Thanks for stopping by.
As a newly migrated member from the recently demised Railroad Lines Forum, I was happy to discover this forum. I was even happier to see so many familiar names and profile pics already here.
This site is the new Internet home of the North Coast Railroad.
The Prototype of the North Coast Railroadu is the defunct Rome Watertown & Ogdensberg Railroad, (RW&O) that ran near the shores of Lake Ontario. It was later absorbed by the New York Central. The Great Lakes are considered by many to be "The North Coast" of the United States. Hence the origin of the name for my modeling efforts. As such, the model version takes a great deal of artistic license from the prototype, but tried to keep the spirit alive.
The first point to make is that the North Coast Railroad is in narrow gauge, HOn3. Although the standard gauge prototype ran all across the North country from Vermont to Niagara Falls, (Lewiston) the boundary limits of my modeling, run between the Lake Ontario port city of Oswego, NY, heading west into the Sodus Bay area and into the Upstate New York "fruit basket" orchards, and produce growing regions of Wayne County, to the village of Williamson NY.
In miniature, it serves a number of prototype industries found along the way, both the commercial fishing and tourist industry, imports and exports across the international border, including a ferry slip ( The ferry is always on its way back from Canada) It features Great Lakes grain transport and storage, including Malt production for breweries of beer. (Hmmm., BEEERR! ) supports carpet and fabric mills, small boat building, and a USCG guard light house. Further west are the fruit orchards, cold storage facilities, vinegar production and the canning industry that supports rural upstate NY.
It's all in my 9x9' basement hobby room, just a few miles from the real Lake Ontario and the old prototype RW&O right of way.
Like so many modelers, I run hot and cold in my building interests, so sometimes there is a flurry of lake effect model building, other times a drought, nothing at all. Its been damn near a year for any progress. Maybe a new forum is just the spark in the firebox that the North Coast Railroad needs to move forward in the mid twentieth century! 1950s.... Here we come!
Likely I will be posting some of the highlights from the old forum as a bit of retrospect.
On the old forum, there was a bunch of fellow members named Dave. So as to not be confused with any of the great modelers of an identical name already here, I'll continue my self imposed tradition of being known as:
"Fifth Dave on the right"
I'll be watching and joining in with HOn3 subjects.
(https://www.kingstonemodelworks.com/memes/watching2.jpg)
Bernd
THIS IS A TEST. Had it been an actual emergency, you would have been directed to go into the basement and work on your model trains. It's either that or stick your head between your legs and pray. Here is a ,"semi- probably-almost final, but never really is" track plan that has been developed over the years.
REPEAT ... THIS IS ONLY A TEST
It turns out, unknown to me at the time the track plan is actually two plans in one. There is a feature for continuous running, with a reversing loop under the basement steps. When I was designing it, I did not even realize it had a second ability, until some one on RRL pointed it out to me. There was a lot of design input form members to help the plan along to it's preset form. I'm appreciative of all their contributions.
A closer look reveals point to point trackage from the deep water harbor in Oswego, in the lower right corner, counter clockwise past the yard to the ferry slip and inter-island passenger station on the dock at Sodus Bay. Having only one reversing loop will limit some operation moves though.
( track plan below has been updated to 10/28/2025 configurations) Williamson Buildings Revised.jpg
The back drop shown is about nine feet wide on the center wall. It took about two years to paint the entire backdrop. There are curved corners helping to make a seamless transition from wall to wall, to the right and left of it. I tried to be conscious of "where is the sun" and the aspect of where are the shadows and highlights accordingly.
It's Fall of 1951
IMG_1867.JPG
In the first post, I mentioned the HOn3 North Coast Railroad is based on an actual standard gauge railroad, the Rome Watertown and Ogdensberg line that eventually was consolidated into the New York Central. Portions of it still exist today and its industries are serviced by the Ontario Midland Railroad.
In the 1/87 version it is gauged to three feet between the rails narrow gauged that escaped buyout by the NYC (Actually the NCRR told the NYC to get bent, but sounds more polite the other way,) It underwent consolidation, and downsized to the most profitable trackage from the harbor of Oswego, New York, west to Sodus Bay and finally west into the fruit belt and canning, and vinegar industry regions of Wayne County, NY. ( What a coincidence! Right where I live!)
In reality, after many arduous years of my life PLANNING a logging railroad, I realized I HATE MAKING TREES!. So structures became the focal point of the North Coast Railroad.
Inspirations for the design of the layout and scenes came from many places viewed or visited over the course of my life. The harbor of Buffalo New York, where I grew up is a primary source. The Mystic Seaport Museum area, the Oswego, NY harbor, New England coastal harbors and SEVERAL bottles of Tequila. all gave inspiration.(Which probably explains why there aren't many straight lines in the track plan.)
So I got a little carried away after painting the walls of the railroad room, because I didn't stop at the walls. ( likely the afore mentioned Tequila had something to do with that) I thought of how my sky stopped, but in the real world, kept on going upward and in every direction.
With that thought in mind, when storms come in over the real Lake Ontario there are no walls to stop them. They boil overhead in torment ( like my wife upstairs smelling Rustoleum paint fumes). I figured those storms don't need to stop at my walls either, particularly that the ambiance is sometimes improved by out of balance laundry machines in the next room, that sound like a thunder storm. So I continued the storm onto the ceiling. Why not take the illusion a bit further. After all. It's only make believe.IMG_4316.JPG
From when this photo was taken, it has been improved upon. with a few more hours of tequila......... I mean hours of painting.
Fifth Dave on the right
Oh, this is bloody marvellous.
Dave #5,
Love your track plan and the stormy skies. Well done. Thanks for sharing and I'm on the front row for this one.
Tom
Welcome and thanks for posting Dave, I'll be looking in on your adventure..... 8)
Dave thanks for bringing your layout adventure over here. The backdrop looks really good
and I have to say I've never seen someone extend it onto the ceiling before; neat idea.
I'll be checking in watching your progress.
Howdy Dave,
The layout diagram looks terrific. The dramatic backdrop and sky enhance the scene. Excellent work.
Have fun,
mike
A few years into the railroad progress brought us to slow development of the Oswego NY port area in general in the first picture. Structures have been shuffled around somewhat from that point in time. The second photo shows one of the more unique structures of grain transfer harbors, the Marine Tower with its unloading leg extended into the hold of "The Langell Boys" a Great Lakes freighter by Sylvan Models. The third picture is a prototype tower still standing in the Buffalo NY harbor. IMG_3787.JPG
rough position.JPG
eaa82cd4c625cf8f286c5df8326ad87b.jpg
Here's one more photo of the Marine tower as it progressed so far, over time.
Tower pulley parts 4.JPG
I'm over here too, Dave. That's a nice looking backdrop and the marine tower us an impassive structure.
George
Quote from: Mr. Critter on February 01, 2025, 11:49:31 PMOh, this is bloody marvellous.
It is! I especially like your track plan with water edging most of the interior layout edges. Along with the painted ceiling, one can imagine one's self as a giant in the middle of a body of water. Your structures are also praise-worthy.
Thanks to all for the kindness and enthusiasm of your responses.
Mark, you hit exactly upon the concept of the entire scene view point. "You" are sitting in your fishing boat in the middle of Sodus Bay NY. It's Fall, October 25 of 1951, ( the day I was born,) with another bitter low pressure storm coming out of Hudson Bay Canada, across Lake Ontario.
It will be a busy Fall harvest season along the North Coast of Upstate New York, and the railroad that serves it.. There are plenty of fruit and vegetables in orchards and fields to the west of Oswego, needing harvesting. The crops have to be brought in. Canneries are working around the clock at full capacity. The cold storage units along the right of way, will keep more fruit from spoiling until the canneries can process them. Apple cider Vinegar is in process nearby.
Commercial fishing on the lake still has some time left before the fish go deep, and the cold lake becomes iced over. The tourist boats in Sodus Bay have only what is left of fall colors to lure more passengers before they get pulled ashore and stored for winter . Soon enough, the only boats will be just personal craft for residents of the nearby inlets and islands until the bay freezes over. At that point, not even the wind will be making waves .
..... and the only noise will be my wife yelling " What the hell are you doing in the basement all night AGAIN! You were supposed to be doing laundry!"
THE STORM HAS ARRIVED! Her name is Janet.
Another modeler on this forum recently was building the Thomas York gas station. York had a certain genius about his products to use the same parts for many structures.
