cd476d1_z.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51026161778_6c8e811d55_z.jpg)

These next five photos show the building I'm working on.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51026994967_7be0c76a81.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51026894186_ba976b1f51_z.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51026994662_b1b1b383a3.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51026994662_b1b1b383a3_w.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51026163878_8537cc6365.jpg)

...and one more picture showing one of the more popular establishments of my layout.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51026996357_1eea5d9667_z.jpg)

That's it for now, more to follow.

Ken

Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: jonathan on March 11, 2021, 05:57:55 PM
Sweet Betsy from Pike!

Do you make your own glue, too?

Ken, I bow in your general direction. Blown away, sir.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Terry Toenges on March 11, 2021, 10:51:39 PM
Great job. Your patience far exceeds mine. I couldn't sit down and make shingles like that. I love the buildings.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Grumpy468 on March 12, 2021, 06:46:24 AM
WOW. Thank you for sharing this Ken, that is an amazing scratch built kit.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Len on March 12, 2021, 07:47:24 AM
Wow!

If you're going to keep splitting bamboo skewers for shakes, maybe you should turn an Excel/X-Acto #26 Whittling Blade into a Japanese style Take Wari bamboo splitting froe. Something like this:

(http://www.lutherie.net/runout3.jpg)

Len
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on March 12, 2021, 09:02:09 AM
Thanks everybody for your comments.

Len, I would dearly love to have a look into your toolbox ! ! !

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Len on March 12, 2021, 02:16:12 PM
Ken,

I did two tours in Japan, totalling 5-1/2 years, so there are a lot of Japanese tools in my woodworking toolbox. I really like their pull style saws. They make it much easier to stay on a straight line than using a push saw.

Len
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on March 17, 2021, 03:07:45 PM
Thought I'd slip one more picture in here showing how everything comes together.
The 'log' building on the upper right still needs a roof and maybe a couple of catwalks.
That's my next portion of construction.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51047116477_9bcdf536fe_k.jpg)

That's it for now, more to follow...

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Grumpy468 on March 17, 2021, 09:12:42 PM
Very Nice Ken. I love the weathering on the 2 Locomotives.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on April 11, 2021, 04:39:02 PM
Since my last post, I've been working on 'the new roof' for the other half of my mining complex.
This is what it's going to look like:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51109502407_9f451a650c_k.jpg)

Here's the two buildings side by side.  They'll be positioned like this on the layout.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51109976553_516e19c4a9_k.jpg)
Still have to remove a couple clothespins that I use for temporary clamps.

Here they are on the layout for a test 'fit'.  I'm going to have to move the tunnel a bit further
to the right.  Otherwise, the 'mine shaft' will go directly into the tunnel portal.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51109506262_d5e0a01684_k.jpg)

Here's just a couple more photos from different angles.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51109820679_8102a218d6_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51110072496_2c5026a148_k.jpg)
You can see the big gap in the back drop where the tunnel portal used to be and how I'm going to have
to carry the 'mountainside' a bit further to the right to create a bit of separation between the tunnel and
the mine shaft.

More to follow

Ken


Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: jonathan on April 12, 2021, 11:06:43 AM
Great stuff!

I enjoy watching a portion of your layout taking shape.  Thanks as always.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on April 23, 2021, 02:09:14 PM
Spent most of this week rearranging and removing a mining stub.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51133704651_1d8c953305.jpg)
There's only three mining stubs and the third (on the left) is also used as a switchback
for the team track that off-loads at the four locations in town.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51133926048_5d84eb27d1.jpg)
I've got the tunnel portal back in the original position by removing the fourth mining stub.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51133039467_d28f6b5fc6_z.jpg)
This is the 'back' side of the two facilities.  I've got a lot of ground work to fill in and most of
the mountain where the mining actually takes place.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51133707541_73aa665750_z.jpg)
Just another angle showing how the buildings are positioned to one another.  I may
have to connect them with a catwalk, or add more stairs and ladders.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51134487429_cbc9451da5.jpg)
A distant shot showing temporary scenery.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51134826345_4408d3a61f_k.jpg)
One last wide and distant shot.

More to follow.

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Len on April 23, 2021, 04:48:40 PM
Looking good!

Len
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: James in FL on April 23, 2021, 09:40:49 PM
That's good stuff Ken!
;)
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: jonathan on April 26, 2021, 10:55:29 AM
Ken,

Been on travel lately and haven't had a chance to check in.  Love the progress and photos.  Your layout reminds me of the cool stuff that used to be Model Railroader low these many years ago.

