Wow !!! I didn't know this page or section or whatever it's called was here. This is cool. OK, here's an update on the G&D Ry. The next section will begin construction in about 10 days. I've finished the track plan revisions and the result is quite a bit different from the previous rendition. No more passing siding. I decided that since there are only 2 trains a day between Grizzly and Dilapidated (1 in the AM to Dilapidated, another around noon back to Grizzly) there's no 'train meet' at Peau Dunque Jct.; there is however, an interchg. track with the D&RGW. where cars will be picked up on the return trip to Grizzly, sorted if needed, and sent to Dilapidated on the next days' run. A car(s) being returned to the D&RGW will be 'pushed' to the intchg. and spotted. I figure it to be about 7.5 miles, so not a great distance to push a car. This change allows for more dramatic scenery- a close-to-the-edge cliffside curve, and a narrow passage between rock formations. I'll also be able to use some of my favorite rock formations from previous G&D Ry. versions in this area. I'll post the 2 different versions for ya'll to compare the attributes of each. The new section is 8' long and 15" deep; same length, but one inch wider. The previous one was 8'x14". Let me know what ya'll think. The ravine on the right corner is about 20" deep from the top of the rail head to the bottom of the ravine, and the trestle span is 22". Ya'll stay tuned.............
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Previous plan.......................
001.JPGThe new plan.......................
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Kyle that's quite a change from previously. I guess it all boils down to
rather you want dramatic scenery or more track to run trains. Personally
I would prefer the more dramatic scenery; that's what would get all the
"oohs & ahs" from visitors. Either way enjoy the process.
Kyle,
I agree with Larry. More scenery is my vote as well. As they ( whomever they are) less is more.
I like the new plan.
Tom
Kyle,
I like the new plan. In addition to scenic opportunities, it will seem to move the two ends of the layout farther apart.
Mike
I'm in favor of more scenery too.
I'm glad you joined here. Was wondering where you were....
Philip
Thanx Larry C., thanx Tom, thanx Michael, thanx Rick and thanx Phillip; There's been some drastic stuff happening at the G&D Ry. The D&RGW 'pulled out' of Peau Dunque Jct. and laid a new intchg. connection to the G&D Ry. near the depot at Dilapidated. The locals were ecstatic. This will also include adding a passenger (who would ever want to come to this dump) car to the regular consist once a week. The old trackage connection and right of way in Peau Dunque Jct. were sold to a couple of investors in gas exploration. These two "entremaneurs", a Mr. P. Hugh and partner, Mr. Dewey Steenk have formed the PFLATUGEN GAS EXPLORATION Co. ???????????? The only 'gas' in the area according to the locals, is the after effects of ROSAS' CHILI over at HEI MOES' CHINESE FOOD & SALOON. Nobody ever heard of PFLATUGEN; let alone thought about drilling for it. But since "the deal's done gone down"- they'll just make the best of it and hope the place doesn't blow up. They also decided to enact a new TAX on the 'poots'-err, uhh-'fruits' of the endeavor, and use the newly found revenue to 'spruce the place up' a bit. This will include (but not be limited to) a new coat of paint on all the outhouses, along with planting some type of fragrant plants nearby, and anyplace else where there's room. There's talk of actually adding a couple of "two-holer"'s near HEI MOES' for good measure. Along with the new "gas" company comes the other needed outfits.....Phartz & Schmelling Gas will handle transporting and storing the stuff, while Windbreaker Natural Gas will supply drilling equipment. It looks as if the area's gonna go big-time (if it don't blow up) "PFLATUGEN" ?????really?????????? OK if you say so..............stay tuned.............
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Here's the 'lay of the land'
Blue arrow..........PHARTZ & SCHMELLING Dist.
Orange arrow........D&RGW Interchg. trks.
Red arrow...........PFLATUGEN GAS LTD.
Green arrow.........WINDBREAKER SUPPLY Co.
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Your making me gassy ~
Speculator selling upwind real estate should prosper !
You are so right......Funny you should mention it, but there is a lady, (actually a "Land Baroness"), named Ima Phartz; sister of Eura Phatrz (of Phartz & Schmelling). She owns a nice piece of the "Upwind Ridge" area southwest of Grizzly. Her company "Pleasant Odure Real Estate Holdings" has seen quite an uptick in inquiries since the operation got going. She must be doing quite well, she "smells of money" if you catch my drift............?????????
This IS pfun..................
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
A drift I'm hoping not to catch. :o
Right you are Phillip.......Thanx for stoppin' by and droppin' in yer 2cents worth. Much appreciated. Thanx to everybody else that popped in for a look-see, hope it looks OK. I spent today (Tuesday) working a bit more on what will be the working blueprint for the rest of the G&D Ry. I always do the final one in a larger scale to see if it'll all fit and not look too crowded, or 'thrown together'. The preliminary drafts will always be changing one after another, as I get the final ideas 'flushed out'. When I'm confident I've done all I can, I do a larger scale rendition because all the 'buggs in the soup' show up, and I can tell what is what. The larger the scale -the clearer the idea comes into focus. Just like going from N Scale to O Scale or 1/20th Scale; the details are suddenly right there, good or not so good. I only had to reposition one or two things once I got fully into the process. This time I even added both rails, crossties, headblocks, switchstands and grade crossings. I didn't label anything because quite frankly...my hand and wrist were getting tired atfer all the ties were drawn in. But over all I think it'll look good when it's all finished and in color. Whadda ya think?????
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
The blue arrow is the entry- I have no door on the room........ really!002.JPG
The track plan looks great!! A turntable and a sector plate? Cool. Time for
the track crew to get busy? Have fun.
Neat idea for making a turning wye and having no room for a third turnout.
Bernd
Kyle,
I think you have developed a straightforward, workable plan that will be interesting to operate, and meanwhile showing off your modeling.
Mike
Nice plan Kyle, I really like the use of a sector plate for turning engines.
Howdy Kyle,
This innovative plan is a winner that begs to be built. I'm looking forward to your progress reports.
Have fun,
mike
Thanx Larry C., thanx Bernd, thanx Michael, thanx Ron,and thanx Mike.
I started on the sector plate today(Tuesday); I found an old deck girder bridge span I scratch built back in 2012 that was longer than I needed, and went to town whittlin' it down. I cut it down to 17", which gives me one extra inch. My longest locomotive is 'The Beast' (my K27) @15-1/4" overall and 13-1/2" 'flange to flange'; so the length will be just about right. I cleaned off the ties, pulled the leftover spikes, (there was no rail) and hand laid new code 100 rail. I still need to add the guard rails. I think I still have some code 70 or 83, but I'll have to find it. anyways here's what I've done so far.............
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Hope it looks OK..............
Nice job Kyle.
It's a clever idea to reuse that bridge for your sector plate!
dave
Kyle, nice repurposing and it longs more than long enough to handle any loco.
I see rails? 8) The long row to hoe way! Nice update!
Kyle, that's so neat. Have fun, mike
Kyle nice you were able to repurpose the deck and use it on your TT.
Kyle,
Nice repurpose of the deck for the turntable.
Tom
Thanx Curt, thanx Dave, thanx Rick, thanx Phillip, thanx Mike, thanx Larry C., and thanx Tom; Well it's been a while since I posted anything. I went through one of those "who's gonna handle the 'disposition' of the G&D Ry when I'm gone; and why am I 'adding to the issue' by expanding the layout (as planned)" phases. So I spoke to my baby brother (whose gonna be 62 in April), and he said "don't worry, I'll handle everything". He is a very talented modeller and I trust him to take care of the project. He knows and understands how the RR is being constructed and has all the skills and tools to disassemble it and move it (to his house if he wants) and everything that is included. So. back to the present.
I've been thinking about why the RRs' next phase isn't 'grabbing me' and saying c'mon, let's go!!!! It's because I'm not comfortable with the RR taking up all 3 walls. One day last week I walked into the room and it hit me...go across the top of the rolltop desk, and into the next corner and take it past the first window and at about 6"-8"past the pillar between the first and second windows on that wall, STOP.
"That's not much of a run", my obstinate half said. "Maybe, but with the section plate in the corner and adding a switchback branch back across to the opposite corner You could have a mine!!!". My, my -"Holy interesting sh*t Batman!!!" you could have a mine"......I know I just said that...
So I began erasing the section (on the plans) I'm no longer gonna build, and commenced scaling and measuring for accuracy how to do this thing, and have it actually work without 9% grades and no proper track spacing and arrangement. Here's what I came up with.......
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The red arrow is the 'I Me Mine'; the green arrow is the 'Pflatugen Gas well'; the orange arrow is Dilapidated (depot); the blue arrow is 'Phartz & Schmelling Gas Co.'
Where the G&D main line and siding converge leaving Grizzly the elev. is 0". It climbs up a 3.9% grade to Dilapidated @4-1/4"elev.
The sector plate in Dilapidated is in the lower right corner of the track plan @4-1/4" elev. and the switchback spur goes from there up a 4.5% grade to the 'I Me Mine' @7"elev.
The spur rises from the sector plate elevation @4-1/4" to 5-3/4"elev. where it crosses over the Pflatugen Gas Well spur which is @ 2"elev. It continues on up to the mine which is @7"elev.
I also got rid of "Sore Arch". It was too overwhelming, and 'in yo face'. I replaced it with a combination of 'Old Flathead' and 'Perkins Point'- which I removed from the corner in order to install 'Woods' Ridge' and a "rock shelf" for the sub road bed to sit on for the 'I Me Mine' tracks. Here's some preliminary shots.....
This is the mine location; the orange arrow is the mine and track level, the red arrow is the sub roadbed level.
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Here's before and after..........................
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Here's what the 'gap' will 'sorta' look like
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That's about all for now. If all goes well I'll be able to begin construction next week. My friend Henry has a sheet of 4x8 - 1" thick beaded insulation foam for me. It was left over from his garage door project. I know beaded foam is not the optimum choice, but free is free. I'm going to also get a 4x8 sheet of 2" thick pink foam board and laminate the 2 together. I think it'll be fine. Henry says that the 1" foam is extreemly rigid and has a foil backing. It'll all work out.
All for now, have fun and thanx again for stoppin' by.......
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Nice update!
Kyle I really like the changes you've made including saying "bye-bye" to the huge rock in the corner; looks much better. I think sometimes we tend to build layouts way to big for what we want to accomplish. Personally I've always leaned to the "smaller is better" concept; but that's just me. Enjoy your build.
Kyle,
Your changes make sense. I like the "gap" in particular.
Mike
Thanx Larry C., thanx Phillip, and thanx Michael; I've been tied up with 1:1 stuff so I had to put off the start of construction on the final section(s) of the G&D Ry. But a lot of good came out of the time spent on other stuff, and I did spend quite a few minutes here and there in 'constructive thought' about the project whilst I was farting around with plants on the patio. Time to move them all back outside. So what I realized is, the part where the track goes uphill to the mine had become too complex. This is a SMALL branchline of the larger std. gauge SM&T Ry. Co. and that's all it is. So I went back and made changes to the trackage and came up with a great bit of trackwork.
The siding/spur going to the mine is now 4' long and rises aoppx. 2-1/2"; about 4.5% in grade, and the mine shaft itself is a horizontal shaft into the rock that 'GRU' sits on. No tunnel 'thru GRU'. I did keep the switchback design, and it all looks and feels right now.
On the scenery front, Mark came over on Sunday after breakfast and said; "where's the 'arch'?????DUDE"????????????- I replied.."In the garage, why?"????????..... "let's go look at it"... says he. I knew right then that the wheels were-a-turnin' and dust would soon be -a-flyin'....
Several cuts - and lots, of 'eye-balling' later we had taken his question/idea to a whole new level and created a fabulous new piece of scenery and a whole new look to the corner GAP at 'WOODS' RIDGE'.
Pictures to follow, along with the new adjusted route for the " I ME MINE" project. Oh yeauh, the PFLATUGEN well site is now in front and will be a new scene 'unto itself' to create.
All for now.......
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
this is before the changes....
Red - Mine
Green - Pflatugen Well
Blue - Phartz & Schmelling Gas
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Now.......
Green-'o' elev.
Red- 2"-2-1/2" elev.
White- Mine
Yellow- Pflatugen Well
Blue- Phartz & Schmelling Gas
Black- GRU
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This is the new scenery design inspired by Mark........
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I'll add the 'angled strata-layers' when I do the new plaster surface. They'll match the angle of the other layers. Thanx for stoppin by-
Nice update Kyle.
Jerry
Howdy Kyle, thanks for the update. The arch is looking good. Have fun, mike
Kyle the scenery change looks soooooo much better than previously.
Thanx Jerry, thanx MIke, and thanx Larry C.; thought I'd drop a little color into the proceedings......
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Thanx again for lookin' in......
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Kyle that layout should give you hours of operating fun as well as all the fun building.
Is that a sector plate on the bottom right hand of your drawing? Way cool!
Nice illustration Kyle. Hand drawn?
Philip
Nice looking changes, seems a bit of Furlow in there some places...which is good.
Looks like a lot of good switching there. Should be fun running the trains on that RR.
Jerry
Thanx Larry C., thanx Phillip, thanx Karl and thanx Jerry.
Yes Larry, that's a sector plate; yes, it's hand drawn Phillip; yep-that may be Karl, but hopefully a lot more John Allen; I've never had a mine or a switchback or a well head, or a true point to point RR Jerry- I'm looking forward to lots of fun figuring it all out......
After all the weeks 1:1 stuff was done I was able to have dinner Friday night (@Catfish Sams) with Mark; afterward we went to Home Depot and I purchased the 2" pink foam (4x8) sheet and four 8 foot 1x3-1/4" (they used to be called 1x4's)- for the framing of the last 2 sections of the RR. I have plenty of 2x2's to add the lips for the foam to sit on, and plenty of 1-1/2" drywall screws to put the project together.
Next, I'll purchase and put up three 32"x40" xtra thick poster boards over the top half of the 3 remaining windows, and add the vinyl floor covering over the entire top 4' of the walls that's needed for the rest of the backdrop...about 12 feet.
Today (Sunday) after breakfast with Mark I came home and decided to not just "wing it" this time when it comes to the 'benchwork'. I decided to build 2 sections instead of one large 'L' shaped section. The first will be 55" long and 18" deep and will connect to the "L" section which will be 41"to the corner and 48" down the other wall; also both 18" deep.
I remembered how come I failed Woodshop-1.....I'm no good at fabricating pieces of lumber into exact dimensions. Plus I only have a 7"circular saw, a jigsaw, and an electric drill/screwdriver...all old and none 'battery powered' to perform the task. No table saw, no drill press, no large workbench, no electric sander, no clamps, no vice.....So I decided to draw out all the specifics in a detailed 'blueprint' so I can at least cut multiple pieces of wood;(hopefully) of the same size where needed. I think if I take my time (that's a bit iffy) I just might pull it off. If not, at least it'll be the best 'crappy one' yet !!!!!!!!!
So here's to jumpin' in and (hopin it ain't deep) seeing what happens. I figure I should start cutting and assembling the things Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on how well the wall prep goes.
I'll also start on the backdrop as soon as I see how the 2 sections will look when sitting on the support brackets. that way I can put the 'leftover scenery' I'm using in place to see what the horizon and background features should look like. I'll take them down along with the 2 benchwork sections so I have better access to the wall surface.
So, lots on the horizon; I'm really anxious to get started......ya'll stay tuned, and thanx for stoppin' by.....
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
37/422
Here's the 'blueprint' for the benchwork.
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Kyle looks like you have a good plan and take your time. Remember the old Carpenter's adage "Measure
twice and cut once". Good luck!!!!!!
Kyle,
Looking forward to you moving forward on the project.
Tom
Thanx Larry C., thanx Tom;
Speaking of moving forward-I purchased and installed the window covering art boards today (Monday). I then began drawing in a horizon and rock formations (to get the proper perspective front to back) on the backdrop -not the real one- just a 'scratch version' on the board surfaces. I'll install the real backdrop (reverse side of vinyl flooring) sometime next week. Funny- John Allen used the same concept on the Gorre & Daphetid; except he used the old thicker type linoleum (the kind CURLY had such trouble getting to stay flat) "NYUK,NYUK,NYUK". This gives me a fairly accurate representation of what is possible, and what might not look so convincing; so when it's time to get the acrylic paint and the pastel chalks out I have a pretty good idea of what I'm going to do.
Next up is building the frames for the pink foam and temporarily installing them on the 'shelf supports' so I can put in some of the scenery I'm reusing; in order to actually see what things will look like so I can better blend the backdrop and the 3-D scenery. I know it seems like a lot of 1 step forward and 1 step back, but actually it saves me a ton of time and second guessing; it also gives me a really accurate 'canvas' to begin work with.
So...here's to gettin' this 'bucket 'o bolts' rolling. Thanx for stoppin' by and also - those that posted-I'm always open and receptive to your ideas, comments and questions.....it's how I learn.....thanx again.....
see ya.
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Before.........................
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After...........................
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Some detail shots....................................
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Kyle seems like a good approach to me; of course what do I know. Like the old
saying goes: "plan the work then work the plan"; enjoy.
Nice job on the progress.
Thanx Curt, thanx Larry C.; OK-here's the construction part.......
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
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Except for the fact that it only looks ok from a distance-I think it went OK.................???????????
It looks great. How many modules are you making?
Thanx Curt; Only one more that will be 'L' shaped and go from the end of this one around the corner of the room to just past the end of the first window and 4" across the 2nd window. Like this.......
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I hope those shots looked OK; here's the real 'JUICY PART'.........!!!!!!!!!!
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I need to build on to my lil pike! The church folks are gonna have a fit as soon as the Juke Joint is planted! :o
Kyle the landscaping looks terrific.
Thanx Phillip, thanx Curt; Today (Thursday) I built and installed the last 'module' of the G&D Ry. project. It was a booger. But I'm all done with 'Woodshop Class'-and if I never have to 'cut and square' ANYTHING again, my life will be sublime..........
Thanx for taggin' along on the adventure so far. There's more to come; next week I'll install the backdrop; and I'll begin work on the mural. Paint and pastels here I come.
OK-let's look at some shots of the days' work................
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Here 'IT' is installed..........at last...................
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Here's the whole 'enchilada'................
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Thanx for tunnin' in; the comments and suggestions help keep things flowin'..........
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Thought I'd drop a couple o' more shots on ya'll............................
looking east..........
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back to the west...........
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and what's been done so far.............
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See ya.......................
Nice looking town.
Looks great Kyle question is this the final resting place for the RR? ;)
Jerry
Howdy Kyle,
Looks like progress to me. Good luck with the new module.
Have fun,
mike
Thanx Curt, thanx Jerry, and thanx Mike;
Curt, I think the town (Grizzly) did come out looking pretty good so far. Still so much more to do. I'm still deciding on whether or not to keep the 1 stall car repair shop, or ditch it in favor of 1 additional whisker track on each side of its' location from the TT. That would give me 3 including the one that runs thru it now; for a grand total of 6 counting the ones on the other side of the TT.
Jerry, If Patrice and I don't decide to, or have to move-(selling the house etc.) then this is the final resting place for the RR.
Mike, I think if I stick to the final track plan, after all the plans I've so 'tediously' designed, gone over, modified, changed, and addapted till I came up with one that seems to be working really well- it 'oughtta' come out looking pretty good.
That's the "plan" anyways..........thanx again for stoppin' by and checkin' out the progress.....comments, suggestions, yeas, boos, fart jokes and raspberries accepted and welcomed....."ya'll come back ya-hear"...............
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Just a little over view..................
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Howdy Kyle,
I'm glad you have settled on the track plan. It is easy for some of us to get lost in the redesign jungle. The problem is, they all look good, it's just deciding which to build that seems to be hard for me. Railroad on!
Have fun,
mike
Quote from: friscomike on March 28, 2025, 06:27:35 PMHowdy Kyle,
...It is easy for some of us to get lost in the redesign jungle. The problem is, they all look good, it's just deciding which to build that seems to be hard for me...
Have fun,
mike
Ditto! I've done a lot of carpentry and cabinet building, give me a plan and I'm good to go. Ask me to design something and I am a deer in the headlights about to become road-kill. I worked for a while for a master builder who could design on the go, so much was off the cuff and on-site, but it was always good. He had an incredible innate sense of what was proportional and what looked right, it just came natural to him.
Looks real, Kyle, in a way. It offers possibilities for operations. Easy to run, with the turnouts near the front.
I'd find it hard deciding between another track or structure. Maybe run it some before making a final decision.
Mike
Kyle this is looking really good. I agree with the others, you can get so caught in designing
that your little empire doesn't happen. I also surge with Micheal, run some trains for awhile
to see if another track is really needed.
Thanx Mike, thanx Mark, thanx Michael, and thanx Larry C.;
Mike- it is good to just move on ahead. The plan is a good one(non of them are perfect)and I'm really excited about the next couple of weeks.