At some point in the past I realized that commonality and imagineered a new structure. This is a cut and past version of what will be the Sodus Bay Station. I have some work done to the actual model which is below that. I stretched the left building wider to allow room for a freight door instead of the people door. Obviously it has a way to go yet before it gets mounted to the cove steam boat wharf, but at least you can see the general direction of where the project is headed.
rubbles depot jpg.jpgIMG_3792.JPG
Howdy Dave,
Nice kitbash project. I see what you mean about Thomas Yorke structure kits.
Have fun,
mike
Nice coloring of the stones, Dave.
George
this looks to be a great one. That backdrop is nuts! I really like the track plan and the vision of a little Shay dwarfed by those waterfront structures.
Dave it's really looking great. Glad you started it back up over here.
Jerry
Dave,
Great looking station and well done kit bash.
Tom
Thank for the comments and compliments guys.
In response to "Cuse"... Most modelers seem to use the theory of selective compression to make small areas look vastly larger. Small buildings tend to be the rule. At some point I must have thought in opposition to that.. ( tequila makes me ornery) because I wanted the track and trains to be dominated by squeezing between the buildings, as if that was the only possible path the rails could have taken if it was in the real world.
Of course, in reality, real railroads don't exist without product or people being transported along its rails. I wanted industries that actually existed, both big and small, but to have them all unified as examples of the commerce that the real RW&O serviced in the prototype area. Last count was about 60 buildings or structures of some type will be placed. The selection process includes the point that in a prototype, people lived there, so buildings that existed supported the residents that worked those industries.
Years back, Malcolm Furlow was a star in our modeling world, he taught us to think vertically. I tried to apply those lessons on the North Coast with tall structures, not just long structures. Currently Mark Dalrymple, from down under, also inspires me in the same way currently with how he crams so many things into such limited space, but somehow make makes it all look plausible. Great stuff. (Or is it great stuffing?)
Neat station Dave..... 8)
A few years ago, I was playing with a molding product that was reusable, similar to Composimold, sold at Arts and Crafts stores. Its good for very small quantities. It becomed liquid simply by heating it up in the Microwave, then poring it over the master part.
Since using plaster or Hydrocal also created heat as it cures it quickly destroys the detail within the mold. So unlike silicone or vulcanized molds that can cast many copies, but never be reclaimed. With this stuff, only a few rounds of casting can be done before it degrades. But..it is reusable .You can always reheat it, and re-pour to create another, or other molds.
I used the process to create stone walls for the harbor area, which is seen below. IMG_1901.JPGIMG_20200420_094500876.jpgThe coloration process as process had several steps from primer, shadows, stone colors to finally moss at the water line.
In the center, you'll observe that is an actual perfectly flawless rock made by the Lord of the universe himself. My understanding of its creation though. was that it took GOD millions of years to create it But granted, he had to make enough for the whole universe!
Frankly, I had neither that much time, nor needed that many for my imaginary universe, so I cheated. I used Dental Plaster. I will probably catch Hell for it some day. But hopefully not TOO soon.
Great to see you posting again Dave. Have always liked your work.
The above reminds me of Rubbles Station.
Yes, Tom Yorke has some great designs. I scratchuilt copies of two of his designs on my Mexican layout and sort of kitbashed another, from some walls a mate scratchbuit from another design, and gave to me, which is on the layout extension.
Rob. You are spot on with your observations of it's origin.. It is a combination of two Thomas York kits. Both the Rubbles Station and Shortline Stone Station were kit bashed into one structure. The inspiration for bashing came from an FSM kit.
I bought both kits from "Dr.Ben". He was kind enough to sell some additional parts to create it, including an extra wall to widen the the baggage building and a tower cylinder as well. He even threw in a bunch of castings at no additional charge.
It will end up on the steam boat wharf in the what I refer to as "the cove" of Sodus Bay. Originally I was considering putting the "Highland Station" kit there, but decided the Rubbles kit bash looks better. It would seem to be a structure capable withstanding the wind and waves coming in off the Lake Ontario, Additionally, the extended height of watch tower gives it more of a lighthouse impression.
Thanks for the interest to all who are following or even glancing in from time to time.
Fifth Dave to the Right
Dave,
I remember you talking about that on the RR-L. Looks like great material for quick small molds.
Bernd
Great work Dave! My nearest fellow modeler is an hour away. Makes it a lonely hobby at times but I push on as you do also. It it wasn't for these forums and friends I'd get out.
Philip
There is someone in the Rochester who modelers the same area, but in a different era and scale. I'll be damned if I can track him down though.
I took a "short cut" to my son's auto shop today. Added about a half hour travel time, but gave me a chance to see some of what is left of real rails that once were the Railroad in my story line.
Before the Ontario Midland,... before Chessie,... before Conrail,... before the New York Central .... Before the DL&W, It was the Rome Watertown and Ogdensburg. It's nickname of the section I model, was "the Hijack Line" ( edit Hojack) although the story behind that nickname has multiple variations (all of which claim to be correct version of course.)
Anyway. Back to the present.
Interesting to see a diesel idling on the line in an area when there is several cold storage warehouses. I soon discovered why it was sitting there. It WAS pushing a box car into a siding."WAS" being the operative word, till the box car took a detour through the siding switch because of the rails being clogged with snow . So the lead truck decided to split the difference, and was on the ground today.
From the footprints, shovel and re-rail frog, it looks like the crew went to lunch.
So keep in mind when our scale models go off the rail, sometimes prototype examples are closer than we realize.
Dave,
Isn't that supposed to be Hojack Line not Hijack Line?
Bernd
Damned auto spell!
I corrected it with an edit.
😅😂
Early on, in the life of plans for the North Coast Railroad, I was able to get hold of the RDA Hermanson Mill. It's an all plaster casting. I just always loved all that stone work.
. After the basic primer went on, and the initial colors of stone were added, I glued the structure together. Of course, there were gaps, I filled that with modeling putty to make sure that no gaps existed.
The roof as shown, was unfinished at the time of the picture. It took a few rolls of Campbells shingles. At the moment, with the exception of details like crates and scenery details, it is finished and awaiting placement when the time comes.End wall.JPGIMG_1226.JPGHemanson all walls 1.JPG
Howdy Dave, Wow, what an excellent structure. The stone coloring looks fantastic. Is it mounted on the layout? Have fun, mike
Not mounted quite yet. There is some track and sensor locations below it that need wiring up first.
I had not originally decided its purpose, until I studied the history of area industries. The Real North Coast area is blessed with an abundance of fruit orchard and vegetable farms. In particular it is the largest producer of apples and cabbage.
With those raw materials it is no wonder there are major canneries and multiple cold storage units that still exist to this day. Motts, famous for Juice and apple sauce makes its home here, as is one of the Fleischmann's Vinegar plants and Silver Floss Sauerkraut nearby.
So with that background in mind, the Hermanson's mill will likely become a vinegar and pickling plant, in the "Williamson" area, on the hill, just to the left of the room entrance. It will require a tank farm to go along with lots of tall tanks and piping to supply them all.
IMG_20160407_105333_hdr.jpg
Looking good, Dave.
I still have Hermanson's mill in a box 3/4 done. I did some serious bashing on it. I remember it being a fun project.
Cheers, Mark.
Quote from: Dave Buchholz on February 08, 2025, 10:05:35 PMEarly on, in the life of plans for the North Coast Railroad, I was able to get hold of the RDA Hermanson Mill. It's an all plaster casting. I just always loved all that stone work....
I have a couple of RDA's plastic kits on my layout, but I didn't recall them doing plaster kits too. Looks good.
JBVB, to my limited knowledge, the Hermanson Mill was the only plaster kit that they made. At least it is the only one I've ever seen. I have not seen it reoffered by the company that bought their operation.
I mentioned in the prior post about creating a Vinegar and pickling plant. I bought a few piping kits from Walther's to interconnect the tanks. I will try repairing and repainting the Woodland Scenics stone ice house to match the building. As well as direct all the piping to it as it becomes the new pump house control building.
This photo is an updated photo. The roof is on, and the vinegar tanks are in the proposed but not finalized positions. The background storm has been added to as well.IMG_4633.JPG
One of the structures in the actual port of Oswego, was the building below,. "Cahill Fish" was a commercial fishing company, that fished Lake Ontario with the last Great Lakes Fishing Tug ever launched, the Eleanor D.
Sylvan Models makes a version in 1/87 with three different Bridge configurations. I'm saving one of the bridges for the big grain ship in my harbor.
