I thought I would start a message thread covering my current layout under construction.
The overall layout design. It's a three level mushroom design and it will be a freelance version of the Union Pacific OSL between Ogden and the Cache Valley around 1957. In my freelance world the Utah Railway shares track rights with UP in this area as well.
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Here's a link to the layout construction photo album: http://www.onewolf.org/Album/LayoutConstruction/index.html# (http://www.onewolf.org/Album/LayoutConstruction/index.html#)
We built a detached garage/workshop last year to house the layout (amongst other things). I consider it my Florida 'basement'.
Here's the layout room (28x32) before construction on the layout started:
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Building the 'center platform' that forms the mushroom "room within a room".
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Wow!! That's big time! Look forward to meeting soon.
John
Quote from: Cuse on April 04, 2016, 05:21:11 PM
Wow!! That's big time! Look forward to meeting soon.
John
I agree with John, looks great and look forward to meeting.
Count me as following your thread. Nice to know we now have another modeler in the neighborhood.
Oh, and welcome to the thread and sorry we missed you at the Expo.
Tom
Wow, that is a big layout.
Looks like another layout to drool over.
Appears to be major construction going on. Hope you got a building permit. ;D Looking forward to watching you progress on this.
Jeff
I don't think my house is framed that good......
see ya
Bob
A layout build from scratch , thank you , will be following along.
Welcome to the forum. I will be following. With the major construction you have done, it ought to survive those Florida hurricanes.
I'll be speeding along with the construction photos in order to catch up to current state. Many more photos are included in the photo album link I provided above.
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My initial proposal for the helix occupancy status and turnout control panel:
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And the upper return loop occupancy status, turnout control, PSX breaker status:
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This highlights that the middle level needs some LED light strips in this area under the upper level 'wings' to match the lower level lighting
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Starting to work on the middle level backdrop around the center platform.
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And that brings us (almost) up-to-date with the current status of the layout construction that I started last July.
Wow! That's quite a project Doug. :D :D :D It looks like you're not too far away from the scenery stage. I can't wait to see this come to life.
I'm sorry we didn't connect up at the EXPO. I hope we get to meet you soon.
Okay , with how many people did you do this or how many months did it take you, WOW, I feel like giving up model railroading now ;-)
I really like seeing how people build their benchwork. Thanks for posting these.
Jeff
Quote from: Zephyrus52246 on April 05, 2016, 08:41:07 AM
I really like seeing how people build their benchwork. Thanks for posting these.
Jeff
What he said! dave
Quote from: Janbouli on April 05, 2016, 08:12:45 AM
Okay , with how many people did you do this or how many months did it take you, WOW, I feel like giving up model railroading now ;-)
I have 3 people working on the layout. Me, myself, and I. ;) I started working on it last July so it's been 9 months of construction.
The good news is that I have understood that this is going to be a LONG project (years). My (very optimistic) goal is to have all the mainline/helix/upper return loop/staging track/branchline/service/spur functionally complete by the end of this year (That's basically all the track with the exception of the main classification yard and loco service terminal). And then terrain and basic scenery complete about 2 years after that. The really really long pole is the structures/buildings. I estimate I will need 400-500 for the layout to be 'done'. That could take.... decades.
Doug,
Okay, well, I didn't see that coming. Great looking layout. Looking forward to getting together. I see you are using Digitrax, are you going to use the signaling system as well? 8)
Tom ;D
Quote from: ACL1504 on April 05, 2016, 09:22:29 AM
Doug,
Okay, well, I didn't see that coming. Great looking layout. Looking forward to getting together. I see you are using Digitrax, are you going to use the signaling system as well? 8)
Tom ;D
Tom, We can schedule a layout visit whenever you would like.
At this point I don't plan to implement a signalling system during the initial construction (Other than simple occupancy detection/display for the hidden track sections (lower/upper return loops and staging, helix). At some point in the future I may explore implementing a detection/signalling system, but I have enough on my 'plate' already with my current plan/schedule.
Hi,
wow,that´s a great project. You have done fantastic work on the benchwork.
Regards,Chris
Doug,
Wow! When you design a layout, you design a layout! I have always been intrigued by the mushroom concept since reading about it long ago. At the time I wondered if the degree of planning required for the benchwork would be worth the end result. It certainly looks to me like you have succeeded (and then some).
I took the time to go through all 241 photos on the first page link. I found great tips on coving corners and balancing layout lighting, just to name a couple things that stood out.
Thank you for sharing your endeavors with us.
Do you mind me asking what your first name is ( didn't see it in your posts, but I could be wrong ), this very friendly forum is for the most part on a first name basis, makes conversation easier.
I too have decades to come building my little empire , I truly believe the road to that empire is the most fun part of model railroading. And yes structures take up by far the most of your time , especially if you want to do them to this forums norms ;)
Quote from: Janbouli on April 05, 2016, 11:35:25 AM
Do you mind me asking what your first name is ( didn't see it in your posts, but I could be wrong ), this very friendly forum is for the most part on a first name basis, makes conversation easier.
Hi, my name is
Doug and I'm a train-o-holic. I like to build stuff and I like to photograph stuff.
;D ;D ;D
The more I look at this - the more astounding it is...I can't imagine that anyone on the planet has ever designed and built benchwork like this. I can't wait to see it in person and try to wrap my brain around it :o
...John
Doug,
At the rate of your build, perhaps the next EXPO should be held in Florida. Absolutely astonishing build so far and I can't wait to see upcoming posts. This is going to wunderful, wunderful. Just make sure that you keep the posts coming.
Frank / Erieman
Outstanding layout Doug, keep us posted on the progress.
Expo , in Florida , what an excellent idea, sunshine , model trains and golf , just superb.
Yes, but if they schedule it based on moderate hotel rates, it'll be in the hot part of the year.
Quote from: jbvb on April 06, 2016, 07:46:44 PM
Yes, but if they schedule it based on moderate hotel rates, it'll be in the hot part of the year.
They have that new fangled contraption called air conditioning......
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Welcome to the Forum Doug.....thanks for sharing your layout build with us, I'll be looking in. 8)
Doug,
I tried to send you a forum PM but your forum PM mail box is full.
Tom ;D
Quote from: ACL1504 on April 13, 2016, 09:57:03 AM
Doug,
I tried to send you a forum PM but your forum PM mail box is full.
Tom ;D
Tom, I cleaned up my PM message box. The PM message box limit of 3 PMs seems rather harsh.... :)
I spent five days at the Fine Scale Modeler's Expo in Danvers, MA late March/early April. It was great! And then I spent a week catching up at work. And then my gall bladder decided it "was time" so I spent a couple days in the hospital getting it removed followed by 4-5 days of recuperation. And then I got back to working on the layout.
Installing the 1/8" masonite backdrop and formica coved corners around the center platform for the middle level.
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And then I spackled/faired/sanded all the joints/seams several times.
And then I primed with Zinser 1-2-3 primer
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And then I painted the sky blue backdrop color
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I painted sections of the 2x6 beams that support the upper level 'wings' the blue sky color where they project below the upper level benchwork. I will either leave them sky blue or possibly paint them (and the upper level benchwork) flat black at some point in the future.
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At this point I'm going to install the roadbed and track for the mainline all the way around to where it enters the helix (where it climbs up to the middle level).
Doug,
You are making fantastic progress on the layout.
We enjoyed meeting you yesterday and look forward to seeing the Ogden & Cache Valley RR.
Take it easy on the layout while you recover from the gall bladder surgery. I know, easier said than done.
Tom ;D
Doug,
The backdrop progress looks great. Glad you were able to meet some of the guys. Hope to meet you soon as well.
John
Oh my! That's Incredible! (a late 70's/early 80's show I believe). Onewolf, You've just built a house inside your...house? I... like it! I've got to ask, do you need any locomotives or engines built? I know my friend Tom L. lives near but even he would need help with a couple orders. Just saying. Thanx Thom...
Hi Doug.....I enjoyed the visit this morning. Your progress and work is excellent and I look forward to future visits to check your progress.
Please feel free to drop in and see the StL&D.
Doug,
Thank you for hosting the SBG this morning. Your layout is most impressive not to mention the bench work. What a fantastic long you'll have for the Union Pacific.
Tom ;D
Doug
All I can say is - WOW! Looks great! I will be following your progress with great interest.
Doug my jaw and mouth are hanging wide open in utter amazement. Keep it up and keep us posted. GREAT WORK!!!
I've been working on laying the double track mainline as it passes through the main classification yard and loco service terminal areas.
The flex track has been glued down with clear caulk and track power feeders have been fed through to the DCC track power 10GA bus wires under the bench-work. Now I need to connect the track feeders to the track. I solder track feeders every other flex track connection (Approx every 6 feet).
You can see how 'not straight' the wall is along here....
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Gluing down the track as it turns left near the loco service terminal area.
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Continuing on towards the big loop back around where the turntable/roundhouse will be located.
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WOW!!!
I completed installing the mainline track around the center platform to the hole through the backdrop where the mainline will enter the helix (I forgot to take pictures of the installed lower level mainline :( ). I also connected 24 pairs of track feeders to the 10GA track power buses, connected the two track power buses to two different DCC Specialties PSX4 circuit breakers and connected the circuit breakers to two different Digitrax DB-150 Boosters. And then magically it all worked and I was able to run trains along 250 feet of the lower level mainline and lower level return loop with ZERO issues.
And then I started building the roadbed entrance to the helix and the helix itself. This is where the mainline track comes through the backdrop to enter the helix. I am fairing down cork roadbed in order to drop from the mainline track 3/16" foam roadbed down to the bare plywood of the helix.
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The helix roadbed will be made from overlapping 15/32" sanded plywood so the roadbed will be 15/16" thick. There railhead to railhead height is 4" so there will be only 3 1/16" clearance between the helix levels. The outside track (upward) has a 40" radius and a 1.595% grade and the inside track (downward) has a 37.5" radius and a 1.69% grade. There will be 4 1/2 revolutions to climb from 42" to 62". This is the pattern I used to cut 1/4 arcs from the 15/32" plywood. I get five 1/4 arcs per sheet of plywood and I need 36 arcs. I tried cutting 4 sheets of plywood at once and the radial saw had no trouble but the jigsaw could not cut that many sheets at once so I cut two sheets at once with the jigsaw (and that was really slow).
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These are the 3/4" plywood risers I made to establish the grade for the first level of the helix. There are 16 of them and they have 1/4" rise between each step. The remaining levels of the helix will use a constant height riser of 3 1/16" (3 1/16" + 15/16" = 4" rail to rail height).
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Here I am gluing the helix entrance roadbed where it comes in from the lower level mainline. I have also (dry) placed all the risers overlapping 1/4 arcs that make most of the first level.
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Gluing the first sections of the helix plywood roadbed. Once I finish gluing the first level roadbed I will install both the inner and outer helix tracks and then I will install track feeders (and double gaps). Then I will install the next level of helix roadbed. Each 1/2 of each track of each helix level will be an occupancy zone (double gapped). There will be 24 occupancy zones total (18 in the helix, 3 in the lower level entrance, and 3 in the middle level entrance). I will be using the RR-Cirkits BOD8 and FOB-A boards for occupancy detection and display.
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Great progress Doug. 8)
Very impressive!
Looking good Doug.
That sure is some first class work! Very impressive Doug. :D
Btw, I use a simple rich text file to keep track of 'the plan'. It starts as high level tasks but as the time for the tasks get closer I start filling in details. As tasks are complete I change the text color from black to green.
Here's a sample of the current 'plan':
Lower Level backdrop painting Tasks
Cut/Install 1/8" Masonite in window cutouts
Prime Masonite
Paint blue sky color
Middle Level Backdrop
Install 1/8" Masonite around center platform
Install Formica for coved corners
Spackle/Fair/Sand seams
Primer
Paint
Wall with windows
Install 1/8" Masonite in window openings
Blue painters tape for top of Sky Blue along wall with windows
Paint
Build/Install 2x2 wall panel above city
Inventory 1x2 prime, 2x2, 20mm wall panel
Cove corner to ceiling
Spackle/Fair/Sand seams
Paint primer
Paint blue
Lower level Mainline
Mainline Track Decision
Sell Micro Engineering Code 83 (180 @$4/each)
Buy Atlas code 83 (200) @ $4/each
Sell Micro Engineering Code 70 (36 @$4.25/each)
Install DCC Track Power bus wires (red/black 10GA)
Drill holes in 1x4 benchwork Left, Right, North/East
Booster #2 Lower Left
Booster #2 Lower Right
Booster #1 Lower North/East
Drill holes in 1x4 benchwork Center Platform
Pull red/black for Booster #1 Center Platform
Install Lower Level Turnout Bus wires (blue/black 12GA)
Drill holes in 1x4 benchwork North/East/South/West
Install bus wires North/East/South/West
Drill holes in 1x4 benchwork Center
Install bus wires benchwork Center
Install mainline foam roadbed up to homasote yard area
Taper roadbed to flush with level of homasote
Install backdrops around center platform
Install 1/8" Masonite flat backdrops around center platform
Install 6 Laminate coved corners around center platform
Spackle/fair/sand joints
Level base/plywood/foam where transition from loco service homasote to foam occurs
Glue down ¾" foam around center platform
Install Mainline Track
From lower return loop to yard
Hookup track feeders
Yard area
Hookup track feeders
Yard area to helix entrance
Hookup track feeders
Cut double gaps between booster power districts
mainline lower return loop and mainline yard
mainline yard and mainline center platform
Install PSX4 for Booster #1
Connect PSX4 input to Booster #1 track power output
Connect Center Platform Lower Level track bus to PSX4 #1
Connect Yard Area Mainline track bus to PSX4 #2
Install Status Panel LED lights for PSX4 Booster #1
Make 12 LED status light 18GA lead assemblies 6ft (8 green, 4 red)
Solder status LEDs leads to PSX4
Make display panel
Print jpg
Cut ¼" plywood panel
Mount panel
Build Entrance to helix from lower mainline
Cut/Install sub-roadbed.
Install cork roadbed
Sand/Fair cork down to bare plywood
Fair with gray caulk
Paint roadbed with Gray paint
Install 5" Atlas code 83 track extension through backdrop.
