I have not been keeping this post update, so I will start where I left off. Keep in mind, what you see might not be there anymore. I went through a lot of decisions and changes. So here goes:
I can't believe that's it has been so long since I've posted anything. It's even harder to believe that the layout hasn't progressed any further than it has; especially since I'm retired.
Well, for an update, I've defined the layout boundaries and heights by adding the fascia. There was going to be a highway overpass on the right hand corner; but I pulled the tunnel portal out of the mountain and re-plastered it. The switches on the left hand side are in an wired for future use. The big red switch turns off all power and 120 volt outlets to the layout. I liked the looks of a rocker switch so they turn on-and-off the sound effect systems that I have installed. The other set of rockers will control all of the lighting effects. The lone rocker is for the end of the line programming track. The slider switch is going to control the LED lighting.
The next photo is the bridgework to Joanstown. I don't even want to tell you how many bridges and configurations I went through to wind up with this. The first setup (Walther's Cornerstone) worked fine; in fact I machined out a couple of Chooch portals to fit the bridges. The only problem with this was the track placement. I placed Styrofoam risers inside Joanstown to accommodate 3/16th foam board that would be Joanstown base (or floor). Started with structure placement; but the trackwork started bugging me; it was on top of the foam board and stood out like a sore thumb. So I did a little track measuring and internet shopping to find something that I could use to bring the tracklevel to the same height as the floor (the 3/16th would not work). I found some poster board and illustration board that would work. So I ripped out the 3/16 foam board. The it dawned on me; the machined portals would no longer work with the Walther's bridges; the bridge would sit higher than the base. I didn't want to radically cut away on the pair of bridges; and I the portals are epoxied in place, so I built several bridges to find one that would fit. I finally settled on 3 Vollmer bridges. One was too long and I had to shorten it to reach across the layout.
I also decided to rip out the big mountain and place a Sierra-West Twin Mills sawmill in it.Also had to backdate everything to incorporated my shay and climax into the picture. I will not be using the early diesels; but use steam.I procrastinate a lot; very bad habit. I like to think out all scenarios so I can make things right the first time. Obviously that hasn't worked for me so far; so hopefully now that I finally have most of the layout bugs ironed out, I can start structure building and placement. Also had to backdate everything to incorporated my shay and climax into the picture. I will not be using the early diesels; but use steam.[/size]I procrastinate a lot; very bad habit. I like to think out all scenarios so I can make things right the first time. Obviously that hasn't worked for me so far; so hopefully now that I finally have most of the layout bugs ironed out, I can start structure building and placement.
I am still working on my layout...at a snail's pace. Retired 2 years now; and I just don't know where all the time goes. Finally figured out a direction for the layout and after selling and buying many kits; I am finally dialed in. Working on Joanstown at the present.
It's a wonder that I get anything done at all. I am always changing things and nothing gets finished. Joanstown was getting to be like the Hotel California "...you can never leave". So I cut an recess in one of the Chooch Portals to fit a RIX Early Highway Overpass.
I have a completed fascia installed and I didn't want the RIX overpass to stop in midair (I'm too much of Klutz) so I drew so straight lines on a section of the fascia and brought out the Doall saw. I also had to cut one of the plywood supports
I cut a piece of hard board to fit the opening.
Once I was satisfied with the fit, I cut the overpass support out and the rest flush with the layout top.
I marked where the supports were on the hardboard, and countersunk them to fit drywall nails. I wet the particle board to fit the radius cut better and attach it with glue and drywall screws. By wetting the board, it fit the radius very well; but I missed the length cuts by about an 1/8 of an inch; so I put drywall tape on both ends and mudded the screws and tape.
[/size]
[/size]Looks like a little sanding and one coat of drywall mud will do. Paint turns drywall mud back into mud, so I am thinking of spray priming the whole thing with Walmart white primer.[/size][/font]
Hey John:
Looks like it's coming along nicely. I'll be following along>
Karl
Nice work, John. I really like the long retaining wall coloring...what's a Doal Saw? (I'm guessing the vibrating type-that's what I would have used for that angle and material).
Thanks for sharing.
John M.