Thanks for sharing regularly.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on June 20, 2021, 05:49:04 PM
Been busy NOT working on my railroad, it's been literally a 'train wreck' here...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51260129486_8840650ef4_k.jpg)

I was standing in my neighbors yard when I took these photos

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51261172255_3e75520c39_k.jpg)

Four covered hoppers 'broke' loose from a switcher about two and half miles up hill.  By the time they got
back to yard they were "coasting" about 45mph upon impact.  Nobody hurt and a lot of agriculture lime
products were spilled.

I have managed to get a little bit of scenery done in the mining area though.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51260135681_2ed6110c3a_k.jpg)

...AND, I touched up a little painting on one of my Bachmann Shays and decked it
out with a complete crew.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51261177800_a10c1d14bb_k.jpg)

Hopefully, I'll get back in full gear and finish up the mining area so I can move onto
another section.

More to follow.

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on July 12, 2021, 04:27:24 PM
I finally got around to getting a little more done on my mining complex.  Here's a general view from the North.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51306586087_5bef9e5ed5_k.jpg)

Keep in mind, everything is simply stacked and wedged up against the 'wall' of sky.
Here's a couple more closer views.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51308338430_2f7688ff1d_k.jpg)

There's about a half dozen different 'landscape' sections being used here.
The very top with the trees, etc is a single thickness cardboard with large chunks of foliage glued
onto the lower part and smaller pieces going toward the top, creating a false perception of depth.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51308047124_61495d5791_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51306587152_beb8c39b0b_k.jpg)

I've still got a ways to go before it all becomes permanent.

Thanks for looking,
more to follow.

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: plas man on July 12, 2021, 04:38:18 PM
layout's looking good and just love the loco crew .
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: jonathan on July 12, 2021, 07:57:03 PM
Love watching your empire grow. Thanks, Ken!

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: jward on July 12, 2021, 08:29:33 PM
I've been meaning to ask who makes those tiny ore cars in the photos?
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Terry Toenges on July 12, 2021, 09:23:38 PM
It sure is looking good.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on July 12, 2021, 10:46:50 PM
Thanks for the kind remarks.

Jward: "Tichy Train Group" makes those neat little ore cars. 
You can find them at www.tichytraingroup.com , they've got a lot of 'detail' items
and 'add ons' .  Worth the visit.

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on January 20, 2023, 04:07:51 PM
It's been a while but this is what I've been working for the pase year or so...

Haven't really figured out what it's going to be yet though.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52638940451_d54f8bab43_k_d.jpg)

The roof comes off.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52639374570_63e282ba41_k_d.jpg)

...another view.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52638424267_45dbb97ccf_k_d.jpg)

More to come...

Ken

Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Terry Toenges on January 20, 2023, 06:08:03 PM
Ken - It's cool to be able to catch up on what everyone else has been doing since the board was down.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Grumpy468 on January 20, 2023, 08:10:30 PM
Love your wood kits Ken, very nice.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on March 07, 2023, 04:11:55 PM
A little more done on my unidentified building.  I've got the top (receiving area) framed
out.  The will be a small 'office' on the 'top' floor.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52733183973_a77ba74ea3_k_d.jpg)

Here's a few more views:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52732177182_c1f0fd17a9_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52733183803_eb486b105b_k_d.jpg)

...with the roof on.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52732177062_35c7dbefdc_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52733111735_b0d1f56401_k_d.jpg)

The entire building will be on a tailing spur added to the upper level.

More to follow

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on April 17, 2023, 10:37:07 PM
Well, I finally finished my 'Covid' building project.  I still haven't a clue if it'
going to be a brewery, distillery, or a pickling factory.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52822891113_df1b908758_k_d.jpg)

I still have to put the 'landscape' underneath the whole thing yet.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52821883042_899ee934e3_k_d.jpg)

...and more pics from different parts of my layout.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52822862235_115e2ad6fb_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52822890683_a911ce9f73_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52822862030_d29d53aa9f_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52822452226_29fab072d6_k_d.jpg)

Of course the roofs are removeable.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52822861795_4e4ff120c8_k_d.jpg)

More to follow.