RDA also makes a stone building of almost identical but smaller design. ( Already selectively compressed for the North Coast.) They will both be featured on the North Coast90744471_10157253816210186_1545477963523293184_o.jpg
Here's the models of both the Fishing Tug from Sylvan and what will be the North Coast version of Cahill Fish in Oswego, made by RDA IMG_4637.JPGIMG_4636.JPG
Dave your stonework is excellent. I like the tug and looking forward on how you do it.
Jerry
Heck of a layout Dave! Nice work!
Dave what a great looking layout so far. Love all your "stone work' which really pops against your backdrop and stormy skies.
Thank you all for the positive comments. If at any point, you have any suggestions or constructive criticism along the way, please feel free to air them here.
Hermanson in Plaster is a much better looking kit than Hermanson in plastic. The problem I have is that I went a bit overboard carving out the window openings. Jim Mooney (Bar Mills) gave me a set of laser cut windows for that. I need to find a spot on the layout for that project.
dave
I had seen where a modeler set the windows from the inside. I went the easier route with outside mounting.
I agree the plaster kit has much greater relief in the stonework than does the molded plastic version. Night to day difference.
( Or is it night AND day?)
Dave.
In many ways, I'm disappointed in myself that so far, all I am reposting here, are pictures of things I've done in the past. Nothing is current. Hopefully, the posting process, and the encouragement of my fellow modelers here, will get me off the couch.
In the meantime....
When I was planning control panels, I wanted to make sure a visual representation of routes was obvious to the "engineer" I decided upon dual color LEDS. red/green at turnout locations to show where train is going. So this is the panel for the harbor area, there are toggles for Tortoise turn out motors, and for block controls. the path then becomes obvious by the green/red lightsIMG_3856.JPG
Been doing slow and boring, but methodical work on the second of three control panels. The current project is the panel for the main yard in the center of the layout.
Quote from: Dave Buchholz on February 25, 2025, 08:12:32 PMIn the meantime....
When I was planning control panels, I wanted to make sure a visual representation of routes was obvious to the "engineer" I decided upon dual color LEDS. red/green at turnout locations to show where train is going. So this is the panel for the harbor area, there are toggles for Tortoise turn out motors, and for block controls. the path ios obvious by the green lightsIMG_3856.JPG
God Dave that looks like a traffic circle in New Jersey!!!! :) ;D
Just kidding!
Your work is great.
Jerry
The FAA already told me to "Knock it off" snd stop messing up their flight patterns. They have enough trouble as it is.
Quote from: Jerry on March 06, 2025, 01:27:54 PMQuote from: Dave Buchholz on February 25, 2025, 08:12:32 PMIn the meantime....
When I was planning control panels, I wanted to make sure a visual representation of routes was obvious to the "engineer" I decided upon dual color LEDS. red/green at turnout locations to show where train is going. So this is the panel for the harbor area, there are toggles for Tortoise turn out motors, and for block controls. the path ios obvious by the green lightsIMG_3856.JPG
God Dave that looks like a traffic circle in New Jersey!!!! :) ;D
Just kidding!
Your work is great.
Jerry
There was an infamous Jersey Traffic Circle that looked kinda like this in Eatontown NJ. A guy ran around someone stopped at the red light and plowed into my wife's car. He went to court to try to beat the ticket. Wife was on the stand, guy's lawyer asked "And did my client stop to help you after the accident?" Wife: "No, the gentleman over there did [this was the person -stopped at the light-]" The lawyer gave his client a filthy look and said, "No more questions, your honor." In the judge's summation, that's where I learned the legal term for "liar" is "testimony is not credible."
dave
Hello Dave, your track control panel design looks like a bird in flight. Seriously though, nice work.
The pattern was created by taking an overhead picture of the actual trackwork.
I loaded the picture onto my laptop, then loaded it into good old Windows Paint.
First I saved it down to 16 colors.
Then S-L-O-W-L-Y reduced it to black and white.
I own a vinyl cutter. I loaded the final version of the drawing into the cutter program to produce the white vinyl skin to apply to the black background.
Dave,
That's a nice looking and useful panel. Puts me in mind of the now-gone Can o' Worms in Rochester.
Mike
Thanks Mike and Dave,
...as well as all who have shown interest in the progress of the North Coast Railroad, both here, on its new home on the Modeler's Forum, and is old home on RRL Forum.
As mentioned earlier this morning, it started out as simply an overhead picture in my Camera, so it is the absolute exact design of the area.1 power and insulator diagram.jpg
After reducing it to black and white, and running the result through a vinyl printer, drilling all the holes. Inserting toggles, inserting bulbs, screwing up a few times. { DAMN THAT TEQUILA} After testing and wiring them, then pinning into 25 pin " D " connectors, the back side ended up like this. There is more wiring for the block controls that I've been working on of late, to a point that the block feeder lines simply need connection from the "D" pin under the layout , up to the rails.
IMG_3862.JPG
Nice work on the panel, Dave. Vinyl is a great way to do the graphics. What type of cutter do you have?
George
Quote from: GeorgeD on March 08, 2025, 08:19:13 PMNice work on the panel, Dave. Vinyl is a great way to do the graphics. What type of cutter do you have?
George
I've got a Roland 24" cutter. along with a sign graphics program for Software to run it. No printing just cutting. I have previously used for car club graphics and one color signs for my Son's auto business.
If you need some vinyls or lettering made for panels, let me know I can hook you up.
Howdy Dave,
The control panel looks great. Using vinyl is a terrific idea.
Have fun,
mike
From prior comments, you know that the North Coast railroad is HOn3, For the most part the motive power is predominately Shays and Tank engines. WHY?? BECAUSE I LIKE THEM! Shay roster 1.JPGNon-Shay roster 2.JPG
Additionally, I decided the rolling stock will be either regional, or private label from the area. The prototype New York, Ontario & Western was a big feeder for the RW&O. Here's an example of some of them
There is a guy on Ebay 'Train Boss" that re-skins reefers with a number of local private label from the Upstate NY area. Many seem to show the NYO&W as the parent road. So they fit perfectly into the sceam of local industries for me. They are.simply a printed label on the flat side of a reefer..They will never win a prize for detail, but they sure do fill out my roster.
This picture was from several years ago. The roster of local and billboard cars has expanded since this photo was taken.
IMG_3762.JPG
Dave,
That's quite a nice collection of motive power. Alway wanted a four-truck Shay. I've got two Backmann's that I may kit bash into a four-truck Shay and a two-truck Shay.
Bernd
Shays are so cool. Many years ago I got to see one operating here in Iowa at a Festival called the Old Thresher's reunion. They have some narrow gauge engines and trolleys on their grounds. I think they traded the Shay off years ago.
Jeff
Bernd, did you ever play with those Shay trucks you received from me?
Good looking gaggle of Shay'e Dave..... 8)
Great looking locos...I lucked into a beautiful tiny 2-truck Brass HOn30 Shay at the NNGC.
I'd really like a rtr similar one in HOn3 (but DCC-equipped)...if only Blackstone hadn't died off, maybe they would have made one by now. Unlikely they'll be figuring out a suitable Chinese quality manufacturer anytime soon with the present trade climate...maybe someday. I'll be looking for something tiny and beautiful on the tables at the next NNGC for sure.
Quote from: Dave Buchholz on March 14, 2025, 11:22:54 AMBernd, did you ever play with those Shay trucks you received from me?
Thought I already posted a reply. Must have hit the "preview" button instead.
No, I never did anything with them. I don't even remember you giving me them. I remember now that you mention it. They are probably buried somewhere in one of the many "will use these sometime in the future" boxes.
Bernd
Although not much modeling is getting done while helping my son with his new business venture. It hasn't stopped me from assorted purchases of 3d printed details and rolling stock. As more crafters offer their 3d products, it's getting wild to see some of the cool stuff being created.
As I research what industries were serviced by the prototype, I've been honing in on the fruit belt associated businesses for canning and storage, and the small businesses that supported them.
I've been finding lots of 3d printed crates pallets, boxes and barrels to support the fall harvest season in perpetuity on the North Coast Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Till next time.....
Fifth Dave on the right
Modeling time is in short supply of late. But small things collectively become progress ultimately.
I've been working on lighting up a few "almost" done buildings in the harbor area, and adding signage to indicate the type of businesses they represent.
