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SNSR Layout Build

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  • Member since
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Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Monday, February 24, 2020 1:22 PM

BNSF UP and others modeler

I really like those paper roads! Is there a way to get them in HO?

 

Hey BNSF et al -

I don't know that such roads are available, in either HO or N.

I drew the roads using AutoCAD and printed them on tabloid-size (11"x17") sticky back label paper. The paper is just like those sheets of little rectangular cut out mailing address labels, except that the peel-back label takes up the entire sheet. I laid out the roads to modern size and markings and basically shaded the whole shebang in medium-dark gray. Then I added a million little speckle points in various tiny dot sizes; the dots range from black to dark gray to light gray to white and from sharp pinpoints up to small splats. The pavement markings are not exactly what I want, but they'll do for now.

I don't know how well this 'road system' will work, but I spend a lot of time during this layout build doing stuff I've never done before. The thing about peel-and-stick roads is that they can be unpeeled, unstuck, and replaced with something else.

I'll let you know how things turn out.

Robert

 

 

LINK to SNSR Blog


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Posted by BNSF UP and others modeler on Sunday, February 23, 2020 5:55 PM

I really like those paper roads! Is there a way to get them in HO?

I'm beginning to realize that Windows 10 and sound decoders have a lot in common. There are so many things you have to change in order to get them to work the way you want.

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Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Sunday, February 23, 2020 1:33 PM

Rough layout of the streets in the downtown area.

Robert

LINK to SNSR Blog


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Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Sunday, February 23, 2020 1:32 PM

mbinsewi

Really nice Robert!  Yes

Mike.

Hey thanks, Mike.

Robert

LINK to SNSR Blog


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Posted by mbinsewi on Sunday, February 23, 2020 12:11 PM

Really nice Robert!  Yes

Mike.

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Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Sunday, February 23, 2020 11:51 AM

Partially painted and minimally decorated with homemade decal number one.

Robert

LINK to SNSR Blog


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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
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Posted by hon30critter on Sunday, February 2, 2020 7:52 PM

richhotrain
Besides, methinks that JaBear was speaking tongue in cheek! 

Yes, I was aware of that. I guess my response was a bit too serious, but it was just my My 2 Cents worth.

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by BNSF UP and others modeler on Sunday, February 2, 2020 7:31 PM

Have you looked into resin 3d printing yet?

I'm beginning to realize that Windows 10 and sound decoders have a lot in common. There are so many things you have to change in order to get them to work the way you want.

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Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Saturday, February 1, 2020 11:29 AM

More boat stuff that I'm currently working on . . .

I've posted several times regarding 3D Printing and how it does not yet meet my expectations. Not that it's bad or anything, just that it is still a little rough, especially for N Scale stuff. I need some deck furniture for my current project, and I went looking for some at Shapeways-dot-com.


A coupla photos:

 

 

 

 

They are a little ragged and the detail is extremely fragile and almost crumbly (notice the protective cage still around the deck gun), but they are all that is currently available, and I could never scratch-build such things no matter how many X-acto blades I have.

 

Robert

LINK to SNSR Blog


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  • From: SE. WI.
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Posted by mbinsewi on Saturday, February 1, 2020 9:49 AM

Yes Robert, TIC.  Laugh  I'm sure there is a lot of programing that goes along with this.  Along with working off of drawings, etc.

I would love to see some of your completed creations, like that bank building, or whatever else you have built with the CAD.

Mike.

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Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Saturday, February 1, 2020 9:39 AM

mbinsewi

Yea, I think so too, Rich

Hey Mike-

Yes, I also interpreted Bear's comments as nothing more than some good-natured ribbing. I like the idea that our community spans all the way around the world.

So, it's a CAD cutting machine?  I'll have to Google that and see what comes up.  It sounds pricey, and I would guess you need programs to go with it? for designing and drawing?

Yes. Technically it's a CAD-CAM device. Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacture.

No wonder Roberts stuff is perfect!

Hmmm . . . hardly. More tongue-in-cheek good-natured ribbing. I suppose I could claim moderate expertise in the CAD part, but I will freely admit my CAM skills are lacking. But I'm working on it.

Robert

 

LINK to SNSR Blog


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Posted by Dave N on Saturday, February 1, 2020 7:14 AM

Bow WOW!!! Thats all I have!

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  • From: SE. WI.
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Posted by mbinsewi on Saturday, February 1, 2020 7:01 AM

Yea, I think so too, Rich

So, it's a CAD cutting machine?  I'll have to Google that and see what comes up.  It sounds pricey, and I would guess you need programs to go with it? for designing and drawing?