Glad to see you back at the layout John.....looking forward to seeing what you will do next. :)
Quote from: cuse on September 15, 2021, 06:52:02 AM
Nice work, John. I really like the long retaining wall coloring...what's a Doal Saw? (I'm guessing the vibrating type-that's what I would have used for that angle and material).
Thanks for sharing.
John M.
We used a lot of nicknames for a Reciprocating Saw when I was in Maintenance. We called them Saws-all, Do-All saws, and a few names that I can't repeat on an open thread like this.
John,
Joanstown looks great. Like the mix of structures you built for that town.
Keep the updates coming.
Tommy
John,
Holy Cow!, this is coming along nicely! I can see where you've put in some thought on some things and where you're keeping the finished product in mind as you're building. Great craftsmanship sir!
Thanx Thom...
A sawz-all is the most dangerous tool in the hands of the homeowner! Guys working on our house had some stories about what happens when you find an unexpected wire in the wall when using one...
dave
Hey Dave:
that wire in the wall is not A good thing.
Karl
The overpass didn't turn out half bad. The bases are not installed because I still have some track to lay. I removed the overpass and put it safely up. I will repaint all the frame work with antique concrete; but will leave the road itself gray.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20121025203824_IMG_6076.JPG)
I installed a master electrical shut-off mushroom switch at the far end of the layout. Bad thing was; when I turned off the power, it was hard to tell if the power is off or on. I bought this led panel light switch for 10 bucks on eBay. Pretty cool
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20121130143110_IMG_6143.JPG)
Joanstown is getting a little crowded; but not enough buildings.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20121130143319_IMG_6095.JPG)
I have a little dilemma going on. It all revolves around the huge amount of mountain area that I built at the get go. Can't get around the huge mountain; but it continues to the complete right hand side of the layout.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20121130143746_IMG_6137.JPG)
The mountain takes up TOO MUCH area.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20121130143915_IMG_6138.JPG)
There is going to be a coal tipple placed in the large mountain.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20121130144326_IMG_6139.JPG)
I am going to place Laserarts' Cobleskill Coal along this turnout. I have a cardboard footprint laying there.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20121130144513_IMG_6140.JPG)
There are a couple of options available. I can cut away the mountain straight down along side the tracks. I have a Brandom stone wall mold that I can cut down to height to follow the track elevation. The Laserart Cobleskill coal would fit in.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20121130145340_IMG_6141.JPG)
Or...I could remove the entire smaller mountain and hide the track with false front buildings. The latter is a lot of work; but I could cram so buildings it there. The former is easier and would still maintain a mountain range.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20121130145618_IMG_6142.JPG)
Hey John:
Looks like you are moving right along. Looks just great.
Karl
Thanks Karl,
I guess the old adage 'when in doubt; cut it out' applies here.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/2012125191734_6161%20-%20resided.jpg)
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/2012125191820_6165%20-%20resized.jpg)
Plan on putting a Branchline Cobleskill Coal in the cutout. I have never worked on a wood kit that have peel-and-stick siding
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/201212519199_6166%20resized.jpg)
When in doubt, rip it out. The smaller mountain was driving me crazy. Too much mountain on the layout.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20131316345_IMG_6219.JPG)
I couldn't take it any longer so I ripped the mountain out. A lot of hours went into the mountain; but it takes up too much space. I am going to place an Ed Fulasz kit with a center cross-over to hid the train going away. I am going to place a multi-level arrangement of different structures in the corner
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/201313163959_IMG_6221.JPG)
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20131718127_1.jpg)
I am going to buy a new set of inclines from Woodland Scenics and move them flush with the backdrop. I plan on incorporating some some of rising and falling road plan like Tellynott. As soon as I saw the thread on it, I knew that I had to do something like.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/201317181229_2.jpg)
I get side tracked so easily on my layout. Constantly starting one project the going to another
This was the result of removing the long mountain area
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/201341391843_201317181229_2.jpg)
I cleaned up the mess and figured out the height of the small town by using the rock wall mold as a guide line. I glued 3/16 inch square strips of basswood to hold the rear of all the building kits.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20134139279_IMG_6397.JPG)
The buildings will rest of the basswood in the back and the white foam in the front. Of course a piece of 1/32 paper board will be attached to the rock wall and on top of the white foam.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20134139310_2.jpg)
I extended the piece of track that had a bumper on it by removing the bumper and adding track inside the mountain the ends about a foot inside of the mountain. Just for looks. Plan on having a small station on that track.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/201341393623_3.jpg)
This last picture gives you an idea of what the strip of buildings will look like head on. Of course, as you can see, the track will ascend underneath the buildings. I measured all the proposed kits and the all will allow a train to go under and through them. The first kit on the far left will look normal; but each kit to the right of that one will be opened up on each end to allow the train to go through it. The last building will be followed by a billboard with a few trucks parked in front of it allowing the train to go into the mountain without being seen. I have 3 rerailers underneath this enclosure to assure (yeah, right) no problems.SP&S is no more, now small steam and geared engines...because I like the looks of them.