Mark- I hear you, and I wish I could do woodworking. "Woodshop 1" was the only class in high school(9th grade) I got an 'F' in. I graduated in 1972 with a
solid B+ (88) average- ALL A's & B's. If not for that class I'd have graduated with at least a 92 average. I can't cut a straight line! - I can draw it; but that's it......
You're right Michael, leave it as it is for now. If I need to add more locomotive tracks on that side of the TT later on - so be it. It is going to be fun to
run.........
Larry C.- You and the others are so correct. I need to focus on moving forward, and check my options a little further down the line.......
Today (Sunday) I built my own incline ramp outta some leftover pink foam. It's a little rough, but I smoothed it out as much as I could with my limited tools-a wood rasp and the side (brick) of my house. I think it'll be fine once the roadbed is in. I may use a strip of very thin wood veneer (1/32") for the subroadbed surface to attach the cork roadbed to. I have some my brother gave me a few years back. I have some 1/2" thick risers from Woodland Scenics I bought a couple of years ago to build up the flat-level portion of the rockface that leads to the mine.. I'll also to use a straight edge to make sure the surface is nice, smooth and even when I laminate it all together. I'll use 'Liquid Nails for Foam and Wood' as the 'binder' to glue it all down and hold it together.
That's about all for now, thanx again for checkin' in on the progress........see ya.....
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
my 'home-made' incline ramp.......
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Michael in an of earlier post said he "really liked the 'Gap' ". I do too; so here's a few shots of the 'gap'. Some of them are from the perspective of "Desperados Waiting on a Train" to quote Kris & Willie....Hope they look ok.....
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
The 'desperados view'.......
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a couple of more; but from the ground......
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...and a 'birds eye view'.........
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Kyle your photos didn't show up; thought you should know.
Quote from: Larry C on March 30, 2025, 08:33:12 PMKyle your photos didn't show up; thought you should know.
There's a quirk/bug in this forum software (and actually I've also seen it in MRH's forum software, too.) After you create a post with photos, there's a delay when -something is going on in the background-. A couple minutes later, if you refresh the page view, the photos will appear. "A couple" seems to be as long as 15 minutes!
I asked about this over on the SMF Forum help section, and never got any real answer why this happens. There was some mumbling about 'caching images' but no actual -explanation-.
dave
Quote from: kyle creel on March 30, 2025, 08:25:58 PMMichael in an of earlier post said he "really liked the 'Gap' ". I do too; so here's a few shots of the 'gap'. Some of them are from the perspective of "Desperados Waiting on a Train" to quote Kris & Willie....Hope they look ok.....
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
The 'desperados view'.......
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a couple of more; but from the ground......
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...and a 'birds eye view'.........
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Plenty of room for those shady characters Kyle!
Looking Great sir!
So they finally showed up???????????????????????????
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Outstanding scenery and track photos.
Very nice, Kyle. Thanks for the photos.
Thanks for the update. Nice photos.
Jerry
Kyle starting to look like a railroad; great job and enjoy the creativity.
Nice job Kyle, thanks for the update.
Thanx Dave, thanx Phillip, thanx Curt, thanx Michael, thanx Jerry, thanx Larry C.,and thanx Ron;
I'm tired today-(Monday), I put in about 4 to 4-1/2 hours today. I started by taking everything ya'll saw yesterday down and began installing the scenery and the ramp up to the 'I Me Mine'. Then I put all the scenery back the best way it would fit in; given the 'new surroundings'. Next I scavenged all my 'leftover' track and began the art (task) of mocking up how closely the track will be able to follow the designed plan. With the exception of the repositioning of the depot in Dilapidated for space considerations, and deciding to move all the track in about 1" from the edge which meant using a curved turnout to split of the siding for Phartz & Schmelling in Dilapidated; everything went pretty much as planned.
I'm glad I moved the track back, as it gives me more room to put some details in; which always helps in making the RR run THROUGH THE AREA instead of 'encompassing an area' with track. I think it looks more 'realistic'. However the depot in Dilapidated is now reversed to the viewer; the trackside bay window isn't facing the viewer anymore and the 'witches hat' cuppola tower isn't as noticeable as before when it was facing the viwer....OH WELL....
Tomorrow I'll glue down the rest of the ramp-(the pink foam portion) and probably start on the lighting and valance renovations in order to connect it to the new part of the RR. I'll also run the power to the lights in its' permanent configuration. Up till now it's been temporary.
Thanx again so much for stoppin' by......the comments and ideas are so helpfull......keep 'em coming..........
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Here's the start of the scenery.....
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OK- Here's the next set of shots; the ramp glued down (the white part) and the track mocked up in position.......
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And here's the final bit of work, the trackage in Dilapidated.......
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Thanx again..........see ya.............................
Man you're the energizer bunny Kyle!
Thanx Curt, thanx Phillip;
I recovered nicely from yesterdays'(Monday)exploits; and decided to GIVE INTO MY OCD that was 'kicking my ass' about not sticking closer to the track plan I'd so meticulously worked out and put so much effort into developing. AAAARRRRRGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ; HA-RUMPH........
So, I got up this morning (Tuesday) and went about 'FIXING' it. It was frustrating me to no end; till I remembered one key element that was missing....a small but very(obviously) important piece of FOAM !!!!!!!!!! The "piece in question" but not "in position" was added and 'voila'.....everything fit perfectly. I went about laying out the mockup -this time no need for the curved turnout- and just like I figured it would....IT WORKED....
Next I went about constructing the 'pivot piece' (for lack of a better term) that would fit into the sector plate; and cut the bridge section I'll be using for the sector plate to the right length. I used an old piece of plastic HO scale 'concrete culvert'; cut 2 slots for the bottom of the bridge girgers to slide into and it worked out really well. I cut out the hole in the corner of the pink foam for it to mount in and rotated it using a sharpie to draw the line showing the demarcation of the pit to be dug out. BINGO.
Now the trackage is as near to perfect as I can get it, the depot is facing the correct direction and I think it's gonna work out just fine.........
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
PICTURES TO FOLLOW....................
Here's the pivot piece.....and the installation..........
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Here's where it goes...............
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The modified trackage with the missing foam piece added..............
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Hope it all looks OK to ya'll.......I'm diggin' it........thanx again for stoppin' by...........
Kyle it's a "beautiful thing" when things work out the way you envisioned them; keep at 'er.
Kyle on my last layout I had to do something similar. It looks like you figured out what was necessary.
Thanx Larry C, thanx Curt;
I got up this mornong and decided to start work on the sector plate. This involved measuring and marking the pit area. Figuring out some way to remove -'excavate'- the foam out of the pit area, and get the bottom as level as possible and at the right depth-allowing for cork roadbed, ties and rails on the surface so as to match up with the bridge rails' height once a smooth solid bottom (floor) was installed. I'm going to tackle the pit rails and trucks under the bridge once I determine the correct height in order to match the surface roadbed,ties and rails.
For today, I just wanted to get the basic pit and wall done, and make sure the bridge lines up precisely where the entrance and exit tracks will be, then step back and look at it and say..."What a good boy am I"...????!!!!!
SO I DID.................
Thanx for all the comments and ideas, suggestions and experiences; they are so very helpful..........
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
The project begins................
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digging it out
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installing the 'floor'
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glueing and temporarily screwing it down...........
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adding the pit wall and (bridge for a 'look-see')........
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temporarily installed in the benchwork with track in place for comparison and alignment......
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Here's a couple of more shots of the thing in place temporarily.............
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Nice job on the TT.
Your making a scene again! 8) Interesting composition in the making!
Thanx Curt, thanx Phillip;
I farted around (literally, it was bad) this morning (Thursday) and installed the light for the Dilapidated area. I'll install the one over the middle section that is connecting the two sides of the layout once the portion of the valance that's going to be modified to follow that section is moved out of the way.
Here's a couple of shots of my scratch/bashed #5..2-8-0 w/vanderbilt tender on the new sector plate. I think once the pit rails and the bolsters & trucks are in, and it matches the roadbed & rails that meet it; it'll look really good. I wanted to see how a locomotive would look sitting on it (even in it's unfinished state) under the new light. Well, whadda ya think ?????
This is really turning out to be much more fun and engaging than I had imagined. I was sure it was going going to be pure tedium, problems, swearing, cursing, farting(there was some of that ;) )and all manner of illtempered antics on my part. >:( (There was-but that was during the "Woodshop-1" phase.) Now it's all good, and "things" are moving right along... (everone loves a well timed, aromatic, TOOT at just the right volume & length) :P :P :P :P :P :P :P . I can't help it- it's always just so damn funny.. :o :-[ ::) ;D ;)
OK- I'm back from 7th grade; anyways things are moving along pretty smoothly. I guess it's because I'm not rushing to finish the WHOLE THING; just keeping a doable pace on each little bit and pushing it on till it's done. I sound like some 'ol 72 yr old fart (sorry) trying to sound intelligent and experienced (have you ever been, JIMMY ?) while the whole time he's discreetly dropping bread crumbs so he can find his way back home.......
Thanx again for stoppin' by and checkin' on things..........ya'll come back now ya hear? ;)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Here's the shots..................
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Quote from: kyle creel on April 03, 2025, 05:38:05 PM.....I farted around(literally, it was bad)this morning(Thursday).....
That's too much information Kyle..... ;D ;D ;D
Kyle, those rocks you made look very good.
Quote from: GPdemayo on April 03, 2025, 05:43:12 PMQuote from: kyle creel on April 03, 2025, 05:38:05 PM.....I farted around(literally, it was bad)this morning(Thursday).....
That's too much information Kyle..... ;D ;D ;D
Thanx-I have however; always considered it more polite and considerate for one to say "LOOK OUT !!!!!" before "cuttin' one loose"; than "OOPS" or "excuse me", after making the 'bombing run'- 'cmon you knew it was coming all along..... ;) ;) :o :o :P :P ::) ::) :) :)
Quote from: kyle creel on April 03, 2025, 07:36:12 PMQuote from: GPdemayo on April 03, 2025, 05:43:12 PMQuote from: kyle creel on April 03, 2025, 05:38:05 PM.....I farted around(literally, it was bad)this morning(Thursday).....
That's too much information Kyle..... ;D ;D ;D
Thanx-I have however; always considered it more polite and considerate for one to say "LOOK OUT !!!!!" before "cuttin' one loose"; than "OOPS" or "excuse me", after making the 'bombing run'- 'cmon you knew it was coming all along..... ;) ;) :o :o :P :P ::) ::) :) :)
All one can do is point to arguably the best of our Founding Fathers, Ben Franklin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Letter_to_a_Royal_Academy But in the Army, the warning is "Gas, Gas, Gas!" followed by banging metal on metal.
dave
Thanx Greg, thanx Rick, and thanx Dave ;D;
Man this place is a HOOT- ;) ;D and I love every minute of it.
Greg, I'm just 'loaded' with "information".....tee heee heee :o :P ;D ;) ...Seriously though thanx for stoppin' by and checkin' things out.
Rick- thanx. I've kept all the 'rocks' that were cool looking from all the G&D Ry. layouts so I could use them again. I really like it when folks mention something specific they noticed and liked. Thanx again.
"YOU DA MAN" Dave- We must find humor in all phases of our lives; no matter which way the "WIND" is blowing. Hopefully one can remain 'upwind' ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I went ahead and replaced the temporary piece of pink foam that enabled me to get the track work mock-up to follow the plan almost exactly. I cut a correct sized piece of foam and glued it in place, then I cut a piece of benchwork wood to frame it in so it would match. I glued it in place, and it actually looks pretty good.
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Photos..............
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Love the steamer. That's going to be a great scene when landscaped.
Looking good. Nice little loco .
Keep up the great work Kyle.
Jerry
Thanx Curt, and thanx Jerry;
Today (Friday) I started on re-doing the valance to 'follow' the benchwork around the layout. I got the 2 most troublesome spots done and that actually brought the valance around to a good stopping point.
I really should and will install the rest of the backdrop next and then the last light fixture. The light fixture will be mounted to the ceiling above the middle of the 'connecting section' of the layout. I installed the light fixture above the section on the other side of the room where Dilapidated and the sector plate are yesterday.
So, now it's off to Hobby Lobby tomorrow to purchase the final piece of black 3/16" foam core board that will finish the last 96" of valance. I have 1 piece that's 30" long leftover; so at least I won't have to buy a 'big-'ol-giant 60x40 sheet that I have to cut down to fit in my Camry.
I think I'm probably done for today, even though it only took about an hour and a half to do what I've just done. Climbing up and down a short 2 step 'step ladder' about 9 or 10 times and running screws through 'L' brackets into the ceiling and the foam core in the same operation causes the old 30% heart functioning "ticker" to tell me when I've done enough. I'd like to be around to 'play with my trains. ;D
SO, I'll let ya'll look at some shots of the old and new look valance and see if it oughtta stay ....... ;)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Before..................................
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After.....................
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Thanx again for all the feedback, and suggestions.........see ya................
Howdy Kyle,
The layout is progressing well, congrats! I like the consolidation, nice work.
Have fun,
mike
I love your scenery Kyle.
Kyle,
Nice valance and shadow box look. Very nicely done sir.
Tom
Kyle,
The valence does the job in showing off your layout.
Mike
Kyle your layout is coming along so well!! Love the loco on the sector plate and the valance really
does a nice job of focusing the light onto the layout. This layout is going to look stellar.
Also from one old fart to another, I've realized that when I take my time modeling I not only do a much better job but also it becomes more enjoyable; at least for me.
Thanx MIke, thanx Curt, thanx Tom, thanx Michael, and thanx Larry C.;
Thanx for all the kind words re: the layouts progress, it is coming along pretty well. Mike, thanx for the compliment on #5 - she's a worker.....Curt- the scenery is my favorite part....Tom and Michael- the valance is really going to look 'swell' once it's all finished, thanx for noticing and commenting....Larry C.- I think the valance does indeed focus the light more on the layout.
Today (Saturday) I finished 'farting around' with the lighting, and now I'm ready to install the backdrop material. I hope Mark and I might take a crack at it tomorrow after breakfast. I went to Home Depot and got the material today, so installing it is going to happen next.
This evening I 'mocked up' Dilapidated; by adding PHARTZ & SCHMELLING GAS CO., a platform for the depot, the water tank, re positioned the 2 bldgs.- HEI-MOES' CHINESE FOOD & SALOON, and 'THE WATERING HOLE'-which is still a paper thingy that looks 'kinda' like a small bldg.
Next I 'mocked up' the well site for the PFLATUGEN GAS EXPLORATION CO. I hope it all comes out looking alright- I'm sure I'll hear ya'lls' insights and offerings; which are always welcomed and needed.
Ya'll stay tuned, thanx for stoppin' by..............
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Dilapidated..................
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The Pflatugen Gas Well.................... :-\
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That's all for now.......see ya...............
Your layout is really coming along Kyle. I noticed the curtain on one side. Is there a possibility of expansion in the future there?
Kyle your layout is coming along nicely and I really like the elevated track; gives it some character.
Keep'er going.
Gonna be a stunner. I think like Larry, doing things in increments makes for a better concise model!
Thanx Curt, thanx Larry C., and thanx Phillip;
Thanx Curt-alas, there's no more expansion. This was my doing. Originally, it was to continue across the entire side (in question) of the room. However I just couldn't shake the thought that it would eventually 'take over' the room by it's sheer presence. It is a spare room it's true, but I snore abhorrently, and so that Patrice can get her proper amount of rest (she had a stroke in 2023) I usually sleep in the room under discussion. It's funny all my grandpartnts on both side of the family had the same issue and so slept in seperate rooms. After almost 35 years of marriage we both have adjusted (she snores also) and usually however, do take our naps together.
Thanx Larry, I always wanted a spur that went up grade to a mine somehow. the grade is 4% and isn't terribly long so there you have it.
Thanx Phillip-'increments' is all I got these days. Although I must say since going on the 'OMAD' way of eating; (One Meal A Day) usually a salad w/ some type of meat (non processed) brisket, roasted skinless chicken, tuna etc. I have lost 15 lbs. in less than a month. I also don't eat after 8PM and I've given up soft drinks, sweet tea, and other sugary drinks. I put zero calorie orange flavoring in some unsweetened tea, or just water and I don't miss them at all. I do however allow myself one treat- 2-3 tblspns. of PETER PAN SMOOTH peanut butter for a snack...I've loved it since the 60's after school. I have a lot more energy and am able to work on the layout or on little things around the house. Patrice loves it, and is very supportive...I'm 5'10-1/2" and was up to 258 lbs. @ our last checkup with our MD. on March 14th; today (Sunday Apr. 6th) I weighed in @ 243 lbs. here at the house on our digital scale.
Today I installed the backdrop material. It's not as 'smoothe' as I would like (I did it by myself) but I think the sky, clouds and scenery will make any 'wrinkles' or 'waves' practically unnoticeable.....I only get to post 5 shots at a time so I'll do several posts to get them all in........
Thanx again for the support and 'look-sees'........................
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Here's the backdrop...........................
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Now some horizon.........................
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OK- let's get on with the rest of the shots.................
Here's some land features added in................
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That's it for now, thanx again and ya'll come back now y'hear................
Howdy Kyle, it's looking great. Persist! Have fun, mike
Thanx Mike;
I got up this morning(Monday)and fixed the seam between the new section of backdrop I installed yesterday and the old section. I thought it would look OK last night; but this morning, it just wasn't going to cut it. So I grabbed my razor knife and made a smooth straight cut through both layers. I tried to super glue the two sections one on top of the other and 'roll them flat'; when I installed the new section. That's what created the seam. The lights only made it worse (in my opinion) so I had to 'fix it. So when I finished the cut, I removed the two layers, pushed the two sections together...they matched. I stapled them down, and filled the little 'trough' from where the super glue took a little bit of vinyl with it when I pulled the top layer off; and let it dry.
Next, while that project dried, I went about starting another cloud bank, and adding some more land forms on the rest of the new section. I also worked a little on the cloud bank from yesterday.
When the seam was dry I painted in the sky and added another 'rock pillar'. Now there are three; 2 in the backdrop and one in 3-D. The seam really did practically disappear. The part that is still a bit noticeable is far enough down so as to be covered up by 3-D scenery, and the little bit above it in the rest of the 'pillar' will be camouflaged by details added in with the pastels when I finish working on it later. The portion in the sky is no longer very visible at all.
So, all in all it was a very productive morning....hope it looks OK.......
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
The SEAM...................
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The FIX....................
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The whole thing............
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All for now.....keep those cards 'n letters coming.............................
You're doing great things Kyle.
Nice fix on the seam, Kyle, you don't see it anymore.
Howdy Kyle, it's looking great. Thanks for the progress update. Have fun, mike
The seam looks great now. Nice fix!
Jerry
Thanx Curt, thanx Ron, thanx Mike, and thanx Jerry;
Today(Tuesday)I got up and decided to do a little something on the mine area. Namely, the turnout area and entrance. I wanted to always be able to get at least 2 to 4 Bachmann ore cars(the ones that come sets of 2)in the mine. I designed enough track length to back 3 cars out and clear the turnout. I'll be using my little Bachmann 2-6-2 'trench engine' for power, so it ain't taking up that much track space.
I've got some other ideas about using my set of three little side dump cars as a way for the mine to dump tailings and 'gravel' into one of the regular ore cars, used for that specific purpose. These would enter and exit "BY BRUTE FORCE" or a mule, from a 'side shaft' that would be on a short trestle (already built) which would extend out over the portion of mine spur track which is still level and not part of the 4% grade section going back down to Dilapidated. I know that sounds pretty convoluted, but the 'picture in my mind' looks pretty cool.
That's about all for now, thanx again for all the support and kind words; they are my fuel.........
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
The mine turnout and lead...........
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I'll get busy on the side shaft.........................
Here we go.............................All of this is above the PFLATUGEN WELL SITE, lower left under the trestle.
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Lots of cutting and modifying to do on the trestle sections, and I still have to 'build the mine'.
But all in all I'm pleased that it'll all turn out mostly the way it appeared in my mind.... :P ::) :o ;D ;)
You have a lot of great elevation changes.
Howdy Kyle, the progress looks good. I like what you are doing. Have fun, mike
The front-most trestle bent looks a bit off to me. By default, they're at right angles to the track, unless there's a compelling reason to do something else (like the rear bent, which has to fit between the two tracks.)
dave
The struggle will be real for the trench loco. Is the trestle dead ending at the rock?
That looks very cool. I like the track going in all directions and levels. Yet it all makes sense.
Looks like it will be fun running trains and all that.
Mike
Thanx Curt, thanx MIke, thanx Dave, thanx Phillip, and thanx Michael;
Today (Thursday) I got up and finished modifying the trestle and putting it into it's final configuration with the exception of adding a catwalk and a dump shute for the tailings. Those I'll add later on, once the mine entrance and tunnel are ready. I still have to construct the tunnel for the main mine on the lower track (the one with the 4% grade), lay track into the mine and do the same for the upper tailings track and tunnel.
