Welcome to part 4 of the Atlantic and Southern build thread.
Where's the pics? We love lots of pics! :o
Quote from: tct855 on May 31, 2021, 02:55:02 PM
Where's the pics? We love lots of pics! :o
Patience grasshopper, patience. We all love photos. I'll have some to share tomorrow evening.
Tom ;D
(https://media0.giphy.com/media/MUBsb17hLCNXi/giphy.gif)
For those of us who need to see trains on a thread with no trains....
Congratulations on the start of Part 4 of your build thread. I think if you add the views of all four parts together, you are close to a million views. Unlike Thom, I'm going to be patient and wait for the latest release of pictures. ;) As always, thank you for taking the time to share this with us, my friend. I have really enjoyed watching this great railroad come together over the years.
Question of the day? When did we start our build threads on the old forum? I know we started here in December of 2013.
Let the fun begin on the A&S..... ;)
The thread for the St. Louis & Denver Railroad was begun on the old forum on Oct. 7, 2010 and on this forum on Mar. 12, 2011.
Quote from: Janbouli on May 31, 2021, 04:22:16 PM
(https://media0.giphy.com/media/MUBsb17hLCNXi/giphy.gif)
Jan,
Hard to believe I'm on part 4 already. Appreciate you checking in, thank you.
Tom ;D
Quote from: tct855 on May 31, 2021, 05:22:43 PM
For those of us who need to see trains on a thread with no trains....
KPI,
Wow, that is one Hell of a yard. Perfect bird's eye view.
Tom ;D
Quote from: S&S RR on May 31, 2021, 07:57:48 PM
Congratulations on the start of Part 4 of your build thread. I think if you add the views of all four parts together, you are close to a million views. Unlike Thom, I'm going to be patient and wait for the latest release of pictures. ;) As always, thank you for taking the time to share this with us, my friend. I have really enjoyed watching this great railroad come together over the years.
Question of the day? When did we start our build threads on the old forum? I know we started here in December of 2013.
John,Thank you, much appreciated. Your patience is about to pay off in nest few posts.You, my friend, and I both know what work goes into a build thread and especially a layout build thread. I'm sure you'll agree it is a bit time consuming. I can easily spend two hours or more every other day uploading, adjusting, cropping and then loading them in the forum gallery to add to the thread post later.This layout thread was started on December 13, 2013 on this forum. The original thread titled, "Layout build from the bench work up and more" was started sometime in late 2009.Tom ;D
Quote from: GPdemayo on June 01, 2021, 07:54:55 AM
Let the fun begin on the A&S..... ;)
The thread for the St. Louis & Denver Railroad was begun on the old forum on Oct. 7, 2010 and on this forum on Mar. 12, 2011.
Greg,
The fun has begun and will continue for sure.
Tom ;D
I finished the scenery between the road and layout edge. Nothing exciting here but I didn't have much room. The space is 5/8" in width.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-010621173217.jpeg)
Continued -
I decided to hold off on weathering the concrete slabs until all the scenery is in place.
I marked off the outline of the building and loading dock. Painted white glue on the pink foam and then shifted on some dirt. When dry I saved what was on top. I could have just painted on a dirt color and save some time but i wanted the real dirt under the loading docks.
I also started the scenery on the right as shown.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-010621173233.jpeg)
I saved the extra dirt and added the second layer of scenery to the right.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-010621173245.jpeg)
More in a few. Diet Pepsi or cold water is needed to quench my thirst. :-X
I then added some trackside growth to the rear of building #1.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-010621173258.jpeg)
At this point I see no need to explain the scenery process as I've done so many time over the past three parts of the A&S RR thread. You can see from the numerous pictures shown below the progress. I'll comment where applicable.
I knocked the iron roof rod loose when placing the building on the layout. It has since been repaired.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-010621173312.jpeg)
Continued -
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-010621173326.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-010621173338.jpeg)
Continued -
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-010621173355.jpeg)
I'll be adding more LEDs under the loading docks. Once I've done this and get the structure back in place, I'll add some vegetation up next the stone foundation on the office side.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-010621173410.jpeg)
Continued -
This small structure is a FOS kit, Gusano Loco Restaurant. No, Reading Bob didn't build this one. :P
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-010621173440.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-010621173453.jpeg)
Continued -
Nice progress, Tom.
Looking very nice.
Cheers, Mark.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-010621173505.jpeg)
The two red leaved and these two fantastic looking trees were all custom built for the A&S RR by Kris Cutler. She and Bill had the Pennsy Layout -
The Pennsy - Six Miles West of Altoona and More (http://modelersforum.com/index.php?topic=313.0).
http://modelersforum.com/index.php?topic=313.0
Continued -
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-010621181550.jpeg)
One bonus photo.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-010621173426.jpeg)
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on June 01, 2021, 06:17:11 PM
Nice progress, Tom.
Looking very nice.
Cheers, Mark.
Mark, Cheers,Thank you, it's very satisfying to see more progress on the layout.Tom ;D
ACL 1504,
Beautiful work and great follow along pictorial as always my friend! I can't wait for the official full length video of the empire once you have finished tickling the plywood base with all the foam, wood, castings & paint. 8)
Thanx Thom...
HeyTom:
Looks just great. Can't wait to see more.
Karl
Looks like you're going "Greg Speed" on Tahope Tom..... 8)
Following along here too. Good start!
Tom thanks for the update it's looking just fine!
Wonderful job!
Jerry
Tom:
I really have to tell you that i really like how your grass and trees look. Always enjoy your photos.
Karl
Things are really shaping up wonderfully on this end of Tahope! I sure am looking forward to the next installment. ;)
Tom
Great progress! It really looks good. Seeing you get motivated is helping me get moving, too.
Tom - I really like the way this area is shaping up.
You can tell the residents of Tahope County are forward-thinking by enticing a Cuban couple to open Gusano's Loco Restaurant south of the Tahope River. There were very few Cubans in Florida in 1950. There were a few in Miami, but most of the Cubans lived in Tampa and worked in the cigar industry or in one of the many excellent Cuban restaurants in the area. I particularly remember Spanish Park and the Columbia. I hope Gusano serves Trout Russian Style and Shrimp Valdez with fried plantains. BTW, I do not think the "Loco" in the restaurant name refers to locomotives. You might want to Google Gusano's daughter, Yanet Garcia, who moved to Mexico to become the most famous weather girl on television.
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7xrjql
Top of the morning Tom,
I notice that there is something missing in the top photo on page two. There is not structure supports beneath the stairs on the left. Did these brake off? It is going to be agreat scene when completed. Can't wait to see how you handle all the crates. They will really make the scene pop. More progress pics please.
Frank / Erieman
Something I learned from my in-laws. You do NOT want to confuse Hispanics from one island with those from another. That's a good way cause damage to your cojones :D
dave
Quote from: tct855 on June 01, 2021, 10:15:50 PM
ACL 1504,
Beautiful work and great follow along pictorial as always my friend! I can't wait for the official full length video of the empire once you have finished tickling the plywood base with all the foam, wood, castings & paint. 8)
Thanx Thom...
Thom,
Thank you for the compliment. I'm still learning how to edit videos. It ain't easy.
Tom ;D
Quote from: postalkarl on June 02, 2021, 01:15:39 AM
HeyTom:
Looks just great. Can't wait to see more.
Karl
Karl,
Thanks very much. I should have more to show tomorrow evening.
Tom ;D
Quote from: GPdemayo on June 02, 2021, 08:26:30 AM
Looks like you're going "Greg Speed" on Tahope Tom..... 8)
Greg,
I was at "Greg Speed" and I either got pulled over or hit a speed bump. :-X
Tom ;D
Quote from: jbvb on June 02, 2021, 09:13:33 AM
Following along here too. Good start!
James,
Thank you for following along and the nice words of support.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Jerry on June 02, 2021, 06:51:17 PM
Tom thanks for the update it's looking just fine!
Wonderful job!
Jerry
Jerry,
Thank you and you are very welcome. Happy to have you along on the adventure.
Tom ;D
Quote from: postalkarl on June 03, 2021, 03:38:47 AM
Tom:
I really have to tell you that i really like how your grass and trees look. Always enjoy your photos.
Karl
Karl,
Thank you for the kind and generous compliment. My scenery and grass is usually done in 3-4 steps/layers depending on what I want it to look like.
However, the trees were custom made by a very special and talented friend. Please refer to my comment above about the trees.
Tom ;D
Quote from: ReadingBob on June 03, 2021, 07:32:57 AM
Things are really shaping up wonderfully on this end of Tahope! I sure am looking forward to the next installment. ;)
Bob,
Yes, the Tahope folks are very happy to see some scenery coming together. I'll have more in the coming days. I appreciate you stopping by.
Tom ;D
Quote from: S&S RR on June 03, 2021, 08:16:04 AM
Tom
Great progress! It really looks good. Seeing you get motivated is helping me get moving, too.
John,
Thank you for the kind compliment. I think I get motivated from you. But, I'm happy to help you to get motivated as well.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Judge on June 03, 2021, 11:45:11 AM
Tom - I really like the way this area is shaping up.
You can tell the residents of Tahope County are forward-thinking by enticing a Cuban couple to open Gusano's Loco Restaurant south of the Tahope River. There were very few Cubans in Florida in 1950. There were a few in Miami, but most of the Cubans lived in Tampa and worked in the cigar industry or in one of the many excellent Cuban restaurants in the area. I particularly remember Spanish Park and the Columbia. I hope Gusano serves Trout Russian Style and Shrimp Valdez with fried plantains. BTW, I do not think the "Loco" in the restaurant name refers to locomotives. You might want to Google Gusano's daughter, Yanet Garcia, who moved to Mexico to become the most famous weather girl on television.
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7xrjql (https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7xrjql)
Bill,
Thank you and I'm very pleased at this point also.
We are always happy to have new places to eat in Tahope. The "Crazy Exile" is one such establishment. Yanet is "too much" if you catch my drift.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Erieman on June 03, 2021, 12:36:02 PM
Top of the morning Tom,
I notice that there is something missing in the top photo on page two. There is not structure supports beneath the stairs on the left. Did these brake off? It is going to be agreat scene when completed. Can't wait to see how you handle all the crates. They will really make the scene pop. More progress pics please.
Frank / Erieman
Frank,
You are correct. I have the supports but am waiting until the final "planting" before I add the delicate details back to the structure.
I'm not looking forward to the crates but it will be fun non the less. I'm very please with how the scene and two structures are coming together.
Tom ;D
Quote from: deemery on June 03, 2021, 12:57:51 PM
Something I learned from my in-laws. You do NOT want to confuse Hispanics from one island with those from another. That's a good way cause damage to your cojones :D
dave
Dave,
I learned it as well as a Patrol Sergeant. I had one Puerto Rican and two Cubans on one of my squads. Man, it was like oil and water. I won't say any more but I had to transfer one of each to other squads. It actually became any "officer safety" issue.
Tom ;D
Quote from: ACL1504 on June 03, 2021, 01:55:55 PMQuote from: GPdemayo on June 02, 2021, 08:26:30 AM
Looks like you're going "Greg Speed" on Tahope Tom..... 8)
Greg,
I was at "Greg Speed" and I either got pulled over or hit a speed bump. :-X
Tom ;D
Hey Tom.....I'm hoping it was a pull over, that way you get off without a ticket when you pull out that retirement badge. ::) A bad hit on a speed bump could cost you a bit of money if it wrecks the suspension on the SUV. :'(
Hey Tom:
Sounds good can't wait.
Karl
I planted Gusano Loco and left what I thought was enough room for parking in front.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-050621165548.jpeg)
I cut some heavy stock cardboard and glued it in place.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-050621165600.jpeg)
Continued -
When dry, I marked in some expansion joints and sealed it with white glue.
I then realized I made a layout "faux pas" and made the front parking area to small.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-050621165614.jpeg)
So up came the restaurant and surrounding scenery.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-050621165627.jpeg)
Continued -
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-050621165638.jpeg)
Instead of removing the front parking area, I just added another HO scale 10 ft. I used the joint between the two as an expansion joint.
I then glued this in place and used weight to hold it down until dry.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-050621165652.jpeg)
More in a few.
The next morning I removed the weights and painted on Floquil Concrete. I then replanted Gusano Loco and added new scenery material.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-050621165715.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-050621165740.jpeg)
Continued -
I also added scenery behind Cracker Boy Citrus structure #1 and between the two rear tracks. Actually the lower track is the mainline going into Tahope.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-050621165754.jpeg)
I've trying to decide which structures I'll use in the area shown below. I have several I've been trying and so far not found one to my liking.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-050621165807.jpeg)
Diet Pepsi time, back in a few more.
This small FOS structure is one Reading Bob built for our deceased friend Jim Miller. Jim had this on his layout for several years. I thought this auto repair shop with an old car/truck graveyard next to it may work but decided not to go with another auto shop in this location.
The sign over the repair bay door reads "Bob's Garage".
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-050621165822.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-050621165838.jpeg)
Continued -
I was going over some of my previous build kits and found a F&SM kit that will serve and fit this area best. I built this many years ago. The Rusty Spike Diner is one of the kits in the FSM kit #270 - Roadside Delights. This one was the 25th Silver Anniversary kit from FSM.
I only built the diner and not the rest of the kit. At least not yet! :-X
Many of you know that I don't like building a kit as per the instructions. The Rusty Spike has a kitchen off to the right in the original FSM version. In the photo below the loading dock for the kitchen is in the front and next to where customers inter the diner. Not sure I'd want to enter an eating establishment where food is being loaded in front.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-050621173534.jpeg)
In my build, I chose to move the kitchen to the other end and have the kitchen loading dock in the rear. This looks better and makes more sense to me.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-050621165853.jpeg)
Continued -
Here is how my version looks from the rear of the diner. The kitchen loading dock looks more appropriate in the rear. Also, I didn't use the two large vent stacks used on the original version. The two main colors of the diner are Floquil Depot Buff and Depot Olive. The curved roof is painted with Floquil GN Gray Green with one drop of Floquil CN Gray in the mix. The sloped roof is just straight Floquil CN Gray.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-050621165906.jpeg)
Done for today.
Looking good, Tom.
I'm pleased you changed your mind on the new addition. I think the diner is a much better fit, too.
Cheers, Mark.
The diner looks perfect in that spot..... 8)
Great looking diner. I like the rearrangement of the kitchen and loading dock. Makes more sense.
Bernd
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on June 05, 2021, 07:45:59 PM
Looking good, Tom.
I'm pleased you changed your mind on the new addition. I think the diner is a much better fit, too.
Cheers, Mark.
Mark, Cheers,
Thank you and yes I like this one here also.
Tom ;D
Quote from: GPdemayo on June 06, 2021, 09:39:35 AM
The diner looks perfect in that spot..... 8)
Greg,
I agree with ya!
Tom ;D
Quote from: Bernd on June 06, 2021, 12:31:18 PM
Great looking diner. I like the rearrangement of the kitchen and loading dock. Makes more sense.
Bernd
Bernd,Thank you. It was a fun build and the moving of the kitchen end definitely made a big difference in the look of the diner. I also opted to leave off the paper awning. I have interior in the diner and will also add interior lights.Tom ;D (https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-070621170937.jpeg)
I weathered the slabs using Pan Pastel chalks. I used a soft 1" brush and lightly dusted the slabs. I used a dark gray mixed with a little burnt sienna.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-070621165919.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-070621165932.jpeg)
Continued -
I brushed in the chalks and then finished with a smooth Pan Pastel Sponge. The one of the right is finished and the one on the left is without weathering.
I tried something different on the slab. I used a sharp #11 blade and pulled up a thin layer of cardboard. I carefully tore it along the highway. I was trying for the look of a broken slab from the weight of citrus trucks. I have mixed feelings about the result. I can also have a truck parked over the area.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-070621171819.jpeg)
More in a few.
I started to install the Gusano sign but it was one sided. Doesn't make sense to have it face one way and not the other. The road in front is two way.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-070621170043.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-070621170056.jpeg)
Continued -
To save time, I just copied the one side since it was already weathered. I cut the copy out and mounted it on thin card stock. I painted the edges with Floquil Weathered Black and glued it to the sign pole.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-070621170111.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-070621170122.jpeg)
Done for today.
Tom,
Like the changes you made on the diner.
Well done !
Your thread , now part 4 continues on and on too with many tips and great photos...
Tommy
Quote from: tom.boyd.125 on June 08, 2021, 01:04:02 PM
Tom,
Like the changes you made on the diner.
Well done !
Your thread , now part 4 continues on and on too with many tips and great photos...
Tommy
Tommy,
Thank you for the nice compliment. I enjoy sharing the progress of the thread and how I made it come together to achieve the look I'm after.
I'll have a scenery update tomorrow with a list of all material used in the multiple steps in how I blend my scenery.
Again, thank you and stay safe.
Tom ;D
On a side note, I received an email a few days ago. The man wanted to know why I use so much green in the scenery.
NOTE: He is not a forum member but got my email off my thread. He stated he was/is a long time lurker and visits often. I asked/suggested that he join the fun so he could ask questions on the forum and skip the email.
Answer - About the green scenery.
The Atlantic and Southern is set in North Florida and South Georgia. It is Summer, hot and humid. Some of the flowering trees are in full bloom. Grasses and weeds are multiple shades of green with a few dead spots.
Historical note: Prior to 1952 or close to that date, the Florida automobile tags had a slogan of "Keep Florida Green".
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-080621183033.jpeg)
This of course had nothing at all to do with the flora but rather keep it green by bringing in more of the fine folks from up north along with their money. Finally, the Florida Legislators changed to slogan to "The Sunshine State". Now you know. 8)
The state tags were stamped by the convicts at Florida State Prison at Raiford, Florida.
Tom ;D
Hey Tom:
Every thing look just great. Keep up the good work.
Karl
ACL-1504,
So aren't you modeling around the 50's era? I don't see any vehicles on your layout using the older or newer license plates. What's up with that copper? I'm buckled up for your bitch slappin', oh wait seat belts weren't really a thing back then either - were they? You have a fine day officer. :-[ :o :D ;) :)
KP-out...
Quote from: postalkarl on June 08, 2021, 06:51:37 PM
Hey Tom:
Every thing look just great. Keep up the good work.
Karl
Karl,
Thank you and I'll keep it all going the best I can.
Tom ;D
Quote from: tct855 on June 09, 2021, 09:36:03 AM
ACL-1504,
So aren't you modeling around the 50's era? I don't see any vehicles on your layout using the older or newer license plates. What's up with that copper? I'm buckled up for your bitch slappin', oh wait seat belts weren't really a thing back then either - were they? You have a fine day officer. :-[ :o :D ;) :)
KP-out...
Thom,
Yes, around the early 50's. I have many vehicles to add plates to but that is a project for another time. Some cars in the early 50's had after market seat belts I didn't use them until I drove my dad's 1957 Thunderbird. He had them installed when I started driving at 16.
Appreciate you checking in.
Tom ;D
Tom,
Ah the good old days - when it wasn't cruel and unusual to have those under the state's care and watchful eye provide some sort of service.....how things have changed. Now they go do their time and while incarcerated get a law degree and sue the state upon their release.
Doug
Doug,
Yes, now they get color TV, cold water and hot coffee not to mention hot chocolate. You forgot to mention the SOB's get a free law degree paid for the tax payers they committed crimes against. Now, under this POTUS you don't need to go to jail to get free services, just illegally enter the good Ole USA.
Tom 8)
I think scenery on any layout is in the eyes of the builder, time of year and area of the country you are modeling. I'm in the South so there are lots of greenery, flowering plants and trees.
With the Atlantic and Southern RR, I've tried to make the scenery consistent throughout the layout build. It takes me about a week to ten days to do an area of roughly 2' X 7'. Although it took me over a month to do the river scene which is only 2' X 3'.
My process is the same for each section. I use many different colors, materials all in various layers.
I start out with painting white glue on the area to be scenicked.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-090621152709.jpeg)
Fast forward here and you can see I've moved on. After painting the white glue on the area where scenery is be added, I use Woodland Scenics Fine Turf Burnt Grass #T1344 for this. You can also use the WS turf as it only serves as a base for the actual scenery. This is the first layer.
The dirt portion is where the freight building goes.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-090621152723.jpeg)
I like this material as it settles in the white glue. I let it sit over night.
More in a few.
The next day I spray wet water on the WS Burnt Grass. I don't saturate the grass, just get it wet. I then use a large plastic eye dropper and apply mixed Matte Medium. You can get it already mixed in a gallon jug or get the concentrate and mix it your self. I use the premixed matte medium, save me mixing time but cost a little more.
I never find lost time. No, not my quote.
After the area is covered with the matte Medium I use several different materials for this layer
I'll start out by sprinkling on some Woodland Scenics Blended Turf/Green Blend. Depending on the batch made by WS you may notice a slight color difference from one production run to another. This is not a problem as it all gets blended into the scenery.
In the photo below, I've sprinkled on WS T49 Blended Turf, followed by Scenic Express Flock & Turf Grass Turf Blend #EX880C and then some EX Farm Pasture Blend #ES886C. These will also vary slightly in color from time to time.
I let this soak in over night. Layer two is done.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-090621152738.jpeg)
More in a few.
On the third day, I'll wet the area again with wet water and add more matte medium. I'll then add some SE Scrub Grass Blend #EX882C. I buy this is the 64 oz. containers as it is cheaper and you have plenty of time to know when your material is getting low.
I'll then add just a pinch of four different leaf blends to the scenery. I use NOCH Olive Green Leaf #NH07150, Light Green Leaf #NH07151, Medium Green Leaf #NH07152 and SE Fall Leaf color # SE6352. The leaf blends make great small weeds and also add a different look to the green scenery by having various colors on the ground.
