Late Breaking News ...Flash...Extra...
Press Release...Whatever
The St. Louis & Denver Railroad build will be moving to this forum in the very near future.
As soon as Doug and the gang get the issues of photo sizing and photo placement resolved, I will begin adding the posts of the layout build from the beginning to the present.
I can hardly wait. Your work is amazing!
Photos can now be 1024kb each and you can upload up to 6 of them.
Jaime
Quote from: ranny9 on December 21, 2013, 01:21:31 PM
I can hardly wait. Your work is amazing!
Thank you very much Ranny, I appreciate your kind thoughts.
I will try really hard not to disappoint! :)
Quote from: NEMMRRC on December 21, 2013, 03:37:25 PM
Photos can now be 1024kb each and you can upload up to 6 of them.
Jaime
Thanks Jamie, I'll give it a try soon...like now with this old photo...
Good Morning Greg. Looking forward to seeing your layout progress. I've been feeding Tom some ideas and have a few more waiting in the wings. I'll be posting some of my layout pics soon. Doing a little clean up prior to John Mancuso's visit.
Frank / Erieman
Quote from: erieman on December 22, 2013, 10:03:35 AM
Good Morning Greg. Looking forward to seeing your layout progress. I've been feeding Tom some ideas and have a few more waiting in the wings. I'll be posting some of my layout pics soon. Doing a little clean up prior to John Mancuso's visit.
Frank / Erieman
Hi Frank:
Thanks for looking in and glad you're here!
It seems all the fun and joy left the "other" place when Jimmy sold it to VS and I think that I would rather do my postings here rather that over on the "other" forum. I'll start out by recreating the build thread over here and then begin to post some progress as it occurs after the holidays.
I am really green with envy that John is getting out there before Tom or I, drat this crappy economy.
Well, off to get a couple of stocking stuffers for Pegi and maybe a quick unannounced visit with Tom...stay safe and have a Merry Christmas.
One day, a trip to Frank's, one day!
Tom
Below is the start of the recreation of the thread for the Build of the St. Louis & Denver Railroad from the "other" forum.
Since we can't place the photos in the text and only at the end, I have left in the photo headings (Exhibit No. ?) and will add the photos in the order they are in the text.
Welcome -- Let The Fun Begin !!!
Welcome to all of you who are looking in on this thread. I hope you enjoy the build and have some fun as we go along.
This layout has been a long time coming and I am really looking forward to the challenges it will present. Unfortunately, it will take some time to build because I still have to interrupt my modeling with the necessity of making a living. But, now is the time for the procrastination to end - let the construction commence!
With this layout, I will attempt to capture the atmosphere and feel of the legendary St. Louis & Denver Railroad. If you haven't seen the 2 previous posts about the StL&D, please check them out in this same section of the forum. The St. Louis & Denver Railroad - Part 1 - The Introduction includes information about my years in the hobby and a history of the railroad. The St. Louis & Denver Railroad - Part 2 - The Design discusses the logic behind the design and a look at what I hope to accomplish.
Since most of the forum members like pictures, I plan on including quite a few. I will try real hard to not crash Jimmy's server.
I began planning this layout in the summer of 2009 when my wife and I moved into our new 40 year old home and I had the plan finalized by last fall. And yes Tom, I am working on plans for the full St.L&D in it's new home.
I have included the plan below for you to refer to as we go along.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-151123083759.jpeg)
Exhibit #1 - StL&D track plan
I have broken up the layout into 4 phases and will build them in the following order.
Phase 1 is the long thin area along the top with the mainline, chemical plant and brewery (also to be included is a winery to the right of the brewery).
Phase 2 and 3 are the areas on the right side containing the station, yard, engine service facility, coal yard, lumber mill and other businesses. This long 12' plus section will be split into nearly 2 equal lengths.
Phase 4 will be the mountain area with the logging and mining areas and part of the town of Moosebutt (I might change the name to "Galt's Gulch" from Ayn Rand's book Atlas Shrugged which was inspired by the real town of Ouray, CO).
Let's begin with the benchwork for Phase 1.
The material used for all benchwork will be #2 spf dimensional lumber, 4 ply - 1/2" CDX plywood and 1/2" homosote. I designed the base with a shelf for off-the-slab storage and a removable top will hold the railroad.
That top assembly is built of 1x4's that are attached to the base of each phase. It is designed this way because I want to build an addition onto the house in the near future and I have to be able to break the layout apart and move it into it's new home.
The picture below is the requisite photo of the material before assembly. The 2' x 4' layout on the sawhorses is a practice module that I built back in the early 80's when I was experimenting with my first hand laying of track.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-151123083720.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - unassembled material (3)
Each base unit is made from 2x2 legs, cut from 2x4's, attached with 1x4's horizontal braces at the top and bottom. The bottom horizontal braces will hold the storage shelf - 1/2" CDX plywood and is about 6" off the floor. All attachments are with drywall screws.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-151123083946-51913628.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - assembled base units (5)
Next, I cut the (4) 1x4 horizontal braces to the same length. It is critical that each base unit be identical, so that when the horizontal bracing is attached, the whole assembly is square, plumb and level.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-151123083946-51896674.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - base units with cut horizontal braces (9)
Phase 1 construction to continue shortly.
Hmmm,
Deja vu all over again!
Tom
Cool, I'll be following along too. :D
I'll be watching to.
Jerry
I'll be following also.
8)
Quote from: ReadingBob on January 04, 2014, 11:34:20 AM
Cool, I'll be following along too. :D
Thanks Bob, I'll try get through the old stuff quickly and onto the new stuff before it gets to boring. :) :) :)
Quote from: Jerry on January 04, 2014, 12:07:01 PM
I'll be watching to.
Jerry
Welcome Jerry, thanks for following along.
Quote from: ak-milw on January 04, 2014, 04:41:00 PM
I'll be following also.
8)
You too Andy, more coming in a few.....
We left off with the base units built and the material for the horizontal bracing cut and ready to assemble for Phase 1 of the layout.
I temporarily attached the 1x4's on top and bottom of the units then squared and plumbed and screwed them together.
I over designed the benchwork on purpose and I felt the need to test it at this point. So I climbed up onto the base and bounced up and down a few times. Since I didn't land on the floor, I blew a sigh of relief and remembered the immortal words of Grandpa Jones "by cracky, I think it worked".
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123173154-519691032.jpeg)
Exhibit #1 - assembled base (10)
The benchwork at this point is square, plumb and level, but the surface it sits upon might be another story. The layout will be on ceramic tile now and a cushioned sports floor over a concrete slab in it's new home. I thought I needed to consider a way to level the layout bases to sit on an uneven surface.
I found a company on the internet, International Equipment Components - Signal Hill, CA, that had leg levelers at a reasonable price. I drilled a hole in each leg, pounded in the tee nut and screwed in the adjustable glide. These levelers work well and are easily adjusted with a 1/2" wrench.
The pictures below show the parts and the finished installation.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123173154-51970848.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - leg leveler & tee (41)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123173154-51971984.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - installed leg leveler (40)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123173154-51972780.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - installed leg levelers (36)
The next installment will review the building of the layout top assembly.
continued.....
The layout is to built on a top structure that is detachable from the base unit. It is made up of 1x4's, 1/2" CDX plywood and 1/2" homosote. The cross brace pieces will be screwed without gluing so that I can move a brace at a later time if necessary.
I cut the 7 cross brace pieces and the 2 side pieces. I then squared them up and screwed them all together.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123174256-51973760.jpeg)
Exhibit #1 - top assembled on the floor (19)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123174256-519741574.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - assembled top on base unit (22)
With the top made and sitting on top of the base, it was ready for the plywood. I ripped the plywood for the layout top and the bottom shelf. I then sanded the edges, filled the knot holes and edges of the shelf piece and it was ready for painting.
I will hold up on the homosote until I get phase 2 built and do them both at the same time.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123174256-519751534.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - plywood cut & added to top and shelf (35)
Stay tuned, construction on phase 2 will begin soon.
Quite a project Greg! Did you have to get a building permit? Laugh. Jim
Quote from: jrmueller on January 05, 2014, 01:02:35 PM
Quite a project Greg! Did you have to get a building permit? Laugh. Jim
Jim:
Snuck it under the building dept. radar.....don't want no stinkin' permit. ;D
Hello again! This episode I will be building the benchwork for Phase 2 of the layout.
I have been giving the layout some thought, probably overtaxing the gray stuff again, and have decided to put off the building of Phase 3 till sometime this summer, so Phase 2 will mark the end of the benchwork build for a few months. I am really anxious to get to Phase 3 because I have a FSM Jacobs Coal kit (thanks to Howard Elkowitz in Stamford, CT) and a Paige Sawmill kit I bought years ago that I am anxious to put together.
After I get Phase 2 completed and the grades laid out, cut, elevated and attached in place, I want to concentrate on trying to develop an efficient way to get the tie plates onto the wood ties and installed with track onto the roadbed. If this is successful, I will add these details to the hand laid track. If not, I will make do with using joint bars on the track and switches to add detail.
The building of the base units is the same in Phase 2 as it was for Phase 1, but the depth is a bit longer - 5' this phase compared to 2'-4" in Phase 1. You will note in the picture below that Phase 1 is over to the left side and the base and it's shelf have been painted since our last chat. Also, the 2x4's have been ripped into 2x2's, thanks to Tom and his handy table saw and the 1x4's are ready to be cut to length and attached to the legs.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123175025-519761539.jpeg)
Exhibit #1 - unassembled material (43)
Again, I squared, plumbed and screwed the base units together. I then added the leg levelers to the base units, cut the horizontal bracing and was ready to get base put together.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123175025-519771590.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - assembled base units (48)
The top and bottom horizontal bracing was tacked in place, squared and plumbed and was ready to screw everything together. The first picture shows the one side ready to have the bracing attached and the second shows the other side with the bracing attached.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123175025-519781737.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - base units without horizontal bracing (50)
The mascot on the cushion in the top left side of the picture is Treas, the cairn terrier. She is one half of the "Hooligan Sisters", the other being her "womb mate", Aidan.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123175025-519791438.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - base units with horizontal bracing (51)
continued.....
The base assembly for Phase 2 is painted, the 1x4's are cut to size and ready for the top assembly to be put together. In the picture below, the sheet of paper on top of the cut lumber is the drawing for the top assembly.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123175928-519802157.jpeg)
Exhibit #1 - unassembled material (52)
The pieces were squared up, temporarily tacked together, then attached with the drywall screws. Again, the pieces were not glued together to allow for shifting of the bracing if necessary at a later date.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123175928-51981229.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - assembled top on base unit (54)
I then ripped the plywood to fit and sat it on the top. Note, I had already cut and fitted the 1/2" homasote to Phase 1. The enlarged plan for the layout is hanging on the wall behind the layout.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123175928-519821774.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - top with plywood added (59)
The homasote was then cut and fitted to the top and I was now ready to begin layout of the track centerlines.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123175928-519832394.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - top with homasote added (62)
I will deal with the layout of the track and concrete centerlines in the next installment.
See y'all later.
I'm really interested in following this build also....especially since I haven't built an entire layout yet.....but I did miss one of the pictures, I think. Where's the one of you bouncing up and down on the base??
Quote from: tjseeley on January 09, 2014, 10:25:02 PM
I'm really interested in following this build also....especially since I haven't built an entire layout yet.....but I did miss one of the pictures, I think. Where's the one of you bouncing up and down on the base??
Thanks for following along, hope you enjoy the trip.
You didn't miss the picture, I didn't dare take a one of me bouncing up & down, just in case I ended up on the floor on top of a pile of kindling! ;D
I just hope my wife don't see the painted legs or I will be in for it.
8)
Quote from: ak-milw on January 11, 2014, 02:57:42 PM
I just hope my wife don't see the painted legs or I will be in for it.
8)
Andy:
Since we spend so much time in the sun room, I thought it would be best to paint the benchwork so that harmonious relationships are maintained!
Seems to be working so far, Pegi got me a gift card from the LHS and one from Caboose Hobbies in Denver for Christmas. ;D
Now that the benchwork is built, the next step in the process is to lay out the track and concrete road centerlines. It will also be necessary to establish where the grade changes along the roadbed and in others areas so the plywood/homasote can be cut and raised.
This is the really exciting, show stopping part of the whole build, but if y'all fall asleep in the middle of it, I will understand!
I established the points where the track and concrete road centerlines transition from a straight to a curve in relation to the edge of the benchwork in the autoCAD drawing, then transferred them to the homosote top.
Below is a fuzzy screen shot of Phase 2 on the computer. Sorry, but I took several shots and this the best I could get. Anyhow, these measurements were then transferred to the homasote and all the straight centerlines were drawn.
The double white lines are the positions of the 1x4 bracing underneath the homasote and plywood. I superimposed this layer over the layout drawing so that I could see if they fell in the way of a switch machine and needed moving.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123180814-519841013.jpeg)
Exhibit #1 - picture of Phase 2 drawing in autoCAD (127)
The dimensions to the edge of the benchwork can be seen in the photo below next to the circles. The circles are the point where the straight track transitions into a curve and these points were laid out on the homasote. The line from left to right going thru the "8" in 18"r is the phase line between phase 1 and 2.
The numbers along the track centerline at this phase line are the elevations that the top of the homasote must be at that point. The tick lines along the centerline are spaced at 4" on center and represents a 1/16" rise in the roadbed for a grade of 2%.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123180814-519851356.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - phase 1&2 phaseline (130)
To correctly transfer the curves onto the homasote, I printed the curves full size. If they were too large for a single sheet, I printed them in sections, then taped them together and had the full curve to transfer to the homasote. I placed each curve template between the circles at the end of a straight centerline, then used the point of a compass to make little holes along the curved line on the paper into the homasote. After removing the drawing, I then connected the dots and had my curved track centerline.
The photos below show a curve on a single sheet of paper and the following shows a multi page curve.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123180814-519862184.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - single sheet curve(128)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123180814-519871834.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - multi sheet curve (134)
To Be Continued.....
Once the track and concrete highway centerlines were laid out, it was time to add the lines (red lines in the photos) where the homasote/plywood sandwich will be cut to form the grades and any raised areas of the layout.
The limits of the mainline track roadbed (on the left side in the first picture) was marked out at 10' from each side of the centerline in pencil. Then the line for sawing was added next to it with a red marker. The same was done for the branchline track (curving track from right to left in the first picture) and the 16' concrete road (on the right side in the first picture).
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123181540-51988443.jpeg)
Exhibit #1 - overall long shot of phase 1 (65)
The red lines nearest the bottom of this picture is the beginning of the grade that rises from the chemical plant (0") to the branchline yard (3"). The red lines up at the top of the picture are the limits of the mainline elevation of 3".
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123181540-51989448.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - left side of phase 1 (69)
The next photo shows the continuation of the grade up to the branchline wye and yard, the mainline and the area in the center for the brewery with it's siding.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123181540-519902440.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - center of phase 1 (68)
This last photo shows the merging of the chemical plant spur and brewery siding into the branchline wye at the end of phase 1. The red line at the bottom indicates the cut for the rising grade of the concrete road for it's crossing of the branchline wye in phase 2.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123181540-51991112.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - right side of phase 1 (67)
Stay tuned! In the next installment, I will be sawing and elevating away.
I really admire your precision? attention to detail? discipline?
Whatever the word is, it's impressive to see how your layout evolved so precisely and steadily from plan to reality. My plans have always been scribbles that get me started and by the time I'm done, it's a whole new thing...Good thing you're the homebuilder and I'm not ;D
Hope to see you soon (I'm talking to the layout)...John
Hey John...
Glad to see you back and safe from the Wild West. Thanks for following along and I'm sure that you know by now that you are welcome to visit the layout anytime.
Speaking of layouts, how about a Northern Division SBG meet?
I'd really like to see the progress you've made on your layout in person and catch up on all the BS. You, Bob, Tom and I haven't gotten together in ages and we need to correct that soonest!
Northern SBG meeting? Just let me know!
Tom
Quote from: ACL1504 on January 18, 2014, 10:33:47 AM
Northern SBG meeting? Just let me know!
Tom
Hey Langford, the "Prez" is always on the list....... ;D
I got ahead of myself at the end of the last post - "Stay tuned! In the next installment, I will be sawing and elevating away". Sorry if I got anyone's expectations up, but we have a few more boring things to do before I go onto the fun stuff. For now, on to the laying out the centerlines for phase 2.
But first, it has been asked - How were the elevations for the grades established?
The answer to that probing question is "by the survey crew". The unsung heroes of the construction and development industry. If they do their jobs right, you never hear or think of them. But, let them screw up and stake out the building or the track or the road in the wrong place and they never hear the end of it, especially when the lawyers get involved - NOT that there is anything wrong with lawyers.
In railroad terms, if you are building a line from St. Louis to Denver, you don't want to wind up in Omaha.
But let me backtrack a little. Also, see page 2 of the thread "Part I - The Introduction" for the more history of the StL&D. The link is:
{http://www.kitforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=4604}
When the StL&D was expanding after the "War of Northern Aggression" and the decision was made to upgrade the track to standard gauge, the board of directors ("the suits") all agreed that there was only one man who could get the job done right.
That man was R.F. Palmer of Rolla and St. Louis, Missouri. He was given the title of President of Official Projects and Head Engineer and Designer (POOPHEAD) and the staff and control to go with such a high falutin', long-winded title.
The short version is that he got the job done and was responsible for laying the foundation for the strength and profitability the line was to have into the 20th century. He correctly saw the need for railroad service into the interior of Colorado to serve the mineral and timber industries that he knew would flourish in the late 1800's. It was his vision that convinced the suits to expand past Denver into western Colorado.
RF's son, Ward, was by his side during his younger years while the railroad was being built and improved. He observed, asked questions and learned a great deal about building a railroad and it's infrastructure from the best. But, when he went out on his own, he favored building notable residential and commercial structures, rather than railroads.
When the time came to build the Columbia Branch the suits knew there would be tough problems and that since RF was no longer vertical, they thought their best choice was his kid, Ward. They brought Ward to St. Louis and wined and dined him, but to no avail. He was adamant that the railroad was not his future, but he did agree to consult with their general superintendent of construction and give him guidance and the benefit of his vast experience at his fathers side.
As with all he did, Ward sought out the best in all trades and this is the group he found to do the surveying of the track for the Columbia Branch. Below is the crew (Ward is the gent in the white shirt) hard at work setting the grade stakes for the branchline wye. Ward is at the site checking on the little details and getting a heads up from the crew of any problem areas ahead.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123155621-5201245.jpeg)
Exhibit #1 - surveyors at work (146)
The points along the centerline were laid out and drawn in the same manner as Phase 1. The lines that establish the grade cuts were then added in red. The line at the bottom of the photo paralleled with red lines is the branchline where it begins its climb up the grade to Moosebutt. The sidings in the center of the photo are for the tie and plank mill and the engine house. The service track, yard tracks (3 ea) and mainline tracks (2 ea) can be seen at the top of the photo.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123155621-520141725.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - overall view of phase 2 (100)
The mainline can be seen sweeping around the curve from the bottom of the photo over to the left side. The lines right up from it are the yard leads and the lines paralleled with the red lines are the branchline wye that goes east to the chemical plant and west to Moosebutt.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123155621-520151062.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - view looking south to yard (103)
This photo shows the branchline wye where it crosses the concrete highway and another shot of the branchline grade beginning it's climb to Moosebutt on the right side of the photo.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123155621-520161960.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - view looking south on branchline to Moosebutt (104)
Stay tuned! In the next installment, I will really begin sawing and elevating the grades.
Isn't it amazing how you can procrastinate when you are ready to do something? You come up with 1000 reasons to not forge ahead and think it to death.
This is how I felt about all those "pretty lines" I drew on the top of the homasote. I kept staring at the markings, looking for what I had done wrong or trying to come up with a way to make it even better. Stare at the lines to be cut, walk away, come back and stare some more, walk away, ............. You know that if its cut wrong, it can always be fixed, but you still stare and wonder if this is the best you can do.
Well, the time has come to bite the bullet and pick up the saw. No more procrastination, get to cutting the lines so the grades can be established and the trackwork can begin. Okay, I talked myself into it. Now, onto work!
The homasote/plywood sandwich was cut and the first section to elevate to proposed grade was the mainline along the backside of phase 1. First I cut a couple of risers, clamped them in place and checked for fit and level. The first photo is from the left side, the second is from the right side.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123160306-52017472.jpeg)
Exhibit #1 - mainline cut left (71)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123160306-520191204.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - mainline cut right (74)
When I found all fit well, I cut all the 1x4's to size, ran a string line between the ends and attached all risers.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123160306-520201638.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - mainline risers (78)
The mainline section is in place and attached to its risers.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123160306-52021623.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - mainline attached (80)
next time.....
I really like seeing work being done!!
8)
Quote from: ak-milw on January 26, 2014, 04:42:14 PM
I really like seeing work being done!!
8)
Hi Andy...stay tuned more to come later this week. :)
I'll be looking in.
8)
The Florida State Constuction Review team, led by Head Inspector D. Ledbetter, will
be watching closely! ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: gnatshop on January 27, 2014, 10:10:32 PM
The Florida State Constuction Review team, led by Head Inspector D. Ledbetter, will
be watching closely! ;D ;D ;D
Not a problem here, the layout is in an undisclosed location and can't be accessed by any bureaucrap! 8)
Always best to keep things under the radar, otherwise those people will make life much more complicated.
The next cuts are the grade from the chemical plant to the branchline wye and the brewery pad with its siding.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123160939-520242360.jpeg)
Exhibit #1 - beginning of chemical plant grade (90)
After the grade lines were cut, I placed the roadbed on some wood blocking so that they could be seen better in the pictures below.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123160939-520252497.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - brewery pad and siding (75)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123160940-52026414.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - brewery siding and wye switches (76)
As before, I cut the risers and attached them to the framework. This time however, there was a rising grade so I had to adjust the risers so that they gave a constant, even increase in elevation to the roadbed.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123160940-520272282.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - grades at phase 2 connect (91)
Next time, I will connect the benchwork for Phase 1 and 2 and cut the grade lines for Phase 2.
Hello again! Welcome to the continuing saga of the building of the benchwork for the Columbia Branch of the StL&D RR. (Doesn't that sound better than "here's more of the same old boring stuff"?)
In this episode I will finish cutting the grade change lines and raise those areas to final elevation in Phase 2. The same methods I used in Phase 1 apply to this phase - a lot of prayer, then some sawing.
Before I begin the dusty business of cutting the homasote/plywood sandwich (add a little spicy mustard and onion, you might have a hit) I connected Phase 1 to Phase 2. For this I used 2 ea - 1/2" x 2-1/2" nuts and bolts. I aligned the 2 phases, clamped them in place, double checked the alignment from all sides, drilled the holes, then bolted them together.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123161554-520331879.jpeg)
Exhibit #1 - phase 1 & 2 joint (105)
Once this was complete and double checked, I broke out the saw and began cutting. I started at the front with the easiest cuts and worked my way to the back to the more complicated areas.
This first photo is of the branchline (on the right) where it begins its climb up grade to Moosebutt - The grade here is at about 2-1/2" and winds up at 7" after winding through the mountain in Phase 4.