Curt, I do like having some elevation variance. I've not had any on the last 2 layouts. The grade here is only 4% and it's just 4-1/2 feet long. There will be some interesting scenery things to do.
Mike-I'm glad it's coming across as I'd hoped it would. Everybody is picking up on the individual quirks and idiosyncrasies, I've included. This ain't a RR that goes very far; I figure about 15 - 20 miles from Grizzly to Dilapidated. The rough country and lack of useable roads makes for the life blood of the G&D Ry.(I pinched that idea from the great John Allen)
Dave-I know it looks a little odd or 'off'-but what you were seeing was only a mock-up. Today I positioned all the bents completely plumb and glued them in place on the trestle. None of them are at right angles to the track, all have trackage between them, and the one also has trackage outside; in addition, all the tracks are at odd angles, non are parallel.
Phillip- the little 2-6-2 won't have too hard a task; it'll only be pulling 3 empties up the grade, and 3 loads down the grade. I can always use my Forney if things get rough. No, the trackage doesn't end at the rock; that's where the tailings tunnel entrance will be.
Michael-I feared the dreaded "spaghetti bowl" demon would rear it's ugly head. It seems though all the tracks being functional and not 'observational' kept the 'old turd at bay'. :o ;) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I plan on having a good time everytime.
Thanx again for stoppin in; the comments an suggestions are great - it makes me think.....
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Here's the shots of the trestle after the work was completed.........
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See ya 8)
Kyle that's coming along great. It's always nice when you see what's in your noggin
come to life in 3D.
Very nice modeling Kyle. Keep up the good work.
The bents look much better to me, thanks! That scene has the kind of complex trackage I've seen in pictures of mining locations.
dave
Hello Kyle, it's really starting to come together now. I see a lot of Malcolm Furlow influence in your work and I like it.
Got ya! I see the trench loco is in use! Great runners!
Thanx Larry C., thanx Dave, thanx Curt, thanx Jeff, and thanx Phillip;
Last evening (Thursday) I went outside and 'rattle-canned' the trestle in flat black. I know it's a bit stark, but the weathering should tone it down. Next I got up this morning and cleared everything off and glued down the ramp; it has the 4% grade to the mine. Next I repositioned the trestle (it worked out fine) and set out all the trackage (mocked it all up) so I could better see what's what. There was such a pile of trash and track and bldgs. to be gone through and sorted, that I needed to be able to reset the whole section with all the structures and track in place to make sure this is how I wanted it.
I think next up will be plaster and surfacing the ramp; then sanding it smooth and flat. I'm going to solder the ME On30 flex track pieces together and lay them directly on the surface after installing a thin roadbed of heavy construction paper for sound deadening. I think it'll look really cool and realistic; I'm going to use dirt for the 'ballast' on the ramp and mine trackage. To keep the construction paper from warping and acting all 'funky' when sprayed with the 'wet water' for the ballast I'll lightly spray both sides with some acrylic spray paint I bought and used on the last G&D Ry.
The hand laid track will be going down next; I believe I've made enough sections. I want the hand laid track for the main line. I like the tie spacing and length (it's more like the D&S NGRR) and the ME track will look more like 'just get it done' trackage. I'll also use ME track in Dilapidated to demarcate where the main line ends and the sidings and spurs begin; just like in Grizzly. The hand laid 'MAIN LINE' track stops at the first turnout entering Grizzly (from Dilapidated) and ME track is used throughout Grizzly for the rest of the trackage. It'll be interesting to see how many people pick up on it.
I first notice a difference in the tie length and spacing when I saw some footage of The White Pass & Yukon. Their track looks exactly like ME On30 track. The recent shots that I've seen of the D&S NGRR, show shorter ties spaced closer together. In some shots the ties don't even reach out as far as the outside of the cylinders; especially on the larger K-36 & 37's. This caught my attention and so I back tracked to see what the Cumbre & Toltec had in order to compare all 3. The C&T looks like a compromise of both. The spacing appears to be closer to the WP&Y, with the length a little closer to the D&S. Alas..; who cares anyway.... ??? ???
So, here's some shots of the RR as it sits now, ready for the next phase to get under way..............
thanx again for the comments, questions, thoughts and suggestions......I count on them for inspiration and as a frame of reference........stay tuned.......... ;D ;D ;D
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Here we go................Dilapidated...
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The ramp to the mine....................
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And the trestle.......
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That's all for now..............have fun.... :) :) ;D ;D ;D
OK, A couple more of the trestle....... ;) ;) ;)
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See Ya.............
Howdy Kyle, the layout is moving right along. The trestle looks great. Have fun, mike
Thanx Mike;
The progress is good right now. (Not alot of 1:1 stuff to do) I hope to be able to keep at it for about another 2-3 weeks, then there's some 1:1 stuff in the que. Today I drew up the 'vision ' of (for) the 'I Me Mine' "complex". It ain't really that big but it does seem a little 'complex'.?? I think I'll start on it as soon as I'm done with the plaster work on the 'ramp' and the rest of the 'mine track level'. I don't know any thing much about mines but I think based on what little I do know from reading and pictures- my idea is at least feasible, if not acceptable.
Stay tuned there's more comon' down the 'pike'..................
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Here's the drawing.............
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Kyle nice start on the mine. Nice work on the trestle.
Jerry
You could add some bracing on the right side, maybe even having two pieces that share a single footer:
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Just a thought....
dave
Thanx Jerry, thanx Dave;
The drawing I did was unfortunately not very accurate in terms of size and position relative to the trackage. I've done another one that more accurately shows the position and scope of the structures. I also took an overhead shot that after marking the locations of both entrances/exits shows the actual location of each one, and the size of each.
Thanx again for the input. Dave, there won't be any room or need for the extra support bracing; although if I'd done a better job in the drawing of showing the actual size and position of the upper structure you would have been able to see how far out it comes to the first bent, please forgive my mistake. However it is exactly what I was considering a couple of days ago before I decided on the final size and position of the structure. You are 'one sharp cookie'.
That's about all for now, thanx again for all the comments and input.....keeps me on my toes.....
Have fun...............
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
This is a corrected rendering of the planned structures......
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This is an overhead shot of the area with the Main Entrance (lower level) structures' footprint outlined in RED.
The Tailings entrance/exit (upper level) structures' footprint is outlined in BLUE.
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Kyle looks like a feasible plan to me. Enjoy.
Thanx Larry C., and all ya'll that stopped by just for a peep.......
Big 'doins' today (Sunday) I finished the valance and fascia. All I have to do now is finish adding the piece of trim that runs along the top of the fascia. Believe it or not this is a milestone for me; because this lets me know how overpowering or not the layout is in this 10' x 11-1/2' room. All the furniture will be staying and the 'homemade Murphy Bed' isn't going anywhere either. So I had to make the RR look as if it 'belonged'.
I took some shots to share. I'm gonna try to start the plaster work tomorrow or Tuesday. Ya'll stay tuned, and thanx again for checkin things out......
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
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Kyle that is really coming along nicely; great job!
Kyle,
I had a lot of catching up to do. Your making great progress on the mine area.
Howdy Kyle, terrific progress, and it looks so good. Congrats! Have fun, mike
Thanx Larry C., thanx Ron, and Thanx Mike;
Wednesday I was gonna start the plastering work; but when I went out to the garage to find the bag o' plaster, there were these pieces of trim sitting in front mocking me "nanny nanny boo boo, you ain't gonna use us ;D ;D ;D ". So I looked at 'em >:( , and said (I really did) "BULL SHIT" >:( >:( ; and I grabbed 'em up :o :o :o , and started measuring and cutting !!! When it was all done (no more tee hee hee-ing from the peanut gallery) I looked at it and it looked pretty good; (for used lumber), and it was free. ;) So I took some pictures for show and tell today......
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Before
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After
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Whadda ya think....????
Howdy Kyle, the trim boards look great. I hope you aren't as slow at plastering as me. Have fun, mike
Kyle very nice!! That is looking like a real "professional" layout and the lighting only adds
to the charm.
Kyle, you're making lots of very good progress.
Nice Job!
I like all the progress you've been making. The mine trestle has a good ad hoc look to its construction.
Mike
Thanx Mike, thanx Larry C., thanx Rick, and thanx Michael;
Now that Easter has "come'n gone"- (I hope ya'll all had a wonderful holiday) I suppose I should 'get back to work' and start on the plastering. It's SO MESSY, >:( that it "gives one pause" to begin such an undertaking. Although this time there's not THAT much area I actually need to do. ::) I'll 'fill in' between the ramp and the mountain, and also along the side that 'fronts' or parallels the main line. I'll also need to probably 'fiddle' around in between the various 'hunks' of leftover rockwork I've saved from previous adventures in this sort of undertaking. I figure it's gonna take about 2 to 2-1/2 days to get it all done...dried, painted & weathered.
At least after that I can proceed with one of my favorite tasks... installing track ;D ;D ;D . I have everything for my main buss and feeders. I'm going to use the 'little clamps' instead of soldering every single connection along the buss. The only solder joints will be on the track. I've seen so many people in videos use them and all I've read about them is good. I guess it's like anything else, if I use them properly with the right size wire and connectors I'll be fine. I'm going to pre-drill holes along the track's route-main and sidings; then I'll insert a short 3" piece of straw about 1/4" in diameter. I'll poke both feeders up through the straw, and decide then whether to 'pull the straw up and out of the hole, or leave it as a sort of spacer; solder the wires accordingly-red & black; and since there's no loop or turnback in direction-it'll be simple 'RED-outside rail- Black-inside rail'. The only other thing in regards to track & wiring is adding the auto reverser to the sector plate in Dilapidated; which will be just like I did on the TT in Grizzly. ;)
Well, that's about all for now.. I'll post some shots once the plaster "has started to be slung" :o :( :D ;D ;) ....Thanx again for stoppin' by and ya'll keep those cards 'n letters coming.......have fun; see ya ;)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Kyle,
Great use of the repurposed wood, the layout is starting to look real professional now.
The imagineering is panning out (pun intended) 8)
Really digging the colors!
Thanx Ron, thanx Phillip, and thanx Darryl;
I,ve done nothing on the RR lately.... :( :( :( I've been toying with the idea of a 4'x 6' HOn3 layout. :o :o So I drew up a couple of ideas and posted them on the HO/HOn3/HOn30 Line. Then I tore (ruptured) my left bicep last Friday (May 2nd) moving furniture. I completely tore it loose from the bone at the bottom. It 'hurt like hell'; >:( >:( >:( and I posted all the details on the HO/HOn3/Hon30 Line; so the short versions is...no surgery at my age and with my heart condition. It'll quit hurting in about 2-3 weeks, take extra strength Acetaminophen for the 'discomfort' and wear a 'support sleve' if you need it. WHAY????? :o :o :o :o :o
I'll get back to work on the RR as soon as I can.... ??? ??? ??? ??? :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry.
Then I tore (ruptured) my left bicep last Friday (May 2nd) moving furniture.
You need to come up with a much better story than that. When I had rotator cuff surgery, I told people "I got hurt trying out for the Pittsburgh Steelers". And since my surgery was around Christmastime, I wrapped my sling with a battery-operated string of LED lights...
Hope you heal quickly!!
dave
Best wishes and fast healing, Kyle.
I've seen people use the insulation-displacement connectors on layouts and modules. But there was one layout that used them in a damp basement. I was asked to get it electrically and operationally ready for an event, and I found a lot of issues caused by those connectors. Might have been a cheap brand, might have been the wrong gauge wire, might have been the damp.
"OUCH"- OK- Here's my 'war stories' 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
6-ACL/MCL/PCL tears with meniscus tears in each knee; -football-no surgery only drainings each time
both rotator cuffs are still torn;-football-no surgery
2 blown discs in my lumbar; -lifting stuff improperly-no surgery
and now a torn bicep- moving furniture;-no surgery
30% heart function after heart attack.......no surgery.......
But I did have my tonsils taken out ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Thanx for the well wishes....... ;)
Well, Kyle, I'd say "Stay away from the Furniture!" :P
dave
Kyle, sorry to read about your injury.
Get well soon.
Sorry about the set back. At least HO will be lighter. ;)
My shoulder hurts all the sudden.
Get well!
Hope you recover quickly!!
Jerry
Quote from: deemery on May 09, 2025, 06:47:48 PMWell, Kyle, I'd say "Stay away from the Furniture!" :P
dave
Rightee-oh sir.... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Kyle sorry to hear about your injuries and hope you feel better soon.
Sadly at our age your mind may say "go for it" when you decide to do something
but the body usually has different ideas.
Quote from: jbvb on May 09, 2025, 06:28:23 PMBest wishes and fast healing, Kyle.
I've seen people use the insulation-displacement connectors on layouts and modules. But there was one layout that used them in a damp basement. I was asked to get it electrically and operationally ready for an event, and I found a lot of issues caused by those connectors. Might have been a cheap brand, might have been the wrong gauge wire, might have been the damp.
Seconds on the healing, Kyle.
James, regarding the damp if you're talking about the little box-shaped plastic connectors with a blade that cuts the insulation but just grazes the conducting wire. Dorman calls theirs "quick splice terminal".
Over the years, I've had to do an awful lot of trailer wiring repairs, as far too many trailers come from the factory with this sort of wire splice as original equipment. The problem is that the metal the blade is made from is usually a different alloy than the metal in the wire. In the presence of moisture, two metals only need to be slightly different for a galvanic reaction to start. The result is corrosion. The fix is a soldered splice.
Kyle,
You are a walking medical study. I want to say stay safe.
I had a torn rotator from weight lifting and it took me three years to decide to have the surgery. I should have done it the month I tore it..
Take care of your self and get well soon.
Tom
Hi Fellas; I'm overwhelmed and so thankful to have friends like ya'll. Thanx for thinking of me...I'm doing much better, and I'm getting used to not having the 'same old left arm'. I'll be back at work on the RR soon. I'd like to thank each of you so here goes......
Thanx Dave, thanx Rick, thanx Phillip, thanx Jerry, thanx Larry C., thanx Mark, and thanx Tom. ;D ;D ;D
I've been taking the 'time off' to consider my future Model Railroading 'exploits'; and have decided a number of things. ::) ::) ::)
1. I'm not and should not go to the expense and trouble of changing scales to HOn3. ???
2. The current layout as constructed is interesting but not fulfilling, and has no 'long term intrigue' or
allure. ???
3. As silly as it sounds-I HAVE TO HAVE A LOOP-; of some sort or fashion. ;D ;D
4. " " " " " " " " " " - POINT TO POINT- of some sort. ;D ;D
5. If I'm going to build a different layout, then it should be the one I most want and can afford, manage and
(long term) enjoy. ;D ;D ;D
6. In 2022 Mark helped me build a 'new layout'- "on top of an old one". Many of you commented on how inventive
and 'outside the box' the concept was. :) :) ;) 8)
7. That brings me to to this....I'm going to recreate that layout; instead of 50"x110"- it'll be reduced to 4'x
8' and built in three 32"x 48" sections for easier storage and transport, be built entirely of pink foam
board with texture paint instead of plaster, removeable mountains and rock work, and utilize the 26"x40" TT
& 2 stall 'roundhouse' section from the current project, and previous layouts. The basic sections will be
trimmed in 1"x3"s for support. I will use the current backdrop as a 'background scene effect' around the
layout, but leave it on the walls. I've talked the idea over with Patrice; and she said "You mean now we can
just watch the trains run?" :o ;D ;D
8. During the 2022 Southwest O Scale Show Home Layout Tours, a number of people commented how cool it was that I
just built another layout 'on top of' the old one, without removing it. The highest compliment I got was
from Barry Bogs; who said "I love the track plan, it's very well thought out,...you built it on top of the
old one?" ;)
9. That's good enough for me; Barry's an amazing modeler, an MMR, and he scratch builds EVERYTHING on his G
Scale layout in Houston; locomotives and rolling stock included. ;D ;D ;D ;D
So, in all its' absurdity, I'm scrapping the current build, keeping the bldgs., bridge, trees, turnouts, hand laid track, and anything else I'll need, pink foam board, and the partial 4% grade incline for example.
I've spent the time I've been recovering from the injury working up the track plan in 1-1/2" = 1 foot scale and will post it here. It includes all the industries and something new... :o :o :o.....the JOHN W. ALLEN MEMORIAL "UNFINISHED BRIDGE". ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ...I love it.... 8) 8) 8) .....All for now, thanx again for all the well wishes and support; ya'll stay tuned......see ya...... :) :) ;)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Here it is......the green lines are the 'cut lines' for the 32x48 sections; the red arrow is the highest track elevation-4"; the yellow line marks the joint of the 40"x26" section and the Main 4x8 section. I'll get a full color rendition ready asap.. ;) ;) ;)
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I look forward to seeing what you come up with. Do you have any photos of the layout on top of a layout? That sounds intriguing.
Thanx Curt;
Yes, here are some shots of the 'layout on top of a layout'. :o :o :o
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry. Co.
In the beginning in Feburary 2022......there was an idea..... ::) ::)
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Then Mark & I started to work... ;D ;D
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Sometimes it looked very strange..... :o :o ::)
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Then late spring and into summer, things really took off..... ;) ;) ;)
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We soldiered on into the early fall... >:( >:( ;)
to be continued....... :o ;D ;D ;D
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry. Co.
The story continues....... :o
By October we were finally...... :o :o......... all dressed up for the show........ ;D
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And they all lived happily ever after......
Till January 2023; when I tore it all down...>:( ... :o ;) and moved in March 2023...... ;D ;D ;D.....then built another version of the G&D Ry. Co. ;D ;D ;D ;D.....
But that's another story 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)......
Thanx again for stoppin' by....see ya... 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry. Co.
Welcome to the dark side, again ;)
Very nice Kyle.
Kyle does your "grey matter" ever rest? Interesting track plan; looks like you're becoming the master at track planning. In the end it's whatever "blows your skirt up", as they say, to make something enjoyable and can be easily maintained. I'm a big fan of the foam bases and 1x3 supports. I used that approach for my micro and it's nice and light as well as durable. I'll be keeping an eye on your progress; looking forward to the new incarnation.
Things change so often here it's hard for me to know what exactly is going on every time I open this thread.
I hope your arm is doing better and have fun building whatever you decide to build.
It really is satisfying when you see a plan come to life. The layout is looking great.
Thanx Phillip, thanx Carl, thanx Larry C., thanx Rick, and thanx Ron;
...Patrice woke up this morning(Saturday) with limited use of her left hand..?? :o :o :( :(
I'll call for an appt. with our Dr. on Monday. She's in no pain, just a kinda 'floppy left hand'. She can grip, although not quite as firmly as with her right hand. When she rotates her left forearm to 'palms up'- she can lift her left hand. When rotated to 'palms down' she can't. She also can only use all her fingers at once on her left hand. I did some online research, and it seems to have something to do with her Carpal Tunnel she suffered in the last 10 or so years of flying. (international flight attendant w/American) SO thoughts and prayers are requested. : :( :) :D ;D
On the RR front ??? ::) I REALLY AM CRAZY ;D :o ;D :o ;D ::) ...I've decided (after much careful thought and considerable deliberation.. :o :o :o ...I'M NOT GOING TO THE EXPENSE AND EXTRA WORK TO........
1. Tear out the existing layout; ;) and instead.... :o :o :o
2. Put that energy to use adding a 'finishing touch' to the existing project.. 8) 8) ...
3. Make the layout a 'point to point/loop configuration' by adding a simple narrow 4" wide shelf 7 long', a
corner piece, and a slightly wider 6" section 5' long (for a passing siding) to continue to the door. ;) ;)
;) ;). This will give me a point to point from Grizzly to Dilapidated, turn the loco, work the industries,
and take a train back to Grizzly. Or I can simply 'let em' roll... 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) ........ ;D
4. Build either a simple removeable 'lift-out'section, or a combination 'drop/rotate'section. I favor the lift-
out section. It could have a cool bridge or trestle incorporated in it at some point. 8) 8)
5. Patrice (floppy hand & all) agreed......;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;) ;) "cause then I can watch TV AND the trains"
;D ;D ;D :o :o............
Here's the plan.....one cool 8) 8) thing is that it will 'traverse through the taller plants' on the plant shelf below the RR, I'm not going to put up a backdrop and the only 'scenery' will be the lightly 'sculpted ground surface' with weathered and ballasted hand laid rail. ;) ;) Simple and effective. That part will be like an indoor 'garden RR' ??? ;D ;D 8) .........
So here's the track plan showing the existing part and the part to be built.
Thanx for the comments and thoughts, and for stoppin by, ya'll come back now... ;) ;)
I feel SO much better now..... ;D ;D ;) ;)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry. Co.