Double Gap Plastic rail joiners
Install Short segment of Peco code 100 track
Install Peco Code 100 Large turnout
Double gap both turnout outlet tracks with plastic rail joiners after clearance point
Install three track feeder pairs (each track off turnout)
Mark double track path into helix
Install double track into helix (Peco code 100)
Build helix
Make ¼ arc pattern (35 ¼" inside radius, 42 ¼" outside radius)
Use ¼ arc pattern to draw template on plywood
Cut 2 pieces of plywood, 3 times, +1 sheet (7 total sheets) = 35 arcs + template = 36 total
Cut 16 variable risers (2" – 6" with ¼" increment)
Install variable risers
Cut constant height 1x4 risers (3 1/16" – 16 per level * 3.5 levels = 56 total)
Install roadbed arcs – Glue and clamp
Caulk seams
Paint roadbed gray
Mark track path (Inside radius 37.5", Outside Radius 40")
Install track feeders between every other track segment
Repeat until helix is complete
Wire Helix Occupancy Zones
Wiring – 18 occupancy zones (yellow, orange, red, blue, brown, gray, pink, purple, green)
9 + white, 9 + black
Entrance, Exit = 6 occupancy zones total
Install 3/16 Masonite fascia around center platform lower level benchwork
Install middle level LED Layout lighting under upper level 'wings'
Install additional 1x4 boards in upper level wing benchwork
Run 12v power bus (orange/yellow) out to wings
Lower Level return loop occupancy status LED display
Run 5v power bus to lower return loop occupancy detector boards
Install 82 ohm resistors in FOB-A boards
Build 14 occupancy RED LEDs
Install BOD-8 and FOB-A boards
Install detector coils
Install status LEDs
Test occupancy zones
Run 5v power bus to helix/upper level return loop occupancy detector boards
Run 120v extension cord to helix DB-150 booster station
Install LED Status lights for PSX3 Helix Booster
Make 9 LED status light assemblies (6 green, 3 red)
Solder status LEDs to PSX4
Make display panel
Mount panel
Build upper level return loop
Build lower city base (5/8" plywood, ¾" foam)
Build lower level city backdrops
Build upper level city base (5/8" plywood, ¾" foam)
Build upper level city backdrop wall panels
Finish Upper level backdrops
I'm always impressed how many different construction techniques there are to build a helix. Yours looks like it will be one of the most solidly built ever. :) Looking through your guide, I'm interested in that you are selling your ME code 83 and replacing it with Atlas code 83, yet using Peco code 100 on the helix. On the original part of my layout, I used ME code 83, but it's kind of a pain to work with when making curves. I used Peco Code 83 on the newer portions (with ME code 83 turnouts). Why didn't you use the Peco Code 83 instead of the Atlas? IMHO the Peco looks better than the Atlas.
Jeff
In the next to last picture, it looks like you're going to have an S curve at the start of the helix, or maybe it's just the angle the picture was taken. I'd probably lay track here and make sure there are no S curve issues with your passenger cars/locos.
Jeff
Quote from: Zephyrus52246 on May 09, 2016, 09:19:36 AM
I'm always impressed how many different construction techniques there are to build a helix. Yours looks like it will be one of the most solidly built ever. :) Looking through your guide, I'm interested in that you are selling your ME code 83 and replacing it with Atlas code 83, yet using Peco code 100 on the helix. On the original part of my layout, I used ME code 83, but it's kind of a pain to work with when making curves. I used Peco Code 83 on the newer portions (with ME code 83 turnouts). Why didn't you use the Peco Code 83 instead of the Atlas? IMHO the Peco looks better than the Atlas.
Jeff
Like you, I found the ME code 83 flex to be PITA to work with. I opted for the Atlas code 83 over the Peco simply because the Atlas costs about 30% less than the Peco and I needed about 800 feet of it right now and another 500 feet when I start building the main classification yard/loco service terminal. That price difference is not small (~$500) . :o
I built the helix support structure to be 'solid' because in addition to the helix (42"-62" elevation) it also supports the upper return loop at 82" elevation.
Quote from: Zephyrus52246 on May 09, 2016, 09:26:51 AM
In the next to last picture, it looks like you're going to have an S curve at the start of the helix, or maybe it's just the angle the picture was taken. I'd probably lay track here and make sure there are no S curve issues with your passenger cars/locos.
Jeff
There is an S curve, but it's actually very mild and will be spread out over about 3-4 feet. The helix entrance track will not be following exactly the center of the roadbed in order to smooth out the S curve. I don't think it will be a problem but it will be tested thoroughly when I install that track. :)
Here's a somewhat blurry photo of the area in question. The 'S' curve was introduced because the end of center platform wall (with red squiggly line) ended up being built about 3" right of where it should have been. I think I can lay the track such that the 'S' is long and smooth enough to not cause problems. Otherwise I will get out the 16" Poulan chain saw and cut a notch in that stud on the end of that wall. :)
Good Morning Doug,
Missed meeting you at the Expo in Danvers. Wonderful build you are doing. First rate. I would like to make a suggestion regarding track suppliers that I learned while building my neighbor's layout. Did you contact the manufacture regarding a quantity discount. We contacted ME for a quantity of 800 feet and received a sizable discount. Everything arrived quickly in a one big box. Before you buy a big quantity of track, consider contacting the supplier or a wholesaler. It could be a sizeable savings.
Track gauge is a subjective one. This is my third layout using code 70. Just looks good to me.
You are doing a wonderful job on your new layout.
Frank / Erieman
Last night I painted the plywood and cork roadbed for the helix entrance and the first 3/4 of the first level of the helix. This morning I 'placed' flex track to see how bad the 'S' curve heading into the helix really is. Here is a photo of that area with 2 sections of flex track for each of the double helix tracks. For distance perspective there is about 20" between the mainline track that currently stops at the hole in the backdrop and the Peco code 100 large turnout where the track splits into the two helix tracks. There is almost 3 feet from the track at the bottom of the photo to where the flex track sections join and then another 3 ft from the joint to the turnout.
There is also an 'S' curve when the left hand turnout is thrown and the 'inner' helix track is taken.
In order to remove BOTH of the S curves I am contemplating using a RIGHT hand turnout where the diverging path takes the outer helix track. That should cleanup both S curves nicely however that would make the 'normal' upward path go through the diverging path of the turnout.
What do you guys think about that modification?
Thanks.
Doug
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I think I'd change the turnout to a RH one as well. But since all the track is basically there you could certainly test it out to see which way works best. Get the Big Boys out and some passenger cars and let 'er rip. ;D You may want to put up some temporary guard rails on the sides of the roadbed first. :o
Jeff
Quote from: Zephyrus52246 on May 10, 2016, 10:38:17 AM
I think I'd change the turnout to a RH one as well. But since all the track is basically there you could certainly test it out to see which way works best. Get the Big Boys out and some passenger cars and let 'er rip. ;D You may want to put up some temporary guard rails on the sides of the roadbed first. :o
Jeff
That sounds like a plan to me. I would try it and see how it looks.
Jim
Quote from: jimmillho on May 10, 2016, 10:47:08 AM
Quote from: Zephyrus52246 on May 10, 2016, 10:38:17 AM
I think I'd change the turnout to a RH one as well. But since all the track is basically there you could certainly test it out to see which way works best. Get the Big Boys out and some passenger cars and let 'er rip. ;D You may want to put up some temporary guard rails on the sides of the roadbed first. :o
Jeff
That sounds like a plan to me. I would try it and see how it looks.
Jim
Actually the track has only been 'dry placed', not installed so all I would have to redo to change to a RH turnout is the cork roadbed where it transitions from the 3/16" mainline roadbed down to the bare plywood. I think that will be worth the effort.
Here's what that track section looks like with a RH turnout instead of the LH turnout. I think it looks much better (functionally). I rebuilt the transition cork roadbed this morning, caulked, and painted so I am ready to actually start installing track this evening.
Doug
Looks better Doug.....that should work a bit better. 8)
Quote from: GPdemayo on May 11, 2016, 08:24:42 AM
Looks better Doug.....that should work a bit better. 8)
I will second that.
Jim
Doug,
Your layout build is just plain awesome. I noticed on the daily post page that you were going hunting for granite. If you don't mind, I would like to make a couple of suggestions. Whatever color or material you buy, buy enough to do the entire railroad. I found that out the hard way. Back when I started my layout, I bought a few bags at a time. Then I noticed the color difference only to find that the manufacturer was getting his material from different places or that the manufacturer had sold his business to someone else. I mentioned this to Tom Langford ACL 1504 and also mentioned the supplier - Arizona Rock and Mineral here in Pauldin, Arizona. We went and got Tom a big box then John Siekirk delivered it to Tom at one of the prior Fine Scale Expo's. There is another person out here building a 4,000 sq. ft. layout of his version of the UP from Ogden to Cheyenne. If you would like, I could you the name of the rock color. I know that he is or has purchased his rock from Arizona Rock. Just asking. Always to glad to be of help. Keep up the great work and love your story. Very nice indeed.
Frank / Erieman
Quote from: Erieman on May 14, 2016, 04:23:51 PM
Doug,
Your layout build is just plain awesome. I noticed on the daily post page that you were going hunting for granite. If you don't mind, I would like to make a couple of suggestions. Whatever color or material you buy, buy enough to do the entire railroad. I found that out the hard way. Back when I started my layout, I bought a few bags at a time. Then I noticed the color difference only to find that the manufacturer was getting his material from different places or that the manufacturer had sold his business to someone else. I mentioned this to Tom Langford ACL 1504 and also mentioned the supplier - Arizona Rock and Mineral here in Pauldin, Arizona. We went and got Tom a big box then John Siekirk delivered it to Tom at one of the prior Fine Scale Expo's. There is another person out here building a 4,000 sq. ft. layout of his version of the UP from Ogden to Cheyenne. If you would like, I could you the name of the rock color. I know that he is or has purchased his rock from Arizona Rock. Just asking. Always to glad to be of help. Keep up the great work and love your story. Very nice indeed.
Frank / Erieman
Quote from: Captain, Road Prison 36
What we've got here is... failure to communicate.
We were quite successful in our 'granite shopping' and it would make expensive ballast but should look great in our kitchen ;)
"Quid Pro Quo"
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I see the wifey took her cabinet door to get the proper match! Looks great!
Tom ;D
Back from a week in Portugal (business trip) and getting back to work on the layout.
Photos of the mainline track as it leaves the yard/loco service area and heads around the center platform. I have turnouts for a siding that will help service spurs for a large number of industries around the center platform area.
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I'm using FastTracks 40" radius Sweepsticks while gluing down the outside track of the helix.
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The inside track has been soldered and dry placed.
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I altered the turnout where the mainline splits into the inner and outer helix tracks from being a left hand to a right hand turnout to resolve two 'S' curves.
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I temporarily installed a scrap piece of 1/8" masonite as a proof of concept/test for enclosing the helix (eventually). It seemed to be fairly sturdy but I may try a piece of 3/16" masonite to see how that does.
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I test fit a couple more 1/2" plywood roadbed arcs to see how the spacing when the helix makes a complete circle and starts covering the lower levels.
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A good use for cheap Publix root beer: Gluing down the inner helix track.
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I installed a plywood panel where booster station #3 is located. Booster #3 will power a DCC Specialties PSX3 and PSX-AR. The PSX3 has three power districts: helix, upper level left, and upper level right. The PSX-AR will power the upper level return loop and staging tracks.
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I have started working on the helix track power bus infrastructure.
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Each half of each track (inner/outer) of each level in the helix will be an occupancy zone. There are 4 1/2 laps/levels for the helix so there will be 18 occupancy zones within the helix (and 3 occupancy zones for each the helix entrances (lower/upper)) for a total of 24 occupancy zones. Each occupancy zone requires a track power bus. For the helix I plan to use 9 different 12GA wire colors (brown, gray, yellow, orange, red, green, blue, purple, pink) paired with white on the left half and paired with black on the right half for the track bus (18 total color combinations).
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Wow, sure glad I have only two wires in the whole layout. other than drops.
Quote from: ak-milw on May 22, 2016, 08:24:58 PM
Wow, sure glad I have only two wires in the whole layout. other than drops.
Occupancy zones are killing me in that respect....
I made progress on the helix over the 3 day Memorial Day weekend. I found the DAP Alex Plus was not a strong enough adhesive between the painted plywood and the track where the track is double gapped for occupancy zones so I switched to DAP Dynaflex 230 for most of the Helix track and DAP 3.0 in the 12" sections of track adjacent to the double gaps. The DAP 3.0 is very thick, tacky, and not as user friendly (not water soluble, etc), but it provides an extremely strong bond.
These photos show the completion of the third lap/level and the start of the fourth lap/level.
I also have a photo showing the vertical clearance inside the helix. I am running the track power feeder wires along the bottom of the plywood roadbed to the inside of the helix where they will connect to the track power bus wires. I am modelling the mid/late 1950s period and I won't have double stacks so hopefully there should be plenty of vertical clearance in the helix.
As anyone who has designed/built a helix knows, it's all about the trade-off of size (radius), vertical clearance and grade %. I want to keep the grade as low as possible in order to allow long trains, and to minimize to size of the giant blob in the center of the room, so minimizing the vertical clearance became a necessity. :)
Doug,
Very impressive looking layout build ! Thanks for sharing your progress photos and story will follow along too ... ;)
Tommy
What an amazing job on this! I am going to use these photos as reference for my plan of dropping the track below the bench for a turn around. thank-you for posting!
I have completed the basic helix construction with the exception of the helix exit track at the top. I realized at the last minute I had run out of Peco code 100 large right hand turnouts and I had to order several more on Saturday. This delay will allow me to finish up wiring the track power in the helix while waiting for the turnouts.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20160524_195556.jpg&hash=c37815e2502de052953b40246b2665e96a35f9e9)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20160528_063814.jpg&hash=f64d1e2779a36dd82baa1da402dc980de0484458)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20160528_072141.jpg&hash=89a93fa5da252bef3dd7089cdbbfa4cc14645286)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20160528_153008.jpg&hash=b4681c8dfbb31982c8f9388cb3c23963433fc6da)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FP5291727.JPG&hash=fe16b286f50dabad52c4c28d95e04878c89dd5c5)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20160529_144457.jpg&hash=c0c7eb49a9a15ef58385172be2d33755277b37df)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20160602_063741.jpg&hash=90737795a8160349f5b84b4095b48b62657bd6e6)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20160602_063753.jpg&hash=0955ce9fa2fe2c8203f0689686d591da3a54dd60)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20160603_070230.jpg&hash=3d6e10c2975153edfb3a56e3f7fa296c59f7ca3f)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20160604_202131.jpg&hash=07261838c674bbb4c6768117d9f8ccbfca0e58fc)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20160604_202143.jpg&hash=5e01066a82b0bfd2d296567a6a60ef3a7da48190)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20160604_095441.jpg&hash=138e19d715f508bcbfb6f26c87e3171b365c7583)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FP6061734.JPG&hash=6b62527e4ef1231f59b7515b7e64b77cf7d5a7b1)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FP6061736.JPG&hash=ddbc08985ba69cbd2f1a2385cc610f045b484b7d)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FP6061738.JPG&hash=030eab6fdaa8ea3e84df82dbfa3c302cd608a782)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FP6061733.JPG&hash=f32c67c360966a60107765564cfdb5644ea2ec1b)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20160530_152916.jpg&hash=ac2bed1dbcd1db61dc33a0d2d63119ca04cbdd7f)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20160601_063211.jpg&hash=8f7ca9b31eac652acdd71f06ae6a97cae943a31d)
Is that blood on the towels on the last photo? ugh...
dave
What happened there was that I had dropped a rail joiner on the floor the day before and it magically disappeared (like they do). The next day I was gluing/clamping more risers in the helix when I noticed the 'renegade' rail joiner on the floor. I immediately bent over to pick it up and I scraped my forehead about 2" worth on one of the large clamps I had just setup. Many expletives sallied forth !$#@!!*^!! and then the blood started flowing down my face. The blood leakage stopped fairly quickly so I continued building....
PS: That's the second paper towel I was using to pat down the scrape after I continued building/bleeding. The first paper towels were pretty well soaked in blood. :)
Some people really put "Blood, Sweat and Tears" into their work. ;) ;) ;D ;D
Jim
People with hair don't realize how much even a little bit of hair protects your head. Any scratch in my baldness creates lots of blood :-(
dave
Good progress. They won't have to look too hard for a sample of my DNA on/around my layout either.
