Hey everyone,
Joe i'm glad your back! Sounds like you have been really busy.
Sawyer, thanks for the words and oh man March, long time, can you last that long?
-Taylor
Bear Down!
Joe! Get the benchwork up asap, because it's the biggest thing you can do. Once you get it up, the enormity of tasks will be greatly diminished and you will be able to accomplish a lot for every time you go to the "Train Dungeon"
Sawyer, is there anything that specifically limits you to march? If I were you, I would suffer from knitting rather soon. (As I discovered with my broken leg, You know a Model Railroader has suffered from a lack of exposure to Model Railroading when he takes up the hobby of knitting. Spending three months in a chair was very boring).
As for me, I have successfully moved to Utah. The layout is here unharmed. Yesterday, I went out to the Hobby Shop and got some WS and Kato figures to pose in photos for the Bradwood Chronicle. I picked out figures for Fred Bradley, Walter Woodard, and Chief Engineer John Gardiner. I hope today to rebuild the stands and to unwrap the two remaining modules. And, of course, homework.
~G4
19 Years old, modeling the Cowlitz, Chehalis, and Cascade Railroad of Western Washington in 1927 in 6X6 feet.
Taylor, any time.
Guys, I will last until March. Reason I think I'll have to wait that long is I won't have the capital I want to start the layout until sometime in December at the earliest, and then rugby will have picked up. and rugby starts in december. I'm projecting during rugby season I'll be so occupied with rugby and school I won't have much time for a model railroad. then when rugby lets up in march I'll have spare time and will have been saving, so hello layout.
And yes I will last. soccer reffing and planning the layout will last until october, then I can get a few more cars and have some weathering projects (even while saving for benchwork and track I'll be building my car fleet). For my b-day I may ask for a U23B and the paint and decal maker to get started on the C&S locos. Then that'll be a project for a while. and then when rugby kicks in that's basically my other hobby.
Sawyer Berry
Clemson University c/o 2018
Building a protolanced industrial park layout
I just took the shay apart and found that it wasnt plug and play, so Ill have to get somebody to install the decoder for me. Got to go to dinner, so sorry for the short message, bye.
Sawyer, I know what you mean about being busy! I'm going to Wildwood next weekend, then my mom's college's homecoming the next weekend (also gonna check out the college then, more on that in a minute), then our homecoming the weekend after, my Eagle project as soon as I can get that started, hockey in November, then Lax in March, and then in May, I'll finally have some free time before I go down the shore for summer in mid/late June!
John, the only thing is that once I get benchwork done, I'll hit a dead end for a while. Dunno when I'll be able to get some track (thought- if I can go to the train show in October and need money for there, then MAYBE I'll just get some track for Christmas. I can wait till then... [I'll just work on my rolling stock fleet for now]).
So my school is having their college fair this weekend, so last night I decided to look at the websites for the schools that will be there that I will look at (I'm going into engineering, maybe civil). So far I like Northeastern and Clarkson, both of which will be there. I still have about a year to decide, but still, scary stuff!
My Model Railroad: Tri State RailMy Photos on Flickr: FlickrMy Videos on Youtube: YoutubeMy Photos on RRPA: RR Picture Archives
Hey Everyone,
Sawyer, Sounds pretty busy, guess you can make it that long. I'm sure you will have so much stuff that when you lay the track you will already need more staging.
Joe, Sounds sweet, and what happened to ez-track you had?
John, That sucks! Atleast ya have someone who can do it and have a shay to play with.
The Watchinson Secondary layout is long gone (almost a year). The Lackawanna Cutoff construction will begin sometime this fall/winter, whenever I get the track.
Coincidentally, in the real world, New Jersey Transit is rebuilding the Lackawanna Cutoff to Andover (Phase II to Scranton is still way off). After being pushed back due to environmental issues, work is finally supposed to begin on the MOS in November.
Hey Joe,
I know your old layout is gone but you didn't save anything from it to put on the new one or make a temporary one? Just wondering, doesn't matter if you did or didn't, I just thought that you would. Oh well.
Im done for the night
ns3010 So my school is having their college fair this weekend, so last night I decided to look at the websites for the schools that will be there that I will look at (I'm going into engineering, maybe civil). So far I like Northeastern and Clarkson, both of which will be there. I still have about a year to decide, but still, scary stuff!
If you're stuck between Northeastern and Clarkson, you might consider that within a few blocks of Northeastern are trolleys running in the middle of the street, and another two blocks from there is a huge concrete trench carrying a subway line, commuter rail, and the Northeast Corridor! Betcha can't get that at Clarkson!
Joe, your schedule is even more packed than mine!
idk though, I may get started on the benchwork before rugby season. See, the problem is around here, you can mention a project, start planning, be ready, and then not get to it for several months. So I'd have to annoy the HECK outta my dad to get this going before I'm too busy to get around to it for a while.