I've looked for actual names of businesses along the right of way that existed during the era that I am modeling. That's been one area of interest. The other is representing the Native heritage of upstate New York and the Finger Lakes region. Many portions of Central New York hold their indigenous names. Seneca, Cayuga, Genesee, Mohawk, Oswego, Gananda, Sodus, Red Creek, Black Creek, Onondaga, and so many others. Its seems fitting to pay honor and homage to those who were the true pioneers to this region.
Thus the North Coast Railroad has several actual business names representing both points.
Seneca Cold Storage (fruit and vegetables), Mohawk Mills (carpets) Red Creek Canning, Genesee Malting House in Sodus are represented so far, Others will follow.
Maybe some pics will find their way here soon.
as always,
Fifth Dave to the Right
Quote from: Dave Buchholz on May 05, 2025, 09:28:25 PMModeling time is in short supply of late. But small things collectively become progress ultimately.
I've been working on lighting up a few "almost" done buildings in the harbor area, and adding signage to indicate the type of businesses they represent.
I've looked for actual names of businesses along the right of way that existed during the era that I am modeling. That's been one area of interest. The other is representing the Native heritage of upstate New York and the Finger Lakes region. Many portions of Central New York hold their indigenous names. Seneca, Cayuga, Genesee, Mohawk, Oswego, Gananda, Sodus, Red Creek, Black Creek, Onondaga, and so many others. Its seems fitting to pay honor and homage to those who were the true pioneers to this region.
Thus the North Coast Railroad has several actual business names representing both points.
Seneca Cold Storage (fruit and vegetables), Mohawk Mills (carpets) Red Creek Canning, Genesee Malting House in Sodus are represented so far, Others will follow.
Maybe some pics will find their way here soon.
as always,
Fifth Dave to the Right
Maybe the Hekawi? https://www.liquisearch.com/f_troop/regular_characters/the_hekawi_tribe_and_tribal_members
dave
The Fakawi were supposed to help Custer at what became his last stand. But they apparently never showed up, or maybe Custer got lost lost.
Hence, Custer's last words ....
"Where da Fakawi!"
😃😅🤣
CUSTER..." What are we to do NOW??????"
CHIEF OF THE FAKAWI....... "What-chu-mean-WE....PALEFACE" ;) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
KYLE CREEL
GOODE FOOTE RR Co.
I always did love that joke Kyle.
Unlike Custer, I'm not dead yet. Just had to change priorities for awhile. Lots of changes in family dynamics the past two years. Real life priorities about health, jobs and finances come first
At least I'm cleaning the work areas of all the mess and clutter. Doing some re-imagineering in the meantime, and collecting more unopened treasures.
No pics due to non progress.
Stay tuned.
Dave looking forward to seeing your progress when life allows you to get back into it.
Dave good hear your alive and kicking.
Loooking forward to updates.
Jerry
Dave,
I've been thinking just the other day, what's up with you.
Glad to read you here buddy! Hope to see ya soon.
Rich
Rich. The RIT train show is the weekend of December 13-14. I plan on being there.
It would be great to see you again.
Dave.
Quote from: Dave Buchholz on October 23, 2025, 01:23:01 PMRich. The RIT train show is the weekend of December 13-14. I plan on being there.
It would be great to see you again.
Dave.
Dave, that certainly would be great! Just hope the weather is safe for driving though.
I would undoubtedly believe that Bernd would be there as well. I will plan on it.
Rich
Quote from: Pennman on October 24, 2025, 08:14:22 AMQuote from: Dave Buchholz on October 23, 2025, 01:23:01 PMRich. The RIT train show is the weekend of December 13-14. I plan on being there.
It would be great to see you again.
Dave.
Dave, that certainly would be great! Just hope the weather is safe for driving though.
I would undoubtedly believe that Bernd would be there as well. I will plan on it.
Rich
Not necessarily. since Dan (Lief's Sales & Service) no longer sells at the show do to what happened during covid. I could be persuaded if both of you show up.
Bernd
I'm considering going but it's too early to commit.
Mike
OMG!! NO! If the four of us show up in the same place at the same time, again, we will undoubtedly end up in JAIL!! HaHa!
From left to right- Bernd (front), Pennman (Rich) in back,
Michael Hohn, Dave Buchholz
Now there's a scary bunch if I've see one.
B~
8) Nice photo!
Quote from: Pennman on October 26, 2025, 10:35:18 AMOMG!! NO! If the four of us show up in the same place at the same time, again, we will undoubtedly end up in JAIL!! HaHa!
From left to right- Bernd (front), Pennman (Rich) in back,
Michael Holn, Dave Buchholz
Huh... I was expecting to see that photo in the Post Office... ;D
dave
That's where we took it down from.
I've been having some health issues with s rare skin disorder of late. So I have had some time off from work.The good news is that I had time to clean off my hobby desk, and reset my brain towards hobbies.
As a model railroader in update New York, I admit to other fascinations along I-90. When driving through the Mohawk River Valley, one can't help but notice the locks, dams and bridges of the Erie Canal. I've often wondered how to incorporate a scene including a Lock. I could never figure it out until today. I found some space.
Here's where the canal will come down through a lock between the mill and cannery buildings.
They second view is simply from the opposite direction "out in Sodus Bay"
I'm using paper mock ups of some craftsman kits and a few scratch pieces to visualize the settings.
Unlike many modelers, I am intentionally putting larger buildings to the back walls and at higher elevations. It is somewhat opposite of using forced perspective. The details of small scenes will be up front.
Although the track plan is a bit out of date, I have mentioned previously, the design is to make it look like the 1/87 track engineers had no other choice of paths to lay down the rails to service the industries along the North Coast. Intentionally, I didn't want tracks parallel to straight boring edges of the benchwork. To me, Nature came first, long before the iron horse.
A canal scene was something on my wish list that didn't make the current layout. I was always inspired by pictures of the gravity railroad docks in Honesdale, PA on the Delaware & Hudson (railroad/canal).
dave
Dave,
Sending along prayers for you and hopefully a speedy recovery.
As for the RR, you need consultation with a more experienced railroader than me.
Hope you work out the details, it looks interesting.
Rich
Great modeling photos and best wishes with your skin disorder.
Philip
Really interesting design, Dave.
I assume there are also some hidden staging tracks? Are you planning on having a removable car ferry? (Boomer diorama did something very similar - here is a link in case you don't know about it and are interested https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90lOf4om7bI) You have managed to pack in a lot of decent structures into the scene in a believable way. Looking forward to your progress.
Cheers, Mark.
Correct Mark. Where you see the return loop to the top right will begin a Dual Guage staging yard HO/HOn3. It's a long way off though.
The nature of the ferry slip is more implied that a ferry boat exists.(It's on its way back from Canada)
I had never seen that posting that you linked. I appreciate your kindness in doing so.
Thank you for the compliment. I am attempting to make believable groupings and arrangements of structures in that things look like they belong "there". I'm trying to be purposeful in placement, even if it's only make believe.
Fifth Dave on the Right
Along with my having grown up in Upstate New York, these two paintings by Staton Manolakas are some of the inspiration for adding a canal scene to the North Coast Railroad. The first picture is of Lockport NY where at the most western, last locks of the system, was a grouping of two sets of five locks to lift canal boats from the post glacial plain of Lake Ontario up the Niagara Escarpment to the level of Lake Erie via the waters of the Niagara River.
Sooner or later the canal had to get from the equipment bottom of Niagara Falls to the top. Lockport NY is where it took place via the five locks.
In more recent times, early 1910s when the Canal was enlarged, for greater draft depth. Longer wider, deeper barges. The south locks was designated to be reconfigured to be both wider and deeper, so that only two locks were needed for the climb. It the other set of five locks still exist today, as a historical preservation. The emergence of steam powered barges be some prevalent.
The second painting is from Eastern NY, through The Mohawk River Valley at Little Falls NY where a side by side set of locks existed.
Check out more from the artist at https://www.artlicensing.com/artists/stanton-manolakas/
His detail within a scene is phenomenal. Take a look!
Lockport Locks.jpglittle-falls-ny-c-1905.jpg
Dave,
Very interesting. That first picture looks like it's got a log float going. Didn't know there any saw mills along the canal.
Bernd
I hadn't even noticed that!
When you examine his paintings closely. You find all sorts of details in them. Plenty of modeling ideas in his collection.
I encourage anyone following the thread to check them out.