The lower area is for a residential subdivision that will have 4 houses under various stages of construction - from footers being dug on one to rough wall and roof framing on another and shingles and siding being applied on another.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123161555-520341547.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - raised subdivision & branchline (110)
This photo shows where the two phases join at the branchline wye. The mainline track is the faint line on the left side, the grade climbs to the yard in the center and starts its climb up to Moosebutt on the right side.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123161555-520351591.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - wye & grade to yard (111)
Here is a view from the mainline looking toward the yard area.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123161555-520361323.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - wye up to yard (120)
Continued...........
Moving right along there Greg.
8)
Like any good friend, I have to help Greg out with all the sawdust
he's creating in the house!
The verbage reads "The pink oyster mushroom kit from Fungi Perfecti arrived today. It is a tropical variety we can grow in the house innoculated in some sawdust.
Next, we put it in the humidity tent aka plastic bag, spray it with water, and wait ten days for bright pink mushrooms to appear."
Every wife should love Pink Mushrooms!
Quote from: ak-milw on February 07, 2014, 08:49:37 PM
Moving right along there Greg.
8)
Thanks Andy, more soon.
Quote from: gnatshop on February 07, 2014, 09:39:50 PM
Like any good friend, I have to help Greg out with all the sawdust
he's creating in the house!
The verbage reads "The pink oyster mushroom kit from Fungi Perfecti arrived today. It is a tropical variety we can grow in the house innoculated in some sawdust.
Next, we put it in the humidity tent aka plastic bag, spray it with water, and wait ten days for bright pink mushrooms to appear."
Every wife should love Pink Mushrooms!
Morning David.
The mushrooms sound great, but how would pink mushrooms look in a sauce for a nice filet? ;D
Quote from: GPdemayo on February 08, 2014, 10:44:47 AM
Morning David.
The mushrooms sound great, but how would pink mushrooms look in a sauce for a nice filet? ;D
Oooops! Bad choice on my part!
Pink mushrooms in a sauce would look like dog barf! :( :(
Actually,
nice filets need no sauce - just their own
juices!
I should have suggested the pink mushrooms for Candy - wish she stopped
in here to read about the luscious, juicy, tender filets! ;D ;D ;D
Does this mean I won't have to log in every visit to check on the progress?!?!?
Quote from: gnatshop on February 08, 2014, 10:14:07 PM
Quote from: GPdemayo on February 08, 2014, 10:44:47 AM
Morning David.
The mushrooms sound great, but how would pink mushrooms look in a sauce for a nice filet? ;D
Oooops! Bad choice on my part!
Pink mushrooms in a sauce would look like dog barf! :( :(
Actually, nice filets need no sauce - just their own
juices!
I should have suggested the pink mushrooms for Candy - wish she stopped
in here to read about the luscious, juicy, tender filets! ;D ;D ;D
Since you are in Arkansas, you might get better beef than we do, and Pegi and I had no problem getting great Iowa corn fed beef when we were in Missouri, but try to find any really great steak that has flavor and doesn't need a sauce here in FL. A great mushroom sauce really helps down here!
I do miss Candy over here too, here interiors were amazing, maybe you can work on her a bit more and get her away from the dark side.
Don't let her know about the filet issue, if she finds out we chat about beef over her, we'll never see her! ;D
Quote from: BandOGuy on February 09, 2014, 07:20:21 AM
Does this mean I won't have to log in every visit to check on the progress?!?!?
Hi BandOGuy. I am moving this thread over from the other forum and I have tried to get at least a couple of chapters done each week, but I haven't been real consistant.
Stay tuned, I'll try to do better.
The benchwork and grading are complete for Phase 1 and 2 and it is time to begin the trackwork. But, before I begin, I have to make a few decisions on what methods and materials I will be using.
First big decision - I have decided that I really want to build a large layout and to do that I will have to add onto our home. Since that will take some time (money, plans, permits, construction, money), I will work on the trackwork and structures for Phase 1 and 2 for the next few months and then build Phase 3 benchwork and add it onto the existing layout later this summer. This will give plenty to do for the next couple of years as I add structures and scenery into the mix.
In the meantime, I will have plenty of planning to do which will make me as happy as a clam. Look on page 10 of this thread (under the black & white photo of the painters working) for a screen shot of the AutoCAD drawing of one of the versions I'm working on for the expansion - it includes the 1903 version of Union Station in St. Louis - the 1943 version is too darn large to model.
This will also give me a chance to revise Phase 4 of this first part of the layout and enlarge the timber and mining areas of Moosebutt that I crammed into the existing space available in the our sunroom (Rebel will be happy because it will eliminate the 18" walkthru and he won't have to worry about anyone having to "squeeze" thru).
Now it is decision time. I had all these thoughts in the back of my mind (yes Tom, I'm well aware that they are lonesome in there all by themselves) as I designed the layout, but now is the time to finalize all the specifications and purchase what materials will be needed.
Item No. 1 - Track:
What do I want to use for the track - flextrack (Dr. Evil's personal favorite) or handlay?
Tom has made a valid argument for the use of flextrack...speed, cost, speed, reliability, speed... and I agree that he is right. But, I have been leaning toward hand laying my own track since I did my first grown-up layout in the mid 80's. I had to scrap it after it was in storage till 2 years ago. See "The St.L&D - Part 1 - The Introduction" for that first attempt. {http://kitforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=4604} I really enjoyed the process of hand laid track and the look of the finished product.
Decision: I will handlay my track for this project. I will use low profile ties for the branchline, sidings and yard areas and full size ties for the mainline. The tie lenghts will be 8'-0" for sidings, 8'-6" for the branchline and yard and 9'-0" for the mainline. The track will be Micro Engineering code 83 for the mainline and code 70 for the branchline, sidings and yard.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123164836-52078227.jpeg)
Exhibit #1 - ties (T116)
Item No. 2 - Roadbed:
Where do I want to use roadbed and what type of roadbed do I want to use? My choices for material appear to be foam, cork or homasote. Since I have decided to handlay my track, the foam and cork have been eliminated since they have lousy holding power for the spikes.
I looked at a web page by Craig Bisgeier {http://www.housatonicrr.com/DIY_Roadbed.htm} that has instructions about cutting homasote sheets into roadbed to save money. I compared this at $28 +/- per sheet with the price of the ready to install product from California Roadbed Co. that was recommended by Tom of the Porcupine Valley Builders Association.
Analysis: The precut roadbed from CRC is $1.56 per lf in an 8' package and $1.01 per lf in a 48' package. The price of the material if I cut it is about $0.20 +/- per lf, plus my time, the mess and the cost of saw blade sharpening - which is over $35.00 the last time I had one done and that was over 15 years ago. Since homasote is really tough on the saw blades, I have to factor this in if I ask Tom or Paul for the use of their table saw.
Decision: Go with the precut roadbed from California Roadbed Company delivered right to my front door. It will save the aggravation of schlepping the material all over the place for cutting, the mess to clean up and delivering and picking up the sawblade for sharpening. The track for the branchline, sidings and yard area can be placed directly onto the sheet homasote and the track for the mainline will be laid on a 0.24" thick precut homasote roadbed with a 30 deg. bevel glued onto the sheet homasote.
Exhibit #2 - precut homasote ()
The package of roadbed has not arrived, so check out the website - {http://www.homabed.com/site/890800/page/45029}
Item No. 3 - Switches:
Do I want to buy pre-manufactured switches or make my own? The layout was designed using all #6 switches in order to keep expenses down if I decided to go with a build my own solution.
I can't remember the manufacturer of the switches I bought back in the 80's and couldn't find any on the internet that looked like the ones I have. The switch in the photo below is a weathered switch with bolt head details that I purchased in the mid 80's.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123164836-520791343.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - #6 weathered old switch (T113)
I did however find ones manufactured by B.K. Enterprises and Railway Engineering.
Analysis: The #6 code 70 switch from BK I bought was listed for $24.80 for the assembled version and took 2 months to arrive after ordering. It was okay, but as you can see in the picture below, the stock rail, frog and point rails are soldered together with a short piece of rail, but are not gauged and are too close together so it can't just be spiked in place as "assembled".
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123164836-52080134.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - #6 BK switch (T111)
The #6 code 70 switch from Railroad Engineering was listed for $24.95 and is ready to be spiked in place. The main problem I had with this company was getting in touch with them by phone. It seems that the owner lives outside of town, but has internet access. He has no land line phone in his home and his cell phone won't work except when he is in town. His product is good except he was very enthusiastic with the solder and he had gapped the frog on both sides. By the way, I also purchased some code 70 and code 83 rail gauges from him and they really work well (see them at - http://www.railwayeng.com/gauges.htm).
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123164836-52081722.jpeg)
Exhibit #5 - #6 Railway Engineering switch (T112)
If I make my own using the Fast Track assembly the costs will be - $114.35 for the #6 fixture, $51.95 for the #6 point form jig and $72.75 for the stock rail former jig, which totals $239.05. These three items will make both right and left hand switches using code 70 or code 83 rail, per the manufacture.
Additional costs are $2.10 for the 45" of code 70 rail and $1.58 for the 44 Kappler switch ties which gives a total cost of $3.68 per switch in materials.
I have 39 switches to make for the layout - code 70 and code 83. The cost per switch will be $6.12 for the Fast Track tools and $3.68 for material.......Total cost per switch - $9.80.
Total cost for all switches - $967.20 (and ridiculously slow delivery time) for the BK Enterprises product, $973.05 for the Railway Engineering product or $382.20 for the make your own version. Can you possibly guess which wins?
Decision: Make my own using Fast Tracks jigs and try to incorporate Proto 87 details (tie plates, joint bars, point details) to the track to get a more prototypical look.
With these matters out of the way, let the building begin!
Quote from: GPdemayo on February 09, 2014, 10:25:46 AM
Decision: Go with the precut roadbed from California Roadbed Company delivered right to my front door. It will save the aggravation of schlepping the material all over the place for cutting, the mess to clean up and delivering and picking up the sawblade for sharpening.
But where are you gonna get the sawdust to grow mushrooms for that
dog slobber that Floridy beef requires?
When I was down there - the rule seemed to be "If you can't pull it
out of the water, it ain't important!".
Saw blade sharpenin'? The Ledbetters just ask whoever they borrow
the saw from "Hey, do you have an extra blade? This one was dull!"
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: gnatshop on February 09, 2014, 07:12:33 PM
Quote from: GPdemayo on February 09, 2014, 10:25:46 AM
Decision: Go with the precut roadbed from California Roadbed Company delivered right to my front door. It will save the aggravation of schlepping the material all over the place for cutting, the mess to clean up and delivering and picking up the sawblade for sharpening.
But where are you gonna get the sawdust to grow mushrooms for that
dog slobber that Floridy beef requires?
When I was down there - the rule seemed to be "If you can't pull it
out of the water, it ain't important!".
Saw blade sharpenin'? The Ledbetters just ask whoever they borrow
the saw from "Hey, do you have an extra blade? This one was dull!"
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
We ought to have all the sawdust we need once Tom gets to rebuilding his AS! ;D
Quote from: GPdemayo on February 13, 2014, 09:06:38 AM
We ought to have all the sawdust we need once Tom gets to rebuilding his AS! ;D
Tom says "NO, NO, I need all my sawdust to rebuild my AS - it got worn
thin with all the honey-do's I've been doin' lately!". ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: gnatshop on February 13, 2014, 09:13:28 PM
Quote from: GPdemayo on February 13, 2014, 09:06:38 AM
We ought to have all the sawdust we need once Tom gets to rebuilding his AS! ;D
Tom says "NO, NO, I need all my sawdust to rebuild my AS - it got worn
thin with all the honey-do's I've been doin' lately!". ;D ;D ;D
Naw, Tom will have plenty o sawdust, however, I'm beginning to worry about his mental health since he's been at the honey-do stuff so much lately and not the layout .
Why am I worried you ask? At lunch the other day he had a diet coke...........he needs to build some benchwork or a kit, something railroad related before he goes totally bonkers! ;D ;D ;D
Now that the benchwork and grading phases are complete, its time to begin building a railroad. The trackwork needs to begin with the ties, so let's discuss them for this episode.
I have used Kappler and Campbell products in the past and was happy with the way they stained and held the spikes. So, I decided to stick with a known quantity and ended up purchasing Kappler ties for this part of the project since Campbell was kind of hard to get when I made the decision on the ties.
I could not find any of these cross and switch ties locally, so I purchased the 8'-0", 8'-6" cross ties and switch ties from a catalog supplier. Since they didn't carry the 9'-0" cross ties, I called Kappler and spoke to Eric. When I told him I needed the 9'-0" full height ties for the mainline he said he could run off a few for me. The 2 bags (1,000 ea) were here 4 days after he took the order - Thanks Eric! {http://www.kapplerusa.com/y2k/kp-main.htm}. The bags in the picture in the previous post (T116) with the white labels are what's left over from my last purchases in the 80's, the blue labels are the new ties.
Back in the mid 80's, in a time before high speed internet, when not much information was easily available about painting, staining and weathering ties, I ran across some creosote in a local hardware store. In an effort to achieve total realism I thought why try to simulate a real creosoted railroad tie, why not make a miniature one with the real thing. I bought a quart and a gallon and used some of the quart, but the gallon was never opened.
When I went back to that same store last year and told the clerk I couldn't find the creosote, he looked at me like I had just landed. We don't carry and have never carried creosote, it is against the law says he. Well says I, in a friendly manner of course: "I bought some here in this very store in the early 80's, so you did carry it at one time".
Apparently that was before his time and before some silly AS_ Imperial Federal EPA regulation that has come to pass. Isn't it that great that we have such a wonderful and caring bunch of bureaucrats looking after us. I guess we are to inept to take care of ourselves and the government thinks nobody but the pros should be able to purchase the stuff. I for one can sleep well at night knowing the boys in Washington have our welfare as their #1 goal in life. End of unsolicited political commentary!
As luck would have it, I still had the gallon and a little of the quart left, it seems like a little of this stuff goes a long way. Since the tin can was getting on in years, I transferred it to a couple of half gallon glass containers and went to work.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123173901-521271726.jpeg)
Exhibit #1 - creosote jars (T143)
It still like the result and I have found that I can control the look of the ties by the time it soaks in the creosote - a couple of hours for a bleached out, aged tie to a couple of days for a new dark tie. The only drawback is the drying time. I use masking tape to pull it from the jig and put it in the glue on the layout. If it has not dried long enough, at least a couple of weeks, it will pull off the tie and stick to the tape. Not to mention the fact that it takes time for the "odor" to dissipate so it doesn't "stink" up the house and upset certain members of the family.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123173901-52128479.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - ties just pulled from creosote (T028)
I still haven't figured out why Pegi (and Tom's "babe") frown upon the newly creosoted ties drying in the house. Tom and I think that it is a great smell - along with coal smoke and hot grease smells. However, in an effort to maintain harmony in the home, I designed and built an intricately engineered drying rack for outside on the screen porch. Plans and specifications for this engineering marvel are available upon request - for a modest fee, of course.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123173901-521291244.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - drying rack (T060a)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-171123173901-521301867.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - drying ties (T103)
Continued..........
Does the creosote stay sticky or does it harden up?
8)
Quote from: ak-milw on February 15, 2014, 06:05:27 PM
Does the creosote stay sticky or does it harden up?
8)
Andy:
The creosote takes a couple of weeks to get rid of the "sticky", assuming a low humidity outside as it dries.
Before that the masking tape pulls some it off and it looks kind of funny with a light stripe down the middle of the ties. But given enough time to dry, the creosote stays on and looks great.
Quote from: GPdemayo on February 15, 2014, 04:11:07 PMI could not find any of these cross and switch ties locally, so I purchased the 8'-0", 8'-6" cross ties and switch ties from a catalog supplier.
That's because someone else got to Colonial Photo & Hobby and bought the last few packs they had on the shelf before you got there. I'm not sayin' who it was though. 8)
Quote from: ReadingBob on February 16, 2014, 11:23:35 AM
Quote from: GPdemayo on February 15, 2014, 04:11:07 PMI could not find any of these cross and switch ties locally, so I purchased the 8'-0", 8'-6" cross ties and switch ties from a catalog supplier.
That's because someone else got to Colonial Photo & Hobby and bought the last few packs they had on the shelf before you got there. I'm not sayin' who it was though. 8)
Ah Ha...................... ;)
Guess what? The ties were to begin in this episode, but I am not quite ready. So you will have to make do with another filler for today.
Like the last build, this is another small structure for the yard and is the #27501 MoW Shed by B.T.S. Structures. It is a neat little structure that will go nicely in the yard and service areas in Phase 2.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123092420-521731699.jpeg)
Exhibit #1 - kit box (20504)
It is an easy build and required little modifications. The exterior siding is vertical 1x's that B.T.S. gives the builder the option of having "board and batten" siding by supplying scale battens in the kit.
Since the Storage Shed (see page 4 of this thread for pictures) has vertical siding, I decided to do this one a little differently and decided to use the battens. This was tons of fun - scale battens are really small and it seemed like I'd never finish installing them. I do like the way they came out and it gives this building a little different look.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123092420-521712090.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - installation of battens in progress (20509)
As usual, I found a few things I felt could be done a little differently than the kit manufacture recommends.
The first was the roof sheathing. I'm not real fond of the card stock that many manufacturers, this one included, use for the roof sheathing, so I changed this one to wood. The card stock has notches in them for the roof bracing so I had to cut the notches in the my wood before I could glue it together and proceed with the rafter tails, outriggers and roof covering.
Oh, the red stain on the left roof piece is not ketchup - only a slight mishap.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123092420-521721174.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - replacement roof (20521)
I painted the exterior walls and trim and they were ready to be glued together. The walls are Floquil R-12 - reefer gray and the trim is R-36 - weyerhaeuser green.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123092420-521731699.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - painted walls (20517)
Continued..........
I glued each pair of side and end exterior walls and glued the roof rafters to the roof sheathing pieces and marked the underside at the eave on 2' centers for the rafter tails.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123093128-52174268.jpeg)
Exhibit #1 - walls and roof sheathing (20524)
The roof covering provided was plain black paper in the kit. I want some texture to the roofing, so I used 150 grit sandpaper to represent 90# slate roll roofing and stained it for a white granular surface (thinned Floquil R-11 - reefer white).
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123093128-5217535.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - roof w/ "mineral roll roofing" (20527)
With the exterior walls and roof complete, its time to tackle the flooring, joists and piers. I added floor joists from scale 2x12 stock because I didn't want to worry about the floor warping from the A&I wash I plan to put on the underside of the structure.
The piles are precut and ready for installation. However, they must be coated before imbedding them in the "ground".
Oh, what shall I coat them in to protect them from the weather and all those wood eating critters? Can you guess what pops to mind for coating piles? You guessed it.......Creosote!
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123093128-52176762.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - piers (20529)
The interior flooring is a piece of scored wood to represent 8" planking. Since this will be barely be seen through one partially open door, I decided to use it as is. I stained it with Floquil R-82 - concrete by painting on a light coat and rubbing it off while still wet. This light gray color gives it a nice well worn appearance.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123093128-521771729.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - interior flooring (20530)
Continued in a few days..........
The exterior deck supplied in the kit is wood scored to represent 6" planking. I think I could give it a more realistic look by using individually cut scale 2x8's, so I cut up some stock scale 2x8's and glued them over the joists. The sheet of wood at the top of the picture is the scored deck material provided in the kit.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123093748-521782348.jpeg)
Exhibit #1 - decking in progress (20536)
With the front deck installed on the joists, I could then glue on the piles and attach the front deck assembly to the building with the bracing provided. Note the underside of the main building color. It has a couple of coats of A&I while the underside of the front deck is still unstained wood.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123093748-521791932.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - front deck attached to main building (20539)
Once the porch was attached, the stair stringers and treads were assembled and attached to the deck.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123093748-52180204.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - front steps (20540)
Only some small miscellaneous items are left in this build, so I'll just touch on them and complete this build.
I added the door handles to the front and rear sliding doors. I am not 100% sure if I want to have the doors open, partially open or closed, so I used Scenic Accents Glue so I can reposition them if I need to in the future.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123093748-521811236.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - sliding door (20558)
Continued..........
There are a few metal castings with the kit - single barrel, multiple barrels and pigeons. I cleaned them up and painted (not sure what to do with the pigeons) them. The barrels need some rust and they will be completed.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123094440-521821616.jpeg)
Exhibit #1 - completed castings (20541)
B.T.S. supplied wall mounted exterior light fixtures to be placed over the front and rear doors. They are plastic shades and have a green coated wire to attach them to the building. I have not decided if I want to have working lights on the building, so I have decided not to include these at this time.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123094440-521831042.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - wall light (20545)
The kit also comes with laser cut pieces for a ladder. I assembled it and will probably just stain it with some A&I.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123094440-521841401.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - ladder (20547)
The kit does not include any bolt heads for the joist that attaches to the piles under the front deck to support the decking above. I thought it would be an appropriate addition, so I dipped into my stash and found some Grant Line bolt and washer heads that would work.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123094440-521851206.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - bolt heads (20550)
Continued..........
Here are a few pictures of the basically finished kit. The only thing left to do is weather the roof and walls and I will probably do that when I place the structure in its scene on the layout.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123110920-521861338.jpeg)
Exhibit #1 - front elevation-high (20552)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123110920-521872385.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - front elevation-low (20551)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123110920-521882338.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - rear elevation (20554)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123110920-521891384.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - typical side elevation (20555)
This has been a fun little build and a nice kit by B.T.S. The laser cutting is good, the castings are of decent quality (the pigeons are a bit whimsical) and the instruction are good enough for a simple kit of this type.
Stay tuned, hopefully I will finally get to the cross tie installation in the next episode.....................
Nice little build greg. Sometimes you need a little diversion like this to help keep you going.
Oh ya, better pick that ladder up before someone trips over it.
8)
Nice Greg!
John
Quote from: ak-milw on February 20, 2014, 07:55:44 PM
Nice little build greg. Sometimes you need a little diversion like this to help keep you going.
Oh ya, better pick that ladder up before someone trips over it.
8)
Thanks Andy.
I'll get that ladder moved before those kind, wonderful and all knowledgable OSHA gents show up and shut the railroad down.
Quote from: Cuse on February 21, 2014, 06:44:38 AM
Nice Greg!
John
Thanks John. Your soon to be new engine house is looking good, can't wait to see it in place.
Finally.................on with the installation of the cross and switch ties. This will be a short post, but I will continue it with more pictures soon.
After letting the ties sit for a couple of weeks, most of the oily residue from the creosote has evaporated and they are ready to move into the house and use.
Once all the ties are in the jig, I cut a length of 1/2" masking tape in half and attach it to the top of the ties and lift them out.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123111759-521901416.jpeg)
Exhibit #1 - cross ties in jig (T068)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123111759-52191109.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - switch ties in jig (T020)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123111759-52192883.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - ties removed (T005)
I check the area that I'm going to place the ties for any bumps, dips or any other irregularities. I then place a thin coat of Titebond II glue (for its water resistant properties) on the homasote, making sure it is placed in an even, thin coat, then place the ties in the glue. I use a long metal straightedge to press the ties into the glue and check for level along the top of the ties.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123111759-52193304.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - ties set in glue (T071)
Once the glue is dry, I remove the tape and the ties are ready for the rail.