All the materials used in the next photo are the ones listed above. Layer three complete.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-090621152815.jpeg)
Continued -
Some times I'll add a fourth layer for just small details like trackside cinders, I use WS Fine Ballast Cinders #B1376 and add a pinch or two along some of the track right of way.
Other material I may use is a blend of home made brown oak leaf mix. I blend it in a blender on high with about 1/2 water in the blender. I'll spread it out on a pie pan to dry in the sun.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-090621152901.jpeg)
I'll also use some sanded Midwest Cork Roadbed. This is great as it can be used for dead grass and other piles of leaves.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-090621152914.jpeg)
Time to get a cold Diet Pepsi.
Here is a photo of the leaf colors I used.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-090621152803.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-090621152752.jpeg)
Continued -
Every scenery item I mentioned above can be found in the next two photos.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-090621152844.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-090621152827.jpeg)
Done for today.
Nice how to Tom. Thanks for the info.
An a great job on the scenery!
Jerry
Nice step by step on scenery. I've never done scenery yet and this is a great help for me. Thanks for the showing the technique you use.
Benrd
Nice work Tom...looks great. I'm stealing by the way.
Doug
Shame the Gusano Loco has that fire hydrant outside. Maybe it's for the hot stuff inside, but it takes away a parking space assuming parking by a hydrant is a no-no in that area of fine dining. And it appears parking spaces are limited.
Quote from: Blazeman on June 10, 2021, 01:24:02 PM
Shame the Gusano Loco has that fire hydrant outside. Maybe it's for the hot stuff inside, but it takes away a parking space assuming parking by a hydrant is a no-no in that area of fine dining. And it appears parking spaces are limited.
Provides the cops and the J.P. with more opportunities to write parking tickets and collect fines :-) :-)
I can't wait to see Tom install the Judge's Quarters, so the J.P. can start bringing in that income.
dave
Quote from: Jerry on June 10, 2021, 08:54:15 AM
Nice how to Tom. Thanks for the info.
An a great job on the scenery!
Jerry
Jerry,
Thanks and you are very welcome. I appreciate your comment.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Bernd on June 10, 2021, 09:19:22 AM
Nice step by step on scenery. I've never done scenery yet and this is a great help for me. Thanks for the showing the technique you use.
Benrd
Bernd,Much appreciated, thank you. Scenery isn't really hard to do but I'll give you one little bit of "you should do this first" tip. I learned from Howard Zane if you are starting a project, be it track laying, ballast, scenery or structures - be sure to have all you need for that session. If not and you need to get more or visit the hobby shop for more supplies, most likely you won't get back to the project with the same enthusiasm.Tom ;D
Quote from: NKP768 on June 10, 2021, 11:09:59 AM
Nice work Tom...looks great. I'm stealing by the way.
Doug
Doug,Thank you very much for the compliment. Steal away as we are here to share so others can steal with no regrets. :P Tom ;D
Quote from: Blazeman on June 10, 2021, 01:24:02 PM
Shame the Gusano Loco has that fire hydrant outside. Maybe it's for the hot stuff inside, but it takes away a parking space assuming parking by a hydrant is a no-no in that area of fine dining. And it appears parking spaces are limited.
Larry,
Yepper, the fire hydrant was on the front sidewalk as a stand alone structure. I've since moved to street side. Now, patrons of the greasy spoon at Gusano Loco can park and not violate any parking rules.
Gusano Loco is mostly frequented by the folks at the citrus plants, they can walk to get their tacos.
Tom ;D
Quote from: deemery on June 10, 2021, 03:58:54 PM
Provides the cops and the J.P. with more opportunities to write parking tickets and collect fines :-) :-)
I can't wait to see Tom install the Judge's Quarters, so the J.P. can start bringing in that income.
dave
Dave,Well, there is that also. The Judge's Quarters will be located further north of where it was. I had it there as a test fit but have another small structure for that location.Tom ;D
I have been busy on the layout and have lots of progress photos but haven't uploaded or cropped any for the thread at this time. Hopefully I'll have some ready by this evening. If not, definitely tomorrow evening.
Not all my structures are glued in place. I like to be able to remove and clean them and change LEDs if necessary. In order to do this the scenery needs to be done first.
I'll use a thin pointed marker to outline the structure. Then painters tape is used to tape off the interior shape of the building.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150621161556.jpeg)
The basic base scenery is then added.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150621161612.jpeg)
I'll leave this to dry overnight.
More in a few.
I've moved some structures so many times that breakage is unavoidable. I took the time to repair these structures prior to placing them on the layout one final time.
FS&M Jefferies Point is one such structure. It got a few hours on the work bench for repairs.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150621161657.jpeg)
The structure was then placed on the layout and the scenery touched up around the structure.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150621161644.jpeg)
Continued -
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150621161711.jpeg)
The Rusty Spike Diner was added along with the yellow flowering tree Kris Cutler made for the A&S RR.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150621161727.jpeg)
Continued -
The scenery is now dry so the blue painter's tape was carefully removed. You can now see the foot print of the buidings.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150621161628.jpeg)
The buildings now fit nicely in place. Of course some additional scenery has been added like palm trees and shrubs.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150621161743.jpeg)
Continued -
DeGraw Poultry is a FOS kit built by me some 10 years ago. This structure and Gordo's Fried Chicken have LEDs installed.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150621161800.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150621164853.jpeg)
Continued -
This next structure is a very special one. It is, I believe, a FOS kit. It was built by Jim Miller (Jimmillho). Hard to believe his passing has already been 15 months.
He named it after John Mancuso (Cuse) whom, by the way, was and still is one of the original 6 members of the SBG, Saturday Butty Group.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150621161831.jpeg)
This kit is special because Jim built it but also because it shows Jim's sense of humor. The man on the right appears to be taking a leak in the corner. Upon closer inspection, the man is actually carrying a heavy bag of flower.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150621161845.jpeg)
Continued -
This next kit is also a FOS kit and one Reading Bob built. This one and the Mancuso Pizza are not lit for now.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150621161903.jpeg)
Time for a Diet Pepsi, back in a few.
Gusano Loco sign isn't on the wrong side of the road. It is right in line with drivers as they round the corner.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150621161935.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150621170818.jpeg)
Continued -
Just some of my scenery supplies on hand when adding foliage and ground cover.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150621162040.jpeg)
Continued -
Extra photos of the area shown above.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150621161916.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150621161946.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150621162000.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150621162015.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150621162028.jpeg)
Done for now.
Hey Tom:
That is really cool. Love the palm trees.
Karl
Splendid , your scenery , your structures , how they blend in, just splendid.
Great post, Tom.
I like the painters tape trick for leaving the outline of structures when adding scenery. I take it holes are drilled through the baseboard for the LED wiring? Looking most splendid.
Cheers, Mark.
Mancuso's Pizza...another great honor for a largely absent SBG member. Thank you. The fact that Jim built it adds another degree of coolness.
The whole area looks great!
John
Great progress Tom.....Tahope is coming alive. 8)
Let's all meet at Mancuso's for a slice and Diet Pepsi. ;)
Looks great Tom....really like the variety of buildings and businesses.
Doug
Quote from: postalkarl on June 15, 2021, 05:15:54 PM
Hey Tom:
That is really cool. Love the palm trees.
Karl
Karl,
Thank you, much appreciate you stopping by. The palm trees make it very Southern. Glad you approve.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Janbouli on June 15, 2021, 05:36:01 PM
Splendid , your scenery , your structures , how they blend in, just splendid.
Jan,
A very nice compliment, thank you. Good to see you as well. I'm pleased you like the progress.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on June 15, 2021, 07:53:59 PM
Great post, Tom.
I like the painters tape trick for leaving the outline of structures when adding scenery. I take it holes are drilled through the baseboard for the LED wiring? Looking most splendid.
Cheers, Mark.
Mark, Cheers,
Thank you for the support on the scenery. The painters tape is a nice little trick to speed the process and not glue the structures in place. Of course, not that I've ever done that either. :-X
Yes, holes for the LED wires will be drilled in the middle of the pink foam and plywood. Again, thank you.
Tom ;D
Quote from: cuse on June 16, 2021, 06:37:39 AM
Mancuso's Pizza...another great honor for a largely absent SBG member. Thank you. The fact that Jim built it adds another degree of coolness.
The whole area looks great!
John
John,
Jim was a great friend for 45+ years and I miss him and his inability to tell a short story. He loved the SBG guys and often lamented that he wished he could get over more often. Time has change to group over the years but we can still get together. Jim had our names on many of his structures and lucky you, this was the only one we could save. Oh, and Bob's Garage. Both are FOS kits.
Thank you for the compliment on the area.
Tom ;D
Quote from: GPdemayo on June 16, 2021, 07:28:49 AM
Great progress Tom.....Tahope is coming alive. 8)
Let's all meet at Mancuso's for a slice and Diet Pepsi. ;)
Greg,
Thank you, much appreciated. Yep, Tahope will soon be on the map. A slice and Diet Pepsi works for me.
Tom ;D
Quote from: NKP768 on June 16, 2021, 08:34:16 AM
Looks great Tom....really like the variety of buildings and businesses.
Doug
Doug,
Thanks so much. It sure is nice to have several built structures on hand to move and switch around until the right combination is found.
Tom ;D
More than 40+ years ago I built the FSM Freight House. And, over the years of moving it from place to place including several years in storage, it got damaged and the pieces broken off the bracing are now lost to history.
I contracted a local fellow in Tahope to make the repairs. He didn't give me a good deal but I see he has to pay for his new truck.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-160621172937.jpeg)
While the repairs were being made, I upgraded the roof weathering. I added pitch around the chimney. I also re-weathered the metal roofing over the open platform.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-160621172951.jpeg)
More in a few.
I'll add LED lighting in the future to this one also.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-160621173003.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-160621173015.jpeg)
Continued -
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-160621173731.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-160621173748.jpeg)
great looking pictures Tom!
Tom, you have a great eye for coloring those casting. The vintage FSM look. Thanks for sharing.
Vince
Very nice Tom.
Jerry
Tom
I just got caught up on your recent progress. It looks great - the location and repairs to the old freight house really look nice. It's great to see you getting back up to steam on the layout. ;)
Tom;
Just finished catching up, mucho accomplished and looks really great. I love the little structures, they add a lot. Thanks for the great information on scenery techniques.
Jim D
very nice. always a pleasure to see somethings new on your layout.
Eric
Quote from: sdrees on June 16, 2021, 08:17:12 PM
great looking pictures Tom!
Steve,
Thank you kind sir. And, thanks for stopping by.
Tom ;D
Quote from: vinceg on June 16, 2021, 11:27:16 PM
Tom, you have a great eye for coloring those casting. The vintage FSM look. Thanks for sharing.
Vince
Vince,
Thank you for stopping by and posting your comment, much appreciated.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Jerry on June 17, 2021, 08:42:53 AM
Very nice Tom.
Jerry
Jerry,Thank you very much.Tom ;D
Quote from: S&S RR on June 17, 2021, 09:46:17 AM
Tom
I just got caught up on your recent progress. It looks great - the location and repairs to the old freight house really look nice. It's great to see you getting back up to steam on the layout. ;)
John,
I appreciate the support and kind compliment. It is definitely great to be back and making significant progress on the layout. It's long over due.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Jim Donovan on June 17, 2021, 12:55:05 PM
Tom;
Just finished catching up, mucho accomplished and looks really great. I love the little structures, they add a lot. Thanks for the great information on scenery techniques.
Jim D
Jim,Thank you for the generous compliment on the progress. I've tried to stay focused as much as I can. I've found just working through my mental drain, the desire slowly returns and then I'm all in.You are very welcome on the scenery tips.Tom ;D
Quote from: EricQuebec on June 17, 2021, 05:45:08 PM
very nice. always a pleasure to see somethings new on your layout.
Eric
Eric,
Thank you as well. I'm happy to be able to show something new on the layout.
Tom ;D
Yesterday and this morning I prepped the area where the next structure will go on this 7.5 ft. section. This is also the last building prior to moving to the other side of the road.
I traced the foot print and penciled in where I wanted the parking lot.
I then used painters tape to cover the area of the building foot print.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170621181813.jpeg)
I decided to have a gravel lot in front instead of dirt or concrete. The change will make the layout look more diverse. I used some "N" scale gravel. I don't have a number for the gravel. I had it in a small bag labeled "N" scale gravel. Very original and all that. ???
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170621181825.jpeg)
More in a few.
Scenery was then added around the gravel and painters tape. When dry, the tape was removed.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170621181837.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170621181945.jpeg)
Done for today.
Sorry I am a little late to the party Tom.
Your FSM Station looks absolutely fantastic! Nice job on the original build and the structure rehab. You must have had a lot of Diet Pepsi those days....
;D ;D :o
Maybe if you threw in that case of Schlitz beer your handy man might lighten up on his bill.....
Doug
Quote from: Bruce Oberleitner on June 17, 2021, 09:53:15 PM
Sorry I am a little late to the party Tom.
Your FSM Station looks absolutely fantastic! Nice job on the original build and the structure rehab. You must have had a lot of Diet Pepsi those days....
;D ;D :o
Bruce,
Late as you say but here now. 8) 8)
Thank you for the compliment on the FSM freight house. I'm now stocked up on the Diet Pepsi and yes, I did have a few during this latest round of scenery work.
Tom ;D
Quote from: NKP768 on June 18, 2021, 08:59:57 AM
Maybe if you threw in that case of Schlitz beer your handy man might lighten up on his bill.....
Doug
Doug,
That may work but I only offered water or Diet Pepsi. He passed on both! :-\
Tom ;D
Sometimes you just can't beat old technology. I use pencils a lot in drawing for scratch building, making notes and other stuff.
I purchased the one below from Staples at a cost of $2.50 for plastic pencil sharpener.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-180621101305.jpeg)
You stick the business end of the pencil in the hole and slowly rotate the plastic drum around the pencil. Does it work, yes! Does it sharpen the pencil tip, yes! Is it worth a damn, No!
I pulled this next one out of the attic and screwed it to the layout. I'll remove it when I get to that part of the layout.
This is a great example of old technology and the Mack Daddy of pencil sharpeners. It was in my father's office in the early 1950's.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-180621101320.jpeg)
Continued -
The front has a rotating disc for different size pencils.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-180621101334.jpeg)
Not that I, Tom, would know anything about this but you can even sharpen crayons with this. However, I was told the wax from the crayons jam the cutting blades. Remember, I know nothing about that mess. :-X
Stick a pencil in this one, turn the handle and two sharp cutting blades rotate around the pencil and you get a nice sharp point on you pencil.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-180621101759.jpeg)
Continued -
Here is proof -
The top pencil was sharpened with the plastic drum sharpener. The bottom one was sharpened with the Mack Daddy sharpener. 70 years old and still getting a great tip.
I'm just "pointing" out the difference in the "tips".
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-180621101818.jpeg)
I'll have a layout update later this afternoon or evening.
Yup, have one also. probably from the 60's or 70's. It's got a suction cup to hold it down on a smooth surface. Only thing I use for pencils or the mechanical ones with the .5mm lead.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kingstonemodelworks.com%2FModelrs%2520Froum%2FTmp%2Fsharpener.JPG&hash=b49bc1fed10462bfff0ddbe3030fdccfda6067e1)
Bernd
Mine dates back to my first year at Norwich University (a military school), where we were required to label all of our belongings. "Recruit Emery DE". (The Judge can probably relate to that...) The label is still there, almost 47 years later.... It works the same way as Tom and Bernd sharpeners work.
dave
Quote from: Bernd on June 18, 2021, 10:54:46 AM
Yup, have one also. probably from the 60's or 70's. It's got a suction cup to hold it down on a smooth surface. Only thing I use for pencils or the mechanical ones with the .5mm lead.
Bernd
Bernd,
I had one of those while in law enforcement. The good thing about the suction is you could take it from office to office.
Tom ;D
Quote from: deemery on June 18, 2021, 04:35:41 PM
Mine dates back to my first year at Norwich University (a military school), where we were required to label all of our belongings. "Recruit Emery DE". (The Judge can probably relate to that...) The label is still there, almost 47 years later.... It works the same way as Tom and Bernd sharpeners work.
dave
Dave,
I attended Bolles Military School (Jacksonville, FL.) in 1961. I would have stayed all four years but the military was dropped in my sophomore year so I finished high school in public. The instructors would choose a different cadet each Friday to bang the chalk board erasers and dump the pencil sharpener. Not sure it was an honor either. 8)
Tom ;D
Remember this photo from last week?
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-150621162040.jpeg)
That area was cleaned and all stuff removed to get ready for the next project.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-180621174743.jpeg)
More in a few.
All the track, roadbed and pink foam around the yellow ruler will be removed.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-180621174756.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-180621174809.jpeg)
Continued -
Here is a bird's eye view of the recent area worked on.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-180621174728.jpeg)
The building being built now for the spot in front of the water tower is FOS' Free Kit #32 - Polk's Hobby Shop.
I'll do the build thread here as it will be a quick build.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-180621175118.jpeg)
Done for today.
Nice, Tom.
The aerial photo shows the lovely flow you have created with the curving trackwork. Very nice.
Cheers, Mark.
ACL 1504,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv-QmBtOtd8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yNhl8wT3Pc
Hey, a bad day there still beats a good day here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbU-4bF_pks
KP-out... P.S. Nice pencil sharpener, have you seen these since yours was made? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71AhMeBxhs4
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on June 18, 2021, 09:02:44 PM
Nice, Tom.
The aerial photo shows the lovely flow you have created with the curving trackwork. Very nice.
Cheers, Mark.
Mark, Cheers,
Thank you and I agree. It works very well on the narrow isle of the layout.
Tom ;D
Quote from: tct855 on June 19, 2021, 11:51:03 AM
ACL 1504,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv-QmBtOtd8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv-QmBtOtd8)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yNhl8wT3Pc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yNhl8wT3Pc)
Hey, a bad day there still beats a good day here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbU-4bF_pks (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbU-4bF_pks)
KP-out... P.S. Nice pencil sharpener, have you seen these since yours was made? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71AhMeBxhs4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71AhMeBxhs4)
Thom,I agree in that a bad day here sure beats a good day out side the layout. Unless, its with a family member.Some of those other pencil sharpeners are almost "X" rated. :-X Appreciate you stopping by.Tom ;D
Your attention is drawn to the photograph Tom posted above showing the area from the Tahope River Bridge north to the edge of the photograph. You will note that the brand new, and expensive, bridge connects to a paved road that travels a modest distance to what appears to be a small freight depot with a passenger car siding (you can see the black roof of the heavyweight Pullman spotted in place.)
Why, you may ask, would the City of TAhope pay for an expensive bridge and a paved road to connect to a small freight depot? The answer should be obvious to anyone with knowledge of Tahope politics. The only highway construction company in Tahope County is owned by Jake Stonecypher, who is a member of the city council. The Pullman is leased by the Atlantic & Southern Railroad for the exclusive use of city big wigs and their guests for poker games on Friday nights and for excursions to Gainesville to watch University of Florida football games in the fall.
A disappointing consequence of the recently proposed track realignment project has been the demolition of the Trackside Tavern. But not to worry, the owner of the establishment, Bruce Bonebreaker, made out like a bandit in the condemnation trial when the jury awarded $15,000 for the value of the property, $10,000 for the value of the building, and $1,000,000 for loss of revenue. It is rumored that one of the tavern's "entertainers," Maggie Hussy, entertained the foreman of the jury when the jury viewed the premises. Doubtless, the tavern will be relocated elsewhere in the future. Meanwhile, Butts' Bar-B-Que will take up the slack. Please refer to past editions of the Saturday Report for more information on this subject.
This is the Pullman Solarium Heavyweight the Judge mentioned.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-190621172042.jpeg)
I removed all the track spikes from the track to be removed and then wet the track and turnouts.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-190621173020.jpeg)
I let it sit for about 20 minutes. I then used a putty knife and lifted the track from the ballast. It can up with no problems.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-190621173033.jpeg)
Continued -
The ballast between the ties is wet and loose. I took the turnout and using the pressure nozzle on the hose removed the ballast. It came off very easily.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-190621173047.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-190621173100.jpeg)
Continued -
I was able to say all but a few inches of the track. The few inches I couldn't save is where I cut the track from the "not to be removed track". I then unsoldered the track from the permanent track.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-190621173114.jpeg)
Diet Pepsi time, back in a few.
All the track and ballast in this area was removed.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-190621173133.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-190621173147.jpeg)
Continued -
Fast forward and all track, ballast and pink foam was removed.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-190621173201.jpeg)
In the next photo you can see where the track curved to the center of the layout. Now all that area is open for many more structures. The new track will run down the edge.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-190621173214.jpeg)
More on that tomorrow.
You have been busy Tom.....keep up the good work. 8)
Quote from: GPdemayo on June 20, 2021, 09:10:59 AM
You have been busy Tom.....keep up the good work. 8)
Greg,
Yes, I have been. While I'm on a roll I'm taking advantage of my new found energy. Covid-19 kicked me pretty hard as you know. Hopefully this is the start of the real recovery.
Tom ;D
I lay some track in place to get an idea of how much room it gave me. This arrangement seems to be the best.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200621173804.jpeg)
I needed to remove the inside track to make room for the apartment building.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200621173817.jpeg)
Once that was decided, the track was removed and I added the cork road bed.
Continued -
I used a black marker to mark my center line and then glued the roadbed on place.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200621173850.jpeg)
If you are interested in how I make the roadbed fit the turnout you can read it here. It's in Part 3 on pages 9 and finishes on page 10.
http://modelersforum.com/index.php?topic=3848.120
Now the new track is in place and I have much more room for structures. This track plan change has really opened up more possibilities for Tahope Buildings.
The track looks crooked in the upper right, it's not. The ties are missing between the soldered rail and it does look bad in the photo.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200621173902.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200621174448.jpeg)
Done for today.
Steaming along, Tom.
Long may the new found energy continue...
