no, not a rust module. Think air purifer.
I'm trying to model 1956, not live in it.
Thanks! Is the automotive ion generator is one of those rust modules? If so, I have one of those kicking around!
Todd
Todd, sure thing.
Mine is hardly an original idea, I just got a 12 volt negative ion generator from Electronic Goldmine, and attached a canning jar and some alligator clips.
You can find a more detailed description here
I'd strongly recommend to anyone to do this. The look of static grass is so far superior over flock when it's applied with a device like this, and it's certainly not any harder to do.
Cheers
Could you provide some info on how you made your static grass applicator?Thanks!
ScarpiaThe flex is a mix of Atlas and Peco code 100 (Approx 14 pieces, I didn't really keep track) one piece of ME bridge flex track (code 83) The switches aer all Peco insulfrog, all code 100.1 medium curved left.2 medium right 4 short right 1 medium left3 short leftHope this helps - and note its from memory, which is increasingly suspect!
The flex is a mix of Atlas and Peco code 100 (Approx 14 pieces, I didn't really keep track)
one piece of ME bridge flex track (code 83)
The switches aer all Peco insulfrog, all code 100.
1 medium curved left.
2 medium right
4 short right
1 medium left
3 short left
Hope this helps - and note its from memory, which is increasingly suspect!
I had listed the track I used in an earlier post, but I've quoted it above for your information.
I should say that the layout plan was from Basic Model Railroad Track Plans, one of the Kalmbach books. I am using the plan on page 24, The Atlanta Central, but with modifications. Basically I am removing the intersecting connecting track, and most of the far switch yard. Instead, I'm keeping the small passing siding, and adding a double track truss bridge in the rear. I am also running 22 inch radius curves, so a couple of my larger road locomotives can navigate. These modifications will allow me to play with some terrain, including a water feature, and removing the connecting track intersection cuts down on track costs (switches mostly).I did bulk up the yard, so my cost savings was kind of negligible.
Were I to do this again, I would keep the connecting track, as it would be nice to attach some staging.
Nice job blending track, structures, and scenery. No component overwhelms another. Would it be possible to provide a list of track you used. The layout is somewhat similar to what I have seen elsewhere.
Thank you.
I like the trackplan and the pics. It's a nice balance between track, scenery, and structures.
Could you provide a breakdown of the track you used both in manufacturer and quantity.
I will be working in On30 (On2 1/2) and this plan looks ideal. Yes, my space is a 4X8 as well.
I've assembled a home built static grass applicator for testing purposes
and it's working pretty well. Here's the first area I tested it.
Before
and after
Once I got some longer (6mm) grass, I took a look at this area
and did that over
I'm pleased with the results so far, now to keep trying some different things....
Thanks a lot for your kind comments. I discovered one thing recently, that I'll be sure to use on my next one - I'll avoid the Woodland Scenics plaster "dyes" for the plaster cloth. I had used the "earth" colored one, but it was too faint - in this more recent work, I've simply used Apple Bottom Brown craft paint. It coats a lot better, and looks pretty good under a few layers of WS turf.
I wasn't sure what I was waiting for concerning scenicing other areas, so I went ahead and turfed some other large areas that were waiting. I also plugged in the majority of the pine trees that I had waiting around.
Next, I need to ramp up my Super Tree prodouction.
I'm intending on a "path" from the road to the water that will wind through the trees (the greener section of turf)
I've browsed your website and intially I'm impressed with the site- I love the amount of pictures that let my eyes tell the story insted of reading about it. There was more than one picture that I noted that I couldn't even tell it was a 4X8.
I think you are doing a great job and I look forward to what you do to it in the future!
Modeling the N&W freelanced at the height of their steam era in HO.
Daniel G.
I realized after ballast dried, that I had created dead spots due to the insulated turnouts. I also was pretty short on suitcase connectors (just two left). Not wanting to tear up some ballast, I decided instead to add the feaders at the end of the stubs. This allowed me to solder the three feeders together below the layout with one being long enough to connect to the bus with my remaining suitcase connectors.
Of course, now I had to hide them. First up were the bumper stops from Caboose.
Than a layer of turf, mixed colors and sizes
Finally some trees, shrubs, etc. This is a mix of Woodland Scenics ground foam, Busch trees, Woodland Scenics premade trees, Super Trees, and Silfor.
Another view. I don't consider this 100% done at this point. I think I'll make the tracks look less used after this dries.
