Welcome to the Clearwater Valley Railway Co Layout Build.
This is a continuation of the thread I started on the Railway Line Forum on March 2, 2007.
First a little history, the Clearwater Valley Railway Co is a fictional located in Southern British Columbia and runs between Mara near the Okanagan Valley and runs to Margaret's Bay on the coast modeled in On30. You can read about the history of the CVRY on my website (http://www.cvry.ca).
If you are interested in seeing the construction progress to date you can also find it on my website under the layout construction Blog tab in the index. There hasn't been much/any progress on the layout since 2012 as I've been working out of town since that time until recently. thirteen years of working on the road has left no time to work on the railroad. I am still working on the road but I'm close enough to home that I am home every night. just get to drive 3 hours a day but I'm only working 4 days a week. I recently started working on the layout again with the building of the Lac La Hache yard (west end staging).
As a side note, I am also building a portable N scale switching layout (14" x 72") that I take with me when I'm working on the road. It is presently under construction and I'll start a thread on that too when I get back to working on it.
Here is a trackplan of the layout.
Clearwater Valley Ry-Ver 05b.jpg
The main layout is situated in a room that is 16'-10" x 10-6" and the Lac La Hache staging yard measures 7'-7" x 1'-3" and is in another room that is my modeling room.
This thread will follow my trials and tribulations starting with the building of the staging yard and beyond.
Thanks for looking in.
Ron,
I'm looking forward to this build. I've been reading up on the history and the layout construction blog.
Tom
Looking forward to following your progress, Ron.
It's great that you have time to get back to building your empire.
Cheers, Mark.
Thanks for looking in Tom and Mark, hope you will find it interesting.
The Beginnings of the west end staging Yard (Lac La Hache) ....While I have held operating sessions in the past on the Clearwater Valley Railway Co. the missing piece was the west end staging. In the past, west end trains started and terminated on the track located on the lift out section at the entrance of the layout room. Cars and locomotives were replaced manually by hand, not an ideal situation.
But first a little history......
A couple of years ago between road trips (projects out of town) I converted the original storage room that was located adjacent to the layout room into a modeling room. Years before that I build a larger storage room in another part of the basement so the original storage room contained a bunch of empty shelves. One of the goals of the new modeling space was to contain the west end staging yard.
Now back to the story.....
In the new modeling room the location of the staging yard will be over the workbench which is 7' - 7" long, width to be determined. My original workbench wasn't ideal as both the layout and the workbench underneath it was 24" deep. This led to my forehead leaning against the fascia of the layout while modeling which made for uncomfortable modeling.
So what did I want for the new staging yard?
- an arrival track
- a departure track
- 2 yard tracks
- a runaround track
- a place to store cabooses (or is it cabeese?)
- a place to store locomotives
- a way to turn locomotives (I only operate steam locomotives as the railway is set in the late 1920's - no stinking diesels here :P )
This is what I came up with.
Staging Yard Trackage - Colour.jpg
I was able to get this in a width of 15" and the trackage use is as follows, remember the staging yard is designed using function over form.
- The top track would be used as the departure track
- The second track would be used as the arrival track
- The third and fourth tracks would be used as yard tracks
- The bottom track would be used as a run around track.
- The turntable would be used to turn engines from trains that arrive and be used to break up the train that just arrived, put together the next train for departure or moved to the locomotive storage tracks.
Staging Yard Clearances.jpg
Above is a cross section of where the location of the staging yard will be in relation of the workbench. I built a mock-up of the staging yard modules out of foam-core to make sure that the staging yard would not interfere with my modeling.
Next up.... Building the module frames.
Thanks for looking in.
Welcome Ron, I'm looking forward to your seeing progress on the layouts.
Ron,
Of course I'm a big fan so I'll be looking forward to all you post on the build.
Tom
Thanks for your comments Gregory and Tom, they are very much appreciated.
Tom, I'm also a big fan of yours, a really learn a lot watching your builds.
Time for another update.....
Building the Module Frames for the West End Staging Yard (at least the easy ones). . . . .
When I was working in Kentucky I decided to build a portable N scale switching layout using T-track modules as a guideline. They were built by laminating 1/4" thick poplar which is a hardwood that is easy to cut, sand and paint. I was very pleased with the result that I decided to build the staging yard modules using the same techniques.