Cheers, Mark.
Hey Tom:
It's coming along nicely as usual. Can't wait to see more.
Karl
Tom, glad to hear you're feeling better and making good progress on the layout . I also have one of those Boston sharpeners. Great minds think alike!
Jeff
Wonderful work Tom! Your gaining your speed back!
Jerry
You have to admire the movers and shakers of Tahope.....when it comes to more tax revenue from a mixed use development, they can more pretty fast getting all the approvals passed and the permits issued. ;D
Nice work Tom..
Doug
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on June 20, 2021, 08:37:10 PM
Steaming along, Tom.
Long may the new found energy continue...
Cheers, Mark.
Mark, Cheers,Yes, new coal in the box and steamed up, ready to go. Thanks for stopping by.Tom ;D
Quote from: postalkarl on June 21, 2021, 04:29:08 AM
Hey Tom:
It's coming along nicely as usual. Can't wait to see more.
Karl
Karl,
Thanks very much, more is on the way.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Zephyrus52246 on June 21, 2021, 07:33:50 AM
Tom, glad to hear you're feeling better and making good progress on the layout . I also have one of those Boston sharpeners. Great minds think alike!
Jeff
Jeff,
Thank you, much appreciated. Yes, after several months of feeling like crude, I feel much better and have more energy. The Boston sharpener is the best.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Jerry on June 21, 2021, 07:54:12 PM
Wonderful work Tom! Your gaining your speed back!
Jerry
Jerry,
Thank you, I just feel better than the past several months.
Tom ;D
Quote from: GPdemayo on June 22, 2021, 07:42:42 AM
You have to admire the movers and shakers of Tahope.....when it comes to more tax revenue from a mixed use development, they can more pretty fast getting all the approvals passed and the permits issued. ;D
Greg,
The movers and shakers of Tahope don't do anything unless you "grease" some palms in the permitting department. The more grease, the faster the process. :(
Tom ;D
Quote from: NKP768 on June 22, 2021, 11:13:48 AM
Nice work Tom..
Doug
Doug,
Thank you very much.
Tom ;D
As I mentioned in an earlier post, a small hobby shop will be placed between the two tracks. This was a FOS freebie and I don't remember what I purchased to get the free kit. It was offered in 2018.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-180621175118.jpeg)
Here's a note Doug put in this one.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220621170753.jpeg)
Continued -
The kit has no instructions but it is pretty much a straight forward build.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220621170817.jpeg)
Nice signs, a bit bright but perfect for the hobby shop.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220621170805.jpeg)
More in a few.
I took some time and familiarized myself with the parts. I labeled them for quick reference.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220621170830.jpeg)
I started with the front wall facade. There are many parts to it but these two go together. I cut the top portion off. It fits at the top and on top of the lower piece.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220621170845.jpeg)
Continued -
After the two were glued together and dry, I then glued the part to the front wall section.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220621170856.jpeg)
These three parts make up the main front wall.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220621170911.jpeg)
More in a few.
I used 8X8 scale lumber to brace the rear wall and sub structure walls.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220621180043.jpeg)
When dry, I used Hunterline Light Gray A&I to the front wall sections.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220621180055.jpeg)
Continued -
I then glued the three base pieces together.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220621180108.jpeg)
When dry, I painted the front sidewalk and sides of the base with Floquil Concrete.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220621180120.jpeg)
Continued - Nope, done for tonight!
What a cool little kit. Love that Doug does this.
Can't wait to see the shop! Maybe it should be called "Between the Rails"?
Quote from: ACL1504 on June 22, 2021, 05:06:42 PM
Quote from: GPdemayo on June 22, 2021, 07:42:42 AM
You have to admire the movers and shakers of Tahope.....when it comes to more tax revenue from a mixed use development, they can more pretty fast getting all the approvals passed and the permits issued. ;D
Greg,
The movers and shakers of Tahope don't do anything unless you "grease" some palms in the permitting department. The more grease, the faster the process. :(
Tom ;D
Kind of sounds like the shenanigans that go on down in Miami..... :)
Another small kit that will highlight an area!
Nice job so far.
Looking forward to the finish and placement!
Jerry
I love those little freebies. :D This one will look great in Tahope. ;)
Way behind on what's been reported.
Pencil shavings: Good source for scrap metal loads. Glue together, paint a metallic, and perhaps some rust if it's not a chrome-alloy metal you're handling. Borings and turnings loads.
Quote from: Keep it Rusty on June 22, 2021, 06:34:26 PM
What a cool little kit. Love that Doug does this.
Can't wait to see the shop! Maybe it should be called "Between the Rails"?
Craig,This is a nice little kit. Doug does the free kit offer several times a year. I don't have them all but then again no need to have a kit you can't use."Tween the Rails" is good. This one however, is Doug's signage of Polk's Hobby shop.Tom
Quote from: GPdemayo on June 23, 2021, 08:17:18 AM
Quote from: ACL1504 on June 22, 2021, 05:06:42 PM
Quote from: GPdemayo on June 22, 2021, 07:42:42 AM
You have to admire the movers and shakers of Tahope.....when it comes to more tax revenue from a mixed use development, they can more pretty fast getting all the approvals passed and the permits issued. ;D
Greg,
The movers and shakers of Tahope don't do anything unless you "grease" some palms in the permitting department. The more grease, the faster the process. :(
Tom ;D
Kind of sounds like the shenanigans that go on down in Miami..... :)
Greg, I'm very confident it happens all over the globe. :-X Tom ;D
Quote from: Jerry on June 23, 2021, 08:32:08 AM
Another small kit that will highlight an area!
Nice job so far.
Looking forward to the finish and placement!
Jerry
Jerry,Thank you. Yes, it will fit perfectly in the spot just "Tween the Tracks".Tom ;D
Quote from: ReadingBob on June 23, 2021, 08:53:25 AM
I love those little freebies. :D This one will look great in Tahope. ;)
Bob,
The freebies are a very nice touch from Doug. Excellent marketing tool as well.
Thank for the comment. Happy you made it back safely.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Blazeman on June 24, 2021, 02:26:03 PM
Way behind on what's been reported.
Pencil shavings: Good source for scrap metal loads. Glue together, paint a metallic, and perhaps some rust if it's not a chrome-alloy metal you're handling. Borings and turnings loads.
Larry,Always happy to have you visit no matter the length of the absence.Great idea on the pencil shaving. I just may have to try it one day.Tom ;D
Okay, here is my disclaimer. I got busy on this build yesterday and today and neglected to take many photos along the way. So, I'll try to fill in as I go.
The side walls are thick cardstock and the rear wall is wood.
I braced the side walls and then used white glue to glue the signs to the sides. Since the side walls are basically paper and the glue is water based you can guess what happened. Yep, the walls curled as the glue dried. This only took a few minutes.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220621180135.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220621180148.jpeg)
I should have added some horizontal bracing prior to gluing on the sign. I'm gonna blame this on Covid-19. As I tell Pam when she asks me something I respond, "I didn't do it".
More in a few.
I then added some 10 X 10 bracing horizontally to the two side walls. Weights were added until the glue was dry.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-240621153832.jpeg)
Much better now.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-240621153948.jpeg)
continued -
These two pieces are part of the front wall. I painted them with full strength Floquil G.W. Cream.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-240621153844.jpeg)
I painted the rear door the cream color and the door trim with Floquil GN Gray Green.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-240621153910.jpeg)
Continued -
I glued the front window and door together and added the clear Mylar/Acetate for the glass. I then cut out and glued the interior photo to the rear of the door and display window.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-240621153857.jpeg)
Here is where no pictures were taken when putting it all together. The outer front wall was painted with Floquil GN Gray Green. The exterior paneling on the lower front window was painted with Tamiya Desert Yellow.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-240621153922.jpeg)
More in a few.
Here is how the front wall looks with everything in place.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-240621153934.jpeg)
I added the small push bar to the door and painted it silver.
I used the back side of an Emory Board and lightly sanded the top sign and the front walls.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-240621164905.jpeg)
Continued -
This is the first build where I've used the paper doors and windows. I usually recut the wall in order to fit Tichy doors and windows.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-240621154002.jpeg)
I used the same Emory Board sanding for the two side wall signs.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-240621154014.jpeg)
Done for today.
DANG IT, Tom!
Polk's was a hardware store in northwest DC when I was growing up.
Now 70+ years later I can't recall in they sold Lionel stuff or not. I tend to think so based on the number of times my Dad went there, but it's one of those nagging questions that keeps you awake all night trying to recall details. Next thing you know, you'll be brining up the name of the three retail store wide hobby shop in downtown DC whose name I can't recall either. But it literally had "everything" I DO remember.
Two nights of insomnia! What's an old guy to do?
Chip,
My great uncle had a hardware store in Vandalia, IL., Perkins Hardware, back in the late 40's. The building was built in 1893. His family sold carriages and horse drawn wagons when the building was new. Anyway he did sell Lionel when I visited in early 50's. Polk's is the name on the sign that Doug put in the kit, so I used it.
Tom ;D
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250621071908.jpeg)
Didn't get a lot done today but I do have a little bit of an update.
The four walls were glued together and I used two metal squares to ensure the walls stayed square while the glue dried.
Here is where it will be placed. As Craig said, it fits "Tween the Tracks". I still need to add the rolled roofing and HOBBY SHOP sign.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250621165703.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250621165715.jpeg)
Continued -
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250621170814.jpeg)
In another scenery related update this is for information only.
I found an old gallon bottle of Matte Medium under the layout. It must be at least a year old. It only had about 2 inches of liquid medium left. However, it sat for a very long time.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250621165752.jpeg)
Continued -
An other nice little scene. your layout is just fabulous.
Eric.
I gave it a vigorous mixing and when poured out in the strainer it looked like this. A lot of bubbles.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250621165804.jpeg)
When the bubbles dissipated, it was still coagulated. I tried mixing three different times to no avail. It was still coagulated.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250621165815.jpeg)
With my other bottle of Matte Medium, I've been shaking it every two to three weeks and this has kept it freshly mixed for the next use.
This old bottle and contents were thrown out. So, lesson learned. Keep it well mixed even while not in use.
Quote from: EricQuebec on June 25, 2021, 05:16:41 PM
An other nice little scene. your layout is just fabulous.
Eric.
Eric,Thank you very much. I appreciate the kind compliment.By the way Eric, I found a few more cars I'll send your way. No charge.Tom ;D
Quote from: ACL1504 on June 25, 2021, 05:23:05 PM
Quote from: EricQuebec on June 25, 2021, 05:16:41 PM
An other nice little scene. your layout is just fabulous.
Eric.
Eric,
Thank you very much. I appreciate the kind compliment.
By the way Eric, I found a few more cars I'll send your way. No charge.
Tom ;D
What a nice surprise :) I send you a message in private.
Eric
Tom
Great looking "tweener" build. I have had Matt Medium go bad, too. I put a date on the bottle when I buy it and make sure I use the old stuff first. I also have quit buying it ahead. When I'm going into a period of time where I'm doing a lot of scenery work I try to buy just enough for the job. I have found that if it really goes bad it has an odor along with the clogs.
Yo Tom,
Wasn't "Polk's Hobby store" located in New York City many years ago? I seem to recall that name from the past.
Brucer 8)
Just have to love those little buildings they add so much to a RR. And you have done a fine job on this one.
Jerry
Quote from: S&S RR on June 25, 2021, 08:42:18 PM
Tom
Great looking "tweener" build. I have had Matt Medium go bad, too. I put a date on the bottle when I buy it and make sure I use the old stuff first. I also have quit buying it ahead. When I'm going into a period of time where I'm doing a lot of scenery work I try to buy just enough for the job. I have found that if it really goes bad it has an odor along with the clogs.
John,
Thanks very much! The old Matte Medium was over a year old and I didn't even know I had it. Fortunately, I had a new gallon and have been using it for the most recent scenery projects. The odor smells like rotten eggs. I'm surprised the bottle didn't explode under the layout. In any event, I'll keep my current bottle well shaken every two weeks or so.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Bruce Oberleitner on June 26, 2021, 01:52:59 AM
Yo Tom,
Wasn't "Polk's Hobby store" located in New York City many years ago? I seem to recall that name from the past.
Brucer 8)
Bruce,
That could be but I really have no idea. All I do know is that Polk's Hobby Shop is in South Tahope "tween the tracks."
Tom ;D
Quote from: Jerry on June 26, 2021, 08:38:36 AM
Just have to love those little buildings they add so much to a RR. And you have done a fine job on this one.
Jerry
Jerry,
I agree, the little structures do have a place on all layouts. This little hobby shop has a lot of character in how Doug did the signage and front.
Thank you for the nice compliment.
Tom ;D
Yesterday afternoon I finished the small hobby shop.
I didn't use the chimney Doug included in the kit as many smaller buildings in the south didn't have fireplaces or furnaces. I did add a small vent for the bathroom. I punched a hole in the roof and used a toothpick for the vent. I painted the tip of the toothpick with Floquil Gunmetal and when dry stuck it through the hole.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-270621141858.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-270621141910.jpeg)
I cut the pointed end off and glued the vent from the underside of the small roof.
More in a few.
I then glued the main and smaller roofs in place. When dry, I dry brushed them with various shades of gray chalks for weathering. The weathering is very subtle and doesn't show in the photos.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-270621141923.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-270621141937.jpeg)
Continued -
I then added the hobby shop sign to the roof. It also was weathered with pastel chalks.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-270621141950.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-270621142001.jpeg)
Continued -
Final photos of the hobby shop in place "tween the tracks".
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-270621142016.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-270621142029.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-270621142043.jpeg)
I'll have a layout update later this afternoon.
Looks like a great spot for railfanning!
Quote from: chris.mincemoyer on June 27, 2021, 02:50:44 PM
Looks like a great spot for railfanning!
Chris,
I agree, it would make a great railfanning spot. I'll have to put the man with a camera on the sidewalk.
Thanks for stopping by and posting your thoughts.
Tom ;D
Time to move on to the north side of South Street.
This area will present some unique problems which I'll cover later in the layout thread. However, there was something I've been dreading for the past several months, okay, years.
This is the area I'll be working on next. Looks plain enough.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250621165728.jpeg)
In the next photo you'll note the two attic access panels. One was done when that addition was constructed and the larger one when the last addition was constructed.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250621165740.jpeg)
I was lazy and didn't feel like cleaning out the attic prior to the center isle being built. Both of these access holes are directly above the layout second level. Eventually they will also be over the Summit level as well.
More in a few.
I didn't want to risk the possibility of stepping on the track and/or ruining a turnout or two. Nor did I want to damage the brick street with the track running down the middle.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-270621172025.jpeg)
My solution was simple, it came to me while out by the pool talking to the Babe. I decided to use the pool chair cushions and lay they across the layout. I then used the third level plywood and lay it across the cushions.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-270621144536.jpeg)
This morning I was up and down several hours while we cleaned out the layout room attic. I threw out two large piles of stuff that I forgot I even had up there. If I didn't know I had it then I definitely no longer need it.
What is left in the attic will be a treasure hunt for the kids when I'm in the cab of the big loco in the sky.
More in a few.
The plywood and cushions were removed this afternoon with no damage at all to the track, turnouts or street. YEA!
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200621174448.jpeg)
Now I need a cold Diet Pepsi. ;D ;D Back in a few.
The below photo shows where the third (Summit Level) will be joined to extend the level down the center.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-270621173821.jpeg)
The next photo shows two measurements.
The 8' marks the distance to the upper 1X3 shown above.
The 3' marks the distance to South Street. This 3 ft. section will be next for me to work on. I'll discuss the issues I'm facing in tomorrows post.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-270621172039.jpeg)
Done for today.
Poolside lounge chair cushions?
Next up will be chlorine in the river at Tahope an Ph testing!
You know, I plum forgot about the attic! I don't know what all was up there, besides rat, squirrel, and coon poop, but your solution on how to remove the stuff was brilliant.
Nice work on the hobby shop, Tom. I used rolled up towels on a layout area when the electrician was here, but that would have been more a knee hitting the tracks or dropping something on the layout. I'll use your cushion idea in the future.
Jeff
Never put off anything you can do today that can be done next month..... ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: BandOGuy on June 27, 2021, 09:33:47 PM
Poolside lounge chair cushions?
Next up will be chlorine in the river at Tahope an Ph testing!
Chip,Yep, poolside lounge chair cushions.Hmm, chlorine in the river, now that's a thought I hadn't thought of. 8) Tom ;D
Quote from: Judge on June 27, 2021, 10:04:39 PM
You know, I plum forgot about the attic! I don't know what all was up there, besides rat, squirrel, and coon poop, but your solution on how to remove the stuff was brilliant.
Bill,I've had the attic contents on my mind since I finished the river and long before that. I found all the awards, accolades, my night stick and several other non essential items from my law enforcement days. Those were left there for Tommy and Sharon to find years from now.I threw out old shelving brackets and shelves along with old cardboard boxes full of junk. Like I said, if I didn't remember I had them, no need to keep them.The cushions sure made the cleaning process go much faster.Tom ;D
Quote from: Zephyrus52246 on June 28, 2021, 07:39:57 AM
Nice work on the hobby shop, Tom. I used rolled up towels on a layout area when the electrician was here, but that would have been more a knee hitting the tracks or dropping something on the layout. I'll use your cushion idea in the future.
Jeff
Jeff,
Thank you for the kind compliment. The cushions worked perfectly. The cushions held the plywood in place and standing on the plywood was a solid foundation.
Tom ;D
Quote from: GPdemayo on June 28, 2021, 08:06:49 AM
Never put off anything you can do today that can be done next month..... ;D ;D ;D
Greg,
Or next year, as I did with the attic clean out.
Tom ;D
ACL 1504,
You sure you checked every part of the attic? One never knows...
KP-out...
Quote from: tct855 on June 28, 2021, 11:21:03 AM
ACL 1504,
You sure you checked every part of the attic? One never knows...
KP-out...
KPI,
I didn't see any critters in the attic but did find evidence a critter used it as a bathroom. I left some poison is several areas of the attic. I made sure no critters were in the attic and then I sealed the last vent to prevent reentry.
Only time will tell.
Tom ;D
I can verify that Polk's hobby store was located in downtown New York City. They covered several floors in an office building. I don't remember the address, but I do recall riding the bus to the subway downtown. At that time I was into model airplanes. It was a fantastic place and I awaited their multi page mailed flyer as well as magazine ads. Jim
Quote from: jrmueller on June 29, 2021, 11:33:59 AM
I can verify that Polk's hobby store was located in downtown New York City. They covered several floors in an office building. I don't remember the address, but I do recall riding the bus to the subway downtown. At that time I was into model airplanes. It was a fantastic place and I awaited their multi page mailed flyer as well as magazine ads. Jim
Jim,
Thank you for giving us the scoop on Polk's. Now we know it was, in fact, in downtown NYC.
Tom ;D
The main street, named Main Street, in Tahope is brick with A&S trackage down the middle.
Tahope will have several businesses along both sides of Main Street. The problem now is that the land on each side of the brick street is a few HO scale feet lower than the brick as shown below.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-290621171722.jpeg)
I used a piece of 2 ply heavy stock cardboard and pushed it up the the brick street. You can see in the photo below I'm still a little lower than the brick.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-290621171734.jpeg)
More in a few.
A second piece of the heavy stock 2 ply cardboard is place on top of the other one and up against the brick street. You can see that this gives me just over 4 HO scale inches above the street.
So, the solution to this problem is two layers of 2 ply heavy cardboard. Problem #1 solved.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-290621174815.jpeg)
Now, I have another problem with structures. Most of the manufacturers include in each kit some sort of short sidewalk piece. These kits are also mostly stand alone structures and if the building is glued to the sidewalk piece that creates yet another issue/problem.
FOS models, KC's Workshop, CCK models all have a different style of sidewalk in their respective kits. Doug's sidewalks are more elongated, KC's are smaller squares and CCK has slightly large squares.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-290621171748.jpeg)
Continued -
You can see in the following photos the sidewalks vary in size and color. The color is mainly due to the builder and what was on hand when it came to painting the sidewalks. Some are concrete, different shades of gray and some aged concrete.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-290621171802.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-290621171814.jpeg)
Continued -
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-290621171827.jpeg)
For downtown Tahope, the sidewalks need to be all on one city block and fairly close to being the same color and pattern.
My plan is to draw on the heavy cardboard the sidewalk with expansion joints as I've done the the roads.
In the photo below you can see FOS' DeGraw's Poultry and Doug's elongated sidewalk pattern. The roadway is a piece of 2 ply heavy cardstock with 10' concrete lengths with each expansion joint.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-290621174826.jpeg)
DeGraw's Poultry is a stand alone structure so the sidewalk worked here.
The bigger problem will be discussed later this week.
Done for now.
Hey Tom:
I just love the street with the trolley tracks in it. Keep the pics A flowing.
Karl
Hey, Karl - Them ain't trolly tracks. Those tracks are the lead to the Tahope Roundhouse and Engine Service Facility. The City of Tahope is too small and too poor to afford a trolly system. Their sanitation department is composed of a fleet of one garbage truck - and it is from the '30s. The city is in need of a fire station. it already has a couple of ancient fire trucks.
Hello Tom, for various reasons I haven't been posting lately, but I have been keeping up with the happenings on the forum. I love what you are doing in the thriving city of Tahope. Shelf layout building at it's best. Jeff
Hey Bill.....where did all those tax dollars go that have be dutifully collected all these years? :o
Greg - There is no doubt about the existence of graft and corruption in the City of Tahope. For instance, Three Fingers Freddy got a variance to put his fireworks business next to a gas station because he had a relative on the County Commission. And some of Tahope's more idle residents simply 'tied in" to the Tahope County Power Company's line. They don't pay for the electricity because the power company doesn't know they are customers. (See page 8 of the Saturday Report.) The new City Hall, jail, and courthouse was built with only token bidding before the Mayor's brother got the construction job. And somebody, maybe the sheriff, is looking the other way when the "white smoke is arisin'" from the still in Piney Woods. The Tahope County tax collector has been indicted for embezzlement of public funds, but his brother-in-law is the local prosecutor so the case has languished on the docket for months. Finally, there is no comprehensive zoning ordinance in the City of Tahope so developers take advantage and construct buildings that would be conflicting uses anywhere else.