This is a very small yard - the middle track only holds these two small coal hoppers; the outside track one car. Still, as I had nothing before, I'm pleased with it.
Looking good
Just a quick update, I managed to finally get around to ballesting this new yard area.
I've moved past that part, but thanks for the input. Especially as this is just a test layout. I've made a note of the name.
I received the turnout I needed, and got to work. While I had initially planned on adding only a single siding, I ended up finding another turnout that I had used before, and plugged it in. While the addition doesn't really improve my storage capability, it seemed like one of those "why not?" decisions.
First up, cutting the old flex track.
I than filled this area with cork to even out the height. I also broke that long siding to the right out, and curved it away from the new mini-yard I was constructing.
I purchased a track laying set from Micromark a while ago, this alignment tool keeps tracks spaced and parallel, in case anyone else wanted to see one in use.
And how it looks now that the glue is drying. I think it's going to improve my operational fun over the previous single track.
ScarpiaFunny you mention that, wm3798. I actually do have some, just wanted to get the bridge painted up before I tackled that. As the bridge is almost done (from a painting standpoint, I'm going to put some track down this weekOne quick question - how do you affix the track to the bridge? just CA?Thanks in advance.
Funny you mention that, wm3798. I actually do have some, just wanted to get the bridge painted up before I tackled that. As the bridge is almost done (from a painting standpoint, I'm going to put some track down this week
One quick question - how do you affix the track to the bridge? just CA?
Thanks in advance.
I used latex caulk, Phenoseal was the brand name. It stuck well to the rather slippery plastic ties. The clear stuff dries invisible. I think it ia stronger than CA in this application, 'cause it stays soft and flexible where as CA dries hard and brittle.
David Starr www.newsnorthwoods.blogspot.com
Toggle switch
Dual control
Yard Expansion.
I'm going to add another siding in this empty space here, as I could definitely use another siding in this small yard. I want to put a RH starting right on top of the magnet. Is that a bad idea for any reason?
Just a quick, non-photo update, now that the weather is shifting. I've added a few new building model kits to my queue, including the Campbell Coaling tower and Warehouse. I am also going to add another siding in my yard area before I move to finish that area, and I spent part of yesterday afternoon rewiring the head end of the layout. I added in a toggle switch on the fascia that allows me to switch from DCC to DC, a super easy job.
I will hopefully have some more meaningful updates in the near future!
See how the word "here" in the middle of his post is blue?
Just click on that, and you'll go to the site.
Scarpia wrote: I'm just beginning in the hobby, and after reading for a while on this forum and other resources, I thought I'd throw up what I've dug myself into and see what other more experienced hobbiests think. I'd appreciate any feedback folks might have before I get too deep, especially if you see a major "duh" that I haven't picked up yet on.I have a site for it located here My idea has been to work up a small layout that I can break a few times before I begin construction on "the big one"; sadly I've already gone through that process a bit so far. I've learned a fair bit, from track laying to soldering, and now I've recently discovered that not all magnetic couplers from different manufacturers are created equal. Thanks you in advance for your help! Scarpia
I'm just beginning in the hobby, and after reading for a while on this forum and other resources, I thought I'd throw up what I've dug myself into and see what other more experienced hobbiests think.
I'd appreciate any feedback folks might have before I get too deep, especially if you see a major "duh" that I haven't picked up yet on.
I have a site for it located here
My idea has been to work up a small layout that I can break a few times before I begin construction on "the big one"; sadly I've already gone through that process a bit so far. I've learned a fair bit, from track laying to soldering, and now I've recently discovered that not all magnetic couplers from different manufacturers are created equal.
Thanks you in advance for your help!
Scarpia
I think you losted your link because I don't see it
4x8 are fun too!!! RussellRail
Sawyer Berry
Clemson University c/o 2018
Building a protolanced industrial park layout
ChrisNH wrote:Nice work on those trees! I recently made some super trees for the first time using the instructions from Joe Fugate's second scenery video. I was really impressed with the results. The main difference from the "official" instructions is he spray paints the trees in various stages and uses cheap hair spray to affix the foam. Because I am working in N, I tried layering fine ground foam on top of coarse. That seemed to work nice although I also did trees with just coarse and just fine for variety. My wife got me the "kit" for Fathers Day direct from Scenic Express, but if I was doing it myself I would just get a 64oz jug of ground foam, a bag or two of trees. The extras in the kit were not worth it.My kit did not include the matte medium it was supposed to. I wrote them and they sent it to me straight away. Great service, a highly recommended online vendor! They also have a cheap scale rule for sale online ($4) my wife bought me when she bought my kit.Chris
Nice work on those trees!
