I love the railroad , it looks fantastic !!!
Mike
“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.” -- John Lennon
Best Regards, Big John
Kiva Valley Railway- Freelanced road in central Arizona. Visit the link to see my MR forum thread on The Building of the Whitton Branch on the Kiva Valley Railway
Howdy everyone. Well, got another good update to bring to the masses. I guess to start, I want to wish everyone a Happy Father's Day. Mine has been good as my son has been hanging out with me all weekend. He tagged along with me to the train store for the first time in a loooong time. Felt so good.
(For those that dont know, My "son" has been my side kick and the reason I got into the train thing in the first place. I have been talking about him here and there for almost 6 years on this Forum. Techincally, he is my soon to be ex-wife's son from a previous marraige, I was only his step-dad. The real father has been out of the picture. Drugs, jail, dead beat parent type. I have been in his life since he turned 3 and he cosniders me his Dad. He has made it clear he wants to stay in my life.. and in turn, I have moved the world to keep him in my mine)
So, I have been busy with the Whitton Branch. Still working on the new buildings but they are coming along. Have had to order some more modular kits from Walthers to finish it off, I think I have everything now.
I also made the big jump and installed the road. Its a sticker kind, peel of and stick it down, made by Busch. Worked out very, very well. Really helped set off the layout. With it in place and set, I have been busy putting down some more scenery. With the introduction of the pine trees replacing my regular trees, I am leaning to more of a northen Arizona look. So I think I will be going back and "greening up" some more of the original scenery. I am diggin' it.
So here some more pics. Most of the work has been on the west end of the layout. The Modular building is coming along and the Walthers Heritage Furniture kit has been a great addition. Still have weathering and detail to do but the building is in to get the feel of it.
Thanks for looking and following along. I finally got a new camera, just haveto figure out how to get the pics off it and on the computer. Next weeks project. Happy Rails.
Thanks Chuck. it hit me as I was reading your post, that you have watched me go through a lot in regards to the trains. Watching my last one get built, now this one. We should get together sometime, if my memeory serves me right, you are in southern AZ. Yeah, marraige is a tricky thing, no doubt about it. I thought I had a good deal, but alas, better things await.
In my old Kiva Valley, I had one place along the wall where I get to mess with some back ground buildings and I had some fun. I knew when I started this one, it would eb pretty much all background buildings. I think I am just about there, now I just have to finsh off the ones I have and get them all together. Do some detailing, etc. I have a loose idea that when I am done with those, I will make more that fit in the same foot print, allow me to change them out and to switch things up both in "looks" and also operational wise. I am hoping tpo pick up some kits for the the Walther's Modular building this weekend, see if I can get that farther along..
Good call on the Pine trees. I cant help think about Flagstaff. I admit, I do love them and I am sucker for the mountains. Since my Whitton Branch is line that runs off the Kiva Valley, which is in central Arizona, this line may now run a but farther north. Not sure how plausible it all is but when I get up in the morning and when I go to bed at night, I stare it. It makes me smile that is all that matters to me.
Thanks for the comments, good hearing from you.
Howdy, John,
Love the way you're getting those background buildings to work - especially your cement plant. I'll probably swipe some of your ideas when I get to the point that I need 'visible' scenery. (I'm still working in the netherworld, but now only 15 scale meters below ground level instead of 75 scale meters...)
I think your switch to pine trees just moved you in a northerly direction - much more Flagstaff in flavor. Still, very effective.
So far, my family has a mixed record on marriage. My son had one wife who didn't last as long as yours, my daughter has been through two husbands and is currently unattached, my parents didn't split until my mother's funeral (68 years after their marriage) and my next anniversary will be my 50th. Guess Dad and I just got luckier than we deserved to be.
All the best,
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Thanks Robb, the support here has been huge. It has given me something to look forward too.
So today, was a fun day. Warn you now, this update is not for the lighthearted.
So I ended my last up date with getting two new buildings in and trying to figure out how to squeeze in my concrete plant. Well today, the concrete plant went to work with me and after being introduced my 4.5" grinder, it all worked out.
I measured where the building needed to be cut so the shed would line up with the track. I removed all the upper structure, vents, ducts, etc and set it aside. Migth kit bash something new for the background version.. so off it came and then set it aside.
Now, all that was left for my master plan, was to cut the building. I have to admit, I would not recommend this to just anyone. I have been working my own fabrication shop for over 12 years and I am quite the whiz with a 4.5 grinder. I have a pretty big one, that is meant for metal/steel work. Needless to say, have to give a lot of respect, other wise, it will want to dig into the plastic and take off on you. Strong hand and steady nerve. A dremel would have worked great for this. I just went with resources I had and what I know. This is the kind of overkill that Tim Allen would love.