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Grumpy468 on April 19, 2023, 05:08:07 PM
Very nice work Ken, keep posting.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on July 30, 2023, 02:33:12 PM
Well, I finally got a little bit of landscaping done for my lastest structure:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53082017334_f3060da8df_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53082317453_9836a67c7d_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53082317243_141cafb5ca_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53081817466_6fdcd3cbb4_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53082224760_7eaf70d7b1_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53081254847_0baeef5aa6_k_d.jpg)

More to follow,

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Grumpy468 on July 30, 2023, 05:35:48 PM
Awesome Ken. I love your layout. I need to add posters and billboards to mine as well.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on August 26, 2023, 05:10:00 PM

Thanks, Sheldon.  Those decals that you used on that kit look pretty nice too.
Are they pre-weathered or did you do that ?  I use pictures that I cut from my wifes many
magazines.  I sand the back-side so the printing doesn't show through.  I use white glue
to attach them to my wood structures.

Here's what I've been doing for the last month or so...more scenery.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53143612579_0074bcf85a_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53143404196_201e399f74_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53143612549_2245303fd1_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53143886533_6ad7f03146_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53143886313_e052748c5e_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53143403811_019961207e_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53143403831_3ccc8ec973_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53143824995_95319f4672_k_d.jpg)

That's pretty much it for now, more to follow.

Ken

Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Terry Toenges on August 26, 2023, 07:13:03 PM
Such an incredible amount of work you put into that building. Great job. I love the interior detail.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on October 05, 2023, 04:37:43 PM
Thanks Terry.  I believe the best of this hobby is impressing an impressive audience !

Got a few new things this time around.

Anybody know what the purpose of a "Blind-end caboose" ?  I thought it was interesting.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53265519099_dba00b304b_k_d.jpg)

Another brass import caboose:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53264283722_eec427758a_k_d.jpg)

Last but not least, one with interior and running lights.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53264284687_54244d4eb7_k_d.jpg)

Thanks for looking, more to follow.

Ken

Edit:  Somehow there was a problem with "disappearing photos" and I had to
       re-upload them.



Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Terry Toenges on October 05, 2023, 05:54:48 PM
I can't find the answer to "blind end". A lot of references to blind end caboose but I can't find an explanation. I  wondered if they were just box cars converted into cabeese.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Len on October 05, 2023, 08:34:00 PM
'Blind end' cabooses seemed to have started with the ATSF converting wood boxcars in the late 1800's. With their side doors, they quickly became known as 'widowmakers'. On some the ends were pushed in and an end door was added. The sill had a railing added to turn it into a platform of sorts. No steps from the platform though. Getting on/off involved pivoting to use the original boxcar stirrup. They pretty much violated every safety regulation in place by 1920, but a few survived in limited local use into the 1960's.

Len
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: trainman203 on October 05, 2023, 10:22:37 PM
The MP and TP both had the side door cabooses without any platforms. This type of caboose preceded the ones with end platforms.  The TP ones in particular lasted very long time.  They were called "muley" cabooses. Who is going to be the first to tell us what muley means.  Without going to google.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Terry Toenges on October 06, 2023, 03:04:21 AM
Not me. Not without Google.  ;D
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: trainman203 on October 06, 2023, 11:55:15 AM
The trouble with very high layouts that are easy to duck under is that you have to stand the whole time to operate them. When you get to be my age, you really can't do that anymore. Years ago I built my layout 36 inches high to not obscure existing windows too much, but now, years later, I'm glad I can sit in an office chair the whole time to run it.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: jward on October 06, 2023, 08:43:06 PM
I agree with Trainman here. I purposely originally built my layout with 48" legs years ago. Standing to run it gets old, though getting underneath to do wiring was much easier. When I moved a couple of years ago and set it up again I replaced the legs with 36: ones but it's still too high for my wheelchair bound wife to see.

By contrast, the layout I helped my dad build was about 36" and when you work the yards you can be seated. My grandfather's old layout was even lower, with 30" legs. It was a pleasure to sit and run trains, and you could easily reach into the interior of the layout to work on it, but you has to use a mechanic's creeper to work on the underside. Keep in mind that, like Ken's beautiful layout, these were mountain railroads and even a 30" height meant the lowest tracks were 32-33" and the tops of the mountains were over 4 feet above the floor.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on October 25, 2023, 03:01:46 PM
Finally arranged other abandoned buildings on the same spur as the "mystery" building.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53285357261_8fc440adc7_k_d.jpg)

There's going to be a small parking lot for 'mystery' employees as well, being
since I just added all those crossings to have access to it.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53285607443_35ab782bf4_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53285817430_6b5729a618_k_d.jpg)

I still have a bit of leveling and filling in to do.