To Be Continued..........
Better you than me, hand laying track and turnouts isn't for me, but a lot of folks like it. Maybe it's the laziness in me.
8)
Quote from: ak-milw on March 02, 2014, 07:19:43 PM
Better you than me, hand laying track and turnouts isn't for me, but a lot of folks like it. Maybe it's the laziness in me.
8)
Andy:
It really isn't as bad as you think. Once you get a rhythm going, it gets done in no time.
The ties go down quickly and the new spike putting in thingy makes the installation of the rail go much quicker than when I used needle nose pliers years ago. I'll get into that in a couple of posts.
About the switches..... the first few were slow and not so good, but now that I'm comfortable and have developed a little assembly line system, I can turn one out in about 15 to 20 minutes. I love the way they look and am real happy with the way they operate, especially at very slow speeds with a small loco.
All in all, hand laying takes a little more time, but I really like the results and am much happier with the flexibility that it gives to a layout plan. It is not as daunting as most people think and given a little practice most everyone could get excellent results in no time.
The placing of the ties goes quickly. I have found that even though I could put 36" of ties in the jig at once, it seems to go better with the 9" length. The glue sets up to much if I try to spread out a thin layer for 36", but is just about right at 9".
I started in Phase 1 at the chemical plant siding and worked my way upgrade toward the brewery with the 8'-6" cross ties. This batch of ties were left over from the 80's and took the creosote stain just fine.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123112642-521941503.jpeg)
Exhibit #1 - first cross ties (T006)
The switch ties should be placed first, but they weren't dry enough and I got a bad case of getgoingitis and couldn't wait. All did work out okay after I placed the switch ties. Note the 8'-0" ties at the brewery, they were left over, lightly stained ties from the 80's and have a nice worn look for this siding.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123112642-52195698.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - ties at brewery siding (T012)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123112642-52196660.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - ties at brewery siding (T014)
I have skipped around a bit using the 8'-6" ties for the branchline that I had left. I have ordered more, but they seem to be very slow in arriving - about 8 weeks so far. had left. I began the 3 yard tracks and hope to have enough ties to get one track complete up to its switch.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-191123112642-52197853.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - start of yard cross ties (T042)
Butty Group guy, Jim Miller, had a bunch of 8'-0" Campbell ties left over from his hand laying days and he donated these to the cause. I have them stained and will begin to place them on a few of the sidings.
More To Come Soon.....
I have used some commercially-cut ties, but my usual source is 3/32 x 1/16" basswood (Northeastern Craftsman Supply is about 45 min. away) and some time with my NWSL Chopper.
Quote from: jbvb on March 06, 2014, 10:23:40 PM
I have used some commercially-cut ties, but my usual source is 3/32 x 1/16" basswood (Northeastern Craftsman Supply is about 45 min. away) and some time with my NWSL Chopper.
James:
I admire you're efforts in cutting your own ties. I generally am in such a hurry to get to laying track that I don't want to take the time to cut up strip wood before I begin.
Thanks for following along and don't be shy about posting some pictures of your trackwork!
Hello again! Time for a progress update with lots of pictures.
Well, I'm still waiting for the 8'6" ties to arrive that I ordered back in March from the large catalog supply house. They have no idea when they will be in so I broke down and ordered 2 bags from Erik at Kappler. The order was shipped on Friday and will probably get here the first of next week. After I get them stained in the creosote and dried out, I should be able to get the yard and branchline ties completed for Phases 1 & 2 in about 3 to 4 weeks.
In the mean time, I'll be placing the remainder of the 8'-6" cross ties and the switch ties. I like to place the switch ties first, then install all the cross ties between them. Now that I've gotten over the "getgoingitis" I will try to get on with it in a more orderly manner.
I began placing the switch ties at the ends of the wye and started with the remaining 8'-6" cross ties that I have left.
Exhibit #1 - switch ties at brewery & wye (T048)
In this photo, you will see the switch ties at the bottom of the wye which begins the grade climb to Moosebutt. The cross ties from the brewery end of the wye have been started.
Exhibit #2 - switch ties at branchline end of wye (T081)
The switch ties at the yard end of the wye is at the top center of the photo. The 2 switch ties to the right are the top of the yard and the track leading to the mainline. The switch at the bottom, left side is where the service track connects to the wye and mainline.
Exhibit #3 - switch ties at yard end of wye (T086)
Exhibit #4 - cross ties at grade to yard (T084)
Continued..........
Progress, progress, progress!!
8)
Quote from: ak-milw on March 15, 2014, 11:59:26 AM
Progress, progress, progress!!
8)
Getting there Andy, but a bit more to post before I catch up to the present.
I next finished the cross ties from the brewery to the branchline ends of the wye.
Exhibit #1 - ties to end of wye (T088)
The other side of the wye from the brewery to the yard were installed. The second photo is from the opposite diredtion.
Exhibit #2 - ties to yard (T089)
Exhibit #3 - opposite view (T093)
Another shot of the start of the 3 track yard is shown in the following photo.
Exhibit #4 - start of yard ties (T043)
Continued..........
Well, I'm just about out of 8'-6" cross ties. I have just enough left to complete one yard track to the switch. The next two photos show it from both ends.
Exhibit #1 - yard ties (T090)
[attach 1]
Exhibit #2 - opposite view (T097)
[attach 2]
The next photo is another shot of the siding from the wye to the chemical plant and the brewery siding. I really like this twisting, climbing grade and couldn't wait for the rail to be installed to see an old boxcar and an engine on the ties.
Exhibit #3 - chemical plant/brewery siding ties (T015)
[attach 3]
I will finish up this episode with a photo of the switch ties leading to the engine house and tie/plank mill.
Exhibit #4 - engine house ties (T085)
[attach 4]
When the 8'-6" cross ties get in, I will get them in the creosote and dried, then finish the yard and branchline tracks. In the mean time I will get some of Butty Jim's 8'-0" cross ties installed on the sidings.
To Be Continued Soon.....
It's something to watch all this coming together.
8)
Quote from: ak-milw on March 16, 2014, 04:13:41 PM
It's something to watch all this coming together.
8)
It,s been great fun so far.....more to come!
That post to Andy was great. I,m sitting in the model room waiting for some paint to dry on trim for JimmyD,s DepotStation and typed this on a tablet.
My isn,t modern technology interesting!!!
After the switch ties were placed to the engine house and tie/plank mill, I decided to put in the sidings to those structures. As I said in the last episode, I am out of 8'-6" ties and I reordered them directly from Erik at Kappler (ordered on Thursday, they arrived on Monday). Since they aren't ready for installation all I have left for now is the 8'-0" ties from Butty Jim.
Since I made the decision to use 8'-0" ties on the sidings, this will work out just right. I can begin at the two sidings for the tie/plank mill next to the engine house. One track will be used for delivering the logs from Moosebutt by way of the branchline. The other track will be for shipping out cut and creosoted lumber for use by the StL&D.
The sequence of pictures below shows the progression to the ties down the sidings. I thought they are a neat grouping of shots and figured since y'all like photos I would include all eight. The first photo is of the bare homosote with the track centerline and tie edges drawn. The white paper in the top of the picture is a depiction of the area required for the mill.
Exhibit #1 - ready for ties (T196)
[attach-1]
Exhibit #2 - group #1 (T198)
[attach-2]
Exhibit #3 - group #2 (T200)
[attach-3]
Exhibit #4 - group #3 (T201)
[attach-4]
Continued..........
Exhibit #1 - group # 4 (T202)
[attach-1]
Exhibit #2 - group #5 (T203)
[attach-2]
Exhibit #3 - group #6 (T204)
[attach-3]
Exhibit #4 - all groups w/ tape removed (T207)
[attach-4]
The whole process goes rather quickly and took less than an hour. The 8'-6" ties for the remainder of the yard and branchline track are out of the creosote, are drying and will probably be ready to install in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, I have a few more places for the 8'-0" ties.
So, stay tuned for the next episode when I will "dig" the pit for the old Robertson , Air Operated, Cinder Conveyor (it is a Scale Structures Limited kit (K124) that I started putting together in the mid 80's. After this is complete, I can get the ties for the engine house installed.
This episode will continue in the same area I left off in the last post. The next ties to be installed are for the cinder conveyor and the engine house tracks. I can put in the ties for the cinder conveyor dump, but I need to locate and install the pit for the cinder conveyor before the ties for the one engine house track can be glued down.
The dump track will hold the gondola cars that will be filled with the ashes from the engines when they dump on the way into the engine house for light service. This siding is relatively short as it is necessary to hold only a couple of cars. See photos below.
Exhibit #1 - ready for ties (T212)
[attach=1]
Exhibit #2 - ties glued down (T214)
[attach=2]
I had assembled the pit walls and beams back in the mid 80's, so I can use this as a guild for "digging" the pit that goes under the rail. I also got the track centerline dimensions from the kit plans. I laid it out on the homasote and was ready to start excavation. The little cart that rides up the conveyor rails (code 40) from in the pit to over the gondola car where it dumps the ashes can be seen in the bottom of the following picture.
Exhibit #3 - pit layout (T215)
[attach=3]
The crew got the excavation going and dug down till I hit a layer of solid stuff...granite most likely... then had to pull out the big guns and start blasting.
Exhibit #4 - digging pit (T216)
[attach=4]
The soils guy did some tests around the yard area and said the hard stuff was further down, so we weren't expecting the delay in completing the pit. But not to worry, as you can tell by the next picture, all worked out well.
Continued.....
Exhibit #1 - pit installed (T217)
[attach=1]
I temporarily put the rail with ties over the pit and the middle & main supports with their concrete bases on either side of the dump siding to see what it will look like when completed. This yard and engine facility are on the smallish size and don't require a large ash pit, so it seems to be perfect for this type of operation. When I complete assembly of the kit, I will post a few pictures to this thread.
Exhibit #2 - (T219)
[attach=2]
Exhibit #3 - (T220)
[attach=3]
Enough for today. I will work on completing the ties into the engine house, the yard and the branchline soon. I have practiced on a couple more Fast Track switches and am about ready to install a couple. They get better with each one and I am glad that I decided to build them myself. We'll have to wait till I add power to the track to see if the theory worked out or I end up with some blue smoke - I might become known as "Dr. Evil, Jr.".
See y'all next time.
Things are moving along here. If you have a voltmeter, you can do some less dramatic tests before the big one.
Quote from: jbvb on March 26, 2014, 04:19:29 PM
Things are moving along here. If you have a voltmeter, you can do some less dramatic tests before the big one.
Thanks for looking in James, I will definetly test with the meter before I run locos over the switch.
Don't want any of these steamers going wheels up going over a switch. :(
Even with real 1:1 work to do the last couple of weeks, the tie crew has been busy since the last episode.
The low profile cross ties have almost been completed in the yard and service areas. This leaves a couple of small sections in Phase 2 (a small piece of branchline, one side of the wye and the coaling tower dump track) to be installed and the ties for Phase 1 and 2 will be completed. After they are complete, the plan is to finish installing the roadbed for the mainline and begin putting down some full height cross and switch ties and adding track to both.
The photos below are two views of the installed cross ties for the tracks going past the cinder conveyor pit to the engine house that was dug in the last episode.
Exhibit #1 - ties to engine house (T237)
[attach=1]
This second photo shows the partially finished FSM 2 stall Engine House (Kit #35) that I purchased ($9.95) in the early 70's. This was one of the first "craftsman kits" I built and even though it is not completed and in need of a bit of renovation after all these years, I think it will look really good after I finish the building and get it into it's scene.
Exhibit #2 - engine house (T274)
[attach=2]
As you can see below, the three track yard has a few cross ties down, but I need to get the switch ties installed in order to complete each track.
Exhibit #3 - switch ties (T243)
[attach=3]
Exhibit #4 - service track & yard ready for ties (T241)
[attach=4]
Continued.....
Gregory
You are making great progress! Looks great I will be following along.
Quote from: S&S RR on March 29, 2014, 10:52:04 AM
Gregory
You are making great progress! Looks great I will be following along.
John...hi again and thanks. I'll be posting a few more shots in a few minutes.
With the switch ties in, I ran the cross ties up to each switch and got the yard and service track completed. For this area to be complete, the track behind the coaling tower is the only one I need to install cross ties.
See the area to the left of center in picture T251 below - right above the sand house you can see the pit for the coaling tower sitting on top of the homasote. The pit needs to be dug so I can run the ties for that track.
Since we ran into that tough granite while digging the pit for the cinder conveyor, the tie gang will be ready with a good supply of dynamite so the progress won't be delayed if we run into it again.
Exhibit #1 - switch ties & yard cross ties (T251)
[attach=1]
I placed a couple of completed #6 switches on top of the ties to get a feel for the completed job and thought it really is starting to look like a railroad. Hopefully if the track gang can keep up this pace, I might get to see some trains running in year or two!
Exhibit #2 - switches on ties (T252)
[attach=2]
Exhibit #3 - opp. view (T254)
[attach=3]
As you can see with the photos above, the switch building has begun now that a couple of experimental switches have been completed.
In an effort not to use the computer board ties, which Fast Tracks recommends, I tried to hold the switch rails to the wood ties with Pliobond and it sort of worked. However, The great job it did on Fast Track quick ties didn't work on mine. It seems that the Pliobond and the creosote don't get along as well as they should and I was not completely comfortable the way it held, especially at the points where there is so much stress.
I got some of the computer board ties from Fast Tracks and they seem to work well, especially after I cut down on the lumps of flux - seems I forgot what I learned years ago about using the flux sparingly. I colored these ties with tie brown and will blend them in with the creosoted ties after I get them installed. I am not 100% happy with this method, but I believe I can make the finished product look okay.
The photo below is kind of hard to see, but the switch to the engine house has been spiked down and it is ready for power feeders on the stock rails and a Tortoise switch motor. I can't wait for this - the last one I installed was an old Tenshodo switch machine for the engine yard I posted pictures of in Part 1 - The Introduction (http://www.kitforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=4604 (http://www.kitforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=4604)).
I'll probably have to ply Tom with some Diet Pepsi to get some guidance for doing this - I hope I can find enough on sale at the market. It will probably take an inordinate amount of the stuff to get him in an agreeable mood!.
Exhibit #4 - switch to engine house installed (T240)
[attach=4]
Enough for today. In the next episode, I will put in some photos of switch building and the first switches that were installed on the layout.
Stay well!
Greg you sure have gotten a lot done since the days when you came up with Tom and you where talking about what you wanted to do. It really looks good and a very interesting process.
Quote from: PennsyJ1 on April 07, 2014, 03:46:31 PM
Greg you sure have gotten a lot done since the days when you came up with Tom and you where talking about what you wanted to do. It really looks good and a very interesting process.
Thanks Bill.....I've been busy with work recently, but I have been able to grab a few minutes to work on a kit and order some kits I need for a future expansion.
Can't wait to get up to see your layout, from Tom's photos, y'all have been busy!
Quote from: GPdemayo on April 07, 2014, 08:38:33 PM
I've been busy with work recently, but I have been able to grab a few minutes to work on a kit and order some kits I need for a future expansion.
That comment is a sure sign to get you on the 'Home Boss Lady's' chit list! :( :( :(
Ask me how I know!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: gnatshop on April 07, 2014, 11:08:29 PM
Quote from: GPdemayo on April 07, 2014, 08:38:33 PM
I've been busy with work recently, but I have been able to grab a few minutes to work on a kit and order some kits I need for a future expansion.
That comment is a sure sign to get you on the 'Home Boss Lady's' chit list! :( :( :(
Ask me how I know!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
David:
Belated Happy Birthday!!!
Thank goodness that won't happen.
How do you know???
Hi,
very fine trackwork on your layout.Great work with the benchwork....Thanks for sharing.
Regards,Chris
Quote from: Twist67 on April 10, 2014, 10:23:41 AM
Hi,
very fine trackwork on your layout.Great work with the benchwork....Thanks for sharing.
Regards,Chris
Thanks Chris, appreciate the kind words.
Stay tuned, more fun stuff to come!
The First Run !!!
Hello all. I have been busy in the 1:1 world and haven't had time to get the posts together for the switch building or the beginning of the track laying. I have been doing a little with the layout and thought I might get this YouTube video on the thread so y'all can see what I've been up to.
The track you will see is the siding that comes off the branch-line wye down grade past the brewery to the Olson Chemical plant. This is the first rail I have hand-laid and I am very happy with the results from using the Xuron spike sticking-in thingie. The feeders are soldered to the rail and connected and attached to a bus that runs underneath.
This is a video of the first application of power to the track and the very first run of an engine on the St.L&D track.
To Jimmillho - see I got it running before you expired !!!
Enjoy the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h1i31oBcE4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h1i31oBcE4)
See you next time!
Greg, It's always a good feeling to have something running on the layout especially for the first time. Looks great! Keep up the good work.
Greg,
It is indeed looking good. I need to come check out those new kits you've been talking about! When are they gong up in a build thread? I guess your excuse will be when all the 1:1 business is done!
Tom ;D
Quote from: PennsyJ1 on April 11, 2014, 03:32:52 PM
Greg, It's always a good feeling to have something running on the layout especially for the first time. Looks great! Keep up the good work.
Thanks Bill......drop by anytime, I'll be pleased to give you a tour! ;D
Quote from: ACL1504 on April 11, 2014, 04:31:08 PM
Greg,
It is indeed looking good. I need to come checdk out those new kits you've been talking about! When are they gong up in a build thread? I guess your excuse will be when all the 1:1 business is done!
Tom ;D
Hey Tom.....thanks for keeping up. I've got those kits in the schedule, but the 1:1 business makes the $$$ for the purchases, so it will be awhile.
See you in a few minutes!
Hi again. It's been awhile, but I have been busy in the 1:1 world and haven't had time to do a little modeling and post more to the thread. As you have guessed, the thread lost and the modeling won. During the last few weeks, I have been refining my switch building and doing a little modeling as time has allowed.
First, to the switches. I am using a Fast Track jig for the #6 switches on the layout and I must say, despite some problems, I am pleased with the results. After working out the kinks and learning the process in the first few attempts, I now find switches easy to build with this system.
The process is not that time consuming once you get the process down. It is as simple as:
1. Cut the ties to length and gap the top to prevent any shorts (more on that fun later).
2. Shape the frog with the frog forming tool and solder together in the jig.
3. Cut and bend the guard rails.
4. Cut both stock rails and notch with the stock aid tool.
5. Cut and shape both point rails with the point forming tool and bend the other end of each rail to form the wing rail.
6. Solder all the rails onto the computer board ties.
7. Touch up the point rail where it hits the stock rail.
8. Clean up the ties, solder joints, gap burrs and rail.
Their video's can be seen at - http://www.handlaidtrack.com/online-videos-a/164.htm (http://www.handlaidtrack.com/online-videos-a/164.htm) - scoll toward the bottom till you see the heading "Using Fast Tracks Assembly Fixtures".
My first attempt at switch building is below. I saw a Fast Track video using pliobond to hold the rail to their cross ties. Since I have gone to the trouble of using creosote for the ties, I wasn't thrilled with the idea of using computer board ties, then having to paint them to blend in. I thought this might be the way to go and used this in the building of this first switch.
Overall the pliobond held well after heating, but the points let go after a few minutes of tugging, so I concluded that the creosote and pliobond didn't like each other and the points would fail, eventually, with all the movement of the switch during operations.
Exhibit #1 - fast tracks jig w/ wooden ties (T107)
[attach=1]
I then tried to replicate the manner of construction of the switches I purchased in the 80's by soldering a piece of thin metal to the top of the rails. As you can see below, this didn't turn out too well mostly because of my crappy soldering technique. I like this method, because when completed, the switch is in gauge and ready to be spiked into place. I will definitely revisit it in the future when my soldering skill improves.
Exhibit #2 - switch soldered from top (T159)
[attach=2]
I finally broke down and ordered a couple of packs of the computer board ties from Fast Tracks and used them to build the next couple of switches. These worked well and I feel comfortable with their lasting over time with the soldered points.
Exhibit #3 - switch w/ computer board ties (T261)
[attach=3]
The only problem was that I got ahead of myself and already had the switch ties in place. Some ties would have to be removed for the switch to sit flat on the wood ties.
Exhibit #4 - switch ties (T011)
[attach=4]
Continued.....
I laid the switch over the ties and marked the ties that needed to be removed, cut the glue on either side of the tie, then slid a flat nosed Exacto blade under the glue and pulled it off.
Exhibit #1 - removed switch ties (T221)
[attach=1]
As you can see, the spacing of the ties do not match exactly as some ties are not centered. I'll give that some thought and try to correct the problem.
Exhibit #2 - test fitting (T223)
[attach=2]
I sprinkled some cinder ballast around the ties to see what it would look like and how bad the problem was.
Exhibit #3 - test fitting w/ ballast (T255)
[attach=3]
I don't think it looks too bad, but there is some room for improvement. Back to the ole' drawing board.
Because I followed the gapping recommendations of Fast Tracks without thinking of how I planned to power the stock rails, I ran into a shorting problem after I hooked up the feeders and tied them into the bus. I contacted our local model guru, firestarter, and newly crowned demolition man, and he advised me to set the whole thing on fire and collect the insurance. His sage advice was to go to the local RadioShack and purchase a multimeter and find out where the short is located.
Not being an electrical whiz, Pegi and I stopped by his man cave while out on errands one Saturday morning and brought one of the offending switches for him to check out. After inspecting the switch with his meter, accompanied by much scratching of his head (and other body parts that shall remain unmentioned), and with knowledge cultivated over a vast span of time, he pronounced the switch to have a major shorting problem.
So, off to RadioShack to purchase the electricity reading thingie and miraculously solve the problem like I know what I'm doing. Through dumb luck, I figured out what was wrong and am now trying to figure out how to fix the three that I have spiked down and adapt the others before they are installed. More on that later. I can only take so much electrical work at one time.
As a break from the switch problems, I finished gluing down the remaining ties of the branchline on the last side of the wye. I will start adding rail after I get a few of the switches installed, then onto the roadbed, ties and rail for the mainline track.
Exhibit #4 - completed branchline wye ties (T288)
[attach=4]
Stay tuned for the next episode, see y'all next time!
Greg
Looks like you are making good progress. I understand the electrical problems my meter has been getting a workout lately. It is amazing how long it can take to find a short.
Greg.........
The tie spacing part of your post is an interesting one. I would suggest that once ballasted and sceniced....... such things will be lost to the "big picture". Much of modeling is an illusion of reality and believability. You appear to be using some good turnouts so press on.
Regarding the shorts......... inspect carefully for gaps in the copper clad on the assembly structure PC ties. If not gapped correctly can cause a short. Also if it is copper clad on both sides of the tie,,, which most stuff is...... look for solder that might connect from top to bottom.
Basic rule of assembling is check operation often so as an offending short might be found quickly during construction.
Rule: If a short appears....... what did you just do? ? ? ?
see ya
Bob
Quote from: S&S RR on April 18, 2014, 11:08:49 AM
Greg
Looks like you are making good progress. I understand the electrical problems my meter has been getting a workout lately. It is amazing how long it can take to find a short.
My meter got a workout also and with a little help from Tom, I figured it out, got rid of the gliches and haven't had any problems since.
I've been running steam engines back and forth thru them and all is working well.