I actually was able to get back to some modeling today. I picked up today where I left off a few years ago on the Harbor Grain Elevator & Marine Leg complex. A Marine Leg is what unloads great Lakes freighters full of grain into the harbor side grain elevators I found the 50 year old Zinc castings holding the wheel sets under the tower had disintegrated, so I had to reconfigure the assembly. The prototype leg movement is capable of sliding down, as well as in and out, to sweep the hold of the ship being unloaded.The prototype tower also was winched along the base rails, to access all the holds of the Freighter one by one.
In Buffalo, there was a grain dildo with two towers identical towers to get that freighter unloaded twice as fast! As Great Lakes freighters developed, many became self unloading with internal buckets and conveyor systems.
The model itself will be stationary, not motorized although the leg actually can slide up and down as well as swing in and out. It just a pain in the butt to do it! Thin plywood for the base to hold the the entire structure was purchased today. The bare white plastic is being repurposed.
As a reminder this is where I left off in the process.
Dave I remember your grain elevator from before. Have fun continuing on; it's a very impressive looking structure.
Dave just getting caught up here.
Really looking forward to the new updates that will be coming.
Jerry
Thank you both
It good to get back to what I like to do, rather than what I have to do.
Good deal! Great stuff Dave!
Dave,
It will be a fascinating operation once you get that annimated.
Rich
Although the model mimics the prototype structure, in that it is physically capable of moving along all three axes, I've already been deemed out of my f"""in mind for even modeling this thing to begin with. I will likely add a bit of lighting, but no animation is the sense of motorized movement.
It can be staged, given plenty of Preparation H handy, as it's a pain in the butt to do so. Just dealing with the one cable lift line that is installed is a lesson in frustration to tighten or loosen
But to prove it actually can move i submit the following photos.
I thought I would add an explanation and a few more picture of the marine tower as it progresses. The idea was developed from the prototype in the Buffalo NY Harbor with the basic grain handling flow process in mind.
Believe it or not, the grain actually goes to the top twice in it's travel from ship hold to its final destination in the silos.
(The first photo shows the interior progress, floor by floor. The spiral staircases were a Shapeways 3D print from before the changed their business model)
The first time, the grain moves from the ships hold, via the bucket conveyor in the leg, to the top of the tower. It then drops through a combination of storage bins, so that it can be properly weighed on a scale.
Then the grain gets dumped below into another collection bin as it continues to drop to the bottom of the tower. Another fixed vertical bucket conveyor on the back side of the tower takes the grain way above the silos to the triangular funnel collectors outside the head house.
As the tower moves along the entire length of the ship, from hold to hold, a pivoting tube allows the grain to get dumped into the nearest funnel collector and slides via gravity inside the head house onto a flat conveyor belt. It gets slid right or left, up onto a device called a Granier to be dumped into the appropriate silo, for storage until it is processed. It happens again and again with every freighter that tires up next to it.
The last photo is from ground level of the complex and surrounding structures.
1761876419463756268468111019178.jpg176187672816883446823880700636.jpg[/attach>>7][attach id=111042 width=2400 height=3000]17618767499974437425735013388558.jpg17618767770183853491447997418226.jpg 17618767948714852953041791020183.jpg
Dave,
Suggested by your excellent pictures and your excellent modeling of this tower in the first place, is totally beyond my comprehension. I couldn't build what you did in a million years! So, annimated or not, so what, it's still a super looking structure and one that you can certainly be very proud of. My hat is off to you, Sir!
Rich
Thanks for the explanation of how the grain gets thru this contraption in the prototype. Excellent modeling.
Jeff
True story added.
In the Buffalo NY Harbor, at the eastern end of Lake Erie.
To this day, there is a massive General Mills plant dominating the harbor skyline, that has produced every single box of CHEERIOS that you've ever eaten in your lifetime, anywhere in the world that you ate it. They all came from there!
Far below., when the sun sets. lounging in the shadows of these monstrous concrete giants ,where the smell of billions upon billions of CHEERIOS lingers in the air, is the Buffalo Naval Museum.
Countless packs of cub scouts, boy and girl scouts, (including my own kids decades ago), slept overnight on their adventure away from home, on one of those retired Navy vessels .The next morning they gathered for breakfast. Guess what they were for served.
KELLOGG'S CORN FLAKES!
What the hell is wrong with these people!
But I digress.
Goes to show which cereal company provided the Scouts with the best deal...
dave
The funny part is, my cousin's husband was a supervisor at that General Mills plant until his retirement. I told him about what they serve. The plant didn't take advantage of the situation and lost the opportunity to advance their product to a literally growing client base just a few stop lights away.
Interesting to get some background, Dave.
I remember MRR magazine having plans for a malt works back a few decades that was similar in design. I always thought it would make a real show stopper of a structure, like yours.
Cheers, Mark.
As my ADHD kicks in this morning. I go back to being like a butterfly, flittering from one project to another.
OH LOOK..A SQUIRREL!
I couldn't get the (soon to be) barge canal aspect of the North Coast Railroad out of my head. I found a starting point for a small barge tug in my collection of photos. I have a suitable unfinished fishing boat kit which will be repurposedIMG_20251101_094837042.jpgIMG_20251101_094837042.jpgIMG_4291.JPGIMG_4298.JPG
New York State equipment on the canal is typical state colors of navy blue and yellow. Just like Trooper cars and Highway equipmentghows-NU-3b9fc9c2-3152-273f-e053-0100007ff21c-ef78ae69.jpeggeneseerivercrossing-3.jpg
So far, this is the fleet of state barge vessels that will be afloat on the North Coast. The barges are from "Artitec" a European manufacturer. The big one is considered a self propelled Steam Barge. Although this is more of a design from European rivers, it's close enough to easily be "Americanized". They also make a longer one, called The Spitz. But this size works nicely in the harbor. IMG_20251101_105558518.jpg
Another portion of the watercraft of Sodus Bay on the North Coast is the fishing and passenger craft. These are the major pieces along with a bunch of rowboats of various sizes.IMG_20251101_103747846.jpg
....and of course... The big one of the North Coast fleet
The Great Lakes grain freighter from Sylvan.
That's it for the pictorial update 11/01/2025IMG_20251101_104854308.jpg
I got a little progress done on what I'll call the " canal maintenance boat
Im just using scraps found in the meriad of boxes and drawers in my basement lair. It looks like a bunch of spare parts throw together by the canal workers to make something useful for themselves. Oddly that's exactly what happened to create the model.
Not exactly a Museum quality build, but it will fill the need.
Fifth Dave to the right
Dave,
That's quite a fleet of ships to have to finish. It appears you will be busy for
a while. That largest grain boat must be at least 3 to 1/2" wide isn't it?
You know I like building structures and I built only one boat so far, but
I never finished the rigging on it. To me, that seems to be the hardest part of it.
Good luck with your fleet. You can do it.
Rich
Thanks Rich. At 74, it makes me wonder how many of these kits, boats, buildings, rolling stock, trackage wiring and scenery I can finish before I kick the bucket.
The big fighter is from Sylvan Models is 4" abeam and 22" long. I made sure I knew it's dimensions while track planning to create a sufficient berth for it.
Greg Shinny (Ensign)did a huge post about building it on the old forum. Hopefully he's around here somewhere. But the build thread long gone.
This started off as a Sea Port Model Works 34ft lobster boat. There are no lobsters on Lake Ontario. So the kit and parts mingling got underway a few days ago.
Gotta add those yellow pieces to the upper edge of the hull uet. Not quite sure how I will clamp them while gluing?
Then add a few details
I spotted this photo on a local site. It shows barrels of apples being loaded onto barges along the NYS barge canal. I thought it was full of modeling ideas.
It's from the barge/railhead town of Medina NY just west of me on the prototype line I'm modeling. The Rome Watertown and Ogdensberg Railroad. ( Edited to correct name)
In my modeling world the RW&O becomes the North Coast Railroad.FB_IMG_1762222712376.jpg
Dave,
Great picture. Can you imagine if all of those barrels of apples fermented and became hard cider?
I wonder how many of those drunken sailors would know who they were next morning or wonder if they
were alive. ;D
Rich
All those barrels reminds me how important coopers and cooperage was for 19th century transportation. Everything from flour to apples to petroleum was moved in wood barrels.
dave
Nice picture. Now lets get to the mill so we can get some fresh Apple Juice!! ;D
Jerry
Dave
QuoteIt's from the barge/railhead town of Medina NY just west of me on the prototype line I'm modeling. The Rome Watertown and Ontario Railroad
I thought the R,W & O was the Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburgh Railroad?