I sanded the backdrop where the cardboard strips were hot glued to the wall.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/2013430102022_1.jpg)
I had a little of the blue left from my sky paint job 8 years ago. I think I blended it pretty nice.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/2013430102022_1.jpg)
I glued down the block wall and added cardboard strips to the new section
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/2013430102630_3.jpg)
The little factory will butt up against the mountain to hide the train going into the mountain. The train on that track will be hidden for about 20 feet.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/201343010288_4.jpg)
The track going into the portal on the right only goes about 10 inches
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/2013430102916_5.jpg)
I have all of the block walls up and glued down, the foam road supports on glued in place and there are pieces of strip wood glued at road height on the plaster wall castings. Also road support strip wood glued to the backdrop. The first picture shows the walls leading into the mountain. The 2 Walthers freight house kits show the how they have to be cut away to allow trains to go under them. Just a little beyond Grandma's house from the Bates Motel will not require any cutaways, as the train will go completely underneath it. The station is The Horseshoe Station and the two story 'gentlemen's' club is an RDA kit.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/2013512144819_1.jpg)
The second picture shows the overpass the leads into the brewery. I need to add road onto the overpass and it is just there for a photo op and I will put it out of the way until I am ready for it.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/2013512145242_2.jpg)
The last picture show the overpass connecting to the wrap around block wall section. The Railroad Kits Toole building hides the train entrance into the section. The entire block wall section will be full of buildings, like a smaller version of Joanstown.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/2013512145625_3.jpg)
Thanks for viewing my update to my layout in Indiana...things are going to change again and again. "You ain't seen nothing yet"
I've alluded to it before, but the reddish and tan accents on those walls really looks great.
John
John,
Thanks for the compliment. I really got lucky on those plaster walls
I love it when a plan comes together.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/2013512152624_4.jpg)
Not that I had any doubts; but it sure is nice to see something move under it's own power under this...not saying that it will be impossible to fix anything when the buildings are up...but it will be difficult
Looks like it's been a while since I updated this topic. I do a lot of mental arranging and less building. I've got to stop changing my mind on what I want to do and actually do something.
I did install the trestle to nowhere. This scene, not complete by any means, is just a chunk cut out of the fascia to break up the green color. The trestle goes into each portal for about 3-4 inches and that's it.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/2014126171528_IMG_7145a.jpg)
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/2014126171624_IMG_7146b.jpg)
Next came the add-on section covering the track leading up to the mine. Well, haste and Murphy's Law come into play. I made a cut-out section for access to the train along the straight section of the track. First picture shows all the buildings covering the cutout. The second picture shows the end of the access section (there are two re-railers under the cutout section).
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/2014126174338_resized%202.jpg)
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/2014126174338_resized%202.jpg)
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/2014126174543_resized%203.jpg)
The next picture shows where the engine is stuck at...and I mean STUCK
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/2014126174759_resized%201.jpg)
The bad thing about the section covering the track, I knew when I built it that there would be a problem. Not enough time to do it right the first time; plenty of time to do it right the second time
Now where did I put that razor knife?
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/2014126194952_IMG_7147a.jpg)
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/2014126195022_IMG_7148b.jpg)
Takes many months to make a big mess...only takes minutes to hide everything
John,
Just getting caught up on your Part 2 build. WOW, I love all the changes you've made. I certainly seem to fit with the new scenery and track plan.
Wonderful changes for sure.
Tom ;D
Hey John:
The layout is coming along nicely. I'm very much enjoying it. Keep the pics flowing.