Quote from: bparrish on April 18, 2014, 12:27:15 PM
Greg.........
The tie spacing part of your post is an interesting one. I would suggest that once ballasted and sceniced....... such things will be lost to the "big picture". Much of modeling is an illusion of reality and believability. You appear to be using some good turnouts so press on.
Regarding the shorts......... inspect carefully for gaps in the copper clad on the assembly structure PC ties. If not gapped correctly can cause a short. Also if it is copper clad on both sides of the tie,,, which most stuff is...... look for solder that might connect from top to bottom.
Basic rule of assembling is check operation often so as an offending short might be found quickly during construction.
Rule: If a short appears....... what did you just do? ? ? ?
see ya
Bob
Thanks for the thoughts Bob.
You are correct about illusion in our hobby, but I guess I have a problem with some of them when compared to the reality of the real world.
I think being a builder and developer messes with my mind when doing some things on the layout and structures. Oh well, I shall muddle on!
A metal-cutting razor saw can go a long way toward fixing this kind of shorting problem. And a motor tool with cutting disk will almost always take care of the rest. I once did a "How to use a Voltmeter" clinic, if you want the write-up PM or email me.
Quote from: jbvb on April 20, 2014, 08:57:47 PM
A metal-cutting razor saw can go a long way toward fixing this kind of shorting problem. And a motor tool with cutting disk will almost always take care of the rest. I once did a "How to use a Voltmeter" clinic, if you want the write-up PM or email me.
Thanks James. I sent you my e-mail address and look forward to seeing the info. Stay tuned, more to come.
I'm finally getting to the mainline track and am looking forward to seeing the contrast between it and the branchline track.
As you will see in some of the photos, at this point I had not completed putting down all the branchline ties at the yard. It seems that I miscalculated the tie quantity and ran short and had to dip more in creosote. Because they took their own sweet time to dry out enough for me to use, I had to jump ahead with the mainline roadbed.
The precut homasote arrived awhile back and it looks like it will be a nice contrast to the branchline track and do a good job holding the spikes like the sheet homasote. I ordered one pack (48') of the homabed with kerfs (slots), normally used for curves, but one of the Porcupine Valley guys said it works fine for straight track, so I didn't bother to order a pack of each. I only need 45' so I thought this first go-around it would be okay as a test of the product before I invested a larger amount for a product I didn't know if I liked.
This roadbed I ordered from California Roadbed, comes with a 30 deg. slope instead of the 45 deg. slope the cork roadbed sample Dr. Evil gave me to play with. It is closer to the slope that 1:1 railroads use in normal circumstances and thought it might be a better look for the mainline. They do cut the roadbed with a 45 deg. slope, but I wanted to try the 30 deg. out for a different look.
Since I had laid out all the centerlines for cutting the grades, I am ready to install the roadbed without any additional prep work. Like cork, the homasote comes in 2 sections which are placed along the centerline of the track. I set it in glue and tacked with 3/4" finish nails. This process goes rather easily, especially if you put the roadbed down with the kerfs positioned per the manufacturers recommendations on the curves. Don't ask...just another senior moment.
Here are a few pictures, starting with the first piece at the junction of the mainline, the mainline passing track and the yard lead.
Exhibit #1 - (T165)
[attach=1]
The next shot shows the roadbed on the 36" r curve that goes by the station. Note how the kerfs are to the inside, away from the sloped edge.
Exhibit #2 - (T167)
[attach=2]
This next shot is the start of the outside half of the passing siding. Again, notice the kerfs on the sloped edge of the roadbed.
Exhibit #3 - (T171)
[attach=3]
The next piece on the curve (the one on the left) is where I had my senior moment. I used the wrong piece - the kerfs on the outside of the curve should be on the centerline side, not on the sloped side. Since the curve is large, it seems to fit, so I left it alone. I will have to keep the installation notes close by and refer to them often when doing curves.
I started with the roadbed on the siding and placed the outside half to form the full roadbed. It will continue into the switch on the mainline where I'll have to cut and piece it together.
Exhibit #4 - (T176)
[attach=4]
Continued......
Greg,
Looking good, looking good, Oh wait I already said that! Looking very good, there!
Chomping at the bit Tom ;D
Greg, I usually use the kerfs (with the California Roadbed) on the larger radius (outside of the curves). That said, I just looked and have some on the insides as well. ::) I don't think it matters with large radius curves, but smaller radii might. After covering with ballast, I don't think you'll see the kerfs.
Jeff
Quote from: ACL1504 on April 27, 2014, 11:56:53 AM
Greg,
Looking good, looking good, Oh wait I already said that! Looking very good, there!
Chomping at the bit Tom ;D
Thanks Chompin.....the sprinkler head actually works, in spit of my efforts!
Quote from: Zephyrus52246 on April 27, 2014, 04:34:35 PM
Greg, I usually use the kerfs (with the California Roadbed) on the larger radius (outside of the curves). That said, I just looked and have some on the insides as well. ::) I don't think it matters with large radius curves, but smaller radii might. After covering with ballast, I don't think you'll see the kerfs.
Jeff
Thanks Jeff.....sometimes my brain takes a nap while I'm awake and I have been known to forget about some of those pesky details.
It came out okay and with the ballast added, nobody outside this forum knows about my little lapse. ;D
I liked working with 1/8" HomaBed, but I should have taken more care with ramps/shims where I transitioned from it to track laid directly on Homasote. This would matter less if I wasn't running full-length passenger cars, E-7s and 8-coupled steam, but there are places where the trains run OK but will never look good in a "1970s Trains Magazine style" telephoto shot. I should have made the transitions at least 21" long.
Quote from: jbvb on April 28, 2014, 04:41:23 PM
I liked working with 1/8" HomaBed, but I should have taken more care with ramps/shims where I transitioned from it to track laid directly on Homasote. This would matter less if I wasn't running full-length passenger cars, E-7s and 8-coupled steam, but there places where the trains run OK but will never look good in a "1970s Trains Magazine style" telephoto shot. I should have made the transitions at least 21" long.
Good point James. You're right, the transition needs to be as long as possible for those long cars.
The following photo shows the passing siding with both sides of the roadbed installed.
Exhibit #1 - (T179)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-010514171725-19241508.jpeg)
The next step was to install the other half of the roadbed to the mainline.
Exhibit #2 - (T188)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-010514171725-1923439.jpeg)
The manufacturer has one piece switch pads with beveled edges to match, but it is priced a little higher than I would like, so I'll have to do it myself. I placed the two switch roadbeds together, then started the beveled section (on the left side in the photo next to the red handle) that takes the grade down to the yard level from the mainline.
Exhibit #3 - (T195)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-010514171725-19221968.jpeg)
The photo below shows the completed switch pads and the slope down to the yard.
Exhibit #4 - (T311)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-010514171725-192199.jpeg)
The final roadbed installation carries the mainline from the station east to the trestle at the chemical plant. This is all the roadbed that is needed in phase 1 & 2. I will have the remainder to install when I build phase 3 later this year. So for now, I'll continue building switches and putting in rail until I'm ready for more benchwork.
After working with this product for the first time, I have to say that I am happy with the end results. It is easy to work with as I remember the cork was and except for the minor goof with kerfs on the wrong side of the curve, all came out well.
The only thing I wish I could remember is the steps for piecing the switch pad together. I remember there was an article in MR or one of the "how to" books, when I was a kid, that showed piecing and cutting the cork roadbed for a switch that seemed much simpler than the way I did it with these two switches. If anyone remembers the steps or has the article, let me know.
Stay tuned, next time we will have some full height ties to install along the mainline.
What Tom said: Looking good!
Hi again and welcome back to more tie installation - full height mainline ties this time.
Before gluing the ties down, I sanded the top of the homasote and checked for bumps and dips that would give the track problems when I start installing ties and rail. Since the homasote makes a lot of dust, I put the shop vac hose up next to where I was sanding and it got most of the dust, it saves a lot of clean-up later on.
I started by installing the crossties from the yard lead switch ties along the mainline toward the chemical plant. This is a straight track of about 9' and will be a nice long lead going into the station that will be on the curve past the switches.
The following four pictures shows the sequence of the installation.
Exhibit #1 - (T315)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-090514101540.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - (T317)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-090514101752-19252221.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - (T343)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-090514101752-19771947.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - (T346)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-090514101752-19781202.jpeg)
Continued.....
I then installed ths switch ties for the yard lead. Unlike the branchline switch ties, I marked the location of the computer board ties and pulled the wood ties off the tape before I glued them down. This will save time later on when I spike down switches. I won't have to cut the glue and peel out the wood tie being careful no to damage the ties on either side.
Exhibit #1 - (T318)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-120514135658-1979270.jpeg)
Next came the mainline passing siding switch. Like the previous switch, I pulled out the wood ties where they would interfere with the computer board ties.
I really don't like the computer board ties and I experimented with one of the switches when I got it all spiked down. I got out the soldering gun and unsoldered the computer board ties and removed them and replaced them with creosoted ties. It came out okay except for the frog guard rails which were a little loose - couldn't get spikes on both sides of the rail. On the next one, I will leave those two computer board ties so the strenght of the frog and guard rails aren't compromised.
Exhibit #2 - (T321)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-120514135658-2076666.jpeg)
While I was in the neighborhood, I installed the low profile ties for the switch that leads to the yard and service track.
Exhibit #3 - (T323)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-120514135658-2076666.jpeg)
After the switch ties, it's back to the mainline and passing siding ties. The mainline has a 36"r and the passing siding has a 34"r.
Exhibit #4 - (T349)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-120514135658-20781217.jpeg)
I don't have enough time now to finish adding the rest of the pictures, so check back in a day or two and I'll have them posted.
Looking real nice Greg. This procedure must take a lot patience, now I know where all mine went to. Take good care of it.
Bill
That is a lot of railroad ties! Looks great!
I'll say it again Greg, better you than me!!
8)
Quote from: PennsyJ1 on May 12, 2014, 03:58:03 PM
Looking real nice Greg. This procedure must take a lot patience, now I know where all mine went to. Take good care of it.
Bill
Thanks for looking in Bill.
Actually it isn't to bad and it is one of my favorite aspects of the hobby. The new spiking tool from Micro Mark makes that acivity mush quicker and easier. I just wish Micro Engineering didn't have such large heads on their spikes.....they need to do something about that.
Hope to visit soon.....
Quote from: S&S RR on May 12, 2014, 05:44:32 PM
That is a lot of railroad ties! Looks great!
Thsnks John, more to come soon.....
Quote from: ak-milw on May 12, 2014, 07:28:49 PM
I'll say it again Greg, better you than me!!
8)
What can I say Andy, I'm a glutton for punishment. :)
Greg...........
This is a question and not a criticism.....
How do you ballast you full height ties differently than your yard lead stuff so as to show off the height of the main line ties. Mine always seem to finish out about the same.
I got to where I just use low profile Campbell ties......... it takes less ballast and it seems to look about the same.
What am I doing wrong ? ? ?
see ya
Bob
Quote from: bparrish on May 13, 2014, 01:16:04 PM
Greg...........
This is a question and not a criticism.....
How do you ballast you full height ties differently than your yard lead stuff so as to show off the height of the main line ties. Mine always seem to finish out about the same.
I got to where I just use low profile Campbell ties......... it takes less ballast and it seems to look about the same.
What am I doing wrong ? ? ?
see ya
Bob
Bob,
After seeing the work you're doing on that brass engine, I doubt if you're doing much wrong.
I think the main reason I went with the full height ties was to give myself the option of being able to apply thinner ballast in some areas of track that will highlight the depth of the ties. I remember seeing photos of mainline track and while most of the ballast is level with the top of the ties, some areas were not filled completly.
The slope on the sides of the roadbed is at a gentler angle (35 deg. vs 45 deg.) than the cork I used years ago and I think it makes the installation of the ballast a bit easier.
I'll have pictures of applying the ballast in a couple of more posts, stay tuned.....
Greg...
I have seen on the UP going northwest out of Idaho and into Eastern Oregon a lot of super elevated curves and it looks in places where the ballast slacks down a bit from the high side and the ties are more visible. Probably from vibration. The world has never been the same since they invented gravity.
Never thought about it much till now.
Having the ties not all the way filled is a very cool way to take out some of the "same-ness" of everything.
Cool
Thanx
Bob
Looking good Greg. I, too, enjoy handlaying track. To me the hard part is the planning involved. You really want to get it right the first time since it's a little more difficult to 'move' after the fact. The big benefit in my mind is being able to lay track to fit an area rather than designing an area to fit prefab turnouts and crossovers.
Carry on! :D
Quote from: ReadingBob on May 15, 2014, 07:49:43 AM
Looking good Greg. I, too, enjoy handlaying track. To me the hard part is the planning involved. You really want to get it right the first time since it's a little more difficult to 'move' after the fact. The big benefit in my mind is being able to lay track to fit an area rather than designing an area to fit prefab turnouts and crossovers.
Carry on! :D
The best hand laid track is Micro Engineering NS Code 70 flex track! Nuff said. ;D
Quote from: ReadingBob on May 15, 2014, 07:49:43 AM
Looking good Greg. I, too, enjoy handlaying track. To me the hard part is the planning involved. You really want to get it right the first time since it's a little more difficult to 'move' after the fact. The big benefit in my mind is being able to lay track to fit an area rather than designing an area to fit prefab turnouts and crossovers.
Carry on! :D
Right on the money Bob, the flexibility is great and I'm a sucker for anything made of wood.
I think the planning part is tons of fun and like Pegi says I'm right at home with all that anal stuff. That's probably why none of the layouts I did as a kid lasted more than a couple of weeks. I'd draw up a track plan, tweek it a bit, build it, run trains for a few hours, then tear it up and start over.
;D
Quote from: GPdemayo on May 15, 2014, 08:33:22 AM
I'm a sucker (Stop - enough said) for anything made of wood.
like Pegi says I'm right at home with all that anal stuff. .
Glad you said it before we did!! ;D ;D ;D ;D 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
Quote from: gnatshop on May 15, 2014, 10:21:48 PM
;D Quote from: GPdemayo on May 15, 2014, 08:33:22 AM
I'm a sucker (Stop - enough said) for anything made of wood.
like Pegi says I'm right at home with all that anal stuff. .
Glad you said it before we did!! ;D ;D ;D ;D 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
I figured I'd get there before you hopped all over that one..... ;D
Hi again! I finally got a few minutes to post the rest of the pictures of the tie installation. I left off with the mainline and passing siding ties coming around the curve in front of where the station will be.
The following pictures will show the sequence of the completion of the mainline ties from where I left off to the juncture between phase 2 and phase 3.
Exhibit #1 - (T366)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-190514085842-20791294.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - (T367)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-190514085842-2148637.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - (T368)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-190514085843-21492401.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - (T371)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-190514085843-21501476.jpeg)
This pretty much finishes the majority of the ties for phase 1 & 2. I will soak enough ties for phase 3 in a week or two so they will have plenty of time to dry out. I don't want to run out like I did for the mainline and branchline in phase 1 & 2, this makes to much of an interruption in the flow of the work. Now off to check the supply of ties, purchase what I may be short on and get them to soaking.
I like the contrast between the high profile ties on the mainline and the low profile ties on the brachline. The different ballasts (cinder on the branchline and in the yard and light gray along the mainline) will also add to the contrast and definitely define each track.
This is starting to get real interesting as the switches and the rail gets installed. It will be nice to get these finished and get onto some scenery installation. I can visualize rather well, but it will be neat with the scenery added so it brings things to life so others can see it too.
Greg,
That track work sure looks good! I bet it only takes you a few days to do a three foot section. Keep up the fast pace. You may be finished a few years after I get mine finished.
Tom ;D
Quote from: ACL1504 on May 19, 2014, 06:02:36 PM
Greg,
That track work sure looks good! I bet it only takes you a few days to do a three foot section. Keep up the fast pace. You may be finished a few years after I get mine finished.
Tom ;D
Looks like new type of rolling stock Tom, no rails are needed. He could beat you.
Quote from: PennsyJ1 on May 19, 2014, 06:07:25 PM
Quote from: ACL1504 on May 19, 2014, 06:02:36 PM
Greg,
That track work sure looks good! I bet it only takes you a few days to do a three foot section. Keep up the fast pace. You may be finished a few years after I get mine finished.
Tom ;D
Looks like new type of rolling stock Tom, no rails are needed. He could beat you.
I don't need no stinkin' rail.....
I got your back Greg. Just ignore those naysayer's. I love hand laid track. :D
Quote from: ReadingBob on May 20, 2014, 08:51:31 AM
I got your back Greg. Just ignore those naysayer's. I love hand laid track. :D
Thanks Bob. I love the hand laid and wouldn't change for anything.....except for a large cash incentive.....nooooooooooooo!
Hello again - it has been awhile!
Only a few things to report in this episode. I have been in marketing mode for the business the past month and haven't had a whole lot of time for the layout.
I have been concentrating on getting all the trackwork completed in the corner of phase 2 so that I can get the Saturday Butty Group over to help me slide it back into position so I can begin the benchwork for phase 3.
I have been cutting switch ties for phase 3 and getting them and the cross ties stained and drying on the patio. I have also been assembling the last 5 switches for phase 2. I prefer to install the switches first, then start the rail from them, so I need to get them completed.
I'm finding that by building the switches with an assembly line approach, it goes more efficiently. I cut and file all the guard rails, frogs, stock rails and points at one time, then solder everything together at the same time. The three completed switches are on the right and the pieces for the other two are on the left in the photo below.
Exhibit #1 - (T388)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-230514081751-21512396.jpeg)
The picture below shows the location of a couple of the just completed switches. The first one was installed next to the tower and is the lead into the 3 track yard. The second will go on the empty ties in the center next to the TV remote.
Exhibit #2 - (T375)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-230514081751-2173795.jpeg)
This reverse shot shows the switch installed and the first lengths of rail from the switch into the yard.
Exhibit #3 - (T382)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-230514081751-2174587.jpeg)
This whole process is getting easier and better as I have progressed. Keeping the waves out of the rail on a straight stretch and flowing nicely around a curve is better than when I started in phase 1 and the switches are looking better with each one I build.
I am glad I didn't let Tom talk me into flex track, I really like the look of the rail on creosoted wood ties. I just wish I could have come up with an efficient way to get the tie plates under the rail so that the track has more detail. The only problem I'm having is with the spikes from Micro Engineering - the heads are so big I have to snip off part of each head to make it fit and look right. Anybody know of any other manufacturers out there, I can't seem to find any others and it would be nice not having to spent all those hours cutting spike heads..
This last photo shows the rail installed on the lower side of the wye heading downgrade to the brewery and chemical plant.
Exhibit #4 - (T395)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-230514081751-2175763.jpeg)
That's about all the time I have for today. I will try to post more pictures of the progress I've made and my experiments with ballast in a week or two. Tom was over last week and told me to get the ballast down in that part of phase 2 before we moved the layout into place, so I have to make up my mind what material I want to use. Since everyone knows he is El Presidente of the Saturday Butty Group, I guess I will just have to follow orders and get it done.
See y'all next time.
"I am glad I didn't let Tom talk me into flex track, I really like the look of the rail on creosoted wood ties.
See y'all next time."
Not to worry, I have plenty of time still!
Tom ;D
Quote from: ACL1504 on May 23, 2014, 08:53:29 AM
"I am glad I didn't let Tom talk me into flex track, I really like the look of the rail on creosoted wood ties.
See y'all next time."
Not to worry, I have plenty of time still!
Tom ;D
I don't think so..................................I won't change my mind, not that you only have a little time..... ;D
Years ago you could get Rail-Craft spikes, which were about the size of ME's Small but had much shorter/flatter heads. I have about 50 left from the packages I got from an estate a few years ago; I save them for high-visibility locations. I wish ME would re-engineer their dies, as I've read that they originally bought the Rail-Craft line.
The alternative is ME's 'Micro' spikes, but they bend very easily; I have to drill holes for them, which is OK when super-detailing for the Civil AP certificate, tiresome otherwise.
Gregory,
Wow, I'm so glad to see & enjoy the craftsmanship of building hand laid track. L@@ks awesome sir. I just love seeing and can appreciate the modeling skill of building hand laid track with custom fast track switches. Awesome. Thanks for sharing! Keep up the great old school. Thanx Thom...
Greg
The track work looks great!
Quote from: jbvb on May 23, 2014, 02:46:24 PM
Years ago you could get Rail-Craft spikes, which were about the size of ME's Small but had much shorter/flatter heads. I have about 50 left from the packages I got from an estate a few years ago; I save them for high-visibility locations. I wish ME would re-engineer their dies, as I've read that they originally bought the Rail-Craft line.
The alternative is ME's 'Micro' spikes, but they bend very easily; I have to drill holes for them, which is OK when super-detailing for the Civil AP certificate, tiresome otherwise.
Hi James:
When I first tried hand laid track, I think those were the spikes I used and the heads we just the right size, no trimming necessary. When I got back into the hobby, the only game in town that I can see is Micro Engineering and the heads of their small spikes are to darn big and require trimming before installation.
I wasn't happy and called them and they suggested the "micro" spikes and said they would send me a sample. A bit later they arrived in the mail and when I opened the envelope, I found three, yes I said I found 3, spikes wrapped in tissue paper. I hope that freebie didn't bankrupt the company.
Guess what, I tried them and bent all three, not a good alternative, so back to trimming the heads. If anyone knows the principles of this company, you might want to let them know they have a few disgruntled customers out here.
Anyway, thanks for looking in and your info on the spikes James.
Quote from: tct855 on May 23, 2014, 06:47:10 PM
Gregory,
Wow, I'm so glad to see & enjoy the craftsmanship of building hand laid track. L@@ks awesome sir. I just love seeing and can appreciate the modeling skill of building hand laid track with custom fast track switches. Awesome. Thanks for sharing! Keep up the great old school. Thanx Thom...
Hi Thom:
Thanks for the kind words and following along.
I am really happy with the way the track work is coming out and am anxious to get on with an expanded layout so I have a bunch more of this to do.
So, stay tuned, more to come.
Quote from: S&S RR on May 23, 2014, 08:22:52 PM
Greg
The track work looks great!
Thanks John.
I appreciate you looking in. I like your new logo, can't beat steam engines.
Bob Butts just dropped by to visit and see the progress I've made and brought a little present.
I talked with him earlier in the week and he said "I want to drop by and see what you have been up to and by the way, I have a little something for you". When asked what that little something was, his cryptic remark was "you'll see".
Well, isn't that a heck of a thing to do to a body? Taunt them with the thrill of an upcoming special something and then remaining tight lipped and offering not one iota of a hint.
That something special turned out to be a build of Tiny Lou's Grill by FOS. As you can see in the pictures below, it is a great build for a neat kit and will be a perfect fit for the railroad, once I figure out where it will best fit for maximum exposure for guests.
Exhibit #1 - (B001)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-300514081448-22692021.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - (B002)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-300514081449-2273959.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - (B003)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-300514081449-22742038.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - (B005)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-300514081449-22752122.jpeg)
Big Thanks to Bob for this neat little structure. As ususal, it has that Butts' special quality of workmanship that makes it a most welcome addition to any layout. How about that Tom - now you aren't the only one with a Build By Bob!!!