I hope that gives you a little idea of the financial problems in Tahope.
Quote from: Judge on July 14, 2021, 11:37:50 AMFor instance, Three Fingers Freddy got a variance to put his fireworks business next to a gas station because he had a relative on the County Commission.
I think that happened back when he was still known as Four Finger's Freddy. ;D
I suspect a few of these variances were worked out over a beer or two at the Trackside Tavern. ;)
Well, small town corruption is not limited to Florida. About 30 years ago when we lived in Derry NH, the town assessor was caught registering his house in his mother's name so he could take the senior citizen property tax deduction. (Property tax is the only tax we have in NH, so it's A Big Deal.) This is the same guy who routinely broke state law by arbitrarily deciding to re-assess properties because he felt like it. (NH law requires re-assessments be based on a region, with strong preference for the full town, or on a hands-off sale of the property.) We were caught in one of those willy-nilly re-assessments and fought it.
But then, Derry had other problems of growing too fast. A couple of times Hells Angels rode through town, and the police chief asked the town to authorize the purchase of automatic weapons. (Frankly, I think I'd trust the Hells Angels more with auto weapons, probably more experience with them. :-) )
dave
I understand Bill, but I think the crooks in politics and the bureaucracy in Pegi's old home town of Miami (and Dade County) makes the good ole' boys in Tahope look like a bunch of Mormons. ::)
Quote from: Judge on July 14, 2021, 11:37:50 AM
Greg - There is no doubt about the existence of graft and corruption in the City of Tahope. For instance, Three Fingers Freddy got a variance to put his fireworks business next to a gas station because he had a relative on the County Commission. And some of Tahope's more idle residents simply 'tied in" to the Tahope County Power Company's line. They don't pay for the electricity because the power company doesn't know they are customers. (See page 8 of the Saturday Report.) The new City Hall, jail, and courthouse was built with only token bidding before the Mayor's brother got the construction job. And somebody, maybe the sheriff, is looking the other way when the "white smoke is arisin'" from the still in Piney Woods. The Tahope County tax collector has been indicted for embezzlement of public funds, but his brother-in-law is the local prosecutor so the case has languished on the docket for months. Finally, there is no comprehensive zoning ordinance in the City of Tahope so developers take advantage and construct buildings that would be conflicting uses anywhere else.
I hope that gives you a little idea of the financial problems in Tahope.
Looks to me like Tahope could use a good law enforcement officer and an incorruptible court officer. Wonder where they could find two such upstanding citizens?
Quote from: postalkarl on June 29, 2021, 06:45:08 PM
Hey Tom:
I just love the street with the trolley tracks in it. Keep the pics A flowing.
Karl
Karl,
Thank you, the street tracks are a few sections of Walthers Industrial roadway complex. I see the Judge mentioned the trolley part.
Tom ;D
Quote from: nycjeff on July 13, 2021, 11:59:22 PM
Hello Tom, for various reasons I haven't been posting lately, but I have been keeping up with the happenings on the forum. I love what you are doing in the thriving city of Tahope. Shelf layout building at it's best. Jeff
Jeff,
Thank you for following along on the adventure. It has been fun bringing Tahope to life. This shelf layout is certainly the best part of the A&S RR. Actually, I think this one is definitely better than my other four.
Tom ;D
I've been busy but haven't posted in a few weeks. It seems when I get going some 1:1 stuff pops up and requires my attention. Such is life. I swear, I have no idea how I found time to go to work. :-X
I finished the slab work on the east side of Main Street in Tahope. I still need to draw in the joints and curb.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170721145319.jpeg)
I noticed one "high" spot but to late to change/fix it. You can see the cardboard is "humped". This won't be a problem as I'll park a vehicle next to the curb.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170721151027.jpeg)
More in a few.
I started to work on the west side of Main Street.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-290621171734.jpeg)
This section of the block needs to be trimmed to fit the space between the brick street and the railroad tracks.
To ensure I got the 2 ply cardboard cut to fit, here is what I did. I laid the cardboard in position and using palm pressure, pressed the cardboard down onto the track. This will leave and impression on the bottom side of the cardboard.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170721151049.jpeg)
Continued -
When the cardboard is turned over, you can see the outside rail impressed into the cardboard. See photo below.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170721151103.jpeg)
Okay, I did play a little trick on ya'll. You actually can't see "nuttin".
During my 5 year stent as a CSI supervisor, we used the "shadow" method to photograph foot prints and car tracks in the dark at crime scenes.
We used a flash light and lit the area to be photographed by shinning the light at an angle to capture the image. This is what I'm showing in the next photo.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170721151115.jpeg)
Continued -
I drew in the impression with a pencil as shown.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170721151130.jpeg)
I used scissors to cut along the line. This turned out to be difficult as the cardboard is so thick. I then finished using a Stanley box cutter.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170721151200.jpeg)
Next, I needed to get the cardboard up against the current cross road. This road is yet to be named.
You can see in the photo below the fit is off a bit.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170721151229.jpeg)
This is due to the glue oozing out on the bottom of the road.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170721151244.jpeg)
More in a few. Need to get a cold one, Diet Pepsi of course.
I flipped the cardboard over and sanded, at an angle, the edge that fits up against the road.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170721151300.jpeg)
Now I have the proper fit. I still need to cut the top cardboard and I'll use this one as a pattern for the other.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170721151314.jpeg)
Continued -
Using the cardboard as a guide, I used a sharp #11 blade and cut the excess pink foam.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170721151330.jpeg)
This will give me a nice little ditch next to the tracks.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170721151354.jpeg)
Continued -
For the structures in Tahope, I can't have all FOS structures. This is Tahope and not Fossville. 8) 8)
I have the three Magnuson Merchant's Row buildings. I may use some of these or a combination of wood and brick structures. DPM structures will be another great source for town buildings.
I've done a few test fits with the Magnuson kits and I'll need to make some adjustments and placements for them to fit.
I've had these under the layout for the past 35+ years.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170721151539.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170721151552.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170721151607.jpeg)
If you need some more city structures, Lunde Studios has some great kits. The latest NG&SL Gazette has a review of 2 of their newest kits, smaller structures, that might work well for you. http://www.lundestudios.com/plus.htm
dave
Dave,
Yes, Lunde has some very nice city structures. I've had their site bookmarked for a few years now. I appreciate the info and will try one of the kits one of these days.
Tom ;D
Good progress Tom.....to me, that first Merchant's Row kit has a real old Florida small town look to it. 8)
Looking great, Tom.
I agree - merchants row #1 appeals the most to me too. I used this one to make my curving, stepped block of shops. It was pretty easy to cut it into five separate shop fronts and backs - a possibility for adding alleyways between structures. I only used three of these in my block, but I felt doing this really changed the feel of the kit. I also added a scratchbuilt enclosed stairway and two hip roofs.
Cheers, Mark.
Maybe a City Classics structure or two would fit in as well. I think their quality is just a little better than the DPM kits. I have a few in my stash. If you want to see what they look like I can bring them down one of these weekends. ;)
Quote from: GPdemayo on July 18, 2021, 08:09:02 AM
Good progress Tom.....to me, that first Merchant's Row kit has a real old Florida small town look to it. 8)
Greg,
I like it for Tahope as well. The other two have the look of a Summit Level build.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on July 18, 2021, 05:35:25 PM
Looking great, Tom.
I agree - merchants row #1 appeals the most to me too. I used this one to make my curving, stepped block of shops. It was pretty easy to cut it into five separate shop fronts and backs - a possibility for adding alleyways between structures. I only used three of these in my block, but I felt doing this really changed the feel of the kit. I also added a scratchbuilt enclosed stairway and two hip roofs.
Cheers, Mark.
Mark, Cheers,
I like Merchants #1 as well. I also like the one with the gable front corner but this isn't the look I want for Tahope. Magnuson kits are easy to make resin copies of and I have kit bashed the power station for the old layout. I do plan to have a couple of alleys as they make great mini scenes between the buildings.
Tom ;D
Quote from: ReadingBob on July 19, 2021, 07:06:00 AM
Maybe a City Classics structure or two would fit in as well. I think their quality is just a little better than the DPM kits. I have a few in my stash. If you want to see what they look like I can bring them down one of these weekends. ;)
Bob,
I've looked at City Classics as well and they are very nice. I agree in the quality being somewhat better than DPM. Yes, next time you come this way bring them down for a look see.
Tom ;D
I have been busy on the layout but am very far behind on my photo up dates.
I got the west side of Tahope's Main Street finished with adding the two layers of 2 ply heavy cardboard. It has been glued in place and weighted down until the glue dried.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200721202346.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-200721202358.jpeg)
I hope to have more photos for tomorrow evening.
Hey Tom:
Looks great. Wish I had all the Floquil paint.
Karl
Quote from: postalkarl on July 21, 2021, 05:33:13 PM
Hey Tom:
Looks great. Wish I had all the Floquil paint.
Karl
Karl,
Thank you. The Floquil in the photos above came from Jim Miller's estate. He left them to me when he passed. I have about 300+ other unopened bottles I purchased when the announcement was made that Floquil would stop production of the paint.
Tom ;D
Quote from: ACL1504 on July 20, 2021, 08:29:13 PM
Quote from: GPdemayo on July 18, 2021, 08:09:02 AM
Good progress Tom.....to me, that first Merchant's Row kit has a real old Florida small town look to it. 8)
Greg,
I like it for Tahope as well. The other two have the look of a Summit Level build.
Tom ;D
I thing you might be right..... :)
Quote from: ACL1504 on July 22, 2021, 08:31:21 AM
...I have about 300+ other unopened bottles I purchased when the announcement was made that Floquil would stop production of the paint.
Tom ;D
How many of those are bottles of Holy Driftwood? ;D
dave
Quote from: GPdemayo on July 22, 2021, 08:52:42 AM
Quote from: ACL1504 on July 20, 2021, 08:29:13 PM
Quote from: GPdemayo on July 18, 2021, 08:09:02 AM
Good progress Tom.....to me, that first Merchant's Row kit has a real old Florida small town look to it. 8)
Greg,
I like it for Tahope as well. The other two have the look of a Summit Level build.
Tom ;D
I thing you might be right..... :)
Greg,
The Summit Level will take these other two perfectly.
Tom ;D
Quote from: deemery on July 22, 2021, 10:22:29 AM
Quote from: ACL1504 on July 22, 2021, 08:31:21 AM
...I have about 300+ other unopened bottles I purchased when the announcement was made that Floquil would stop production of the paint.
Tom ;D
How many of those are bottles of Holy Driftwood? ;D
dave
Dave,I only have five left. :'( Tom ;D
I have one unopened bottle, mostly kept intact so I can check other things against the color Holy Driftwood has a slightly green/olive tint to it. (I donated another bottle for a raffle at one of the Craftsman Structure Shows....)
dave
Quote from: deemery on July 22, 2021, 11:35:08 AM
I have one unopened bottle, mostly kept intact so I can check other things against the color Holy Driftwood has a slightly green/olive tint to it. (I donated another bottle for a raffle at one of the Craftsman Structure Shows....)
dave
Dave,
I gave one to Reading Bob, sold three on Ebay for $36.00 each and plan on keeping the last five. :P
Tom ;D
I finally finished the slab work for the Tahope buildings.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220721163432.jpeg)
I marked the entire surface with a grid. The squares are 7.5 HO scale feet. I started to mark off 8 HO scale feet but that looked to big. A check with the outside mall down the street found the expansion joints on 15 feet between the joints. The side walk in front of the house is 4.5 sq. ft. and probably set to ADA standards.
A check of some sidewalks in front of older stores here has anywhere from 6 to 9 sq. feet between joints.
So, I'm okay with my 7.5 HO scale feet between the joints.
I have another reason for the 7.5 HO scale feet, it is the width of my HO scale ruler. 8)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220721163445.jpeg)
More in a few.
The ruler made it very easy to draw the grid.
Including the 4" sidewalk curb, the distance from the outside of the curb is 7' 9" to the front of the building.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220721155510.jpeg)
On the west side of main Street is an odd shaped corner. I placed a Bar Mills kit in the spot and it fits rather nicely. This is a structure Eric Quebec made for the Atlantic and Southern in exchange for a FSM kit Eric wanted.
The kit is a bakery with a small three story apartment on the side.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220721155523.jpeg)
Continued -
The Bakery is mainly a narrow flat. However, Eric did a fantastic job with a tissue painting on the rear wall. The rear wall needs to be able to be seen from the isle.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220721155657.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220721155709.jpeg)
Continued -
A modeling friend, Dave Barron, built this kit and placed the bakery on the right side.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220721165514.jpeg)
Continued -
I turned my attention to the Magnuson Municipal Building. It comes with a thick and out of scale sidewalk for the front and side. Since I'm not using the Magnuson sidewalk, I needed to either cut off the bottom or fill it in. I opted to make to look like the building has a poured slab between the columns.
I used two HO scale 12 X 12 lumber and glued it to the bottom to fill in the gap.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220721155723.jpeg)
I used a pencil to mark the angle for the cut.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220721155737.jpeg)
Continued -
I only needed to do this on two sides and the angled front door area. Fast forward and the job is finished.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220721155751.jpeg)
I used rattle can Rust-oleum Auto Primer Gray and sprayed the added bottom as shown below. I used the same paint on the building.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220721155806.jpeg)
I'll add more to the front angled sidewalk after I get it painted and lighted. Otherwise, I'll just break it off.
Continued -
Here is one possible location for the Magnuson Merchants Row I.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220721155828.jpeg)
Done for this fine day.
;D
Lovely work, Tom. You sure have been busy with the layout!
Hi Tom.
This is looking really good. I like that Magnuson municipal building - I might have to get one of those. Scale Structures sent me a $20 voucher with my replacement wall so... Your fix on the foundation looks good, too. I like the two Magnuson structures side by side. I might have expected the dimensions of the Municipal building to overpower the block of shops - but it doesn't - they work well together. Eric has made a lovely job of that kit. I love the whole back wall being a huge sign. Great work.
Cheers, Mark.
Really looks good Tom - always liked the looks of the Bar Mills tenement kit - I think its a knock off of the old Smallshaw build in MR and later kitted by North Eastern.
Doug
I bet Bill is getting excited......he'll soon have a court room to preside over. Did you leave a spot for the General Lee statue in the revised plan of downtown? ;)
Quote from: Keep it Rusty on July 22, 2021, 09:28:46 PM
Lovely work, Tom. You sure have been busy with the layout!
Craig,
Thank you. Yes, I've been busy but still behind on the thread update.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on July 23, 2021, 02:36:46 AM
Hi Tom.
This is looking really good. I like that Magnuson municipal building - I might have to get one of those. Scale Structures sent me a $20 voucher with my replacement wall so... Your fix on the foundation looks good, too. I like the two Magnuson structures side by side. I might have expected the dimensions of the Municipal building to overpower the block of shops - but it doesn't - they work well together. Eric has made a lovely job of that kit. I love the whole back wall being a huge sign. Great work.
Cheers, Mark.
Mark, Cheers,As a stand alone structure, the municipal building appears overly large. However, when compared to the merchants row it looked more normal. It surprised me when MR1 was placed next to it. Eric, did do a fantastic job on the structure and especially the rear wall painted sign.Tom ;D
Quote from: NKP768 on July 23, 2021, 11:10:35 AM
Really looks good Tom - always liked the looks of the Bar Mills tenement kit - I think its a knock off of the old Smallshaw build in MR and later kitted by North Eastern.
Doug
Doug,Many of the Bar Mills kits are excellent. In earlier Bar Mills kits, I always thought the railing were out of scale. The railing are much better on the newer kits.I agree, this does appear to be a small sister type to the Smallshaw tenement kits. I have the NE kit and it does look very similar.Tom ;D
Quote from: GPdemayo on July 23, 2021, 05:01:21 PM
I bet Bill is getting excited......he'll soon have a court room to preside over. Did you leave a spot for the General Lee statue in the revised plan of downtown? ;)
Greg,
The Judge will have a court room in the municipal building in the City of Tahope and a small Judge's Quarters for the county.
I do have a spot for General R. E. Lee and a flag pole for the American and Confederate flag. ;D ;D ;D ;D
Tom ;D
I used blue painter's tape to tape off the surface of the brick street. I then used Elmer's white glue to seal the cardboard. I painted the white glue on using a 1" brush.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-230721172742.jpeg)
It only took a few hours for the white glue to thoroughly dry.
NOTE: If you use Elmer's white glue to seal any cardboard, be sure you use an oil base paint to color the concrete. Elmer's is a water base glue and Acrylics are also water based. If you use a water base concrete color, it will soften the white glue and cause problems you don't want to deal with.
Trust me, I know.
When the glue dries, it will be to a shiny finish.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-230721172754.jpeg)
Continued -
Blue tape removed. When painted with Floquil Concrete, the surface will be flat.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-230721172806.jpeg)
Wow, Tom you have been on a roll while I was away. Great progress, it all looks great.
Tom this is really moving along. Going to be one great scene for sure!
Jerry
Things are moving swiftly in the downtown! I always enjoy seeing how you attack various problems. Hope the guys had a good Saturday get together. Jim
Quote from: S&S RR on July 25, 2021, 08:34:19 AM
Wow, Tom you have been on a roll while I was away. Great progress, it all looks great.
John,
Yea, I've been trying to keep some steam up. I still have some Covid-19 issues related to "getting tired" easily. So far, I've been fairly successful in working through the tiredness.
Thank you for the support my friend and nice words of encouragement.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Jerry on July 25, 2021, 08:59:14 AM
Tom this is really moving along. Going to be one great scene for sure!
Jerry
Jerry,
Thanks for stopping by. I'm looking forward to all that will go into this area. Lots and lots of details.
Tom ;D
Quote from: jrmueller on July 25, 2021, 11:08:21 AM
Things are moving swiftly in the downtown! I always enjoy seeing how you attack various problems. Hope the guys had a good Saturday get together. Jim
Jim,
Good to see you. Coming up with solutions to problems usually works for me one way or the other. Most of the times they come to me as I'm falling asleep. 8)
We had a grand ole time Saturday. Thanks for stopping by.
Tom ;D
I used an awl to scribe the joints in the concrete base. I noticed that the glue caused the edges of the curb to be a little sharp.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250721153841.jpeg)
To soften this look and get a gentle rounded curve on the curb edge, I used a heavy duty sanding board to sand the outer edge.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250721153857.jpeg)
More in a few.
Much better now.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250721153910.jpeg)
After using painters tape to protect the street from paint, I painted the first square and a half or so with Floquil concrete.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250721153950.jpeg)
The paint really brings out the joints in the side walks.
Continued -
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250721153924.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250721153937.jpeg)
Viewing my posted photos also give me an idea of areas that need fixing. An example here is the missing ballast. Not next to the road as I haven't done that yet but the ballast to the right of the street.
Continued -
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250721154004.jpeg)
I need to get a cold Diet Pepsi, back in a few.
Yesterday, Greg was asking me about the Railroadkits Drug Store I started. Actually the kit was an Ed Fulaz kit when Jimmy got the rights to produce the Hydrocal kits.
I believe this was started on the old forum as I couldn't find it here. Anyway, I forgot all about this one. It will fit nicely in Downtown Tahope.
I think I started this one about 10 years ago, not really sure.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250721154018.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250721154029.jpeg)
Continued in a few.
I have a full interior for this one. I pieced the interior together from several spare and purchased parts.
This is also the first kit I added stained glass to the windows.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250721154043.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250721154056.jpeg)
I see I'll need to fix a little light leak on the two front windows.
Continued -
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250721154144.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250721154130.jpeg)
I'll need to make and new base as this one will no longer work. A new floor will be made as well.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250721154111.jpeg)
Done for today.
I have some of those Fulasz kits put away, I'm glad to see how good they look!
dave
Tom - Glad to see Tahope will have a drug store. The local doctor, Minnie Staysic, was having to import Carter's Little Liver Pills, Benzadrine Inhaleers for nasal congestion, Vicks Formula 44 cough syrup, Nutragrow Shampoo (anti-hair loss), Mint flavored Milk of Magnesia, and prescription drugs in on the A&S, and the service was not always reliable.
Quote from: deemery on July 25, 2021, 04:29:19 PM
I have some of those Fulasz kits put away, I'm glad to see how good they look!
dave
Dave,
I have a couple that I probably won't ever get built.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Judge on July 26, 2021, 04:18:38 PM
Tom - Glad to see Tahope will have a drug store. The local doctor, Minnie Staysic, was having to import Carter's Little Liver Pills, Benzadrine Inhaleers for nasal congestion, Vicks Formula 44 cough syrup, Nutragrow Shampoo (anti-hair loss), Mint flavored Milk of Magnesia, and prescription drugs in on the A&S, and the service was not always reliable.
Bill,
I forgot all about this one and it will be perfect for Tahope.
Tom ;D
I've been working on the layout but don't have any updated photos to share. Maybe tomorrow or Friday if I'm lucky.
Tom ;D
Glad to have helped stimulate the ole' grey matter.....I like the way it looks on the corner. ;)
Tom;
Enjoyed catching up. Sure has been a lot of progress since last I checked in. I am enjoying all the amazing talent on display, both yours and the modelers that have provided buildings.