Karl
Well with a cleaned off work area, I was able to determine where the engine was. I cut out a straight section on the other side of the previous cutout. The left hand building will stop at the left-hand cutout. There will be a street(?) in between that area and the right-hand cutout to separate the big companies from local retail stores and such. The main problem is the circular section of the platform. The track enters toward the viewing side and goes towards the wall before it hugs the curve and makes it's way up.
The first picture so the section of straight cutout I made and of course the engine, it was stuck on track feeding wires.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/2014127185330_IMG_7149.JPG)
The second picture shows the bridge from the lower section leading into the upper section. That will not be able to be installed due to the area that I will have to cut out because of the lower track.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/2014127185751_2013512145625_3.jpg)
I am thinking of removing the entire mountain on the right hand side of the layout the area is approximately 4 x 8 feet, plus removing the rising track section that leads up to it. I have ton of kits and really no room to put them on. The covers a double main loop and the track to the upper level...that it.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20144383011_2009112219224_18.jpg)
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20144383031_2010113132559_IMG_3905.jpg)
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20144383154_2013512145242_2.jpg)
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20144383226_20121130143746_IMG_6137.jpg)
Well, I have changed the layout a little bit
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/201451121825_IMG_7285a.jpg)
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/201451121942_IMG_7286a.jpg)
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/201451122042_IMG_7287a.jpg)
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/201451122153_IMG_7288a.jpg)
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20145112235_IMG_7289a.jpg)
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/201451122436_IMG_7290a.jpg)
Still have more to remove. All of the upper track will be gone; plus the turnaround track on the wood risers. I will install pink foam over the useable track area to match the rest of the layout. I will be cutting away about two feet of the end piece fascia and have a walk-in area. My layout's main industry is wood products and breweries. I will be placing Jensen's Lumber Co. near Joanstown on the lower level. I also have SSlimited Toothpick factory which will be placed where Johnstown used to be. I have several breweries placed throughout the layout. I will be placing all of Walther's Pier & Traveling Crane and Carfloat apron on the right hand side of the ripped out mountain area. On the left hand side will be the Mountain Lumber Company Sawmill, Planing Mill and Shed, and the Sawmill outbuildings. I hated the mountain as soon as I completed it. That is all you saw when you entered my layout room and it stood out like a sore thumb. A ton of work and many, many hours went into the construction of it. It was a learning phase for me (never made a mountain before) and I will never do that again.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20145514349_IMG_7295.jpg)
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20145514449_IMG_7296.jpg)
I think I've gone where no man has gone before...I also think I lost the instructions
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/201451912349_IMG_73632.jpg)
Reason #73 for my lack of progress on the layout...I am easily distracted...this is a shot of my workbench today
QuoteI think I've gone where no man has gone before...
I seriously doubt that, John
Your new direction looks very good. Think carefully about the view one gets when they enter the room - mock it up. Maybe make a model. It will be a fraction of the time spent on building and then tearing down a mountain, and may lead you to tweak your ideas a little. You have an opportunity for some very deep views here. I still get excited whenever I show people the view across my peninsula to the city beyond - and so do the viewers. It is plainly obvious to see. And yet my peninsula is currently made up of stacked polystyrene and cutout pictures of buildings pinned to blocks of polystyrene. It is amazing how the minds eye can fill in the blanks.
Looking forwards to watching this develop, cheers, Mark.
John,
I for one understand your layout "redo"! I have the t-shirt for redoing mine twice.
My last layout had a very large mountain area. Being the fact that me real passion is building structures, the removal of the mountain area was the best thing I ever did.
I also like Mark's suggestions but again, I don't have the patience for mock up and paper models. I do see the benefit of doing it though.
Tom ;D
Sometimes what looks good on paper or print turns out impractical in real life. No one that enters my layout room has liked the huge mountain. I tried to dress up the mountain; but it's like putting fingernail polish on a sore thumb, it's still a sore thumb and it still sticks out like one. Too much lost space; only thing perplexing was wasting a that time and energy making the mountain...but I did gain a lot of experience along the way
Oh no! I know what you are saying; what's the matter with this nut? He just ripped out a HUGE mountain range and he is going to build another one? Well, yes I am. This mountain will only be large enough to make this mine seem plausible. Should not be very large at all.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/201471213532_IMG_7479a.jpg)
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/201471213549_IMG_7480a.jpg)
Finishing up on an RDA kit. It needs a lot of weathering and drybrushing
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/2014712135530_IMG_7481a.jpg)
After a long hiatus, I have returned to tinkering around on my layout...hopefully I have come to the point where I will stop changing things and start completing things.