Here we are NOW..... :) :)
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Here's what's 'coming up doc' :o ;) ;) ;)
The green and orange arrows denote the 'drop/rotate idea ::) ::) ::) The blue arrows show the new
'shelf-work' ;D ;D ;D ;D I like the 'through the plants bit' ;) ;) 8)001.JPG
Here's an 'unmarked-up' look...... ;D ;D ;D 8) 8) 8)
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The next post will show how it will 'go' in the room......
OK here we go....did you check out the previous post ??? :o ;D Alright ;D ;D ;D ;D
Here's the new section height...56" (same as the rest). These shots show the shelf height and location...
the blue line "marks the spot"... ;) ;) ;)
Looking out the door.....
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Looking at the corner.... ;D ;D ;D
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And finally the 'connecting point' ;) ;) ;)
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I hope all this isn't too much "going round-n'-round-back-n-'forth" etc.... I just sometimes get my 'wants' mixed up together with my 'druthers' and lose sight of the obvious FACTS...."reason/purpose; viability/cost; and logical expectations/time-work & effort;" ::) ::) ::) OH yeauh...am I "pissing uphill?" :o :o :o :o :o
Patrice is excited to watch the trains run, and THAT'S A BIGGIE ;D ;) so I'll go out in the garage and 'rustle up some lumber'(there's a bunch to look through); and as soon as we find out about her hand, I'll plan a schedule to begin work. :) She and Gage are going to New York (Putnam Valley in the Peekskills) to visit Jeremy and Georgia (son and daughter-in-law) and the grandkids from May 30th till June 3rd. ;D ;D ;D I can work on the thing then. ;) ;) I figure the first 2 days 30th & 31st I'll build the hand laid trackage/cork roadbed; then on the 1st and 2nd I'll put up the 'shelves' and install the 'preassembled trackwork'. 8) 8) ;D ;) I'll screw around with the ballast and ground cover later on this summer. I want to make sure we do all we need to regarding her 'floppy-hand'. ;) ;)
Ya'll stay tuned...keep those cards n' letters coming......see ya..... ;) ;D ;D ;D
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry. Co.
Kyle this new approach makes a lot of sense in both time and $$ so I hope it works
out the way you envision it. Will be keeping Patrice in my thoughts for a speedy recovery.
Kyle,
An indoor garden railroad, that's something you don't see everyday. 8)
This will be an interesting project that I'm looking forward to see it progress.
Very interesting. I'll be watching.
Jerry
Thanx Larry C., thanx Ron, and thanx Jerry; also all the other folks that stopped by..thanx.
It's been a while. Lots of 1:1 projects that got done. :P :P :P ..The left arm is finally not bothering me as much; :) or maybe I've merely gotten used to it not functioning the way it used to when the bicep was still attached on both ends :o ;D ;D...
The injury and slow recovery has thrown a wrench into the RR progress, and the overall scope of the project in general ::) ::) ::) ...
I believe I shall be satisfied with the point to point concept as originally drawn out and mocked up; without a continous run extinsion, and with only a few 'adjustments'. It's gonna take longer to finish things now with only one and a half good arms to 'reach' and 'position' stuff. ???...
The mine 'tailings dump trestle' won't be happening. The more I looked at the RRs' 'route'- the more I realized there was very little, (practially no) open space with terrain only. :o :o :o >:( This makes an already relatively short run seem even shorter :o ... I'll just use the mine entrance/exit to bring out tailings to dump. I think the 2 1/2" elevation difference from the main line will still be a good scenic feature. ;) ;)
I also moved the WINDBREAKER GAS DIST. bldg. from Grizzly -where it shared a siding with SCAVENGER INC. I moved it over to DILAPIDATED behind PHARTZ & SCHMELLING ODORIZER Co. (they add the 'funk to the junk').... :o ::) ;D ;D ;D "FLATUGEN GAS" unlike other 'natural' gasses has a light but very di-STINK-tive "aroma".... ??? ::) :-[ :-[ :-[ ...so P & S Co. adds some 'fragrance' to sorta help matters... :o :o however the only 'choices' available were 'BOILED CABBAGE, PINTO BEANS, AND TUNA'.. ??? ??? ??? WOW.... Oh well, it is what it is; and so the folks in the area make the best of it. At least if there's a leak EVERYBODY KNOWS IT IMMEDIATELY ;D ;D ;D ;D ....
Ive added some additional 'rockwork' scenery to the spot where the FLATUGEN GAS well head and tailings dump trestle were going to be. I like the way it seems to 'lengthen the run'.... 8) ...
That's about all for now; I'll post some photos when I get them done...things take a bit longer now.... ???
Thanx again for stoppin by...ya'll stay tuned ...more to come...........
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
I'll be following along with interest Kyle.
Thanx and good evening Curt; and anybody else hangin' out 8) 8) ;
I'll start the photos with a 'before and after' of the track plan...... ;D ;D
Before...................
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After....................the blue arrow is Windbreaker, green arrow is HEI MOES', red arrow is Phartz & Schmelling
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Now the town of DILAPIDATED........ :) :)
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In the next posting I'll continue with the scenery changes along the route................
Thanx, ;)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Ok, here we go...........
The old look.................. ::)
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The new look.................. ;D
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Old........................... :D
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New........................... ;D
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Old........................... :D
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New........................... ;D
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I hope these all look OK; I am kinda starting to get a little excited about moving forward......
Thanx again for stoppin' by and ya'll come back any time............
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
The trees really make a big impact.
Kyle even though you have to compromise, due to health issues, it looks like you'll have a pretty good sized layout with many fun hours ahead of you. Not that my opinion carries any weight, BUT I like the new look better with the scenery being front and center; plus it doesn't look so busy. Looking forward to your progress and take your time enjoying the process along the way.
Howdy Kyle, Glad to see you back posting and modeling. Looking forward to your continued builds. Have fun, mike
8) Back & Great work!
Kyle,
You still have the same sense of humor. That's good to see.
You're making good progress. Like Curt said, your trees enhance the scenes in particular.
Mike
Thanx Curt, thanx Larry C., thanx Mike, thanx Phillip, and thanx Michael... ;D
I do like the overall effect that the trees add; ya'll are very astute. ;D 8). Health issues aside, your obsevation-Larry C.- regarding the size of the layout and its' potential is right on point, and I couldn't agree more ;) ;) sometimes 'less is more' ;D ....and ALL OF YA'LLS OPINIONS, THOUGHTS AND SUGGESTIONS CARRY A GREAT DEALOF WEIGHT ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) .........
Last week was a fairly trying set of events. >:( Doctors appointments, yardwork,- (it's very difficult to weed-eat with a torn bicep), lots of errands, etc......But I got everything done. This week I'm gonna try ??? to get some more rail joiners, install the main bus and feeders; lay the 'hand laid flex-track' I've got ready to go, then solder the feeders. :o ;D I 'm pretty sure I have enough track to reach the depot at Dilapidated. We'll see ::) ::) I'll post some shots of what I've got ready to go; ;D ;D -a 3' section, a 28" section, and a 16" section.
At some point I've got to get back to work on the backdrop. I've got some 'more developed and clearer' images in my head at this point, so I guess I might as well get back to it. ;D
All my lab results from my last Dr.'s visit came back with very good results. ;D ;D ;D ;D
Cholesterol...145, HDL 28, LDL 95, Triglycerides 22.;D ;D ;D
A-1C..........5
Kidneys.......normal
Liver.........normal
'Poop Shoot':o NORMAL ;D ;D ;)
My low HDL level is hereditary, I can't change that :( ..But the overall picture is VERY GOOD ;D ;D ;D ;)
So....onward and upward 8) 8) ;D ;D ;)
Thanx again for stoppin' by, and ya'll stay tuned.......
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Here's the track..............
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Kyle happy to hear your Dr.s apt. went well with some great results. That is some nice looking track;
nothing like being able to get that done ahead of time. Have fun and enjoy!
8) Glad your labs are OK~ Looks like a new busy chapter in modeling on the way~
Glad you made the grade with the Dr. results.
I really like those trees you made. The rest coming along nicely take your time.
Jerry
Thanx Larry C., thanx Phillip, and thanx Jerry; ;)
OK- it's been a while....still farting :o around with 1:1 stuff; but I have been able to get a little work done on the RR ;D ;D ;D . Much needed 'extra spikes' were added to the hand laid 'flex track'. I 'built' a DADO style cutting disk out of 3 cutting discs stacked together :o and 'loaded' into the Dremmel. Next I cut 'slots' in the side of the flex track cork roadbed to facilitate easier 'flexing' ;) and used 'white ball' topped long straight pins to position and hold the trackage in place, whilst running the big K27 around the curve to check for smoothness and possoble 'derail spots'- none were found and the trackage was smooth as silk ;) ;D .
Next up is to glue the track in place and add the feeders. 'Currently' ::) the trackage gets power from the solder joints attaching it to the already powered track in Grizzly. Photos to follow, thanx again for stopping by and ya'll come back now ;) ;D ;D ;D ...........
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
'Dado blade'....................
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'Slots'......................
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Trackage pinned..........
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Test run...............
023.JPG
Trackage through "Woods' Ridge Gap'
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Hope the photos give an adequate depiction of the work.........Thanx again.........
Great progress Kyle.
Kyle, It may have been awhile since you worked on t last but you're making up for lost time. The trackwork looks great.
8) Looks great!
Kyle great progress and glad to hear the track is smooth and the loco runs well. I sent you a Private Message here a couple of weeks ago btw.
Thanx Curt, thanx Ron, thanx Phillip, and thanx Larry C.; ;D
The progress is fairly good; but then I think :o should I really glue that there ??? -what if I change my mind next week? ::) I guess I'll just have to do like I used to...HELL WITH IT ! >:( would ya just glue the damn thing and move on >:( >:( ;)...... And since everybody says it "Looks great" - so be it ;D
I answered your PM Larry; thanx and I'd be honored. I sent you my email. That's about all for now, ya'll kepp those cards 'n letters coming....... ;D ;D ;D
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Howdy Kyle, your progress is looking fantastic. Clever work with the DADO stack. Looking forward to your progress. Have fun, mike
Hello Kyle, the track looks really good winding it's way through your scenery. Nice work !
Yup, just glue the darn thing down already.Lol. Then you can run some trains; don't over think it.
Those tiny cut-off blades in singular action make me reach for the safety goggles.
Paranoia will destroy ya. ;D
Interesting progress.
Thanx Mike, thanx Jeff, thanx Larry C., thanx Phillip, and thanx Karl;
This has been one hell-of-a-week ??? ??? ??? ??? ???......Last Wednesday the 23rd, at about 4:45pm, Gage had a massive seizure while I was driving him home from his workout at the gym. He's had seizures before; he is not epileptic, but does have seizure every so often. We don't exactly know why. We were on the way home and about 5 minutes from the closest hospital. Normally the event passes in a few minutes, but this time I could tell it was BAD.
I rushed him to the ER and parked the car after they took him in. I came into the trauma room as they were starting to work on him; and 2 or 3 minutes later he flatlined; in essence he died-they did CPR and for 2 minutes he was unresponsive. Then they got him back, inserted breathing tubes, and for a few more minutes performed other emergency procedures to stablize him. Then it was X_Rays of his chest to check for CPR rib fractures, then down the corridor for an immediate CT scan and after that an MRI, then up to the 4th floor to the ICU. Three hours later another CT scan, and then another MRI followed by periodical EEG's throughout the night and wee hours of the morning. I went home for 2 hours of sleep at 5AM; and they called me to come back because Gage had awakened, and removed his breathing tubes and catheter himself. :o :o :o :o.....that's SO GAGE!!!!!
We spent 7 days in the hospital, and he was released yesterday the 30th in the afternoon; almost 7 days to the exact hour of the beginning of our ordeal. I only went home to check on my wife Patrice and the 2 dogs, once a day for about an hour, each day; otherwise I was with him in his hospital room-eating, sleeping and praying. Our relationship has been forever changed, it's as if we are ONE. I will never be the same nor will he. He understands what happened and knows he got a second chance, just as I did in 2013 with my heart attack and in 2023 with Patrice and her stroke.
I DON'T CARE WHAT ANYBODY BELIEVES OR SAYS >:( ..GOD SAVED HIM... IT WAS NOT HIS TIME YET. I'm unbelievably grateful and will be for the rest of my life-as will Patrice and his parents and friends. It is however different with Gage and me, it just is...........................
I never wanted nor had kids. I married late, inherited a 12 year old son, and my wife and I raised his son GAGE practically from birth. HE BELONGS TO US, and we would have been devastated beyond grief to lose him. Thank you GOD. ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)
We'll discuss the RR and I'll have some interesting developments and photos later today or tomorrow.... ;D ;D ;D ;)
Thanx again for stopping by and I'll see ya 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Kyle, Gage and your family will be in our thoughts! Best wishes for a continuing recovery! Now get some sleep...
dave
Kyle prayers for your family.
Thoughts and prayers continue coming your way.
Kyle, indeed, Gage is blessed. Many of us have tried to kill the angel on our shoulders, but we failed. That angel is still on Gage's shoulder. I can't imagine the fear and pain you felt. You are in my prayers. ~mike
:'( :( :) :D ;D ;) THANX GUYS ::) :o 8)
KYLE
OK, here we go........
I was gifted some fabulous bldg. dioramas for the RR; and have placed them carefully in each ones' designated spot. It's as if they were each custom built for their particular location. The attention to detail and craftsmanship on each one is outstanding; and the care and artistic talent presented in each offering are superb. I wish I could create such beautiful pieces. They not only are beautiful; but sturdy and robust enough to be bubble wrapped and shipped half way across the country by UPS of all things.
I'm so blessed and privileged to have them on the G&D Ry. All in all this has been a remarkable week. I lost my only grandson, and God saved him, brought him back, and gave him (and me) a second second shot at doing this (life) right. Then at around the same time I found out that I had recieved a message about 2 weeks earlier about a gift for the RR if I was interested. I replied in the affirmative as soon as I could, explained my current emergency, and the wonderful donor took care of everything. THANK YOU SIR... ;) ..............
Here are some pictures; the donor said I should get the layout published; that he thinks it is deserving and warranted. I don't know, there are so many layouts that are such incredible pieces of art- I would be hard pressed to think my humble offering would pass muster. Maybe some time in the near future; right now I have a full plate of much more important issues to take care of. But I am flattered and thankful for the kind words.
This is getting deep :o :o :o .........here's the pictures.....hope they look OK......thanx again for the prayers and thoughts for Gage and our family.
"And thank you SIR for the additions to the G&D Ry." ;) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry. Co.
Scavenger Inc. in Grizzly.................
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Engine shed at Dilapidated.........................
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Tooter Phuk Nutts' "Trackter Shopp" ??? :o :o .........in Dilapidated
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All for now.............................see ya 8) 8) 8) 8)
Gage said thanx !!!!!!!!!!!!
OH yeaugh.... a couple of updated 'landscape' offerings..............
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COOL ????...........
KYLE
Gonna lay some more track soon..................................
I just couldn't turn in tonight without thanking ya'll one more time........
Thanx Dave
Thanx Curt
Thanx Larry C.*
Thanx Mike
It's all good.......................
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Excellent backdrops Kyle.
Quote from: kyle creel on July 31, 2025, 01:17:54 PMLast Wednesday the 23rd, at about 4:45pm, Gage had a massive seizure while I was driving him home from his workout at the gym. We spent 7 days in the hospital, and he was released yesterday the 30th
GOD SAVED HIM... IT WAS NOT HIS TIME YET. I'm unbelievably grateful and will be for the rest of my life-as will Patrice and his parents and friends.
Wishing Gage a speedy recovery Kyle. Not scripture but the Lord does work in mysterious ways. Quite an ordeal.
Philip
Oh..... the layout is looking good! I especially like the low lying double mainline......
8)
Thanx Phillip;
The Lord 'Does His Thing' in ways we sometimes do not comprehend.
I must not be representing the trackage very well in the photos... there's only a single mainline that runs from Grizzly to Dilapidated. It terminates at both destinations. The parallel trackage you see in the photo is probably the switchback mine spur running from the sector plate exit track in Dilapidated up a 4% grade to the mining spur mine entrance and tail. The mainline runs through Dilapidated past the depot and into the sector plate entrance track where it allows enough length for my K-27 to clear the points, and enter the sector plate to be 'reversed'.
Thanx for the thoughts and prayers...........
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Thanx Curt;
I'm glad you like the backdrop. It's done in pastels over an acrylic base coat for the sky and basic land forms. I haven't finished the thing yet, but I'm fixin' to get to work on it. I need to add the rest of the land forms in Dilapidated, finish the clouds and add some in Grizzly, detail all the landforms into rockwork with my pastels, add trees and other foliage all accross the whole backdrop...etc,etc,etc.......
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Kyle take your time with your train to-do list and above all else enjoy yourself.
Thanx to each of you that have stopped by whether or not you commented; all eyes are needed and appreciated. ;D
Here's some shots taken today of the 'overall' layout. You can see where the backdrop doesn't have all the land forms painted in around Dilapidated, and there's so much more pastel work to be done across the whole backdrop. As it has been said...."it's a work in progress" ;)
Ya'll keep Gage in your prayers, he's doing much better. Stay tuned more to come......... 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Behold..... :o :o :o the 'project :o :o :o :o
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Thanx Larry C.*; You betcha, "enjoying myself over here boss" :o 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) ;)
KYLE
Kyle, what an experience.
So glad Gage is on the mend.
Thanx Rick; You and me both. In fact, here's a little update; Gage is doing much better. He's still getting his sea legs under him, but making great progress. If all goes well he'll be back at his job at KFC on Tuesday evening. He works from 7PM to 10PM. He does mostly cleanup and counter, although he also pulls stock from the food freezer and fridg. units for the kitchen to cook; and sometimes helps in the kitchen. He's a bit nervous about having another seizure, but I keep teling him his anti seziure Rx will take care of him. I just keep giving him all the positive vibes I can. Hopefully it'll get through his defence mechanism, and sink in. The doctors all said he'll be fine.
Thanx for the prayers and comments; ya'll are great......... ;)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Today Gage gave me his old iPhone; :o :o ...NO-I'm not going to use it as a phone >:( .....I'll never give up my 2019 KiaOS Flip Phone 8) 8) 8) 8) ...BUT - it does have a great camera ;) ;D ; and I took some very nice (I think so) shots today. See what ya'll think......(don't even go there...."I 'think' you should give up your flip phone") >:( >:( >:(
The photos seem so much sharper and cleaner..... ::) ::) ::) .....Thanx for stoppin' by....ya'll stay tuned.....
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
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Great looking progress Kyle.
Kyle the photos look sooooo much better. Very nice progress keep up the great work.
Quote from: kyle creel on August 03, 2025, 11:46:08 PMToday Gage gave me his old iPhone; :o :o ...NO-I'm not going to use it as a phone >:( .....I'll never give up my 2019 KiaOS Flip Phone 8) 8) 8) 8) ...BUT - it does have a great camera ;) ;D ; and I took some very nice (I think so) shots today. See what ya'll think......(don't even go there...."I 'think' you should give up your flip phone") >:( >:( >:(
The photos seem so much sharper and cleaner..... ::) ::) ::) .....Thanx for stoppin' by....ya'll stay tuned.....
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
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I think your short perhaps. :) The mountains look great!
Howdy Kyle, the layout room is looking great. The soffits with the lights really set the modeling off. It's wonderful to hear Gage is doing better. Prayers continue to go up for him. Have fun, mike
The capability of the iPhone camera is amazing. I've not used my Nikon in months. The in phone software in the iPhone is quite impressive too. This building in Marquette had an F-150 Ford and several signs in front of it. Plus two dumpsters in the alley on the right. IMG_2344.jpeg
Your layout is progressing well.
Prayers for Gage and you. That's been quite an ordeal.
I keep thinking of Malcolm Furlow when I see your colors. [/color]
The mountains look great. I'm glad Gage is doing better.
Thanx Curt, thanx Larry C., thanx phillip, thanx Mike, thanx Karl, and thanx again Curt;
First off the prayers and well wishes for Gage have been sooooo helpful and appreciated, he is making steady progress on his memory, but has a ways to go yet. ;) ;) His work is going well and he's enthusiastic about it; so that's another blessing. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Now for the RR....... 8) 8) I've decided to make some changes to the backdrop at Grizzly :o :o .... add more depth, and more trees and undergrowth ;D ;D. Here's some shots of the before and the beginnings of the changes.... ;D ;D
Hope they look OK.......Stay tuned ...more to come
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
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Currently.........changes still not finished..........
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Whadda Ya Think ?????? :o :o ;D ;D ;D 8) 8)
I think it looks great! A lot more depth to the scene.
Will you add clouds? A few here and there would probably add even more depth.
dave
Kyle I can't see the "after" photo.