Back to the X-acto knive.  I have boxes of blades.

Mike.

PS. Just looked at some of those machines.  No wonder Roberts stuff is perfect!  Laugh  I'll be buying more blades for my X-acto knives. Laugh

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  • From: Dearborn Station
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Posted by richhotrain on Saturday, February 1, 2020 5:15 AM

hon30critter
 
I find that the speed at which that cutter is coming together is demoralising!!! 

Hi Bear!

This post has been a bit long coming, but I politely disagree with the "demoralizing" part. 

Oooh, a critter versus a bear spat. But, wouldn't a bear always win, based on size alone???   Dinner

Besides, methinks that JaBear was speaking tongue in cheek!   Stick out tongue

Rich

Alton Junction

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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
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Posted by hon30critter on Friday, January 31, 2020 11:11 PM

I find that the speed at which that cutter is coming together is demoralising!!!

Hi Bear!

This post has been a bit long coming, but I politely disagree with the "demoralizing" part. It is a new and different way of modelling but it doesn't negate older methods like those that you used to create your fabulous car ferry in any way, shape or form! Yes, CAD cutting machines are fabulous, but I think that they almost take all of the fun and challenge of doing it yourself with just a sketch or two, or even only a picture in your mind. If I was in a situation where I had to replicate many models of the same thing I would definitely consider using a CAD machine, but I seriously doubt that I would need so many models of so many things to justify giving my modelling pleasure up to a machine.

My 2 Cents Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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  • From: SE. WI.
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Posted by mbinsewi on Friday, January 31, 2020 3:22 PM

Looks great Robert, without scrolling back, what is the machine you have that does all of this cutting?

Mike.

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Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Friday, January 31, 2020 2:18 PM

Here're a few photos of the hull and superstructure, rough assembled but not painted. Just in case y'all think I'm not doing anything.

 

 

 

 

 

 

LINK to SNSR Blog


  • Member since
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  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
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Posted by "JaBear" on Monday, December 30, 2019 7:37 PM
I find that the speed at which that cutter is coming together is demoralising!!!CryingCryingCrying
 
Keep up the Good Work!
 
Cheers, the Bear.Smile

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
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Posted by hon30critter on Monday, December 30, 2019 7:06 PM

That's pretty amazing Robert!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Monday, December 30, 2019 6:12 PM

Test fit of the hull skins and a rough mock-up of the superstructure. Please ignore all the masking tape.

  

Robert

 

 

LINK to SNSR Blog


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Posted by BNSF UP and others modeler on Saturday, December 28, 2019 1:33 PM

I second that.

You are doing such a good job, its a wonder you don't have plans for this! Maybe you could make some and see if MRR will put them in their magazine. I could see a high demand for something like this.

I'm beginning to realize that Windows 10 and sound decoders have a lot in common. There are so many things you have to change in order to get them to work the way you want.

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Saturday, December 28, 2019 1:04 PM

That Coast Guard vessel is goint to look incredible.

.

I do not recall seeing a Coast Guard vessel represented on a layout before. Great work.

.

-Kevin

.

Living the dream.

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Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Saturday, December 28, 2019 11:00 AM

Pruitt

How's the bank building coming?

Hey Mark-

Thanks for the inquiry.

I'm pretty much finished with the N scale model of Wells Fargo, and I'm working on an HO version. I'm also writing an article about the adventure. Similar story with the Burlington Station: N scale and HO scale buildings, and an article to chronicle the work.

One particular theme in both articles is trying to describe the differences between scratch building structures in the two scales. There is more to it than simply shrinking or enlarging the design by a factor of 0.544 or 1.84 or something.

Working on it.

Robert

LINK to SNSR Blog


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Posted by Pruitt on Friday, December 27, 2019 6:21 PM

How's the bank building coming?

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Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Friday, December 27, 2019 3:10 PM

The complex curves of the hull projected onto a flat sheet. There's never a shoemaker around when you need one.

These were cut from 0.040" taskboard. I have some 0.030" styrene sheet on hand, as originally planned, but I think I want to use 0.040" stuff. I've ordered some 0.040" sheets, and they should be here on Monday. At least, that's what the tracking info shows. With the holidays on Wednesdays, and with millions of people trying to return Granny's presents for more-flexible gift certificates or store credit, I'd say Tuesday would be more like it. If then.