Bernd
Oops you are correct Bernd. I'll edit it for correction.
Jerry. Years back while on vacation in Connecticut we visited a famous B F Clyde Cider Mill. Someone had created a kit in 1/87 for it back then. But before I sent money for it, I discovered the kit producer was in prison. That explained his lack of responses to inquiries..
Howdy Dave,
Thanks for the reference photo. It is one of the best color photos of barrels I've seen.
Have fun,
mike
Not sure if you are being serious or comical (or both?)
The oddity to me was to notice that rather than being stored on the flat top/bottom,( which is what I expected) they are being stored on their sides. I had to think about why they would do that?
The answer I came up with was taking advantage of being able to roll them from one place to another. The can be rolled up the ramp onto the barge. No need to tip them over. Just put a chunk of rock or wood to act as a chock under it, to keep it from rolling away.
Quote from: Dave Buchholz on November 04, 2025, 03:48:20 PMNot sure if you are being serious or comical (or both?)
The oddity to me was to notice that rather than being stored on the flat top/bottom,( which is what I expected) they are being stored on their sides. I had to think about why they would do that?
The answer I came up with was taking advantage of being able to roll them from one place to another. The can be rolled up the ramp onto the barge. No need to tip them over. Just put a chunk of rock or wood to act as a chock under it, to keep it from rolling away.
Exactly! Without forklifts, think how you would handle 42 gallons/160 lbs of stuff!
dave
Good point Dave. (I consider you to be Dave #1 by the way) Water is about 8 lbs per gallon. So if liquid (cider?) filled instead of apples, the effort to roll them around the dock would have been even greater! But it would still best having to lift everyone of them.
Progress continues on a number of modeling fronts today. I'm working toward on the interior of the marine leg, floor by floor. It's a pain in the butt too fit the spiral stair cases in place. But they look soooo cool,!
Also working on the superstructure for the top floor winch house.
Eventually. I'll will be able to add the outside observation platforms, and safety ladders and lateral winch system. But at this point there are too frail, given the amount of handling the tower is given.
Also working on the base for the entire elevator scene. Gotta remember a hole cut through for lighting wiring to poke through.
IMG_20251105_114951145.jpg
Quote from: Dave Buchholz on November 04, 2025, 10:14:51 AMJerry. Years back while on vacation in Connecticut we visited a famous B F Clyde Cider Mill. Someone had created a kit in 1/87 for it back then. But before I sent money for it, I discovered the kit producer was in prison. That explained his lack of responses to inquiries..
Hey Dave,
I just saw this post you made about the B F Clyde Cider Mill kit and Hodgdon was the manufacturers name.
He was in prison because he murdered his wife. Anyway, I have the plans for that kit. Give me a hollar if you want a set.
Rich
Rich. I'll send you an message on that.
That fact that my North Coast Railroad runs through the fruit orchard plains of lake Ontario, I had cold storage and vinegar plants envisioned previously. There's an empty spot at the edge of the canal needing a structure.Given the picture I posted a few days ago, about barrels of apples being loaded onto a cider mill would seem an appropriate addition to the area, and give an excuse for all the barrels and fruit crates.
There is the 1:1 scale Fleischmann's vinegar plant is only a mile south of the prototype trackage. Their biggest product is apple cider vinegar. My plaster Hermanson building is destined for the vinegar plant already
This is the building I remember for the cider mill
IMG_4590.jpg
The second photo is the tank farm at Fleischmann's vinegar plant in North Rose
Screenshot_20251105-230120.png
A quick update.
In real life we signed a contract today to tear out the tub and put in a walk in shower. At 74 and 77 my wife and I can't enjoy the mobility of our younger days.
So the limited of hobbies today was preparation of the mounting board for the Elevator and Marine leg scene. I going after a poured concrete look to things.
I noticed the plywood is curling after only painting one side. So I'll paint the other underneath side and brace it with 1/2 inch square stock. Probably not a bad idea to put weights on it it over a flat glass surface to draw the warpage back out.
17624849570458019499377255312815.jpg
Nice work Dave with some very interesting old photos!
The start of the grain elevator base.
It's been braced underneath. And the surface painted to simulate poured concrete sections.
It will require two sets of rails set 3ft apart. Yup. A NARROW GAUGE marine tower.
And so it begins.
IMG_20251109_130735112.jpg
Two Sunday afternoon football games and two hundred hand drilled holes and spikes later:
The marine leg tower sits on the carriage.
The prototype carriage allowed the tower to move along the length of the ship being unloaded. The arm was dipped into each hold sequentially from end to end.
Stationary towers also existed. But those required the ship to be moved to advance from hold to hold. Later on in the history of grain unloading,some ships became self unloading. They used a huge conveyor system.
IMG_20251109_195030512.jpg a
So it looks like you're not going to motorize it to move it up and down the tracks?
Bernd
Dave,
Just getting caught up on this thread. Nice work and i really like the grain elevator. Those little brass locos ain't bad either. ;D
Tom
I never had any plan to animate the marine leg project It will be static. But it is articulated though, capable of being placed or staged in any "working" position manually.
Several hindrances exist to motorization.
1) mental sanity.
2) The lack of room within the structure. Three Motors and gear reduction systems, and non operable pulleys. The torque applied would rip it all apart.
3) It is very fragile and spindly.
4)And of course time.
The basic track work is not done. Turnout motors and wiring need mounting. Finishing control panels. Nearly sixty other buildings. Landscape and a population of little people. Vehicles and boats barges and ships.
.....and I'm 74 already.
An update of the base and tower as of 11/20/2025.
Gonna thread up the second set of pulleys today
Quote from: Pennman on November 05, 2025, 06:58:59 PMQuote from: Dave Buchholz on November 04, 2025, 10:14:51 AMJerry. Years back while on vacation in Connecticut we visited a famous B F Clyde Cider Mill. Someone had created a kit in 1/87 for it back then. But before I sent money for it, I discovered the kit producer was in prison. That explained his lack of responses to inquiries..
Hey Dave,
I just saw this post you made about the B F Clyde Cider Mill kit and Hodgdon was the manufacturers name.
He was in prison because he murdered his wife. Anyway, I have the plans for that kit. Give me a hollar if you want a set.
Rich
An just because she didn't like apples!!!!
Jerry
It's looking good Dave. That's a pretty good size ship you have there.
Jerry
Thanks Jerry. I got a good laugh about your remark as to the wife hating apples.
Dark twisted humor. I like it!
#5D
I was actually able to thread the second cable in to the Marine Leg pulley system today
One of the little victories in life
No coffee before hand.
As proof of the ability to function. It was hard to take the picture because the leg kept sliding down through the mounting channels.
IMG_20251110_162653744.jpgIMG_20251110_163548609.jpg
Pretty neat build.
B~
Dave,
That picture above, showing hands, can't be the hands of a model railroader!
They're clean! Although, that does look like your wedding band... :o
Rich
The only reason my hands were clean was because I just washed three days worth of dirty dishes!
😅
Now the question on the marine leg tower is how much to I light it up. Interior and exterior? To what extent? How to hide the wiring?
Since the real tower used electricity, I suppose power coming to it from a 1/87 junction box is reasonable. So cables to go from one end of the rails to the other might work.
Any ideas to share with me?
Moving along to other areas of the mill and silos, the Walther's kit has a hopper car,un/loading canopy that would never be seen because it would end up the far side of the mill.Nor is there much clearance for it there
So it is being repurposed for truck unloading on the near side.it just took a few simple cuts with the old Xacto saw to reduce dimensionsIMG_20251111_110726006.jpg
The same concern is true of the length of the un/loading shed. Too long for the intended spot. Once again a square and a saw came in handy.IMG_20251111_112521644.jpg
That's the kind of situation where the Micro-Mark thin beam (.040 deep) square is worth every penny they charge for it.
dave
Dave, as luck would have it. My wife had a friend who's husband was a model railroader. She was kind enough to sell all his modeling tools and machinist tool box that is seen in some if my work bench photos.
She wanted to give it to me free. I wanted to give her $100, and she was not going to take it. So my wife and I went to the grocery store and and came back with that worth in food for her instead.
A few hours later...
The basic truck shed. It needs to be puttied and painted of course. Also a pit below and a fill pipe above coming from the mill house will be added as things proceed.
In the corner by the first silo is what I'm thinking will create my electrical connections to light up the tower.