Staging004.jpg
The material required to build the module frames which consists of 2-1/2" x 1/4" poplar used for the outside skin, 1-1/2" x 1/4" uses as the inner skin and foam support and 1" thick pink foam for the base.
Staging005.jpg
All the pieces cut to size for the 2 modules.
Staging008.jpg
One of the modules glued and clamped together. No metal fasteners were used in the construction except for a few brad nails used at the corners to keep everything in place until the clamps were applied. One can never have too many clamps.
Staging010.jpg
The first module frame completed.
Staging011.jpg
The second module frame completed.
Staging012.jpg
The 1" pink foam top added.
Staging015.jpg
Before going too far I added the DCC bus at the workbench as it was easier to do it now before the nodules were installed.
Staging017.jpg
The shelves above the workbench rearranged and shelf brackets realigned to support the modules. 12" shelf brackeks were used.
Staging018.jpg
Before laying the modules down I installed the LED tube lights that light up the workbench when working. These were recessed into the module frame to cut down on glare.
Staging019.jpg
The modules set in place.
Next up is figuring out the location where the track goes through the wall.
Thanks for looking in.
Welcome Ron;
I look forward to watching your progress, lots of neat ideas I see already.
Jim
Ron great job on the modules.....except I feel like I've seen this before...must be a little deja vu. Anyway I'll be checking in and watching your progress.
Quote from: Jim Donovan on January 05, 2025, 05:30:53 PMWelcome Ron;
I look forward to watching your progress, lots of neat ideas I see already.
Jim
Jim,
Thanks thanks for the welcome and for looking in hope you find the journey enjoyable.
Quote from: Larry C on January 05, 2025, 05:38:43 PMRon great job on the modules.....except I feel like I've seen this before...must be a little deja vu. Anyway I'll be checking in and watching your progress.
Hi Larry,
I'm betting there will be a little more deja vu till I get caught up. ;D
I followed the Yellow Brick Road..........this doesn't look like Kansas???????????
It's good to see your fine work Ron...
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Hi Kyle, Nope it's not Kansas :D , thanks for looking in.
Time for another update, going to call this one .....
Decisions, Decisions ......
In order to build the third and final module the location of the track coming through the wall needed to be determined.
Staging021.jpg
I built a No. 5 turnout that will be used to bring the mainline to the staging yard. It was moved along the mainline to determine the best place for the new trackwork.
Staging023.jpg
Once the approximate location was determined I removed the section of rail, ties and scenery where the hole in the wall was to be located.
Staging025.jpg
Cork roadbed was added.
Staging026.jpg
I then added the track center lines to determine where the test hole would be built.
As an aside I was going to make this a longer post but there seems to be a limit on the amount of pictures allowed for post. I'm new here and still learning but showing the building process in smaller chunks is not really an issue.
Thanks for looking in.
This is great! Very educational and inspirational. Thanks for sharing!
Quote from: ReadingBob on January 10, 2025, 08:17:58 PMThis is great! Very educational and inspirational. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for looking in Bob, glad you are finding it useful.
Woo Hoo! Looking Great!
Quote from: Philip on January 11, 2025, 10:18:00 AMWoo Hoo! Looking Great!
Thanks Philip, much appreciated.
Time for another update, this one should bring me me up to date on my progress on the staging yard (well almost). ::)
I'm going to call this update .....
Bring on the boring Machine ....
Now the fun starts, seeing as I built this wall when I bought the house I know that the studs were placed on 16" centers but many, many years later I have no ideas where the studs are now that that the backdrop was in place. For the record the backdrop is 0.060 styrene that I bought in a 4' x 8' sheet from a local plastics supplier that I cut into 16" strips.
Staging027.jpg
After gathering up my courage and holding my breath I drilled a pilot hole where the track centerline met the backdrop. I had to start somewhere. :-\
Staging028.jpg
Seeing as the pilot hole didn't hit a stud I cut away a 4" high x 3" wide (centered on the pilot hole) by removing the backdrop and drywall behind it. I couldn't believe my luck (lottery ticket time?) as the pilot hole landed just inside a stud, man was I a happy camper. I then took a 5ft long 1/4"drill, laid it flat along the track and drilled through the wall to see where it landed on the other side.