Now the St.L&D has a Butts' Original - Hot Damn !!!
Way to go Lil' Gregory. We are very blessed to have such talent in our backyard! Now you know why Reading Bob never pays for lunch at the local BBQ watering hole!
I guess this means that when he starts his layout I'll have to supply him with a custom painted brass loco. Oh, wait, he is hand laying his track so I have several more years to get ready!
Bob's models never cease to amaze me!
Tom ;D
Oh that is really cool...
thanx
Bob
Thanks for the kind words guys. I love "Tiny Lou's". I've built at least three of them in addition to one "Big Lou's". I missed out on "Little Lou's" though. :D A FOS "Tiny Lou's" with those (teeny, tiny) VectorCut hamburgers and hot dogs is a winning combination.
Quote from: ACL1504 on May 30, 2014, 09:25:30 AM
Way to go Lil' Gregory. We are very blessed to have such talent in our backyard! Now you know why Reading Bob never pays for lunch at the local BBQ watering hole!
I guess this means that when he starts his layout I'll have to supply him with a custom painted brass loco. Oh, wait, he is hand laying his track so I have several more years to get ready!
Bob's models never cease to amaze me!
Tom ;D
Couldn't agree more, Tom.
It's great having friends with that level of talent who aren't so impressed with themselves that they come across with a condescending attitude when interacting with others and are fun to be with.
I always look forward to our group getting together and have really enjoyed the last 6 years that we have been trading ideas and telling tall tales.
By the way, no cracks about hand laying. If I remember correctly, someone at the A&S come over from the dark side and paid a bunch for some Fast Tracks jigs and is hand building their own switches! ;D
Quote from: bparrish on May 30, 2014, 02:10:21 PM
Oh that is really cool...
thanx
Bob
I totally agree, it was a very pleasant surprise.
You're welcome Bob. Stay tuned, more fun to come!
Quote from: ReadingBob on May 30, 2014, 02:45:02 PM
Thanks for the kind words guys. I love "Tiny Lou's". I've built at least three of them in addition to one "Big Lou's". I missed out on "Little Lou's" though. :D A FOS "Tiny Lou's" with those (teeny, tiny) VectorCut hamburgers and hot dogs is a winning combination.
Not kind words Bob, just a simple statement of fact. The hot dog and hamburger are a great touch! I really love Tiny Lou's and promise to be real careful with a scene on the layout that will do it justice. Thanks again Bob, looking forward to Saturday!
Things are still progressing very slowly, but I have made a little headway. Business keeps getting on the way of modeling! I really need to find a way around having to work for a living.
I finished all the short connecting rail between the switches in the yard area and the last leg of the wye. The only remaining track that I need to install in phase 1 and 2 are ties and rail of the siding for the service track structures and the rail into the engine house and tie & plank mill.
I finally quit procrastinating about the position of the coaling tower and laid out the footprint and cut the hole in the homosote and plywood for the pit. Sorry about these pictures, but I can't seem to find the ones of the pit excavating in progress. These were taken after the pit was installed and the markings added for the tie installation.
Exhibit #1 - (T416)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-020614084320-23421560.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - (T417)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-020614084320-23481413.jpeg)
The following pictures are of the installed ties.
Exhibit #3 - (T419)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-020614084320-2349757.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - (T420)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-020614084320-2350729.jpeg)
With the ties installed, I am ready to install the rail, but I need to change the rail over the pit first. The coaling tower pit was assembled in the 1980's and I was using code 83 rail at that time. The branchline and yard areas of the current layout are code 70, so I pulled the old rail off the pit beams and will install the code 70. When this is completed I will install the rail to complete this area.
This is about all I have time for today. I will post some pictures of the test ballast when I get a few minutes.
Wow,
looking fantastic...love the look of that handlayed track and turnouts....
Regards,Chris
Quote from: Twist67 on June 03, 2014, 08:21:57 AM
Wow,
looking fantastic...love the look of that handlayed track and turnouts....
Regards,Chris
Thanks for looking in Chris.
My favorite part of the hobby are the track and structures.
Tom keeps trying to get me over to the dark side with flex track, that isn't going to happen, but it is fun listening to him expound! :)
Hi,
Lol,that´s funny : the dark side.....so I´m on the darkside,too :D ;)
But have made some tries with handlaying and it was very nice to do it...still have some handlayed turnouts to be placed on the layout eventually.....
Regards,Chris
Just confirmin' that you have riff-raff in the house!
But I'm gonna lay low while y'all are messin' around with lights and that elecstrishity shtuff -
I don't want my name associated with no fars!! ::) ::) ::) ::)
Quote from: gnatshop on June 05, 2014, 07:14:16 PM
Just confirmin' that you have riff-raff in the house!
But I'm gonna lay low while y'all are messin' around with lights and that elecstrishity shtuff -
I don't want my name associated with no fars!! ::) ::) ::) ::)
Glad to know the riff-raff is around to keep things honest! ;D
Quote from: GPdemayo on June 03, 2014, 09:27:46 AM
Quote from: Twist67 on June 03, 2014, 08:21:57 AM
Wow,
looking fantastic...love the look of that handlayed track and turnouts....
Regards,Chris
Thanks for looking in Chris.
My favorite part of the hobby are the track and structures.
Tom keeps trying to get me over to the dark side with flex track, that isn't going to happen, but it is fun listening to him expound! :)
Greg,
I just want to let you know that the "dark side" isn't as dark as you may think! Just saying! Now go sniff more creosote!
Also, thank you very much for all your help yesterday with the lumber. I very much appreciate it.
Tom ;D
Quote from: ACL1504 on June 06, 2014, 08:44:02 AM
Greg,
I just want to let you know that the "dark side" isn't as dark as you may think! Just saying! Now go sniff more creosote!
Also, thank you very much for all your help yesterday with the lumber. I very much appreciate it.
Tom ;D
I love the smell of creosote in the morning! ;D
You're very wecome, I had fun yesterday and really enjoyed seeeing the great work you're doing on the ovalix.....
Merry Christmas to all................
Exhibit #1 - (S050)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-060614090514-24211437.jpeg)
Since gnat (Thanks for the compliments by the way!) was grumbling that I haven't posted any progress lately, I thought I'd get this done before Christmas. I am still in marketing mode for the business and haven't made much progress on the layout, but I have been able to steal a few minutes here and there.
The trackwork is slowly getting done for phase 1 and 2. I am getting the last few ties glued down and have spiked down some more rail in the yard and have completed the mainline and it's bypass siding on the one end, next to the yard. The service track and 2 of the 3 sidings are spiked down and I'll get the last few inches of the third yard track spiked down in a day or so, then I can solder the feeders onto the rail and it will be ready for ballast.
Exhibit #2 - (T419)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-060614090514-24361127.jpeg)
I have chosen to use Highball ballast rather than the Woodland Scenics product because of the way it holds in position during the gluing process. Of course, having a bunch of bags of Highball ballast from 30 years ago had nothing to do with my decision. Sometimes being thrifty (notice I didn't say cheap), because of being part Scottish, makes me compelled to save a buck or two.
I began by putting some test ballast along the track to make sure I get the look I'm going for. The first photo is on the wye and is the cinder mix I am thinking of using on the branchline and yard areas.
Exhibit #3 - (S021)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-060614090514-24371241.jpeg)
The mainline will be a mix of light and dark gray and in the picture below ( they don't show up well in the picture, but in person there is a definite difference in the two), I have the 2 mixes I chose from. The mix on the left is 1 part dark gray to 4 parts light gray and the mix on the right is 2 parts dark gray to 4 parts light gray. The mix on the right won because I thought the lighter mix on the right was to washed out looking.
Exhibit #4 - (S027)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-060614090514-2438847.jpeg)
Well, enough for today. Next time I will add a few pictures of the ballasted track on the mainline and the yard area.
Again have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
I hope everyone had a good Christmas and a safe New Years eve. I can't believe that February is here already.
I've finally sneaked a few minutes to report on train related activity. I really have been trying to get this done for a few weeks, but ReadingBob has been nagging about the lack of activity on this thread - so here I go!
I have been doing marketing for the company and it is really starting to interfere with the modeling and cutting into the time I have to work on the layout. I want to get to building a few structures and designing some structures to scratch build, but the time hasen't been there. But the good news is that I have been able to steal a few minutes here and there and have done a little ballast on the mainline and electrical work in the yard.
I started out by getting the branchline and mainline spiked down fully so it would be ready for ballast. I started with the cinder on the service track lead on the left side of the photo below and ballast on the mainline at the switch for its passing siding on the right.
Exhibit #1 - (S032)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-110614172944-2686684.jpeg)
I then continued the mailine and passing siding out a couple of feet from the switch. I got it out far enough so that I could try adding a little dirt and weeds in the drainage ditch between the tracks.
Exhibit #2 - (S033)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-110614172944-27071894.jpeg)
The next shot is of the branchline and yard tracks where they come off the mainline. The 2 tracks on the left are 2 of the 3 legs of the branchline wye. The 2 tracks in the center are the service track and yard lead converging on an upgrade to the raised mainline. The 2 tracks on the right are the mailline and the mainline passing siding.
Exhibit #3 - (S046)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-110614172944-27081936.jpeg)
The final shot is of a dirt drive going across the one side of the branchline wye and uphill to an as yet undetermined business in a small area between the mainline and branchline.
Exhibit #4 - (S047)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-110614172945-27091460.jpeg)
Well, that is about all for now, back to 1:1 work. See y'all next time.
Hauling in dirt by the truckload...
Looks great!!
Quote from: PHQRR on June 11, 2014, 06:12:59 PM
Hauling in dirt by the truckload...
Looks great!!
Hi Al,
Thanks for following along, it's getting interesting with the scenery starting, this will be a challenge and I'm looking forward to all the new stuff out there.
Greg.
Kinda fun.... we usually don't take a lot of photos during construction as to what it looks like in 1/87th
thanx
Bob
Quote from: bparrish on June 12, 2014, 01:33:53 PM
Greg.
Kinda fun.... we usually don't take a lot of photos during construction as to what it looks like in 1/87th
thanx
Bob
Hi Bob.....yeah, I'm having a great time, that is when I can escape and get a few minutes to work on the layout or some structures.
I never took pictures during construction either, but since these forum things have been on the scene, I started. I have to admit, the photos do help in showing where things have worked and where they don't. Turns out to be a helpful tool in a way.
Love the work you're doing on that brass engine, you must have the patience of a saint.
Greg.........
Regarding my progress on the Falk loco and my patience........
I only have two speeds and if you don't like this one.............. you REALLY won't like the other one ! ! !
see ya
Bob
Quote from: bparrish on June 12, 2014, 09:25:48 PM
Greg.........
Regarding my progress on the Falk loco and my patience........
I only have two speeds and if you don't like this one.............. you REALLY won't like the other one ! ! !
see ya Bob
A typical Riff-Raff response!!
But the really slow speed is when Viv' wants sum home shtuff done! ::) ::) ::)
He's gonna get his head whomped if she sees this post! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Viv knows well my two speeds and she doesn't like the other one much.
I did get the garage cleaned last week and it only took me an afternoon....... But just consider how much lubricant a few beers provide.
Riff Raff #2
out
Quote from: bparrish on June 13, 2014, 01:08:47 AM
Viv knows well my two speeds and she doesn't like the other one much.
I did get the garage cleaned last week and it only took me an afternoon....... But just consider how much lubricant a few beers provide.
Riff Raff #2
out
It wouldn't be a very interesting place without the Riff Raff - #1 & #2...........................thanks guys!
Hello Again!
It's been awhile since my last post and I am sad to say that there has been almost no progress on the layout or structure builds since last February. As mentioned before, life does have a nasty habit of interfering with our modeling.
But all is not lost, things have begun to move with the business. I picked up a new client in New Jersey who sent me a project he wanted a preliminary estimate for a project in Wilmington, DE. It was only a weeks worth of work, but it is a start and he has another project down in the Virgin Islands that he will be sending in a week or so.
I have also received requests for help with projects from builders in TX, CO and LA for the near future, so I think the worst is past and things may begin to pick up at a faster pace. I have been speaking to a many builders, contractors and developers in the West, Midwest, East and South that are just waiting until they see a positive sign after the election is over before they commit on their projects and begin turning dirt.
As a result, with some of the pressure off, I have been able to steal a few minutes away from marketing to do a little scenery work. So to the progress, so we can see a few pictures.
My intent with the scenery is to start with a base of raw land and build up layers to archive the desired results. For example, in the yard, I want the final result to look like a well used busy transfer point between the branchline and mainline. To get the end result, I intend to start with the cinder ballast and dirt and build layers upon that to represent many years of accumulated dirt and grime.
I started with the yard tracks in Phase 2 using the Highball cinder ballast and "fine" dirt. The ballast was brought up to the top of the ties. I used the dirt for highlights between the tracks and for what will be a service road on the right side, as seen below.
Exhibit #1 - (S052)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-190614092417-27711490.jpeg)
Here are a couple of more shots with the service track added.
Exhibit #2 - (S055)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-190614092417-27832430.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - (S056)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-190614092417-2784881.jpeg)
I wanted to add a little coal spillage near the coaling tower and the old coal I had was way out of scale, What to do? Good ole ACL1504 to the rescue with a couple of tablespoons of the correct sized stuff. Here is the coal spill with a Pennsy tender playing a dramatic role in the picture.
Exhibit #4 - (S070)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-190614092417-2785242.jpeg)
As you can see, the results are a little flat, but that will be remedied as more layers and details are added. I have been looking on the internet and see that Highball has a number of shades of dirt and earth and when able, I shall get some of these to add to the mix. I think that the lighter shaded dirt I am using here would be more appropriate in the mountain sections of Phase 3 & 4 and that I need to add some darker highlights for these lower elevation areas of Phase 1 & 2.
That's about enough fun for now, hope to have some more pictures for y'all soon.
Greg,
The ballast is looking good! I may have some code 83 flex track left over! I'll let you know!
Tom ;D
Quote from: ACL1504 on June 19, 2014, 04:56:41 PM
Greg,
The ballast is looking good! I may have some code 83 flex track left over! I'll let you know!
Tom ;D
We all know Uncle Tommy's cracker meanings - SOME code 83 flex track means a few inches,
kinda like his couple of tablespoons of coal!! ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: ACL1504 on June 19, 2014, 04:56:41 PM
Greg,
The ballast is looking good! I may have some code 83 flex track left over! I'll let you know!
Tom ;D
Thanks Tom. Hold onto that flex track, you might need it on the next layout after you finish this newest one.
John,
You may have a point here. I'd better keep it for now!
Tom ;D
Greg,
Stay in touch with Tom. He may even have some cinders for you if you play your cards correctly. 8)
Greg,
The trackwork and ballast look really good...scenic, even
John
I have never met a model railroader that had track left over for very long.
Greg
The layout is really looking great.
Quote from: ACL1504 on June 20, 2014, 04:39:22 PM
John,
You may have a point here. I'd better keep it for now!
Tom ;D
Roger..... 8)
Quote from: BandOGuy on June 20, 2014, 09:09:54 PM
Greg,
Stay in touch with Tom. He may even have some cinders for you if you play your cards correctly. 8)
I will, but he'll probably overcharge me for the cinders..... ;D
Quote from: Cuse on June 21, 2014, 07:20:04 AM
Greg,
The trackwork and ballast look really good...scenic, even
John
Thanks John.....SBG for some BBQ soon!
Quote from: S&S RR on June 21, 2014, 08:41:38 AM
Greg
The layout is really looking great.
Thanks John.....it has been fun, but I'm really getting the itch for a larger layout, we'll see.
I really like the look of the Highball cinder ballast. Is it the HO Scale size? I may need to get some if I EVER get to the point of scenery.
Jeff
Quote from: Zephyrus52246 on June 21, 2014, 09:30:23 AM
I really like the look of the Highball cinder ballast. Is it the HO Scale size? I may need to get some if I EVER get to the point of scenery.
Jeff
Jeff,
Yes, it is HO scale.
I like the Highball also, but I ran into a big problem with it. Since the ballast I had on hand was over 25 years old, I checked the internet and found that Highball was still around and made the same type and color ballast., so I started ballasting without ordering new stuff.
When the ballast I had ran out, I ordered more and guess what?.....the new material from Highball had changed and the colors didn't match. I believe I addressed this in a future post, but If I'm not remembering correctly, I'll address the solutions and the new products I'm using currently.
Hooray, more mainline ballast and a little dirt have been added to phase 2. If I keep up this blistering pace, I should have the layout completed by the time I'm ready for the assisted living home!
As I said in the last thread, I have only been able to steal a little time for modeling and that has been to add a little ballast work on the mainline and the yard areas, however, that is slowly changing. I have been able to get a few more minutes to add more mainline ballast, play with a little dirt and almost finish a structure build.
In the last episode, the ballast had reached the mid point of the curve. I have continued it and the drainage ditch between the two tracks around the curve and onto the tangent to the end of phase 2. The photo below is the curved section of the tracks.
Exhibit #1 - (S078)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-260614085901-29231710.jpeg)
The next photo is the tangent mainline track that goes to the end of phase 2.
Exhibit #2 - (S087)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-260614085901-29312336.jpeg)
I couldn't resist putting one of my favorite engines, ole' #3117 - a NYC 4-8-2 L4a Mohawk, on the track and snapping a picture.
As you can see in this picture, the weathering of the rail that Tom (ACL 1504) has explained to me in great detail is really needed. I should get to that, but I really need to practice on something off the layout before I start on the track that people will see when they drop in.
Exhibit #3 - (S091)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-260614085901-2932992.jpeg)
As you can see in the picture below, I left about 2-1/4" (16' in HO) between the mainline bank and the yard tracks. My intent was for a rough dirt road type passage along the length of the yard for railroad vehicles to get back and forth without having to go off railroad property. I couldn't wait to experiment with a little"dirt" to see how it looked so I gave it a try with what I have on hand.
As I have said before, I intend to use a darker "dirt" down in the flats and a lighter "dirt" in the mountain areas, but have not gotten around to purchasing the dark "dirt" yet and I was aching to give it a try. To get the rutted look, I put the glue/water mix into the dirt and before it set up, I gently ran the truck (see pg. 36 of this thread) back and forth. The metal wheels on the truck seemed to do the trick.
Exhibit #4 - (S095)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-260614085901-2933586.jpeg)
I am happy with the results and think it will look great, with the proper shade of dirt and the layering of grass, weeds, gravel and other planting, will give it the look I am trying to achieve.
The structure I mentioned earlier is in the final stages of construction and when I get the 3 tab asphalt shingles I need to buy, I'll get them installed and post the pictures in a separate build thread.
See y'all next time!!!
I mentioned in the last post that I have gone into a structure building mode and would be posting build threads for a number of different kits in the future and I thought I'd discuss that in today's post.
The main reason that I am shifting focus is that it is my favorite part of this great hobby, along with layout planning and trackwork. Now that the benchwork and track for Phase 1 and 2 of the layout are mostly complete, I can spend time building structures that go in those areas and then get to the scenery work.
There is so much available now that was not around a few decades ago. Remember the days of Life-Like colored sawdust grass, lichen and crummy looking trees? I have not used any of the new products or tehniques that have been developed in the last 20 years and am really looking forward to all the realistic scenes that can be created with these new products.
The secondary reason is that I got the correct setbacks for our lot and have redesigned our sun room. This gives me a little more area for the layout so that I can expand Phases 3 and 4. Now all I have to do is put the cash together for the addition, build it, and get the layout benchwork complete. I am working on the layout design and will post it when I get them completed.
There are a number of new kits that I am very excited to put together and a bunch that were started years ago that I never completed. I also want to design and build a number of structures, residential and commercial, for the layout and need to make time in the future to get going on these.
As stated before, I had not built any structures since the mid 80's and thought I might need to start on some simple buildings to get my skills back. I included these earlier in this thread and were a storage shed (Northeastern Scale Models #NE40002) and MOW building (B.T.S. #27501).
I also built a couple of kits that I didn't post to this thread. The first kit I built after this 20+ year hiatus was a crossing shanty (Banta #2065). I made the roof removable for future lighting and added a pot bellied stove to the interior.
Exhibit #1 - (CS-041s)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-070714100632-31761964.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - (CS-006s)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-070714100632-3177365.jpeg)
The next kit was an interlocking tower (American Model Builders #702). It is a nice kit and looks good in the yard.
Exhibit #3 - (IT-007s)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-070714100632-3178202.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - (IT-008s)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-070714100632-3179675.jpeg)
continued.....
The interlocking tower was followed by the yard office (Northeastern Scale Models #NE40008). This will reside in the yard area and will add some little people activity to the overall scene.
Exhibit #1 - (YO-005s)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-070714100633-31801011.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - (YO-004s)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-070714100950-31811067.jpeg)
continued.....
Editors Note - Correction
The interlocking tower shown above is not "(Northeastern Scale Models #NE40008)".
It is American Model Builders #709.
There are a number of interesting structures in Phase 1 and 2 that I really like and will be great fun to build.
The one I am really looking forward to building in Phase 1 is the Smokey Hollow Products kit #941 - Jon H. Olson Chemical Company that I purchased back in the 80's or 90's (I can't remember when). This is a good looking building and along with a toxic waste pond (note to tree huggers - don't blame me, it was Pegi's idea), will look great. The front and rear elevation photos of the completed model on a scenic base (built by Dave Frary) below were included with the kit.
Exhibit #1 - (OCC-001s)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-090714100401-3253694.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - (OCC-002s)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-090714100401-3254606.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - (OCC-003s)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-090714100402-32551759.jpeg)
I know the company (located in Cape Elizabeth, ME) is no longer in business and I haven't been able to find out any information about the owner or the company. If anyone knows anything, or has any information please pass it on, thanks. The instructions mentioned that Dave Frary lent his experience in " accessing design and marketing of the Skeeters concept and Bob VanGelder "was very generous in sharing and networking solutions to manufacturing challenges".
The next building on the list is our own JimmyD's RailroadKits Boilermakers Brewery. This is a great structure I have due to the boundless generosity of Tom Langford (ACL1504). I plan on making changing it from a brewery to a winery, complete with small vineyard. I look forward to building the kit, but I don't know if I will be doing a thread on this one, considering what a great job Tom did in his build and much of the instructions are pulled directly from his posting. How does a fella compete with that ???
Exhibit #4 - (B-003s
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-090714100402-32562271.jpeg)
I'll continue this over the weekend, if I get the time.
Ohh... a mint in box, sealed, Boilermakers initialed by J.D. hisself! :D I love Boilermaker's. If you hadn't told me you were going to turn your's into a winery I would have bought one for myself and done the same thing. Eileen wants a winery and I've already purchased some vines. ;D
There's a great YouTube video by MC Fujiwara on modeling a vineyard I recall seeing. He models in N scale and does some really neat stuff. You may find it helpful when the time comes.
John
It's nice to know that the Floridy winos stick together and help each other out!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Keep them grapes a'growin!!! 8) 8) 8) 8)
Some great builds coming up, Gregory!
I'll be especially interested in your smoky hollow products build. I bought this one off ebay last year and have it mocked up for a bit of a kitbash. The tank farm looks especially cool!
cheers, Mark.