OK ....
This begs a rather embarrassing story...
When I was standing up my bench work about ten years ago, I was using industrial screws and a Makita cordless,
I was cooking along and chose to hold two 1x4s together with my hand rather than clamping. Clamping takes too long when I'm flat rating. An old mechanic's term.
A screw came out of a box that was the correct length to have nothing sticking out the back. Wrong...... a miss matched screw a half inch longer was mixed in.
I didn't notice and promptly ran the screw into my finger on the back side........ Owwwwww ! ! ! !
But Wait ! ! !
I had the presence of mind not to jerk my finger away.......... I fumbled around.. one handed.... reversed the drill and backed the screw out. It hurt but at least my finger didn't look like a big Mac.
sad but true..
see ya
Bob
About 25-30 years ago, I was holding a board as I was drilling a 1/4" hole. The drill went through the wood and into my palm. Fortunately, I managed to miss all the bones in my hand...
dave
I struck my head on the end of a Irwin Bar Clamp when I stood up after being under the layout once. I bought a hard hat the next day and nearly always use it when I'm under the layout, or on the ladder.
Jeff
Cross posted from daily chat.....
I've been working on the layout getting ready to start laying the mainline track on the middle level. I have also been theorizing about possible solutions for a potential (minor) issue that needs to be resolved at some point: Unless I do something, the tortoise turnout control motors for the 12 middle level turnouts will be rather visible under the middle level fascia.
See attached photos. The first one shows the view from _my_ perspective. The second shows the view from a 5 ft tall person's perspective. The third photo is from 6'10" tall perspective.
Possible options I have considered:
#1) Don't worry about it. It's not the end of the world.
#2) Increase the height of the middle level fascia from 4" to 5 1/2". I like the look of the current 4" fascia height with the exception of the visible tortoises.
#3) Use the Tortoise remote activator kits and mount the tortoises horizontally near the back of the benchwork.
#4) Find a 'shorter' alternative to Tortoise like servo motors
#5) Use manual ground throws since they are all accessible locations.
#6) Since they are Peco turnouts they have positive throw mechanism and don't _need_ to be powered or ground throw
#7) ????
Advice/Recommendations?
Thanks.
Doug
One other option: Paint the Tortoise motors to match the fascia, or at least cover them with little pieces of brown store bag, so they're not as obvious.
dave
Here is a link to a low profile switch machine suitable for a shelf layout.
http://www.modelrailroadcontrolsystems.com/mp1-switch-motor/
By the way, your layout is looking great.
Re: 6 I have operated on a layout where the owner really wants everyone to throw Peco turnouts by pushing the throwbar, not the points themselves. He said this is because pushing the points is much more likely to break them loose in the long run.
Doug,
Any updates? As fast as you've been, you are probably doing scenery by now.
Inquiring minds and all that.
Tom ;D
Doug:
I just finished reading the entire thread about your build of the layout. Your bench work is magnificent. Have fun working and planning your new layout. :) :)
Stay cool and run steam...... 8) 8)
Doug,
Hope all is well. Are you still building the layout? Any updates?
Tom ;D
I'm back after about a 4 month 'break' from model railroading. A conspiracy of distractions kept me busy with 'other' stuff but now the focus is back on layout building.
#1) As a part of the "deal" (quid pro quo) for building the detached garage/workshop/layout built we remodeled the kitchen and redid about 1200 sq ft of floors. This kept me busy for almost two months. Photo album: http://onewolf.org/Album/KitchenRemodel/index.html
#2) We had our first real vacation scheduled in almost three years (rented a house in the Florida Keys the first two weeks of October). This required me to catch up on several years of deferred maintenance on our boat/trailer which took several weeks. Unfortunately Hurricane Matthew prevented us from taking this vacation and it has been rescheduled for next May.
#3) Two weeks for a (business) trip to India.
#4) I spent the time to build and develop loads for two new long range precision rifles (284 Win and 223 Rem for my wife)
Over the last three weeks I've made significant progress on the layout (except for last week when I was in Chicago all week for a Microsoft workshop).
Finished building the helix structure and installing the track. This is the start of the track power wiring. There are 22 occupancy zones in the helix so there are 22 sets of track bus wires.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20160610_064817.jpg&hash=e2186eebac9293da3dc0fbcbe48f3dab1ec31f1f)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20160610_064825.jpg&hash=f2b4ba40bf40effbfb4b6dd8eeabf7232666de25)
The track as it leaves the helix and enters the middle level.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4155.JPG&hash=c01d898c45ae67a58281b11910cc9c4dd900343f)
Building the 3/4" plywood subroadbed along the 'nolix' for the climb from the middle level (62" elevation) to the bridge that crosses the aisle into the upper level (79" elevation).
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20160715_165627.jpg&hash=fa0d36c8c8e8aefa7378719697db9bd65f833a74)
There is approx 150 ft of mainline track on the middle level (including the nolix). I have installed and wired all the mainline track (and passing siding) up to the bridge that crosses the aisle. One thing I noticed was that before I installed additional power district PSX breaker zones and double gapped the track I was able to run a locomotive all the way along the ~150 ft of track with a single set of track feeders. :)
There will be numerous service spurs around the center platform of both the lower and middle levels.
I painted the lower level pink foam a 'test' brown color to subdue the pinkness.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4157.JPG&hash=510ece92c9877ca3c2b3d4df68a2b02de8cd5db0)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4158.JPG&hash=5ff1dfda577c7d653a63b232ed520d1b4c58e2cf)
Middle level passing track.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4161.JPG&hash=432d80ccb0f77c23c52ec0a64e8f93f903869a1d)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4162.JPG&hash=7f3f14b080f43d4da6d504af17a6f5967a5a42b5)
The start of the 'nolix'.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4165.JPG&hash=5ddbf5c46b7bf8e8e2fe050c96ad1e48fb1b738b)
The 60 ft run along two walls of the nolix will be a canyon wall with scenery/terrain reaching within a foot or two of the ceiling. There will also be a 3ft long trestle/bridge in this corner.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4170.JPG&hash=267a79f076fc95cf96ed64d6e3af16d904eed1b9)
This will all be canyon wall.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4173.JPG&hash=12099dc671ced769ac2e67903e9d62ff7b3bf0c6)
There is 41" elevation difference (38" - 79") between the lower return loop and the middle level mainline where it reaches the bridge that crosses above the aisle into the upper level.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4175.JPG&hash=7f99fde2f1e34d3ec190d9df640e223640c7ec85)
I plan to detail the bridge to look like a LONG plate girder bridge. The bridge span is 90". If I get really ambitious I may build the bridge to look like a truss bridge of some sort.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4176.JPG&hash=6b7355fb862d903daf366f022605ff427194b10a)
I'm now going to basically finish the blue backdrops in the upper level before starting to install the upper level mainline track.
I had originally planned to butt join the backdrops in these two red highlighted corners of the upper level but I subsequently decided they would look much better if the backdrops are rounded/coved so I am reengineering these areas. I plan to finish the upper level backdrops before I start laying the upper level mainline track.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4179a.jpg&hash=327862e4ba31a67c07dc4770832b50c225d10770)
After taking out the backdrop panel for redesign/rebuild.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4180.JPG&hash=ff4330691370614a46523624c1cc0961a494578c)
Last night I finished installing the 1/8" backdrop with curved corners in the center area of the upper level. I have 2 more 'corners' to fix to allow me to install curves rather than butt-joined backdrop. After I finish those I will start the finishing process of patching/fairing/sanding/repeat and then prime/paint the backdrops.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4181.JPG&hash=2f6e28364d1b5b180390f5b59145705a3193a4e8)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4182.JPG&hash=3a29805e3c7f6390a57c47a51c9160f422b2f2f8)
Great progress Doug..... 8)
Very nicely done Doug. :) 8)
Stay cool and run steam....... 8) 8)
Wow Doug really on a roll now.
Quote from: Janbouli on December 14, 2016, 04:40:07 PM
Wow Doug really on a roll now.
Doug,
Well done sir, very well done. I like the curved back drop. The rounded look flows with the eyes much better.
Wonderful work!
Tom ;D
Good Morning Doug,
Amazing is all I can add. A kitchen remodel, a vacation, the railroad project and more, WHEW, that is a lot of work and everything looks great. Glad to see you back posting. Keep up the great work.
Frank / Erieman
Lately I've been working on the upper level backdrops. I plan to get them installed and painted basic sky blue before installing the upper level mainline and upper return loop/staging tracks.
I finished installing the 1/8" masonite and I have started patching the screw holes and seams. I am hoping that two mud/fair/sand coats will be enough for a smooth backdrop. There's about 100 linear feet of backdrops in the upper level currently. After the upper level return loop/staging track is installed/functional I will install about another 16 feet of backdrop.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4191.JPG&hash=603a46520829845076c0d57d16d569d660f2a7a1)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4193.JPG&hash=49b0273cb5a0c30801ef461c721bdfb2e59549ab)
After sanding the screw hole patches.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4194.JPG&hash=fd6cd7ac4243b5bd636254baf470c09b3dcf8222)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4195.JPG&hash=548e6b0af3d8ead69d208744526c238ab3a364a1)
I'm speechless. That is an absolutely amazing undertaking!
John
Quote from: Cuse on December 28, 2016, 04:44:01 PM
I'm speechless. That is an absolutely amazing undertaking!
John
Doug,
Double speechless! The work and layout is simply amazing as John said.
Tom ;D
This week I've been working on the upper level backdrop. I got a coat of primer on this morning and I plan to paint the sky blue color this afternoon. I was thinking I would do a two color light/dark fade but I have subsequently assessed my painting skills and decided to go with a solid slightly darker blue and then I will spray some white haze around the lower portion of the backdrop.
I made a panorama photo of the upper level with the primer coat this morning as well.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FFiles%2FUpperBackdropPanorama.jpg&hash=6abb9a426c5bdb2187a1b5665a40fc018635f7aa)
Doug
You are moving right along - it looks great. Please keep sharing your work - I'm really enjoying the thread.
The slightly darker shade of blue for the upper level backdrops. For some reason the photo makes the blue look darker than it does in reality. I still need to cut in the very top near the ceiling. I plan to use white spray paint to create some 'haze' on the lower area of the backdrops.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4210.JPG&hash=72382fb64dcbc8672636dce818732bb68f6fa467)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4212.JPG&hash=8376243f1360ab3ee7dc5340b052f45117a591c1)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4211.JPG&hash=4d6d59b8ece52f55ee209a84c61ed439cb794548)
Am I the only one that thinks the facia like that or maybe with a coat of protective varnish would look great.
Quote from: Janbouli on December 30, 2016, 06:36:23 PM
Am I the only one that thinks the facia like that or maybe with a coat of protective varnish would look great.
I plan to eventually install painted beadboard panels to cover the bare plywood.
I spray painted some white 'haze' and then I removed all the plastic sheeting and did a thorough cleanup of the dust and schmootz created while fairing/sanding/painting the backdrop. Now I'm ready to start installing plywood sub-roadbed for the upper level mainline.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4213.JPG&hash=532dbc02acfb631fe741b79fe244f807774107cf)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4214.JPG&hash=c6d84b172aeb821d7744786afe750fdc164a85c9)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4216.JPG&hash=404aabb9286dc0ea9c4abfb6f76de3cbb91832b4)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4220.JPG&hash=828acdeb3e831dedaf2e44a8baba46cb3be1763a)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4217.JPG&hash=c1efaf0d966c2db050d78352c12ed7d533e32997)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4219.JPG&hash=c0b4aa51236a7a310285006f71914625d433659b)
Doug,
The backdrop looks fantastic. Great job.
Tom ;D
What Tom Said!!
Doug
The backdrop and layout construction look great.
I installed LED strip lights for the middle level under the upper level 'wings'. This is the right side wing.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4224.JPG&hash=f64692a431aa77eea293600ea235e72c03cb775e)
And the left side wing. I also added a short light strip for the lower level corner as there had been a dark spot there previously.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4225.JPG&hash=4160e816b9e6ed8b51810f4c72f796bc7d4c5576)
I am starting the cut and dry place the 3/4" plywood sub-roadbed for the upper level track.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4226.JPG&hash=c8648cabbee27ffa8cd5b68198e0905c42c0fad7)
There is a passing track along the mainline in the left 'wing'. The radii of the large curve area is 42" (mainline) and 44 1/4" (passing track).
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4228.JPG&hash=275d51c25e0a76102a218b2435e864686575867e)
I am starting to install the Woodland Scenics 3/16" foam roadbed for the upper level mainline and passing track.
The WS foam roadbed in 24ft rolls is very easy to install quickly, but it's much softer than cork or homasote roadbed so it tends to deflect a lot when pushed (which allows the track to move more than I would prefer). Another issue is that you cannot sand it down to fair it when transitioning from mainline roadbed to no roadbed.
I am using DAP Dynaflex 230 (gray) to affix the roadbed to the plywood.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170105_065148.jpg&hash=ea82adcb8209579f0517435fab114dec5ee26fb0)
There are three #8 turnouts along here (farthest to nearest: passing track return, helper engine pocket (for designated helper climb district), and finally the Cache Valley Branch line turnout)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170105_065218.jpg&hash=5b8ef0742512d0ac23e788de25ac2b78c64775ce)
Wow! :o That's really something. Thanks for sharing. I'm certainly going to be following along. I can't wait to see how this turns out. :D
Onewolf:
All I can say is WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! You have really done a beautiful job with this so far. Can't wait to see some scenery and structures.
Karl
I've been working on the upper level return loop/staging track subroadbed for the last several days.
The mainline track will transition from the WS 3/16" foam roadbed to bare plywood in the hidden upper return loop.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4231.JPG&hash=662369b4033fe2d5901db223f18115d1a3c95609)
The upper return loop is at elevation 82" above the room floor and 52" above the center platform floor.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4230.JPG&hash=57321c5640c5551f822295301d157762617c6fc7)
There will be large agricultural facilities and small town (Franklin, Idaho) 6.5" above the upper return loop.
The outside track (mainline) of the return loop will have a 41" radius and there will be 5 staging tracks inside with the smallest radius being 29 3/4".
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4234.JPG&hash=e923b4b62ebafd1e2ebd4bb0ab8a4f58c315b6d6)
I just painted the plywood and the paint is still wet.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4237.JPG&hash=be3b32182b3d21c3eb6e784ab6803606a860e6a1)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4239.JPG&hash=294f906394ab7caa37f4ce065b13ba113be8b3f5)
I built both turnout ladders for the upper return loop staging tracks and I drilled the holes for the tortoise turnout motors. I only have one obstructed location where I will mount the tortoise offset to the side.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff269%2FOnewolf42%2F20170111_053332.jpg&hash=07ec38cb7ffdfc8f1abd7d2243c809f475b1d84b)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff269%2FOnewolf42%2F20170111_063615.jpg&hash=691074299defc4b184f03a2a991bfe8fad175e42)
40+ inch radii will be nice for large steam and full-size passenger cars. All I could manage in my attic was 36".