Sorry Curt-I was screwing around with the photo..... :o ??? ::)
Thanx Dave;
Yes there will be clouds, ;D very dramitic, ;) possibly storm clouds :o 8) 8) 8) ......
It does feel like it's further away but I'm not sure about the green color on the peaks.
Everyone, just a reminder: It takes this forum software time to process a photo. So if you don't see the photo right away, wait a couple minutes and then referesh the page.
dave
Thanx Dave, thanx Curt;
The mountain peaks are still done in the basic green just for location, distance and size. ;) ;) The finished product will still be mostly a more toned down greenish color with brown tones mixed in. The peaks aren't that tall only 2-3 thousand feet ::) ::) , so I'm sure the coverage of mountain grasses and moss is most extensive on them. There'll also be some rock outcroppings and a few trees. ;D ;D 8) 8) .
More chalk work and photos to come. Ya'll come back now y'hear ;) ;)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Hello Kyle, your backdrop is looking very good. I wish that I had your artistic ability.
Thanx Jeff;
I love working in pastels. The sky along with the basic contours of the landforms are cheap acryllic craft paints; everything else is done in pastel chalks.
Here's a shot of the whole thing at Grizzly.................
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Thanx for checkin' in and stay tuned ;) 8) 8) 8) 8) ;D ;D
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Kyle really like the changes you've made on the backdrop; keep up the great work.
Thanx Larry C.;
I worked a little bit more on the backdrop at Grizzly this morning (Monday); nothing yet at Dilapidated ::) I just havent "seen" what the place is going to look like ::); but it'll come to me. In the meantime I'll paint in some basic landforms.... 8) - maybe that'll stir the pot....... :D.
I haven't done any clouds yet either ??? they take some 'special touch' to make 'em look just right - so I don't screw around with them till I "see" what they'll be 8) ......here's some shots of the thing so far......hope they meet muster....ya'll stay tuned... more stuff to come 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) ;D
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Yesterday...................................
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Today...............................
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I call it "Tres Hermanas"....."Three Sisters" in spanish :o :o ;D 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) ????
Kyle your artist talents are amazing!! You really know how to bring the backdrop to life; enjoy.
That looks good Kyle.
Thanx Larry C., thanx Curt;
I put some paint on the backdrop at Dilapidated and the 'I Me Mine'. :) I think it actually makes a somewhat noticeable
difference. I'll spen a few minutes each day 'gazing at it' to see what 'comes to mind' :o :o in terms of the look of the background ::) ::) -how much rock, how much foliage and trees, where and how much distance to put in the mix etc 8) 8) 8).
Here's some shots of the work........ya'll let me know..and thanx again for stoppin' by....... ;) ;)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
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OK.....what do ya think ;D ;D 8)
Kyle, your backdrops always look good and this one is no exception.
Thanx Rick; and just for you Dave ('cause you asked) ;)
I started on (for me) a very ambitious effort. :o :o :o ??? ::) .........not just clouds "here and there" ...DAVE :o :o oh no no no.....AN ANVIL CLOUD!!!!!!!:o :o...a very angry ANVIL CLOUD >:( >:( >:( >:( ??? bringing some "HEAP BIG BAD JOO JOO" ::) :P :P >:( >:( >:( to the fine folks in GRIZZLY ;) ;) ;)
This is the first rough sketch and will develop into it's full fury if I can pul it off ::) ::) ::)
Here's a couple of shots......(I'll go back and finish the sky all the way to the ceiling) ;) as the 'scene developes'....thenx again for askin' and for stoppin' by..... ;D ;D stay tuned 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Boom :o :o :o :o :o :o
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Now some aerial BATMAN style shots ;D :o 8) ;)
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OK..all for now I've got a thunderstorm to attend to........ ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) 8)
A little more work on the thing........................ :o 8)
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Great backdrop Kyle. Just love that cloud.
Jerry
There's a storm a-comin'!
dave
Quite a backdrop, Kyle, sure is Furlowesque, to me, at least...
One heck of a background Kyle..... 8)
It looks better every time you post Kyle.
Dang!!!!! That backdrop rocks!! Great looking cloud.
Howdy Kyle,
Wow, that's terrific backdrop work. The colors are perfect.
Have fun,
mike
Thanx Jerry, thanx Dave, thanx Karl, thanx Gregory, thanx Curt, thanx Larry C.*, and thanx Mike;
I worked on the thing a little bit more today(Wednesday); I tidied up and lengthened the base - then I worked on some blending in the darker portions, I then set about adding a few inches of 'leading edge' on the left side at the base.
After that I took on a bit that took most of the day; fixing the mountain on the left right below the above mentioned 'leading edge'. I've not been at all hapy with the way the thing has looked no matter how many times I've 're-worked' it. The shape was good-the colors were wrong, :( fix the colors-and the terrain was screwed, ??? tidy up the terrain and then the shape looked 'wonky' >:( >:( >:( WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON???? :o >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(
So, I took Gage to do his 'banking', get some lunch, then came home and ate with Patrice and Gage, not mentioning the 'issues' once; and then I TORE INTO IT >:( >:( >:( :o :o ....what ya'll see now is what I settled on ::) I can live with the shape, color and terrain......for now...... ;) ;) Next I added a little pink color ....Buttercups... ;) to the open area I now call 'Buttercup Hill' ::) ::) I know how hokie :P :P :P but "it's my RR......" 8) 8) 8) 8) ;) ;) :P :P ...........
Here's two shots of what it looks now; Wednesday evening.......hope it looks OK :o :o :o ;D ;D ................
Thanx for stoppin' by and leaving all the wonderful comments and suggestions - they (and ya'll) are my inspiration ;) ;) stay tuned.............. ;D
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Long shot.....................
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'Total Nudal Frontaty' :o :o :o :o :o :o :o ;D
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I know.........you can't see the buttercups........... >:( >:( >:( >:(
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How's that?????? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D 8) 8)
Looks great to me!
Nicely done Kyle.
Looks like a winner!!
Hello Kyle, the backdrop just keeps getting better and better. Great job.
Wow. Your painting skills on the backdrop are amazing!
Jeff
Kyle,
The backdrops looks greats, kind of reminds me of the backdrops that you use to be able to get from Walthers many, many moons ago.
Thanx Phillip, thanx Curt, thanx Larry C*., thanx Jeff F., thanx Jeff Z., and thanx Ron;
Ya'll are all too kind. I feel like I'm making progress, especially given the incredible talent here on the Narrow Line. All of you are exquisite modelers, and I take your comments and suggestions so very seriously, and am inspired by the talent level from which they come. I've gotten so many ideas and inspiration from ya'll.
Jeff Z-it's done with a cheap acryllic blue painted sky and basic brown landforms....everything else is pastels........ mountains, clouds, waterfalls, trees-everything.....
I'm going to try and move over to the backdrop at Dilapidated, and see if I can work on the clouds I started a few months back. I'm not saying it'll turn out like Grizzly (Ifeel like I got real lucky there) but I've got an idea or two rolling 'round in my head..........Thanx again...... ;) 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Here's where I start from............................
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Kyle,
Wow, what a fantastic looking backdrop. Very well done sir.
Tom
Thanx Tom;
OK- I started on the backdrop at Dilapidated. ;D ;D I decided to begin with the cloud that I started earlier this year.
It'll be easier to detail the 'land form horizon' with the cloud done first. I'm not sure about the shape ::) ::) I think I might add some other 'protrusions/billows' here or there ::) ::) to make it a little less'uniform looking 8) 8) 8). Next up will be an interesting (for me at least) experiment :o :o I'm going to try to create the clouds' shadow on the ground/landforms ??? ??? ??? I've never done it before, hope I don't screw it alll up :( :( :(....
AS always, thanx for stoppin by, leave a comment or suggestions if so moved.....they are my inspiration and curiosity tools...... ;) ;) ;) ......stay tuned......
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Before....................
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Here's how it all went down :o :o :o :o :o :o
fill in the vacant spot.......
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Start to 'blend'.................... :o ;D
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Add the 'personality' :o 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
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That about wraps it up................ ;D ;D ;) ;)
Looks excellent Kyle.
Howdy Kyle,
Still loving your backdrops. Saw it on a YouTube video today. They make me want to use backdrops instead of an island.
Have fun,
mike
THanx Curt, thanx Mike;
YOUTUBE??? :o :o ....Whos' channel?? I don't recall any Youtube activity ::) ::) ::) Oh well I hope it looked good... ;D ;D ....Speaking of looking good ::) I put the finishing touches on the cloud over Dilapidated today(Wednesday). 8) 8) I kinda like it :) - I'm trying to show an anvil cloud starting to billow up out of a cumulus cloud. :o :o :o I also cleaned up the 'underside of the cloud all across the base, and tried to 'bring it closer' in the middle so as to counteract the inward curve of the backdrop through the corner portion. ??? ??? I'll let ya'll be the judges as to whether it came out ok or not :) :) - as they say "It's all over with now" ;D ;D ;D
Here's some shots of the thing.........and thanx for stoppin' by and checkin' in on the 'comings & goings' of the G&D Ry Co. ;D ;) ;) ......ya'll stay tuned-more to come 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
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Now...........................
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Kyle if I didn't know any better I'd think I was actually looking at a cloud in the sky. That looks amazing!!!
Quote from: kyle creel on August 27, 2025, 02:23:44 PMTHanx Curt, thanx Mike;
YOUTUBE??? :o :o ....Whos' channel?? I don't recall any Youtube activity ::) ::) ::) Oh well I hope it looked good... ;D ;D
Howdy Kyle,
I saw it on DIY and Digital Railroad (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_WCu_D-J-Q), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_WCu_D-J-Q at about 7 minutes.
Have fun,
mike
I would say that your backdrop paintings look as good as your front modeled buildings.
Rich
Thanx LarryC.*, thanx Mike, and thanx Rich;
I am rather pleased with how the cloud came out Larry C* 8) , hey Mike thanx - I had totally forgotten about that; that was the G&D Ry Co. in the apartment during the 2023 National NMRA Convention here in DFW. I had 21 visitors for the open house. I sent the pictures off to DIY RR about a month later...and forgot all about it.....thanx for the tip. ;) ;D ;D .........Hey Rich thanx I try to make them as realistic as I can; ;D.... BUT THEIR NOT PAINTED well the sky is, and the basic land forms :o :o :o all the rest of the details-rocks, grass, trees, waterfalls, clouds, everything else is done in PASTELS ;D - soft chalk and sometimes oil pastels. It's been an interesting change from cheap acrylic hobby paints :o but now I really prefer pastels as a medium instead of paint.
Today (Saturday) I worked on the horizon above Dilapidated ??? I didn't know exactly what I would do when I first finished the cloud the other day ::) But today I looked up at the cloud and it all just started to appear to me in my minds eye :o :o :o 8).....so I grabbed my step stool & pastels, then went to work.. ;D ;D
I hope the shots look alright, there's nothing done yet immediately above the town; ??? but I have a couple of ideas already starting to percolate in my noggin :o ::) ;) ...but there's also the remainder of the horizon to the left of the 'unfinished rock pillar' in the foreground of the backdrop ....so maybe I'll go there next.
Thanx again to everybody that stopped by to see what's going on.....ya'll stay tuned.......
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
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Looks great Kyle. Beautiful clouds!!
Jerry
That last photo is a real treat. I always like seeing layouts in their enclosing space/rooms.
dave
Excellent looking background Kyle.
Thanx Jerry, thanx Dave, and thanx Curt;
I've continued working on the horizon; :) I haven't yet decided how to 'finish up' the cloud in the middle of the portion of backdrop I'm now working on ::) ::) So I began by working on the scenery immediately below it; going across from right to left until I reached a spot where I'm not really sure what's gonna happen next (what will go there) ::) ::) :o .....so I began blending in the two portions that straddle the as yet to be detailed 'rock pillar' in the backdrop foreground ;D ;D ;D ............I added a distant treeline 8) ;) and changed some of the 'small' ??? ridgeline 'cliffs'.....(I don't really know what else to call them) so they would look continuous.... ??? :o :o... overall I'm really pleased with how it turned out.... ;D ;D ;D 8) 8) 8)......photos to come......Thanx again for the very kind comments and suggestions-they keep me focused and pushing ahead ;) ;) ;).....ya'll come back now..... ;) ;) ;) ............
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
How's this??? ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Hello Kyle, your layout is really coming to life with your wonderful backdrop artistry. Great job.
Beautiful! That's really inspirational.
Thanx Jeff, and thanx Bobb;
I continued work on the backdrop today (Sunday); I added some detail and 'girth' to the cloud mentioned in the above post; brought the 'red cliffs'across from left to right below the cloud and re-did the treeline along the horizon in front of the 'red cliffs' ;) ;). Then I 'removed the 'large obtrusive angled rock edifice':o :o :o from the backdrop at Grizzly :o :o and replaced it with more sky and brought the 'red cliffs' across where it used to be. ;D ;D ;). I also got Mark to help me reconfigure the location of the 'Arch', and adjusted the surrounding scenery accordingly ;D ;D ;D.........I really like the look of the corner area now - 'things look like they're in their proper place';D ;D-and the trackwork didn't have to be moved at all; ;) 8) 8)..............
Here's some before and after shots for your inspection ;D ;D ;D 8) ....thanx again for stoppin' by.....ya'll stay tuned; and thanx for the comments and suggestions......they really help ;) ;) .........
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
The corner before..................
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The corner after...................
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The 'Arch' before..................
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The 'Arch' after...................
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The 'treeline' before..
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The 'treeline', 'red cliffs' and cloud after..
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I'm afraid that's all for now............. ;D ;D ;D see ya........keep smiling....... ;) ;)
Kyle I only have a few words to express what I'm seeing: DANG, that looks amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cool man! :o
Kyle,
That is one cool backdrop,
Howdy Kyle, Excellent artistry on the backdrop. ~mike
Kyle,
Your depiction of dramatic scenery is as fantastic as ever. You need some tourists, maybe a geologist or two.
Mike
Thanx Larry C*., thanx Phillip, thanx Ron, thanx Mik, thanx and nice to hear from ya again Michael,
I do enjoy 'doing a backdrop', ;D ;D especially when it 'just happens' before my eyes.:o ;)......I've been kinda lucky this time out-all the 'corrections and fixes' have gone smoothly ;D...and the 'fix' has actually come out better than I expected.;)......Michael...if I were painting the thing I might try adding in some people-alas...I'm just not good enough at using pastels to put in any people that small.....although I might try drawing them in pencil and going over it in fine point Sharpie...... Thanx again for all the kind words and suggestions, ;) ;)....more to come.....
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Kyle,
Excellent job on the backdrop.
Tom
Thanx Tom;
OK-today (Wednesday) I started work on the far right side of the backdrop and stopped right above the the middle of the rolltop desk; about 25% of the total area of the backdrop; by my calculations ::) .....this is where I stop and let it 'percolate' :o through my noggin for a bit before moving on with any further 'drawing' on the thing ;D ;D .....I decided to take some shots at this stage of the process so ya'll can see what the 'skeleton' :o ...so to say looks like ;) ;) ....next up will be putting in all the details that tend to 'bring it to life' 8) 8) 8) .....I hope it looks OK ;D ;D ...I think I kinda like it as it is :) :) and I think that when the details are added in I'll have something to look at that I'm happy with ;) ;) ;D.......You know sometimes it just works out to where what I sketch actually will work without too many or sometimes any changes..... :o ;) ;D ;D ....I guess that's about it for now.......Thanx again for takin' a look-see......and droppin' yer thoughts on me....... ;) ...see ya.....
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Here we go.........
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Kyle it amazes me how you can turn a brown blob into something that looks amazing. Have fun.
Excellent job on the backdrop Kyle.
Kyle, awbzolootly mahbelus! ~mike
:o :o
Kyle,
The backdrop is looking better and better.
Thanx Larry C*., thanx Curt, thanx Mike, thanx Karl, and thanx Ron;
Today (Saturday) I think I'm gonna switch sides and work on the left side of the 'center backdrop'... ??? ??? I've got a couple of ideas bouncing 'round in the old noggin'- :o and I don't want to lose em ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) .....
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Starting here......................
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3 views of the area to be 'transformed' ;D ;D ;D ....I'll have something ready by this evening :o ......with a little luck ;) ;) ;) ;D
All for now......thanx again for stoppin' by......see ya :) :) 8) 8) ..........
Kyle,
Next backdrop I need painting, I'm calling on you.
Thanx Ron; I would be honored 8) ;)
Thanx to all the ones that stopped by for a peep, if you're so moved next time or ya have a question ::) let 'er fly ;D ;D ;D ;) ..............
OK, so here's what I've gotten done so far :o :o :o ......there's still a few more 'things to add to this part of the backdrop scene...some up close conifers, and some medium distance ones. For now I'm gonna let it 'chill' 8) in my head for a bit........then we'll see..............thanx again for lookin' in on the project.....stay tuned.... ;) ;)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
OK.......here we go ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ......
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Hope they look OK ::) and thanx again.......... ;) ;) see ya.............. 8)
Just one more time ;D ;D ;D ;D
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The comparisons with Malcom Furlow are very appropriate. Besides the Southwest locale, there's the consistent color palette between the foreground scenery, the backdrop, and the weathering, there's the well done but somewhat fantastical backdrops, and the way the scenery dominates the layout.
dave
Nice, I can't believe it's not paint :o
Thanx Dave, and thanx Phillip;
I consider it a wonderful compliment Dave, Malcolm was indeed quite the artist. I do try to have the landscape and scenery 'dominate' to a certain extent- :) since that's how it is in nature...much more 'scene' than trackage- I try to have the 'rural' or 'wild' areas be the star. ;D ;D ....it's ironic that you should mention 'fantastical' in your description; I went on line to find images of natural 'stone pillar' rock formations ??? and there were literally hundreds of them throughout the world :o :o :o - although not so many in the US ??? - which I found odd....but never the less I decided to 'install a couple in the backdrop to accompany the 3D version in the scenery... ;D ;D I call them "Tres Hombres" 8) 8) 8) ...being a Texan and all (ZZ Top reference intended 8) 8) 8) !!!!!!!) I call the 3 mountains on the horizon above Grizzly...'Tres Hermanas' ;D ;D - THREE SISTERS in spanish ;) ;) ;) ....I'm very glad you like the look..... ;D
Phillip...thanx for mentioning the medium I use ;) ;) it's not often noticed. Almost everyone just 'assumes' it's painted. I have noted the use of pastels in my posts, and highly recomend their use ....THEY ARE VERY FORGIVING ;) ;) ;) ;D .......
I decided to this morning (Monday) to bring the whole scene we're currently discussing into the foreground a bit :o :o ...by adding some larger trees TO THE PILLAR and in front of the red cliffs; almost blocking them out - as it would be in nature. 8)....I hope it works, there will also be more even larger conifers in the immediate foreground added as I progress along today. I work in 'spurts' :o so as to allow the thing to 'grow on me' ;D ;D .....here's some shots of the thing so far this AM ;D ;D
Ya'll keep stoppin' by ;D there's always plenty happening at the G&D Ry Co. 8) 8) 8) ...thanx again for all the kind comments and obsevations.... ;) ;) ....see ya.......
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
VOILA!!!!!! ;D ;D ;D .......................
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PS 8) 8) The great John Allen also had some fantastical looking 'pillars' in his magical G&D world, Malcolm got alot of his inspiration from "The Great Poo-Bah".....................................
Hi Kyle, you're certainly a master at backdrops. I hope you are having some fun with them. ~mike
VERY well done Kyle.
Thanx Mike,and thanx Curt;
I added a little bit more this afternoon (Monday) ;D ...I'm starting to get the 'depth' thing down ??? ...It's been a bit of an issue for some reason ::) ....but I have a plan now and after dinner tonight I'll get back on it..... :o :o ....stay tuned......and thanx for all the support and 'stop-bys'.......here's some shots of the 'progress'....
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Here we are a while back..........
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Today.............................
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Hope they look OK ;D ;) 8) .......chow!!!!!!!!!
OK ;D here's the 'after dinner' bit ;D ;D ;D ................
here's where I started...............................
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where I wound up.....................................
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Up close ;D ;D ;D ;D..........................
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overview....................................
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Not a bad days' work ;D ;) 8) ............see ya............................
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
DANG THAT LOOKS FANTASTICAL!!!!!! That is definitely a "show stopper". Excellent, excellent work and creativity.
Kyle, AMAZING! ~mike
Hello Kyle, the backdrop just keeps getting better and better. Very nice work.
I think you'll want a couple of trees closer to the backdrop, but not as tall, to get a bit of a perspective effect. But overall the entire scene ties together very nicely!
dave
Thanx Larry C*, thanx Mike, thanx Keff, and thanx Dave;
The backdrop is progressing nicely, I appreciate all the kind words, comments and suggestions; also all the folks that just stop by to look in on what's goin' on ;D . Everybody's welcome here at the G&D Ry Co. ;) ;).......