This is what happens when you do NOT have a plan. More tearing apart. I had a plan in the beginning; but I just kept adding on more table work. The big mountain was a huge disaster. Square feet wise, the mountain was about 1/3rd of the layout. Trains went in and came out...big deal. So that is why I tore down the mountain. I cut an access hatch in the middle of the removed mountain area. That was doable; but it was a pain standing up in the hole. So...I tore out the end of the layout, making a "U" out of it. I added additional support legs prior to taking an axe to it.
Before:
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/2014102216846_1.jpg)
After:
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20141022161234_2.jpg)
Each 'U' leg is about 25-inches wide.
I placed actual footprints of the kits that I will using on each leg.This leg shows Sierra West's The Shipyard.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20141022162145_IMG_7715.JPG)
This leg (next to the wall) will have Campbell's The Wharf and Knott's Landing; Bar Mills Waterfront Willie's and BIS The Waterfront
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20141022161440_3.jpg)
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20141219142517_IMG_7708.jpg)
I have added a little mountain to the far side, where the Topside Creeper is
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20141219142754_IMG_7786.jpg)
The lighting in the photo is terrible. The mountain is much darker than it appears in the photo...and the brown on the background isn't (make that wasn't) that noticeable.
(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20141219143014_IMG_7794.jpg)
The mountain only sticks out from the backdrop about 3 inches at the base
The rockface is almost vertical. I used Grand Central Pine trees opposed to deciduous trees because of the width of the trees. The very top pine tree is actually glued to the backdrop.(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20141219143125_IMG_7795.jpg)
I will be adding the Mill Creek Coal Tipple to the scene.(https://www.railroad-line.com/data/jaynjay/20141219143529_IMG_7798.jpg)
The mountain color is much darker and it looks like I need to add more scenery; but it is more a cliff than a mountain. I was going to cover up some of the brown on the backdrop with sky blue. Maybe add a few bushes.
This is my first real scenery try. I would appreciate any opinions and or suggestions...do the rocks look like rocks. I probably added way to much color to them...I thought the tipple looked pretty good by itself...but placed next to the mountain, it looks brand new...so much for my wreathing techniques...I am going to have to really attack the tipple to make it look used.
Hey John:
Just went through all your pictures again. layout is looking just great. Who make the Whistle Stop Diner you have on the layout.
Karl
Quote from: postalkarl on December 03, 2021, 11:47:52 AM
Hey John:
Just went through all your pictures again. layout is looking just great. Who make the Whistle Stop Diner you have on the layout.
Karl
Karl,
Thanks for checking out my layout. I hope this helps:
https://twinwhistle.com/whistlestopdiner.aspx
Karl,
Don't know what happened; but right above the pictures; there is line of small works...click on the tiny words...that's the company link
https://twinwhistle.com/whistlestopdiner.aspx (https://twinwhistle.com/whistlestopdiner.aspx)
Hope this is a little larger to read
John,
I really like the scenery. I think adding some bushes and maby tiny pine trees to the top of the mountain will finish it off nicely. As for the rock colors, i really like them. I find a lot of scenery is subjective, some people like lighter rocks, some darker. Mike Confalone built a quarry on the Allagash where he used (yellowish) ochre to color his Maine rocks similar to yours. I thought it worked well, and I think yours is spot on for certain parts of the country.
I think all the changes you have made are moving in a positive direction. Your layout seems larger to me without that massive mountain. Removing the duck under for better access also seems like a good idea, and I like the use of footprint area cardboard pieces to help plan structure locations. I have done that for some structures on my layout, for others I have built cardstock mockups to help me visualize sight lines.
I believe you will be motivated to make solid progress now that you have made so many positive changes.
Jerry
Thanks for the nice comments...Warning though: I do change my mind alot
John
Hey John:
Thanks for the info on the diner kit.
Karl
Love the diner John.....great progress. 8)