Gluing down the outside return loop track (mainline). I use DAP Dynaflex 230 clear to glue the flex track. I tack down turnouts and Atlas rerailer assemblies.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4245.JPG&hash=74a8c8436641d3c71a91f3b5264a352cdee596c5)
Shows the relative height of the return loop from the center platform floor. The center platform floor is 30" above the room floor and the upper return loop is 52" above it (82" absolute elevation).
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4246.JPG&hash=e332c48488a46bdd8fe46ee05ff83465aef28200)
The view of the helix and upper return loop from the lower main aisle.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4248.JPG&hash=289ae30a1100e7bd7110e29c4fe28540f284aa08)
The Walthers #8 curved turnout and entrance tracks for the upper return loop staging track ladders. You can also see the mainline track on the middle level level below (20" rail-to-rail elevation difference - 62" vs 82").
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4249.JPG&hash=03fc29b1bedabdb8f2abf96e00ea18c115cbd3b4)
Gluing down the first staging track loop. The second staging track has also been soldered and dry placed.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4250.JPG&hash=02bf87bb7833f2676747f1306c03361e9e6ac35d)
The second staging track dry placed (not glued yet).
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4251.JPG&hash=0135079c7c077cad7d1bd280f1748ac7baa8937d)
Gluing down the second staging track.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4253.JPG&hash=57af004f30b8abda37d1abd00de912e6e0a451ae)
The track for the upper return loop and staging tracks is complete. Now I'm going to start working on the mainline track leading from the bridge over the aisle to the return loop. Note the lower return loop on the left of the photo. It is functionally identical to the upper return loop.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4255.JPG&hash=25f7fdb6edb18fe67b2e7d02d296e6520fcddad6)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4266.JPG&hash=2f0bfbeba64b822b8ef2e15869388d5f7807519d)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4258.JPG&hash=40109b1a349deca61935e77df9b40b243ca6ebd8)
Looking from the exit of the bridge over the aisle along the mainline track. the first turnout to the right is probably going to be to service a cattle/hog farm/ranch.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4260.JPG&hash=157194aa4a5605d63a3b3c38fac2417e8e731529)
Working on laying the mainline track out around the left 'wing'. There is also a passing track in this area I will be installing next.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4259.JPG&hash=acb69cc3ff8ac1f132e0d99b1fbb756d5cddfea0)
You can see the roadbed for the passing track on the left of the mainline.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4263.JPG&hash=44a8ec3424608a6dce477ef279d68d7882ed57fb)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4264.JPG&hash=c6d4021f5ad9ec420d14d36f5e060de13b6b1678)
I finished installing the upper level mainline track from the bridge over the aisle around to the upper level return loop. I installed track feeders and the 10GA THHN track power bus as well.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4366.JPG&hash=11e7b2602c8fc0fba23d3e8438d924699c4abd45)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4369.JPG&hash=fd0614b99bd2c1c722bd0b5ce27f59c68d504e4e)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4367.JPG&hash=ce1a7c93bda3b96c083327c862ce0290bd5ce0ad)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4370.JPG&hash=119b1ff901714c37882a0ae958c9a18b7b551293)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4368.JPG&hash=654cae9451fb6b318a70176365023eabe0bc670d)
This is how I install Tortoise turnout motors when there is an obstruction underneath that prevents mounting them directly under the turnout points. In ths case (the Walthers #8 curved turnout for the return loop) the LED lights for the middle level forced me to offset the Tortoise mount.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4376.JPG&hash=97e35f9bef352fd3721f9b9b09d4d7b0f807c461)
An offset mount in one of the upper return loop staging track ladders. I ended up having to offset mount 4 of the 11 turnouts that make up the upper return loop/staging tracks.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4374.JPG&hash=9159aec3ddb8c236554b6c97a7a92f2766c531ab)
A test/prototype of the upper return loop control/status panel. Once I am happy with the layout and functionality of the three control/status panels (lower return loop, helix, upper return loop) I plan to have nice etched plexiglass panels made.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4351.JPG&hash=0c38ce2aa7378fc0f3f9a7a795073bccc041bf1e)
Hinges out for access.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4352.JPG&hash=290be86a777b67137de6eb64b73331367ea2e5a1)
These are the turnout control boards (NCE Switch-8 mk2, Switch-It mk2, button board) that control the 10 staging track ladder turnouts.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4355.JPG&hash=a48d5073f1f757fcdc8fac132629477e64481b25)
Control station #3 controls/powers the Helix, Middle level center, upper level, and upper return loop.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4361.JPG&hash=6729e783d83413410fab5e13bdbfe397cbcd2365)
I still have some wire tidying to complete. There is just barely enough room for me to stand/work in there.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4362.JPG&hash=b1b1ac5ea9a0e10a3290a5e62241307e4d598f9b)
Here's the 'hole' in the benchwork I stand in to work on the upper level turnout control components (If I can't reach from the control/status panel access hole).
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4364.JPG&hash=59bd77327fb26a0561e3149d9c80de28330368ca)
I'm starting to add the 2x4 risers that will support the 3/4" plywood and 3/4" foam that will cover about half the upper return loop and provide the base for Franklin, Idaho 6" above the return loop track.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4372.JPG&hash=41fc7491b240a681035e2ae3d6e82e3aabcc8716)
The diagonal 1x2 shows how the backdrop partition wall will line up. The upper level return loop on the right will be covered and on the left will be exposed (however it's 82" above the room floor so it won't be readily visible).
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4373.JPG&hash=691d6c06ef02fbf73e9eba18998c01adfd84435a)
The 4ft level shows how much space there will be below the 3/4" plywood base/cover. It looks like trains on the staging tracks should be reasonably visible as they approach the fouling points (Atlas rerailers). I may install an LED strip to the bottom of the 3/4" plywood in this area to improve visibility of the staging tracks, but based on this view it may not be necessary.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4377.JPG&hash=6b7ebed509ab0f1910b7132916f6a197862f1d48)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4380.JPG&hash=34a9f3d78c2e7da359b2f432e5c78a1307bd88d1)
Nice wiring. Elegant control panel as well, with easy access. Will look even better with the finished plexiglass. Very nice.
Jeff
I'll simply repeat my earlier post - Wow! :o This is something else. Top notch work/craftsmanship plus you're moving along at speed I can't even begin to comprehend. :D
Quote from: ReadingBob on January 29, 2017, 12:10:23 PM
I'll simply repeat my earlier post - Wow! :o This is something else. Top notch work/craftsmanship plus you're moving along at speed I can't even begin to comprehend. :D
I would have to echo Bob's Words. Great Job.
Jim
Incredible job.
I cut and placed the first piece of 3/4" plywood that will cover about half of the upper return loop.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170129_130113.jpg&hash=6deda455c34c989f5d374f7cd8825bc022180e9d)
After cutting and placing the second piece of 3/4" plywood.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170201_043441.jpg&hash=4f2c2f43a1d03f3bbec1bd193a25b3d158f7df38)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170201_043506.jpg&hash=987d616394a8ae2744174ff16a5533300286b6e9)
A view of the space under the plywood for the upper level return loop track. I will be adding additional support risers under the plywood on the left side.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170201_043536.jpg&hash=2dc0cf614120c90aa7bcd824c81d1d9e9c5bcf8e)
I finally finished installing the 2ft carpet tiles in the center platform.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170201_063350.jpg&hash=f30148a7b69926ad0408b02d2809461f387ffb2c)
The center platform floor is about 16ft x 10ft (on one end) x 8ft (on the other end). And the helix/upper return loop Blob projects into the space by about 3 ft.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170201_063422.jpg&hash=7a428f14f4b1e551ae98b24607342caf0714275c)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170201_063437.jpg&hash=0db963ef312833e5b068f8d029a2b3e0dfcc57ab)
Very nice work! This is going to be a great layout. I'm enjoying watching it come together - great build thread.
You're doing an incredible job. I look forward to seeing your progress.
Haha, nice artistic carpets, love the colors, what a layout this will turn into.
Quote from: Janbouli on February 01, 2017, 03:10:42 PM
Haha, nice artistic carpets, love the colors, what a layout this will turn into.
The color is called 'cheap'. :)
I sure wish I was your plywood salesman, it looks fantastic so far
Starting to work on the wall panels that will complete the "room within a room" and the final upper level backdrops will mount to.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170201_192728.jpg&hash=bdc0f8dbb2f8b5ff9cebc086c2e47fa40bd0fcf3)
I have decided that I need to move the near end of the diagonal wall panel in about 2 1/2" to provide a smoother backdrop corner. This means I need to make additional cuts on both pieces of plywood.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170201_193145.jpg&hash=fdd446106da4327ad18c6ea9c7755a80617755fe)
Great work in all regards!
You could quit now and it would still be a shoo-in for the benchwork all-time greats award!! Can't wait to see the continued progress.
John
Quote from: Cuse on February 02, 2017, 08:39:09 AM
Great work in all regards!
You could quit now and it would still be a shoo-in for the benchwork all-time greats award!! Can't wait to see the continued progress.
John
Well as far as the amount of benchwork.... I had a very long 'Druthers' list and a very short 'Givens' list over the ten years I spent off and on designing the 'new' layout. Since the layout was going to be located in a non-existent detached garage/workshop I had very little constraint on the size/shape of the layout. Over time I discovered that a three level mushroom design met my long list of 'Druthers' criteria and I eventually came up with a detailed enough design that I was able to design a detached garage/workshop to house the layout (and model workshop, woodshop, etc).
As far as construction of the layout my plan has been (and still is) to complete the structural benchwork/infrastructure as much as possible before doing anything other than basic track laying (like for instance terrain/scenery). Because of the scale of the project I try to batch mode process as much as possible in order to find as much efficiency as possible. The good news I'm almost complete with the benchwork/infrastructure projects. The remaining projects are:
- Building/installing platform and backdrops for the upper return loop
Building the subroadbed/roadbed and laying the track for the Cache Valley Branch
Building/installing the platform and backdrops above the lower return loop (City of Ogden)
Enclosing the Helix
My goal is to have all that done by the end of April. At that point I plan to focus on:
- Installing the occupancy zone detection/display components
Installing all the service tracks and spurs
The main classification yard and locomotive service terminal will be the final track project. Hopefully I can get that done by the end of this year. It's big chunk of $$$ for about 50 turnouts, turnout controllers, Tortoises, etc so I have to find a spot in the 'fiscal' budget for all those components. ;) Initially I can by with manual turnout control in the yard (Peco turnouts), but eventually I'm going to want to control them with Tortoises and toggle switches, etc.
Awesome work so far, I look forward to seeing your progress.
The view of the new wall panels above the upper return loop as you enter the layout room.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4381.JPG&hash=1113118887d62e7be2af0309900b9b5133ce74a0)
The new wall panels above the upper return loop. The 5mm door skin panels are noticeably more pink than the (faded) panels that have been installed for over a year. I will be painting all these panels the light beige room color eventually.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4382.JPG&hash=6cdbc0149a74c3f2a639c1b20e5772d9ea1020ae)
You can see all the risers supporting the plywood base (and wall panels) above the upper return loop.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4383.JPG&hash=cfd9a632c543ef60e52dae735891667cd072ce78)
The exposed half of the upper return loopand staging tracks.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4384.JPG&hash=9c55955a8cf5b0f4b651eeb38b907db071696edc)
I plan to install 3/4" foam on top of the 3/4" plywood.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4385.JPG&hash=aa8ab6148e9f59679e8bf37d8371389ed1ea1e15)
It's ready for the 1/8" masonite backdrop panels to be installed.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4386.JPG&hash=5ae877b03a76ee835a6a2351ad400985b863fc0b)
The Atlas rerailers mark the 'foul point' clearance locations in the staging tracks. As long as locomotives/trains don't pass the rerailer they will not foul the turnout ladder/mainline.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4390.JPG&hash=2f3ba1e81988145a1e913e9f99a004d910dce319)
After installing the 1/8" masonite backdrop panels with coved corners.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4392.JPG&hash=30f6e07ebabb079caab21b2486ee657e491c0365)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4393.JPG&hash=4b327a45e250919babc12123ab2a933436a0a268)
The backdrop is ready for the screws and seams to be spackled/faired/sanded/repeat.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4394.JPG&hash=0fcd4a681036aaefac30de43040dfa433556e03f)
You must love this song , whoever sings it.
I built the 3/4" plywood subroadbed for the Cache Valley Branch line as it climbs from the mainline elevation at 82" up above the upper return loop at 88" (Franklin, Idaho). It's about a 40 ft climb at 1.25% grade and the total length of the branchline is about 58 ft.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4396.JPG&hash=76b0226cc9ec1aa1824e7471c24ee349e4b1d526)
The mainline as it passes under the Cache Valley Branchline. The minaline will enter a tunnel right about here.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4397.JPG&hash=79380a9fb57ae4f00a1d417d1a1657ba4b2483cb)
I also installed the Woodland Scenics foam roadbed for the Cache Valley Branchline. Here's where the branchline splits off the mainline using a Peco Code 83 #8 turnout.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4398.JPG&hash=09f2858832e83e4f71674dc06d250c4d4cd35c0f)
The #6 turnout is where a spur that services a coal mine facility will be located.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4399.JPG&hash=10c0777051ddc2c5c89cd1989ac8d5bf6d653e49)
The branchline climbs as it heads out and back in the right 'wing'. The mainline is in the foreground.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4400.JPG&hash=d70f60f653a3e4f44181cabd2b7d480d6544c21d)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4401.JPG&hash=3be8beb3dbbde85b9ee63b52da63b670d482a383)
The view of the branchline passing over the mainline as it heads up and over the upper return loop.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4403.JPG&hash=8cf62a57a588879df5d8cab61683536b7e37442a)
The connection for the branchline subroadbed to the plywood base above the upper return loop. There will be a 3/4" foam insulation panel above the 3/4" plywood base.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4404.JPG&hash=979369492a2b8d4487c2f27d5bec771298689de4)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4405.JPG&hash=8f134d318c19e9aff3a3de8e63ccb5f5d25c0ce1)
Great work ;D
Looking good.. :) 8)
Stay cool and run steam......... 8) 8)
You are sure moving right along on this. Very nice work.
Starting to patch/fair/sand the masonite backdrop.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170207_190926.jpg&hash=159667771b97b7a977ba5cd5e58bcaf2d418ab0f)
First coat of primer.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170208_053725.jpg&hash=2f5fe55d2997df4bfef8ec732dc50c0945bddcac)
Second coat of primer.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170208_121203.jpg&hash=286afaf43f27b02d2682733d149476142d7144f8)
"Dancing Blue" sky color
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4409.JPG&hash=389bde98cae2639807b80a88284445c73a53ed16)
All the upper level backdrops have been painted the basic sky blue.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4410.JPG&hash=01378157753008ccea726804e847033a595fb871)
After spraying some white haze/clouds.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4411.JPG&hash=14d0602120cc5f5ebc4d64837de71328a594b57f)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4413.JPG&hash=bd95c6102afc4c6ac5bd7fe116934e1814f10c0c)
I installed the track for the Cache Valley Branchline. It's the track on the right here. The middle track is the mainline and the track on the left is the helper district service track.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4414.JPG&hash=5a98a7ac45202b5ba8d528784dbcd7eef626c240)
The track on the left is the Cache Valley Branchline. It starts climbing a 1.25% grade here in order to get above the upper return loop/staging tracks.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4415.JPG&hash=e2647a8878ede0dbd331f79b4c240edd7434653c)
The branchline uses the right 'wing' to climb up to Franklin, Idaho (above the upper return loop).
