The Atlantic and Southern Build, Part 1

[ACL1504]

But for now, I'm using this area as a work bench

Tom, my whole layout is a workbench!     Looks great.  I really like the "boxes" you made for the bridge abutments, I may have to try that.  I have a question, the siding in the next to the last pic that comes out of the ovalix looks to be only eight feet or so long.  Will that be long enough for your usual consists, especially those long passenger trains? 


Jeff

Dr. Jeff,

Thanks for the kind words and my whole layout is a workbench as well but I try to keep most of the tools on the center for now.

The bridge abutments were easy to build. Give it a try. I like to build stuff like this as it gives me something that isn't mass produced and the rest of the world doesn't have.

The area you're talking about is pictured below for the convenience of viewing as you read my reasoning on that siding.



The length of track on the left between the two turnouts is 6 ft. The length of track on the right between the two turnouts is 4 ft.

The track on the right is actually a set out track for freight cars that will be switched in the town of Tahope. The town is down the center section.
The set out track will hold 5 - 7 cars. The reason for the double ended set out is so the loco can drop off the required cars on the track on the right and move on.



While the set out cars are waiting to be switched, any train can pass the area on the left without being held. A local switcher will pick up the cars and move them back past the curved turnout. It will then be able to move them to the town of Tahope.

Tom

[ACL1504]

Looking very nice Tom!!

Leo,

Thanks for the kind remarks, much appreciated. I'm getting more done each day.

Tom

[ACL1504]

Good Evening Tom,

Layout progress is looking great. Thank you for including in part of your layout "Bakers Curve" Hmmm, what does that mean? Only kidding, it is looking great. I really like the overview photos. Keep up the great work. The wife and I have been helping our youngest daughter and family settle into their new home. they have downsized. So-o-o, we have been moving the smaller stuff, painting my Granddaughter Morgan's bedroom, etc... I have been dragging my butt the last two days. I need to get back to my railroad and have a good time, if you know what I mean. I need a nap! zzzzzz

Frank / Erieman

Good afternoon Frank,

I appreciate your kind words. As LHC says, when people say good things about your work, it keeps you motivated.

"Baker's Curve" is named for you and it just seemed natural to do. You encouraged me to have a broad sweeping curve down the middle and it does look much better than down the edge. Baker's Curve starts at the Tahope River and continues around the bend, er, curve.

After helping the family I bet you are tired. I got tired reading your story.

I'll be posting more on the overall view later this afternoon.

Tom

[ACL1504]

We are now looking north along the east side of the room.



The track with the curved turnout comes from behind the ovalix and also serves as the long end of the reverse "Y". Stay right and the train will enter the mainline and pass the station. Stay left and you can bypass the station and enter the yard to drop off any cars needing switched.

The hole is where the station goes.



Continued in a few.

[ACL1504]

Continuing north past the station area.



The yard track enters the mainline and the main continues around to the lift out, not pictured as yet. It is still under construction.



Looking back south from the mainline.

[LongHornCaddy]

I repainted the four round supports under the bascule bridge Floquil Aged Concrete; however, not shown in the photos.

This is really well done.    Looks like you put a lot of thought into it

[ACL1504]

Leo,

This area is the first thing in view when entering the room. Yes, many ideas came and went until I came up with this plan.

Thanks for checking in.

Tom

[bruce.oberleitner]

Looking Good Uncle Tommy!  I sure wish you could come out here and help me give my old layout a kick-start!

[ACL1504]

Looking Good Uncle Tommy!  I sure wish you could come out here and help me give my old layout a kick-start!

Cousin Brucie,

Thank you very much. If I had the time I would come visit and help.

Tom

[ACL1504]

I've really been busy on the layout this past week. Here is a little of what I got accomplished.

I got the river bank glued in place in the Delwin's Boat and Net storage area.





Continued in a few.

[ACL1504]

I weathered the three concrete abutments. One is on the left end of the bascule bridge and the other two are on the Tahope River. The bascule bridge abutment can be seen in the photo above.







Continued in a few.

[ACL1504]

The photo above indicates the spot where the bascule bridge will sit. For now it is level and I obviously want to keep it that way.



I  wanted the right end of the bridge to sit on two concrete pillars. The main portion of the bridge sits on four concrete pillars. Frank Baker gave me the bridge but he was unable to locate the missing part. So I did what all modelers do when necessary, I scratch built them. Well, maybe not scratch built but I made two more.

I purchased a dowel the same size as the four plastic pillars. I got the dowel from ACE Harware for $2.98. It came in a four foot piece and I used all of 3 inches of it.

As I was cutting it, it kept rolling on me so I clamped it down so I could make the cuts.



After cutting the two pieces I needed, they were painted with Floquil Aged Concrete and set aside to dry.



You can see in the photo above that my sights are set on a cold Diet Pepsi. So, that's what time it is - a Diet Pepsi break. Tomorrow I'll go over how I made the small trestle to complete the bascule bridge.

[UP Fan]

Man O Manischewitz, you are really moving right along on your A & S build.  There are so many different elements in your build, yards, rivers waterfront scenes, bridges, etc.  Very well planned layout.  Now if you'll just come to Colorado and help me with my rebuild.  ;-)

[ACL1504]

Man O Manischewitz, you are really moving right along on your A & S build.  There are so many different elements in your build, yards, rivers waterfront scenes, bridges, etc.  Very well planned layout.  Now if you'll just come to Colorado and help me with my rebuild.  ;-)

Bob,

Thanks very much for the kind comments. Yes, for once I've planned what I need and want in a layout verses just throwing down some track and see where it ends up.

I'd be more than happy to visit Colorado and help with the redo. I just don't have the time.

Tom

[ReadingBob]

It's looking good Tom!  It looks like you're getting really close to adding some serious scenery.     If you and the Judge are going to be around Saturday I'd like to swing on by and check it out.