So, I marked a line and whacked it. Took about a minute. I used a old cutting wheel, normaly meant for cutting metal to do the rough cut. Truth be told, it really doesnt cut the plastic persay, more or less it melts in a straght line.
After the rough surgery, I went back with a 120 grit sanding disc and clean it up the edges. Then trimmed the extra off with a razor knife. A little measureing and test fitting with the table, and bammo! All done. I smooth the other half out so that maybe some day, I could use that as well for a background building.
Got home and worked it in. I am very happy with the final fit. It needs some paint and weathering along with some detail work, but that is for another day. Now, I have my spot for my 2 bay covered hoppers.
Also tonight, I removed most of my regular trees. The layout is getting a bit dusty being in the room with me and those trees are just to fragile to be blown off. So, I packed them back up and busted out the pine trees. Which, I am not sure how to fit them into the scenery, but I do like them.
So now, with all the buildings in place, I can start the road down the middle and push along witht he scenery.
Thanks for looking.
Sorry you got the bad deal. Women you can't live with'em and you can't live with'em. On another note I am coming up on what I think is my 29th anniversary, and hope to finally get to begin building my first real layout. I built one 4x8 for the kids when they were little. Lately I have been acquiring cars and locomotives and structures. I have also been stocking up on track and power packs. All I have been able to do so far is plan and build a "few" kits.
Your layout was most impressive and I am sure you got a lot of enjoyment out of it. Just remember if things were easy anyone could do it. It's nice to hear of someone getting up after being knocked down, keep on going it's the American way.
All right, here we go with a new update and some photos.
One of the goals of this layout was to pack in as much operation as I could. Switching and get away with as many types of cars as possible. I know suffer from the A-Typical modeler's syndrome "Iwantitis allis". Maybe some day I will grow out of it.... ah, I doubt it.
I had been using my old "wharehouse" built from DPM sections, to work as a large industry on the Whitton Branch. Back in the old layout, with a 400 feet of track in a 14x19, a 4 car industry fit quite nice. Now that I am modeling a switching layout 11.5 feet long, it was just too big and took up too much room. So, with much regret, I axed it from the plan.
In its place, I am putting in 2 new buildings, both using 2 car loads each. Most likely keeping the box cars for both, going with the freight. But, it adds one more switching move to play with. The building on the left is the Heritage Furniture background building from Walther's. I have always like the design and having the cars under it, makes for a cool look. The other building I am putting together from Walther's Modular series. It will be one or two more stories high, loading dock and freight doors. With the space in between, I want to see if I can model in some street scenes, back ally, possibly a truck etc. I am excited about the possiblities.
Now, onto the other end. For what ever reason, 2 bay covered hoppers are my favorite car type. Here where I live, it is very common to see them heading out to a cement plant so at least I get to see them in person. Up until now, I havent had a chance to use them. I have had 4 on the layout just becuase but now, I got a plan. I know its going to be a squeeze but I think I can make it work.... with the help of some power tools at work.
I bought this built structure at a train swap meet. Its a bit rough with glue and things are a bit skewed, but for 5 bucks, it was worth it. I have measured where to cut, and I am going to chop the back off and turn it into a background building. It should fit right there. And now I will finally have a place for my 2 bay hoppers!
This picture is of 2 other industries that I squeezed. I did the "off set angle" to help break up too much of the boring parrell lines of the track work. Not sure what they are going to be yet, maybe a bakery? Single covered hopper, tank car and box car depending on the day of the week? Just got one more wall section to go then I can start on the roofs.
With the new buildings and the concrete plant, I have added 2 more switching locations to add to the operation side of things. I am happy with that.
One thing I have figured out over the last few months, that I never even thought of, is the dust. I had deal with real dust in the garage of my old layout. Dust storms, Arizona air, you name it. That was a nightmare. it was heavy and thick dirt. Very hard to clean.
With the layout in my room I figured it would be over that problem... will sorta. Clothes, sheets, carpet, etc, generates all kinds of dust that settles on the whole thing. Good news is that it cleans much easier than the old "dirt" type dust I had before. I have a bunch of my trees that are hand made... but very fragile. I think I am going to pull them and replace them with my pine trees, which are much more hardy and more durable to cleaning. Still tinkering with that idea.
Hoping to work on the buildings over the next few weeks and maybe get down some more scenery. Thanks for looking.