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4417.JPG&hash=8803ff27af4f693b5ed4bee9a48b52cedd648ae8)
As the branchline passes over the mainline.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4418.JPG&hash=bb120c73c41fb64441e22dfd77d8ed78f4c680c1)
The 1" foam is glued down and seams are caulked. I have also installed a 2" tall 3/16" fascia to hide the edges of the 3/4" plywood and 1" foam.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4420.JPG&hash=9109ec6b08b22b341735ef23365c62df726fb650)
It's ready to install the branchline and spur tracks that service Franklin Idaho.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4421.JPG&hash=3f2a3413f201eeea08d02c16b0c5338e59652761)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4422.JPG&hash=7fff5101efa5dbc1ded667a293d64307ba06b849)
I'm starting to work on installing the 5/8" plywood and 3/4" foam base above the lower return loop where the city of Ogden will be located. Because the city base is about 45" deep the backdrop in this area will be removable.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4423.JPG&hash=4adfa3b2e4da8cbd69034a115128385eb34f7a01)
Installing the risers that will support the 5/8" plywood (and foam) city base.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4426.JPG&hash=08921459d5cf26854b7855b7e346e0d45046afde)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4427.JPG&hash=8154453981b1fd2a879e3a01c1a70e532468aa0c)
I have installed the first 5/8" plywood base piece and now I'm working on fitting the (removable) backdrop 1/4" plywood panel.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4428.JPG&hash=b5b19ff059ba03f5601843e60261898976f6f614)
I plan to build a large "high rise" interpretation of downtown Ogden in this area. The pirates from the Great Salt Lake who founded Ogden were very successful in attracting large multi-national banks and corporations with their programs of low tax and lez a faire attitude towards corporate governance. :)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4430.JPG&hash=ed8329cea3e6af62aa5435ffbfd3030a9cf64879)
Half of the lower return loop is still accessible by going under the benchwork and coming up in the large openings next to the removable backdrop. I will also be connecting the track coming thru the wall from the model workshop (offsite passeneger service facility, aka 4 tracks of passenger train staging) to the spur that services Ogden.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4431.JPG&hash=c7dfd7ea50346e5e0cb8e287d4e74bfd663bc4e3)
Painting the removable backdrop panel the base "Brilliant Skies" blue before installing it on the layout.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4433.JPG&hash=79b52405ef24f665c30c2adce9e9eafccb091ada)
Doug,
The work is perfect and to think it is all a one man show. Very well done sir, very well done indeed.
Tom ;D
I have mounted the removable backdrop and painted the room wall the base sky color. Unfortunately the double switch wall plate and thermostat will intrude somewhat but there wasn't anywhere else feasible to mount them.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4437.JPG&hash=6c61fc9666cd59604e5ec550744d89cbf1b889e6)
I've got the second plywood base section mounted and all the risers and ledger boards mounted for the next two plywood sections.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4438.JPG&hash=5c8dc7cfac7518c33c49ad83e10b11941e222c6b)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4440.JPG&hash=a69311fa0f8ec8f1686727890ccd1482e2e5b74a)
Two more plywood base sections cut and placed. I need to make some small refinements to one of the plywood sections before mounting them.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4441.JPG&hash=e9f9f0210610cc3b14def9ab065206e53686f3cc)
After cutting and mounting the last two plywood sections I will start working on the backdrop panel that goes between the removable panel and the room wall backdrop.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4443.JPG&hash=79ac908b5eb039e52e28fd325fb98ea29e99e110)
Quote from: Onewolf on February 12, 2017, 03:15:46 PM
Unfortunately the double switch wall plate and thermostat will intrude somewhat but there wasn't anywhere else feasible to mount them.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4437.JPG&hash=6c61fc9666cd59604e5ec550744d89cbf1b889e6) (http://onewolf.org/Album/LayoutConstruction/slides/IMG_4437.JPG)
I don't know what kind of scenery you will have there , but maybe it's possible to hide the switches with a building or piece of mountain.
I have been very busy with work over the last month so progress (and updates) on the layout have slowed.
Working on the risers, plywood sub-roadbed and Homasote roadbed for the track that connects the branchline in Ogden through the backdrop to the 'offsite' passenger train facility (staging) in the model workshop. The steel brackets that support the middle level benchwork are in the way relative to the original track plan so I modified the track plan such that the first turnout in the model workshop yard is a right hand turnout and it will come through the hole in the wall on a diagonal allowing the connecting track to follow the right edge (inside) of the lower level staging track loops.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170226_050547.jpg&hash=df757efe3b4fb92c506bf5bf952b0d791d6dd1e6)
I have installed the final backdrop panel and I have begun the spackle/fair the screw holes and the edge on the left side where the panel meets the room wall.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4463.jpg&hash=8bdab4bca96501e3d805fe96ca393163e94ecb10)
I have cut and dry placed the 3/4" foam sheets that will make the 'base' for the city of Ogden.'
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4465.jpg&hash=dc06f057a03dae24d98a773aca01ff305ddf98e4)
I built a tunnel enclosure and painted it flat black to 'hide' the inside of the layout benchwork behind the backdrop panel. This opening in the backdrop will be shielded (mostly) from view by a fairly large building.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4467.jpg&hash=4c0999ae0f638e1dbe0431f483ecd079b81c5a7f)
I have painted the last backdrop panel. The edge between these two panels is more visible than 'ideal' but the panel on the right is removable from the back side and the left panel is positioned at an oblique angle which required a mitered cut. 1/4" luann plywood does not miter cut as well as thicker plywood.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4473.jpg&hash=5b6818a4edb08c3d7ddc20b07bacdd7eb74bfff7)
Gluing down the next section of 3/4" foam.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4485.jpg&hash=ba7c4213ae07a4c53e1a1fbd5f7f6238ccb47b0f)
I am going to have a 24"X20" removable section of foam that will allow me to stand here when I need access to the middle level above here for construction and maintenance purposes. I was originally thinking about having a permanent piece of 3/4" plywood here but then I realized using a piece of removable 3/4" foam would be a MUCH better idea.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4475.jpg&hash=7d37e38b02eae36744afd39d043c987e2ce8579d)
The removable section with the 5/8" plywood underneath.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4477.jpg&hash=2965437975d59e7b93a8733d7442688869cbec0e)
The view when standing in the 'removable' foam area on the benchwork.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4482.jpg&hash=44857bd5051f21713834078188b43c2ab38e1f8f)
The view from behind the backdrop of the lower return loop track and the elevated track that connects the city level track to the 'offsite' passenger staging tracks in the model workshop.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4478.jpg&hash=07ccb0db66c36af226394f184105c1abf048fe5d)
Here you can see the 'tunnel box' where the connector track goes through the backdrop on its way into the model workshop. The tunnel box is painted flat black inside and just sits on the 5/8" plywood benchwork on the left end and horizontal screws on the right side so it is removable.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4480.jpg&hash=6fb3aa82349a13fecafba59fcf7d7a68189149e8)
Impressive work
WOW.
Jim
Doug,
Well, done sir. Looks fantastic.
Tom ;D
Massive undertaking.
Great progress Doug. 8)
After caulking the seams and painting the foam base. This paint color (Nightingale gray) is mostly to just hide the purple foam but it will also provide some color for underneath the track that will be installed directly onto the foam.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4492.JPG&hash=19591bf711f28e79388cb1cdf532247819bdeead)
The city of Ogden will be built above the lower return loop and 5 staging tracks .
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4493.JPG&hash=fac9e8c468c969ce2f9157f1d497120c674df27a)
I installed 1.5" tall masonite fascia along sections where I want access to the lower return loop underneath and 12" tall fascia where I can access the double track mainline from underneath the benchwork.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4495.JPG&hash=e8bf805351af10d918e75f85dcfae7ffd98a3f97)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4487.JPG&hash=2ea90036d7788d1aa7e6fd375e570a156ea7aa56)
The tunnel portal for the double track mainline and entrance to the lower return loop will be located somewhere around here.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4488.JPG&hash=75e07e2e3d41d30070acc77287fbe42f58127df5)
Your bench-work is the best I have ever seen, and I wonder if that room will stay as tidy as it is now ;)
Great work. Very professional. I also like the different color blocks on the floor.
Doug,
The bench work and layout are coming along nicely. Well done.
Tom ;D
Doug,
I have been amazed at the complexity of your layout design from the first time you posted. I would never attempt something this involved, the frustration when things didn't fit as I had envisioned would have driven me crazy. Kudos on the concept, and the quality of your construction.
I have finished installing all of the track that will service Ogden (and connect with the staging yard in the model workshop). This area on the right will be a highrise downtown city scene with large buildings up to 40"-44" tall.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4498.JPG&hash=8c0bb55ddd69adf5937619e6eed2f415228ee8d5)
I combined two Downtown Deco 36"x2" warehouse 'flat' kits along the wall as a proof of concept. I plan to have about 14-16 ft of narrow depth/flats warehouses/industries along that stretch of wall.This combined warehouse kit is 72" long.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4500.JPG&hash=c034858e292c8a9f888adeecc9b56ef847d4bb17)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4501.JPG&hash=18de2769144c71dc8924365a0b6866f43a79d434)
There's plenty of space along the wall for more structures/flats.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4503.JPG&hash=22d94479e925ca2df6f584ec0196c1cb9f9b5a9e)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4505.JPG&hash=289f797d2d15cd3a09e72245b7dd391d798a51ed)
I ran a 12ga track power bus and a bunch of track feeders for all the track in the city. I also connected to the track in the model workshop, and I was able to run trains in/out of the model workshop form the main layout room.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4509.JPG&hash=643943b27c0c2b9316b505b1afd3d2744e220e24)
It's always good to run trains, even for a short distance.
Awesome, and like Andy said it's good to run trains
I've been test running lots of trains over the last month. The complete loop from the lower return loop, along the mainline, thru the helix (1.6% grade) up to the middle level, the nolix climb (1.95% grade) up to the upper level, and the upper level return loop have been thoroughly vetted.
Last weekend after connecting the main layout to the model workshop staging yard I put together a 34 car train composed mostly of cheap train show rolling stock I've purchased over the last year (avg price $6-$7, no boxes, they've just been sitting on the staging yard in the model workshop) pulled by a Proto 2000 SD-60M. It was basically the maximum length train my layout is designed to handle (225" long). Even with some questionable wheelsets and couplers it made it all the way to the Nolix (1.95% grade) with no problems. However once about 2/3-3/4 of the train was on the 1.95% grade the loco stalled/slipped. It's a good thing it's a designated helper district. :) After disconnecting the back 10 cars the rest of the train (24 cars) made it up to the upper level return loop and all the way back down to the lower return loop.
Sounds like you're having fun running trains. I had an issue recently where although I had run short steamers and diesels over the layout without problems, a 4-8-4 had problems on one curve and a couple of turnouts. On one spot, only the first and last drivers were on the rails, and the loco was spinning in place. I'd suggest, especially if you have one of the UPs 4-12-2s, running some long wheelbase steam over the layout to look for issues.
Jeff
Starting to work on enclosing the helix. First I installed additional wood framing for mounting the 1/8" masonite panels.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170401_120744.jpg&hash=379303e68992d79880f37eb7ab483cb485fc1fc0)
This is where the helix display/control panel will be mounted.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170401_122947.jpg&hash=33b77bae1c8363db35ff0dc8b445849d64cc125e)
I mounted additional vertical 2x4s to provide more support for achieving a smooth curve of the 1/8" masonite panels.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170401_120723.jpg&hash=dc77e5ab02b4ea03f172f79ee8889d0ce8e36df7)
All the 1/8" panels are mounted andnow I'm working getting the screws counter-sunk appropriately in order to patch/fair them.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4510.JPG&hash=9fa27db9dabd646246c409bc9c856fe691e8bee0)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4512.JPG&hash=d36a605f47b647057637ffc135842fae73e9b22a)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4514.JPG&hash=2076d22edd0b4c391c3165139aaaed47df31ca89)
First step of patching/fairing the screw holes and seams.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4515.JPG&hash=3053d8b713f229f864a26d7ac56f602991a58556)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4516.JPG&hash=15cd176eead33bd32332085a7644cae83004d76d)
The helix as viewed thru the opening where the helix display/control panel will be located.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4519.JPG&hash=829bb598fefa7e1097a6031c523f9d2c746a7263)
awesome, awesome work! Thanks so much for posting in such detail!
Very well done. If in the future you need to access the helix will you slide under the Masonite and stand up in the center of the helix?
Quote from: PRR Modeler on April 03, 2017, 02:56:57 PM
Very well done. If in the future you need to access the helix will you slide under the Masonite and stand up in the center of the helix?
Yes, there's about 36" space beneath the helix structure to 'crawl' under. Once inside there's enough room for a Barcalounger to stretch out. :)
Now that's a helix - great work.
I finished patching/fairing/sanding/fairing/sanding the screw holes and seams. Wiped it down with a damp rag and now it's ready to prime.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170405_044641.jpg&hash=baf8f733dfe7177b5b4c4793390414c90ecf8f85)
This is the current proposed template for the helix control/display panel.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170404_051642.jpg&hash=d8ed554866749a0af9d1f81b66f69421b4c9d143)
After 2 coats of primer. All of the 'pink' wall panels will be eventually painted the same color as the room walls and the helix enclosure: Sherwin Williams "Gauzy White" SW6035.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4522.JPG&hash=b299234205fbfcbe12e3facff747ab4d6064ed23)
2 coats of primer. I use two coats of Zinser primer on the masonite because the Masonite is very dark and it has a glossy finish.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4525.JPG&hash=049a0458add75de770f897efb2336982dea4b11b)
After painting the enclosure the Sherwin Williams SW6035 'Gauzy White'.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4532.JPG&hash=4e69b2f1e228051740b2ce405defa97c9aedd053)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4533.JPG&hash=f848cd2da9ea19975aeda2a396d7e3e919ff95e4)
I have removed these (removable) backdrop panels in order to paint their backsides the Gauzy White wall color.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4536.JPG&hash=e65e7234c126b387b3f2d8660ae4d7a31634105e)
Looking good. I like the color.
You are one crazy builder!!! It would take me a year to do what you have done in a number of short months. It looks amazing as it stands, but when it it done it will be unbelievable.