Where did I get a 5ft long drill bit? When I bought the house (over 30 ago now :o I decided to install my own alarm hardware to save money. In order to run the wiring through the floors where I made a hole in the wall for a device I would pass the 5ft drill in the opening and drill through the floor plate to the basement. There is a hole at the end of the drill bit where you could add a fishing swivel that you could attach the wire to and pull it up through the floor to the alarm device. Who knew that I would find a use for them 30+ years later. Probably be another 30 tears before I find another use for them.
Staging029.jpg
The location of the drill bit in the modeling room where the staging yard is being built.
Staging030.jpg
The pilot hole also gave me the height of the track (railhead height). Using this information I marked out where to cut the hole through the modeling room side of the wall. For the record the opening is 7-1/2" wide by 4" high with the left side being 16" from the pilot hole. Have I mentioned that I'm one happy camper as no studs needed to be cut for this. ;D
Staging031.jpg
The hole cut through the wall. All I needed to do now is remove the insulation.
Staging032.jpg
Using a piece of On30 flex-track I cut the hole on the layout side till I got the clearances I needed for the rolling stock. I used a Bachmann On30 coach for this as this is the biggest piece of equipment I own.
In the next update I'll show how I lined the opening through the wall.
Thanks for stopping by.
Coming on nicely, Ron.
I was sure you meant a five inch drill bit - but I see you didn't! It looks like it was plenty long enough...
Cheers, Mark.
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on January 11, 2025, 07:34:31 PMComing on nicely, Ron.
I was sure you meant a five inch drill bit - but I see you didn't! It looks like it was plenty long enough...
Cheers, Mark.
Thanks Mark,
Yes the drill bit was plenty long enough :D
Update #5 . . . . Where's the Dynamite?
Because of the insulation in the walls and the fear of a piece of equipment derailing and falling into the void never to be found again, unless a major "renovation" is carried out to retrieve it, A tunnel liner needed to be built.
I had pieces of 1-1/2 and 2-1/2 wide poplar left over left over from the module build so I used them to make a tunnel liner. Because the wall was constructed from 2 x 3's which is only 2-1/2" thick I took a piece of 2-1/2" wide piece and wedge it into the bottom of the hole and glues it into place.
Staging034.jpg
To make up the sides a piece of 2-1/2" wide piece cut to length and a piece of 1-1/2" cut to length was glued together and clamped until the glue cured.
Staging035.jpg
The edges were sanded on an angle and glued into place. In order to attach the top a piece 2-1/2" wide poplar was cut to size and a screw was partly screwed into it. This was used to pull down the top of the tunnel liner down onto the sides.
Staging036.jpg
The finished tunnel portal.
Thanks for dropping by.
Update #6 . . . . Now for a little planning
Now that the location of the track coming through the wall is established I needed to figure out the track location to determine the size of the last module.
Staging037.jpg
The goal here is to create a "signature" scene where the track comes through the wall using a mountain tunnel that immediately crosses a deck girder bridge then a trestle before hitting land. There is also the the triple curved turnout that is the yard ladder that needed to be placed as this will determine how long the trestle can be. You can see the Girder bridge in the background that will be used in the scene.
Staging038.jpg
The finalized plan. The red centerline was the original track centerline while the black centerline is the actual centerline that will be used. The solid red line at the bottom is the front edge of the module
Angle Module - Staging Yard.jpg
With the final size now set I made a preliminary drawing of the module.
Thanks for looking in.
The black hole is sealed. Where did that huge switch come from? Guessing a fast tracks jig?
Nice work!
Quote from: Philip on January 12, 2025, 01:29:26 PMThe black hole is sealed. Where did that huge switch come from? Guessing a fast tracks jig?
Nice work!
Philip,
The black hole is finally gone. 8) The huge switch is custom made, no Fast Track jig to make them. I did use a Fast Track #8 point and frog jig though. I only own turnout jigs for #4, #5 and #6 straight turnouts. Every thing else is custom made to fit the space. I do have #4, #5, #6 and #8 point and frog jigs.
Excellent.
Time for another update. . . . .
Update #7 Where are the Earth Movers???????
Now that the track geometry has been figured out and the size of the last module has been built it was time to build the last module required for the staging yard. Due to the angles involved, I decided to build it one side at the time.
