To celebrate the recent completion of my main line trackage, we held a special ops session today for the "Golden Spike Special" made up of cars provided by a number of friends and fans. During the past week cars have been arriving in the mail, including one shipped from a friend serving in the military that's based in Germany.
Today we welcomed a few more traveling cars from modelers who have been following the progress on my layout through my blog, including a couple collected at the Hershey N Scale convention this weekend. The highlight was Bryan Buss'ey's (of Eastern Seaboard Models) magnificent Conrail OCS full dome, shown above just ahead of the PRR full dome Eric220 provided. (Eric's layout is based on a "What IF?" contemporary PRR that spans coast to coast...) Sadly the roster shot I took of this car didn't turn out very well, but we did get a peek inside at the neatly set tables and other details:
Remember, this is N Scale!
Also had cars from Dave Foxx, Mike Delamaiz, Bob Bufkin, and David K. Smith. Sizemore (Tim Alder) was well represented, having painted the F-unit on the point. Phil Hoffman brought along some Spanish prototype cars, but they were unable to be included due to some compatibility issues. According to Phil, this was in keeping with Spanish rail operations... While the layout wasn't built with passenger traffic in mind, we managed to get the Golden Spike Special around the layout in reasonably good order. We didn't ever really reach "track speed" owing to the numerous photo and video run bys requested by the crew. Here's a couple of highlights:Crossing the Potomac from Ridgeley into Cumberland.Passing a freight holed up on the long siding on the Connellsville Sub.Crossing the river into Greenwood, en route to Connellsville.Returning to North Junction at the east end of the layout. Note that the KCS has spotted the Spanish cars near the scrap yard. I'm not sure what this means.The train then headed west again, this time working its way up to Thomas via the Thomas Sub. Here it is leaving the main at Maryland Junction:Restricted clearances made Thomas the end of the run, so the engines turned around, and pulled the train back down to Ridgeley.Here it is drifting downgrade at Shaw as the sun starts to fade.While we didn't get to run many train, we had a great time. It was good to see the layout back in action, although we naturally found a few things to add to the "to do" list. Thanks as always to the crew, who have been such a great support through this whole project.Lee
Route of the Alpha Jets www.wmrywesternlines.net
Hey everybody! Great work so far. Egads!, it's been a while since Ive posted, but I am working away at a few projects. One of them was... well, Ill let you see below.
Recently, on the BWTC, a fairly famous British Extra Terrestrial decided to stop by and view the operation.
The model is a paper "kit" that I downloaded off the internet. It isnt the neatest of models, but all things considered, when you need a microscope to insert the tabs into the slots, it isnt too bad. The "model" is the paper kit reduced to 25% with chopped wooden blocks inside for durability. I did get the scale off by a little bit, so I might print out another one to be a bit larger. Then I can make my own Doctor Who episode, so long as I find appropriate figures.
Happy Modeling!
~G4
19 Years old, modeling the Cowlitz, Chehalis, and Cascade Railroad of Western Washington in 1927 in 6X6 feet.
Geared Steam,
That was some crane...I just went down to the basement to measure them and they scaled out to 14 feet!
Wayne
Modeling HO Freelance Logging Railroad.
sfcouple Wayne
I just want to see the crane that installed those giant sheet rock screws!!
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein
http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/
The track or rail that you purchase still has a film of cutting oil on it's surface resulting from it's manufacture. This prevents paint from sticking properly. So, the first thing I do is to clean the rail with a Q-tip dipped in alcohol. I then use a microbrush (sold at better hobby shops or through Micro-Mart) to paint the sides of the rail with Floquil's Roof Brown. I prefer that color over Rail Brown. Using the microbrush keeps most of the paint off ot the top of the rail. If any does gather there, I wait for it to dry and they use a brite boy to erase it.
Dale Latham
If they had it, they would have used it! LOL!
Track Bumper
Today I installed a new (temporary) track bumper using HO Scale Logs. The screws holding the logs are probably not prototypical but this thing works. I've never seen this design on a prototype before and hope I never do! Yikes !
I'm actually building a new layout and this particular track will eventually lead to a staging area/shelf extension but right now leads to a four foot drop onto a very hard floor. I didn't want anything rolling off and it won't.
ollevon I am trying again going by the last post from Rich. Lets see what happens. BLOCKED SCRIPTvoid(0);
I am trying again going by the last post from Rich. Lets see what happens.
BLOCKED SCRIPTvoid(0);
Is there a script that is blocked at your browsers end?
See whether that might be the thing....
Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry
I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...
http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/
Work on my modular desktop layout continues...
It´ll look very much different once the scenic features will be added.
The thread continues to soar with fine models fueling it. Well done to everyone.
I haven't posted for three weeks, and still have no new images...to much else going on. So, I will show one of my favourites, but with some smoke cloned into it.
Late day trestle crossing
Howmus,
Very, very nice. I love to see detailed interiors. Gives me a standard to aim for...
Bob
Photobucket Albums:NPBL - 2008 The BeginningNPBL - 2009 Phase INPBL - 2010 Downtown
Jon those pics are absolutely stunning!
Thanks Jon, I'll have to give it a try!
Jarrell
jon grant jacon12: I believe you said you like to use the Siflor (sp?) grass mats and cut/tear them into smaller pieces? That's 100% correct Jarrell. I tear them rather than cut them to get irregular edges, which are easier to blend in than straight edges. Here are some close ups of the Silflor, with a bit of WS foliage thrown in for good measure. I also took a couple of unusual shots from the fiddle yard, after removing the end-scene Jon
jacon12: I believe you said you like to use the Siflor (sp?) grass mats and cut/tear them into smaller pieces?