Jim D
Quote from: GPdemayo on July 29, 2021, 07:23:22 AM
Glad to have helped stimulate the ole' grey matter.....I like the way it looks on the corner. ;)
Greg,
I'm glad you mentioned it as I totally forgot all about it. It was on the back upper shelf of the partially finished structures. I'm anxious to get it finished now.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Jim Donovan on July 29, 2021, 07:49:43 AM
Tom;
Enjoyed catching up. Sure has been a lot of progress since last I checked in. I am enjoying all the amazing talent on display, both yours and the modelers that have provided buildings.
Jim D
Jim,
Always happy to have you check in. I've been busy for sure but still feel like I'm falling behind. Thank you as well for the kind words of encouragement and support. Reading Bob has many of his fantastic structures on the Atlantic and Southern RR.
Tom ;D
Tom...
This is a really fun kit. I built this a number of years ago when Jimmy first took over the Ed kits.
'I turned it into a restaurant as I needed one in Boise. I used a Greek family name that actually existed in Chicago in the early 1900's. Sotus Restaurant.
Bruce O put us all up to do a kit and present it a mini gathering. This is what I entered. No ribbons... no awards.... Just fun.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-100717122903.jpeg)
see ya
Bob
Quote from: bparrish on July 29, 2021, 12:26:17 PM
Tom...
This is a really fun kit. I built this a number of years ago when Jimmy first took over the Ed kits.
'I turned it into a restaurant as I needed one in Boise. I used a Greek family name that actually existed in Chicago in the early 1900's. Sotus Restaurant.
Bruce O put us all up to do a kit and present it a mini gathering. This is what I entered. No ribbons... no awards.... Just fun.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-100717122903.jpeg)
see ya
Bob
Bob,
Thanks for sharing the photo. You did an excellent job on the kit and it looks fantastic. I didn't light the second floor and haven't decided if I'll light the Rexall sign. My Rexall sign was painted for Rexall and came from the SS Ltd. drug store kit.
Again, very nicely done.
Tom ;D
When Bill and Kris Cutler made their Pennsy layout a fallen flag, they gifted me some, ok, a lot of Woodland Scenics plug and light stuff.
I added some old wood looking street light posts to the back road south of tahope.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-290721133445.jpeg)
There are six of these posts spaced along the East Road.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-290721133509.jpeg)
More in a few.
Woodland Scenics has had this system of lighting out for several years now and I've been wanting to try it. I think Mark Dalrymple has mentioned he was experimenting with this lighting system as well.
I'm sold on them now that I've had a chance to use them. You can hook three lights to one of the four light ports on the light hub.
The Light Hub allows you to control the brightness of the LEDs by using the dimmer controls.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-290721133849.jpeg)
These poles come in either warm or bright white LEDs. The ones shown below are warm lights/LEDs.
More in a few.
This next photo shows the lights in full brightness.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-290721133521.jpeg)
This next photo show the lights at half brightness.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-290721133545.jpeg)
Continued -
Again, half brightness -
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-290721133556.jpeg)
I also added street lights to both sides of Main Street in downtown Tahope. There are six on each side evenly spaced along the sidewalk.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-290721133722.jpeg)
The next photo shows the street lights in full brightness.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-290721133736.jpeg)
Continued -
I divided the lamp post into four groups of three.
The next photo shows one in full brightness and one off.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-290721133749.jpeg)
The next photo shows the bottom post at 1/3 brightness. Top one is full brightness.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-290721133804.jpeg)
Continued -
Well, you get the idea. These are really easy to wire and the best feature for me is the ability to control the brightness of the LEDs with the dimmer controls.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-290721133818.jpeg)
I hope no small plane thinks this is a runway! 8)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-290721133834.jpeg)
This system also has a sequencing hub for the lights. I'll have to try that one also.
Done for tonight.
Tom.
If you print the Rexall on white paper you can put the bulbs behind that and then build small boxes of most anything to stop the light from flooding the rest of your interior.
Great stuff.
Thanx
Bob
Looks great.....I know I could get a STOL in there, but will probably wait till the liquor store opens so a stop for beer will make it worthwhile. ;D ;D ;D
I have some of those light hubs, too. Whilst I'm yet to produce anything with them, experimenting with them was great! Shame the power supply is monopolized though.
Hey Tom:
you never cease to amaze me. Everything looks just beautiful
Karl
Tom As always looking great 8) Jim
Quote from: bparrish on July 29, 2021, 07:52:51 PM
Tom.
If you print the Rexall on white paper you can put the bulbs behind that and then build small boxes of most anything to stop the light from flooding the rest of your interior.
Great stuff.
Thanx
Bob
Bob,Thank you for the suggestion. In fact, that is what I did with the Erie Cafe marque. For this drug store, I painted the sign in Rexall colors and will mount it above the front door.Thanks for the compliment as well.Tom ;D (https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-310721161158.jpeg)
Quote from: GPdemayo on July 30, 2021, 08:15:20 AM
Looks great.....I know I could get a STOL in there, but will probably wait till the liquor store opens so a stop for beer will make it worthwhile. ;D ;D ;D
Greg,
You best use a copter as any STOL will take out my street light poles. Just saying.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Keep it Rusty on July 30, 2021, 08:36:02 AM
I have some of those light hubs, too. Whilst I'm yet to produce anything with them, experimenting with them was great! Shame the power supply is monopolized though.
Graig,These are really working nicely for me on this project anyway. I agree the power supply is proprietary. However, I'm experimenting with the power source. I plan to cut off the wire at their power but keep the little clip end in tact. I'll then wire it to my power supply shown below.Thanks for checking in.Tom ;D (https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-310721162928.jpeg)
Quote from: postalkarl on July 31, 2021, 12:57:35 AM
Hey Tom:
you never cease to amaze me. Everything looks just beautiful
Karl
Karl,I just keep plugging away until I have something finished. Appreciate the compliment.Tom ;D
Quote from: jrmueller on July 31, 2021, 10:51:45 AM
Tom As always looking great 8) Jim
Jim,Thank you, much appreciated. It is becoming fun to work on the layout again.Tom ;D
I'm still behind some on the updates but I'm getting closer to getting caught up.
I taped off the track and used spackle to get a slope from the concrete to the track edge.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-310721160347.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-310721160412.jpeg)
Continued -
I wet the putty knife and smoothed the angle of the spackle.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-310721160401.jpeg)
When dry, I used Woodland Scenics Earth to paint the spackle.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-310721160423.jpeg)
I'll start adding scenery material to this area in the next few days.
Done for today.
Craft and art stores have cheap plastic putty knifes. I have a couple where I've cut/reshaped the knife to a specific shape, such as to set the angle on ballast. You could do the same thing with plastic putty knives.
dave
IIRC the Just Plug system uses JST 2.54 mm connectors (notes on RR-Line, maybe I'll see them again someday). Parts can be gotten from DigiKey and others, connectors assembled with wires from Amazon or WeHonest. Roomettes says their light boards are compatible with Just Plug. When I used the connectors to hook a Roomette unit to 12 VDC it was pretty bright, but hasn't failed to date. One of these days I'll try adding resistors to dim it down.
Hey Tom:
Track work is coming along very nicely.
Karl
Nice Work Tom!
Somebody get that man a Diet Pepsi!
Brucer
;D ;D :o
Quote from: Bruce Oberleitner on August 02, 2021, 07:46:35 PM
Nice Work Tom!
Somebody get that man a Diet Pepsi!
Brucer
;D ;D :o
Better make that a couple of boxcar loads Bruce..... ;D
Quote from: deemery on July 31, 2021, 05:28:58 PM
Craft and art stores have cheap plastic putty knifes. I have a couple where I've cut/reshaped the knife to a specific shape, such as to set the angle on ballast. You could do the same thing with plastic putty knives.
dave
Dave,
I'm still using the two I purchased from the hardware store some 50+ years ago. As long as you clean them after every use, should last for ever.
Tom ;D
Quote from: jbvb on July 31, 2021, 05:54:22 PM
IIRC the Just Plug system uses JST 2.54 mm connectors (notes on RR-Line, maybe I'll see them again someday). Parts can be gotten from DigiKey and others, connectors assembled with wires from Amazon or WeHonest. Roomettes says their light boards are compatible with Just Plug. When I used the connectors to hook a Roomette unit to 12 VDC it was pretty bright, but hasn't failed to date. One of these days I'll try adding resistors to dim it down.
James,
Thanks for the info, I'll check them out.
Tom ;D
Quote from: postalkarl on August 01, 2021, 02:50:34 PM
Hey Tom:
Track work is coming along very nicely.
Karl
Karl,
Thanks buddy, much appreciate you stopping by.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Bruce Oberleitner on August 02, 2021, 07:46:35 PM
Nice Work Tom!
Somebody get that man a Diet Pepsi!
Brucer
;D ;D :o
Cousin Brucie,
I have one in hand as I type this response. 8)
Tom ;D
Quote from: GPdemayo on August 03, 2021, 09:11:21 AM
Quote from: Bruce Oberleitner on August 02, 2021, 07:46:35 PM
Nice Work Tom!
Somebody get that man a Diet Pepsi!
Brucer
;D ;D :o
Better make that a couple of boxcar loads Bruce..... ;D
Greg,
My office refrigerator is full of DP and H2O. I also have Diet Pepsi stacked on the floor. Just saying as I like to be prepared for a large project.
Tom ;D
"Be Prepared".....I seem to remember that motto from somewhere in the distant past of my childhood. ::)
Quote from: GPdemayo on August 08, 2021, 08:03:26 AM
"Be Prepared".....I seem to remember that motto from somewhere in the distant past of my childhood. ::)
From this Tom Lehrer classic, maybe? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkrheaWuShU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkrheaWuShU)
dave
Greg,
Yea, I remember that as well. I started Boy Scouts but never finished. My dad was the fist Eagle Scout in Central Florida. I think he got the Eagle Badge in the mid to late 30's.
Me, I turned out to be a GDI!
Tom ;D
Quote from: deemery on August 08, 2021, 09:54:41 AM
Quote from: GPdemayo on August 08, 2021, 08:03:26 AM
"Be Prepared".....I seem to remember that motto from somewhere in the distant past of my childhood. ::)
From this Tom Lehrer classic, maybe? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkrheaWuShU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkrheaWuShU)
dave
Dave,
Exactly that!
Tom ;D
I started to add scenery to the layout between the rear of the Downtown Tahope and the tracks.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-080821175618.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-080821175634.jpeg)
Continued-
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-080821175649.jpeg)
The Judge brought some different palm trees over several months ago. I think these are some trees his lovely wife found on the net. I looked at the top of the trees under the palm fronds. I thought there has to be a way to make these look better. After a few days, I came up with an idea.
I gently bent the fronds back as shown.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-080821175716.jpeg)
Continued -
I painted the nuts, or whatever those things are, with white glue as shown.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-080821175733.jpeg)
I used me oak leave blend to cover the white glue.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-080821175746.jpeg)
Back in a few. Need a Diet Pepsi.
I'm very pleased with the results.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-080821175802.jpeg)
I planted a few on the layout. Here is one.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-080821175818.jpeg)
More in a few.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-080821175830.jpeg)
I finished the scenery between the track and layout edge.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-080821175846.jpeg)
More in a few.
I'm still behind on the layout thread updates but here is a shot of coming posts.
Summit center section is under construction.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-080821175903.jpeg)
Yes, of course!
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-080821175939.jpeg)
Done for today.
Tom- WOW, excellent scenery work. I can't wait to see it in person.
Tom
You are make great progress, it looks great. Good to see the new section is starting out level.
Looking great, Tom.
Abracadabra and those palm trees look great!
Your making good progress - almost back to your pre COVID19 speed? Those threaded rods would sure making leveling the upper deck easy.
Cheers, Mark.
Tom some nice scenery and those palm trees right on!
Great work all around as usual.
Jerry
Tom - Glad you were able to salvage those palm trees. The progress at Summit is welcome. It won't be long before passenger trains are backing into the Station.
Looking good Tom..... 8)
Hey Tom:
Looks just great. Love your palm trees. Keep the pics flowing.
Karl
Quote from: PRR Modeler on August 08, 2021, 07:04:53 PM
Tom- WOW, excellent scenery work. I can't wait to see it in person.
Curt,
Thank you my friend. I enjoy doing the scenery. See you this Saturday morning.
Tom ;D
Quote from: S&S RR on August 08, 2021, 09:17:45 PM
Tom
You are make great progress, it looks great. Good to see the new section is starting out level.
John,Thanks very much. I'm happy to be moving right along for a change.Tom ;D
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on August 09, 2021, 01:02:09 AM
Looking great, Tom.
Abracadabra and those palm trees look great!
Your making good progress - almost back to your pre COVID19 speed? Those threaded rods would sure making leveling the upper deck easy.
Cheers, Mark.
Mark, Cheers,
Thank you, much appreciate you stopping by. I really like the difference in the palm tree look. Yes, almost bad to normal for me. The threaded rods do help for sure.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Jerry on August 09, 2021, 09:11:08 AM
Tom some nice scenery and those palm trees right on!
Great work all around as usual.
Jerry
Jerry,
Thank you, appreciate the kind support. The palm trees turned out better than expected.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Judge on August 09, 2021, 03:51:11 PM
Tom - Glad you were able to salvage those palm trees. The progress at Summit is welcome. It won't be long before passenger trains are backing into the Station.
Bill,
Yes, the change on the palms is a welcome one. It will still be some time prior to any trains backing in on the Summit level. We'll talk Saturday.
Tom ;D
Quote from: GPdemayo on August 10, 2021, 08:47:06 AM
Looking good Tom..... 8)
Thank you Greg, appreciate you stopping by.
Tom ;D
Quote from: postalkarl on August 10, 2021, 07:41:39 PM
Hey Tom:
Looks just great. Love your palm trees. Keep the pics flowing.
Karl
Karl,
Thanks buddy, it's always good to see you come by. More pictures to follow this afternoon or evening.
Tom ;D
As I was building the box for the next 8 feet on the upper level I happened to notice the sticker on the 1X3.
Made in New Zealand! I wonder if the 1X3 was made, or grown in New Zealand?
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-110821143212.jpeg)
Just thinking out loud here.
Continued -
After the frame work was finished, I made another 8 ft. length of LEDs of lighting the second level.
I use the LED strips from Movsun. Each reel contains 18 feet of LEDs.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-110821165908.jpeg)
The next photo shows the LEDs left after I used what was needed.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-110821165921.jpeg)
I've had these for several years and don't remember the cost.
More in a few.
I covered in detail, somewhere in a part of this build thread. how I make the strips for the LEDs so I'll just touch on it here.
I cut an 8 ft. length of Masonite 1 1/4" wide. I use DAP Weldwood Contact Cement and brush it on one side of the Masonite.
It dries fairly quickly but stays tacky for a few hours.
I then cut two 8 ft. lengths of the LEDs. The LED strips have a removal tape on the back side. The LED strips have a sticky side for surface mounting. I used the contact cement as this gives me a fail proof way to mount the LEDs.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-110821143227.jpeg)
Once the two strips are pressed onto the Masonite with the contact cement, you need to wire them together. Make sure the negative and the positive are wired together as shown below. + to + and - to -.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-110821143241.jpeg)
More in a few.
I predrilled four sets of holes in the cross braces for wiring. Two for lights (LEDs), two for track power and two for structure lighting. The green/white are the LEDs buss wires.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-110821143255.jpeg)
When working on a project, I'm amazed the tools seem to multiply like rabbits.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-110821143313.jpeg)
Continued -
I can't believe the second level is finally going in. Looks like great carpentry work (as normal of course).
Each additional 8 foot section of benchwork is wired using terminal strips.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-110821143327.jpeg)
I then made a test fit of the plywood decking on the benchwork. I noticed I was off about 3/16". I then realized this was the width of the ripping blade used when ripping the 4X8' plywood down the center. The other section of plywood is 24" wide. With fascia and scenery, this missing 3/16" isn't a problem.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-110821143339.jpeg)
Time for a Diet Pepsi, back in a few.
Quote from: PRR Modeler on August 11, 2021, 05:32:09 PM
I can't believe the second level is finally going in. Looks like great carpentry work (as normal of course).
Curt,
Thank you very much. This section of the third level has been a long time coming. That damn C-19 set me back several months.
Tom ;D
I forgot to mention that every 8 feet I double the 1X3 bracing. This gives me a cross brace to secure the plywood decking.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-110821143355.jpeg)
Ready now for the next 8 ft section.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-110821144411.jpeg)
Continued -
The next photo shows the two strips of LED lighting under the 1X3s of the upper level. These were screwed in place at each cross brace. My cross bracing is set at every 21 inches instead of every 24 inches. This gives me a little more stability from the plywood sagging. This is something I've learned in the previous layouts.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-110821144424.jpeg)
Now, let there be light.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-110821144557.jpeg)
More in a few.
Oh goody, another 8 ft. section to store stuff on! 8) 8)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-110821170744.jpeg)
And, of course it's level as well.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-110821170755.jpeg)
Done for this fine day.
hey Tom:
can't wait to see what you do with this.
Karl
Quote from: postalkarl on August 12, 2021, 09:23:55 AM
hey Tom:
can't wait to see what you do with this.
Karl
Karl,
Thanks for stopping by. I have several ideas floating around in my pea brain.
Tom ;D
A few months ago, I sold EricQuebec some craftsman freight car kits. In exchange for the money he graciously agreed to build two FOS kits for the A&S RR.
He did a fantastic job on both kits as usual. I told him "Tres magnifique mon ami".
The first structure is a building flat.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-120821170219.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-120821170232.jpeg)
More in a few.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-120821170244.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-120821170258.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-120821170313.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-120821170325.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-120821174113.jpeg)
I spent all day cleaning up the train room. I went through my kits and pulled out about 30 that I'll never build or need on the layout. I'll list these for sale on the forum within the next month.
Here is what I'm looking to do in Downtown Tahope. The gray building is the Court House and the other one is Magnuson's Merchant's Row I.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-120821170338.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-120821170408.jpeg)
continued -
Across the street from the court house is Moscone Bail Bonds and The Watcher Apartments. Both are FOS and both expertly built by Reading Bob.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-120821170421.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-120821170354.jpeg)
Done for today and time for a Diet Pepsi.
As Bob Parrish says, "See ya".
Very nice Tom. I like where this is going!!
Jerry
ACL 1504,
Look, I have to be honest here. I'm not going to kiss your AS layout, I'm just going to be blunt here!
Crap! Crap! Crap! Ridiculous scenes, poor layout lighting, uneven water, poor water scenes, super long trains-heck super short 1 car trains, the most unprofessional looking trees, you must be color blind with your painting skills, I could go on, should I go on, I will go on too another forum to find a better modeler for the AS empire~
None! and I mean None! of the aforementioned comments will ever apply to you sir, I will speak the truth to you on this forum or start speaking Klingon, (humm? well I do speak Klingon) "joHwI', De' law', HIja', joHwI' qanaDmeH mIw." so scratch that comment.
Keep up the always interesting, yet ever awesome inspirational layout my friend! :o
KP-out... ;)
Hey tom:
What can I say but WOW!!! looks just beautiful. I built both of those kits in the front. Love the billboard sign.
Karl
Quote from: Jerry on August 12, 2021, 06:01:48 PM
Very nice Tom. I like where this is going!!
Jerry
Jerry,
Thank you, much appreciated. I'm very pleased with how this is turning out.
Tom ;D
Quote from: tct855 on August 12, 2021, 09:46:02 PM
ACL 1504,
Look, I have to be honest here. I'm not going to kiss your AS layout, I'm just going to be blunt here!
Crap! Crap! Crap! Ridiculous scenes, poor layout lighting, uneven water, poor water scenes, super long trains-heck super short 1 car trains, the most unprofessional looking trees, you must be color blind with your painting skills, I could go on, should I go on, I will go on too another forum to find a better modeler for the AS empire~
None! and I mean None! of the aforementioned comments will ever apply to you sir, I will speak the truth to you on this forum or start speaking Klingon, (humm? well I do speak Klingon) "joHwI', De' law', HIja', joHwI' qanaDmeH mIw." so scratch that comment.
Keep up the always interesting, yet ever awesome inspirational layout my friend! :o
KP-out... ;)
KPI,I'm not sure your parents ever told you that one of them may have dropped you on your head when just a small tike. ;D ;D I can always count on you to come up with something. Not sure how to patois this but I sincerely thank you for the very nice and generous compliment on how the layout is turning out.KPII ;D
Quote from: postalkarl on August 13, 2021, 07:45:28 AM
Hey tom:
What can I say but WOW!!! looks just beautiful. I built both of those kits in the front. Love the billboard sign.
Karl
Karl,
Thank you very much for the kind compliment. I appreciate you being a regular follower on the adventure.
Tom ;D
Tom your work upsets me because I will never achieve your level of quality :-\ :P . Actually I enjoy the various aspects of your layout and look forward to seeing your updates. My layout is in the reverse aspect as we will be moving to an independent living apartment in about a year so I am "downsizing." Anyway, I will be looking forward to what The Judge has to say later today. Jim
Quote from: ACL1504 on August 11, 2021, 04:56:10 PM
As I was building the box for the next 8 feet on the upper level I happened to notice the sticker on the 1X3.
Made in New Zealand! I wonder if the 1X3 was made, or grown in New Zealand?
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-110821143212.jpeg)
Just thinking out loud here.
Continued -
This may be sort of a sad commentary on things but has it really become cheaper to cut down trees, make them into boards and ship them to the US from New Zealand then we can do here in this country?
BTW, Just for the record, I never want to see that sticker on the bottom of my "Diet Pepsi" bottle....
;D ;D :o
Tom - Great time was had by all today. See you next Saturday.
What Bill said..... ;)
You are really moving along at a steady pace, I liked the tip with the ground up Midwest cork.