Staging040.jpg
The first thing I did was build a couple of cleats to hold the module in place along the back wall.
Staging041.jpg
The framing completed for the back wall.
Staging042.jpg
The front frame complete. I'm using the clamps to attach the front frame to the back frame and to the existing modules. This gives me the final dimensions and angles for the last frame required for the module.
Staging043.jpg
The frame pieces constructed and glued together. I used wax paper where the new models meat the back wall and existing modules so that the glue in the joints don't glue what I don't want it glued to. ;D
Staging044.jpg
The module frame completed and in place. The module will be connected to the existing modules using a couple of bolts.
Next up, installing the base scenery.
Thanks for looking in.
8)
Ron nice to see your latest work here. Great job and your precision is outstanding.
Ditto Ron.
Thanks Larry and Curt,
Well I have some catching up to do let lets get the next update on the go.
this is Update #8 . . . . Terraforming Continues - Part 3
Staging044.jpg
The final part of the framing required adding the supports for the foam.
Staging045.jpg
Foam added
Staging046.jpg
Another view of the foam base
Staging047.jpg
Needed to paint the fascia to match the rest of the staging yard.
Thanks for looking in.
Bonus Material (Part One) . . . . . .
Help, There are Two Many Angles . . . . .
Cutting the foam turned out to be a challenge due to the fact that of all the angles involved with each section. So in order to take the guess work out of it, I took a trick from countertop measuring.
Staging048.jpg
I needed something thick that would be stiff enough to hold it's shape so I took a file folder and cut them into 1" wide strips.
Staging049.jpg
Using the strips I started using them to outline the section where the foam piece will go.
Staging050.jpg
With the outline established I added some intermediate strips to reinforce the outline frame.
Staging051.jpg
The template put on a piece of foam ready to be cut out.
Staging052.jpg
The foam cut to size. It is a little longer at one end as this edge needs to be cut on an angle to match the angle of the slope.
Staging053.jpg
Wait HOW COME THE FOAM WON'T BEND TO FIT PROPERLY????????
OK, so I need to rethink this as the angle at the front is not the same as the back.
How will our reluctant hero solve this problem, will he go off the deep end and destroy everything built to date? Will a sledge hammer be involved. You will have to wait till Bonus material part 2 to find out.
Thanks for looking in.
Bonus Material (Part 2)
How to Bend Rigid Foam. . . . .
Staging053.jpg
As you can see here the rigid foam doesn't fit properly as the frame angles are different at the front and back of the modules.
Staging054.jpg
In order to get around the angle difference I sliced the piece into 3 pieces to start. I then took the first piece, laid it in place and proceeded to cut it into smaller strips until the slope fit in place properly. I then did the same procedure on the other 2 pieces.
Staging055.jpg
The completed slope.
Thanks for looking in.
Looking forward to the build Ron.
Jerry
I look forward to seeing your progress Ron.
Howdy Ron, nice work bending the foam. I am anxiously waiting for the structure to bridge the gap. Have fun, mike
Ron, thanks for starting this thread here so we can continue to follow along.
Thanks for the comments Jerry, Curt, Mike and Rick.
Rick, your welcome, I just need to get used to only 6 pictures per post. :o Might need to make my updates in smaller chunks.
Ron nice work solving the angle problem; looking forward to following your adventure. I'm sure you've noticed how much faster this site is to post too and far less issues to contend with.
This is the final "catch-up" update. This will bring me up to date on the staging yard progress to date. All future updates will be real time.
Update #9 The Surveying Crews Get to Work .......
Before I can lay the cork roadbed I need to establish the track center lines.
Staging056.jpg
For me, locating the center lines is a 2-step process. I begin by laying out the main track center lines in red. This is the west end of the staging yard.
Staging057.jpg
Seeing as the west end of the staging yard is the critical area as that is where the yard ladder is, I started with the tripple curved turnout laying out the center lines The black lines is the final track center lines. All curves are 24". To make it easier on myself I cut out a template using foam core.