As mentioned the actual prototype had huge cables for running power, so I'm thinking having exposed wire going to the model isn't a necessarily a bad thing overall. Makes disconnections easier if needed later on.
Any thoughts?IMG_20251111_131739172.jpg
I'm sure many of you are of a similar mind, that we get burned out on one task, and before further brain cramps occur, move on to something else.
(One momentous discovery tonight was remembering that tiny LED lamps have an incredibly short life at a full 12 bolts. Of course that was rediscovered AFTER the 12 bolts was applied)
So I moved on to the mill building of the silo complex and did a little further imagineering while little whiffs of LED smoke drifted over the North Coast harbor.
I tend not to detail things not seen. Like the backside of a building. Seems like kind of a waste to put parts on something that will never be seen by anything but spiders trying to catch whatever else is crawling around downstairs. I prefer to load up more detail to the more visible areas.
So the Milling building will get a truck dumping pit and and truck dock. I decided the dock should be directly under the original door that is several floors up. The impression to me is that there would be an elevator behind those doors.
Earlier today, a memory returned from when I was a kid. Iwr grew up in Buffalo, on the East Side. There is a history of flour milling in Buffalo.
My uncle Pete worked in the second George Urban flour mill. ( Now the Wonder Bread factory) He gave us a tour once. Indeed there were elevators and conveyors inside.
So now after you have read through all that trivia (polite word for "crap") here is an initial progress pic of the changes. I added a nicer employee door from my scrap parts box. The dock, steps and dock door will add a bit more character and purpose to the exposed side.
Obviously it's just a preliminary picture at this point, needing paint, an awning and safety rails, pallets etc.IMG_20251112_230220210.jpg
Nice work so far Dave. It looks like you know what you're doing.
Regarding your perspective of not detailing sides not seen, what works for you sounds like a great plan.
If you recall from one of my last builds on the Railroad Line Forums, whereby I pin my buildings to a base,
rather than glue them down, I can remove them later to feature another side. I can't do that if it is glued.
So, to this day, I do detail all four sides of my structures. It's just me I know. And, if I give a building
away to another person, he or she may want to feature a different side than I did, so that works.
Keep at it.
Rich
Quote from: Dave Buchholz on November 13, 2025, 12:28:06 AMSo I moved on the the mill building of the silo complex and did a little further imagineering while little whiffs of LED smoke drifted over the North Coast harbor.
Howdy Dave,
Uh, funny, not funny. Indeed, there is no benefit to modelers in letting the smoke out of the lights.
Have fun,
mike
Actually, it's not the Volts but the Current that lets out the LED magic smoke. The easiest way to manage this is with the Current Limiters that Microlumina sells. Bill had a really great instruction sheet/tip on how to plan LED lighting, but I can't find a copy on the intertubes.
dave
Thanks for the reminder of current limiting applications. Might have some limiters kicking around in the electronics parts box.
If you or anyone finds that article, please feel free to link it in this topic. Thanks
Dave#5
Quote from: Pennman on November 13, 2025, 10:07:52 AMIf you recall from one of my last builds on the Railroad Line Forums, whereby I pin my buildings to a base,rather than glue them down, I can remove them later to feature another side. I can't do that if it is glued.
Rich
Good point. Do you use actual sewing pins, vs small nails? Are they set into mounting blocks in the lower corners of the structure? Got a picture or two?
Thanks for the insight.
Dave #5
Looking good, Dave.
I typically don't spend too much time on the back of my structures. Although, all the photos from the caboose and selfie sticks on the F&SM changed my philosophy a little on this. I used to just put plain sheet plastic on the backs, now I'm inclined to add a bit more detail. I also move around a lot on projects, although my reason is that I tend to lose motivation as soon as I have solved all the problems on a project. Every year I make a list of projects to be finished (with the best intentions of finishing some of those off) and every year that list gets longer!
I stumbled across that MRR article I mentioned earlier in the thread. I've added a photo of the multi page spread. Let me know if you would like a copy. It is in the July 1973 issue. I realise you have your project all sorted, but just thought it might be of intrest. The plans sure picture a cool looking project!
IMG20251114074511comp.jpg
Cheers, Mark.
Mark, I'd greatly appreciate a copy.
Nothing is ever really sorted on the North Coast. Maybe sordid instead. The chief operations engineer has no clue as to what the hell he is doing from day to day. Kinda like "Oh look ! A Squirrel!"
I will PM my email address to you. Might be easiest to simply sent things as attached documents.
In some prior pictures,behind the silo/mill/marine leg structure is a malting operation.(Beeeeer...mhhmmmm!)
What a coincidence! Beer is/will be a featured operation on the North Coast.
Maybe not so coincidental, there was a malting operation on the prototype RW&O at Sodus Bay NY for the Genesee Brewing Company. Grain was brought in commonly from Canada across Lake Ontario. Another malting house, Perot Malting was in Buffalo NY along the harbor/riverfront. It does tours in the Summer as part of the ,"Silo City" historical tours.
The last two images are from the Perot operation on Buffalo, past and current. Note one picture features TWO marine leg towers! One moves on a carriage full railroad wheels. The other is stationary.
IMG_20251113_144705537.jpgMalt-House-Photo-Copy.jpg
Sometimes different textures are only a rattle can away.IMG_20251113_155032476.jpg
Lots of detailing options exist via some Walther's accessory kits for industries. I've been going through boxes and boxes and drawers of stuff simply in an effort to remind myself of all the "wonderful inspirational hobbie materials" I possess!
( In other words, all this crap I've collected for the past 40+ years and haven't done a damn thing with!)
Quote from: Dave Buchholz on November 13, 2025, 12:57:22 PMQuote from: Pennman on November 13, 2025, 10:07:52 AMIf you recall from one of my last builds on the Railroad Line Forums, whereby I pin my buildings to a base,rather than glue them down, I can remove them later to feature another side. I can't do that if it is glued.
Rich
Good point. Do you use actual sewing pins, vs small nails? Are they set into mounting blocks in the lower corners of the structure? Got a picture or two?
Thanks for the insight.
Dave #5
Dave,
Looking back at post #40, on my thread, (Sierra West Brass & Iron Foundry Scratchbuild), I showed a box of Map Tacks. There, I used them to make a vent for the outside of the building that is mounted on the wall. I also use them to pin my structures to foam, by gluing them to the bottom of buildings, then push the building into the foam. The tacks keep the buildings from moving around. I suppose you could do the same thing using thumb tacks, as long as the spikes are at least 1/4" to 3/8" in length. Also make sure the tack heads are somewhat flat so they seat themselves after gluing.
You could also use brads that have a flat top surface, by epoxying them to the bottom of your structures.
Another reason why I use this method to seat my buildings is when spreading a dirt cover or ground foam around buildings, it's a lot easier to see the actual building perimeter as you go to seat the building. You don't have to brush away the ground cover to find the lines you drew for the perimeters on a sheet of paper you glued to the ground surface. It eliminates the use of the paper.
It's all in fun, my friend, although I'm no expert, I just do what I can to get by.
Rich
As a throw back to past history of the Marine leg tower, the original build was lost with the demise of the old Railroad Lines Forum. I'm simply adding a historical photo to show what it was developed from, It was no more than Evergreen sheet plastic and structural shapes purchased from a local hobby store It has come a long way from an inspiration and idle thoughts caused by a visit to Buffalo's harbor.
IMG_2424.JPG
Dave,
Love the throw back photo. I can see that the project has come a long way since that photo.
Uh ohh!
The silo complex in the harbor on the North Coast Railroad had a surprise visit today. It was raided by OHSA !
Apparently they found a number of critical safety violations!
OSHA immediately shut down operations! Somebody is about to catch hell!
There are zero lights for night shift operations and no guard rails whatsoever on the upper decks to keep workers from falling to their deaths far below. Why there are even doors that open up to sky! No fire escape or observation decks. Just rushing air as gravity takes over!
Add there is grain dust everywhere, just waiting to explode because of the lack of dust collectors and cyclones.
Back to reality...
So today was more a thinking day. Finding boxes of detail parts and electrical components to add things like exterior and interior lighting. Vents , dust collectors, fire escapes, safety railings. In other words, all the cool stuff that doesn't come with the original Walther's mill & silo kit.
I'm making a safety railing jig for soldering up brass rail. It isn't quite all glued together yet. I'll post up a few pics as things progress.
Fifth Dave to the right
"Little things" projects today. Finishing up on pier pilingsIMG_20251116_133624106.jpg
Howdy Dave,
The pier is taking shape and looks great. The stone and pilings complement the wharf.