Quote from: jrmueller on August 14, 2021, 09:22:40 AM
Tom your work upsets me because I will never achieve your level of quality :-\ :P . Actually I enjoy the various aspects of your layout and look forward to seeing your updates. My layout is in the reverse aspect as we will be moving to an independent living apartment in about a year so I am "downsizing." Anyway, I will be looking forward to what The Judge has to say later today. Jim
Jim,
I take that as a huge compliment. Actually, I feel the same way when I see other modelers work. I think will I ever get that good? I know Downsizing isn't fun as it does severely limits your modeling space.
I'm sorry it didn't work out for you and your wife to visit the A&S RR as planned a few years ago.
The Judge sure has a sense of humor.
I very much appreciate you taking the time to stop by for a visit to the thread.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Bruce Oberleitner on August 14, 2021, 03:09:43 PM
Quote from: ACL1504 on August 11, 2021, 04:56:10 PM
As I was building the box for the next 8 feet on the upper level I happened to notice the sticker on the 1X3.
Made in New Zealand! I wonder if the 1X3 was made, or grown in New Zealand?
Just thinking out loud here.
Continued -
This may be sort of a sad commentary on things but has it really become cheaper to cut down trees, make them into boards and ship them to the US from New Zealand then we can do here in this country?
BTW, Just for the record, I never want to see that sticker on the bottom of my "Diet Pepsi" bottle....
;D ;D :o
Cousin Brucie,
You may be correct about the lumber. So far the Diet Pepsi is bottled in the good ole USA.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Judge on August 14, 2021, 03:17:29 PM
Tom - Great time was had by all today. See you next Saturday.
Bill,
I agree, see ya this Saturday morning.
Tom ;D
Quote from: GPdemayo on August 15, 2021, 08:11:07 AM
What Bill said..... ;)
Greg,
What I said to Bill! 8)
Tom ;D
Quote from: Lynnb on August 15, 2021, 11:19:01 AM
You are really moving along at a steady pace, I liked the tip with the ground up Midwest cork.
Lynn,
I feel like I'm getting back to my old self. "Old" is probably correctly stated.
The sanded cork is very handy for a lot of roadside effects. Glad you can use the tip.
Tom ;D
This afternoon I did some major surgery on The Watcher's Apartment building Reading Bob built.
The structure is on the foam board and with the apartment building on the board, I can't use it on the layout. So, the only thing to do is carefully remove it from the foam board base.
Here a before photo.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170821182818.jpeg)
The Babe needs me for something, back later.
Tom ;D
One of the things Bob did was to make the roof removable. This is great as it allows me to turn the building over and not damage the roof top details.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170821182835.jpeg)
I carefully removed the roof and set it aside prior to the surgery.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170821182850.jpeg)
More in a few.
This next photo shows the genius of Bob in how he wires his structures.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170821182907.jpeg)
After removing the roof, I turned the building over and pulled the tape off the wires. The wires in the bottom of the photo are the ones coming from the utility pole.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170821182928.jpeg)
Continued-
I only cut the two wires from the utility pole. Here is a better photo of the two wires.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170821182941.jpeg)
I took photos of all sides paying particular attention to the location of the details. I then began to carefully remove the details.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170821182953.jpeg)
Continued-
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170821183006.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170821183018.jpeg)
Once all the details were removed, I started to remove the building from the foam base.
These are the tools I used to remove the structure.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170821183320.jpeg)
I used the plastic eye dropper and dropped very little warm water on the outside edges of the structure as shown below.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170821183030.jpeg)
Continued after getting a cold Diet Pepsi.
I then added some water to the fence and utility pole area.
I used a #17 blade to remove the fencing from the posts.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170821183041.jpeg)
I added a little more water to the bottom of the posts and carefully pulled them out of the foam.
These will be cleaned later and reinstalled.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170821183054.jpeg)
Continued -
It appears the two sidewalks are some kind of pressed paper board so I didn't use the water to loosen the glue. Instead, I used the long Xacto blade and slipped it under the sidewalk and cut the glue.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170821183124.jpeg)
Thankfully, Bob used very little glue to secure the two long sidewalks.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170821183135.jpeg)
More in a few.
I added more water to the base of the utility pole and carefully worked it out of the hole. This took a few minutes but it came out and I didn't break it off at the base. YEA!
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170821183201.jpeg)
I then used the wide Xacto blade and slipped it under the sides of the main building. It came up with ease and nothing broke or was damaged.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170821183213.jpeg)
Continued -
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170821183227.jpeg)
The building was still a little damp on the bottom of the walls so I placed it on double thick paper towel to help remove some of the moisture.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170821183248.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-170821183308.jpeg)
The building is now off the foam base and ready to be planted on a concrete city block.
Done for tonight.
Nice deconstruction work, Tom.
Looking good. Will be good to see it planted anew.
Cheers, Mark.
Excellent job on the base removal Tom.
Great job Tom , I admire your patience , looking forward to seeing it on your layout.
Phew...you missed your calling. You would have made an excellent surgeon!!
John
WOW! :o I'm sure glad I didn't have to watch that process in real time! I'd have been like Fred Sanford "Oh Lordy! This is the big one! I'm coming to join you Elizabeth! This is it!" ;D ;D ;D
Nice job!
Great work Tom.....if Bob had been watching he would have definitely got the vapors..... ;)
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on August 17, 2021, 08:01:55 PM
Nice deconstruction work, Tom.
Looking good. Will be good to see it planted anew.
Cheers, Mark.
Mark, Cheers,
Thank you, it was actually fun to do. I felt bad for removing the fantastic work bob did but in time it will be restored to it's original glory.
Tom ;D
Quote from: PRR Modeler on August 17, 2021, 09:11:06 PM
Excellent job on the base removal Tom.
Curt,
Thanks Butty!
Tom ;D
Quote from: Janbouli on August 18, 2021, 04:41:17 AM
Great job Tom , I admire your patience , looking forward to seeing it on your layout.
Jan,
Thank you, much appreciate you coming by. This hobby is all about patience. Especially when doing something like this removal.
Tom ;D
Quote from: cuse on August 18, 2021, 05:18:51 AM
Phew...you missed your calling. You would have made an excellent surgeon!!
John
John,
Great to see you my friend. Cutting was no issue and I'm happy to have not had to suture any areas afterwards.
Tom ;D
Quote from: ReadingBob on August 18, 2021, 06:51:38 AM
WOW! :o I'm sure glad I didn't have to watch that process in real time! I'd have been like Fred Sanford "Oh Lordy! This is the big one! I'm coming to join you Elizabeth! This is it!" ;D ;D ;D
Nice job!
Bob,
Sorry, but I needed to do this so I didn't have to give it back. :'( It was much easier than I expected which was a blessing. It could have been the big one a Fred Sanford used to say!
Tom ;D
Today I finished adding the pink foam base to the rest of the area just north of the roundhouse. The area was cleaned.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-180821175338.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-180821175352.jpeg)
More in a few.
The foam was place over the area and trimmed to fit.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-180821175406.jpeg)
Fast forward and the foam was glued in place, the 2 ply cardboard was cut to fit and glued in place on top of the foam. Not shown to save ya'll from being bored as I was doing it however necessary.
Moscone's Bail Bonds and The Watcher Apartments were positioned.
The three foot long aluminum was used to make sure the sidewalks were aligned with the ones on the other side of the road.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-180821175420.jpeg)
More in a few.
The street concrete (2 ply cardboard) was cut to fit around the track. A 1 ply piece of cardboard was cut to fit between the rails. This is just a little lower than the rails.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-180821175435.jpeg)
I used this "see through" car to make sure the flanges with between the rail and cardboard.
No problems as the car runs very smoothly through the area.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-180821175452.jpeg)
Continued -
There will be small alley way between the two buildings.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-180821175504.jpeg)
More tomorrow.
Great progress, Tom. You've got up a nice head of steam!
I like that alleyway - that will add some nice drama to the scene. Also like that see-through car - what a great idea.
Cheers, Mark.
The alleyway will no doubt be the scene of nefarious criminal activity - on account of its proximity to the bail bondsman's office, which is conveniently located next to the courthouse/jail. Local criminals tend to frequent such places. The alleyway will soon be included in one of the stories included in the Saturday Report.
I'm looking forward to see where the Judge's Quarters end up. Presumably hizzoner won't want to work so close to the courthouse and its criminal element.
dave
Regarding the Judge's remarks............... Tom........ you need to create a derelict looking person that represents yourself and put it in the alley. We will be able to pick the guy out... it's the one with a diet pepsi can in his hand.
see ya
Bob
Quote from: bparrish on August 19, 2021, 01:35:40 PM
...It's the one with a diet pepsi can in his hand. ...
Unless Tom keeps it hidden in a brown paper bag...
dave
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on August 18, 2021, 06:55:14 PM
Great progress, Tom. You've got up a nice head of steam!
I like that alleyway - that will add some nice drama to the scene. Also like that see-through car - what a great idea.
Cheers, Mark.
Mark, Cheers,
Thank you. Everything is going smoothly now. I like the new me for now.
The alleyway will make a great scene for some of Tahope's finest citizens. I'm sure the police will be involved as well.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Judge on August 19, 2021, 09:03:08 AM
The alleyway will no doubt be the scene of nefarious criminal activity - on account of its proximity to the bail bondsman's office, which is conveniently located next to the courthouse/jail. Local criminals tend to frequent such places. The alleyway will soon be included in one of the stories included in the Saturday Report.
Bill,
I can only imagine what will come it the story. In fact, this has the potential for several stories.
Tom ;D
Quote from: deemery on August 19, 2021, 12:35:11 PM
I'm looking forward to see where the Judge's Quarters end up. Presumably hizzoner won't want to work so close to the courthouse and its criminal element.
dave
Dave,
I have a spot for the JQ's. Should be able to plant it in the next few months. Thank you again for the structure.
Tom
Tom
Quote from: bparrish on August 19, 2021, 01:35:40 PM
Regarding the Judge's remarks............... Tom........ you need to create a derelict looking person that represents yourself and put it in the alley. We will be able to pick the guy out... it's the one with a diet pepsi can in his hand.
see ya
Bob
Bill,I am a derelict Diet Pepsi drinking person for sure. However, I'll tell you now the alleyway will be the scene of a police shooting. 8) More on this later this year. :-X Tom ;D
Quote from: deemery on August 19, 2021, 01:50:56 PM
Quote from: bparrish on August 19, 2021, 01:35:40 PM
...It's the one with a diet pepsi can in his hand. ...
Unless Tom keeps it hidden in a brown paper bag...
dave
Dave,
Nope, I'm a proud card carrying member of the Diet Pepsi Drinking Team. 8) Everything in plan view.
Tom ;D
I used cork roadbed to line the street north of Downtown Tahope. Tahope's Main Street is 25 HO scale feet wide. After crossing North Ave., the road remains at 25' and just after the apartment building the road gradually narrows to 21 HO scale feet wide.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-180821175519.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-180821175533.jpeg)
More in a few.
My Babe bought me the new FOS Flat Iron District kit for Christmas. She has been a keeper for the past 32 years.
This huge kit will occupy the area to the left of the hotel.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-180821175546.jpeg)
The 1X3s indicate where the Flat Iron District will be on the layout.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-180821175559.jpeg)
More in a few.
I was going through one of my old misc. item boxes and found this sheet of Holgate Reynolds street brick sheet.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-190821163720.jpeg)
I decided to use some small pieces and have the brick show through the concrete on North Avenue.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-190821163737.jpeg)
Continued -
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-190821163750.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-190821163805.jpeg)
This section of the road is now 21 HO scale feet wide.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-190821163820.jpeg)
Where the road approaches the track, there is quite a bit of a drop off from the street to the edge of the track.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-190821163908.jpeg)
Continued -
Here is how I made the transition to the track level.
I marked the concrete expansion joints every HO scale 15 ft. I marked this end section/joint on the 2 ply cardboard. The X's show the portion of the road to be removed.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-190821163848.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-190821163920.jpeg)
Continued -
The foam came next.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-190821163934.jpeg)
Notice I left a little of the foam. This will give me a base to glue the extension.
Time for a cold Diet Pepsi.
I cut a piece of 2 ply to fit the track radius and the end of the roadway.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-190821164013.jpeg)
The 2 ply is thick so I used a new #11 Xacto blade and cut one ply thickness off the back where it sits on the outside track ties.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-190821164054.jpeg)
Continued -
Now I have a nice tight fit as shown below.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-190821164026.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-190821164039.jpeg)
Done for today.
Quote from: ACL1504 on August 19, 2021, 04:51:15 PM
.... However, I'll tell you now the alleyway will be the scene of a police shooting. 8) More on this later this year. :-X ...
I just finished a mystery where the sister of the victim seduces a cop then shoots the murder, so that cop will produce an alibi for her :-) :-)
dave
Quote from: deemery on August 19, 2021, 05:25:05 PM
Quote from: ACL1504 on August 19, 2021, 04:51:15 PM
.... However, I'll tell you now the alleyway will be the scene of a police shooting. 8) More on this later this year. :-X ...
I just finished a mystery where the sister of the victim seduces a cop then shoots the murder, so that cop will produce an alibi for her :-) :-)
dave
Dave,If the mystery is fact or fiction, I'm sure it has happened. I had a case of something similar as a rookie officer. I'd put it in the "Stories from the street" but that thread has very few followers. After all it is a train and modeling forum.Tom ;D
Looks great Tom. Really looking forward to the Flat Iron District!
Jerry
Quote from: Jerry on August 19, 2021, 11:30:27 PM
Looks great Tom. Really looking forward to the Flat Iron District!
Jerry
Jerry,
Thank you, appreciate the positive comment. The FOS Flat Iron won't be shipped until December 15, 2021.
I plan to start it as soon as I get it.
Tom ;D
I took a look at the kit on the FOS site and I think, with a few modifications it will look perfect in Tahope. 8)
Quote from: ACL1504 on August 20, 2021, 04:18:59 PM
Quote from: Jerry on August 19, 2021, 11:30:27 PM
Looks great Tom. Really looking forward to the Flat Iron District!
Jerry
Jerry,
Thank you, appreciate the positive comment. The FOS Flat Iron won't be shipped until December 15, 2021.
I plan to start it as soon as I get it.
Tom ;D
Wait a minute....if that's a Christmas present you can't start it until the 25th! ;D
Quote from: GPdemayo on August 21, 2021, 10:08:15 AM
I took a look at the kit on the FOS site and I think, with a few modifications it will look perfect in Tahope. 8)
Greg,
I agree. The tower on the end of the grocery store is one such modification.
Tom ;D
Quote from: ReadingBob on August 21, 2021, 10:41:37 AM
Quote from: ACL1504 on August 20, 2021, 04:18:59 PM
Quote from: Jerry on August 19, 2021, 11:30:27 PM
Looks great Tom. Really looking forward to the Flat Iron District!
Jerry
Jerry,
Thank you, appreciate the positive comment. The FOS Flat Iron won't be shipped until December 15, 2021.
I plan to start it as soon as I get it.
Tom ;D
Wait a minute....if that's a Christmas present you can't start it until the 25th! ;D
Bob,The days between the 15th and the 25th are going to be a long 10 days. I'm sure she'll make me wait. Bummer. :'( Tom ;D
Sometimes things just don't work as desired. When the 3/8" threaded rods were used to support the upper level, they worked perfectly to adjust the level of the benchwork.
What didn't work as desired was the excessive amount of "sway" of the third level. When the 3/8" rods were used further nouth of this location, it was much closer to the benchwork which was bolted to the wall.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220821173905.jpeg)
The rods in question are 15.7 feet from that part of the layout bolted to the wall. The "sway factor" was just under 1.5". If the steel 3/8" threaded rods were to be bent due to the excessive sway, it would be very difficult to realign the upper level.
To correct this "sway factor", I used 1X2 #2 pine from New Zealand. Not the the pine is better from there it's just what Lowe's sells in the quality lumber racks.
So, next to the threaded rods I doubled screwed the 1X2s. Of course, I rechecked the levels prior to attaching the 1X2s.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220821173828.jpeg)
Continued in a few.
This isn't the profile look I wanted for the supports but it is better than having the layout off center the further I build out the third level or Summit as we call it.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220821173851.jpeg)
You can also see I installed the upper level fascia while I was making the adjustment with the 1X2s.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-220821173925.jpeg)
The good news is the addition of the 1X2s pretty much stopped the "sway factor". It now moves only less than 1/16".
As long as Greg keeps his elbows off the third level, we are all good to go! 8)
I wonder if a steel 2x4 would have been a better choice, in part because of dimensional stability in humidity... If the wood expands while the steel rods don't, things could get a little funky.
dave
Dave,
A steel bar would work for sure. I'm not concerned about humidity with this.
I should have mentioned part of the sway was due to how the threaded rods were installed. The rods were used mainly to enable me to adjust the level. The rods are floating in the 2X2s. Meaning they are loose and the weight of the benchwork holds them in place. The washers keep the rod level in the 2X2 so the adjustment can be made. The holes for the rods are larger than the rod and this also was a major contributor in the swaying.
The double screwed 1X2s solved the problem.
Granted they are much more visible than the rods but this is a concession I'm willing to live with.
Tom ;D
Quote from: ACL1504 on August 23, 2021, 12:49:40 PM
Dave,
A steel bar would work for sure. I'm not concerned about humidity with this.
I should have mentioned part of the sway was due to how the threaded rods were installed. The rods were used mainly to enable me to adjust the level. The rods are floating in the 2X2s. Meaning they are loose and the weight of the benchwork holds them in place. The washers keep the rod level in the 2X2 so the adjustment can be made. The holes for the rods are larger than the rod and this also was a major contributor in the swaying.
The double screwed 1X2s solved the problem.
Granted they are much more visible than the rods but this is a concession I'm willing to live with.
Tom ;D
Tom
If you decide that you want to eliminate the view issue with the wood, mount the steel rods with steel L-brackets that create a fixed joint. I have to believe that 90% plus of the sway is coming from the joints. Is the opposite end attached to the building in any way?
John,
I appreciate the in put on the issue. The 1X2s are very sturdy and I believe that mounting L brackets will result in the same sturdiness. I'll know more when I mount the other 8 ft. section.
Tom ;D
ACL 1504,
I'm liking the 1x2's idea, I remember someone building a second layer once before using wider boards.
KP-out...
https://youtu.be/ulwUkaKjgY0?t=76
KPI,
Funny, and a good funny movie. Thanks for the laugh!
"T" ;D
I finally found a spot of the Trackside Tavern. This is another Reading Bob build. It is within walking distance of the roundhouse so lots of railroad men, er, persons, will be drinking here.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250821152948.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250821153002.jpeg)
Continued -
I traced the outline on the cardboard and then cut that piece out.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250821153015.jpeg)
Now the tavern fits nicely in this location.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250821153031.jpeg)
More in a few.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250821153043.jpeg)
I drew in the expansion joints in the area where the bail bonds office and apartment building is located.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250821153103.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250821153115.jpeg)
Continued -
Prior to painting, I used a metal ruler and scribe and scribed the expansion joints. Floquil Aged Concrete was painted on full strength with a soft bristle brush.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250821153127.jpeg)
After the paint dried, not cured, I used pastel chalks to weather the concrete. Floquil takes 2-3 days to fully cure depending on how thick it was applied.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250821153143.jpeg)
Time for a Diet Pepsi, back in a few more.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250821153156.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250821153209.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250821153237.jpeg)
The rest of the main road will be painted with Floquil CN Gray and weathered accordingly.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250821153250.jpeg)
Continued -
The road around Eaton's Curve is painted with Floquil CN Gray and weathered with pastels.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250821153305.jpeg)
Finished for now.
Looking good, Tom.
A couple of things ...
Now feel free to shoot me down here - but its been my experience that roads generally show ware from wheel markings, and as such I would expect four weathered lines across the road rather than two? I did a quick google image search and seemed to find backing for this thought.
Secondly - although the tavern fits into that space well, it seems a bit odd that the front door does not face the street. I wondered whether a subway coming under the tracks (across the benchwork) and popping up in front of the tavern might be a solution - giving a good foot traffic flow and a reason for the reversal of the tavern? You could continue the walkway along the left side of the tavern to the street. It would add some drama, and perhaps some lighting and a cool mini scene (maybe a mugging in action)?
Cheers, Mark.
Mark, Cheers,
No need to shoot you down. I want feedback from followers of the thread. Now, that said, I'm not sure I've ever seen a road where the tire tracks show and not the oil slick down the center. Are you possibly talking about the lighter portion of the road on either side of the oil slick?
This isn't a southern road obviously but it does show the darker pattern down the middle.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250821173933.jpeg)
The tavern is such an odd shaped building it is hard to find a spot where it fits. I have it facing the workers leaving work.
It won't fit facing the road.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250821173947.jpeg)
This is the only other option without moving it to a different location.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-250821174257.jpeg)
I appreciate you taking the time to voice your concerns.
Tom ;D
Everything looks great Tom.
Hi Tom.
Even the photo you show looks to me more like four lighter tire tracks rather than an oil slick in the center of each side of the road. Notice how the road is darker again by the center line and by the edges of the road? I've found some photos of NZ roads, and for what ever reason we seem to have the same pattern except the tire marks are darker.
Maybe I should swap the work 'subway' for 'pedestrian underpass'. A set of steps coming up from the ground in front of the tavern in the original position you had it in. Below is a link to the sort of thing I saw in my minds eye - the second photo in particular.
https://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/west-end-pedestrian-underpass-soon-to-be-closed-to-public/article_3d612745-11d0-5b9a-a8d5-cbf8d6fe74ec.html
Cheers, Mark.
Tom,
Your roads look fine to me. The darker area in the center of the lanes could be a little wider IMO. Roads today look nothing like the roads of the 50's. Then cars had road draft tubes that blew any compression leakage along with any oil that passed the rings directly onto the road. Carbureted engines fed too much gasoline to the cylinders especially under acceleration. That led to engine wear and oil blowby. The oil not only came from any crankcase leaks, but also straight out the tailpipe of any worn engines. Roads today are much cleaner due to the complex emission systems. Just my two cents, and maybe not worth that...