Quote from: ReadingBob on July 09, 2014, 12:41:30 PM
Ohh... a mint in box, sealed, Boilermakers initialed by J.D. hisself! :D I love Boilermaker's. If you hadn't told me you were going to turn your's into a winery I would have bought one for myself and done the same thing. Eileen wants a winery and I've already purchased some vines. ;D
Hi Bob.....I'll have to take a look at the vines you bought, I'll need a few for the vineyard myself.
Quote from: Cuse on July 09, 2014, 06:22:25 PM
There's a great YouTube video by MC Fujiwara on modeling a vineyard I recall seeing. He models in N scale and does some really neat stuff. You may find it helpful when the time comes.
John
Thanks John.....I'll check out the video when I get a few minutes.
What scale track did you go with?
Quote from: gnatshop on July 09, 2014, 09:22:09 PM
It's nice to know that the Floridy winos stick together and help each other out!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Keep them grapes a'growin!!! 8) 8) 8) 8)
Hi David.....come on down and bring the Ledbetters with you, the wines here and the sunshine has the grapes "a'growin".
Quote from: GPdemayo on July 10, 2014, 08:25:32 AM
Quote from: gnatshop on July 09, 2014, 09:22:09 PM
It's nice to know that the Floridy winos stick together and help each other out!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Keep them grapes a'growin!!! 8) 8) 8) 8)
Hi David.....come on down and bring the Ledbetters with you, the wines here and the sunshine has the grapes "a'growin".
Gman,
Okay, I'll step up and tell you what DeMayo didn't say! The sunshine is here and FREE, the wine is here and NOT FREE!
There, I said it!
Tom ;D
Quote from: mark dalrymple on July 10, 2014, 12:23:20 AM
Some great builds coming up, Gregory!
I'll be especially interested in your smoky hollow products build. I bought this one off ebay last year and have it mocked up for a bit of a kitbash. The tank farm looks especially cool!
cheers, Mark.
Hi Mark.....I can't wait to do that Smokey Hollow build either.
I've been trying to get my structure building skills back by building other kits before I tackle that one. I don't want to mess it up. I'm also waiting to perfect the gooseneck lamp building and interior lighting with Slims' LED stuff. The tank form on the kit should look great all lit up.
I'm keeping up with your earthquake recovery layout thread on the other forum.....great work. Post some pictures over here when you get a chance.
Quote from: ACL1504 on July 11, 2014, 08:11:48 AM
Quote from: GPdemayo on July 10, 2014, 08:25:32 AM
Quote from: gnatshop on July 09, 2014, 09:22:09 PM
It's nice to know that the Floridy winos stick together and help each other out!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Keep them grapes a'growin!!! 8) 8) 8) 8)
Hi David.....come on down and bring the Ledbetters with you, the wines here and the sunshine has the grapes "a'growin".
Gman,
Okay, I'll step up and tell you what DeMayo didn't say! The sunshine is here and FREE, the wine is here and NOT FREE!
There, I said it! Tom ;D
I understand all too well!
That DeMayo guy will help haul carpet and kick it around to the wrong places, BUT he
AIN'T gonna share
HIS wine!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
That's all right - the Ledbetters ain't classy enuff for wine anyway!!!
Moonshine is their preference!
Gman,
Yourn love the White Lightning! My dad had some when he lived in NC, I tried it and it blew my brains out! That was some powerful stuff! I think the old man my dad got it from supplied the fuel to NASA!
His name was Cotton and he was featured on the History Channel of being a Shiner! He was a scary guy!
Tom ;D
Quote from: gnatshop on July 11, 2014, 11:23:31 PM
Quote from: ACL1504 on July 11, 2014, 08:11:48 AM
Quote from: GPdemayo on July 10, 2014, 08:25:32 AM
Quote from: gnatshop on July 09, 2014, 09:22:09 PM
It's nice to know that the Floridy winos stick together and help each other out!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Keep them grapes a'growin!!! 8) 8) 8) 8)
Hi David.....come on down and bring the Ledbetters with you, the wines here and the sunshine has the grapes "a'growin".
Gman,
Okay, I'll step up and tell you what DeMayo didn't say! The sunshine is here and FREE, the wine is here and NOT FREE!
There, I said it! Tom ;D
I understand all too well!
That DeMayo guy will help haul carpet and kick it around to the wrong places, BUT he AIN'T gonna share HIS wine!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
That's all right - the Ledbetters ain't classy enuff for wine anyway!!!
Moonshine is their preference!
That's part right Gnat......the wine is Pegi's, I'm not a big wine drinker. I will gladly offer wine to any guest, but I'd have to be careful not to dispense to much or Pegi will want to have a serious chat when the guests leave. Remember, she is Irish and everyone knows about the Irish and their thoughts about anything containing alcohol. So drop on in and have a sip or a beer, whatever floats your boat. We don't, however have any shine in stock! ;D
Quote from: ACL1504 on July 12, 2014, 09:12:40 AM
Gman,
Yourn love the White Lightning! My dad had some when he lived in NC, I tried it and it blew my brains out! That was some powerful stuff! I think the old man my dad got it from supplied the fuel to NASA!
His name was Cotton and he was featured on the History Channel of being a Shiner! He was a scary guy!
Tom ;D
Pegi and I tried some once when we were out in Missouri for a wedding reception. I can't imagine drinking any amount of that stuff, it burnt all the way down and hit bottom with a hell of a thud.
I'll stick to scotch and vodka and use the shine for paint thinner and brush cleaner!
Another kit that I am practicing with is the American Model Buillders kit # 713 - Railroad Rooming House. I am working on it now and should start the post of the build soon.
Exhibit #1 - (RRH–001s)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-120714162552-33071257.jpeg)
Next on the list is a kit I'm doing for Capt. Mike for the Porcupine Valley layout. It is an "O" scale model by Stoney Creek, kit #022 - J. Hunter Mercantile. This will be fun building in another scale and I hope it doesn't spoil me for HO with all the extra details that can be put into a larger scale structure. Not to mention easier to see with my ole' eyes!
Exhibit #2 - (JHM-001s)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-120714162552-3310443.jpeg)
I'll post a thread, with lots of pictures, of this one when I get it done. What little I have completed has been fun and I look forward to seeing it on Capt. Mike's Porcupine Valley layout. How about a teaser photo of the front wall?
Exhibit #3 - (JHM-029)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-120714162552-3311974.jpeg)
Now, back to the St.L&D. In Phase 2, one of the new kits I am really looking forward to is the FSM #100 kit, Jacob's Fuel. This is a terrific kit that should look great, if I do it right.
An interesting story behind this kit is that I originally had the FSM #60 Coaling Station, that I purchased in the 70's shortly after meeting George Sellios. I did not have room for the elevated approach track in the location I have on the layout and had to find another alternative for the coal coming down from the mine up in Moosebutt. Tom came to the rescue, again, with a set of instructions for one of his old coaling companies, but when I got it back and added it to the plan, it was also a bit on the large size.
I put a post up offering a trade and got an email from Howard Elkowitz of Stamford, CT who was willing to trade his Jacob's for my Coaling Station. What a great deal, this kit required only a one track siding and it fit perfectly in the location I have in mind. Thanks Howard!
Exhibit #4 - (JFC-004s)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-120714162552-33121656.jpeg)
Enough for now, I have to get back to work!
See y'all later.
Hi Gregory.
That tank farm will look fantastic with lighting!
I've started a thread here called 'Fault Lines' which is my earthquake recovery layout. Just catching it up at the moment (it takes a while to post, as you know). Should get some more done today, along with some modelling and maybe an update. Depends on how many chores I have to do!
Cheers, Mark.
Quote from: mark dalrymple on July 12, 2014, 05:32:03 PM
Hi Gregory.
That tank farm will look fantastic with lighting!
I've started a thread here called 'Fault Lines' which is my earthquake recovery layout. Just catching it up at the moment (it takes a while to post, as you know). Should get some more done today, along with some modelling and maybe an update. Depends on how many chores I have to do!
Cheers, Mark.
Hi Mark,
You're right about the lighting, that's one of the reasons I have been putting off this build.
I just bought some of Slim's products to light up the buildings and ReadingBob was over and gave the SBG guys a mini clinic on soldering the LED's - regular sizes and that ridiculously small one for goosenecks. I need to practice on a few other buildings before I tackle the chemical company.
When Slim was here he also came up with an idea to light up the toxic waste pond, that should really make it scary looking!
I'm following along your "Fault Lines" build, great work so far.
I forgot a couple of structures that I had started back in the 80's that I will finish and put in the boom town of Moosebutt in Phase 4.
The first is GS–08 - Genoa Saloon by Historic Scale Minatures. It is a great little structure with an interesting balcony/covered walk across the front of the building. For a little whimsey, I thought it would make a great cathouse like Madame Orr's in the movie, Support Your Local Sheriff, starring James Garner. After all, the miners and lumberjacks around Moosebutt need a place to unwind and have a little fun and this will be the place.
I always got a big chuckle out of one of the final scenes in the movie where Garner has Dern, the bad guy, strapped to a cannon and threatened Dern's Dad, Walter Brennan, with blowing a big hole in his son unless he drops his guns. After the drama plays out, Garner's girlfriend questions his resolve to actually blow up Dern and Garner shows her that it was a bluff by lighting the fuse.
As they were walking away from the cannon, it goes off and blows up a bit of Madam Orr's front wall and the working girls and John's come staggering out. The dialogue as they exit the building is a hoot!
The link to "Support Your Local Sheriff" is below and the scene I'm talking about is at the end of the movie, at approximately at the 1:25 min. mark.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_pvM3-ofJc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_pvM3-ofJc)
Exhibit #1 - (GS-001)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-210714092008-35732457.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - (GS-004)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-210714092008-35742272.jpeg)
The second is the Shanty House by Dyna-Model Products. It is a kit for a small shack that will fit perfectly in the hilly, backwoods areas on Phase 4, maybe next to a still run by the Leadbetter boys.
In looking at the exterior walls of the kit closely, I found I liked the peeling paint effect. The only problem is that I have no clue as to how I did it !!! When I get around to completing this one, I'll take better pictures of the walls, maybe someone out there can figure out what I did.
Exhibit #3 - (SH-001)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-210714092008-35752451.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - (SH-006)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-210714092008-357698.jpeg)
I will get to the redesign of the layout in the expanded sunroom in the next post.
I have finally completed the basics of the layout redesign and thought I would post this update.
When I was working on the remodeling plan for the house, I spoke to the county planning department and found that I was using the wrong setbacks for the rear property line for our corner lot. The original plan was derived from the original space I had in the sun room for the layout and after getting the new setbacks, I redesigned the sun room to accommodate Pegi's plans for the sitting area and found I had more room for the layout. Imagine that!
As you can see in the original plan below, I had to cut an angle on the lower left side of the layout so that the doors into the kitchen/breakfast area would have room to open. This constricted the area available for Moosebutt and the surrounding logging and mining areas.
Exhibit #1 - (Original)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-300714085644-3756625.jpeg)
By moving the back wall out, I was able to get the room Pegi wants for her seating area with fireplace and breakfast area and have a little more room for the layout. See the lower right side of the drawing below.
Exhibit #2 - (SunRoom Remodel)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-300714085645-3758494.jpeg)
As I said earlier, the compromises I had made in the original plan was the limited size of the mountain areas around Moosebutt in Phase 4. With the additional real estate, I was able to enlarge the logging area, add a mineral mine (Banta's Cimarron Mine) and a coal mine (B.T.S.'s Mill Creel Coal & Coke Tipple No. 2) I've had my eye on. The additional space also increased the run of the mainline and added to the stacking yard under the mountain areas. If I can work it in, I might even be able to fit in the FSM 2 Stall Roundhouse #120 (I started back in the 70's) next to the freight station in Moosebutt.
There is also room for more commercial and residential structures that I would love to build. Some are kits I have had for years (Toadsuck Canning by SSL) and others I've seen on the forum that I would like to include on the St. L&D.
Exhibit #3 - (Rev-01)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-300714085645-37592166.jpeg)
This new plan should allow for more passenger and freight traffic between the Columbia transfer yard and Moosebutt. With the SBG guys over, there should be plenty of room for lots of switching and different kinds of consists running all over the place. Of course with that group, the chances for operating conflicts is always greater than normal!
I've got to order some more ballast and spikes and work on completing the track work in Phases 1 and 2. I'll post some pictures when I've made some progress.
Next time!!!
I recently purchased Adobe Acrobat which has allowed me to take the CAD drawing files that have been saved in a "pdf" format and convert them to a "jpg" format that can be loaded in the threads on this forum.
I have been playing with the program and have found a way to put each phase into it's own "pdf" that should be larger and easier to see. The following are the results of that experiment.
Exhibit #1 - (StLD-Phase 1)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-310714093102-37972084.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - (StLD-Phase 2)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-310714093102-38001231.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - (StLD-Phase 3)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-310714093102-3801591.jpeg)
Exhibit #4 - (StLD-Phase4)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-310714093102-3802356.jpeg)
Editors Note
This is the last post for this thread from the "other" forum. It has taken a while longer than I anticipated, but from now on all the posts will be current.
Thanks for your patience and interest. The first new post to bring everything up to date will be added soon.
Excellent work. Now I have to find the follow up. Want to see more.
Quote from: Chet on October 02, 2014, 03:00:15 PM
Excellent work. Now I have to find the follow up. Want to see more.
Thanks for following along Chet. The follow up will be right here.....eventually.
I have been in marketing mode for the last couple of months and haven't been able to make any headway on the layout. I'm hoping to make some progress on a couple of strutures and a few switches so I can complete the track in phase 2.
Part 1 and 2 that I mentioned to you are on the other forum.
The link below is for "The St. Louis & Denver Railroad - Part I - The Introduction":
http://www.kitforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=4604 (http://www.kitforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=4604)
The link below is for "The St. Louis & Denver Railroad - Part II - The Design":
http://kitforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=4624 (http://kitforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=4624)
I haven't used them in some time, so I'm assuming they still work. If not let me know.
Quote from: GPdemayo on October 02, 2014, 03:16:43 PM
quote author=Chet link=topic=55.msg15951#msg15951 date=1412276415]
Thanks for following along Chet. The follow up will be right here.....eventually.
Time for a repeat quote:
"So, what's the hold-up?" (https://modelersforum.com/Smileys/default/grin.gif) (https://modelersforum.com/Smileys/default/grin.gif) (https://modelersforum.com/Smileys/default/grin.gif)
l'il Tommy took the heat well, but you sound like one of them slow-ass Arkansaw
modelers!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: gnatshop on October 04, 2014, 12:46:04 AM
Quote from: GPdemayo on October 02, 2014, 03:16:43 PM
quote author=Chet link=topic=55.msg15951#msg15951 date=1412276415]
Thanks for following along Chet. The follow up will be right here.....eventually.
Time for a repeat quote:
"So, what's the hold-up?" (https://modelersforum.com/Smileys/default/grin.gif) (http://modelersforum.com/Smileys/default/grin.gif) (https://modelersforum.com/Smileys/default/grin.gif) (http://modelersforum.com/Smileys/default/grin.gif) (https://modelersforum.com/Smileys/default/grin.gif) (http://modelersforum.com/Smileys/default/grin.gif)
l'il Tommy took the heat well, but you sound like one of them slow-ass Arkansaw
modelers!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Hi Gnat, thanks for the nudge!
if you compared what I've been doing to what Tom's getting done, Tom would be the supersonic Blackbird and I would be a Piper Cub.
I have spent all summer looking at the layout and partially finished kits and thinking I need to get to work.....then a couple of days later I look again and think the same thing again. I just haven't gotten my butt in gear and gotten anything done.
About the only thing I have accomplished is to buy a few kits and a brass steamer. Hopefully I'll get going soon. ::)
I'm not exactly qualified to give anyone a nudge!
I haven't done anything in the train room in almost a year (except for buying more schtuff and
trying to keep the mental image alive).
My shelves got full, so new stuff is just going in a pile on the floor!!
Gman,
I've tried to tell Gregory if he would get off the handlaid track kick, he would be much farther along on the layout. But, hey, who am I to "give a little nudge"? At this point with my friend Gregory, I'm just hoping I don't expire prior in aspiring to inspire.
Tom ;D
The Ledbetters are on board with them track recommendations!
They said that swingin' that sledge hammer layin' track was for the birds after
they found out how fast and easy them 3 foot sections of bendy track were.
Besides, their cousins, the Culpeppers, were gonna come right behind them and
cover most of it with ballast!!! :( :( :(
Hey guys, I thought I'd get some work done this weekend, but I felt guilty and worked on marketing. I really did have the best of intentions, but they didn't help. :o
And no, the hand laid is not the problem, it goes down quickly thank you very much! :)
I like the track plan, really interesting.
Quote from: Chet on October 06, 2014, 09:38:29 AM
I like the track plan, really interesting.
Thanks Chet.....I'm still messing with it, maybe more changes to come.
Really great looking plan there George. Lots of railroading in a small space, for O scale. What are your curve radius? Small Locos? Shorty freight cars? Looks like it will be a whole lot of operational options.
Dave HWCRR
Seattle
Quote from: DACS on October 07, 2014, 10:43:18 AM
Really great looking plan there George. Lots of railroading in a small space, for O scale. What are your curve radius? Small Locos? Shorty freight cars? Looks like it will be a whole lot of operational options.
Dave HWCRR
Seattle
Hi Dave.....thanks for looking in.
It would be great getting all that detail in O scale, but I just don't have that kind of room, it's HO. The curves are 36" on the mainline and 18" to 24" on the branchline.
The cars are standard and the locos are mostly big steamers on the mainline and smaller older steamers on the branchline. I haven't bought many for the branchline because I keep finding these great larger locos that I just can't pass up.
The layout was planned to have materials (timber, coal, minerals) coming down on the branchline to a small transfer yard on the mainline where it would be forwarded to businesses that would manufacture and distribute as in the real world.
As for operations, the group of miscreants I hang around with will probably be able to get some running and switching done, if I can ever get the track work completed.
Quote from: GPdemayo on October 08, 2014, 08:42:55 AM
Quote from: DACS on October 07, 2014, 10:43:18 AM
Really great looking plan there George. Lots of railroading in a small space, for O scale. What are your curve radius? Small Locos? Shorty freight cars? Looks like it will be a whole lot of operational options.
Dave HWCRR Seattle
As for operations, the group of miscreants I hang around with will probably be able to get some running and switching done, if I can ever get the track work completed.
Are you really gonna let that group of miscreants operate on your railroad?? :o :o :o
You're a very brave man!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Wow!!!!!
Miscreants....... That's a pretty big word for this forum.
See ya
Bob
Quote from: GPdemayo on October 08, 2014, 08:42:55 AMAs for operations, the group of miscreants I hang around with will probably be able to get some running and switching done, if I can ever get the track work completed.
Hey! :o I resemble that remark. ::)
Quote from: gnatshop on October 08, 2014, 02:00:53 PM
...
Are you really gonna let that group of miscreants operate on your railroad?? :o :o :o
You're a very brave man!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Holy Smokes! Someone smuggled a dictionary into Arkansas!
dave
Quote from: deemery on October 08, 2014, 07:53:04 PM
Quote from: gnatshop on October 08, 2014, 02:00:53 PM
...
Are you really gonna let that group of miscreants operate on your railroad?? :o :o :o
You're a very brave man!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Holy Smokes! Someone smuggled a dictionary into Arkansas! dave
Nahh!I just copied Greg's remark. Don't know what the heck it meant, but the context kinda
seemed like he was talkin' about the Ledbetters, or some illegitimate relatives!
Family history reflects that early Ledbetter ancestors settled and claimed title to a
bushy island in the Everglades!
The Ledbetter's natural instincts spread their genes throughout this new state that
was called Floridy!
Quote from: gnatshop on October 08, 2014, 02:00:53 PM
Quote from: GPdemayo on October 08, 2014, 08:42:55 AM
Quote from: DACS on October 07, 2014, 10:43:18 AM
Really great looking plan there George. Lots of railroading in a small space, for O scale. What are your curve radius? Small Locos? Shorty freight cars? Looks like it will be a whole lot of operational options.
Dave HWCRR Seattle
As for operations, the group of miscreants I hang around with will probably be able to get some running and switching done, if I can ever get the track work completed.
Are you really gonna let that group of miscreants operate on your railroad?? :o :o :o
You're a very brave man!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Hi David.....after some of the mischief I've gotten into at Tom's, there isn't any doubt that they shouldn't run trains here. ;D
Quote from: bparrish on October 08, 2014, 05:36:04 PM
Wow!!!!!
Miscreants....... That's a pretty big word for this forum.
See ya
Bob
Sorry Bob.....how about hooligans? ;D
Quote from: ReadingBob on October 08, 2014, 06:12:30 PM
Quote from: GPdemayo on October 08, 2014, 08:42:55 AMAs for operations, the group of miscreants I hang around with will probably be able to get some running and switching done, if I can ever get the track work completed.
Hey! :o I resemble that remark. ::)
Hey Bob.....I didn't mention any names!!!!!!!!!! ;)
Hooligans. Ehh!!!!!! ?????
Hooligan is already taken. Dave and I claimed that title as riff-raff numbers one and two in the early days of this forum. We don't use hooligan much cuz I always have to stop and remember how to spell it. Riff and raff are much easier to spell.
See ya
Bob
Quote from: bparrish on October 09, 2014, 09:38:30 PM
Hooligans. Ehh!!!!!! ??? ??
Hooligan is already taken. Dave and I claimed that title as riff-raff numbers one and two in the early days of this forum. We don't use hooligan much cuz I always have to stop and remember how to spell it. Riff and raff are much easier to spell.
See ya Bob
And
DON'T FORGET IT!!!! >:( >:( >:(
Quote from: bparrish on October 09, 2014, 09:38:30 PM
Hooligans. Ehh!!!!!! ??? ??
Hooligan is already taken. Dave and I claimed that title as riff-raff numbers one and two in the early days of this forum. We don't use hooligan much cuz I always have to stop and remember how to spell it. Riff and raff are much easier to spell.
See ya
Bob
Okay Bob.....how about "rebrobates"? :-\
Quote from: gnatshop on October 09, 2014, 11:47:17 PM
Quote from: bparrish on October 09, 2014, 09:38:30 PM
Hooligans. Ehh!!!!!! ??? ??
Hooligan is already taken. Dave and I claimed that title as riff-raff numbers one and two in the early days of this forum. We don't use hooligan much cuz I always have to stop and remember how to spell it. Riff and raff are much easier to spell.
See ya Bob
And DON'T FORGET IT!!!! >:( >:( >:(
I won't Gnat......I've moved onto reprobates! ;D
Repro---what ??????
Bate is what we use for fishing. One of benifits of retirement. Going fishing when you want.
You boys keep uncorking these big words and gnat and I are reminded why we are riff and raff.
See ya
Bob
Quote from: bparrish on October 10, 2014, 10:53:59 AM
Repro---what ??? ???
Bate is what we use for fishing. One of benifits of retirement. Going fishing when you want.
You boys keep uncorking these big words and gnat and I are reminded why we are riff and raff.
See ya
Bob
Hi Bob.....I thought "bate" was what you got when you ordered at a sushi restaurant? :D
Well it has taken a bit, but the previous post was the last chapter of the StL&D thread from the "other" forum. This post marks the first new post for the StL&D thread on this forum. Where to begin?