I'm fixin' to move into a little bit more demanding phase of the backdrop project. Dave touched on it a little in his comment regarding the depth of field and the trees. This is a shot of how I do 'tree filled corners' that need depth and "camouflage" to hide the 'seam' between 3D and 2d :o :o :o .........This is, I realize not a very clear picture, however the principle is evident 8) ....use large or fullsize trees and create matching trees in the backdrop to create a 'clump or grove' and create smaller ones in the distance on the backdrop in the same area to bring distance into play..... ;D ;D ....I realize that not everyone can 'create' or draw trees, so I recomend using what ever technique will give the best results as Dave mentioned. Sometimes that means smaller trees next to the backdrop to create forced perspective.
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This shot shows the same corner, abit different angle, but with the blue arrows indicating the divide between 3D and 2D, the red arrow denotes the corner.....
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Here is the same backdrop corner today (Tuesday evening) still on the same wall ....and it shows a great deal more detail ;).......
and reveals what is possible, this was done in pastels over an acryllic 'land form'....in 2019 :o 8) 8) 8)
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I'm going to try and use the same technique on this corner..... :o :o I will however, change the color of the 'corner styrofoam scenery piece' to match the current surroundings ;) ;) ......this should be very interesting :o :o .....I think I've got my plan all worked out ::) ::) with some allowances for "The best laid plans......" :o :o ;) ;)
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Here we go.......I'll keep ya'll posted........stay tuned.................see ya........ ;) ;)
That looks outstanding Kyle.
Kyle, thanks for the great discussion on 3d to 2d and hiding the corner.
dave
Kyle your scenery and backgrounds are just excellent!!
Jerry
Quote from: Jerry on September 10, 2025, 08:42:28 AMKyle your scenery and backgrounds are just excellent!!
Jerry
I agree
Thanx Curt, thanx Dave, thanx Jerry, and thanx Rick;
Ok fellas phase one is done..... :o ::) ;D ;D
change/refinish color.........
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add erosion weathering......................
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add background land/rock form w/acryllic paint and position accordingly.........
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I've now added some trees and drawn in (you can't see it) some shadow detail on the rockface/landform I painted earlier. :) I also added the lines for the trunks of the trees that I'll add to the backdrop in pastels. :) I hope to color in the rock details later today; then I might start on the trees..... ::) .....
Here's some shots of what it looks like right now...... ;D ;D
center.................
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left side..............
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right side.............
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I'll add some 'olive color' to the trees in the backdrop that are closest to the 3D trees as I get further along.... that'll help 'blend' it all together. ;) ;) The ones that are farther back won't get very much, :o as their color looks different because of the distance and the way the sunlight illuminates them ;D ;D ......
Let me know how it looks ya'll.....and thanx again for stoppin' by and havin' a look-see.... 8) ;D ;)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Kyle "how does it look" you ask. FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!! That'll certainly make your layout POP.
I would like to say thanx to the 26 folks that stopped by and to YOU Mr. Larry C*. ;) for your wonderful compliment it means more than you know.... ;D ;D.......Alright - with the formalities out of the way ;D .....let's get down to business.... 8) 8)
There will be 2 posts today (Thursday) so that I can adequatley depict the proceedings of the last 2 days.... :o ;D ;D ;) .......
Here's where we left off.............
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I started from here this morning.....adding the backdrop foreground trees and the olive color to better blend the 2D trees in with the 3D trees......................
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I also added rock/landform detail into the backdrop....
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Then this............................
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A different angle....................
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I hope the photos give ya'll an idea of kinda what I'm going for ??? ;D
Here's the last shot of the basic idea.........
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That's all I can put in this post.... :o so I'll continue with the cleaned up (sorta) work area and the shots of the 'finished' project....... ;) ;) ;)
See ya.....and thanx again for stoppin' by.......................
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
OK ;D ;D here we go................
Let's see how this "sucka" looks............ :o 8) 8) 8) ;)
Center
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Right
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Left
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Back a bit
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And here we have it :o ;D ;D ;D the backdrop from the outskirts of Dilapidated around to the edge of 'downtown' Grizzly ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) 8) 8) 8) 8)
I hope it looks as good as ya'll might have expected, I'm really kinda excited :o at the way the entire backdrop has come together ;D ;D ; next up is the area around Dilapidated... ::) ::) I've got some ideas starting to percolate in the old grey matter :o :o we'll see what comes out ;D ;D ;D ;D ;) ....see ya 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
And finally a before; some changes, and after........... ;D ;D ;D ;D
Before............ ???
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Next some changes were made ??? ???
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After :o ......... ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Cool????? :o ;D ;D ;D 8) 8) 8) 8) ;)
Thanx again......see ya.... 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
The ones that are farther back won't get very much, (https://modelersforum.com/Smileys/fugue/shocked.png) as their color looks different because of the distance and the way the sunlight illuminates them (https://modelersforum.com/Smileys/fugue/grin.png) (https://modelersforum.com/Smileys/fugue/grin.png) ......
Yeah, there tends to be a blue shift in items further away... ::)
dave
Very nice!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanx Dave, and thanx Larry C*.;
It's nice of you to notice Dave ;) sometimes the little things go by the wayside.....my younger brother came by on Wednesday and said the same thing-'bluer' in the distance ;D ......Larry C*., I always appeciate when you take a moment to drop a comment......... ;)
Today (Friday) I had a MD. appt.- ??? ....all's well, the little spots of dry shin I get are just that...dry skin, a little lotion, & don't pick at them >:( !!! and everything will be alright.....in otherwords - "Don't poke the bear" >:( >:( >:( :o !!!!!!!
So I came home and started in on the backdrop.... :o :o ..I decided to go ahead and 'create the 3rd of the "Tres Hombres"......(ZZ TOP reference intended) then work my way across the scene from back to front and left to right :o ;D ;D ;D ....Here's a shot of the latest 'creation'......I hope it 'passes muster' ;D ;D 8) 8) ......sure has been a lot of folks 'kickin' th' tires' peekin' in on the G&D Ry Co. thanx to ya'll for the interest; and to all those that offer comments and or suggestions.......it's very much needed and appreciated ;D ;D ;D ;) .......ya'll stay tuned.........
Here we go.........
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Next up is figuring out how I want to 'do' the area at the base of the 'thing' ::) ::) ...that'll determine how close it is and what type of rockwork and trees/brush and other 'debri' I need to create to tie the scene all together before I move on to the nex bit.... ??? ??? ....I think I need to let it 'bake for a while'..... :o 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) it'll come to me.....it always does ;) ;) ;) ;) 8)... have a great weekend....................................... 8) ;)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
That is outstanding scenery Kyle.
Thanx Curt;
I started on the base of the last of the "Tres Hombres" (ZZ Top reference intended 8)).........hope it looks OK....I kinda like where it's taking me...... :o :o :o ;D ;D ;D ........."ya'll come back now ya hear"???? ;D ;D ;)
Here we go......
Left..................................
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Center................................
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Right.................................
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KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Enjoy yer weekend....................
I got so sick and tired of looking at the way the more recent work on the backdrop was turning out and how much more I liked the way it looked- ;D ;D as opposed to the original portion that I started on a year ago. ::) :o >:( .......So I decided to fix it :o :o ??? ::) >:( ....out with the old and in with the new ;D ;D ;D :) ;) ............lose the green mountains...THANX MICHAEL ;D ;D you were right ;) ;) .... and let's do a new horizon under the anvil cloud ;D ;D hmmmmm ::) ::) ::) I know :o a couple of mesas and my version of 'Shiprock'...in New Mexico ;D ;D ;D ;) 8) 8) 8) ...... more to come..........hope ya'll like it.......thanx again for stoppin'by ;D ;) 8) 8) ...............see ya............
BEHOLD..................................
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this way ....as you follow the backdrop around from the entry and move to your right :o :o the high desert gives way to a rocky semi forested area and finally to a hilly/semi-rocky-grassland type of terrain; ;D ;D ;D kinda like the old walthers backdrops you could combine.... 8) 8) 8) 8) ........
oh well I think it will, hell it already does look lots better...... ;) ;) ;) ;) ;D ;D
Kyle coming along nicely and looks amazing.
Howdy Kyle,
That's a great job of hiding the corner. I'm impressed with your work, as always.
Have fun,
mike
OK Kyle, you can stop showing off now. ;D :o
You made the corner completely disappear and the scenery looks fantastic.
Pat yourself on the back buddy, can't wait to see what you do next.
Thanx Larry C*., thanx Mike, and thanx Ron;
Here's a shot of this mornings' (Sunday) work on the backdrop above Grizzly. :) The green mountains (that Michael said didn't look right) that I erased last night have given way to the high desert.....as was started last night :) I continued to develope the area today adding small 'scrub trees and lots of sand/desert grass ;D ;D ;D.....hope it all looks OK to ya'lls' eyes ??? 'cause I take all ya'lls' comments, recommendations, suggestions, snubs, raspberries etc..:o :o ;D very seriously ;D ;D ;D ;D.........
whadda ya think.........................
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a little closer.........................
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and an update after starting to add some details..........
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Thanx again for stoppin' by ya'll have a great day, ;D ;) ;) ............
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Hey guys ;D ;D ;D how about a little before and after?????
before.....................
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after......................
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I just noticed that (at least to my eyes :o ) there seems to be a lot more distance involved.... ::) ::) :o ;D ;) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) .....yes...no....maybe...... ;D ;D ;D
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
see ya.........................................
Definitely a "Monument Valley" vibe to that background, Kyle. Looks great, you achieved good depth in the end result.
dave
Hello Kyle, I'm very impressed with the way that you are blending the colors of the backdrop into the colors of the foreground scenery. Beautiful modeling and artistry.
Howdy Kyle, both backdrops looked terrific, but I do like the aired look of the second one. Nice work, as usual. Have fun, mike
Thanx Dave, thanx Jeff, and thanx Mike; ;D ;D
Yesterday (Monday) I worked a bit on the opposite (Dilapidated) side of the backdrop, took some shots and was horrified to realize that I'd broken one of my most firm rules; :o >:( never accentuate the corner with downward 'lines' going inward even when it's a curved backdrop.....ALWAYS have the horizon and main 'scenery lines' going upward towards the corner............note:
Going up..................
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Going down....................
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Some of the shots look absolutely ridiculous;
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So.... ::) ::) ::) I'm gonna FIX IT >:( >:( ;D .....I'll keep ya'll posted on the progress.....and thanx so much for stoppin' by... ;) ;) the comments, questions, suggestions and any other thoughts ya'll might care to offer are always needed and appreciated..........see ya..... 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Glad you have such a good eye because I can't tell the difference; that's why you're the arteest.
Thanx Larry C*.; "I don't know what'd give you that idea?" :o ::) to quote the great James Garner in "Support Your Local Sheriff" 8) 8) 8) .....Anyways this evening...(Wednesday)..I did a little work on 'fixing' the backdrop corner's "perspective issues" at Dilapidated; mind you it's only a start ??? ??? ........so here's the ol' before and after.......
Before.............................
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After..............................
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Before.............................
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After..............................
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I know ....right now it looks like a GIANT took a huge "DUMP" :o :o :o ;D ;D right on the edge of the pass where the road leads to Dilapidated ::) ::) ::) :o :o :P :P :P ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D .....but trust me....I'll make it right.....I have a huge supply of 'poop pick-up bags' ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D >:( ;D ;D ;D ;D ..........I'm sorry I just can't help it...... ::) ::) ::) it's funny ;D ;D ;D ;D
see ya...........ya'llcome back by;...and sit a spell...... ;D ;D ;) 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Everything looks top-notch Kyle. The background depth of field is excellent.
;D looks Great!
Kyle I have to admit your comments make me chuckle; you can never trust those Giants!! Nice job so far so keep up the greta work.
Thanx Curt, thanx Phillip, and thanx Larry C*.,
I've reached the point on the backdrop where I can stop, look and examine.... :o :o 8) 8) ....2 of the 3 corners are 'done' ;D - the distances and perspectives involved from the foreground 'through the background' to the horizon are where I like them ;);- and the right hand side of 'the thing' at Dilapidated is evolving nicely and quickly ;D ;D without much changing or re-doing.
I did restart part of 'the thing' in the form of re-doing much of the foreground rockwork/landforms in Dilapidated to the left (as you're facing it) of the Depot and above the engine shed yesterday (Friday) evening :o :o in order to facilitate a more 'uniform flow' from the foreground through to the horizon and 'around the corner' ::) :o ;D....the changes have made things look a lot more 'natural' I think..... ;D ::) given my penchant for "fanciful or 'fantastical'geology" ........ ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D .....
Anyways :) here's a look-see at the progress...........let me know what ya'll think.......after this (the backdrop) is 'done' ;D ;D .. I'm moving on to finishing the track work.. ;D ;D ;D so I can RUN SOME TRAINS....... :o :o :o :o ;) ;)..................................
Current status of Dilapidated.......I still have to finish the rest of the 'rockwork land forms' and add the retaining wall and some vegitation and trees......
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From the front....................................
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And here's some shots of the 'other corners'......
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View coming down from the mine....................
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Finally......a 'birds eye' view of the place......
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Well.. that's about all for now- I'm gonna take a break tomorrow (Sunday) and get some 1:1 done....... ::) ::) ::) .....ya'll stay tuned and thanx again for the comments and suggestions and support ;D ;D ;D they go a really long way.......... ;D ;D ;) ;) ;) 8) 8) 8) .....see ya.......................
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Very nice work Kyle and yes RUN SOME TRAINS.
8) Ur Pretty great with that brush Kyle!
Terrific :o
Howdy Kyle, the scene looks majestic. Nice work. Running trains is good, carry on! Have fun, mike
Great progress Kyle, I wouldn't want to flying a small plane near any of those nasty looking clouds..... 8)
Thanx Larry C.*, thanx Phillip, thanx Karl, thanx Mike, and thanx Gregory;
Today (Thursday) I decided to do something I've been tossing around in my noggin' :o :o CHANGE THE LAYOUT OF GRIZZLY :o ;D ;D ;D .....I just didn't - and haven't ever liked the way the 'town area' of Grizzly 'streched' almost all the way across that portion of the RR. >:( >:( ...I want more scenery in order to add some 'simulated length' to the run over to Dilapidated, but how to do it?? ::) ::) ....
I sacrificed the car repair shoppe from the TT area, and moved all the bldgs.,and 'semi-bldgs' (against the backdrop) to the TT side of the town area.. ??? ...next I put Larry C.s' wonderful scrap yard in the spot previously occupied by the stuff I just moved. :D ...and brought back a portion of the "old abandoned fort" (that Larry liked so much) from the layout 3 yrs. ago and put it next to the scrap yard... ;D ;D ;D ...this is the end or edge of town - and in order to reinforce the idea ::) I added some rugged rocky terrain to the spot where the scrap yard was before.
I think it looks much better now..... ;D ;D whadda ya think??
The town before.................................
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After...........................................
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The 'other side of town'...........before.......
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Now.............................................
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Here's the 'whole enchilada'....................
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I've reached the limit on this post - but I have some other really nice shots of the changes that I'll post after lunch........thanx again for stoppin' by... ;D ;) ..........see ya 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Ok - here we go...........here's some other shots................
The scrap yard and old fort.....................................
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The new 'downtown' Grizzly......................................
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I added some more 'rugged terrain' to the edge of town..........
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A shot from above the arch into Grizzly.........................
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A glance further to the south across Grizzly....................
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It looks so 'much mo betta' to me now...........................
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I also 'cleaned up' the area, to get a better feel for what could be done ..... ;D ;D ;D :o
I hope these look OK, ;D - I'm excited to get the trackage done on the rest of the RR... ::) hopefully, in the next few days ;) ............ya'll stop by anytime...............and thanx again for all the comments and support.......... ;D ;) .........see ya......... 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Hello again fellas ;D ;D
Last night (Thursday) @ about 7:45 Gage and I were headed to Kroger when he had another seizure in the car :o :(......so off to the emergency again, and this time the seizure was nowhere near as severe as the last one. Thank God ;) ;).....we got home about 1:00 AM this morning (Friday) and finally got ourselves (Gage, Patrice and myself) calmed, fed, and off to bed ::) about 2:30 AM.......I couldn't sleep so I watched FULL METAL JACKET just so I could experience R. Lee Ermey 'blister' his recriuts again :o :o till "NUM NUTS PYLE" shot him.......WOW that's gotta sting.....finished the flick and passed out @ 5:30 AM this morning(Friday).........but I slept in till noon ;D ;D ;D....... then the 'fridge DIED'... :o >:( >:( >:( ......got a new one coming on Monday ;D ;) I put a load of Dry Ice in the freezer to keep the food from spoiling...that's (the freezer) the main culprit... >:( ..the 'fridge' side is holding its' temperature OK....my brother said we should be fine till Monday......Damn it >:( >:( >:( >:( when it rains it pours >:( >:( >:( ...BUT the Good Lord never gives me more than HE knows I can handle ;) ;) whether I realize it or not ;) ;) ;) .........the most important thing is...Gage is fine ;D ... and we found out his market place health insurance through Baylor Scott & White will kick in before his 26th birthday (when he goes off his dads BCBS) :o ....AND IT'S FREE :o for him because of his part time employment status and his Autism ;D ;D ;D... see...The Big Guy IS LOOKING OUT FOR US ;D ;)....OK, now some RR stuff........... ;D ;D
I've re-done the north end of Grizzly :o.... adding even more 'rugged terrain' by getting rid of 16 inches of siding at Scavenger Inc.(the big 'odd shaped' yellow bldg.) and then moved the structure across to the opposite side of the siding, and 'scooted' it and "Tooter" Phuknuts Tractor Repairs :o shop down about 8 inches to the south(towards the rest of town) :o :o...I then proceeded to move the "old water tank" into the spot Scavenger Inc. had occupied... ::).....I know it sounds confusing but I think a look at the photos from this evening (Friday) will help with the 'orientation' ;) ...............that's it for now, ;D................ya'll stay 'up 'n running'.......see ya..... 8) 8)...and smile ;D ;D ;D ;D ................
I like the way these shots reveal how the 'depth of field' in the backdrop works from these different angles, some from higher up - others from lower to ground level......all to 'hide the line' between backdrop and 3D 8) 8) 8)
From near ground level...................
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A little higher up.......................
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Do they pass muster fellas?? ;D ;D ;D
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Outstanding modeling Kyle.
Howdy Kyle,
Glad things are calming on the home front. You definitely have an angel on your shoulder.
The layout is coming together well. The backdrops continue to tie into the foreground structures and scenery. Nice work.
Have fun,
mike
Kyle sorry to hear about Gage but thankful it wasn't as bad this time.
The backdrop looks outstanding and really draws the eye into the scenes.
Glad Gage is ok!
God Speed!
Thanx Curt, thanx Mike, thanx Larry C.*, and thanx Phillip;
Thanx so much for the PRAYERS for, and well wishes to Gage, he's doing much better :) I'll get him an appt. with our PCP this week and we'll go from there.... ;) We're going to get him a referral to a neurologist in order to get as much info as possible ;) then we'll see what's next........ :)
On the RR front :o ....I worked on the last part of the backdrop today (Sunday) and got almost all of the rock work/landforms' basic colors and detail shapes done; so now I just have to finish doing the same thing to the rest of the last 2 landforms. 8) 8) ....Then I can assess what I need to do to get it all looking good including trees and foliage ;D ;D ;)......I took some wide shots of the whole layout in order to see how it's all coming together ;D ;D ............hope they look OK.....thanx again for all the prayers and well wishes, ya'll are the best.... ;) ;) ;)
Starting in Grizzly ;D ..........................
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Around to Woods Ridge (the corner) :) ...........
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And finally into Dilapidated 8)..................
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That's about all I've gotten done this week ??? ;D.....it seems as though it's been longer than a year working on this thing :o....I started this layout last September ??? and now I'm down to having the backdrop almost done, the scenery well on its' way to being done (although most of it WAS recycled) ;D ;D 8)...and finishing up the track work & wiring......I'd like to 'finish' by the holidays so I can "play with my RR" ;D ;D ;D ;D for Christmas :o ;D ;D ;D ;D ..........then next year I'll begin DETAILING the thing :o :o :o ;D ;) ..thanx for stoppin' by and ya'll keep those cards n' letters coming..........see ya......... 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Kyle that looks FANTASTIC!!!!! The layout should give you many hours of enjoyment.
Quote from: Larry C on September 29, 2025, 02:07:23 PMKyle that looks FANTASTIC!!!!! The layout should give you many hours of enjoyment.
Hey Larry C*., Thanx.....I moved "TOOTERS" place to the street corner in 'downtown' Grizzly ??? ??? .....so he can sell more GAS, - get it????? TOOTER'S selling GAS...... :o ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Like I've said before.......I just can't help it :o ::) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;) 8) 8) 8)
Thanx again Larry C*............