UncBob Have` any idea if that textured paint would work on Scenic roadbed Maybe even prepaint it outside before laying it on the table Your ballast looks good enough for my layout
Have` any idea if that textured paint would work on Scenic roadbed
Maybe even prepaint it outside before laying it on the table
Your ballast looks good enough for my layout
On my old layout, I sprayed the cork with auto primer gray, then a light shot of the texture paint. With the texture paint, one can would go a long way. In the picture of my siganture, that is the painted cork, touched with the texture paint. Always worth a shot!
51% share holder in the ME&O ( Wife owns the other 49% )
ME&O
Ah ha... back on track. Sorry for the pun.
Things hae slowed a bit on the work as the rest of life has been busy. But, in a good way. So with things catching up, I have been working more on the layout, mostly in the "thinking stage." I was able ot crank out a lot of work, laying track, scenery and some buildings and moved along. But as things moved along, I knew I had to slow down and think about how I really wanted to look, and operate.
When I first built my layout, I used the buildings that I had, not what I wanted. In my old layout, most of the buildings were meant as regular full types, not flats, which is ideal for a shelf layout. I finally saved up some cash and picked up my first new "background", the Walther's Heritage Furniture background building.
With my new kit, first Walthers Catalog in 2 years, tape measure in hand, I am now making some progress.... ah.. pictures soon!
canazarIs that two kits in one? Looks good. And I do love the yard. I very much look forward to the day when I feel comfortable with the layout will stay in one spot for awhile. I would love to try my hand at that. I love all the detail.
John,
Yes, I smooshed two kits together. I also modified the angle of the conveyor for the two level structure. If you are interested in seeing how I progressed with my yard detailing, you should visit my thread from June and July of last year http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/t/155121.aspx?PageIndex=1.
Also, want to work on my buildings for industries. Saw some of the Walther's background buildings and I think I am going to try those.
I have several along the back wall of the yard, along with some low relief structure made from DPM kits. They do a great job. I'll have to get some more recent pics.
Nick
Take a Ride on the Reading with the: Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/
Fantastic headway, John. Excellent comprssion and a very interesting industrial layout. I like how you've used buildings to very good effect.
Nick,
Is that two kits in one? Looks good. And I do love the yard. I very much look forward to the day when I feel comfortable with the layout will stay in one spot for awhile. I would love to try my hand at that. I love all the detail.
I am out of town for the next week but when I get back, I am going to get some mor ework done on scenery and get some better shots for lighting. Also, want to work on my buildings for industries. Saw some of the Walther's background buildings and I think I am going to try those. Thanks for the comments!
Oh, and should have a better camera!
Very nice. I can't help but notice your Life Like Supply House. I though I was the only one that actually built one and placed it on my layout.
Although mine is kitbashed:
Though I'm not a fan a spraying in the house, your "ballasting" technique does yield good looking results. Your yard is also much cleaner then mine....
~G4
19 Years old, modeling the Cowlitz, Chehalis, and Cascade Railroad of Western Washington in 1927 in 6X6 feet.
IVRWPlease, enlighten me.
Please, enlighten me.
Re-read the post the OP posted 30 hours before you posted your question, and his post from 14 days ago. Both posts answers your question ...
Smile, Stein
great suggestion. I admit, I have thought about it.
At the moment, I am treating this layout as a short term project as my living arangements are short term, I think. If I move, I will most likley end up with a different set up and start over. So weathering track is something I am hesitant to do because if I go and change, I could be altering it in a style that may not work. If I weather the rails, it will show when I relay it... hence re-weathering and it turns into a mess.
That's the main reason I did the short term "pretend ballast". Give it the look with out fulling commiting. I have told myself that if this layout is still around when I am complete with scenry and buildings, I might make the jump and really do up the track. Maybe.
You need to get one of those Floquil track paint pens and color the track brown. It would really finish off your very creative, and very nice compromise for ballast.
Adding to the scenery....
On the east side where the mainline comes in, I had a small space between the main line and the two sidings. I wanted to put something in to help increase the "visual distance".
Trees where out as they would be too easy to knock during operations so I decided to come up with a small "mountain". I took 2" white foam, cut it down with wire cutter to fit it in. Once the cutting was done, it has all the rough, sharp edges from the wire. I rounded off the foam, carefully, with the heat of a lighter flame. (A little trick I learned from my other layout and yes outside is preffered). Doing that give it a smooth, rounder shape. Once the flame job was done I painted it.
One of the biggest complaints of white foam is the "small beads". I have learned that texture can really help when it comes time to do scenery. The little pockets it forms helps to hold the glue mixture and scenery materail. I use sand I took from dunes out here in the southwest and use that for the "dirt". Woodland Scenic materail for the grass and bushes. As a happy note, the bushes you see here were taken off my layout and used again. They live on!