Staging058.jpg
In order to maximize space I had to move the turnout further back than I wanted to. The throw bar ends up being on the slope section of the module (snag #1). I thought about just bending the end down to match the slope but quickly realized that the grade might be a bit to much for my smaller locomotives so I marked out the area that will have to be modified instead. 8)
Staging059.jpg
The west end of the staging yard with the track center lines finalized. There will be a 12" diameter (48ft) turntable at the end. This where I ran into the second snag :o . When I drew up the trackplan for the staging yard I figured that the turntable was 12" diameter. Before I went too far I decided to check what size hole I need for the turntable as I'm going to be using the one that is presently in Mara as I have a replacement turntable for Mara, I just need to build it. Well, it turns out the hole required for the turntable is 12-1/2" >:( . Well that changes things. The bottom track centerline that was going to be the caboose track will need to be relocated as there is not enough clearance to add the track there.
Staging060.jpg
The center of the staging yard. I added a switch at the bottom for the new location of the caboose track
Staging061.jpg
The east end of the staging yard showing the land form modification to allow for the turnout throwbar.
Next up is laying the cork roadbed, but that is a tale for another day.
Thanks for looking in.
Quote from: Larry C on January 31, 2025, 10:55:58 AMRon nice work solving the angle problem; looking forward to following your adventure. I'm sure you've noticed how much faster this site is to post too and far less issues to contend with.
Thanks Larry and yes I have noticed how much quicker this site is to post to and no "Error 500" to deal with. :)
The only issue I have with the site so far is the number of attachments allowed per post.
Ron the pics in your last post aren't showing up.
Quote from: Larry C on January 31, 2025, 11:10:49 AMRon the pics in your last post aren't showing up.
Larry,
I see the pictures, is anyone else having this problem?
I see the pictures.
BTW, this is a good thread, thanks for sharing.
Yup, I 'em now. Nice track planning btw.
Real deja vu! ;)
Quote from: IWannaRetire on January 31, 2025, 01:32:40 PMI see the pictures.
BTW, this is a good thread, thanks for sharing.
Mark,
Your welcome, glad you are finding the thread enjoyable.
Well time for another update, a "Live" one this time ;D
Update #10 The Grading Crew Goes to Work. . . . . .
Now that the track center lines have been established, It's time to lay some roadbed.
Staging065.jpg
I decided that I would start the process at the east end of the yard where all the fancy cutting would take place for the 3 curved turnouts.
Moving down the yard I soon realized that I would need to temporarily install the turntable so that I could finish installing the cork at the west end of the yard.
Staging066.jpg
HOLY GUACAMOLE BATMAN, I THINK WE USED TOO MUCH DYNAMITE :o
In order to install the turntable I needed to cut the hole out of the foam. I used a hot wire cutter for this.
Staging067.jpg
With the turntable temporally installed I can finish up the cork roadbed installation.
Staging068.jpg
The cork roadbed installed at the west end of the staging yard.
Staging069.jpg
The cork roadbed installed at the east end of the staging yard. I think I used every pin I own laying all this cork. :D
Thanks for looking in.
Ron that is a lot of progress on your layout. It looks like you will use the TT just for turning locos around without a roundhouse?
Looking good Ron...... 8)
Ron,
I see lots of progress, well done, very well done.
Tom
Nice progress Ron!
Wow! That is going to be quite the staging yard; nicely done.
Thanks for the comments Curt, Greg, Tom, Philip and Larry, they are very much appreciated.
Curt, you are right, the turntable will only be used for turning the locomotives. I only operate steam locomotives (no stinking diesels here 8) ) on my layout.
Ron, it's looking good. With all that roadbed laid, I expect to hear the gandy dancers any time now. Nice work. Have fun, mike
Ron, congratulations on getting the TT installed and the track layout established.
I am curious as to why you are using a cork roadbed in a yard?
Thanks for the comments Mike and Rick.
Rick, I use cork roadbed for 2 reasons;
1. It deadens the noise, running trains on bare foam is a noisy preposition.
2. It helps hold spikes as all the track on my layout is hand laid.
I use 1/8" gasket cork for this as it is much denser that the cork you get from hobby shops, home depot, staples, etc as there is a rubber component to it. It holds spikes really well. I got it from my local gasket supplier in 3ft x 3ft sheets which I cut into 1" strips.
My foam roadbeds are louder than my decoders ;) I'll try that on my next module.
Ron great update. Turntable looks really nice who's make is that??