The 30-mill sheet is very susceptible to warping or ballooning from a stray drop (or even a carefully-placed drop) of solvent weld. Plus, I'm a little worried about the bulkheads and decks showing through the skin, like a tent. But, the prototype cutters are 50 years old, and a closer look reveals that their hulls are a little waffle-ized, kinda like the cellulite on Beyoncé's thighs before photoshopping.

Progress.

Robert

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Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Thursday, December 26, 2019 3:02 PM

I'm starting a new scratch build; and under the category of sharing the adventure with fellows in the craft, I'm posting some photos of the project as it stands right now. Starting with the inspiration . . .

 

. . . followed by photos of the execution, starting with the obligatory yard sale shot . . .

. . . and then a couple showing the approximate final position in the layout.

 

The parts are cut from 0.060" black acrylic and are assembled dry (no glue or adhesive (yet)) and have been hit with a quick pass of 600-grit sandpaper to take off the gloss for these photos. Gloss and/or tool marks won't matter because these parts will be mostly hidden. In fact, the ship will be about 90% white, 8% black, and 2% blood red.

More photos later as the build moves along.

Robert

LINK to SNSR Blog


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Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Sunday, November 24, 2019 11:33 AM

hon30critter
ROBERT PETRICK
I am scratch-building a version in N Scale (for my home layout) and in HO Scale (for the club layout). Details and photos to follow shortly.

Hi Robert,

Do I see some 3D printing in the works?

Dave

Hey Dave-

3D printing technology is not quite there yet for me. At least, not affordable technology that is available to the average amateur or hobbyist. Maybe the high-end commercial professional-grade printers would be suitable, but currently they cost more than my truck.

The 3D stuff that I've seen is low-res and shows a lot of 'tool marks' that need to be sanded and polished out, and in N scale that would be too tedious even for me. I use a benchtop Taig Micro-mill and a Full Spectrum Muse Laser Cutter/Engraver to fabricate and assemble pieces and parts into structures like pretty much any of the commercial kits.

Here're the parts I cut out for the Wells Fargo Tower. This is a very simple project because there are only nine pieces, the most important one being the Evergreen styrene 1/8" triangular strip that holds everything together. The legs are cut on the mill from 1/8" sheet styrene, and the brackets and signs are cut from 0.060" acrylic on the Muse.

The Blooming Onion is another matter. I've cut out a lot of the parts and I'm not sure exactly how many there will be all together. Most likely more than a hundred. It's a fairly complicated structure that will require a decent amount of precision, but it should fit together like a Chinese puzzle. Well, what we used to call a Chinese puzzle. It is neither Chinese nor a puzzle, so I've no idea what the PC term for such a combobulation is nowadays. Those photos are still in the works.

Robert

LINK to SNSR Blog


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Posted by Pruitt on Saturday, November 23, 2019 11:55 AM

I remember that bank building! It was built in the very early 1960's. It housed the Wyoming National Bank. It went through several different banks (bank buy-outs on top of each other?). It wasa real cool building when it was built. A few years ago I visited, and was shocked at how it was aging.

Now I'm living in Casper again. It great to see all these places again (the Rialto, the American, and the bank building). I am very much missing "The New Wonder Bar" though. Wonder what it became?

Garfield elementary, where I went to 4th through 6th grade, is now a church! How things change!!

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Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Saturday, November 23, 2019 11:03 AM

garya

Wow, an original and unique structure that will certainly be a challenging scratchbuild.  Good luck to you, and please post pictures.   

Hey Gary -

Even though Casper is a good 250 miles away, most of the visitors who see my layout in person will recognize those buildings. Or at least I hope they will if I do a good enough job of it.

The layout will include several other Casper buildings.

One is the Rialto Theatre, a glamorous movie palace built in the 1920s. Well, not too glamorous; this is Wyoming after all.

Another is the Natrona Country Library, which has a teriffic sculpture of Prometheus in the triangular pavilion out front. It started out as a simple Carnegie Library in 1910 or so, but has been enlarged and remodeled over the years. One unique feature of the enlarged building is that the rear wall is cut to a 20-degree skewed angle. That was because the remodel butted the enlarged footprint of the building up against the old CNW Railroad right-of-way that cut diagonally across the rectangular grid of Casper streets. The tracks have been abandoned and the right-of-way is now a hike and bike trail. There's a large sundial and gazebo in a small park back there that I will try to include.

Robert 

 

LINK to SNSR Blog


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Posted by hon30critter on Saturday, November 23, 2019 7:55 AM

ROBERT PETRICK
I am scratch-building a version in N Scale (for my home layout) and in HO Scale (for the club layout). Details and photos to follow shortly.

Hi Robert,

Do I see some 3D printing in the works?

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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