I've painted some of the wall panels that drop from the ceiling the room wall color 'Gauzy White'. On the right side here I have attached a strip (pink) on the end cap that I need to caulk and paint. The view while on a 3ft step ladder:
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4542.JPG&hash=7a25e0028fea62e152223f44fd002b44118d59fa)
I plan to install 1" trim molding along the top of the wall panels at the ceiling joint to hide the gaps.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4544.JPG&hash=491b0555ee67297e97fafa7185554db9d80afdd9)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4543.JPG&hash=f753a3326f834831e1b9611471a7f079d6927b21)
Starting to work on the next upper level wall panels. Patching/fairing/sanding and then primer/paint.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4547.JPG&hash=db17eb321097683d6ad58298ab8311439ad4f600)
I have six sections of track in the lower/middle levels around the center platform where turnouts on the mainline connect with service/spur track that will be mounted directly to the foam base. They require transition sections of roadbed to drop down from the 3/16" Woodland Scenics 'mainline' foam roadbed. I use cork roadbed for these tapered transition sections and they are 24-26" long. I will add caulk at the end of the cork to finish the transition.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4553.JPG&hash=232a582663a8f0e2bf3c35679729197158d65237)
After I painted the next (right) section of upper wall panels.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4556.JPG&hash=ae530caaa80ba6a6ef872a37f88fa8584fd72f2f)
It looks much better (finished) looking with the ugly pinkish panels painted room wall color.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4555.JPG&hash=78ebc6aa86e24d4943ff78a6c2fb89569f92b07a)
I painted another section of the upper level wall panels. They are on the left as you enter the room.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4559.JPG&hash=cd5e9ea994433caf80db72299ac66e4107de85cf)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4558.JPG&hash=2d2a8e6bcd6f44a27026af60539f5f3ac563b42b)
I also painted the raw cut edge of the plywood base roadbed of the upper return loop and the perimeter 2x4 risers that support the plywood/foam base of Franklin, Idaho above.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4561.JPG&hash=08aaf09db897fe97c6af4de123c123a4acf0921c)
Eventually I am going to have to decide what color I am going to paint the fascia masonite. It will probably either flat black, dark brown, or dark green.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4563.JPG&hash=a7d4f65475afdf71240524c2c588f853b704b641)
The (sort of) visible portion of the upper return loop and staging track loops. It's not visible when standing on the floor in the main aisle.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4564.JPG&hash=fdd79c2ce3b9968ea6bfe9c481d0e79cf9920cca)
Great work. How about painting it a UP color? I painted mine Tuscan Red. 8)
My own fascia is black, but I've seen dark green and visually it worked well. But I don't know if a color other than black or dark neutral gray would affect the color balance of photos.
The layout is looking great. I saw the posts on facia color and thought I would throw in my 2 cents. I decided after lots of experimentation to go with a very Dark Forest Green - it's what I liked the best for framing of photographs.
I am going to throw in my 2 cents. One hell of a job brother. Well done. Excited to see more.
ed
I took about two months off from the layout construction to deal with purchasing a property in TN, and then prep boat/trailer/dive gear/UW photo equipment/etc for two weeks vacation in Marathon in May and then 'paycheck' work got extremely busy late May and all of June. I started back on the layout construction about two weeks ago.
When I needed to purchase more Foamular rigid insulation sheets for above the upper return loop Home Despot was out of the 3/4" sheets so I bought/used 1" sheets. The 1" sheets are much stiffer and they had some 'bowing' that I could not eliminate when I glued them down. Therefore I had to make 'cuts' through the slight rises in order to flatten them for track laying. You can see the 'cuts' beyond the turnouts.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170701_062052.jpg&hash=70dce27a1d6e641f556c8b57f671c93a6a78da80)
Using caulk to smooth out the rough foam.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170702_060200.jpg&hash=df47d195f3a3aab998780eca26fa979d34a0b362)
When I originally designed the layout I wasn't sure whether I was going to model the Union Pacific from Pocatello towards Butte or the Oregon Short Line from Ogden to Cache Junction and the Cache Valley branch line. Since I chose Ogden/OSL/Cache Valley I subsequently redesigned the double track mainline as it leaves the Ogden yard closer to the prototype.
Before redesigning and rebuilding the mainline track as it exits the Ogden yard where the single track mainline represents the OSL.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170701_072014.jpg&hash=7d1baf1ff1e87de5907abef6cc4a0eb8f86898a0)
Theorizing how a #8 right hand and #8 double slip switch might work to provide a turnout leading into the Oregon Short Line.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170701_072115.jpg&hash=aa0b547bd09b2a9938722a239100745bdb188a42)
After pulling up the old track and foam road bed.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170701_072720.jpg&hash=861cfbe6e6fb28caa9662d7278b3bf4658b0e7e3)
Gluing down the Woodland Scenics foam roadbed using DAP DynaFlex 230.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170701_111426.jpg&hash=35359814379e493bac2d847e2e6bb7372effb441)
I used the opportunity of laying another mainline track to flatten out a slight hump in the homasote for the existing mainline track.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170703_072336.jpg&hash=02aeb0541d41c8de01da3ed52fe15cd917d7a663)
Working on laying the new inside mainline track.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170703_072354.jpg&hash=a537e7fe60fc88ca43db6609e2f7e566f7b7fde3)
Installing the 'inside' mainline track.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170703_110422.jpg&hash=b534e0a8eec66d1793e556f973801d494fb305a7)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170703_110457.jpg&hash=8927471a6081d90523b42e860b4015960bd27707)
Gluing down the new Oregon Short Line mainline track.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170703_160603.jpg&hash=78720dbf289a3a774ce5b97135c656e56d415467)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170703_160542.jpg&hash=64e4ecfcbd50edae6c2c0cb1022498cd1819cbd0)
The new double track mainline as it runs behind what will be the turntable/roundhouse area.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20170703_160646.jpg&hash=d87d94481fa65daf05476309662291f374071a6c)
I finished caulking the edges/seams of the lower and middle level foam and painted them to hide the purple/pink foam insulation color. I also began placing the service spur track in these areas as well. I also painted the bracket that supports the middle level shelf. I need to install/paint the brackets for the other two corners.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4751.JPG&hash=e3be032a04e479a60e6c2c9dcb350a8468a1016c)
I am using Micro Engineering code 70 track and Micro Engineering code 70 #6 turnouts for the service spurs. I still find the Micro Engineering track to be extremely difficult to get smooth flowing curves (compared to the Atlas and Peco flex track).
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4752.JPG&hash=12e0fc169401632bb09d0ca9e00bd80846f90398)
The 'right' mainline track is electrically isolated with a 16" stretch of 'dead' track and will be setup as a DCC programming track. The 'left' mainline track is electrically dead to minimize chance of locos running off edge of layout. :)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4753.JPG&hash=69a331a5623b4fca87601d06bf410c781e2b57bd)
Closeup of the OSL interchane Walthers #8 double slip turnout.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4755.JPG&hash=ff17ca5f3d26a17304782c5ef3383caa50365e3f)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4757.JPG&hash=0f566a2a0ca1d4b2ca392211fd153fbe7c08c105)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4759.JPG&hash=5533a7dffab3b8e23580aa6c668f11524e2c21fb)
The outskirts of Brigham City will be located on the left.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4760.JPG&hash=8dda5bd76d60e613d0d7ad01c01ba950cc90d17c)
I finished laying the track and turnouts for Franklin Idaho at the end of the Cache Valley Branch above the mainline upper return loop. I still need to fill in missing ties where flex track joints are.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4762.JPG&hash=575e72b68d33b6c6c0b15a418ed67a74fdaebedd)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4763.JPG&hash=bda99aa11e183ac9dd2d6a68d5ceb542d35613b7)
Welcome back - life does get in the way of building a RR at times.
Looks great. I really like the double slip setup.
Doug,
Wow, even being off for two months you have still been busy on the layout. The work is wonderful and looks fantastic. I'd hate to be the one to add scenery to it all.
Really fantastic and I love the #8 double slip switch. Great job sir.
Tom ;D
Doug,
Wow. Looking good!
John
It looks you are having fun.
Hi Doug:
All I can Say is WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;D ;D
I used a 12" piano hinge to mount the control/display panel for the helix area and I used a magnetic latch to hold it closed.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4809.JPG&hash=3221d7ca9f6286d8ccf2668902562e6bd69f6183)
A wider view of the helix control/status panel.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4808.JPG&hash=8e04d6ee2eef46c30b059e6ecc392bb384df94c6)
The view of the helix with the panel door open.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4810.JPG&hash=c91c847a2ec41b2e94294212920b13be9e3ce82c)
I plan to locate the Laser 3 Modeling "John Murray & Sons Coal Distribution" craftsman kit in this location. I have installed the spur track that will service this facility.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4814.JPG&hash=e9a70e394458bd57ede668bd563c953641ebc391)
I have shaped/glued/wired all the Micro Engineering code 70 service/spur track around the center platform on the lower and middle levels.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4815.JPG&hash=cd2acb5d0dafbac684a3c29aca3c28ff3ad7f3e8)
It took quite a while to figure out how to shape the Micro Engineering track so it has reasonably smooth/flowing curves. I have also caulked/painted the remaining two shelf support brackets that support the middle levels on the corners of the center platform.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4816.JPG&hash=56073b29ac98de1732dcc5da485afc1b4542c380)
There will be numerous businesses/industries supported by the track around the cednter platform on the lower/middle levels.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4817.JPG&hash=c94ee9b5480a2750abd9465789d7182b044163ee)
A wider view of the lower and middle levels.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4824.JPG&hash=a00b752a43ddb561fe10154c9f0a41df06cbb29b)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_4825.JPG&hash=3a735b1156ca397cbb8a3d3fe808c04ade74d600)
Doug,
The layout is wonderful and you've been very busy. It looks fantastic.
I look forward to seeing the layout again next Saturday.
Tom ;D
You're doing a fantastic job here! My wife and I also have a mushroom design layout. Visitors love it and we almost always hear the same thing, "there's more?" I'll be watching for updates
It's been a long time since I updated the layout build thread so here goes....
In August I took about 3 months off from active construction on the layout because of a number of distractions: Hurricane Irma was a minor distraction, I spent about a month working on a new 90 gallon freshwater aquarium setup (and aux 40 gal Discus 'grow' tank), and then I had a significant distraction at work. The company I worked for for the last 26.5 years implemented a new 'site strategy' as of Nov 1 that resulted in our 140 person local development/engineering team being shut down. I had an opportunity to relocate to the new San Fransisco office (no way!) but I decided to take my 'package' instead. I was provided a generous severance package which included about 15 months salary in a lump sum and 15 months of benefits (health insurance, etc) paid for. Since my wife is working and her salary covers our 'nut' I plan to take 3-4 months off and work on a long 'to-do' list around the house and to make as much progress on the layout as possible.
I got back to working on the layout in early December.
I installed the occupancy detection boards and status display circuits for the helix.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_5456.JPG&hash=09aa8bd4a357806b13bd6de578ae12f6670d7ab2)
The back side of the helix status/control panel:
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_5457.JPG&hash=99c1c315ce5687ca507fa964bcc2f80feaa4805a)
Here's a (high speed) video of the helix occupancy display as a train traverses the helix:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMHye1F8hfE
I fixed an issue with the double gapped track where the track passes through the backdrop on it's way into the 4 track staging yard in the model workshop room.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180113_061642.jpg&hash=1acb6c36946c9d05c9f68559ab738770cf2eceb3)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180113_061714.jpg&hash=89c5d03081da34647fdce870e426b0f33b95ebe3)
I layed carpet tiles under the helix
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180113_073104.jpg&hash=f5e9f319e31dc1a482d7474dd6eedf3b8477160c)
I installed plywood subroadbed for the classification yard two lead/drill tracks.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_5443.JPG&hash=2b354587984ae94685b9030cea8d857b7e6df53c)
I installed (removable) 1/8" masonite panels over the two wndow openings and painted the blue backdrop along this wall (finally!)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_5453.JPG&hash=ef2bf39a3266cb6ce61c3e8b173b027c120a2659)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_5446.JPG&hash=26e8302c81378f7f1826790214aa5c4c296ae539)
I installed a status panel for three PSX circuit breakers for booster #1.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_5450.JPG&hash=933bae6c02d3d5a32909b0b87183f367f841512d)
I installed Tortoise motors and NCE Switch-It mk II boards with toggle switches to control the three turnouts for the four staging tracks in the model workshop.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FIMG_5460.JPG&hash=8622e8605eb2e4e071fcfefacdb9f375c70dc4f8)
I moved the Digitrax UR-92 radio receiver up next to the upper level return loop control/status panel (in the center of the room).
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180106_074518.jpg&hash=978dadd3daebabc8b3cd23a6dc7a73650d91ec13)
I decided I wanted a ice house/platform facility on a yard siding to provide ice for the reefer fleet. I wanted enough ice platform length to service 6 reefers and enough spur track length to handle 12 at a time. This required adding additional plywood roadbed adjacent to the two yard lead tracks.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180123_172051.jpg&hash=84e162d9022558c4f51f4df271695b00ee2d6a87)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180123_172109.jpg&hash=a047e13d4a131154474aac3a62b500147ad5a6dc)
Yard leads (with loco run-around) and reefer ice service track are done.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180128_143023.jpg&hash=1dcd58a6fda4786cbbc54d656024c0fca9f09727)
I finally got my order of 46 Peco turnouts required for the yard and loco service terminal (Along with 125 sections of Atlas code 83 flex track).
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180125_124239.jpg&hash=ad2045fa0e93b32265b7bc527459b636f6001aed)
You can see the printed copy of the yard throat area I needed for reference purposes.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180126_062857.jpg&hash=8b5709e59472ab22e1490e41df79aafaaf4a0edc)
Starting to work on the yard throat. It's fairly complicated because of the two arrival/departure tracks and two yard leads having the ability to simultaneously work two different sets of classification tracks without interfering with the other yard lead.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180126_062825.jpg&hash=21c687a6145cb84a228873379dd6ba431157c226)
There are two caboose tracks, the track that allows yard lead track #2 to access the second set of classification tracks, and the main classification yard ladder track that connect the yard lead tracks to the thoroughfare track.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180127_172742.jpg&hash=7575b7c7df62300ff0c348a4d7e8160ba365b8d3)
Gluing down arrival/departure track #1 and dry placed arrival/departure track #2.
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My technique for connecting track feeders. I bend the tip (~1/16") of the 22 ga solid wire and flatten it.
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I place the flattened tip on the base of the rail.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180206_120614.jpg&hash=581a07bb167c436978a8200686987119c5439df8)
After soldering. After the track is painted and ballasted the track feeder will be virtually invisible. There are over 100 pairs of track feeders for the main yard/loco service terminal.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180206_120735.jpg&hash=54af4b48a0a0ffcb245c04cf83541700db1238c8)
I have added a DCC Specialties "PowerPax" for the DCC programming track and a RRampMeter to show real-time DCC voltage and current to booster station #1.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180207_074101.jpg&hash=3b93be4cc95bd6a507a3f9efb5b17808efcda923)
Booster station #2 also has a RRampMeter and a 5V power supply for the two RR-Cirkits BOD-8 occupancy detection boards used in the lower return loop and staging tracks.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180207_074259.jpg&hash=b931b74898f4b492ab521f4ad9b523079a160d32)
Booster station #3 has a 5V power supply for the five RR-Cirkits BOD-8 occupancy detection boards used by the helix and upper return loop/staging tracks. It needs a RRampMeter.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180207_074314.jpg&hash=d05d75da3836c51dd418fda0f3ab6fc02ae0da8b)
Booster station #4 provides power for the main classification yard and locomotive service terminal. It needs a RRampMeter.
