Carving

[selector]

Well, you may be dismayed when I suggest that you model the mountain side, or slope, down into that area. That means you will have to form and add some layers on the other side of the close portal, but carve them so that the mountain slopes toward the closer lower track and along towards the approach to the far portal.

That means eating up that chunk of space, but not necessarily all of it. Or, you could make it a steep rocky bluff, or cliff, pretty much as it is. However, I think, based only on the foreshortening of the view, that you may have too little room on that upper deck for much of an operation. Maybe a different, higher, angle shot will convince me otherwise. If you slope that space, you could model a dirt road with switchbacks up to the logging operation. A small log cabin, maybe a horse shed and paddock somewhere up the slope? Don't forget a single power line and some poles? Or was is a steam operation at that time? If steam, how did they get the water to the mill? A pipe line is needed, or a stream nearby? Was it wood fired steam, or coal? See how the thinking goes?

I feel strongly that the area right next to your bench end & backdrop, on the extreme upper left, will look unnatural, or odd, unless you find a way to model the continuation of the mountain slope up that way, with trees, of course. This may be difficult to accomplish with the track configuration as you show it. If you see what I mean, and concede the point, can you make a sharper first turn at the top and bring that line closer to the first 'bluff' edge corner, thus straightening it out a bit? That will free up more space in the corner. Just a thought.

Anyway, I had better shut up before you get into a frenzy and do something drastic.

By the way, I am very pleased about the way you have gone about this. You have benefitted from a lot of experience on this forum, and I feel that you will end up with an excellent layout based on the folks' advice here. Unfortunately, along with that come stops and starts, re-designs, undos, and so one. Not based solely on MY advice, mind you, so don't make any decisions just yet. Others will chime in.

"Steady as she goes."

"Aye, steady."

"Midships."

"Midships."

[jacon12]

QUOTE: Originally posted by selector

What is going into the space just past the closest portal? The open space below where your logging camp will sit. Bear with me, because I am going to suggest how to carve and glue depending on your response.

So far, so good, by the way.

Have you elected to keep your top layer or two liftable to retrieve stuff that derails in that tunnel?

That's a darned good question Crandell, seeing as how I've changed my mind about what going there about 4 times already.
The original plan was for the sawmill operation to be on the upper level, then finished lumber brought down to a small yard by the mainline. It was to be picked up there and delivered to a retail lumber yard and one other business. Then the more research I did the more I realized I wanted to model the area the logs were cut and put on the cars, so now that will be on the upper level, the logs brought down to a sawmill and my latest plan was for that sawmill to be located down in the area you mentioned. BUT... this is taking up so much of my layout space, I really want more businesses to deliver other types of goods to. I do have the entire other end of the dogbone still open so as for now the sawmill will go in that area.
NOW, whats your suggestion..[:p]
Jarrell

[jacon12]

QUOTE: Originally posted by pcarrell

It would be much easier to work on somewhere off the layout. It would make cleanup much easier too. Just make sure to test your progress regularly so you don't go to far.

Keep sending those posts and pics. We're all watching!

"Keep sending those posts and pics. We're all watching!"
I know! If this fails it'll be in front of God and everybody. But, I'm not sure how you fail at this. Just quit maybe or get mad and bash it to pieces? Naaaay... to expensive.
I'm going to glue and move it, thats gotta be easier.
Thanks,
Jarrell

[selector]

What is going into the space just past the closest portal? The open space below where your logging camp will sit. Bear with me, because I am going to suggest how to carve and glue depending on your response.

So far, so good, by the way.

Have you elected to keep your top layer or two liftable to retrieve stuff that derails in that tunnel?

[pcarrell]

It would be much easier to work on somewhere off the layout. It would make cleanup much easier too. Just make sure to test your progress regularly so you don't go to far.

Keep sending those posts and pics. We're all watching!

[jacon12]

I would like your thoughts on how to proceed with carving my foam 'mountain'..

I think the way to go would be for me to glue all the layers to one another but not glue the entire thing to the foam base, not yet anyway. It would be much easier to work on it with it sitting on a work table than up on the layout. I know I need to keep as much of the top layer as possible for the logging camp and other structures. I have two tracks there, one for loads and one for empties. Any advice or suggestions greatly appreciated.
Jarrell