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
OK fellas.....track has been laid into DILAPIDATED :o ;D ;D ;D ;D ........I still have to run feeders, but the 'BEAST' made it all the way to the engine shed in Dilapidated running on current from the feeders in Grizzly.
I also began work and almost finished the sector plate reversing 'contraption' in Dilapidated :o ;D ;D ;D ;) ...I still need to paint and detail it. I also laid the sector plate 'contraption' "Pit Rails" and glued them in place until I decide what kind of 'stopping blocks?' I'm gonna put on the ends ::) ::) ::), oh well it all sure looks cool (to me) anyways, so anything more is gonna really spice things up ;) ;) I still need to paint the track & rails, add dirt to the pit, ballast the pit rails' trackage, etc,etc,etc ::) ::) It's gonna be a hoot....;D ;D ;D and a toot :o :o :o ;D ;D ;) and a bunch o' fun.....thanx for stoppin' by ;D ya'll come back now-y'hear??? ;D ;D ;D .....
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Here's some shots of the project so far...................
here's the bogies.......................
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Pit rails and 'contraption'.............
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And finally......the 'BEAST' arrives....
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That's about it.....thanx again for peekin' in... ;) ;) .....see ya............ 8) 8)
Interesting answer to developing a 1/4 turntable. Will the TT track be powered?
Kyle nice piece of imagineering going on there; certainly something unique.
Howdy Kyle,
That's an interesting solution to the TT problem. Congrats on solving the problem. The layout looks great.
Have fun,
mike
Kyle,
Your backdrop painting and foreground scenery look fantastic.
Tom
Thanx Curt, thanx Larry C.*, thanx Mike, and thanx Tom;
Curt-yes the TT track will be powered and connected to an MRC Auto Reversing Unit ;) ;),
Larry C*, somebody-I think it was Ron said that it's called a 'Sector Plate'- and it's very popular in Europe ???; I really like the way the 'Contraption' looks now that it's starting to "take shape"; I still need to add the full decking on the bridge, hand rails and "push poles" ;D ;D;
Mike, it is kinda cool ain't it?? ;D ;D 8) 8)-I just didn't have the space-and I really didn't want to "bounce back 'n forth" between 2 TTs- ::) ::) so this is what I schetched out and it works ;D ;D ;D .... 8) 8)
Curt my man ;D ;D thanx so much for the backdrop/foreground scenery compliment;)-actually the only 'painting' involved in the backdrop is the blue of the sky-and the basic 'brown shapes' of the land forms; all the rest (including the clouds)is done in Soft Pastel Chalks. :o :o :o Sometimes I also use Oil Pastels, but that's only when the texture is a ittle more important than normally is the case.
Today(Thursday)I removed the trackage I installed a couple of days ago :o :o and decided to put down 1/4" cork for the base of the ground. I then re-installed the trackage and began soldering all the main line joints along with the tracks leading to and from the 'contraption' :o :o ;D-I got them all done and now all that's left is the siding and the trackage to the Engine Shed ;D ;) ;).....Next I'll glue it all down and then add the feeders ;D ;D 8).......After that I'll get on with painting and 'dirting' the 'pit' and adding ballast to ALL the trackage in Dilapidated......then..work my way gradually around to Grizzly....;) ;) ;)
Here's some shots of Dilapidated as of Thursday Oct. 9th 2025......hope they look alright :) :) :)
Ya'll keep those cards 'n letters coming and don't forget to 'write'....yuk yuk yuk ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Birds' eye view................
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From the 'ground floor'........
heading across to the 'Contraption' entry track.........................
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backed onto the 'Contraption".........................................now 'reversed'-and pulling off the 'Contraption' & gonna grab some H2O
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That's all I got ;D ;D thanx again for the look-see... ;)............see ya 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
Kyle nice work on the sector plate and the cork was a smart idea. FYI in the world of Micro Layouts, any R.R. under 4 sq. ft.in size, sector plates are used frequently as a space saver among other devices.
Thanx Larry C*;
I had the cork in a box, and since it has a SERIOUS ADHESIVE BACKING :o :o - I decided to go ahead and use up the last four 12"x12"squares ;) ;) . I still have some scraps leftover, so I decided not to trash 'em-ya never know ;D ;D ;).
The 'Contraption' sure does save space ;D ;D ......This evening(Friday) I started the next phase of work on the thing :o :o.......I built the walk ways and supports, next I'll solder up some hand rails ;D ;D ;D and get the thing stained.... ;) ;) Here's some shots..........All for now, thanx again for stoppin' by........
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Whadda ya think??? :o :o
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In place.........
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gotta go....................see ya...... ;) 8) 8) 8) 8)
Mad scientist stuff here! I like it! 8)
Thanx for checkin' in and for the comment Phillip, and thanx to all ya'll that just popped by to grab a look-see ;D ;D ;D, it's much appreciated ;)
This evening(Saturday) I stained the "Contraption" ;D and painted the pit area. I decided to go with a concrete color on the pivot base and the 'entrance base ring'-although you can't really see the later. I painted the track and ties a basic rusty brown- it'll get some weathering before the ballast. I'll add some dirt and ballast this week probably. ::) ;) ..............here's some shots.......... ;D ;D
I also painted all the trackage from the end of the hand laid track all the way through Dilapidated :o :o including the yard tracks and the 'Contraption' approach and exit tracks ...I went with a dirty brownish grey to better match any commercial track with the bleached out hand laid track :o :o ;) ..........I got a couple of shots of that also.....I'll put a thin black wash over all of it after I paint the rails ;D and after it all dries for a day or so...... ;D .....then I'll add the dirt surrounding the trackage, glue it and when it's nice and hard - add the ballast ;D ;D ;) ;)............that's about it for now........thanx again for lookin' in on the G&D Ry Co.....see ya....... 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
The 'contraption'and the pit....................
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Some trackage.......................
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I didn't start on any of the track leading to the "I Me Mine".................
Howdy Kyle,
The contraption is looking good. Congrats on the track painting, it won't be long before we'll see ballast.
Have fun,
mike
Kyle looking real good; it's getting there.
Thanx Mike, and thanx Larry C.*;
Yesterday(Wednesday) I drilled all the holes for the feeders. I also inserted narrow (gauge) :o ;D ;D ;D plastic straws into the holes so I can better find and insert the feeders from below. I know almost everybody solders the feeder and then inserts it down into the hole ::) ::) ::) etc,etc,etc,.....BUT TODAY (Thursday) :o I built my main bus (14awg) and attached all the feeders (18 & 20awg) in advance using Scotch tapping clips(no soldering) and will only have to be UNDER THE RR long enough to attach (staple) the bus with the little strips of plastic I saved from the top of the 11oz "semi foil" bags of coffee I buy at Kroger or Walmart.... :o and insert the feeders into the straws; ;) all the hard part..."the UNDER THE RR soldering"... is completely eliminated ;D ;D ;) ;) cool.... 8) 8).......The only soldering is TOPSIDE...(WAY EASIER) ;D...to solder the feeders to the rails and that's a piece of cake compared to the pain in the ass of cranking my back and neck around UNDER THE RR >:( >:( >:( >:( ;) and trying to manage it with a hot soldering iron dangling precariously close by >:( >:( >:( I tested all the feeders and all of them work perfectly ;) ;) ;D ;D ..........
I took some shots of the main bus and feeders, along with the plastic strips :o ;D ;D ;D ;D 8) 8) ;).... now if I can only find the other MRC auto reversing unit I put away (so I wouldn't lose it) ::) >:( >:( >:( ;D ....I'll get cracking on installing the whole mess.....oh well;.... I'm 'plum tuckered out' today.... ??? so that's gonna wait till this weekend :o ;D ;) 8)..........all for now, thanx again for stoppin' by and ya'll come back now ya hear?????? ;) ;) ;) ............
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
The main bus wire and feeders.........................
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The 'clips'...........................the plastic 'mounting strips'.......................
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That's about all I've got ??? ;D ;) ya'll keep those cards 'n letters coming..... ;D ;D ;D .....
see ya.. 8) 8) 8) ........................................
Kyle when I first saw the stuff on the floor I thought it was spaghetti that had fallen off your plate. Lol.
Your process sounds a whole lot easier than crawling around on the floor; I know I couldn't do it anymore. You'll be running trains in no time.
Kyle I used the suitcase connectors on my first layout and had issues with them. Sometimes I didn't get a good initial connection, or if the smaller guage wire was pulled tight after installation I tended to have issues with it and lastly age seemed to cause issues also.
This was just my experience with them and I hope you have a better experience.
Cool!
Thanx Larry C*, thanx Curt,and thanx Phillip;
Today (Friday)- I went ahead and installed the bus wiring :o ;D ;D - although I ran outta gas and didn't solder anything >:( .....it sucks only having 30% heart function >:(......... I'll try again tomorrow(Saturday) and see if I feel like screwing with it, :o -otherwise, I'll wait till Sunday ::) ::) ::) ;) .....
Here's some shots of the feeders;.. and the bus wire running under the layout in a couple of spots ;) .....thanx again for the kind words and interest in the project.......ya'll come back by anytime ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ............
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Feeders............................
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Bus wire...........................
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That's about all for now......see ya.... 8) 8) 8) 8)
I hear ya. The required contortionism to run electric is not fun. Not at this age :o
Hence my lack of installing LED street lights and building lumens.... Candle for everyone!
Kyle I feel your pain!! Getting under a layout at our ages is a real PITA but sadly necessary if you want to run trains. Take your time with it and don't overdue.
Quote from: Larry C on October 18, 2025, 08:17:56 AMKyle I feel your pain!! Getting under a layout at our ages is a real PITA but sadly necessary if you want to run trains. Take your time with it and don't overdue.
It's more of a PITB (Pain in the Back) >:( I carefully measured my comfortable working position, and then bought a stool of exactly the right height. Turns out mine has wheels and trays to hold the wiring supplies, bonus feature!
dave
Howdy Kyle,
Good luck with the wiring. After hearing your pain with it, I think I'll procrastinate a little longer on the Canyon wiring...lol.
Nice work. I used suitcase connectors before and didn't have issues with them, so I'm trying them again. I am worried about the smaller wires coming out. I'll find out when I connect the power.
Have fun,
mike
Thanx Phillip, thanx Larry C*., thanx Dave, and thanx Mike;
I decided to go ahead and finish up any "underground"(under the RR) work this evening :o (Saturday) and so I wired the "Contraption", put it back in the pit and ran the wires down through the pivot hole to the MRC ARU under the RR - connected them up-and fastened the ARU to the support that it is next to. ;D ;D ;)........ it was nice not to have to screw around with separate 'insulated conductor rings' and all that crap that goes with putting power to the rails on a regular TT bridge :o >:( ;D ;D ;D........this one is so simple in its' function ??? - no 180 degree rotation; :o just a simple 60 degree 'swing over' to the exit track and you're on your way ;D ;D ;D ;D ;)......I'm already lovin' it ;) ;) ;) ...'coolsville' 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)...................
OK; tomorrow I'm hoping to get the feeder wires soldering done; and if it goes smoothly :o ::) ....I'll be gettin' out some rollong stock and movin' em down th' line ;D ;D ;D ;D 8) ......................
Thanx again so very much for poppin' in and droppin' a line or two ;D it is very much appreciated and is very inspiring......... ;D ;D ;D ;D see ya................... 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Adding wires and dropping them...............................
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Connecting it all up and securing the ARU to the support.....
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Hope it all looks OK ;D ;D ;D gotta go................ 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
Looks like you're making great progress.
I need one of those battery powered creepers. ;D
Knowing my luck the switch would get stuck and I'd be stamped to the underside of the layout or unproot the entire layout!
Philip
I use an adjustable shower chair when working under the layout.
Thanx Curt, thanx Phillip, and thanx Curt X2 ;D ;D ;D;
Well- as of last night :o - all the 'underground' work is done ;D ;D ;D ;D .........now for the 'GOOD STUFF' ;) ...
Today (Sunday) I decided to (and I may still) solder the track feeders :o ::) ....BUT :o :o :o ??? ::) first I had to go back and pull all the 'anchor pins' holding the trackage in place where it wasn't glued down yet >:( -...and glue those spots down :( (I use CA glue and an activator) ;) then I needed to vacuum the trackage and surrounding real estate ::) and just as I finished and was reaching for the solder and iron .....I realized I still hadn't checked to see if there was enough room for the ground throw on the main line behind the engine shed in Dilapidated :o :o ....*^*%*....$&%$....%#!@%....&^*^) :o :o :o :o :o >:( ...of course there's NOT >:( >:( >:( so I fixed the issue with an extension going out the other side under the other tracks via a small tube and over to a spot by the depot ;D ;D ;D ;) ;) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) VERY COOL INDEED!!!!!!!
I was so satisfied with myself ::) ...and how it worked out....that I put back the engine shed and oil tank for a "look-see" ??? ;D ;D ;D ALRIGHT!!!!!!!! and then it happened.... :o :o :o :o
DANG!!! THAT BLASTED MOMENT OF INSPIRATION SLAPPED THE SH$T OUTTA ME AND I HAD A VISION :o :o ??? ::) ::) ::) ;D ;D ;D ;)......what this thing needs is a CREEK :o :o a what???? :o A CREEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!.....so I made one......running along the G&D Ry. trackage.......It starts as a small water fall image in the backdrop just above the mine tracks, and runs UNDER and pops OUT of a rock fomation IN 3D!!!!!!!!!;... then under the track level via a small trestle :o and drops off another small short water fall --then under the G&D Ry. via small bridge/culvert and meanders its' way down 'along side' the tracks and off the layout just before the town of Dilapidated... :o ;D ;D ;D ;) ;) 8) 8) COOL..
That's my story Your Honor, and I'm stickin' to it ;D ;D ;D ;) .........pictures to follow..............
I hope everybody has a wonderful day........thanx again for stoppin by.......see ya 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Fixing the ground throw issue.................not enough room...and no access.........
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let's fix it.........................
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I'll show all the details of the planned creek in my next post...... ;D ;D ;D ;) thanx again .......... 8) 8)
Alright fellas :o ...here we go ;D ;D ;D ..........here's the stream, and also a couple of shots before the waterfall and after the waterfall was added to the backdrop.........there's also an interesting (to me) pair of shots looking east through Dilapidated and west down the right of way/creek scene towards "Woods' Ridge" and the curve at "Desperados' Gap" ??? :o ;D ;D ;) .....let me know whacha think ;D ;D .......thanx again for stoppin' by..... :) ....see ya....... 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Before the waterfall..........................................................after.......................
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This shows where the water comes out (in 3D) and goes under a short trestle..........
blue arrows are the water path....red arrow marks the waters' exit and start of 3D..............
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Next up is the 2 shots looking east into Dilapidated and west along the G&D and the creek towards "Woods' Ridge"
east.............................
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west.............................
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That's about it for today....never did get the track soldered... >:( >:( oh well.."Tomorrow IS another day"...to quote Miss Scarlet O'Hara :o ;D ;D ;D ;) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) see ya..............
The water feature is going to be great. Nice adaptation for the throw.
Howdy Kyle,
Good luck with the track feeder solder task. Not so much fun I think. I like the idea of a creek. I've seen many great photos from the steam era of trains along a creek. Looking forward to your implementation.
Have fun,
mike
Kyle, consider signs of wash-outs along the creek. Even now on the Durango & Silverton, I think you can see some bent chunks of rail from where the track was washed out in the spring.
dave
Thanx Curt, thanx Mike,and thanx Dave;
The first train; mixed train #3 headed by 2-6-0 #6 left Grizzly depot today at 5:00PM sharp :o ;D with 1 loaded box car and 1 loaded flat car and a combine full of mail and express pkgs. along with 4 passengers; it arrived in Dilapidated at 6:05PM sharp, ;D ;) and proceeded with #6 uncoupling and backing onto the 'Contraption'....it was then 'turned' and proceeded off the 'Contraption', past the depot...uncoupled the combine and moved it to the depot track to finish unloading. Locomotive #6 then spotted the box car and flat car on the siding behind PHARTZ & SCHMELLING and WINDBREAKER after pulling out the 2 tank cars that were to be taken to Grizzly on the return trip. ;) After coupling up to the 2 tankers and the combine #6 topped off with water and fuel oil for the return trip. :o ;D The consist departed Dilapidated at 7:00PM and arrived in Grizzly at 8:05PM #6 then uncoupled from the consist and proceeded to the roundhouse...... ;D ;D ;D ;) 8) 8) coolsville.........
I ran my first train this evening, sh$t it was fun!!!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D .....I also got all the feeders done earlier, and installed the Digitrax Loconet input panels ;D ;D ;D ......I'm movin' and groovin' :o ;D ;D 8) 8) ;) ..........
I shot some pictures of the G&D Ry. yard and sidings.....FILLED WITH ROLLING STOCK :o ;D ;D ;D ;D ;) .....it actually is starting to look and act like a RR ;) .....
Thanx again for all the stop-bys, comments, suggestions and relating of experiences...it all helps sooooo much and is very very much appreciated ;D ;D ;) ;) ..........here's the shots of the RR.......hope they look OK ;D ...........
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Walking in ...................and looking around the room........L to R, the layout height is at 56 and 1/2 inches; so I held the camera up above my head for the first shot...the rest are a little above eye level.....
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...and back at the entry....
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Thanx again fellas for following along....I can't believe I finally ran a train ;D ;D ....it's been since late DEC. of 2023 :o :o :o that I haven't had an operational Miniature RR......man I love it....... 8) 8) 8) 8)
all for now.........see ya ;)
Kyle first off CONGRATS on running your first train. The layout is coming along nicely and looks great!!!!
Have fun with your new Empire.
Congrats on your milestone Kyle.
Howdy Kyle,
Indeed, congratulations. The layout looks great with all those cars in the yard and spotted around town, and the loco is ready to depart the yard. Persist!
Have fun,
mike
Thanx Larry C*., thanx Curt, and thanx Mike;
I did a little Locomotive programming today (Tuesday)-I'd been putting it off for a couple of years; :o ::) I had no layout to run on >:( so why bother ??? >:( ......BUT TODAY I got it all done... ;D ;D ;D ;) actually it was only 3 locomotives that needed attention ::) ..but when you're only runnung 5- thats 60% of the fleet :o ::) >:( ....so now all that's left is to swap out a decoder in the scratch/bashed 2-8-0 #5 ??? ....and since I happen to have a brand new..(2 Years ago) TCS WOW SOUND :o :o ;) decoder that's still in the pkg., I'm a gonna have me a swap fest ::) :o ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ...tomorrow.......
OH by the way.... :o here's some photos to look at...... ??? :o ;D
Grizzly.................
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Dilapidated.............
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.....and the wild wild southwest....
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I'm havin' way too much fun you guys.... ;D ;D ;D ...It's been so long.... think I'll enjoy me a little bit more ;D ;D ;D ;D ......you know I think this here train thing might just catch on :o ;D ;D ;D ;) ......
......thanx again for the comments, look-see's, and suggestions,......ya'll come back by anytime......see ya...... 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Kyle your RR is really starting to take shape!!!! Have fun swapping and by all means have fun running trains.
WOW sound! ;D
Kyle,
Running the first train is always a fun and satisfying experience, congrats.
Layout is looking good.
Tom
Thanx Larry C*., thanx Phillip, and thanx Tom; ;D ;D ;D ;D
Also thanx to all of you that just stop by for a "look-see" at what's goin'on at The Grizzly & Dilapidated Ry. Co.....it's much appreciated ;D it tells me ya'll are interested and are keeping up with the project ;D ;D ;) ....
Today (Saturday) I broke down and worked on the retaining walls above the "Contraption pit" :o :o :o .....I started with a piece of pink foam that would render me 2 pieces that are 2" tall....about 3/8" thick....and 15" long ??? ::) ;) .... I then sanded them 'semi smooth' and carved the 'layers' between the courses of 'rectangular stones' and added 'mortar joints' in between the 'stones' :o :o ;) ...I 'roughed up and rounded' the edges and seams, and then cut out the spaces for the 'stones' to 'dove tail' together in the corner ;D ;D ;D ;)......
Here's some pictures...............................
The 'block'.....
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the'strip'......................
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Now split.......................
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The 'courses and mortar joints added along with the 'ends'........................
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and the sections joined...........................
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let's see them in their new home.................
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In the next post we'll get them painted and see how they look........
thanx again for stoppin' by and ya'll come back now, ya hear??all for now.........see ya ;) 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&DRy Co.
OK let's just take a -look-see' at how this turned out :o ......Because the backdrop curves in the corner, I 'split the backdrop enough for the retaining wall 'corner joint' to slide into the backdrop just enough so that I can blend it in when I add some dirt to the top of the wall later.... :o ;) ;) .........
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A little higher up angle..................