Tahope is starting to come to life.....I bet the planning and zoning commission meetings are a hoot, since all the major decisions are made in that Pullman car parked by the freight house. ;D
Hey Tom:
This area is starting to come together. It's looking just fantastic. I'm following along with great interest.
Karl
Quote from: PRR Modeler on August 25, 2021, 07:11:08 PM
Everything looks great Tom.
Curt,
Thank you my friend. Much appreciate you checking in.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on August 25, 2021, 07:23:45 PM
Hi Tom.
Even the photo you show looks to me more like four lighter tire tracks rather than an oil slick in the center of each side of the road. Notice how the road is darker again by the center line and by the edges of the road? I've found some photos of NZ roads, and for what ever reason we seem to have the same pattern except the tire marks are darker.
Maybe I should swap the work 'subway' for 'pedestrian underpass'. A set of steps coming up from the ground in front of the tavern in the original position you had it in. Below is a link to the sort of thing I saw in my minds eye - the second photo in particular.
https://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/west-end-pedestrian-underpass-soon-to-be-closed-to-public/article_3d612745-11d0-5b9a-a8d5-cbf8d6fe74ec.html (https://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/west-end-pedestrian-underpass-soon-to-be-closed-to-public/article_3d612745-11d0-5b9a-a8d5-cbf8d6fe74ec.html)
Cheers, Mark.
Mark, Cheers,
I see what you are talking about in ref. to the tire marks. You see two tire tracks in each lane and I see two oil patterns down the middle of each lane.
I definitely don't have the room for a pedestrian underpass. That would really be a great feature to model. We had one like the second photo in Orlando where school children had to cross a major highway. When the school closed, the underpass was sealed off. It is still under the highway though.
Thank you my friend for taking the time to post your thoughts. I very much appreciate your input.
Tom ;D
Quote from: jerryrbeach on August 25, 2021, 07:56:24 PM
Tom,
Your roads look fine to me. The darker area in the center of the lanes could be a little wider IMO. Roads today look nothing like the roads of the 50's. Then cars had road draft tubes that blew any compression leakage along with any oil that passed the rings directly onto the road. Carbureted engines fed too much gasoline to the cylinders especially under acceleration. That led to engine wear and oil blowby. The oil not only came from any crankcase leaks, but also straight out the tailpipe of any worn engines. Roads today are much cleaner due to the complex emission systems. Just my two cents, and maybe not worth that...
Jerry,The newer roads of today certainly don't show the oil spills of old. Many of our older roads still have the oil pattern. My old 1947 Ford (Fix Or Repair Daily) sedan had an oil blow by. This is a late 40's early 50's layout so the oil patterns are numerous.I was thinking the darker oil pattern was to wide.(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-260821175811.jpeg)Tom ;D
Quote from: GPdemayo on August 26, 2021, 07:28:50 AM
Tahope is starting to come to life.....I bet the planning and zoning commission meetings are a hoot, since all the major decisions are made in that Pullman car parked by the freight house. ;D
Greg,
Tahope I get it finished. You know those meeting are discussed over money passing from one hand to the other.
Tom ;D
Quote from: postalkarl on August 26, 2021, 12:36:49 PM
Hey Tom:
This area is starting to come together. It's looking just fantastic. I'm following along with great interest.
Karl
Karl,
Thanks very much, appreciate the kind compliment. Happy to have you on the wagon.
Tom ;D
The trackside tavern is out for now. FOS Burlesque Review is now in place. It features live girls as opposed to dead girls. :P
I think the railroad workers would rathe see some skin instead of the bottom of a beer mug. Here, they can have both.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-260821174128.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-260821174145.jpeg)
More in a few.
Here we are looking SE towards downtown Tahope.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-260821174157.jpeg)
Here are a few structures that may find a spot along the east side of the highway. No particular order or position.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-260821174210.jpeg)
Continued -
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-260821174223.jpeg)
I should have another update tomorrow evening.
I'm sure the Revue facility will provide some fodder for the Judge's Saturday Stories!
dave
Looking good, Tom.
I really like the road running diagonally through the scene - it will make for some interesting viewing. You will have fun placing all those structures.
It seems you have moved on from the trackside tavern for now - but for interests sake I calculated you would need an area 81mm x 31mm to build the underpass as shown in the photo (along with a footpath parallel to it). That allows for an 11' drop in height and steps with a rise of 7" and a run of 11" and 5' space for a return at the top. Of course you could always put a 180 degree turn in the stairs down and reduce the length required. regardless, I have filed the pictures and am thinking Tellynott could do with one of those underpasses.
It would seem that the real problem with your roads is that I am too young! Oh well - not a bad problem to have. By the time I got my drivers license in 85 most cars were pretty good at keeping the oil in the car.
Your progress is astounding! And having said that its time for me to roll up my sleeves and do some modeling of my own.
Cheers, Mark.
Hey Tom:
That's quite A little town. You never cease to amaze me with your modeling. Can't wait to see it finished.
Karl
Tom,
After a long hiatus from this site and your fourth page and some of your third, I am just catching up with your progress and there is much of it. It all is coming along quite well, but something we all would expect from your ethics. More importantly, I am glad that you got through your bout of Covid and came out on the other side. I still get headaches, or a runny nose at some of the most inconvenient moments. But, back to the progress and a question.
Is there a reason that you chose to support the next level from the bottom instead of the top? Why did you not consider hanging the final level from the roof rafters? Gussets could have provided longitudinal and lateral support and the space between levels would have been clear.
Again, looking very nice!
Bob
Quote from: deemery on August 26, 2021, 08:06:01 PM
I'm sure the Revue facility will provide some fodder for the Judge's Saturday Stories!
dave
Dave,That's probably a good bet.Tom ;D
Quote from: ACL1504 on August 28, 2021, 04:37:56 PM
Quote from: deemery on August 26, 2021, 08:06:01 PM
I'm sure the Revue facility will provide some fodder for the Judge's Saturday Stories!
dave
Dave,
That's probably a good bet.
Tom ;D
I wonder if some of the (more distinguished) customers will end up appearing at the Judge's Chambers, rather than in open court...
dave
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on August 26, 2021, 09:22:52 PM
Looking good, Tom.
I really like the road running diagonally through the scene - it will make for some interesting viewing. You will have fun placing all those structures.
It seems you have moved on from the trackside tavern for now - but for interests sake I calculated you would need an area 81mm x 31mm to build the underpass as shown in the photo (along with a footpath parallel to it). That allows for an 11' drop in height and steps with a rise of 7" and a run of 11" and 5' space for a return at the top. Of course you could always put a 180 degree turn in the stairs down and reduce the length required. regardless, I have filed the pictures and am thinking Tellynott could do with one of those underpasses.
It would seem that the real problem with your roads is that I am too young! Oh well - not a bad problem to have. By the time I got my drivers license in 85 most cars were pretty good at keeping the oil in the car.
Your progress is astounding! And having said that its time for me to roll up my sleeves and do some modeling of my own.
Cheers, Mark.
Mark, Cheers,I always welcome your input on the thread. You have many great ideas and I love how Tellynott is coming along.I also really like the pedestrian underpass idea - just don't have the room for it here. I got my driver's license in 1961 and the oil stains were every where. At top signs and red lights you could really see all the cars that dropped oil as the cars were waiting to move. Being young is definitely a very good thing. Think of all the time you have to work on you empire.Again, thank you for the support and very kind compliment.Tom ;D
Quote from: RWL on August 28, 2021, 11:00:25 AM
Tom,
After a long hiatus from this site and your fourth page and some of your third, I am just catching up with your progress and there is much of it. It all is coming along quite well, but something we all would expect from your ethics. More importantly, I am glad that you got through your bout of Covid and came out on the other side. I still get headaches, or a runny nose at some of the most inconvenient moments. But, back to the progress and a question.
Is there a reason that you chose to support the next level from the bottom instead of the top? Why did you not consider hanging the final level from the roof rafters? Gussets could have provided longitudinal and lateral support and the space between levels would have been clear.
Again, looking very nice!
Bob
Bob,
Thank you for the kind words, much appreciated.
Good to hear from you. Glad you are over it as well. After 10 months post Covid-19 my stamina is back but I still have a few other issues. I also have a runny nose at times that is inconvenient. I still have a dry cough that comes on for no apparent reason. Mainly, my taste seems to be off since last November when it really hit me the worst. Some foods taste sour to me when I know they are fresh. I no longer eat cereal as the milk always taste bad and past the drinkable date. But I'm happy to have survived.
No particular reason for the support from the bottom vs the top. It was a topic for several months and it was seriously considered. However, Covid-19 hit at the Langford residence and I simply didn't feel like crawling in the attic to attach anything from the layout to the joists. My attic space in the train building is shallow, only about 28 inches from joists to the rafters. Also, I didn't want to go through the ceiling drywall.
So, I opted to support it from the bottom. The vertical 1X2 supports do visually impair the viewing of the layout but I'll live with it.
I'll call you in a few days as I have some questions I'd like to discuss with you.
Tom ;D
Quote from: deemery on August 28, 2021, 05:01:14 PM
Quote from: ACL1504 on August 28, 2021, 04:37:56 PM
Quote from: deemery on August 26, 2021, 08:06:01 PM
I'm sure the Revue facility will provide some fodder for the Judge's Saturday Stories!
dave
Dave,
That's probably a good bet.
Tom ;D
I wonder if some of the (more distinguished) customers will end up appearing at the Judge's Chambers, rather than in open court...
dave
Dave,
We have a new court house so the Judge's Chambers will be used for unsuspecting tourist and citizens who may or may not have violated the speed laws in Tahope. We can generate revenue on the weekends when the main court house is closed. :-X
Tom 8)
Hey Tom:
Looking just beautiful buddy. I think I built several of this kits over the years. Have fun.
Karl
Tom this is going to be a great scene. Up to your usual wonderful work.
Jerry
Tom,
This town scene looks pretty cool. The only thing that seems "Out of place" to me is the location of the flop house. For some reason, I think it should be next to the "Live Girls" bar in town. I can't imagine why I think that.....
Also, do you have any plans for a intersection in the town? Perhaps the citizens can marvel at a working traffic light. We have some towns like that here in Idaho.
All the Best to you and the family Tom, Call me anytime.
The Diet Pepsi Kid.
;D ;D 8)
Tom
Your town scene is looking great. Having made my living in the auto industry I enjoyed your discussion with Mark about how your layout timeframe affects how you need to weather the roads. Motor seal technology really has improved over the years. The same thing has happened with tires and the amount of rubber being left behind on the turns. I suppose traffic volume has made up for that, though.
Quote from: postalkarl on August 29, 2021, 07:16:22 AM
Hey Tom:
Looking just beautiful buddy. I think I built several of this kits over the years. Have fun.
Karl
Karl,
Thank you, much appreciated. Yea, these are some of the earlier FOS kits so I think you probably have built them all.
Tom ;D
Quote from: S&S RR on August 30, 2021, 09:02:49 AM
Tom
Your town scene is looking great. Having made my living in the auto industry I enjoyed your discussion with Mark about how your layout timeframe affects how you need to weather the roads. Motor seal technology really has improved over the years. The same thing has happened with tires and the amount of rubber being left behind on the turns. I suppose traffic volume has made up for that, though.
John,Thanks for the compliment. The newer roads and highways in my area look like no cars have every been on the road. This is after a couple of years. The older roads look like some dark gray paint was spilled down the middle. And, the traffic volume has really made the difference here also.Tom ;D
I've made great progress on the layout but haven't had time to post any updates. Hopefully later this week. I have a lot gong on this week.
Quote from: ACL1504 on August 28, 2021, 05:45:02 PM
Quote from: deemery on August 28, 2021, 05:01:14 PM
Quote from: ACL1504 on August 28, 2021, 04:37:56 PM
Quote from: deemery on August 26, 2021, 08:06:01 PM
I'm sure the Revue facility will provide some fodder for the Judge's Saturday Stories!
dave
Dave,
That's probably a good bet.
Tom ;D
I wonder if some of the (more distinguished) customers will end up appearing at the Judge's Chambers, rather than in open court...
dave
Dave,
We have a new court house so the Judge's Chambers will be used for unsuspecting tourist and citizens who may or may not have violated the speed laws in Tahope. We can generate revenue on the weekends when the main court house is closed. :-X
Tom 8)
Muldraugh Hill, just south of Louisville, KY? Outside the gates to Fort Knox. Ask me how I know about night time and weekend speed traps.
Chip,
I also remember the "traps". I know full well how they work. 8)
Tom ;D
Hey Tom:
You are quite welcome as always.
Karl
Tom - I always enjoy your "stuff ". Jim
Quote from: postalkarl on September 02, 2021, 07:58:47 AM
Hey Tom:
You are quite welcome as always.
Karl
Karl,
Always happy to have you follow on this adventure.
Tom ;D
Quote from: jrmueller on September 02, 2021, 09:47:50 AM
Tom - I always enjoy your "stuff ". Jim
Jim,
happy to have you enjoying my stuff. Let me know if I get to stuffy! :P
Tom ;D
Well, once again I find myself behind on the thread updates.
I can now say all the ballast is finished on the Midlands level excluding the roundhouse area. All the mainline track is now finished. I'm still filling in the scenery as I go.
This view is of the west side of the center isle looking south.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-020921175154.jpeg)
I also started the park area on the east side just north of Downtown Tahope.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-020921175114.jpeg)
Continued -
I used 2 ply cardboard and cut out the sidewalk and monument area.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-020921175127.jpeg)
I drew in expansion joints and painted on Floquil Concrete.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-020921175213.jpeg)
More in a few.
I purchased from hobby Lobby some Woodpile wood discs.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-020921175227.jpeg)
As the glue was drying, the discs started to warp so I used mini clamps to hold them (two days) together while the glue dried.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-020921180817.jpeg)
Continued -
Now, I have a spot to proudly display General Robert E. Lee. This is the South in the late 1940s and early 1950s, so no WOKE crap is going to pull this monument down. And, I have 9MM reasons to back this up.
There will also be a pole proudly showing the American Flag and the Flag of the South below it.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-020921175309.jpeg)
Now, I'm gong to get a nice very cold Diet Pepsi and call it a successful day.
Very well done. I like it.
Eric
Neat feature, Tom.
Looking forward to the finished scene.
I assume the warped timber was not from NZ?
Cheers, Mark.
Everything looks awesome Tom.
Tom you never cease to amaze me and inspire me with your modeling. Love that statue idea.
Bernd
Love the statue Tom.....yours is going up as the one in Virginia is coming down. I guess the inmates are truly running the asylumn. >:(
Quote from: EricQuebec on September 02, 2021, 06:27:10 PM
Very well done. I like it.
Eric
Eric,
Thank you, appreciate the support on the thread. This is a fun little project.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on September 02, 2021, 07:46:47 PM
Neat feature, Tom.
Looking forward to the finished scene.
I assume the warped timber was not from NZ?
Cheers, Mark.
Mark, Cheers,
Thank you. No, the wood discs are from China so they warped. No NZ wood would warp. Honestly, I prefer the 1X3s from NZ over the wood grown and cut here. The NZ 1X3s are far superior to our #2 pine.
Tom ;D
Quote from: PRR Modeler on September 02, 2021, 07:57:52 PM
Everything looks awesome Tom.
Curt,
Thank you also. Your check is in the mail. A very very small check! :-X
Tom ;D
Quote from: Bernd on September 02, 2021, 09:51:28 PM
Tom you never cease to amaze me and inspire me with your modeling. Love that statue idea.
Bernd
Bernd,
Thank you, very much appreciated. This is a fun project to do.
Tom ;D
Quote from: GPdemayo on September 03, 2021, 07:53:32 AM
Love the statue Tom.....yours is going up as the one in Virginia is coming down. I guess the inmates are truly running the asylumn. >:(
Greg,
Thank you also. The WOKE community is out of control. And the sad thing is we allow it.
Tom ;D
Can't remember who asked for the following photos but here they are. The photo shows the layout as you walk in and stand between the two book cases.
The distance between the book cases to the south wall is 40 ft. 8 inches.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-030921171547.jpeg)
The upper level, Summit as the Judges calls it, will be 36ft. 8 inches from the south wall.
The next photo shows a length of 26 ft. from the wall. I still have another 10ft 8 inches of bench work left for the Summit level.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-030921171632.jpeg)
Continued -
Another 8 ft. of LED lighting was installed under the upper level bench work.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-030921171619.jpeg)
But of course!
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-030921171645.jpeg)
Time to grab a Diet Pepsi and call it a day.
Looks great Tom.
Fantastic space, Tom.
You have certainly designed a layout which makes the most of it. Where on your threads would I find the most up-to-date plan?
Cheers, Mark.
Nice job on the statue base...I've got an O scale sea captain figure I've been saving for a similar project. I think that's an element that I've seen many times that always adds a good bit of interest.
Looks great to me!!!
Jerry
General Lee wore a uniform with three stars on the collar. Most people think that designates Lieutenant General rank but that is not the case. In the Confederate Army, stars designated field grade officer rank. One star designated the rank of major, two stars designated the rank of lieutenant colonel, and three stars designated the rank of Colonel. I don't know why Lee insisted on wearing Colonel's rank insignia. General Officers wore a rank insignia that was a rectangle within which three stars were enclosed by a wreath. All general officers wore the same insignia, regardless of their rank.
If you wish to learn more of this interesting trivia, check it out at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranks_and_insignia_of_the_Confederate_States
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on September 03, 2021, 06:38:16 PM
Fantastic space, Tom.
You have certainly designed a layout which makes the most of it. Where on your threads would I find the most up-to-date plan?
Cheers, Mark.
Mark, Cheers,
After seeing how Cliff Powers did his Magnolia Route layout this was a no brainer. My old one came down in 2013 and this one started.
Greg and I are working on a track plan. Stay tuned.
Tom ;D
Quote from: cuse on September 04, 2021, 06:46:15 AM
Nice job on the statue base...I've got an O scale sea captain figure I've been saving for a similar project. I think that's an element that I've seen many times that always adds a good bit of interest.
John,
Thank you, appreciate the comment. I've been planning this one for years.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Jerry on September 04, 2021, 01:33:33 PM
Looks great to me!!!
Jerry
Jerry,
Thank you, I love it.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Judge on September 05, 2021, 08:41:09 AM
General Lee wore a uniform with three stars on the collar. Most people think that designates Lieutenant General rank but that is not the case. In the Confederate Army, stars designated field grade officer rank. One star designated the rank of major, two stars designated the rank of lieutenant colonel, and three stars designated the rank of Colonel. I don't know why Lee insisted on wearing Colonel's rank insignia. General Officers wore a rank insignia that was a rectangle within which three stars were enclosed by a wreath. All general officers wore the same insignia, regardless of their rank.
If you wish to learn more of this interesting trivia, check it out at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranks_and_insignia_of_the_Confederate_States (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranks_and_insignia_of_the_Confederate_States)
Bill,
Appreciate the history on the ranks.
Tom ;D
I added more detail to the park area. The four slabs are for benches around the statue.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-060921174530.jpeg)
I also added a round slab for the flag pole.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-060921174612.jpeg)
More in a few.
I added some grass and will add some bushes later when this dries.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-060921174625.jpeg)
I may also add a small fence around the park. More on this later.
Time for a Diet Pepsi, back in a few.
I will often place a structure in a location and let it sit for a week or two. If it fits the eye after that period of time, I'll know it and leave it. If not, it goes to another location for study later.
I've had the structures in the photos below in this location for the better part of two plus weeks. Some work and others don't.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-060921174658.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-060921174644.jpeg)
Continued in a few.
Thornhill Liquors and the pawn shop work.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-060921174730.jpeg)
Honest Joe's Pawn works and will stay.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-060921174842.jpeg)
Continued -
The Judge's Quarters and the flop house will stay.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-060921174743.jpeg)
The Green Dragon will stay and the Jazz Club will go.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-060921174819.jpeg)
The structures that will stay may not necessarily remain in their current spot.
Continued -
Lastly, Hokum's Burlesque will go. It just doesn't make sense here. It will go on the third level next to FOSs Red Light District.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-060921174715.jpeg)
A bar or two will go here better so the railroad workers can spent their money drinking. If they are short of money, they can visit the pawn shop or get a loan from Honest Joe.
I see a story in the future here.
FOS' The Pub Crawl will fit nicely here instead of Hokum's. The next photo was borrowed from the FOS site.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-060921174931.jpeg)
Continued -
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-060921174903.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-060921174915.jpeg)
Done for today.
Looking good, Tom.
The Pub crawl has long been one of my favourite of FOS scale's designs. All those little add on's and details give it a lot of character.
I really felt either the king of clubs or the green dragon had to go. Your choices on what to keep and what to use else where make a lot of sense.
Cheers, Mark.
Very glad to see Judge's Quarters find a good home in the appropriate "business" district...
davve
I wonder if a movie theater would be a good fit. If you don't already have it I have the FOS Drake Theater (still in kit form) that you're welcome to. ;)
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on September 06, 2021, 06:43:48 PM
Looking good, Tom.
The Pub crawl has long been one of my favourite of FOS scale's designs. All those little add on's and details give it a lot of character.
I really felt either the king of clubs or the green dragon had to go. Your choices on what to keep and what to use else where make a lot of sense.
Cheers, Mark.
Mark, Cheers,
Thanks, appreciate the feedback. King of Clubs can and will be used elsewhere and I'm still not 100% sure I'll leave the Green Dragon. The Pub Crawl has been one of my favorites also and I'm looking forward to building it.
Tom ;D
Quote from: deemery on September 06, 2021, 07:18:12 PM
Very glad to see Judge's Quarters find a good home in the appropriate "business" district...
davve
Dave,
The Judge's Quarters is almost catty cornered from the Court House. Just the place for weekend offenders to appear.