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Over the last month I have systematically gone through all of my "era appropriate" locomotives to verify functionality, install DCC decoders as needed, configure long DCC addresses, lubricated as needed, test run, and added to JMRI DecoderPro 'Roster'. I have about 42 'era' plausible locomotives (as well as about 25 non era appropriate diesel locomotives (post 1959). In my freelance world the Utah Railway will be running a couple 2-6-6-4 NW Class As and 4-6-4 Hudsons in addition to their 2-8-8-2 steamers.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2FLocoRosterDecoderPro.jpg&hash=a84729d9a2c1992d4cfc348ab2d1e6fe5e3b0639)
I have started researching methods for weathering the track. The layout has about 1200 ft of visible track and 86 visible turnouts. Most of the 'how to' videos show people using masking tape to cover the points and pivot points on turnouts to prevent them from getting sprayed in order to avoid electrical conductivity issues. After the spray paint dries they come back and manually touchup the masked areas with a paint brush. With 86 turnouts that would be tedious and I concluded that if I had a very precise mask object I could avoid the manual brush phase. So I created a couple mask objects using TinkerCad.com and my 3D printer.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180208_100336.jpg&hash=83ccbe779fe0a9beafbaa318ad7760605debc358)
I created a mask for the pivot points as well.
I modified the points mask to taper the areas that sit between the stock bars and the inside of the rails.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180208_134451.jpg&hash=37ea1300b2f73f8ad4abb4614b6002b2f5d53a18)
They seem to work great. The points mask works for both the Peco #6 and #8 turnouts, but the pivot mask geometry is different between the #6 and #8 turnouts.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180210_063908.jpg&hash=073acab716df7cf75c07ec19f3f2a64c5f98452b)
After removing the masks.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180210_063931.jpg&hash=0caa3874c52e646686ab3dc9e2e73b860c9411f7)
I noticed all three of my Athearn RTR Gas Turbine Veranda locomotives bounced severely when crossing the #8 double slip switch and they caused frequent shorts on the frogs of the Peco insulfrog turnouts. I measured the width of the wheelsets and found all 14 axles on the locomotives/tenders were out of spec/narrow on all three locomotives/tenders. Internet research showed I wasn't the only person who noticed that problem. So I purchased an NSWL 'the puller' and adjusted the wheelsets/axles so they are within NMRA specification and now the locomotives/tenders run MUCH better.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180209_042724.jpg&hash=0719cc0d08cce91db29da1bc246442de67f945a5)
Video of the Athearn Gas Turbine loco/tender bouncing across the #8 double slip switch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUhwys24a1A
Video of the Athearn Gas Turbine loco/tender crossing the #8 double slip switch after fixing the wheelsets so they are in spec.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu5XQzy9m4o
Working on gluing down the 8 classification tracks in the main yard. The eight tracks vary from 174" to 218" inches long and they can hold up to 250 40ft cars or 205 50ft cars.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180209_111547.jpg&hash=78e5568116442db6da2f67d72ae88c05cc9c54e7)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180209_111559.jpg&hash=0666a302cc360e76611dcb44e848a6def76f5ed5)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180209_182833.jpg&hash=6bd5b08b1ea316656a863dbca8c579fbaa37d389)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180209_185237.jpg&hash=480fa3401e091672c8aded0786fcc21db30f560e)
The yards 'car shop' facility in the foreground.
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All the 'missing' ties have been placed.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180210_063601.jpg&hash=39157abd84d1cdc35999e25c59907aadfb53f3ac)
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Doing some testing on weathering/painting track.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180210_063731.jpg&hash=99d072acaa71b2719996b80b5da38289b452ebd4)
It's time to start making decisions on ballast color. Here's some of the samples I got from Arizona Rock & Mineral company. I have about 1200 feet of visible track that will need to be weathered and ballasted. Oy.
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Glad you and I are both back to working on the layout...although the comparison is me shooting around in the driveway and you're now in the NBA ;D ...Amazing as always and congratulations on your transition!
Your neighbor, John
Hey One Wolf:
That is quite a layout you are building there. You are doing one heck of a job with it. All I can say is WOW!!!!!!!
Karl
Yeah nice build I guess. Thanx Thom...
Doug,
Ha, nice build indeed. Brother what a ridiculous catalog pictorial sir! Where does one begin? I watched this thread from the beginning. Quite inspiring! You are truly a gifted and highly talented individual for sure.
Loved visiting your website, lots of cool pictures for sure. Love the high-quality detailed pictures of your layout build. I like the switch point centering tool (very cool indeed). For some reason, I have a craving for root beer.
Between you and ACL 1504's diet Pepsi, the little woman says I drink too much soda. That's okay, I'm a dew man myself. Keep up the great work and I'm ridin' your coat tales here. Thanx Thom...
One wolf,
Question: Since you've started this railroad project. What have you learned? Anything you wish you didn't do or wish you did do? Any follower advice? Thanx Thom...
Hi Doug.....sorry to hear about the layoff (I don't think I would like to live in CA either), but great progress on the layout. 8)
Amazing what can be done when the real world doesn't interfere with our miniature world. :)
Another Florida Modeler who has 6 Saturdays nd 1 Sunday every week.
Can't say I like the way you joined the rest of the Saturdays all week group.
Love what you have been doing on the layout.
Jim
Doug,
Love your layout progress. The folks at Arizona Rock are going to love you. I would recommend that you but all the material at one time. I have recommended this to several other folks on the forum. This is one man operation and you have a better chance of getting color consistency in one big lot versus buying some now and more later at your local hobby shop. Phil will give you an estimate on what quantity you need and he is typically a bit generous. Always get more that recommended because we all know, layouts are know to get bigger than originally planned. He produces a beautiful product. Hope that this helps.
Frank / Erieman
Those 3d-printed paint masks for turnouts are an excellent idea!! (Can I buy a set?)
dave
That was one huge update. Glad to see progress, looking forward to more. All I can say about AR&M is I'm using a mix of N-scale Cinders, Basalt and HO Scale Yard Mix for cinder-ballasted track on my current project.
Doug,
You work continues top amaze me. It is really coming along beautifully. I love the staging yard.
Tom ;D
Quote from: tct855 on February 10, 2018, 09:58:39 AM
One wolf,
Question: Since you've started this railroad project. What have you learned? Anything you wish you didn't do or wish you did do? Any follower advice? Thanx Thom...
Just two items off the top of my head:
#1) Should have been obvious, but.... When installing track, you should test it with your biggest heaviest longest most rigid steam engine. It will highlight issues that aren't readily apparent when testing with 4/6 axle diesels.
#2) If you are using the very springy/flexible Atlas code 83/100 flex track DO NOT EVER DOUBLE GAP on a curve.
The true scope of your layout is truly amazing and everything is top notch.
Amazing work and amazing layout - I'm really enjoying following along.
Status update....
I am redoing/replacing the double track mainline that circles behind the (future) turntable/roundhouse area. There were issues with the levelness of the Homasote subroadbed and the double gapped curved track was causing problems so I decided for a complete redo of that area. The new track-work is much better/smoother/reliable. Redoing existing track-work is somewhat annoying but the end results are worth it. I learned quite a bit as I went along and my track-work improved considerably relative to the first parts of track I installed.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180213_071958.jpg&hash=bf633590797884869ea532cfa95d643a4f89ec29)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180214_043024.jpg&hash=9ef2acf22c4f5891e72f6b359eccf03083e4c66a)
Still trying to figure out a formula/process for weathering the track. I have about 1200 ft of visible track to weather so I want to figure out a reasonably efficient/repeatable process that doesn't involve me dying in a cloud of spray paint fumes.
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The current test process I'm trying is to spray with the original (too reddish) brown from a low angle on the side (rust on sides of track)....
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And then come back with Rustoleum Camo Ultra Flat 'Earth Brown' from directly above to color the ties dark brown while leaving some reddish brown on the sides of the track.
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Doug,
Better to find and fix issues early rather than later in the construction. It annoys me to no end to have and go back to fix something; however, as you said, the results are well worth the effort.
I like the track color in the first photo. It looks dark just prior to the rust taking over. Just my humble opinion my friend.
Great work going on in Sanford.
Tom ;D
I agree with Tom about the first color.
Quote from: ACL1504 on February 19, 2018, 02:31:43 PM
Doug,
Better to find and fix issues early rather than later in the construction. It annoys me to no end to have and go back to fix something; however, as you said, the results are well worth the effort.
I like the track color in the first photo. It looks dark just prior to the rust taking over. Just my humble opinion my friend.
Great work gong on in Sanford.
Tom ;D
Quote from: PRR Modeler on February 19, 2018, 06:04:58 PM
I agree with Tom about the first color.
I also agree that the track with just Rustoleum Camo 'Earth Brown' looks fine and is much easier to produce. I can add some 'rust' on secondary tracks at a later point using a marker, or brush.
Thanks for the feedback.
It continues to look good. And not to teach anyone's grandmother to suck eggs, but when working with flextrack, I keep some brad nails handy. If I need to gap on a curve, I drive brads on the outside of the rail on either side of the gap to hold it in gauge. On the inner rail, I need to drive them far enough below the railhead to clear flanges, but not past the base of the rail. For track directly on Homasote, 3/8" will do, with cork or other soft roadbed 3/4" may be needed for holding power.
I finished weathering/spraying/cleaning all 1200 ft of visible track and then I installed the Walthers 130 ft (scale) turntable in the locomotive service terminal.
After I got the turntable installed/working I started working on the 12 stall roundhouse (base 3 stall kit + 3 three stall addition kits).
Now I'm working on installing the 17 service tracks around the turntable (4 garden tracks, 12 roundhouse stalls, machine shop track). Each service track will have a manual power switch to be able to disable (sound) locomotives.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180319_155845.jpg&hash=222c028484af58cf9d2663757b150af1ef4c9313)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180319_155904.jpg&hash=23e5334941f2a2158d9371346a085470cfa622a9)
The cardboard cutouts are being used to locate additional buildings in the loco service terminal
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180319_160056.jpg&hash=619981028417c061809714f892692f4639a0f956)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180319_155502.jpg&hash=7032a8317350662dd2d79af79398ae9b5808f50a)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2Fslides%2F20180319_115136.jpg&hash=81dc292e5958a824a67661239364bacf8f6fd618)
That roundhouse is amazing.
Great looking Roundhouse and I like the track layout in that area.
Jim
Super looking roundhouse.
That will be one impressive scene when it's finished. It's pretty darn impressive now. :)
Jeff
Hey Onewolf:
Very nicely done so far. Roundhouse looks great. It's gonna be a great locomotive Maintenance & storage area.
Karl
Doug,
Roundhouse area looks fantastic. Not sure how I missed the update in March but I did.
Looking great my friend.
Tom ;D
Looks like you have been busy since the last time we visited......great progress Doug. 8)
Great looking work. Somehow I missed this also.
Very nice work! Love the roundhouse.
I resumed work on the layout in late December after taking a break as I "came up to speed" in my new job. It was a major change after working 30+ years in the commercial Enterprise software arena to move to the DOD simulation/modeling world with with completely new tech stacks. The longer commute to work has also cut down some on my layout time (and website updating time).
So with that said, here's some of the progress I've made since the last update....
Working on positioning the Walthers Machine Shop and Railroad Shops (cardboard cutout) near the turntable
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2F2018%2Fslides%2F20180321_133034.jpg&hash=d668568e744a0fd9588d0490c98c50d641d54c15)
After building and placing the Walthers 'Railroad Shops' building.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2F2018%2Fslides%2F20180403_113444.jpg&hash=012e4f01afc8bdacbff87755ed8344dc0e30b8b2)
Testing placement of the Walthers Coal Tower and dump house
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Coal%2520Tower%2Fslides%2F20180417_054819.jpg&hash=7274fcae585a8216875defa257e88b6ff64ac1ee)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Coal%2520Tower%2Fslides%2F20180417_055008.jpg&hash=6c7a90eee39f6ab22f04f5eaf2a9aa1e768870d2)
After installing detailed parts and basic weathering.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Coal%2520Tower%2Fslides%2F20180428_124556.jpg&hash=4a8e60f938deadbc450338dab16666ae2d1e802b)
Position of coal tower and cinder/ash hoist relative to turntable/roundhouse.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Coal%2520Tower%2Fslides%2F20190101_172600.jpg&hash=7a50f06b46bc193591d57c1d60df449a704c484b)
Delivering coal for the coal tower
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Coal%2520Tower%2Fslides%2F20190119_075728.jpg&hash=e97d8c29c184095420b9894fb935b751731f10f7)
Basic structures for sand drying house and sand bin completed
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Sand%2520House%2Fslides%2F20180426_104200.jpg&hash=d222c7bd884b601e904542b1aa2b1990a415cb30)
Figuring out how to make the sand pile....
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Sand%2520House%2Fslides%2F20181229_144251.jpg&hash=9c0f7ef2b66b1cefa4f829dfb3e7c40eda821706)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Sand%2520House%2Fslides%2F20181229_150510.jpg&hash=0dbd5299e8ae93e5fa5cc0d7eb257969dfc8d27e)
Covered foam with white latex caulk
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Two coats of latex flat paint
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Sand%2520House%2Fslides%2F20181231_045313.jpg&hash=667ce21d5f3f86254c866715c0313cb5e540711a)
Heavy coat of latex paint and immediately pour sand onto wet paint....
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After drying
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Sand%2520House%2Fslides%2F20181231_065225.jpg&hash=371bdffe954c2ee6c8c1eb136612fd1bdf633ef2)
On the layout (with the Tichy water tower as well)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Sand%2520House%2Fslides%2F20190119_081501.jpg&hash=6ba8c2c8b3db93f29aecbc0667d71e5fd8ce49ff)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Sand%2520House%2Fslides%2F20190119_081441.jpg&hash=7703f6f78be31455c1c957ccb5eef599328d7e7e)
Starting the Walthers "Car Shop" kit
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Car%2520Shop%2Fslides%2F20190105_082925.jpg&hash=f6803bcc0b04574b4c9f8b8372a9b71a660fd997)
After spray painting the walls, brush painting the window sills and steel beams above doors. The right wall has been mortared using Roberts Brick Mortar.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Car%2520Shop%2Fslides%2F20190107_040019.jpg&hash=7628347b8ff0446a6c2870f68a4dde21a2e510a2)
After installing the windows, doors, and weathering.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Car%2520Shop%2Fslides%2F20190109_044232.jpg&hash=5c3acaa206dcc0ed3ee047ffc30e6be611db7831)
Placed on layout
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Car%2520Shop%2Fslides%2F20190110_050315.jpg&hash=02552f573c84ef4313602eb2d784269d678bddad)
Working on the Walthers Ash/Cinder Pit/Hoist kit
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Cinder%2520Pit%2Fslides%2F20181231_141729.jpg&hash=e0e4ee5d80873e460f2007ec2beac4b3a41df262)
I pulled up one of the existing track leads into the turntable to install the ash/cinder pit and then cut out the 1/2" homasote and 5/8" plywood base to install the pit.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Cinder%2520Pit%2Fslides%2F20190101_090921.jpg&hash=c443284c3a357a646c84a59c078f2fe87ca979a7)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Cinder%2520Pit%2Fslides%2F20190101_094348.jpg&hash=61f05ea5044b72924ef83b9c6594919bcd51c9ff)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Cinder%2520Pit%2Fslides%2F20190101_172705.jpg&hash=3c2a797d5f0ddcdc25e4f1a08670419b2c566296)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Cinder%2520Pit%2Fslides%2F20190118_161551.jpg&hash=00f085185db077f7c037c5e8ad8f671791429abf)
Starting to work on the Walthers Ice House and Platform (2)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Ice%2520House%2Fslides%2F20190116_172721.jpg&hash=ddeb297e19cf3f8118b88d27168b361a7572547f)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Ice%2520House%2Fslides%2F20190119_123901.jpg&hash=e7c88efa17fbc58e26492f7903a13150ba4ad621)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Ice%2520House%2Fslides%2F20190119_124612.jpg&hash=40eef1526ef9a71f351299c506f4ff42d630d392)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Ice%2520House%2Fslides%2F20190119_124356.jpg&hash=7991c6af65250c651fdf9da91fb8f18dfc07d907)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Ice%2520House%2Fslides%2F20190120_122047.jpg&hash=d0bef94f5a4778fa1d8da9972ce13696bf23d9a5)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Ice%2520House%2Fslides%2F20190121_112607.jpg&hash=bd923b94c3c512a04f3f5546c068028d386cfefb)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Ice%2520House%2Fslides%2F20190121_125146.jpg&hash=2679fd5860a8570016df74db6cb9b89ee424b6d7)
I have started building the Vector Cut "Country Radio Station" kit. My radio station is going to be "KREW - The Wrecking Crew - Pirate Radio".