Taylor, if I went double deck I'd probably add a third one for staging. but there's no way I could afford that much benchwork or track.
Sawyer,
The same thing happens to me all the time. Say i'm going to do something, pplan it and end up putting it aside. Don't give up though!
Taylor, the EZ Track was so bad, I just wanted to get rid of it ASAP. Once I get the benchwork built, I can set up a temporary loop using the track I bought from Tyler. That is, if I can find a power source... Hmm...
Tyler, yeah, I have thought of that. That's been a slight factor in why I've been leaning towards NEU... But I've still got a while to decide.
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My stuff from IMW shipped today, so I should have it around Wednesday-Thursdayish.Still don't know about the Atlas Gensets. Soon enough...
Oh, kinda random, but I've decided what else I'll be adding to my NJT roster, in addition to the PL42. Since NJT operates Metro North equipment in pool service, it would only be fair to represent MN in my fleet. I'll have a Metro North F40PH-2CAT like the ones that are currently being rebult by Progress Rail Services. I'll have to kitbash the extended cowl and paint it, so it will be a fun little project. Dunno if I'll be doing 4908, but here it is just so you guys can get a taste of it (BTW, it says F40PH-3C, but NJT's official paperwork calls it a F40PH-2CAT) (photo not mine):http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2200021
4913 (ex-NJTR 4123) is almost done, and 4907 (ex-MNCW 4191) is heading out to Kentucky as I type this.
Ok, I'll stop before I go too far into prototype. I'll save that drivel (yay vocab word!) for Teen Railfan Place...
I don't think the ez track is too bad but like its the only thing I have used. you can buy cheap power sources anywhere for the meantime, but the nyour spending money you won't have later on. Your link doesn't work to the pix but sounds like a fun project.
I agree Joe. Thats one of the reasons I dismantled the IVRW. It ballasted most painfully. Unlike what I have heard with EZ track, the Atlas Snaptrack ballasted surprisingly nicely, except for in between the rails. The thing I observed was that since the plastic came up so high in between the rails, the ballast was annoyingly swept out from between the rails when the paintbrush for getting them off the ties came through.
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Which reminds me. I read through the WS Modurail manual (Ive said it many times before, but cudos to them for astoundingly complete instructions), and confirmed my suspicions that I next have to lay and wire track. I will be laying ME code 70 flextrack with ME and Shinohara Code 70 turnouts. I have never laid flextrack before. Any tips or pointers?
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Before I forget, what do you all think of the "Great Oregon Earthquake" issue in the BWC (Bradwood Chronicle)? You cant find the link to the BWTC below.
IVRW Which reminds me. I read through the WS Modurail manual (Ive said it many times before, but cudos to them for astoundingly complete instructions), and confirmed my suspicions that I next have to lay and wire track. I will be laying ME code 70 flextrack with ME and Shinohara Code 70 turnouts. I have never laid flextrack before. Any tips or pointers?
Eeesh! Learning how to lay flextrack by starting with expensive (and exacting) ME and Shinohara Code 70 is A BAD IDEA. Buy a small box of cheap Code 100 Atlas flextrack and a bit of Atlas snap-track (to practice connecting to non-flextrack like switches, but cheaper than using real switches) and try laying some curves, straights, etc. Don't solder yet, just lay different configurations and get the feel of working with flextrack.
When it comes to laying the real stuff, take it slow. Make sure to clean up the cut rail ends with a file otherwise it will come back to haunt you (especially with Code 70). Gaps at rail joints are NOT ACCEPTABLE. You want this track to be the very image of perfection. Once you're all done, put in several hours of train run-time over each section of track before you solder the joints. Push long cuts of cars over it, run at different speeds, etc, to make sure that track is bulletproof.
Trust me, I've learned all this the hard way, and spent hours and mucho $$$ fixing it and doing it over. And that was with Code 100, which is much harder to screw up.
TrainManTy Push long cuts of cars over it, run at different speeds, etc, to make sure that track is bulletproof.
Push long cuts of cars over it, run at different speeds, etc, to make sure that track is bulletproof.
Um, well, funny story. With my current roster, I can only have a one car train.
I kinda get what your saying here. Test the track before I make anything permanent, file the cut ends nicely, and play around with the track before I do anything. I am most positive that my father, who left the house fuming today, would not take kindly to me buying more stuff just to play with. For one thing, ME track bends and stays, so its not like it will bend back and I will have to hold it. So are those the basics?
Taylor, you weren't around the last time I went through the trackplanning process were you? I came up with idk how many plans and freelanced railroads. it was, a very creative process. this time it jsut kind of wound up boiling down tot he amount of space etc I could devote to the railroad.
John, I've tried laying Atlas code 55 flextrack, and also code 80. It really is important to practice man, otherwise, well, you're going to end up with some CRAPPY trackwork. personal experience is not kind. And I've dealt with parents in bad moods plenty of times. wait until they're in a good mood, and mention about the flextrack and sectional. Also mention the price difference between geting this track and getting new ME and Shinora track.
