Twin Mountain Barge & Navigation RR

[Opa George]

Thanks, Mark.   Yes, the Bandit's Roost module has a water area incorporated into it's base, which, being elevated on wood blocks, is now about two inches higher than the surrounding water.  I looked at ways to remove it from the base but decided to make it an elevated water feature (perhaps an industrial retention pond) that will waterfall down to the inlet.

--Opa George

[Opa George]

In setting out the old structures onto the new layout, I found that I have an abundance of structures that will not work or will not fit. I always knew I would not use all of them--some are older and represent modeling work of which I am not proud. But even though the new layout is about one-third the size of the old, it still surprised me how many leftover structures I now have.

In addition, the 18" radius curves will keep my larger motive power idle and in their box.  That is the nature of compromise. In return I have a simplified track plan that allows either continuous running or simple operation at a width I can easily reach, wide aisles that encourage viewing by family and visitors, and a low height that allows my grandsons to view and operate it without stools--and also shows off the high level of detail that I worked so hard to achieve, yet was lost at eye level layout height.

It's not everyone's cup of tea, but I've been incredibly happy re-arranging and planning scenic areas, knowing I have enough finished structures to give the entire layout a somewhat completed appearance.  Yet I still have room to add the extra kit here or there, and plenty of details to add at my leisure. 

Over the winter I'll be working on roughing in the landforms to make the various modules (Bandits Roost, the Waxworks, the FSM Tribute kit) look a natural part of the landscape.  I'll also be creating the swamp/river/wetlands that surrounds and gives the layout its theme.

--Opa George

[Opa George]

I have begun building up the landforms around my "floating" track. While waiting for paint to dry, I unpacked and tested more locomotives on the tight curves. So far, no real surprises. 

Below are what I expect will be my roster of workhorses on the line.  The aforementioned 0-6-0, a kitbashed Porter, and the Erie 2-6-0 Camelback.  The Camelback is my more recent acquisition of the lot--acquired used on eBay.  It has issues, though.  The pilot wheels lack a spring and have a tough time remaining on track, but the bigger issue seems to be a worm gear going bad.  I'll dismantle and have a look later.



In the rear is a bit of a surprise.  The Athearn EMD DD-40 was only in my collection for nostalgia.  My step-father bought it at a local hobby shop circa 1969 or 1970 (I think).  He lost interest in our family in '72 but left the locomotive behind. Long story cut short, it came into my hands last year.  I cleaned it up and got it running.  Turns out this behemoth negotiates 18" radius curves like a champ.

Of course it's completely wrong for my era, but fun to know it might make the occasional appearance.

By the way, I understand it was not based on a prototype and is pretty much a complete fantasy from Athearn. This is the powered 2-motor model, and cost $24.95 new (price tag on box).

--Opa George

[Opa George]

Now I've had some time to work on getting a few landforms roughed in.  I decided to start on my most "awkward" spot, which was the front of the layout where the Bandit's Roost module looms over the return loop of mainline.  This is the Old Head town area, which is also the main point of commerce for the portage line.

Below, I built out the edges of the Bandit's Roost module so that the mainline below will enter a tunnel to run beneath the module, as well as beneath the Rust Rock Falls module, which will be built around the basement support pillar.  The elevated water area will flow out from a low but wide stone culvert, not yet installed and to be placed just behind the line of where the murky green water borders the as yet unpainted white area.  A low culvert will preserve the line of sight for the viewer into the Bandit's Roost area.


If you recall my Bandit's Roost build from earlier, the murky green industrial canal flows underneath the mill complex through smaller culverts where it empties into a retention pond at the base of Bandit's Roost. This pond can be seen where the lighthouse rests for the time being.  (The lighthouse will be installed out beyond the mainline track a bit later--it is sitting in the pond for temporary safe keeping, as I have already knocked it over once!).  The retention pond will in turn waterfall down through large rocks into the main water level below.

This view shows how the mainline loops around Bandit's Roost and squeezes between the rear of that module and the car barge.  I'll be using a tunnel on the rear as well (track to the right) to emerge on the other side of Rust Rock Falls.


Here is where the retention pond will cascade down over rocks into the backwaters below. The old narrow gauge line will need to cross on a trestle over the waterfall to reach the waxworks spur.


We're still in the town of Old Head, here, but now showing the old town and transportation center, on a pier just above the car ferry.


Last view is of the other end of the layout, the hamlet of Ragged Edge.  I shifted the piano works to the other side of the return loop for better lines of sight. It also places it next to the engine facilities and allows me room to create the backwoods swamp within and around the other end of the loop.


So lots and lots to do.  It looks quite roughed in at this point, but since most of my structures are already built and awaiting placement, I think the scenery will start to come together quickly.

--Opa George

[ACL1504]

George,

Very nice job of fitting all those great structures on the layout. Well done.

Tom 

[Opa George]

George,

Very nice job of fitting all those great structures on the layout. Well done.

Tom 

Thanks, Tom.  I think before going much further, I should get my light fixtures back up.  That should help me get better pics, too.

--Opa George

[PRR Modeler]

Everything looks awesome George.

[Mark Dalrymple]

Looking good, George.

You sound like a man with a plan.  BTW - I think those basement support posts are overrated!  (Oh - and before I get into trouble - no, don't cut it out.)

Cheers, Mark.

[Opa George]

Looking good, George.

You sound like a man with a plan.  BTW - I think those basement support posts are overrated!  (Oh - and before I get into trouble - no, don't cut it out.)

Cheers, Mark.

Thanks for the support, Curt and Mark.  Don't worry, that post is not going anywhere, regardless of how vital it may or may not be. 

--Opa George

[Keep It Rusty]

I see TJ Reilly's in the background there. Love that building and it is on my must-buy list.

Great work George!

[GPdemayo]

A lot going on in a small area.....looking good George. 

[Opa George]

I see TJ Reilly's in the background there. Love that building and it is on my must-buy list.

Great work George!

Thank you, Craig.  Indeed, TJ Reilly's is a fascinating structure with the rambling look and the rooftop chemical tank. I was fortunate to be able to build it as part of the entire Bar Mills tribute kit #1.  My build thread is here, and might offer some helpful tips:  http://modelersforum.com/index.php?topic=3998.0

Opa George

[Opa George]

A lot going on in a small area.....looking good George. 

Thanks very much, Greg.  I'm planning to build in some view blocks to "compartmentalize" some of the scenes and make it appear larger. We'll see what I come up with.

--Opa George

[Keep It Rusty]

Thanks George. I was sore to miss out on this kit — I'm glad you changed your mind to buy it! It's a great thread and I'll continue reading today.

[tom.boyd.125]

George,
Thanks for sharing the photos of your empire.
See a few hours of your structure building too included in these photos.
Makes you feel proud of all the time spent building them and having all the builds on display to admire.
Have a Happy New Year too !
Tommy