Tunnels Ain't So Hard!

[jacon12]

I completed my very first one in no time at all! I'll admit I'm having trouble trying to figure out how to 'scenik' it, so any suggestions would be appreciated.

Oh! One other thing!
I've got this really nice locomotive that keeps derailing..

Should I look for a smaller locomotive or wider track?
[sigh]
Jarrell

[rrinker]

LOL!

I actually did that tunnel bit with some foam packing from something or other.

Perhaps if you double-tracked things, the loco would stay on the rails better [:D]

--Randy

[tstage]

Good one, Jerrell! You know, they do make track transition adaptors so that you can go from one code to another....Hmmmmmmm

Tom

[jacon12]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rrinker

LOL!

I actually did that tunnel bit with some foam packing from something or other.

Perhaps if you double-tracked things, the loco would stay on the rails better [:D]

--Randy

Double Track!! Why didn't I think of that!
Thanks Randy[:O]
Jarrell

[jacon12]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tstage

Good one, Jerrell! You know, they do make track transition adaptors so that you can go from one code to another....Hmmmmmmm

Tom

Tom, this is the very reason I haven't gotten any further building a layout. I'll mostly
complete something, stop and lay track and run trains around. I gotta quit doing that!
I didn't know about the transition adaptors! Maybe things woulda run better it I'd have used them when I was using a couple of pieces of 83 connected to 100..[^]
Jarrell

[SpaceMouse]

Is that an example of forced perspective.

BTW: My son got that same engine with local colors on the pineapple train on Maui.

[jacon12]

My wife bought this for our English bulldog Hannah to chase around the floor, but she wont have anything to do with it!
Jarrell

[trollw]

Who won't have anything to do with it -- Hannah or your wife? [:D]

[jacon12]

QUOTE: Originally posted by trollw

Who won't have anything to do with it -- Hannah or your wife? [:D]

[(-D] Hannah!
Jarrell

[Anonymous]

Never put a tunnel on a curve!. I found that out the hard way one time. I was so proud of myself, and it looked really good. But when I tried running my first train through it the problems started. After a couple of hours of modifying the portal (filing and sanding), I was finally able to get "most" of my rolling stock through. Live and learn...

trainluver1

[selector]

That's probably very wise advice, trainluver1.

I was lucky enough to have been given a Christmas train set by the missus a couple of years back, and I set it up with a nice wintery scene, including an inverted cardboard box, covered in batten, and with two cut-out portals. That experience taught me how to orient the portal to the track if I were determined to have the portal on a curve.

It is tricky, to be sure, but it can be done. It depends on the rate of curvature (radius), and the length of the rolling stock. For example, using a 60' Pullman (did they make those?) on 22" radius curves will necessitate a very wide portal so that the corners of the cars and the sides don't foul the portal walls. I have Harriman cars, and 1940's rolling stock pulled by a 4-6-4 Hudson, and none of them contact the portals on my 22"ers. I guess you just have to fiddle with them sometimes. Mine came out okay without anything more than eyeballing.....one of the few things that worked for me with the old Mark I eyeball on this layout.

[jacon12]

QUOTE: Originally posted by trainluver1

Never put a tunnel on a curve!.
trainluver1

One thing for sure, this type tunnel is easy to move!
Jarrell

[jacon12]

QUOTE: Originally posted by selector

That's probably very wise advice, trainluver1.

I was lucky enough to have been given a Christmas train set by the missus a couple of years back, and I set it up with a nice wintery scene, including an inverted cardboard box, covered in batten, and with two cut-out portals. That experience taught me how to orient the portal to the track if I were determined to have the portal on a curve.

Hmmmm..... the ol' cardboard box tunnel trick. I forgot that one. Thanks Selector!
Jarrell