I wish I was the supplier of the pins I could retire selling you those!!!! ;D :)
Jerry
The project is coming along so well. I'm excited to see the scene develope. It really is great to watch as the whole thing takes shape. Will there be a lot of rocks and debri, or will it be more subdued and grassy. Trees? This is really cool Ron, and I love the TT. Have fun..................
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Thanks for the comments Philip, Jerry and Kyle, they are very much appreciate them.
Jerry, the turntable pit and bridge are from a Walthers 90ft HO Turntable. The deck is scratchbuilt.
Kyle, The layout is based in British Columbia, so I'm thinking lots of rocks.
Cool.................
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Good evening everyone, guess what? It's time for another update. :)
Update # 11 . . . . The Bridge crew gets to work.
While waiting for glue to dry I decided to start working on the steel girder bridge because it's location and length will determine the length of the trestle bridge.
Staging070.jpg
I was able to pick an unfinished project from my "Unfinished project shelf". Ok, it could be a couple of shelves. If memory serves me correctly, I started this project 3-4 years ago, but it never got finished due to a work assignment. The sides came from the Atlas HO flat car girder load that was spliced together and the deck was scratchbuilt using Evergreen styrene structural pieces.
Staging071.jpg
I finished off the ends and painted the bridge with TAMIYA oxide red fine surface primer.
Staging072.jpg
Seeing as most railroads tend to put their name on the sides of their bridges I decided to do the same. ;) Although I will say that the lettering in real life looks straighter than in the picture. I'm sure that no one will notice once the weathering is done. Now I just need to figure out how to weather it, should I use washes and weathering powders, of should I take the easy way out and leave it outside for a couple of years and hope Gracie (our dog) doesn't find it.
Staging073.jpg
When I built the trestle for my On30 modules I built a jig for the bridge ties. I tend to keep my jigs in case I build something else where I could use them. This will be the 3rd bridge I have used this jig on.
Staging074.jpg
Once the ties are laid in the jig, I used a 1/4" strip of masking tap to hold the ties in place while they were transfered to the bridge.
Staging075.jpg
The ties were glued to the bridge using CA adhesive.
The ties will be stained when I stain the staging yard ties. At least now I can build the trestle bent that will support one end or this bridge and one end of the trestle.
Thanks for looking in.
That looks very good Ron.
Ron, nice job on the bridge.
Ron your bridge looks really good. As far as the weathering goes, I think it
depends on "how much" you want. Washes would be heavier where as powders would
be more subtle; just my 2 nickels worth due to inflation.
Ron,
Great looking bridge, well done.
Tom
Nice work on that bridge.
Bernd
Howdy Ron, excellent work on the bridge. It looks like a winner. Have fun, mike
Hey Ron nice job I like that little jig you used for the ties.
Jerry
Nice work!
Superb, absolutely superb..............
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Thanks for the nice comments on the bridge Curt, Rick, Larry, Tom, Bernd, Mike, Jerry, Philip and Kyle.
Time for another update, just a small one this time.
Update #12 . . . . The track Crew Begins Work.
Staging076.jpg
To begin the track laying process I cut out paper templates of the switches and glue them in place with white glue. This gives me the locations of the wood ties.
Staging077.jpg
Here are the switch ties are laid and the glue allowed to dry overnight. Nor that this is done I can go ahead and lay the track ties.
Staging078.jpg
I don't have the patience to lay them one by one so I made a jig for that too. :) I made this jig when I first started building my layout on 2007 (has it been that long already?). This jig has got plenty of use since it was built and was even loaned out a few times.
Staging079.jpg
Strings of switch ties ready to go. The goal is to have all the switch ties laid before I leave for Florida on February 22, 2025.
Hopefully there will be one more update before I leave.
Thanks for looking in.
Ron, I can't see any of the pictures.
All I see is the blue question mark.
Very strange.
I can see them now.
Ahhh, the sound of gandy dancers hitting the steel. Looks like fun. ~mike
Love it Ron, I do my ties(but no jig)the same way...production line railroading.......Have fun on your trip ??(business or pleasure)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Busy Busy! looks good Ron!
Thanks for the comments Rick, Mike, Kyle and Philip.
Rick, not sure whats happening about the picture thing, that has happened to me to, I just hit refresh and then they show up.
Kyle, it a 8 month business trip. The project I got assigned to is in Jacksonville Florida. I'll be bringing my N scale modules with me so I'll be continuing that saga when I get down there.