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That's about it... ;D hope the pictures look OK ......thanx again soooo much for checkin' out the G&D Ry. ;) I'll see ya...... 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Nice!!!
Thanx Larry C*,
I went ahead and removed the 'white chalk lines' retaining wall on the backdrop and began adding rock, dirt and some shadowy crevices in in its' place :o :o ;) ......I think it looks lots better & it gives me some ideas as to what to do with the giant pile of "brown 25" :o :o :o ::) ;D ;D ....(for those of ya'll that remember "The Groove Tube" ).... ::) ::) ??? ??? ....a wonderful little flick from 1975 done by the cast of Second City Television....or SCTV as it was called for short....it was hilarious and totally without scruples :o :o ??? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;) I LOVED IT..........
Anyways....where was I... ??? ??? OH yeah, I'm gonna start work on 'rendering' the BLOB into something more interesting ;D ;D probably this week.......here's some shots of the 'modified backdrop'...hope they look OK....
'Brown 25 indeed' ::) ::) ::) ::) >:( ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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thanx again for lookin' in.......see ya............ 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Excellent job making the bricks.
Howdy Kyle,
Nice work on the retaining walls. It is amazing what can be done with eps foam.
Have fun,
mike
Kyle, the retaining wall looks great and the backdrop blends right in.
Dang that looks good!!!!!!!
Like Larry said! 8)
Thanx Curt, thanx Mike, Thanx Gary, Thanx Larry C*, and thanx Phillip;
It's been a couple of days since I did anything on the RR. Thanx to all of you guys for all the support, comments, and suggestions. Also thanx to the 'drive-bys' (that term doesn't mean the same to my generation as the current state of society) that stopped in for a glance at what was goin' on. We used to do 'drive-bys' of the local car lots every September to see if the new models were out yet, or 'drive-by' the new neighbor development going in a couple of miles away, or the new shopping center, or whatever was NEW ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D jeez things have shore got crazy :o ::) :P ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;) .................
Anyways, thanx..... ;) .....I re-did the train/bedroom yesterday afternoon(Monday) :o ;) ...I really like it a lot better now........
Before...........................and after...................................
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In the next post I'll show some shots of what the RR looks like at the current moment in the 'new surroundings......all for now.......ya'll come back by, don't be a stranger...see ya.... ;) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
OK... ;D ;D ;D here we go, :o from left to right........
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from just outside the room.....and the entry wall..........
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I know it ain't much of a 'grand tour' ::)...after all it's only 11'6"x10'..... but it looks so much different and better if you'd been present before and after.. ;D ;D ...........I sure do appreciate all the support and encouragement in the comments and suggestions; ;) .....it helps give the project more meaning, at least to me..... :) ....my Dad said... "If what you're doing matters to somebody else, it damn sure better mean at least that much to YOU-if not a Hell-of a- lot more!!!" :o ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ......so thanx again soooo much-'cause it does matter.....a lot.......see ya....... 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Kyle now that is one sweeeet looking layout!!!!!!!! Keep'er going and have fun.
Great layout. Your wonderful backdrop makes it seem much larger.
Jeff
Great job, looks amazing. I might have to do the same type of thing if I want a layout, no space available right now.
That is really looking great!!!
Jerry
Great setup Kyle.
"I'm havin' way too much fun you guys"
Kyle, I think it's illegal to have that much fun. ;D
It's been awhile since I last checked in, your making great progress, the brickwork looks great.
Looks great!
Well lookie-here :o ;D ;) ....
Thanx Larry C*., thanx Jeff, thanx Gary, thanx Jerry, thanx Curt, thanx Ron, and thanx Phillip ;D ;D ;D ;D all of ya'lls thoughts are most welcome and appreciated ;) .......as well as all the 'passers-by'...thanx and welcome to the G&D Ry Co. ;D ........
Today (Thursday) I got up at 6:00 AM after sacking out at 2:15 AM :o ...I couldn't go back to sleep, so I made coffee.... :) ;)... the wife was up @6: 30AM and I'd already had my first cup and after sayin' the 'good-mornings' and a kiss :o ;) ;) ;) I decided(after my prayers and scripture..everyday AM)- I couldn't look at all the PINK FOAM AND WHITE RISERS ANYMORE >:( >:( >:( >:( ;D .....so I went to work,....first let's add some pink foam 'embankments' ::) ...carve the strata ??? ...AND PAINT THE SHIT OUTTA ALL THE STUFF >:( >:( >:( ;D ;D ;D 8) ........
What you are about to see is the results..... :o hope they look good......it's just the first coat to get ride of the pink and white ;) ;) ;) ;) 8) .................
let's start here.......
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first this................
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and now this............
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.....and BOOM :o :o we've got color ;D ;D ..........I think that was 4 & 1/2 hours put to good use......... ;) .....thanx again for poppin' in......see ya....... 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
There's a lot to be said for just slapping a coat of paint over unfinished pink foam, just to convince you that "there's scenery here." The strata on the right side looks quite good.
dave
That's some SPECTACULAR scenery!!!
MJinTN
Now that's some nice looking foam; I mean scenery. Keep at 'er.
Howdy Kyle,
The layout looks fantastic. The valence lighting really sets off the scenes.
Have fun,
mike
Thanx Dave, thanx MJinTN, thanx Larry C*, and thanx Mike;
I really like this part of the hobby, the fantastic interaction with ya'll, and all the great suggestions and ideas, all the very kind and insightful comments; ;D ;D ;D ;) it makes it all seem somehow more important than just a hobby ;) 8) ...............
Yesterday (Sunday) I started on the last bit of trackwork :o :o......the spur leading to the "I ME MINE" ;D ...I decided to install hand laid instead of using the scraps of ME...even though the only rail I have enough of is code 100 ::) ..I felt like it might be a little too heavy for a spur ::) ::) ::) ...but what the hell, I have plenty, and the fewer joints to solder the better ;D ;D ;D ;) ........besides "IT'S MY RR" >:( >:( >:( ;D ;) ........
So I got busy and completed the first section and temporarily installed it-just to have a look ??? :o ;D ; I think it'll look just fine :) :) today (Monday) I hope to finish building the 2 remaining sections and begin inslalling it all permanetly...................
Here's the shots of the work........
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Hope they look OK :) ....I'll post some shots of the way I kept the 2 sides of the N scale roadbed together while I glued the ties down and spiked the rails.... :o ;D ;D ;D ;)....I used N scale because I wanted the lowest profile roadbed since I couldn't install the ties and rails directly on the pink foam :o :o too much downward pressure would ruin the grade- :o ...so why chance it?? ;) ;) ;) ;) I think it came out OK, there's still dirt and ballast to come...........thanx again for stoppin in ;D ;D ......ya'll stay tuned.....see ya...
8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
OK-...here's my process.... ??? ::) ;D ;D ;D
First...I cut some 1" wide strips of paper towels...........then I glue them to the roadbed with 3M77 spray
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On the first one I put a strip of 'blue painters tape' over the paper towels, to make sure they 'stayed together' during the 'ties & rails' part of the process.. ;) ;)....I must've done OK... :o 'cause I don't think I'll need the blue tape on the rest ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)....they dried quite well and are very secure, yet flexible ;D ;D ;D ;D ...............so I went ahead and finished the last 2 of the three I need......This one is the first one, the one with tape..........................
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All that's left for the other 2 is 'ties 'n rails' ;D ;D ;) ......I'll post some shots of the project once all the trackage is in and functioning :) :) :) ;) .......all I've got for now..... ;D .....see ya.... 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry. Co.
Love the spur going around the rock face. The last photo looks like the track is right on the edge of the benchwork. If that is the case I would caution you about derails and falling to the floor.
Thanx Curt...the track in the last photo is on the edge of my desk/wkbench, it's also the track in the previous post going up to the mine..... ;D ;D ;D ;D thanx for your concern..... ;) ;)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Kyle very nice track laying; you'll be running trains in no time now. Keep up the great work.
Thanx Curt, and thanx Larry C*.;
This is a shot looking up the spur as far as the tracks have been laid.......I think it looks kinda 'rough 'n ready' :o ::) ....or sumthing like that ??? ......I'm gonna try to build and install the rest of the trackage tomorrow (Tuesday) if I get the chance.........thanx again for stoppin' by.......see ya......... 8) 8) 8) 8)
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KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Nice!!
Kyle really looking nice. Keep up the great work the trains will be going through canyon shortly!
Jerry
Howdy, Kyle, it's lookin' good. Have fun, mike
Thanx Larry C*, thanx Jerry, and thanx Mike;
Well it's already Thursday, :o and I have no idea where the week went... ??? ::) ....it was here just a minute ago, ??? ....and then it wasn't :o ......I got up this morning, did my prayers and scripture, and then decided to fabricate and install (temporarily) the next section of hand laid trackage on the grade up to the "I Me Mine"...to check for alignment and grade compatability (is it smooth enough the higher up you go)....I wasn't sure how it would work because I 'carved' the grade out of pink foam and only checked it for evenness....not for how it would work with trackage on it :o :o ::) .......I think it'll be OK ;D ;D .......here's some shots.......whadda ya think ??? ;D ;D ;D ;D .....all for now ....thanx again for all the support and ideas.......come on back anytime............see ya........ 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Here we go.....................
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From a RED TAILED HAWKS' view.......
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Thanx for checkin' in.............. ;D ;) 8) 8) 8)
Oh YEAUH .........
I totally forgot :o ???....BUBBLES IS BACK!!!!!!!!! :o :o :o :o :o :o.............see?? ;D ;D ;D
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She was away while construction was getting off the ground :o ::).....but now she's back home, and really digging the new 'environs'...... :o :o ;D ;) ......she's so CUTE :o :o :o ::) ??? ;D ;D ;D ;) ........still looking for that shoe salesman that peddles ALLIGATOR SHOES :o ::) >:( ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
see ya..... 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
The scenery and track work look great. My son once put a Godzilla on my layout for me to find!
Howdy Kyle,
Good start to the day. The trackwork looks terrific. I'm sure even Bubbles approves. What are you going to use for ballast? I've been curious. Nice work on your beautiful layout.
Have fun,
mike
Just wondering if Bubbles was an ASPCA rescue? Or bequeathed house pet from your great great great grandmother?
Quote from: Dave Buchholz on November 06, 2025, 06:52:28 PMJust wondering if Bubbles was an ASPCA rescue? Or bequeathed house pet from your great great great grandmother?
Either way, Bubbles looks right at home!
dave
I got a good laugh seeing Bubbles.
It reminded me of the fact that there are many modelers who have incorporated humor, some subtle, into their layouts.
The "Back to the Future" Deloreon is another comical addition I've seen.
I'm tempted to start a topic just on layout humor. Scenes, vignettes, off beat silly signage, things out of place in time all would make good posts. The intent is for others to post comical things they've seen on other layouts or created on their own empires.
Thanks to Kyle for letting me steal his topic.
Fifth Dave to the right.
😆😅😂🤣
Thanks for posting that video!
What would be hilarious would be if Kyle had a drive in movie theatre on the layout. Godzilla would be on the screen, while Bubbles was watching from the back row.
;D Start one Dave, should be interesting.
Quote from: Dave Buchholz on November 06, 2025, 06:52:28 PMJust wondering if Bubbles was an ASPCA rescue? Or bequeathed house pet from your great great great grandmother?
ASPCA rescue 'house pet' bequeathed by my great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,etc,etc,etc,etc,etc,etc,etc,etc,etc,etc,etc,etc,etc,etc, brokendown frumpy old grandmother .....bless her heart ! :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D >:( >:( >:( >:( ::) ::) ::) ;) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)......BUBBLES....ain't she cute???....she's back one day and already garners all the attention and accolades..........
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
PS You know she works nights as a "dancer" :o :o :o :o :o :o ;) ;) ;) ;) .....just sayin' ??? ??? ??? 8) 8) 8)
Kyle the grading looks good to me and gently increasing which is a good thing.
Thanx ya'll ;D ;D ;D .......
thanx Curt, thanx Mike, thanx Dave B., thanx Dave, thanx Phillip, and thanx Larry C*;
I'm soooooo glad ::) ::) ;D ;D ;) ;) everybody got such a kick outta BUBBLES' return to Grizzly.....she's an integral part of the layout and has always brought the best out in people..... ;) ;)
The "I Me Mine" spur got one step closer to being done today (Friday) :o :o ....I installed the little bridge (temporary fitting) that goes over the waterfall 'overflow spillage exit' and under the spur along with the trackage that is the switching lead.....tomorrow I'll finish the last section (it only needs the rails added) that goes into the 'mine' ;D ;D .......next I'll install the bridge and abutments, and glue the track work down, working my way down to Dilapidated.....soldering the feeders as I go ;) ;) ;) ......
Mike...I think I'm going to use a layer of dirt for ballast and see how it looks ::) ::) before deciding to use regular ballast......if it looks OK I'll glue it down....if not then I'll 'spread it a bit' and add some regular ballast....I have a bag of 'Chick Grit' I've been waiting to use, its a bit too 'red' but I hear you can 'color it' or at least 'tone it down' a bit :o :o ....either way I figure we'll find out in about a week or so..... :o :o :o ;) ;) thanx for asking......here's some shots of the work today.........hope they came out OK :D :D
Larry C*....thanx, I'm so glad the grade looks OK to another set of eyes ;D ...
Anyways, thanx again for stoppin' by and bringing some levity to the place ;D ;D ... neither Grizzly nor Dilapidated is really an 'entertainment destination' :o ::) ;D ;D ;D ;D so any grins or chuckles are much appreciated.......ya'll come back now.......see ya.... 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
The 'new' trackage.....
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The 'bridge'...........
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And the abutments......awaiting installation
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Well that's about it....see ya.... 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
I was wondering about when Bubbles dances, what she used as a pole?
The answer that came to me was:
Anything she damn well pleases!
Fifth Dave to the right
Thanx Dave;
Hey guys........ ;D last night (Saturday) I took Gage out to his favorite spot to eat for his 26th :o ;D ;D birthday....then we went to check out BUBBLES at her 'night job' ::) ::) ;) ;) ;) .....
Dave...she actually uses one of the concrete support columns as a 'pole' ::) :o ;D ;D ;D ....reviews were mixed...and she had a hard time with handling the $ bills....nobody wanted to get too close :o so they mostly just wadded them up and tossed them at her ???......gratefull and always polite, she nodded her appreciation and 'strutted her stuff' one last time before she almost tripped and fell :o ::) ::) ::) ::) :( ...but all in all it was time well spent :o ::) ::) as we enjoyed ourselves immensely, nobody got hurt and it didn't cost us anything; ;D ;D ;) so all's well that ends well......
Today (Sunday) I finished the last piece of track, it leads into the mine, and it wasn't very long so it went quickly ;) ;) ......next I went to work 'modifying' the old one stall engine shed that I had used for a car repair shop on the last four layouts....now it's the entrance to the "I ME MINE"...G. Harrison owner :o ;) ;) ......pictures too follow...all for now , ya'll stay tuned and thanx again for checkin' out the G&D Ry Co. progress ;D ;D ;D ;) ...see ya..... 8) 8) 8)........
The old shed.......
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Leftovers..........
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This how it looks now....
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Thanx sooooo much guys.......ya'll come back now..... 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Kyle,
Mine entrance is looking great.
Very nice Kyle.
Kyle,
The layout is coming together nicely.
Tom
Kyle that's a pretty fancy mine entrance; looks good.
Kyle I thought when I saw the mine entrance was that it was a snow shed on the end of a RR tunnel.
I look forward to seeing your water features come to life.
Love the layout, backdrops, scenery and buildings.
The name reminds me of my On30 pike.
Rock Creek & Dilligaf.
MJinTN
Howdy fellas ;D ;D ....
Thanx Ron, thanx Curt(twice)...(I thought the same thing :o )....thanx Tom, thanx Larry C*., and thanx MJinTN;
I sure do appreciate all the compliments and comments, they are put to good use ;D ;) .....Today (Sunday)- I decided to go a different route.... ::) ...for some time I've been trying to decide how to add/install a std. gauge interchange track and just show the difference in size to the 'great unwashed' :o :o ;) ....but what's an interchange with only a boxcar???? ::) ::) .....so I grabbed my pencil and paper and started to sketch, but the more I drew the more complex it got >:( :o ... so tossed the paper and just started moving sh*t around :o :o ;D ....and I think it came out pretty damn swell ::) ;D ;) ....whadda ya think.......??? ;D ;D
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ahh....the power :o ::) ::) ::) ;)
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overview...........
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thanx again for stoppin' by and ya'll come back now ;D ;D ;D ........see ya....... 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Kyle, that looks great. It fits the scene, although the standard gauge train kinda blocks some of the view of the NG beyond. I would NOT change it, though. I'd just generally position a standard gauge flatcar on that track :-)
dave
It looks like it works Kyle. If you're happy with it then that's what matters.
Thanx Dave, thanx Curt;
The same thought crossed my mind Dave....but I couldn't find my flatcar >:( >:( >:( ..........
.......till this morning ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;) ...it still needs a brake wheel :o >:( ;)......
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I'm very happy Curt ....I especially like the way the backdrop from the other side of the room shows up in photos when the shot is set up and composed just right ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ...one of these days I'll figure it out.....but this'll do for now ;) ;) ;) ;)
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Thanx again ya'll....see ya ... 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
From time to time I'll remove the 4-6-0... ;D ;D ;D ...I like it in the scene though 'cause it looks cool ... 8) 8) ;) ...but the flatcar looks good by itself also...I think :) :) .....?
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Ya'll stay tuned and thanx again for checkin' in........see ya... 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Yeah, the flatcar looks great parked there. Looking at that 10-wheeler, is Casey Jones an engineer on the standard gauge?
dave
Dang Kyle that standard Loco looks HUGE. Nicely done and I agree with the others the flatcar looks great where it's at.
Looking good! 8)
My thoughts were it doesn't ever have to be a frozen static display, as to how the area is featured. It could be any number of different loads coming in for the town, and therefore different types of cars bringing them in.
Or just as easily out going product from local industries Change it up from time to time.
Within our miniature worlds, hopefully we example real situations because "life goes on" We have all of eternity to become static. In the meantime, have fun with it!
Fifth Dave to the right
( Until someone kicks the bucket and I move up the ladder to number four)
Kyle it's looking terrific!!
Jerry
Happy Thanxgivin' fellas :o ;D ;D ;D ;D ;)
Thanx Dave, thanx Larry C*., thanx Phillip, thanx 5thD2-> ;D ;D ;D , and thanx Jerry;
I really like the way the interchange area looks, thanx for the input ;) .....
now on to a bigger project :o :o ....one that's been "F"ing with me for a long time :o >:( >:( >:( .....here goes..
The "Arch" is too much >:( >:( too tall, too long, too high, too intrusive >:( ....so I fixed it :o ::) ::) .....
Whadda ya think ???? :o :o ;D ;D ............
Too Much................
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Take it away............
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....fix it..............
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This is the start of carving; I still have to glue it together, make sure all the 'seams' don't 'detract' and paint it ;) ;) ;) I just was really excited at how it looked and I thought I'd share the progress ;D ...and see what ya'lls' thoughts might be ;D ;D .....
Thanx again for all the comments and suggestions...ya'll come back now.....see ya......... 8) 8) 8) 8)
KYLE CREEL
G&D Ry Co.
Kyle great job!! I think it's more to scale with the surrounding scene; much better.
Very nice Kyle.
Kyle,
Your rock placement looks real and believable, nice work.
Rich
Howdy Kyle, nice work on the arch modification. It does look better. Have fun, mike
Kyle I like it better now nice work.
Jerry
Thanx Larry C*, thanx Curt, thanx Rich, thanx Mike, and thanx Jerry;
Hellow again fellas; ;D .....I was hoping the change would generate some critical thinking and some objective and insightful thoughts from ya'll :D ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) thanx soooooo much ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ......
Today (Tuesday) I did a little more carving and fitting :) ; I carved a new piece to fit along the base between the 2 large pieces, worked a bit on part of the back side (no photos yet), and worked on the 'opening' that makes it an "Arch' (I guess) ::)......I think it sorta looks like one ::) :) ...........see 'whatcha' think.......
Yesterday...............
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Today.....................
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Just some other shots..................
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I'm trying to create the scene of a rock formation that has almost split completely into 2 distinct formations, and are starting to 'sit' at slightly different angles :o ::) ... but are still connected enough so that they haven't collapsed yet :o ;)........unlike the other formations that are dipicted in the backdrop behind Bubbles....(below).........in the new arch scene (above),..the formation with the opening that is the "Arch" is tilted slightly towards the viewer...... :o ::) ....hopefully it is noticeable ;D ;D ;D ;) ....that's all for now ....more to come, so stay tuned..........see ya..... 8) 8) 8) 8)
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Lovin' it!
Kyle you do an excellent job carving rock formations.