Tyler, thanks for the idea of practice. I'll see about getitng some code 80 flex, I already have some sectional. I'd rather not mess up the nice ME track that's $22 for 18 ft. >.<
Packers#1 Taylor, you weren't around the last time I went through the trackplanning process were you? I came up with idk how many plans and freelanced railroads. it was, a very creative process. this time it jsut kind of wound up boiling down tot he amount of space etc I could devote to the railroad. >.<
Taylor, you weren't around the last time I went through the trackplanning process were you? I came up with idk how many plans and freelanced railroads. it was, a very creative process. this time it jsut kind of wound up boiling down tot he amount of space etc I could devote to the railroad. >.<
I wasn't here for that but makes alot more sense! Ya, when I was thinking of making a new one I made atleast 50 on paper of like rough sketches but ya they never came to anything.
IVRW I kinda get what your saying here. Test the track before I make anything permanent, file the cut ends nicely, and play around with the track before I do anything. I am most positive that my father, who left the house fuming today, would not take kindly to me buying more stuff just to play with. For one thing, ME track bends and stays, so its not like it will bend back and I will have to hold it. So are those the basics?
One thing if your checking your plan and what not, try using double sided tape to tempararaly holding track. And I'm glad to know that now that I've ordered some ME code 70 for my 4x8.
Taylor, yeah man. Hey, the way I see it is you distill all the different ideas until one finally sticks in your mind and then you realize that that is what you want to model.
Kyrin, hey man, that's a good idea. after I practice the flextrack I'll give my full trackplan a whirl and make sure it works out.
Taylor, maybe you should try that link again. It works fine for me. RRPA always seems to be down for some reason, but I know it's fine now.
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Hopefully, I'll be able to get the foam and second sheet of plywood, and then cut said plywood, on Friday, unless something else pops up between now and then. At least it will be one step closer to layout completion (not to mention the first thing I've done since I started it seven months ago... )!
Guess what guys? I'm getting a whopping SIX DOLLAR REFUND on my IMW order!!!!! Now it's only costing me $100.45!The decal sets have their own shipping, and the PL42 shell has it's own shipping, but since it's all one order, it got duplicated, so I'm getting half my shipping costs back! Yayyyyy! That's enough for, well, basically nothing... A jar of paint?
Oh, and I met with the pastor at the church where I'll be doing my Eagle Project, and while we will be working on the 23rd (day of the Mass Transit Modelers show), I think I can still make it in the afternoon...
For some reason I can post images on the fourm.
If the link above didnt work heres the links to my new N scale layout in my dorm room, its not much but its nice to have with me here at college!
http://img189.imageshack.us/i/img6750d.jpg/
BigBlue, you have to put them in tags.
You have to use the .jpg link, such as this one:
http://img823.imageshack.us/i/img9134.jpg
If done correctly, it should look like this:
EDIT: didn't work. IDK why...
Yeah something changed when the forum changed over, Im not sure
BBC, there is a small button two buttons to the left of the smily faces. It looks like a roll of film with a (+) button. Click it, and a small window will pop up, asking for the direct link to the photo, no HTML, just the link you get when you click the photo to view it. Insert the link, and poof! a picture appeareth!
Joe! You didnt tell us you were a Life scout! Congrats! Whats your EP?
Joe, Ya the link works now and thats going to look good on a layout.
Sawyer, ya there is some truth to that. I bet alot of modelers would agree.
John and Joe, i'm guessing your scouts but what is an ep?
Eagle Project. Its a community service project run by the eagle to be, and if it is deemed good enough, you become an eagle, the highest rank in scouting.
Yeah, the EP threw me off too. But I got it after a few seconds...I'm going to rehab the stage in the church basement where I used to go to school. I'll be building a wooden platform, a soffit (small wall extending from the ceiling to hide crap that would be too hard to actually fix), and painting the area.What's yours?
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So, today I completely killed my chances of going to that train show. I splurged on an unexpected trip to the LHS. I decided I'd go, mostly to look, and grabbed a few jars of paint. But then on my way to the register, I noticed a Athearn BB GP50 at a really good price, and just couldn't resist. There goes the money I was keeping for the show... Oh well, at least it was worth it!
Oh, and my IMW order came today. The shell is absolutely beautiful, real quality work. Can't wait to get it painted and decaled.
I have three possibilities. A) restore a hiking trail, B) Build a baseball park, C) Contact the governor of Utah and tell him I have plans to restore some of the track at Golden Spike NHS to operating condition so that the NPS can run excursions, then contact the 4 Major Railroads of America, and ask them to donate some rail, ties, spikes, laying equipment, and recreated coaches. This is the most likely possibility. I have the letter written, and I just need to give it to the Governor. If he's on my side, this project cant fail.