I recently made some super trees for the first time using the instructions from Joe Fugate's second scenery video. I was really impressed with the results. The main difference from the "official" instructions is he spray paints the trees in various stages and uses cheap hair spray to affix the foam. Because I am working in N, I tried layering fine ground foam on top of coarse. That seemed to work nice although I also did trees with just coarse and just fine for variety.
My wife got me the "kit" for Fathers Day direct from Scenic Express, but if I was doing it myself I would just get a 64oz jug of ground foam, a bag or two of trees. The extras in the kit were not worth it.
My kit did not include the matte medium it was supposed to. I wrote them and they sent it to me straight away. Great service, a highly recommended online vendor! They also have a cheap scale rule for sale online ($4) my wife bought me when she bought my kit.
Chris
I thnk you're right on the ball about the kit. I'd suggest multiple foams though, I think the mix of texture and color is important to making it look better overall.
What I've tried to do here is prime some trees with a different color, use WS instead of NOCH leaves, and different color NOCH leaves as I went. almost all of the trees here have Supertree substructures; I thnk the variation is good. I need more large eastern pines though.
I have this hillside done now, and I still have at least half of the original box left!
I'm also moving through town slowly.....still playing with this small house
Cool!
I bought some WS tree kits- fewer trees, perhaps more detail. I'll use those for special highlighted foreground scenes. Those supertrees look like quite a bargain.
I too found that, with my first bit of tracklaying, that doing is a better education than years of reading about it!
Keep up the great work!
Thanks for your kind comments.
@kcole4001. I've found this test layout to be a valuable experience - I'm still learning the basic skills - I hadn't soldered before, etc., and having this test bed has not only helped to keep my interest peaked, but will hopefully help me out in avoiding problems in the future. I already learned a ton about improper track laying, now I know not to put turnouts immediately at the top or bottom of a slope; avoid kinks in corners, and how even the smallest gap can cause issues when you're running trains. I know the older modelers will laugh at this and say Told you So, but hey, I learn from experience. Bottom line, there is nothing like properly laid track for hobby enjoyment. IMHO no expense should be spared in ensuring that the trackwork is as flawless as possible; it's an investment that will pay for itself for a long time.
For the Supertrees, I really do think they're a good purchase. Here's a shot of the box and it's contents
I put in the hopper for scale, note the one tree on top is representative of what appears to be an average size. The box is sitting on a standard folding chair, and about 6 inches deep, so you get a lot for the $25 (well, I got two on sale at Walthers for $20 each).
I like the noch leaves too, but I'm also going to go back and do WS foam on some, as I think the color and texture looks better when it's not so uniform.
@myowngod
I'm working my way left to right on the layout, so I should get to the yard area sometime in September or October. This month I won't have much time to work on anything. What's been holding me up is I have the single stall enginehouse from Branchline, and before I tackled that build, I wanted some other experience behind me. With Crosby's Coal done, I'm ready to move towards that direction.
I'm also torn on what to do with a coal load system for the locos, as I don't want a large tower. Walthers used to sell a set of three old time loaders, but they're out of stock until December. I thought that might be a solution, but for the moment I think I'll work on the enginehouse and water tank, and just reserve some space for coaling and ash removal.
Thanks again.
Cheers!
Great looking layout. You really got the "touch" for scenery.
You're teasing me with the overhead shots that include the yard area. When do you plan on heading over to the yard and doing a little work? I would love to see your results.
Keep the axels greased and the tender full, we're rollin' now.
Ron
My layout progress posting Named "PRR Schuylkill Division"
Link to my Youtube videos. http://www.youtube.com/user/myowngod2
Wow! That's pretty amazing for a first try!
I really hope my scenery turns out as well. It looks like the Supertrees will be on my list as well. I started an 'L' shaped trial layout to get out of the armchair and into the nitty gritty, but stopped after laying track, when I decided to make part of the garage into a layout room. I'll reuse what I built as part of the 'main attraction'.
Great documentation too, what better way to show the ups and downs of a first time layout build. It looks like you have a good grasp of the required skills.
Slow progress of late, working on some more trees.
The "new" ones are just to the right of the Coal Company. I've begun spray painting the Supertree material prior to flocking, and I think they're giving a nice bit of color depth.
I'm using a rustoleum spray paint, the color is expresso.
And finally, as far as I can get of an overhead shot.