I believe you said you like to use the Siflor (sp?) grass mats and cut/tear them into smaller pieces?
That's 100% correct Jarrell. I tear them rather than cut them to get irregular edges, which are easier to blend in than straight edges. Here are some close ups of the Silflor, with a bit of WS foliage thrown in for good measure.
I also took a couple of unusual shots from the fiddle yard, after removing the end-scene
Jon
No modeling pictures, but I swung through St Louis this week. I had time to visit the Transportation museum there. They have many locos, including a Big Boy, Y6a, GG1, 0-8-0 switcher, E8, DD40-AX, the last remaining MILW Bi-Polar, etc. If you have an chance, stop by. I spent 4 hours and could have stayed another 4. $6 admission
I have many more pictures on my blog here.
jacon12 I believe you said you like to use the Siflor (sp?) grass mats and cut/tear them into smaller pieces?
Sweethome Chicago is now on Facebook
Sweethome Alabama is now on Facebook
Hudson Road is now on Facebook
my videos
my Railimages
Thanks, Hearland. Your scrap yard was also an inspiration for mine. Great scene. DJ.
I completed an old Walthers Swift reefer that I got at a train show. Just a bit of light weathering to dull up the shiney plastic.
When I started to assemble the reefer a few weeks aso, I found a coupler box cover was missing. I photographed how I made a replacement cover and posted a How To in this threadhttp://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/p/192942/2105728.aspx#2105728
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
Here's the latest from Ridgeley Yard...The west end is laid out, all the turnouts are functional, and the drops from the yard track are all wired in.and now a few details:The two stub tracks (I think they're 10 and 11) will be detailed as a piggy back ramp/auto rack reload. The driveway will follow around to the left, cross the main switch lead, then off to a storage lot in the fifth dimension.An overview of the new work and its juxtaposition to the rest of the terminal. Notice how you almost don't notice the slide switch throws there to the right...Here's a look from the east with the yard trackage now complete...and yes, I replaced the #@$*& turnout! And yes, it works a whole lot more smoothly.Finally, an Alpha Jet is lined up on the A/D track, ready to head east to Lurgan and the Reading interchange...Lee
Must be the weekend already! WOW! What a great start on this thread! I bow in humbleness to you guys!
About all I got done this week was a pair of saw horses for the engine house. Just a bunch of old (scale) 2 x 4s cut and glued together.
Here's what she looks like inside if you are standing in the main doorway...
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Here is a repost of my scrapyard to compare with DJ’s truly outstanding scrapyard. DJ’s scrapyard appears to be somewhere in Pennsylvania coal county. I like the wetness on the DJ’s ground as if it has been raining for days. I think DJ wins the prize.
Mine is located in Midwest scenery, and it includes junked vehicles in the weeds, a junk yard dog, workers cutting up scrap structural steel, and “Reggie” working on his hot rod.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Thanks, Jarrell, your excellent scrap yard scene inspired me to add a scrap yard scene to my layout.
Some of the rusty metal on my scrap pile came from a fertilizer spreader that had fertilizer left in for about 10 years. DJ.
Grampy, you reminded me. I've got an old rusty tin can I've got to cut up for my scrap yard. Thanks!
Great scene, you know I always love your modeling.
Grampys Trains Wow, great start this week, many outstanding entries. Scrap yard limo. DJ.
Wow, great start this week, many outstanding entries.
Scrap yard limo. DJ.
Jon, your scenery is about as good as it gets! I believe you said you like to use the Siflor (sp?) grass mats and cut/tear them into smaller pieces?
jon grant Just been adding some more grass and trees this week CSX MP15AC switching cars in the east yard Jon
Just been adding some more grass and trees this week
CSX MP15AC switching cars in the east yard
pj1775 Jacon12, love the rails. What techniques did you use to weather them? They look outstanding! Rail weathering is something I've always struggled with. Everyone's work looks awesome!
Jacon12, love the rails. What techniques did you use to weather them? They look outstanding! Rail weathering is something I've always struggled with.
Everyone's work looks awesome!
PJ, I struggle with weathering rails too. I especially have trouble getting the water based paints to adhere and cover the rails so I usually use... I think it's Poly Scale's oil based Rail Tie Brown, and put it on with a small brush, not worrying too much about getting some of it on the tops of the ties. I try to keep a small rag close by to wipe it off the rail tops but I usually have to come back along with with a Bright Boy type rail cleaner and polish them. I wish I was as good as some of these guys at weathering them, they can make them look like the real thing!
Here is this weeks completed cars!
This is a Robbins Rails / A-Line 60' Autoparts Boxcar. I left this as a short wheelbase car to match the DT&I and lettered with John Alaniva's decals.
Front Range Kit representing a Boxcar converted to a Piggyback Flat. Lettered with Oddballs Decals, the Trailer is an old Athearn 45' trailer that I painted and lettered with Microscale Decals.
This is a Details West 52' Blue Island Reefer, painted Light Gray with Galvanized Roof and Black Underframe, lettered with Herald King Decals.
Thanks for looking!
Rick
Rule 1: This is my railroad.
Rule 2: I make the rules.
Rule 3: Illuminating discussion of prototype history, equipment and operating practices is always welcome, but in the event of visitor-perceived anacronisms, detail descrepancies or operating errors, consult RULE 1!
PJ… Majestic Hardware is a prize winner! … Michael, you farm scene looks good. The farmer is already up and working. … Jon , your scenery is outstanding. … Jarrel, your scene looks great. What? A fisherman swapping lies? That’s something. … Corey, I really like you bridges.
Here are two of my larger industries.
The grain elevator in Prairie View.
The flour mill in Black Hawk.