Thanks again for the build.
Tom ;D
Quote from: ReadingBob on September 07, 2021, 07:02:17 AM
I wonder if a movie theater would be a good fit. If you don't already have it I have the FOS Drake Theater (still in kit form) that you're welcome to. ;)
Bob,
I also have the Drake Theatre but I appreciate the offer. Hard to believe I've had it since it came out in 2004 as FOS kit #50 and I haven't built it yet. It has a fairly large foot print with all Doug has added. However, just the theatre will fit on the main street of Tahope. The pop corn stand and the small diner can be used somewhere else.
Great idea.
Tom ;D
Reading Bob mentioned he had the FOS Drake Theatre. I have one as well so now we know where 2 of the 300 Limited Run kits are. This kit, #50, was released in November 2004 and is long out of production.
For those of you that aren't familiar with the kit, here is a photo of the theatre. I'll use it in Downtown Tahope.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-070921181221.jpeg)
I've decided to not use the Green Dragon or the King of Clubs. Instead, I'm pulling out an old FOS kit.
Red Bird Taxi & Auto Repair will fit better in this part of Tahope. The kit is #20 and was released in 2002 or 2003. It is also long out of production.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-070921181235.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-070921181247.jpeg)
Continued -
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-070921181305.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-070921181317.jpeg)
Interesting choices going on for this town Tom. Looking Good as always.
Hang in there and By God, Get ANOTHER Diet Pepsi already!
8) 8) :o
Quote from: Bruce Oberleitner on September 07, 2021, 07:39:40 PM
Interesting choices going on for this town Tom. Looking Good as always.
Hang in there and By God, Get ANOTHER Diet Pepsi already!
8) 8) :o
Bruce,
I have lots to choose from. I like what I've proposed for now. Anyway, thanks for the support on the changes.
I just got a fresh load of Diet Pepsi's this morning.
Tom ;D
So I take it that means that you chartered a cargo plane to drop off the latest shipment of Diet Pepsi?
8) 8) 8)
Bruce - The Tahope International Airlines has only one airplane - it is a 1914 Fokker biplane. The pilot is a former German WWI flying ace named Baron Heinrich Von Henhausen. Air service is not regularly scheduled - mostly charter flights that deliver Diet Pepsi to the A&S's president. Regular deliveries come from Jacksonville on the East Coast Champion.
Thanks for the info Judge. I am sure that this is one of the larger items on the A&S expensive account. How Tom manages to find all these unique people to help out the railroad is truly amazing!
The Diet Pepsi Kid
8) 8) :o
Hey Tom.......will the theater show "The Blob" after ""The Body Snatcher" finishes its run?..... ;D
Quote from: Bruce Oberleitner on September 09, 2021, 07:53:09 PM
So I take it that means that you chartered a cargo plane to drop off the latest shipment of Diet Pepsi?
8) 8) 8)
Cousin Brucie,Wow, can't believe I haven't posted to this build thread since September. Hopefully, I'm back on the road to working on the A&S RR.Tom ;D
Quote from: Judge on September 18, 2021, 03:11:51 PM
Bruce - The Tahope International Airlines has only one airplane - it is a 1914 Fokker biplane. The pilot is a former German WWI flying ace named Baron Heinrich Von Henhausen. Air service is not regularly scheduled - mostly charter flights that deliver Diet Pepsi to the A&S's president. Regular deliveries come from Jacksonville on the East Coast Champion.
Your Honor,
You pretty much summed it all up!
Tom ;D
Quote from: GPdemayo on October 07, 2021, 07:41:59 AM
Hey Tom.......will the theater show "The Blob" after ""The Body Snatcher" finishes its run?..... ;D
Greg,When I get to this build, I'm going to change the movie to the Mole People! My sister Susie took me to see The Mole People one Saturday. She was told not to take me so I wouldn't have any nightmares. Well, she took me anyway and yes. later that night I woke up screaming the mole people were after me. Dad gave me a shot of bourbon to get me back to sleep. Susie and I laugh about that now as I got the bourbon and she got a spanking and was grounded for a month. Yes, I do have the movie. 8) Tom ;D
I walk past this part of the layout no less than a couple dozen times a day. I decided to update the scenery here.
I'll work on this when waiting for paint and glue to dry on structure builds.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-231121174721.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-231121174805.jpeg)
More in a few. I need a cold Diet Pepsi.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-231121174818.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-231121174831.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-261121164227.jpeg)
Posters all over town?
dave
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fayay.co.uk%2Fbackgrounds%2Fb_movie_posters%2Fsci_fi%2Fthe-mole-people.jpg&hash=4bcbfcd19a616466d8e5c4e7ee23a4bf5b283fad)
Tom looking forward to how you redo the area!!
Jerry
Quote from: deemery on November 26, 2021, 07:33:12 PM
Posters all over town?
dave
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fayay.co.uk%2Fbackgrounds%2Fb_movie_posters%2Fsci_fi%2Fthe-mole-people.jpg&hash=4bcbfcd19a616466d8e5c4e7ee23a4bf5b283fad)
Wow! Looks like a geat movie! Who wouldn't want to see this on the big screen with your date, some popcorn and a Diet Pepsi.
;D ;D ;D
Quote from: Jerry on November 28, 2021, 08:51:57 AM
Tom looking forward to how you redo the area!!
Jerry
Jerry,Me too, but now it will have to wait until mid to late January 2022. :'( Tom ;D
Quote from: Bruce Oberleitner on November 29, 2021, 01:05:10 AM
Wow! Looks like a greateat movie! Who wouldn't want to see this on the big screen with your date, some popcorn and a Diet Pepsi.
;D ;D ;D
Bruce,
The Mole People came out in December 1956, I was 10, so no date for me. Diet Pepsi didn't come out until 1964 so I lost all the way around.
Another good one came out in 1954 - The Creature from the Black Lagoon.
Tom ;D
The Judge and I shot another short video this morning. He will have this on his Saturday Report but I'm putting it here as part of the layout build.
We had a trio of ACL F-3s pulling a mixed freight through Tahope. The train is leaving Tahope southbound towards the St. Johns River.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsi4N4nWmFA
Very nice. Those Palm trees are really a nice touch.
John
Tom,
Will be thinking of those Palm trees as the temps in Minnesota drop to single digits.
Really nice video of the freight train too.
Tommy
The Babe has advised that Tom's surgery has been postponed until Thursday due to a minor infection that is being treated at the hospital. Looks like he will be out of contact for at least 10 days. Probably longer.
Hey Tom:
Very nice as it always is. As usual love your Palm Trees.
Karlo
Opps meant Karl
Love the Pluto Water reefer in the video-with love from French Lick, Indiana - hometown of one Larry Bird.
Doug
Quote from: cuse on December 04, 2021, 08:24:50 PM
Very nice. Those Palm trees are really a nice touch.
John
John,
Thank you. I'll be adding more palms and pines to this area when it is redone.
Tom ;D
Quote from: tom.boyd.125 on December 05, 2021, 03:39:21 PM
Tom,
Will be thinking of those Palm trees as the temps in Minnesota drop to single digits.
Really nice video of the freight train too.
Tommy
Tommy,
Thank you for stopping by. I imagine it is quite frigid up in Minnesota this time of year.
Tom ;D
Quote from: Judge on December 07, 2021, 04:51:27 PM
The Babe has advised that Tom's surgery has been postponed until Thursday due to a minor infection that is being treated at the hospital. Looks like he will be out of contact for at least 10 days. Probably longer.
Bill,
Finally, after a month of infectious disease treatments I'm getting the surgery tomorrow.
Tom ;D
Quote from: postalkarl on December 07, 2021, 04:54:36 PM
Hey Tom:
Very nice as it always is. As usual love your Palm Trees.
Karlo
Karl,
Thank you, much appreciated.
Tom ;D
Quote from: NKP768 on December 09, 2021, 12:56:20 PM
Love the Pluto Water reefer in the video-with love from French Lick, Indiana - hometown of one Larry Bird.
Doug
Doug,
The Pluto Water reefer is a must in any freight consist. I learned now where Larry Bird lived or where he grew up.
Tom ;D
Since I haven't posted any updates and haven't been working on the layout, I thought I'd show this video the Judge and I did about a month ago.
https://youtu.be/IxlI-UA2hII (https://youtu.be/IxlI-UA2hII)
Tom
We will all be waiting for your first update when you get back to the layout after your surgery. Spend some of your recovery time thinking up some great new scenes to get going on when you feel up to it. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, my friend.
Hi Uncle Tommie,
I have you in my thoughts and prayers as you know. Good luck tomorrow at the hospital!
;D ;D ;D
Best Wishes and See You Soon Tom,
Take care of your business tomorrow and get back to working on the RR!
John
We're thinking about you this morning.....hope you don't give the nurses to bad a time and see you next week. ;)
Hey Tom:
You are quite welcome.
Karl
Prayers and thoughts for a speedy recovery Tom.
Doug
Hello all,
I'm bumping this thread. I have a lot of catching up to do but I won't have time to do it all. What I plan to do is show some highlights until I'm back to normal with Part 4.
Tom
Great to be home, Tom!
Cheers, Mark.
Mark, Cheers,
Yes, it is. I also have found a home on the other forum.
Tom
I almost hate to ask, what is the other forum?
Darryl,
When I thought this forum was long gone and not coming back, I drifted to the RR Lines forum.
I've been very active there for the past 18 months.
Now, I'm spending a little time on each forum but not to a detailed build as I did in the past.
Don't get me wrong, I love this place and will always participate here but I need to pace myself between the two.
Tom
Atta boy Tom.....keep it coming :)
A lot has been completed on the A&S RR since Jimmy D. shut down the old forum.
I won't attempt to cover all the step by steps as in past post. I will do a Cliff Notes version to bring everyone up to date. I need to go back a dozen pages and see exactly where I stopped.
I should have an updated update tomorrow afternoon.
Tom
I couldn't decide where to start on the update so I'll start on the third level coach yard.
I wanted to have a yard for storage of passenger cars and I had the room. I won't comment here as the photos tell the story.
Remember, I'm giving everyone the Cliff Notes version until I get to the actual update.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123165307-521311047.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123165307-52134807.jpeg)
The two tracks to the right are the passenger train tracks. They lead into the five track passenger station.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123165307-52135307.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123165307-52136823.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123165307-521371282.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123165515-521381657.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123165515-521392036.jpeg)
The cork shows where the diesel service facility will go on the upper level. The upper level is also know as Summit.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123165515-521401367.jpeg)
Done for today.
I started adding ballast to the turntable roundhouse area.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123165515-521411455.jpeg)
This is a very busy area.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123165720-521421618.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123165720-521432486.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123165720-52144764.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123165720-521452038.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123165720-521462337.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123170006-521471763.jpeg)
I removed all structures and equipment from the area.
I painted white glue to the areas between the tracks and added Scenic Express Medium Dirt, some grass and weeds.
The next day I sprayed/misted the area with warm water and then used a large plastic eye dropper to add matte medium as a gluing agent to hold the dirt, grass and weeds.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123170006-521502149.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123170204-521512421.jpeg)
Over several days, I worked towards the roundhouse/turntable area.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123170204-521521642.jpeg)
I marked where the NJ International brass water columns were located and added ballast and scenery around the area.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123170336-52153585.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123170336-521541547.jpeg)
I did the same around the coaling tower.
The test car is one I made after seeing one in a magazine. I built mine for less that $2.00 as the one in the magazine cost $15.00. This is a car to test and make sure no ballast is dried to the rails. It there is, I use this car to find it and remove it so I have smooth track for the locomotives.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123170336-521552331.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123170336-521561559.jpeg)
Great test car! Great looking layout. I last looked in when you were building REA. :-[
Tom,
Nice progress in the engine facility. I also have a transparent test car that I use to test track work as I hand lay it.
Is that acrylic test car home-made, or did you buy it? It's a great idea.
dave
Quote from: Philip on January 05, 2025, 07:16:08 PMGreat test car! Great looking layout. I last looked in when you were building REA. :-[
Philip,
Thank you. The test car is home made after seeing on in the store for $20.
Also, I quit this build thread when this forum shut down. I need to get it update.
Tom
Quote from: elwoodblues on January 05, 2025, 07:52:32 PMTom,
Nice progress in the engine facility. I also have a transparent test car that I use to test track work as I hand lay it.
Ron,
Thank you for the comment. The test car is a great addition to any layout under construction, especially if you hand lay the track.
Tom
Quote from: deemery on January 05, 2025, 07:58:55 PMIs that acrylic test car home-made, or did you buy it? It's a great idea.
dave
Dave,
My friend Jim Miller, now deceased, and I saw a car like this in the hobby shop for around $20.00. We decided to make our own. So, yes, this car is home made. Jim put couplers on his version. I don't know what happened to Jim's, it wasn't in his estate.
Tom
I see my last update to this thread was November 2023.
I'll update this thread but I have a lot of irons in the fire now.
Micro-Mark has those acrylic track inspection cars in both HO and N scale. https://micromark.com/products/micro-mark-track-inspection-car-ho-scale?keyword=track%20ins
dave
Quote from: deemery on January 06, 2025, 05:53:25 PMMicro-Mark has those acrylic track inspection cars in both HO and N scale. https://micromark.com/products/micro-mark-track-inspection-car-ho-scale?keyword=track%20ins
dave
I first saw a car like this at Colonial Photo and Hobby in Orlando some 20+ years ago. Certainly didn't like the $19.95 price.
I wonder where they got their inspiration for the car. It looks very close to mine. Jim and I built ours based on the one at CPH for around $1.75 each. Also, ours isn't as thick as the one MM is selling. Maybe we should have gotten a patent for ours. 8)
Tom
Quote from: ACL1504 on January 07, 2025, 08:14:28 AMQuote from: deemery on January 06, 2025, 05:53:25 PMMicro-Mark has those acrylic track inspection cars in both HO and N scale. https://micromark.com/products/micro-mark-track-inspection-car-ho-scale?keyword=track%20ins
dave
I first saw a car like this at Colonial Photo and Hobby in Orlando some 20+ years ago. Certainly didn't like the $19.95 price.
I wonder where they got their inspiration for the car. It looks very close to mine. Jim and I built ours based on the one at CPH for around $1.75 each. Also, ours isn't as thick as the one MM is selling. Maybe we should have gotten a patent for ours. 8)
Tom
There's a patent lawyer who hangs out at the MRH forums. We got into a discussion of patents and model RR stuff. His SWAG for a patent was $10k-$20k. You'd have to sell a lot of those cars to pay off the patent (lawyer...) >:(
But you could probably sell a bunch here, I'd take 2 (one in HO and the other in N, for my HOn30 track.)
dave
Dave,
I don't think I'd sell enough to make it worth my while. I stopped painting brass for customers as it took to much time away form my own layout and model building.
Tom
How did you make those? Cut the acrylic on a tablesaw or bandsaw?
dave
Quote from: ACL1504 on January 06, 2025, 09:11:08 AM.....My friend Jim Miller, now deceased, and I saw a car like this in the hobby shop for around $20.00. We decided to make our own.....
Tom
And you say I'm thrifty..... ???
Tom, I see I have a lot of catching up to do with this thread.
I'm wondering if the Judge has applied for dual citizenship to this forum...I hope he resumes his Saturday Reports here which previously appeared on the RR Lines Forum...
terry
Quote from: deemery on January 07, 2025, 04:39:30 PMHow did you make those? Cut the acrylic on a tablesaw or bandsaw?
dave
Dave,
Jim Miller cut the material on his table saw. He had some kind of special blade that cut the stuff. The material was also used to make display cases for models. I have no idea where Jim got the material.
Tom
Quote from: GPdemayo on February 02, 2025, 08:30:40 AMQuote from: ACL1504 on January 06, 2025, 09:11:08 AM.....My friend Jim Miller, now deceased, and I saw a car like this in the hobby shop for around $20.00. We decided to make our own.....
Tom
And you say I'm thrifty..... ???
Jim was tighter than you for sure. Me? I'm a big spender.
Tom
Quote from: Rick on February 02, 2025, 08:38:11 AMTom, I see I have a lot of catching up to do with this thread.
Rick,
Well, seeing this I now realize I'm way behind on this thread as well. I stopped posting to this thread when Jimmy D. shut it down 2+ years ago.
I get it going again. Thanks for stopping by.
Tom
Quote from: ACL1504 on February 02, 2025, 01:32:32 PMQuote from: GPdemayo on February 02, 2025, 08:30:40 AMQuote from: ACL1504 on January 06, 2025, 09:11:08 AM.....My friend Jim Miller, now deceased, and I saw a car like this in the hobby shop for around $20.00. We decided to make our own.....
Tom
And you say I'm thrifty..... ???
Jim was tighter than you for sure. Me? I'm a big spender.
Tom
Thank you for that.....and so we don't forget, half the battle is admitting it. :D
Quote from: Vietnam Seabee on February 02, 2025, 09:19:43 AMI'm wondering if the Judge has applied for dual citizenship to this forum...I hope he resumes his Saturday Reports here which previously appeared on the RR Lines Forum...
terry
Terry,
Bill started the stories on this forum many years ago. You can find all his stuff in the thread below.
https://modelersforum.com/index.php?topic=4128.0Tom
The finer the teeth, the smoother the cut in acrylic plastic. The test car body would be easy to do with a hacksaw. Clean up the edges with a large file or sandpaper on a block. Remember to put a wood block below it when drilling the truck screw holes. You could glue on Kadee coupler pockets using one of the methylene chloride solvent cements that works on both acrylic and styrene.
Quote from: jbvb on February 02, 2025, 01:42:17 PMThe finer the teeth, the smoother the cut in acrylic plastic. The test car body would be easy to do with a hacksaw. Clean up the edges with a large file or sandpaper on a block. Remember to put a wood block below it when drilling the truck screw holes. You could glue on Kadee coupler pockets using one of the methylene chloride solvent cements that works on both acrylic and styrene.
James,
Miller did buy a new blade to cut the acrylic. The blade had extremely fine teeth. Miller also glued Kadee couplers to his but I wanted mine without. I use mine as a single push car to check track and turnouts.
Tom
The Judge's Saturday reports...holy smokers...82 pages...call me when dinner's ready!!
It will be enjoyable reading for sure
terry
QuoteJames,
Miller did buy a new blade to cut the acrylic. The blade had extremely fine teeth. Miller also glued Kadee couplers to his but I wanted mine without. I use mine as a single push car to check track and turnouts.
Tom
Tom what thickness? Approximate length and width of a 40-foot boxcar?
Bernd
Quote from: Bernd on February 02, 2025, 03:11:35 PMQuoteJames,
Miller did buy a new blade to cut the acrylic. The blade had extremely fine teeth. Miller also glued Kadee couplers to his but I wanted mine without. I use mine as a single push car to check track and turnouts.
Tom
Tom what thickness? Approximate length and width of a 40-foot boxcar?
Bernd
Bernd,
We measured it from an Athearn 40' boxcar. However, we made ours 41' just to be different.
Width is 10 HO scale feet and thickness is 1/4".
We made four. I still have mine but when Jim passed it wasn't in his train stuff. I think he gave the other two away for a prize at one of the NMRA Sunshine Region meets here in Fl. Jim was in the Sunshine Region for 45+ years. I joined the NMRA back in 1972 for one year and had my fill. Since then I've been a GDI - Gosh Darn Independent.
Tom
QuoteBernd,
We measured it from an Athearn 40' boxcar. However, we made ours 41' just to be different.
Width is 10 HO scale feet and thickness is 1/4".
We made four. I still have mine but when Jim passed it wasn't in his train stuff. I think he gave the other two away for a prize at one of the NMRA Sunshine Region meets here in Fl. Jim was in the Sunshine Region for 45+ years. I joined the NMRA back in 1972 for one year and had my fill. Since then I've been a GDI - Gosh Darn Independent.
Tom [/color
The reason I asked is that I could make some up for those who want one. I have a cabinet table saw. I would just need to order some 1/4" thick acrylic plastic.
Bernd
Quote from: Bernd on February 03, 2025, 10:46:34 AMQuoteBernd,
We measured it from an Athearn 40' boxcar. However, we made ours 41' just to be different.
Width is 10 HO scale feet and thickness is 1/4".
We made four. I still have mine but when Jim passed it wasn't in his train stuff. I think he gave the other two away for a prize at one of the NMRA Sunshine Region meets here in Fl. Jim was in the Sunshine Region for 45+ years. I joined the NMRA back in 1972 for one year and had my fill. Since then I've been a GDI - Gosh Darn Independent.
Tom [/color
The reason I asked is that I could make some up for those who want one. I have a cabinet table saw. I would just need to order some 1/4" thick acrylic plastic.
Bernd
Sign me up for one in HO, and one in HOn30. Of course, the latter does beg a question about the dimensions for an HOn30 item. And for the HO item, should the length be just 40' standard boxcar, or would this be more useful if it was the length of your longest car (where it could also be used for clearance)?
dave
QuoteSign me up for one in HO, and one in HOn30. Of course, the latter does beg a question about the dimensions for an HOn30 item. And for the HO item, should the length be just 40' standard boxcar, or would this be more useful if it was the length of your longest car (where it could also be used for clearance)?
dave
I would use the dimensions of a 3' narrow gauge car for HOn3, an HOn2 narrow gauge car ala Maine Two Footers for dimensions. After all you're not going to run a 40-foot car on a foot gauge line. Not unless it was a speiclaty built car.
Bernd
As time permits, I'll update this build thread. When Jimmy shut down the forum some 3+ years ago, I continued the thread on the RR lines forum.
I say as time permits as I'm on a deadline for the 2024/2025 build challenge.
The area below is now complete and detailed.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123165720-52144764.jpeg)
I will show my step by step in completing this area.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/24-181123170204-521521642.jpeg)