More to follow.

Ken

Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on November 07, 2023, 02:06:50 PM
Here with a couple of pics of the progress I'm making.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53316790493_c11f03f51c_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53316790513_7c04593c5b_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53316790498_961877e9c9_k_d.jpg)

Still a bit of 'fine tuning' and blending in the edges...

More to follow.

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Tenwheeler01 on November 08, 2023, 01:32:49 PM
Man those building look great!   I also like the mountain dulcimer hanging on the wall. 
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Grumpy468 on November 13, 2023, 07:35:22 PM
WOW Ken you are coming along. Winter is here now so I am trying to spend more time on mine as well.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on November 13, 2023, 10:42:12 PM
Hey Sheldon,

It's been a while, hope everything's OK.  It'll probably a while before I get anything new up.
At a loss as to what to do next.  That's the norm for me.
looking forward to seeing any updates you may have and the sooner the better.

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on November 23, 2023, 04:30:33 PM
Nice to hear from you Sheldon, thought you might be working too hard or or something.

Just here with a little memo for anybody out there who might need a 'burn barrel' for their
layout.  Save all your #2 wood pencils.  The eraser holder work well when painted.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53352113605_d5b02b2d6b_k_d.jpg)

More to follow,

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Grumpy468 on November 25, 2023, 09:46:06 AM
Thats a great little idea. I will have to try that. Thanks for posting.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: trainman203 on November 27, 2023, 09:05:43 AM
I grew up in a small town where everybody had one of those in their backyard, everyone had a pretty big backyard in those days.  Not today. Everyone is all neurotic.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Grumpy468 on November 27, 2023, 09:10:01 AM
Yes we grew up in a small town, in the local train station. My dad was a station agent. We had rain barrels, burning barrels, and a double wide outhouse, 2 stalls no waiting.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on December 04, 2023, 04:13:27 PM
Word around the mining complex is that Gene Roddenbarry passed through during part of his time travel.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53375822566_d9a276cbbd_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53375823186_260f585ee6_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53376001448_92542b365a_k_d.jpg)

More to follow.

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on February 20, 2024, 04:33:40 PM
Seems that there's a lot of Star Trekies out there !  They sure gave my entry a lot of views.

Got my Bachmann Transfer Caboose weathered and put in to work.  A friend of mine used to work in
these cabooses back in the day.  He was definetely impressed with the detail.  He told me they
were all constructed at the "Car Shop" in Desloge, Mo.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53541848116_3bb478e7df_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53542169984_5d297f59d3_k_d.jpg)

More to follow,

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on March 09, 2024, 05:27:26 PM
Well, I finished another building for the 'farm'.  A barn.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53577655608_0496e25897_k_d.jpg)

Of course I used my usual materials, match sticks and split bamboo skewers.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53577885670_edfd3c2f66_k_d.jpg)


I used 'blue' painters tape painted black for the roof tar paper.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53577655558_96a8698681_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53577885665_9c74d97c64_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53576576407_fe7af9bcaa_k_d.jpg)

I used Jute for the straw/hay in the loft.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53577885870_1c6e28c512_k_d.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53577439146_114b9578a2_k_d.jpg)

The ladder to the loft is a Tichy Train product.

...and of course, that's a Bachmann 50-ton Climax in the background to give a
little perspective.

More to follow.

Ken




Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Grumpy468 on March 09, 2024, 05:29:56 PM
Right on Ken that looks fantastic.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on March 25, 2024, 04:20:03 PM
One can never have too many figures...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53610127717_124042508a_k_d.jpg)

More to follow,

Ken
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Terry Toenges on March 25, 2024, 05:52:07 PM
Kind of reminds me of Grandpa's hay loft minus the wasp nests.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Grumpy468 on March 25, 2024, 06:28:42 PM
Awesome, Bigfoot walking through town, nobody sees him.
Title: Re: Ken's Railroad
Post by: Ken Huck on March 27, 2024, 10:29:02 PM
Terry:  Did you also have a bunch of 'barn swallow' nests that you didn't
        like to walk under ?

Sheldon:  This photo was captured by a security camera and was in the local newspaper
          the following day, but everyone dismissed it as a hoax.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53616277955_d1262b951e_k_d.jpg)

More to follow,

Ken