Have fun,
mike
By way of teasing about an OSHA visit gives segue to tonight's photos.
I'm working on lighting up the mill/silo and Marine Leg complex with stuff from "We Honest" , an eBay company.
It took a grade deal of negotiations between the Port Authority directors and the Chief Financial Officer. She said "Don't go spending all the mortgage money on that crap!" Luckily she didn't know I've been collecting that "crap" for years.
WE HONEST had quite a wide variety of lighting and powered circuit boards to work with. They have built in current limiters. And multiple ways of connecting things.
One on my favorite pieces collects five pair of wires into one. I find it handy to gather up to five lights to one connector INSIDE the structure. The take one heavier secured wire out of the building.
The other photos show some of the hair thin wires that need to be soldered to the two pin connectors. The problem is the two pin units will not pass through the nut that secures the lamp to the side of the structure
So you have to decide to split the two pins in single connectors that get soldered BEFORE they pass through the nut individually it's easier to hold the pin a voice or tweezers in that scenario.. Or find a way to secure the unmodified pins AFTER they get mounted in the building. It kind of depends on how much room you have to play with.
I did it both ways on this particular build. The last photo shows the mock up the top of the mill. They are unsecured until the connectors are soldered to the loose wires.
OSHA demands guard rails around the perimeter of the roof walkway areas. They are in the works, bring made of .032 brass rod . More on that in the future.
IMG_20251117_212930741.jpgIMG_20251117_213443070.jpgIMG_20251117_212845674.jpgIMG_20251117_214356589.jpg
Nice stash! The stonework is wonderful!
Dave,
Nice updates on this project. You make wiring look easy, but I haven't a clue how to do it
or what to buy. So, I don't bother with lighting my structures. I used to put in interior details
but without the interior lights you won't see them, even though the buildings have removable
roofs.
Your other tall structures on the back walls like the beer factory look great as well.
Keep up the good work.
Rich
OH LOOK! A SQUIRREL!
That's me alright. Tough to stay in one project. Thoughts go everywhere else.
A discussion came up with a forum friend about the B F Clyde cider mill in Mystic CN and a kit that had made of it.
The short story....Since the North Coast Railroad is in the greatest apple orchard country of the Lake Ontario plains, it seems reasonable take advantage to honor that industry.
Rich (Pennman) was kind enough to forward kit plans to me. From those, I cobbled up some heavy cardstock to see if the structure of the Clyde mill would fit in near the canal scene.
It is actually a little bigger than I imagined it to be. But it works reasonably well.
IMG_20251119_135243552.jpg
Looking good, Dave.
I'm wondering whether those two structures could have lower story(ies) and the land fall away from the rail lines towards the river? Think SRM Martin's Machine and Delabarre Tap and Die.
Cheers, Mark
Great Idea Mark.
It just so happens that the North Coast was visited by Rich Wolfanger's scratch built "Martins Machine" shop a few years ago.
Unfortunately, I couldn't figure out a way to hide Rich's body till garbage pick up day. Otherwise his superbly crafted diorama would have stayed as a featured forefront model, and we would have one less contributor on this forum.
Yes, I agree the site should be sloped towards the canal for several scenic reasons rather than be left on a flat surface. Both buildings should be part of that slopeIMG_3774.JPG
Quote from: Dave Buchholz on November 19, 2025, 02:03:01 PMOH LOOK! A SQUIRREL!
That's me alright. Tough to stay in one project. Thoughts go everywhere else.
A discussion came up with a forum friend about the B F Clyde cider mill in Mystic CN and a kit that had made of it.
The short story....Since the North Coast Railroad is in the greatest apple orchard country of the Lake Ontario plains, it seems reasonable take advantage to honor that industry.
Rich (Pennman) was kind enough to forward kit plans to me. From those, I cobbled up some heavy cardstock to see if the structure of the Clyde mill would fit in near the canal scene.
It is actually a little bigger than I imagined it to be. But it works reasonably well.
IMG_20251119_135243552.jpg
Great Dave, The cider mill looks to be completed! Now I won't have to build you one!
Rich
Quote from: Dave Buchholz on November 19, 2025, 05:59:19 PMGreat Idea Mark.
It just so happens that the North Coast was visited by Rich Wolfanger's scratch built "Martins Machine" shop a few years ago.
Unfortunately, I couldn't figure out a way to hide Rich's body till garbage pick up day. Otherwise his superbly crafted diorama would have stayed as a featured forefront model, and we would have one less contributor on this forum.
Yes, I agree the site should be sloped towards the canal for several scenic reasons rather than be left on a flat surface. Both buildings should be part of that slopeIMG_3774.JPG
Dave,
Where did you get such a nice looking Martin's Machine?? I should have looked the other way when you grabbed it up and it would still be sitting there.. Hindsight is best in those types of conditions.. Oh, and I have a SRMW Tap & Die kit. You can scratchbuild that one!..
Rich
Rich (Pennman) was kind enough to allow a "photo op"
Weird that my actual post disappeared. But you were able to pull a quote from it. Musta glitched during the original saving.
Quote from: Dave Buchholz on November 19, 2025, 06:40:20 PMA very good friend of mine was kind enough to allow a "photo op"
Weird that my actual post disappeared. But you were able to pull a quote from it. Musta glitched during the original saving.
Your original post didn't disappear, it's # 172, above.
Rich
Moving along this week on the silo complex, this is the "head house" on top of the silos.
The three triangular "collectors" funnel grain from the bucket lift mechanism at the back of the Marine Leg Tower. As the tower moves along from hold to hold, it directs the grain to the nearest funnel. Understandably the scene is selectively compressed. Basically it's all gravity feed at that point in the grain handling system
Still need details to finish up. Some safety railing around the perimeter. Also a few pigeons, maybe a nest, and loads of guano. Life goes on.
If I was smarter when I started this project, it would been a mill for making Honey Nut Cheerios instead of beer.
Fifth Dave to the right
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Looking very good Dave and nice weathering all around. Keep'er going.
My jig for safety rails is shown below. Simple scale lumber spaced with the intended wire size. 0.032 in this case.
I found it much easier to hold a long vertical piece of wire in alignment than it was to keep tiny pieces in place to solder them.
Via trial and mostly error, I discovered that paste flux worked better than liquid flux, as the liquid simply got absorbed into the wood of the jig. Best results came from "tining" the wire vertical post first. That way, there was solder already there when connecting to the horizontal bars.
As each vertical piece was soldered, I used the Dremel with a cutoff wheel.Then moved on to the next post. Absolute identical length was not important as is was going to stick it into holes drilled through the platform anyway. It went relatively fast, and I could create any length rail I wanted beyond the jig length, simply by picking up what was soldered and moving it over a few notches.
.IMG_20251120_145216684.jpg
Here's the mounted railing with a little weathering added. I drilled properly spaced holes intentionally a bit oversized. It made it easier to get all 17 posts in the holes.IMG_20251120_181357246.jpg
Tedious work Dave, another good job accomplished, looks good.
You have great patience, more than I can muster up this week.
Rich
No pics today. I worked on adding goose neck lighting over each door on the mill building. What a pain in the butt! Literally wired as thin as hairs on a bald man's head.
I tested the lamps first. I found a few duds amongst them. I'm glad I checked first! I now have them all mounted. Next step is plugging them in to the 5/1 connector. And secure the wiring so it doesn't tear out.
I also painted up the Tichy fire escapes. and ordered some grain bins for the Genesee Brewing Malt House that is just beyond it. I had a different building planned. But couldn't get a siding to it. So the storage tanks solve filling that space, and make sense given the purpose of the building. The original building will shift to the other side of the layout
Thanks for your continue interest.
Fifth Dave to the right
Progress on the mill portion of the harbor silo scene. It's now OSHA compliant with safety rails on the upper dust cyclone landing.IMG_20251122_204956226.jpgIMG_20251122_092829804.jpg
Hey Dave it looks good to me. Some really nice weathering.
Jerry
Great work Dave fifth from the right!
Rich
Dave,
Well done, looks great.
Tom
I'll echo the sentiments of the previous three posters. Looking good "Fifth Dave to the right".
B~
Howdy Dave, nice work fitting it all together. The colors look great. Have fun, mike
Night operations at the mill, on the North Coast Railroad.
;) likey
Beautiful work, Dave.
Dave,
Love the night shot, nice work.
Rich