Looks great Ron. really like the way you do the track work. I don't think I would ever have the patience but you sure make it look easy.
Jerry
oh, you'll be here for hurricane season. Lucky you. 8)
Ron, strikes me as about 3 months too late to start an assignment in Florida :-) Being there mid-summer won't be pleasant.
dave
Quote from: Jerry on February 12, 2025, 11:48:53 AMLooks great Ron. really like the way you do the track work. I don't think I would ever have the patience but you sure make it look easy.
Jerry
Thanks Jerry, I make it look easy cause I've had way to much practice ;D . I know hand laid track is not for everyone, but it is one part of the hobby that I really enjoy.
Quote from: PRR Modeler on February 12, 2025, 12:28:20 PMoh, you'll be here for hurricane season. Lucky you. 8)
Gee, thanks Curt, something to look forward too. :o
Quote from: deemery on February 12, 2025, 12:38:16 PMRon, strikes me as about 3 months too late to start an assignment in Florida :-) Being there mid-summer won't be pleasant.
dave
Dave, unfortunately I don't get to dictate starting time of a project, I'm guessing AC is a must.
Time for another update. This one is so small that it doesn't even get a number. ;)
Managed to get the ties for the staging yard installed. Once the glues dries it will be time for the next step.
Staging080.jpg
The ties laid at the west end of the staging yard.
Staging081.jpg
The ties laid at the east end of the staging yard.
Thanks for looking in.
Ron, nice job of getting the ties down.
Looks great.
Ron great job on the ties; man that's a lot of wood pieces.
Quite an accomplishment Ron! 8)
This will really be something when the rail is in place!!
Jerry
Impressive Ron. When you stain the ties that doesn't loosen the glue?
Ron,
Looks like you have it all tied down now.
Tom
Thanks for the comments Rick, Larry, Philip, Jerry, Curt and Tom.
Curt, I have had no issues with the glue loosening when adding the stain, the stain dries pretty quickly plus the stain is oil based.
While I'm here I might as well post another update.
Update #13 . . . The Track Gang Continues it's Work
Staging082.jpg
After allowing the glue to dry overnight it was time to add the first coat of stain. The colour used is Minwax #224 - special walnut, I've used this stain on the rest of the layout.
Staging083.jpg
After allowing the stain to dry for a couple of hours I use a sanding block with 100 grit sandpaper to sand the top of the ties. Once all the stain is removed from the top of the ties I know that the top of flat. This will eliminate any low or high spots when I lay the rail. This is the west end of the staging yard.
Staging084.jpg
The east end of the staging yard. Once all the sanding was competed I used a shopvac to remove the mounds of sawdust that was left by the sanding process.
Staging085.jpg
With the sawdust removed it was time to re-stain the top of the ties.
Staging086.jpg
The other end of the staging yard with the re-stained ties. For the record approximately 750 ties were harmed in this process.
Now the rail can be laid, which for me is the fun part. 8)
Thanks for looking in.
That color is very good Ron. You can almost see the ties covered in Creosote.
Ron great job on the ties and coloring. 750 ties? Yikes, that's a lot of wood; enjoy.
Ron, nice job on staining and leveling the ties.
Ron just looking at the ties and the coloring it's perfect.
Jerry
Ron,
Great job, the color looks natural for creosote ties.
Tom
Thanks for the comments Curt, Larry, Rick, Jerry and Tom.
Progress will slow down and then come to a screeching halt very shortly as my work assignment to Florida is only a week away. I do hope to get a bit more done before I leave.
Ron don't forget shorts. It will be Africa hot before you know it.
Quit! Then you won't have such distractions. ;)
Looks Great Ron!
Thanks for the comments Curt, and Philip.
Curt, you make it sound like I'm going to change from complaining about the cold to complaining about the heat in short order. ;D
Philip, I tried quitting but they won't let me. :o Although I have told them that this is my last road trip.
Quote from: elwoodblues on February 15, 2025, 04:47:36 PMThanks for the comments Curt, and Philip.
Curt, you make it sound like I'm going to change from complaining about the cold to complaining about the heat in short order. ;D
Philip, I tried quitting but they won't let me. :o Although I have told them that this is my last road trip.
Roger That!