Much has occurred since the last post of this thread in August of 2013. Our construction/development consulting business slowly picked up with existing clients in Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana and things began popping with a new client from New Jersey until this past July. Given the current economic conditions and the proclivities of those idiots in D.C., we are currently proceeding with a bit of caution, we'll see what develops from the mid term elections last month.
The layout has progressed little since the last post when I was adding ballast to the mainline. I have tried to do a little bit of work when I could steal a few minutes, but real work has been interfering, not that I'm complaining. I have adjusted a couple of switches, added a little more ballast and continued with the track spiking, a bit at a time.
The current plan is get the remaining rail installed in phase 2 around the coaling tower and the engine house. To complete this, I need to build 2 more #6 switches, which I have been putting off since spring. Also, I have been playing with stone castings and other material types so I can get to work on the retaining walls along the mainline.
In addition to getting the switches built, I have been trying to get JimmyD's Depot/Station, CCR's A.D. Low Company Shipping and the Railroad Rooming House finished all year. I get into the work area, look at the models to see which one to work on, turn around and go do some marketing or read a book. I haven't been able to get off dead center all year. The picture below is how the buildings have sat since last April or May.
Exhibit #1 - (Misc-110)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161214143718-54561338.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161214143718-54561338.jpeg)
The only railroading fix I can seem to get these days is to watch all the builds on the forum and everyone else's layout progress. At least y'all are keeping me in the game by proxy.....thanks so much for your efforts and I really do appreciate and enjoy following along on all your builds and projects.
The one area that I have been making progress in is planning. I have been able to get a little planning done with how Pegi and I want to remodel the house over the last month or so. I have been giving a lot of thought about the sun room addition and adding on a room dedicated entirely to the railroad and leaving the sun room to Pegi and her design whims.
Long story short, the west side of our lot would allow me to build a room approximately 36' x 58' and give me about 2,100 sf for the layout and work area. As much as I would like such a grand space, I am thinking that at this late date in life, it would be a far larger job than I would want to handle.
As of today, the sun room addition is winning. By the time I got the room built, I would probably be to decrepit to crawl around under the layout to get everything wired up. The dedicated room I was referring to could possibly like this.
Exhibit #2 - (Railroad Room)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161214143719-5510605.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161214143719-5510605.jpeg)
Given that analysis, I revisited the sun room area and reconfigured that area to give me approximately 18.5' x 26.5' of layout space. Something like I'm thinking about is below.
Exhibit #3 (Proposed Sun Room)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161214143720-55111112.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161214143720-55111112.jpeg)
The layout could be configured in a number of ways, but I keep going back to my original design of a limited mainline with continuous running and a branchline that would service mining and timber industries in a small mountain boom town.
With the additional room, I could add a small stub-in station on the mailine to accommodate the passenger train sets I have accumulated over the years and a greatly expanded mountain area. This wouldn't be the perfect plan, but it would allow for more structures and more operating options and still give me a place to store and run the passenger trains.
The outline for the benchwork area will look something like the exhibit below. The 2 dashed lines on the right and bottom are the edges of phase 1 and phase 2.
Exhibit #4 (Benchwork Outline)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161214143721-5512209.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161214143721-5512209.jpeg)
Given this new direction, I am holding off on building phase 3 and 4 of the current plan and am working on incorporating the first 2 phases into an expanded layout. I will post additional ideas as they are developed.
To this end, I have been slowly expanding my kit stash with an eye to more scenes for industries like mining, manufacturing, timber and urban/rural scenes with residential and commercial areas. I have added some FSM, SRMW, BTS, Campbell, RailroadKits and Branchline Train kits to the stash and will start building them while I work toward getting the sum room built.
Back to work, see y'all next time.....
.....A Happy Christmas Tale or How I Could Have Gotten Snookered If A Miscreant Wasn't A Friend.....
Disclaimer: Any resemblance or illusion to anyone in this story to a real person is purely intentional!
As I mentioned in my last post, I have been accumulating kits that I want with an eye toward an enlarged layout that could use more industries. Another purchase, earlier this summer, is my first brass loco in over 30 years. The Precision Scale Companies C&O J-3 Greenbriar 4-8-4 #603.
Exhibit #1 - (#603-19)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-231214090504-55331412.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-231214090504-55331412.jpeg)
The purchase was not planned, but kind of happened, with a little help of another miscreant on this forum, and is kind of a funny story. The story begins on a bright and sunny day last June, when a certain member (Tom's name shall remain anonymous throughout this post) was visiting his LHS.
The owner asked him if he would like to see some brass engines that he had picked up from an estate sale. The miscreant already owns more brass than most hobby stores and really didn't need more, however, said "sure, let's see what you have". So, out comes 3 boxes, 2 steamers and an unpowered diesel "B" unit.
It just so happens that 1 steamer and the "B" unit were used by one of the railroads that the miscreant has on his layout, but not the C&O. The hobby shop guy was selling all 3 for a really good price and this miscreant, being of shrewd character and having knowledge of his friend's weakness for steam locos, hastily formulated a plan that would give him the 2 engines he wanted for free.
So on a fateful Thursday at the end of June, here I come expecting to have a nice BS session and some bar-b-que, instead I walk in the door and look around to see what progress has been made on the ovalix and there sitting on the track was this beautiful steam engine.
Exhibit #2 - (#603-52)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-231214090506-55851854.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-231214090506-55851854.jpeg)
As to be expected by any normal, red blooded old fart, my eyes were wide as saucers and there might have been a bit of drool evident. What do you think of my latest addition, says the miscreant? Not being of sound mind at this point, and completely unaware that I was being set up, I blabbered out that it was "gorgeous". Well, says he,with a small grin, I might not be able to use it, so I might have to put it on e-bay.
Exhibit #3 - (#603-51)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-231214090507-55861656.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-231214090507-55861656.jpeg)
Oh the humanity, how could such a wonderful engine go on e-bay? I took a few rides on the C&O out to St. Louis when I was a kid and used to ride on passenger trains like the ones this engine used to pull. What could I do? It would be one thing if he was going to put it in his stash, I would have a shot at buying it later, but he was putting it on e-bay. I didn't want to spend the kind of money it was worth, but I couldn't let it go to someone else.
Exhibit #4 - (#603-50)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-231214090508-55872051.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-231214090508-55872051.jpeg)
Ah, said he, "I might be able to cut you a deal, since I'm such a nice guy and friend to steam loco lovers everywhere". The clouds parted and the sun shined thru! The miscreants deal was too good to be true! Says I, "Do I have a little time to give it some thought or do you need a decision right away"? Says he, "I won't get around to e-bay for a few weeks". "Okay, I'll let you know shortly", says I.
Exhibit #5 - (#603-49)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-231214090508-55882002.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-231214090508-55882002.jpeg)
Keep in mind that SBG member-in-training Bill was watching this drama play out and I was so oblivious that I didn't pay any attention to the little poop eating grin he had on his face. If I hadn't been so wrapped up in my memories of past train rides and beautiful steam engines and paid more attention to what was going on around me that day I would have been in a better bargaining position.
To finish this tale of woe and joy, on a Saturday, a few days later, while Pegi and I were running errands, we dropped by with a check in hand and became the proud owners of a beautiful brass steam locomotive.
The irony of this tale.....a year or so ago, I sold a set of 6 heavyweight C&O passenger cars to Judge Bill and the miscreant for his layout.
The moral of this tale.....if someone, no matter how close a friend, knows your weaknesses, don't go into a bargaining session with lust in your eyes and drool on your chin.
Next time y'all !
Quote from: GPdemayo on October 11, 2014, 09:06:32 AM
Quote from: bparrish on October 10, 2014, 10:53:59 AM
Repro---what ??? ???
Bate is what we use for fishing. One of benifits of retirement. Going fishing when you want.
You boys keep uncorking these big words and gnat and I are reminded why we are riff and raff.
See ya
Bob
Hi Bob.....I thought "bate" was what you got when you ordered at a sushi restaurant? :D
Wow, there's a heluva price difference between those two kinds of bate....
dave
Okay, I do have a response but don't have time to put words to print just yet. However, stay tuned to this thread and later this evening I'll give you the Paul Harvey version.
Tom ;D ;D AKA: Firestarter Miscreant 8) 8)
Quote from: ACL1504 on December 23, 2014, 02:50:42 PM
Okay, I do have a response but don't have time to put words to print just yet. However, stay tuned to this thread and later this evening I'll give you the Paul Harvey version.
Tom ;D ;D AKA: Firestarter Miscreant 8) 8)
Best hurry up and post Mr. Creant before you lose your legal immunity in four calling birds! :-X
How could ACL be a MIScreant?
Greg,
That was a such a sad story. Almost bought tears to my eyes. Now the question is, now that you have that beautiful engine, did you get your heavyweight cars back? That would be the full monty if you did. Tom is a good guy to have on your side. Did he tell you that we have been Skyping? My new phone has a front and rear camera. The other day i showed him my room and then on Sunday we showed Russ's layout. I had some problems with my layout because of the wireless reception. I now need to try turning the wireless function off and see how well it performs. Next time your over to Tom's, let me know and we will try it again. Have a very Merry Christmas and good luck getting the C&O heavyweights back from the Judge.
Frank / Erieman
Quote from: ACL1504 on December 23, 2014, 02:50:42 PM
Okay, I do have a response but don't have time to put words to print just yet. However, stay tuned to this thread and later this evening I'll give you the Paul Harvey version.
Tom ;D ;D AKA: Firestarter Miscreant 8) 8)
Okay.....I'm waiting, give me your best shot ! ;D
Quote from: Erieman on December 23, 2014, 04:37:25 PM
Greg,
That was a such a sad story. Almost bought tears to my eyes. Now the question is, now that you have that beautiful engine, did you get your heavyweight cars back? That would be the full monty if you did. Tom is a good guy to have on your side. Did he tell you that we have been Skyping? My new phone has a front and rear camera. The other day i showed him my room and then on Sunday we showed Russ's layout. I had some problems with my layout because of the wireless reception. I now need to try turning the wireless function off and see how well it performs. Next time your over to Tom's, let me know and we will try it again. Have a very Merry Christmas and good luck getting the C&O heavyweights back from the Judge.
Frank / Erieman
Hi Frank,
Well, I guess it could have been sad, but it did have a happy ending for me.
And no, I didn't get the passenger cars back, but Tom said I could bring the engine down, after I convert it to DCC, and run it around with the C&O passenger cars.
I just missed your Skype call the other morning and I look forward to it, as I have never done that type of call before. I just find it amazing that you got Tom into the 21st century.
Merry Christmas to you too!
Quote from: GPdemayo on December 23, 2014, 05:37:50 PM
Quote from: ACL1504 on December 23, 2014, 02:50:42 PM
Okay, I do have a response but don't have time to put words to print just yet. However, stay tuned to this thread and later this evening I'll give you the Paul Harvey version.
Tom ;D ;D AKA: Firestarter Miscreant 8) 8)
Okay.....I'm waiting, give me your best shot ! ;D
Gregory, oh Gregory,
The truth is you are so easy I don't need to take my best shot. Just being in the ballpark gets you everytime. :o :o :o :o :-X :-X :-X :-X
Tom ;D
Quote from: GPdemayo on December 23, 2014, 05:45:42 PM
And no, I didn't get the passenger cars back, but Tom said I could bring the engine down, after I convert it to DCC, and run it around with the C&O passenger cars.
I'm sorry, but did you say and I quote, "
After I convert it to DCC"?Who is going to convert it to DCC? Yes, me (ACL1504) not I (Gregory DeMayo)!
TEL ;D
Okay, here is the story. I must say I'm pretty surprised Greg got most of it correct.
I was in the local hobby shop and was surprised to see this beautiful factory painted C&O, J3 class 4-8-4 Greenbrier in the display case. I was even more surprised to see the price on the loco. It was priced at $98.98. Now, I didn't fall off the truck yesterday. I asked to see the loco up close so they removed it from the display for me to check it out.
The owner came over and asked me if I liked it. I said yes but that he had it way underpriced. I told him it was a 6-8 hundred loco. I told him it was made by PSC, factory painted and in near mint condition. He said he had two other pieces of brass in the back.
We went in the back and he had another C&O loco, this one was by Custom Brass and unpainted. It is a J2 class 4-8-2. He also had an factroy painted ACL FTA unit. He had the ACL unit priced at $29.95. I asked him to run the unit and it wouldn't run. I told him the $29.95 wasn't worth a non operational unit.
I could tell he wanted to move the brass. He took them in from an estate sale, meaning some guy died and his wife dumped his brass at the LHS! When the owner was in the back finding the other two pieces of brass, I purchased the $6-800.00 C&O loco for the $98.98.
I told the owner I would give him $200.00 for the other two and $98.98 for the 4-8-4. He looked at me and said, "Tom, I thought you said it was worth more than the $98.98 and closer to $600.00". I said, "It was before I bought it for $98.98".
Continued in a few.
And, now for the rest of the story.
I purchased all three pieces of brass for $300.00 plus tax. The unpainted brass C&O loco is worth $325.00, the PSC factory painted brass C&O is worth $725.00 and the brass ACL FTA (Overland brass diesel) is worth $207.00. So, ya'll see I got quite the deal.
I set the factory painted Greenbrier on the track knowing Greg was coming over. He saw it and I said, "yea, that's just a loco I got at the loco hobby shop. I don't think I'll keep it and will sell it on Ebay for around $600.00." Now I'm not saying he almost had an accident in his shorts but I will say I could hear the wheels turning.
He said, "Before you sell it on Ebay, let me think about it." Translation speak is "Before you sell it on Ebay, let me ask the wife if I can buy it." Now, I had him. I told him to box it up and take it home. He was so smitten that he couldn't do it. I told him it was worth $600.00+ (and it actually is worth that) but I'd let him have it for $300.00. $300 is what I paid for all three brass locos.
So, he and Pegi came over that following Saturday and brought me the $300.00. He got a beautiful loco worth alot more than three hundred for three hundred. I broke even on the deal and got $500+ worth of brass for nothing. Isn't this what capitalism is all about? Now it seems he is moaning about the $300. So, the problem is what? See what happens when you help a friend?
Continued in a few.
And now an addendum to the rest of the story!
Let me sum it up in as few words as possible.
Greg is so tight that you can't drive a needle up his rear with a sledge hammer!
And now you all know the Rest of the Story!
Tom 8)
Quote from: ACL1504 on December 23, 2014, 07:53:27 PM
And now an addendum to the rest of the story!
Let me sum it up in as few words as possible.
Greg is so tight that you can't drive a needle up his rear with a sledge hammer!
And now you all know the Rest of the Story!
Tom 8)
OUCH!
Mr. Greg
Wow! I know you still have me in the SBG training status and after watching your performance that day at Tom's man cave over a little steam engine, you must still be in some kind of training also. I think if Tom really wanted make you suffer more he could have gotten a little more $ out of the deal. Did you need to go to the chiropractor after you tried a number of times reaching for your back pocket? ;D ;D ;D
Great looking Engine and the best thing is you are extremely happy with it.
Quote from: ACL1504 on December 23, 2014, 07:05:16 PM
Quote from: GPdemayo on December 23, 2014, 05:45:42 PM
And no, I didn't get the passenger cars back, but Tom said I could bring the engine down, after I convert it to DCC, and run it around with the C&O passenger cars.
I'm sorry, but did you say and I quote, "After I convert it to DCC"?
Who is going to convert it to DCC? Yes, me (ACL1504) not I (Gregory DeMayo)!
TEL ;D
Didn't someone say they would supervise, but "I" had to do the work.....
Quote from: PennsyJ1 on December 24, 2014, 04:59:48 AM
Mr. Greg
Wow! I know you still have me in the SBG training status and after watching your performance that day at Tom's man cave over a little steam engine, you must still be in some kind of training also. I think if Tom really wanted make you suffer more he could have gotten a little more $ out of the deal. Did you need to go to the chiropractor after you tried a number of times reaching for your back pocket? ;D ;D ;D
Great looking Engine and the best thing is you are extremely happy with it.
Mr. Bill:
1....no I do not need to be in some kind of training.....I need to be in some kind of a 12 step program to help me with this addiction to steam engines.
2.....yes I did go to a chiropractor after twisting my back out reaching for my wallet.....fortunately, my nephew in-law is a chiropractor and we get the family rate - $0.00 , so the visit was painless, at least financially.
You and Kris have a Merry Christmas.....see you soon! ;)
Tom & Greg,
Nice summation on the engine. Greg did get a sweet deal and you did well also. Looks like a win / win. I got to tell you a funny story about an old friend. He had a real nervous tick, especially when it was about money. The guys used to say that the tick was not a physical thing, but and emotional thing. When he had the tick ( moving his head up and down) it was because he had string from his head to his wallet and this was his way of checking his wallet!
Great story guys and a beautiful engine. As far as Skyping, I need to resolve the image / reception problem with my room. We have an idea and just need to try it out. more later.
Best wishes to you both for the holidays. I'm going to start another SRMW building!!!
Frank / Erieman
Quote from: GPdemayo on December 24, 2014, 09:01:19 AM
Quote from: ACL1504 on December 23, 2014, 07:05:16 PM
Quote from: GPdemayo on December 23, 2014, 05:45:42 PM
And no, I didn't get the passenger cars back, but Tom said I could bring the engine down, after I convert it to DCC, and run it around with the C&O passenger cars.
I'm sorry, but did you say and I quote, "After I convert it to DCC"?
Who is going to convert it to DCC? Yes, me (ACL1504) not I (Gregory DeMayo)!
TEL ;D
Didn't someone say they would supervise, but "I" had to do the work.....
It's possible, I don't remember.
Tom ;D
Quote from: ACL1504 on December 24, 2014, 02:09:07 PM
Quote from: GPdemayo on December 24, 2014, 09:01:19 AM
Quote from: ACL1504 on December 23, 2014, 07:05:16 PM
Quote from: GPdemayo on December 23, 2014, 05:45:42 PM
And no, I didn't get the passenger cars back, but Tom said I could bring the engine down, after I convert it to DCC, and run it around with the C&O passenger cars.
I'm sorry, but did you say and I quote, "After I convert it to DCC"?
Who is going to convert it to DCC? Yes, me (ACL1504) not I (Gregory DeMayo)!
TEL ;D
Didn't someone say they would supervise, but "I" had to do the work.....
It's possible, I don't remember.
Tom ;D
That's okay Tom.....we all know that the mind is the second thing to go! ;D
I just wish I could remember the first thing that goes. :'(
Tom ;D
Quote from: ACL1504 on December 25, 2014, 09:38:05 AM
I just wish I could remember the first thing that goes. :'(
Tom ;D
I would really like to make a pithy comment.....but since it's Christmas.....Merry Christmas to you & the Babe!
Quote from: GPdemayo on December 25, 2014, 09:51:31 AM
Quote from: ACL1504 on December 25, 2014, 09:38:05 AM
I just wish I could remember the first thing that goes. :'(
Tom ;D
I would really like to make a pithy comment.....but since it's Christmas.....Merry Christmas to you & the Babe!
Merry Christmas to you and Pegi as well. Have a great day!
Tom ;D
Quote from: Erieman on December 24, 2014, 10:20:45 AM
Tom & Greg,
Nice summation on the engine. Greg did get a sweet deal and you did well also. Looks like a win / win. I got to tell you a funny story about an old friend. He had a real nervous tick, especially when it was about money. The guys used to say that the tick was not a physical thing, but and emotional thing. When he had the tick ( moving his head up and down) it was because he had string from his head to his wallet and this was his way of checking his wallet!
Great story guys and a beautiful engine. As far as Skyping, I need to resolve the image / reception problem with my room. We have an idea and just need to try it out. more later.
Best wishes to you both for the holidays. I'm going to start another SRMW building!!!
Frank / Erieman
You're right Frank, I did get a sweet deal. I just wish Tom didn't have so much fun setting me up and I was able to resist a little better. I don't want to talk about what he did with a couple of FSM kits recently!
I'm looking forward to seeing you and Tom do the Skyping thing, looks interesting.
Belated best wishes for y'all and I'll keep an eye out for your new SRMW's build.
Would you believe it? I finally got some work accomplished on the railroad.
After seeing ReadingBob's build of FSM Fox Run Milling early Sunday afternoon, I got such a case of the guilts, I came home and actually accomplished something. Granted it isn't anything earth shattering, but considering I haven't been able to get off dead center since last spring, it is something.
So, don't get all excited, it's only a little rail on the siding to the engine house, but it is a start. I ran the rail from the switch into the short track side of the engine house.
Exhibit #1 - (T421)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-040215084428-64862257.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-040215084428-64862257.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - (T423)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-040215084428-64911520.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-040215084428-64911520.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - (T425)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-040215084428-64922244.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-040215084428-64922244.jpeg)
The engine house will be in the approximate location shown below. More on that in the next post.
Exhibit #4 - (T426)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-040215084428-649331.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-040215084428-649331.jpeg)
As soon as I get the ash pit floor and sides completed and the rail support across the top, I can run the rail from the other side of the switch to the end of ties.
More next time.....hopefully not as long between posts as this one.
Hey Greg, something is better than nothing at all. After saying that I need to get my butt moving on the layout also!! ;D
Greg,
I believe it cause I see it! You'd be finished now if you used ME code 70 flex track. Yea, I know, ain't gonna happen! The hand spiked rail does look good on your layout. :-X
Tom ;D
Looks good Greg. How do you attach the rail to the ties? Also, what tool do you use to bend the rail?
I've never hand laid track before but plan on doing it for my next diorama.
Thanks!
Alan
Quote from: PennsyJ1 on February 04, 2015, 09:05:18 AM
Hey Greg, something is better than nothing at all. After saying that I need to get my butt moving on the layout also!! ;D
Hi Bill.....we need a western chapter SBG meet soon to see what you and Cris have been up to.....thanks for looking in! :)
Quote from: ACL1504 on February 04, 2015, 03:12:07 PM
Greg,
I believe it cause I see it! You'd be finished now if you used ME code 70 flex track. Yea, I know, ain't gonna happen! The hand spiked rail does look good on your layout. :-X
Tom ;D
Hi Tom.....you're right....."ain't gonna happen". Thanks..... ;D
Quote from: nextceo on February 04, 2015, 03:44:59 PM
Looks good Greg. How do you attach the rail to the ties? Also, what tool do you use to bend the rail?
I've never hand laid track before but plan on doing it for my next diorama.
Thanks!
Alan
Hi Alan.....thanks for following along.
The rail is attached to the ties with Micro Engineering "small" spikes (
Blackened Metal Spikes Economy Pack -- Small 1/4" Long pkg(1,000) Approximately (http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/255-30106) - Walthers #255-30106). If you look on page 10, or thereabouts, of this thread I talk about the rail installation.
The only thing I don't like about them are that the heads are a bit big and if not seated perfectly, they are so large that the wheel flange hits them. So before I start the spiking, I cut off about half the head and that eliminates the problem. The spikes I bought years ago did not have large heads, but they are out of business and as far as I know, Micro Engineering is the only game in town.