I have some more scenery work to do along with some sculpt-a-mold work to do on the side that faces the track. I would like to add come "cut rock" to add details and intrest. I like the look now as it is enough to help "break up" the 3 tracks, with out blocking the view behind it. And in keeping with my goal, to squeeze in as much I as I can into this layout, managed to squeeze in a very little mountain..
Well, time for another small update. I have started some scenery work and mostly, to show how well it tied in with the ballasting project. There are some places where I will continue with the scenery, mostly around the yard in and in front. I am still up in the air about some of the buildings, the where, the who's and the why's.
I am also strongly thinking about making quite of the few buildings inter-changeable so I can change the look of the layout and also have an excuse to keep working on new building kits. So, I am trying to igure out the plan how to do the scenery where I can manage that. But, that will be another update.
So, hereis what I have so far. I am modeling "central Arizona" and we have what you would call the "high desert". Leaning toward more toward lighter shades of green and more dirt exsposed. Feel so good to be cranking along again.
Now that the layout is getting shape, one of the next projects is to improve the lighting and get a better camera!
John, that layout looks pretty sweet, glad to see you've gotten started and I'm looking forward to the updates!
Sawyer Berry
Clemson University c/o 2018
Building a protolanced industrial park layout
As an experiment I tried one of those textured spray paints under a turnout (just to see if there was a decent looking alternative to the challenge of actually ballasting around the points of a turnout). Fortunately one of the stone shades was a very close match for my Chicago & North Western "pink lady" ballast, and it looked pretty darn good. There are other shades that come very close to Woodland Scenics gray ballast.
What I did find however is that even with turning the can upside down to clean out the nozzle, it seemed I had at most two or three uses of the can before it permanently gunked up. So if you are going to follow John's lead here, I suggest taping stuff up like he did and prepping for using quite a bit of it at a time. And John hits the nail on the head - these textured spray paints seem to explode out of the can in unexpected and uncontrollable ways.
Dave Nelson
I suppose that different people react differently to separations; been there; done that; bought a t-shirt. My circumstance was somewhat different than yours but after 13 years of bachelorhood I came up with a real winner for wife #2. As Lapchance informed Crocker in The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing "My wife left me one time. Know what I did? I sent her her suitcase!" View this as opportunity, my friend!
I can't offer you any advice on construction of a shelf layout but your photography of your new layout tells me that you don't need very much. Lookin' good! Lookin' very good! Keep up the good work and keep us posted on your progress.
Don't recall you ever having your layout open for visitation during any of the Arizona Division/PSR/NMRA meets in Phoenix. Too bad! I'd have loved to have toured it!
From the far, far reaches of the wild, wild west I am: rtpoteet
That was a very neat idea for quick, temporary "ballasting" that sure beats just leaving the ground the foam color or a plywood pacific.
I like the way the painted road bed looks. I will keep that trick in mind for later use.
Best Wishes, Ken
I hate Rust
Time for another update,
The next step once I had the track plan figured out was to start some scenery. But before I could do that, I had to get the "roadbed and ballast" down. I learned a few tricks on my last layout as ballasting the track, while I really wanted to try it, I realised, it just wasnt practical. I knew some day I would have to take it down and tearing up ballasted track would just be a nightmare. So, I came up with a good stand in.
On the last layout, I painted the cork with gray primer then hit it with a light sprinkle of texture spray. Lay the track on top and secure it with the pins and it was good to go. While it didnt have the finished look, it gave enough to get by. Once I added the scenery around it, didnt look to bad.
Here is a shot from the previous layout.
With the new Whitton Branch, I decided to leave out the cork for the main line look and lay at ground level. So, it was time to do my trick again.
First I taped off all the track to map out where the "ballast" would be.
Then, I brush painted it all using gray paint from the hardware store. I admit, I thougth about using the gray primer, would have been a lot faster and with the latex paint on the foam, it would have been safe (most spray paint can dislove foam). Being indoors, the over spray and fumes, I skipped it.
Once that was done, I papered off the walls and masked the rest of the track. That spray texture stuff gets everywhere. Better respect the over spray on that one! but, fumes arent bad and there is "paint dust" per say. Very quick squirts is all you need. With this stuff. A little goes a long way.
With the light texture coat down, I pulled up the tape and in this shot, you can see where the track all goes.
Here, track has been laid down and some buildings put back in place. Gives nice effect while not commiting my track again.
The next update will be with the scenery as I have all ready started a little. Thanks and Happy Rails.
Good looking start. I do like the busy but not crowded look.