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Vector%2520Cut%2520Radio%2520Station%2Fslides%2F20190126_085400.jpg&hash=3c03abc549cfd61fd84ed6b37b89856f2cafd2b9)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Vector%2520Cut%2520Radio%2520Station%2Fslides%2F20190126_120134.jpg&hash=663f6c31463a896f4228b37833c0365419c5a449)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Vector%2520Cut%2520Radio%2520Station%2Fslides%2F20190127_043648.jpg&hash=d323f18aa28a28d1def4cf7f4134625aafdeecb8)
Some of the reasons I like modeling the Union Pacific:
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2F2019%2Fslides%2F20190107_044742.jpg&hash=82a0ef2f9499957bd0899854d086b30e4d5ad656)
Installing track for the lower end service terminal of the designated helper district for the climb from the middle level to the upper level
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2F2019%2Fslides%2F20190104_171524.jpg&hash=e4b0a6bb77ac96331b29df09d6c90d54907e9ccb)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2F2019%2Fslides%2F20190119_081901.jpg&hash=aeba286628d0d906c3f3a79cfcc1fc163ae9f045)
Wow , great progress, a lot done and quantity sure doesn't effect quality, thanks for sharing.
Doug,
Great to see you back at the layout. It is looking spectacular my friend. The structures really bring the big UP service area to life.
Tom ;D
Great progress Doug.....good luck with the new job. 8)
Really top notch modeling Doug.
The engine facility is really coming together. I've been through a few job changes the last couple of years, and even though they were all similar, they did seem to take some wind out of the sails for a while. Glad to see you're back at the layout.
Jeff
A great effort. Thank you for posting.
ed
That's a lot of work done since the last up date. Good luck in the new job.
Jim
I worked on the control panel for the turntable and roundhouse tracks. I want to be able to control track power to each track around the turntable/roundhouse because when you have many sound equipped locomotives it's nice to be able to cut the track power to avoid a cacophony of locomotive idling sounds and power consumption.
I used my photo printer to print the control panel on lustre paper for the turntable/roundhouse track. Each track coming off the turntable (except for the 3 main inbound/outbound tracks (1-3)) have toggle switches to control track power. There are 17 tracks total (4 garden tracks (4-7), 12 roundhouse tracks (8-19), and 1 service building track(20)).
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2F2019%2Fslides%2FIMG_5843.JPG&hash=26db2840157dd379982367b17a0ca076746cb9fa)
After installing the 17 toggle switches and Walthers turntable control unit.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2F2019%2Fslides%2F20190202_093018.jpg&hash=d22092d81fa963eaae024db940ed802d4ede1c0b)
Wiring the 17 track power switches. Because of the relatively long "feeder" runs, I used 18ga wire to run from the track power bus to the toggle switches and then 18ga back to the red track power feeder bus bars.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2F2019%2Fslides%2F20190203_170513.jpg&hash=4b33c375cf8b617a5cb2e65769baa062bcfc9422)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2F2019%2Fslides%2F20190203_153210.jpg&hash=7900085604b9e792e6d625e46aedc6e9c1383316)
Finishing up the basic build of the Vector Cut "Country Radio Station" kit. I have created it as KREW - The Wrecking Krew - Pirate Radio.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Vector%2520Cut%2520Radio%2520Station%2Fslides%2FIMG_5830.JPG&hash=87e7774a83b4b606c846f3d5f92e8ce10494265e)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Vector%2520Cut%2520Radio%2520Station%2Fslides%2FIMG_5831.JPG&hash=28cd46b3859b7468f499fdc0dfdedbfa4bdc144b)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Vector%2520Cut%2520Radio%2520Station%2Fslides%2FIMG_5832.JPG&hash=798e2bbb5d9afc1ff52821ccbc7726468aaf4567)
Rear view - you can see the City Classics Venetian blinds installed in the windows.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Vector%2520Cut%2520Radio%2520Station%2Fslides%2FIMG_5834.JPG&hash=009c5fda4c279a1a4010191b384442d03155979b)
Wow. Lot's of progress on the layout in spite of the new job. Very nice. :)
Quote from: ReadingBob on February 04, 2019, 12:44:39 PM
Wow. Lot's of progress on the layout in spite of the new job. Very nice. :)
Doug,
I agree, very well done and lots added. Love the KREW!
Tom ;D
Doug,
Great engineering work as well as beautiful modeling. It's very inspirational to watch you crushing all the tasks.
I built a frame for the KREW hiway billboard.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Vector%2520Cut%2520Radio%2520Station%2Fslides%2F20190210_055839.jpg&hash=b97ebefc319b7e2cbc3747bc24b79f4b51c446ba)
And installed the billboard face on the frame.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Vector%2520Cut%2520Radio%2520Station%2Fslides%2F20190210_061204.jpg&hash=6bde4595bb0bbf4c842087906bf1502b285ffbdf)
I built the classic Atlas "Signal Tower" kit with the Vector Cut Enhancement ver 2 package.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Atlas%2520Signal%2520Tower%2520With%2520Vector%2520Cut%2520Add-on%2Fslides%2F20190205_170452.jpg&hash=d7d55251ec3237ddd898af5217396caa2c3552f5)
After spray painting the first floor walls, using Roberts Mortar, and painting the electrical conduit and junction box.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Atlas%2520Signal%2520Tower%2520With%2520Vector%2520Cut%2520Add-on%2Fslides%2F20190205_050645.jpg&hash=5e1f0d3da4ac86a583146f2ce9069cd81cf600e6)
I'm going to light and detail the interior of the 2nd floor so it needs a.... floor. I used photoshop to create this wood floor.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Atlas%2520Signal%2520Tower%2520With%2520Vector%2520Cut%2520Add-on%2Fslides%2F20190206_125432.jpg&hash=4157fcdde23c54ba2b245975b7c724bbdc676ed2)
The Vector Cut windows are composed of 3 layers of laser cut wood and 2 layers of clear acetate.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Atlas%2520Signal%2520Tower%2520With%2520Vector%2520Cut%2520Add-on%2Fslides%2F20190208_050638.jpg&hash=3d6b76df6dcc588e9fad2ab3809c3d90f2a7fed4)
And they look good.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Atlas%2520Signal%2520Tower%2520With%2520Vector%2520Cut%2520Add-on%2Fslides%2F20190208_051726.jpg&hash=9939cf26e8b96e8d4496961d74ebf04c21fd2583)
I'm using a Faller kit for the interior details.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Atlas%2520Signal%2520Tower%2520With%2520Vector%2520Cut%2520Add-on%2Fslides%2F20190217_113217.jpg&hash=354dea5bea88ea75ecb2915b943629fa11261338)
Priming the interior detail parts.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Atlas%2520Signal%2520Tower%2520With%2520Vector%2520Cut%2520Add-on%2Fslides%2F20190210_055635.jpg&hash=872908ff8915d773d064e49419b1e0e7403c9605)
The yard diagram on the status panel matches the south end of the layout's main classification yard. I exported the yard diagram from my layout design plan in 3rd Planit and then photoshopped it to produce the yard status panel.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Atlas%2520Signal%2520Tower%2520With%2520Vector%2520Cut%2520Add-on%2Fslides%2F20190210_084515.jpg&hash=e99dc8236cda08482665ba0aa0907e2b7748d46b)
The test of the interior space/layout
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Atlas%2520Signal%2520Tower%2520With%2520Vector%2520Cut%2520Add-on%2Fslides%2F20190210_085330.jpg&hash=3663c22191d8174bdd0d5d1a82dce11d28cb444c)
Starting to add the lighting circuit.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Atlas%2520Signal%2520Tower%2520With%2520Vector%2520Cut%2520Add-on%2Fslides%2F20190210_105934.jpg&hash=4d55f1fad6d95d050daead975fc81ccfcd0769f5)
The teenie tiny little nano LCD in the gooseneck lamp that will go over the doorway.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Atlas%2520Signal%2520Tower%2520With%2520Vector%2520Cut%2520Add-on%2Fslides%2F20190213_041947.jpg&hash=90367614a9b1bc61fad6ef15afd2d958bc492dfa)
Deciding on the exact location on the layout. It looks good so far. I still have some Vector Cut wood trim boards to add and I want to add a light in the first floor.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Atlas%2520Signal%2520Tower%2520With%2520Vector%2520Cut%2520Add-on%2Fslides%2FIMG_5855.JPG&hash=ba8981d2ef0971cdcf7b70114fae992c4260bb13)
I'm starting to work on Downtown Deco's "DD1009 - Old Warehouses" kit. I had started the kit about 5 years ago but I was unhappy with the paint job so I reprimed both buildings and started over. This is what the first building looks like after spray priming white.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Downtown%2520Deco%2520DD1009%2520Old%2520Warehouses%2Fslides%2F20190216_060001.jpg&hash=696903745f0f008067ca35f3b6cc483c7741faa8)
And the base color
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Downtown%2520Deco%2520DD1009%2520Old%2520Warehouses%2Fslides%2F20190216_061629.jpg&hash=9fa36e8fba0e451f57467e31c0742f31eb5f2585)
I'm going to light this interior so I painted the walls flat black and installed a 'wood' floor.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Downtown%2520Deco%2520DD1009%2520Old%2520Warehouses%2Fslides%2F20190216_125242.jpg&hash=e8e2b457a72836cc856405feb8c3bbca347478b7)
After using Roberts Mortar
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Downtown%2520Deco%2520DD1009%2520Old%2520Warehouses%2Fslides%2F20190216_124620.jpg&hash=c77ed112b7243d5a4b5fc7941f25def8782cd12e)
After a dark wash has been applied and testing the window/door frame colors. I decided I don't like the light gray door frames so those will be repainted before they are installed for real.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Downtown%2520Deco%2520DD1009%2520Old%2520Warehouses%2Fslides%2F20190217_064713.jpg&hash=8ba60e5fb8232e0536ebe6a91bcf42ed8e7f7606)
I tried using the "Diamante Shipping" stencil provided with the kit however I failed miserably....
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Downtown%2520Deco%2520DD1009%2520Old%2520Warehouses%2Fslides%2F20190217_102754.jpg&hash=3cf7ca079ab8d389b434bf330c2384fbe39ddd69)
The stencil/paint bled really badly.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Downtown%2520Deco%2520DD1009%2520Old%2520Warehouses%2Fslides%2F20190217_111937.jpg&hash=5c0f173661dc136013bffc995bb5fd4362df4b7e)
Trying to make lemonade out of lemons. I cleaned up the sign as much as possible and then put a light coat of the building's base 'Toffee' color on top in order to try to create a 'Ghost' sign.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Downtown%2520Deco%2520DD1009%2520Old%2520Warehouses%2Fslides%2F20190217_114141.jpg&hash=07c52b4f08e70c624cba17111f9e2cddd2f6ee90)
Adding lighting
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Downtown%2520Deco%2520DD1009%2520Old%2520Warehouses%2Fslides%2F20190218_092446.jpg&hash=fc96e16af8fb77b32b8d8cff5dfd1c014e714034)
People from central Florida might recognize the "Todd's Tomatoes" signs.... The roof panels are not glued/weathered for this test.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Downtown%2520Deco%2520DD1009%2520Old%2520Warehouses%2Fslides%2F20190218_102516.jpg&hash=bc47e1370fab04c58c3f4b4a4e7bbd7ff6325f8f)
I mounted the Todd's Tomatoes sign on 12x12 wood posts to project it out from the ghost sign.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Downtown%2520Deco%2520DD1009%2520Old%2520Warehouses%2Fslides%2F20190218_102525.jpg&hash=30b98c722bb0601dfe2d3795e9fe242b15860afe)
The ghost sign turned out pretty good.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Downtown%2520Deco%2520DD1009%2520Old%2520Warehouses%2Fslides%2F20190218_102551.jpg&hash=eb163560d71fdc1f45866bce09cab6b26b7c6951)
The second building in the DD1009 kit has boarded up doors/windows.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Downtown%2520Deco%2520DD1009%2520Old%2520Warehouses%2Fslides%2F20190216_044240.jpg&hash=c56e922d6ce7d5ec34658f8ec2c05fa7b5c96d4d)
After the base coat of paint and trim is painted.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Downtown%2520Deco%2520DD1009%2520Old%2520Warehouses%2Fslides%2F20190216_091915.jpg&hash=d071fa32c5640fdb2e0acccf877b1ac56dbca9b2)
After the Roberts mortar was applied but before the excess was wiped off.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Downtown%2520Deco%2520DD1009%2520Old%2520Warehouses%2Fslides%2F20190216_130159.jpg&hash=54b0667447ba896058fb1ab8f21cba0a20f98a4f)
After wiping off the excess mortar.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Downtown%2520Deco%2520DD1009%2520Old%2520Warehouses%2Fslides%2F20190216_130337.jpg&hash=2962d5ba46e588c8b62d3a2c777bd6024d9c3952)
After a dark wash has toned down the bright colors.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fonewolf.org%2FAlbum%2FLayoutConstruction%2FKit%2520-%2520Downtown%2520Deco%2520DD1009%2520Old%2520Warehouses%2Fslides%2F20190217_113149.jpg&hash=766bd4cbd5588f4444dd091f12287af3012d4857)
Still have a long way to go on this building....
Doug
Nice recovery on the stenciled sign -looks good
Doug
great save on the "ghost sign"!!! I learned that when using stencils, my sponge is DRY!! yup, I learned the hard way also!
The ghost sign doesn't look good , it looks great .
Excellent modeling and thinking on your feet Doug.
Doug,
It has been a while since i last saw your layout progress and wanted to share this video with you. We have a layout under construction here in Arizona by Verryl Fosnight and i thought you might be interested in seeing it. Verryl is modeling the Union Pacific from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Odgen, Utah. The layout is about 4,000 sq. ft. He has several full time employees helping him build this layout. The layout will be one of the featured layouts at our NMRA regional convention this september. I have attached a link of our convention which includes layouts tours and Verryl's layout. I'm not trying to sell you anything, but thought you might want to see what he is creating. If you have any questions or want to know more send me a PM. Enjoy the video.
Frank / Erieman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOi7bDpGTDs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOi7bDpGTDs)