As to bending the rail, I didn't use anything to start, but have found that a little bending before spiking down, especially on sharper curves, makes the installation easier. For that purpose, I use the Fast Tracks rail bending tool (http://www.handlaidtrack.com/Rail-Bending-Tools-For-Trackwork-s/35.htm (http://www.handlaidtrack.com/Rail-Bending-Tools-For-Trackwork-s/35.htm)).
If you check out the videos on Tim's website, you can watch how he pre bends the curved stock rail with his thumb. I imagine he has done this so many times, he has just the right feel for the tension it takes to do it just right.
If you want to chat about this or have any more questions, send me an e-mail (demayoind@aol.com) with your phone number and I'd be happy to give you a call. Just put something in the subject line that refers to the hand laying so I don't delete it without opening.
Just as I got started again, earlier this year, life interrupted with some construction & development consulting projects in North Carolina and Oklahoma and I'm still on hold with the next phases of the benchwork, until I can enlarge the room to hold the size layout I'm in the process of designing.
A small digression from the St. L&D and the main reason for this post today..............................
I finally got an answer last night, to a question that has been niggling the back of my brain for years and I thought I'd share it with you while it is still fresh in my mind.....
"Why is the majority of the craftsman style structure building and layout construction centered up North, particularly in the Northeast?" No offense to Erieman Frank and Bob Parrish and all those others out West who are doing a magnificent job with their layouts and builds.
At first I thought that it had to do with the climate, y'all have long cold winters that keep you indoors far more than we do here in sunny Florida. That seems logical, but we have far more older people down here that have the time and the disposable income to get heavily involved with the hobby. It still makes sense, but it isn't even close. You're not going to believe this, but it appears to be true.
The answer came last night while watching a show on the National Geographic channel. Here goes......
Apparently the age group that has held the lead in the record books for decades for certain romantic activities that lead to unwanted social diseases has been the late 20's to mid 30's crowd. It seems that in the last few years however, and probably longer than that, this groups' habitual over achieving parents and grandparents have demolished their record.
Studies now show that with the advent of little blue pills and a change in the moral attitudes since the 60's, that the group that now leads in that interesting statistic is the older, senior citizen, blue haired, geezer bunch that started with the Greatest Generation and is continuing on with the Boomers.
Now here is the kicker.....drum roll please.....wait for it.................the capital, epicenter, world leader and generally all around greatest place for this activity among the senior set, confirmed by records from the CDC is...................................FLORIDA!!!!!!!!
Now I know why y'all up North have been leading the way in the hobby..........the people here in the Sunshine State that have the time and the disposable income to really have a great time playing with trains are much to busy playing around with the (in most cases) opposite sex.
Florida's new motto....."Come on Down, We're Reinventing the Definition of Active Adult Communities"
Moral of the story..........you have to know where your priorities lay.
Back to the latest with the St. L&D..............
In the meantime, I'm trying to get structures complete that are currently planned for phases 1 and 2 and looking forward to trying my hand at all the new scenery techniques the are available today.
With any free time I have, I have been doing preliminary designing of the layout and adding to my kit stash the buildings that I want to have in the expanded layout. I have had a bit deal of success lately with the purchases of a number of older FSM, SW and SRMW kits. Now, with the kits in hand I can begin the construction design for the layout with the actual footprints of the kits for the various scenes.
I am especially happy with the purchase of SW's Twin Mills kit for the timber area and the Deer Creek Mine for the mining area. Both of those, along with others and some scratch designed and built structures, should make great scenes when completed.
Exhibit #1 - (DCM-005)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-280415121008-7735791.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-280415121008-7735791.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - (TM-006)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-280415121008-77373.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-280415121008-77373.jpeg)
With the help of a couple of SBG friends I have added the needed buildings for the station and engine service area in Moosebutt. That has been a great help in getting that area fleshed out in the design and along with the saloons, cathouse and a few others should make for a great area.
Exhibit #3 - (FSM-2015)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-280415121009-77382494.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-280415121009-77382494.jpeg)
With a few more purchases I can get the major structures for each scene, then I'll only have to get those smaller structures to flesh out the areas for each. The B.T.S. Pulp Mill will add to the timber area and a scratch-built office and out buildings for the mine gets me pretty close to having the majority of the kits I'll need.
So, as time permits, I'll get those 4 buildings I have yet to complete finished, continue refining the design for the layout and building some of these great kits.
Next time!
WOW, I better move back to Florida. I spend most of my free time working on my layout and building craftsman structures. Didn't realize Florida was such a hot bed of ... well, hot beds.
Greg,
That was some screed you wrote and you deserve my encomium for the effort. Speaking of the "blue pill" generation, it all started in Ocala, Fl. with the Villages Community. They have the highest per capita rate of STD's in the Continental United States.
And speaking of the means to afford the hobby, if I'm not careful I could easily find myself in penury if the spending doesn't stop. Now masticate on that for a bit my friend.
Tom ;D
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.giphy.com%2Fmedia%2FZ15pn0hiqA7uw%2Fgiphy.gif&hash=f4d7003f7d7121d65368460912bcb6592b7c441a)
Quote from: UP Fan on April 28, 2015, 12:29:16 PM
WOW, I better move back to Florida. I spend most of my free time working on my layout and building craftsman structures. Didn't realize Florida was such a hot bed of ... well, hot beds.
Thanks for looking in UP.....I'm not sure about the hot beds, but it does get a bit warm in Central Florida in the summer.
Quote from: ACL1504 on April 28, 2015, 02:55:35 PM
Greg,
That was some screed you wrote and you deserve my encomium for the effort. Speaking of the "blue pill" generation, it all started in Ocala, Fl. with the Villages Community. They have the highest per capita rate of STD's in the Continental United States.
And speaking of the means to afford the hobby, if I'm not careful I could easily find myself in penury if the spending doesn't stop. Now masticate on that for a bit my friend.
Tom ;D
Huh..... ??? I guess golf, tennis and polo isn't enough activity for those folks up in The Villages. ;D
Quite a set of chompers Donato.....appreciate you following along. :)
Hi,
wow,you have some nice kits to build........
Cheers,Chris
Quote from: Twist67 on May 06, 2015, 10:36:20 AM
Hi,
wow,you have some nice kits to build........
Cheers,Chris
Thanks for looking in Chris.....it's killing me not to have the time to start a number of these kits, but unfortunately, I have to keep working. Maybe someday I'll be able to retire like ACL1504, then I can get a few out of the boxes.
Until then, I'll have to keep on adding to the stash and reading the instructions.
Quote from: ACL1504 on April 28, 2015, 02:55:35 PM
Greg,
That was some screed you wrote and you deserve my encomium for the effort. Speaking of the "blue pill" generation, it all started in Ocala, Fl. with the Villages Community. They have the highest per capita rate of STD's in the Continental United States.
And speaking of the means to afford the hobby, if I'm not careful I could easily find myself in penury if the spending doesn't stop. Now masticate on that for a bit my friend.
Tom ;D
Chomp, chomp.....chomp! ;D
Funny dog Donato.....thanks for following along. :)
Just a quick note today. I have to get back to marketing and don't have the time to work on any models. I hope all those ole' retired guys know how lucky they are to have loads of time to devote to the hobby, especially when they can't use their hand to get any layout progress going.
I have been continuing with the Groovey Jeff kit (A.D. Low & Company Shipping - #1339), as time permits - hasn't been much. I finally have the walls up and am in the process of installing the windows and doors. Next up will be the roof covering and I have been thinking about something different than the roll roofing paper that Jeff provided with the kit. I will make a decision and hopefully add pictures in the next post.
Exhibit #1 - (ADL-027)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-300815125111-9067924.jpeg)
I've also been getting the base for the FSM 2 stall engine house ready. I used some sheet material and painted it concrete and am in the process of adding the wood flooring. When that is done, I'll glue the walls to the base and get to work repairing over 30 years of banging around the walls have gotten from being packed and unpacked in all our moves.
Exhibit #2 - (EH-002)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-300815125111-90932267.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - (EH-025)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-300815125111-90941786.jpeg)
By the way, The area at the top left is to be a concrete slab extension, with a shed roof, that will be the base for the stationary boiler that will provide steam for the engine house.
I'm in the process of trying to figure out what to with the finishes from the original build. For example, since it was one of the first craftsman kits that I attempted, I followed George's instructions for the stone work, the roof covering and the paint and stain colors.
Since that time I have decided on a standard color theme for the St.L&D buildings and this one needs to be repainted. The roll roofing that George provided isn't a good choice for the roofing for this type of structure, so I have purchased some good looking standing seam metal roofing from Northeastern Scale Lumber and will install that when I get to the roof.
The other thing that has been bothering me about the exterior walls is the stone from the foundation to wainscot level that was included with the kit. Because I didn't know any better at the time, I put it together, per the instructions, but now I don't feel that it would be appropriate for this structure and want to remove it.
The problem is, I don't remember what I used to attach it to the walls with and it won't come off with water to loosed the glue or a chisel to pry it off. I asked Tom about this and he advised that I might have to cut the walls in the stone areas off and patch with matching siding. I'm still mulling this one over.
I've added a donkey repair scene to the Mill area and ordered one from Brett at Sierra West a few weeks back, so it should be here soon. I'm also looking to expand the Mining area with some related structures and might have to design and scratch build these, as I haven't found any out there that I like in kit form.
Well, that's about it for today, see y'all next time.
I just wanted to say Happy New year to all the members of the forum and thank y'all for looking in on this thread over the past year.
I hope work and life don't interfere with my modeling as much this coming year, so I get some work done on the railroad and post a bit more progress this new year than I did this past year.
Happy New Year y'all !!!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR GREG AND PEGI!
Happy New Year, Greg!
Quote from: jbvb on January 01, 2016, 09:43:47 AM
Happy New Year, Greg!
Same to you & yours also James..... ;D
Here's a tease of the new WOW sound in the PSC C&O Greenbriar down at Toms' A&S.
https://youtu.be/1crOyR7BxJY
I'll post a run-by with some C&O heavyweight passenger cars when we get all the sounds right.
Greg,
Your video is not working. It says I must sign in first?! I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing the WOW sound. Help.
Frank / Erieman
Frank.....I'm not sure what happened, but it might be corrected now.
I haven't gotten around to making a video of #603 pulling a heavyweight train, as promised, but I did run across a video of C&O #614 in action. My loco was built pre-war in 1938, I think, and #614 was built post war in 1948.
It was the last Greenbriar of the series to be built and was restored and has been pulling excursion trains around. What a wonderful think to see in person.....the sounds, smells and motion. Maybe one day.....but until then this video will have to do. Enjoy!
http://co614.com/?page_id=204#.V6SG1b20Joc (http://co614.com/?page_id=204#.V6SG1b20Joc)
Next time.....
It's been a while since I added to the thread.....business is still getting in the way of fun. But it is past time for a update.
C&O #603 is still a work in progress. The TCS chip and speaker are installed and it sounds great, but a bushing that holds the axle on the frame is busted and it doesn't run properly. After that is fixed I'll take it down to Tom's and hook it onto some heavy weights and take a video of it coming thru the farm cut.....can't wait.
Now onto the latest news.....a new steam addition - drum roll please.....The management of the StL&D is pleased to announce the acquisition of a new steam loco for branch line service. The loco is a Sunset Models HO SP 2-8-0 Consolidated.
As management would like to take credit for its keen negotiating skills and massive foresight, This acquisition was the sole work of an old friend of the StL&D, Mr. Thomas E. Langford , president and CEO of the A&S Railroad. Through his keen insight and unending connections into the mysterious world of brass motive power, the StL&D is now the proud owner of ole' #148 which is destined for use on daily runs to the mines and timber area that the branch line serves.
TCS decoder and speaker have been ordered and management is looking forward to the the #148's inaugural run.
Thanks for all your help Tom!
Exhibit #1 - (#148-003)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-300717103459-23994948.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-300717103459-23994948.jpeg)
Exhibit #2 - (#148-006)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-300717103459-240252288.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-300717103459-240252288.jpeg)
Exhibit #3 - (#148-015)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-300717103459-240262201.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-300717103459-240262201.jpeg)
Greg,
You are quite welcome. Not a bad deal at all.
Tom ;D
I'm following.
Quote from: ACL1504 on July 30, 2017, 11:32:55 AM
Greg,
You are quite welcome. Not a bad deal at all.
Tom ;D
Great deal.....thanks so much Tom. :)
Quote from: PRR Modeler on July 30, 2017, 01:00:07 PM
I'm following.
Don't expect too much Curt.....I'm still not up to speed with modeling.....but thanks for looking in. :)
Quote from: GPdemayo on July 31, 2017, 08:28:00 AM
Quote from: PRR Modeler on July 30, 2017, 01:00:07 PM
I'm following.
Don't expect too much Curt.....I'm still not up to speed with modeling.....but thanks for looking in. :)
You are not up to "Greg Speed" on your own. :o :o :o :o
Jim
Quote from: jimmillho on July 31, 2017, 10:46:02 AM
Quote from: GPdemayo on July 31, 2017, 08:28:00 AM
Quote from: PRR Modeler on July 30, 2017, 01:00:07 PM
I'm following.
Don't expect too much Curt.....I'm still not up to speed with modeling.....but thanks for looking in. :)
You are not up to "Greg Speed" on your own. :o :o :o :o
Jim
Not yet Jim.....hopefully soon. ;)
This is looking really nice Greg! Your track work looks incredible. That track plan was thought out and well done.
Quote from: LongHornCaddy on August 27, 2017, 07:37:10 PM
This is looking really nice Greg! Your track work looks incredible. That track plan was thought out and well done.
Thanks Lou.....the track and structures are my favorite part of the process. :)
Hi Greg:
The RR is coming along nicely. I always enjoy.
Karl
Greg,
At the risk of sounding like a copycat to what special K. said, but the truth hurts! ha. It's coming along very nicely. Thanx Thom...
Quote from: postalkarl on August 28, 2017, 01:33:48 PM
Hi Greg:
The RR is coming along nicely. I always enjoy.
Karl
Thanks Karl.....I really will get some work on a few of the unfinished structures this fall. :)
Quote from: tct855 on August 28, 2017, 03:20:19 PM
Greg,
At the risk of sounding like a copycat to what special K. said, but the truth hurts! ha. It's coming along very nicely. Thanx Thom...
Thanks Thom.....it is most definitely a slow work in progress. :)
The sound has been installed in ole' #348 (formally ole' #148 because management is a bit befuddled on occasion) and the video is below.
Many thanks to the A&S for track rights for the video. StL&D management expressed a desire to have the video shot in a location that had wonderful scenery instead of the homosote world the engine is residing in at present.
Because the "vandy" tender couldn't be taken apart (everything was soldered together) the computer chip had to be installed in the boiler and the miniture speaker in the cab. Due to limitations in space, the chip doesn't have the keep alive function which has been recently discovered to be a bit of a necessity.
After discussions and recommendations by the "high priest of all things brass and other assorted matters (ACL1504)," it has been decided that a new chip with keep alive and a large 8 olm speaker will be placed in a USRA coal tender and the "vandy" tender will have to find another loco.
On a light note.....it is a hoot to listening to the engine sitting still and occasionally hearing the fireman shovel coal into the boiler of an oil fired engine.
As soon as the corrections are complete I'll post and updated video.
Note about C&O #603.....the TCS sound is great, but the engine has developed a problem with an axle bushing and must be send for repair. As soon as it is returned a video with a bunch of C&O heavyweight passenger cars will be shot and I'll get it posted.Later.....
Nice video Greg.
Thanks for sharing Greg , great sound.
Fantastic Greg!
Hi Greg:
Thanks for sharing that great video.
Karl
Greg,
The video turned out nice. Not only did the A&S give you track rights for the run, you failed to mention old man Perkins let you use his wooden bridge to film the loco. The location is Baker's Curve.
Greg is correct in this Vandy tender not giving us access to the inside. The WOW decoder is in the boiler and a cell phone speaker is in the cab. With the boiler weight and decoder in the boiler there was no room for the keep alive.
By swapping the Vandy tender with a USRA one, we can install a larger 8ohm - 28mm speaker, move the decoder to the tender and thus give us room for the keep alive.
Later next year, the loco will be sent to the A&S RR paint shop for painting.
Tom ;D
Sounds like a plan Tom.....thanks. :)
Bump......more later. :)
Greg,
Oh come on now, how much later my friend?
Inquiring minds and all that.
Tom
Quote from: ACL1504 on November 13, 2023, 09:18:09 AMGreg,
Oh come on now, how much later my friend?
Inquiring minds and all that.
Tom
Probably in a week or so.....a bunch of stuff in the real world hasn't given me much time for modeling in a long time. :(
Test.....water tower at abandoned narrow gauge track at the Boreas Pass between Breckenridge and Como, CO.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-151123092808.jpeg)
Quote from: GPdemayo on November 13, 2023, 09:24:28 AMQuote from: ACL1504 on November 13, 2023, 09:18:09 AMGreg,
Oh come on now, how much later my friend?
Inquiring minds and all that.
Tom
Probably in a week or so.....a bunch of stuff in the real world hasn't given me much time for modeling in a long time. :(
Greg,
I understand that for sure.
Tom
QuoteProbably in a week or so.....a bunch of stuff in the real world hasn't given me much time for modeling in a long time. :(
We'll hold you to that, Greg!
Is the water tower going to become an upcoming model?
I found a great double decker water tower in a NZ book called 'The Great Northern - the story of the Waiau branch'. The tower was situated at Waiau. Needless to say it will arrive on my layout one day...
Cheers, Mark.
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on November 15, 2023, 01:44:56 PMQuoteProbably in a week or so.....a bunch of stuff in the real world hasn't given me much time for modeling in a long time. :(
We'll hold you to that, Greg!
Is the water tower going to become an upcoming model?
I found a great double decker water tower in a NZ book called 'The Great Northern - the story of the Waiau branch'. The tower was situated at Waiau. Needless to say it will arrive on my layout one day...
Cheers, Mark.
Not a future build Mark, I just pulled it from my other railroad pictures for the test.
The tank was on the Highline section of the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad that ran 63 miles from Como, thru Breckenridge and onto Leadville. At the time this was the most dangerous bit of track in the nation.
However, further down the trail at an elevation of 11,428' was a section house on top of the Continental Divide and I do have a model of that that I will build. I don't have a photo of the kit, but I'll take one and post it here when I get a few minutes.
Greg;
Nice! Looking forward to catching up.
Jim
Mark.....here are the photos of the Boreas Section house kit by Wild West Scale Model Builders.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123095358-51967414.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/27-161123095358-519681224.jpeg)
Quote from: Jim Donovan on November 16, 2023, 08:42:35 AMGreg;
Nice! Looking forward to catching up.
Jim
Thanks Jim.....and I'm looking forward to your future builds also. :)
I have started adding the missing pictures to the thread starting with pages #1 and #2.....to be continued.
Quote from: GPdemayo on November 16, 2023, 06:23:51 PMI have started adding the missing pictures to the thread starting with pages #1 and #2.....to be continued.
Excellent. Received loud and clear.
Thanks for doing this. It's nice to preserve the threads where users can :)
You're welcome Craig.....it will take awhile to finish. I agree, there is a need to preserve these threads for those that come into the hobby will have a reference for all the aspects of modeling from many different perspectives. :)
The first 8 pages need to have the photos add, so with pages #3 and #4 complete, I'm about half way there.....to be continued
Quote from: GPdemayo on November 17, 2023, 05:44:35 PMPages #3 and #4 have the photos added.....to be continued
Greg,
It's a shame you have to go back and add photos. But I think it is very much worth the effort and to have the old forum back and running again.
Tom
Quote from: ACL1504 on November 17, 2023, 05:50:49 PMQuote from: GPdemayo on November 17, 2023, 05:44:35 PMPages #3 and #4 have the photos added.....to be continued
Greg,
It's a shame you have to go back and add photos. But I think it is very much worth the effort and to have the old forum back and running again.
Tom
When you're right, you're right, can't improve on that..... ;)
QuoteThe tank was on the Highline section of the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad that ran 63 miles from Como, thru Breckenridge and onto Leadville. At the time this was the most dangerous bit of track in the nation.
Thanks for the extra information, Greg.
It looks like a fun build. We drove the million dollar highway on our trip to the USA in 2015. We also took the train from Durango to Silverton. This is as close as we got to the location of your water tank. The drive from Telluride to Moab was the closest I felt to being in New Zealand on our five weeks in the US. The most isolated part of our journey, and after five days in New York, something I craved. Colorado is also very close in both population and area to New Zealand.
Cheers, Mark.
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on November 17, 2023, 07:37:11 PMQuoteThe tank was on the Highline section of the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad that ran 63 miles from Como, thru Breckenridge and onto Leadville. At the time this was the most dangerous bit of track in the nation.
Thanks for the extra information, Greg.
It looks like a fun build. We drove the million dollar highway on our trip to the USA in 2015. We also took the train from Durango to Silverton. This is as close as we got to the location of your water tank. The drive from Telluride to Moab was the closest I felt to being in New Zealand on our five weeks in the US. The most isolated part of our journey, and after five days in New York, something I craved. Colorado is also very close in both population and area to New Zealand.
Cheers, Mark.
You're welcome Mark.
Before college, I spent half my summers in rural areas of Missouri and the other half across the Hudson in Jersey. In the early 2000's Pegi and I made over a dozen trips, mostly to Colorado, and a couple to Montana and Utah.
The area you visited is in southwest Colorado and we haven't made it there yet, but know a few who have and they really it, especially the Durango & Silverton and the Cumbres & Toltec railroads.
New York is okay, but not the place I would choose to live, too many people in such a tiny area, not to mention the cost of living is ridiculous. The west, in the Rockies, would be a great place to live, work and play.
Hi All.....a little update:
The photos for page #5 were added back on Nov. 19 and when I went to add photos to pages #6, #7 and #8 last week, before Thanksgiving, I found that the links at the bottom of each post had the photos that were missing. They were not in the post where originally placed, but they were now viewable at the end of each post.
I clicked on one of the small photos and it zoomed up to full size. I'm not sure what the forum gurus did, but everything is back to normal. Big thanks to Jim and/or Craig.
If any of y'all have any questions, I'll get you an answer as soon as possible.
I have a few things to add to be fully caught up from the last posts of 2017 and those will post those in the coming weeks.
I am now in the process of pondering the future of the St. L&D and the direction I will travel. All will be revealed in the not to distant future.
Quote from: GPdemayo on November 27, 2023, 02:57:51 PMHi All.....a little update:
The photos for page #5 were added back on Nov. 19 and when I went to add photos to pages #6, #7 and #8 last week, before Thanksgiving, I found that the links at the bottom of each post had the photos that were missing. They were not in the post where originally placed, but they were now viewable at the end of each post.
I clicked on one of the small photos and it zoomed up to full size. I'm not sure what the forum gurus did, but everything is back to normal. Big thanks to Jim and/or Craig.
If any of y'all have any questions, I'll get you an answer as soon as possible.
I have a few things to add to be fully caught up from the last posts of 2017 and those will post those in the coming weeks.
I am now in the process of pondering the future of the St. L&D and the direction I will travel. All will be revealed in the not to distant future.
I noticed a few days ago that some attachment thumbnails were not displaying for a lot of posts, so I had the forum regenerate them all. Fixed the issue straight away :)
Thanks again Craig.....we all appreciate all the effort and time you and Jim are giving to the forum. 8)