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