Nice work Joe.
OK, so I think I'm going to relay the mainline with Unitrak, and then expand the industrial switching in the back to two tracks. The far hill will also be gone, although my width will remain the same. I will probably get rid of the extension though. I may go ahead and build the show layout as well. Decisions, decisions. Did I mention I'm also saving up for a laptop? lol
Sawyer Berry
Clemson University c/o 2018
Building a protolanced industrial park layout
Sawyer, just a thought, don't go so crazy changing your mind that you end up starting a layout that you'll never finish before college. I almost did that, and now I'm rushing to get it done before next June. Fortunately, I'm almost done (for now), and it's not that big of a deal if I don't get every tree planted. I decided that I needed to stop planning (read: procrastinating) and that I needed to just go ahead and build. If I waited much longer, there would be no chance of getting the layout complete (more or less) by June 2012.
Photos:
The Andover Stone & Gravel scene is nearly complete. I just need to finish one last patch of gravel adjacent to the bakery and add some fencing, and it will be complete. And, of course, get a bunch more cars for the unit train...Andover Stone & Gravel by ns3010, on Flickr
The paving crews began work yesterday at Kuiken Brothers Lumber. They still need to do some touchup, but the first two sections are otherwise done.Paving by ns3010, on Flickr
And the pair of CN gondolas for scrap service:Gondolas by ns3010, on Flickr
My Model Railroad: Tri State RailMy Photos on Flickr: FlickrMy Videos on Youtube: YoutubeMy Photos on RRPA: RR Picture Archives
Packers#1 I'm seriously giving thought to redoing my layout. The track is dirty, but overall I'm just not happy with the performance of the layout.
I'm seriously giving thought to redoing my layout. The track is dirty, but overall I'm just not happy with the performance of the layout.
Let me give some advice, having been through this before. Go modular. What I have found for these situations which I have found as very useful is to build a layout in sections. My layout is 3X9 feet, and is a mere portion of what I want to do, however, the current section has two important parts about it: alone, it is self contained, and needs little work, beyond actually completing it to make it, operational; and, when combined with a newer section, it is complementary, and will create a layout with plenty of operational opportunity. Building my layout in sections allows me to perfect each section, and if Im not happy with the whole thing, little is lost. So, in your case, build the warehouse, then the town, and whatever else, and connect the sections each time they are completed. When going back and looking at, say, the warehouse, you might not like it, as your modeling skills could have improved, so all you need to do, is create a new warehouse section. Trust me on this, it works.
~John, executive editor of MRCV, and chief engineer for the BWTC
~G4
19 Years old, modeling the Cowlitz, Chehalis, and Cascade Railroad of Western Washington in 1927 in 6X6 feet.
Acela, I think the focus on that picture makes it really neat.
Joe, sounds like a good time.
I'm seriously giving thought to redoing my layout. The track is dirty, but overall I'm just not happy with the performance of the layout. I'm thinking I'll make a move to Kato unitrak on the mainline and Kato switches off the mainline, while switches off passing sidings and industrial areas will be Micro Engineering. I have a couple ideas, from going to a 6x6 or 6x8 design to widening my current 2x8 footprint to 2'3" or 2 and a half feet (not sure which). If I did the later, I'd have a nice mainline scene on one side with a bridge over a nice river, then have the branchline split off, supposedly with Clay Creek Junction justtttttttttt around the bend. I'd then have an end of the line scene with several warehouses etc to show off my boxcars, with a town scene in between. I'm not sure. First thing I will do is make a list of scenes I would want to include, then plan around that. Overall I believe I'll keep the current layout as it is for a while, but build a small mainline layout as well. who knows, I may go back to the original extension plan. Oh how fun possibilities can be
Nice work, Sawyer!
Acela, great shot! As a novice photographer, I actually love playing with the focus for different results.
I made a stop by the LHS today to pick up some more supplies. I got a bottle of Scenic CEMENT (which works way better than water and glue, IMO) -not glue-, two bags of ballast (one each of gray and gray blend), a two pack of sheet styrene, and a pair of Walthers 65' Drop-End Gondolas painted for CN (for use with the not-modeled scrapper on the far end of the line).
I continued ballasting, and the track at Andover Stone & Gravel is nearly done. That's easy, since the entire thing is completely embedded in the ballast, but the rest of the layout (which will be done normally) will be a difficult learning experience.I also began paving the lot at Kuiken Brothers Lumber with the sheet styrene. I have one sheet cut, painted, Dullcoted, and in place, and the other is cut, painted, Dullcoted, and will be laid down tomorrow. So far, I am pleased with this method of paving, so it looks like I'll be needing a lot more styrene for the rest of the KBL lot and the lots at the Team Track and bakery. I'm still deciding on what I'll do for the overpass.
I'll have photos tomorrow once the second piece of styrene is in place.
Nice photos! I am waiting on an order for some manual switch machines, then I think I can start on some scenery (finally!). And I think an Atlas Genset may be in the future... In the meantime, here is an old photo of good ole no. 214 creeping (at prototypical Amtrak speed) across a Fleischman bridge. (sorry that it's so blurry)
Happy Modeling!
Acela
The timbers beneath the rails are not the only ties that bind on the railroad. --Robert S. McGonigal
Well, I had a vid last week, but I finally took some good old pics. First up is the bed for Clay Creek. I laid the switch across to show the tracks; I have a scratchbashed bridge made from a code 80 Atlas bridge in the works.
Next up is the Clay Creek Industrial Park. In the back is a plastic pellet distributor; up front I'm not sure, and the middle industry is still in limbo.
Finally here's the latest work on the corner. I bought some Tempra paint at Hobby Lobby (couldn't find any acrylic at wally world). It's a bit bright, but I'll try toning it down. Also painted some grass; I'll be putting bushes over that and we'll see how it looks.
Acela, I'm also the lone guy with a layout, although I know a kid who's got a loop of track. I model N scale and have pure DC power. Hopefully my latest update video will load so's I can share it (it's till saving so we'll see).
My layout is 2x8 feet with a small extension on one end. All the spurs face one way and there's no passing siding and one line, so there's no point in a passing siding. I run a variety of 4 axle power from Atlas, but my favorite are my U23Bs (followed closely by my C420)
EDIT: finished! video
I'm kinda both DC and DCC. I use a Bachmann E-Z Command to power my layout (for now). But, none of my locomotives have decoders (I had a Bachmann DCC On Board that came with the E-Z Command, but that was less than worhtless garbage). I use the E-Z C's DC function (address 10) to power all my locomotives.And that's how I burned out the circut board on my brand new Atlas Genset (which I finally sent in for replacement, BTW). Good thing Atlas told us that there was a compatibility issue between the board and a DCC controller in DC mode...
Once I go back to work in May, I plan to decoderize my fleet and buy a Digitrax Zephyr system. At that time, I will also expand my rolling stock fleet and finish up scenery.
I love that BL-2, of which I am proud owner! It is in Western Maryland livery, but has a scale low speed of about 40 But I guess that is what you get for $20 at a train show...and I have also seen a lot of repowering kits for them. Are you guys running DCC or do you still have good ole pure DC power?
Acela026 Guilford Guy: Hi my name is Alex and I'm an ALCOholic... and you? I am more of an EMD guy myself, but I LOVE the PA-1. I have never found one, but my goal in life (OK,OK, OK maybe this year) is to find (or custom paint) a PA-1 in D&H livery. Acela
Guilford Guy: Hi my name is Alex and I'm an ALCOholic... and you?
Hi my name is Alex and I'm an ALCOholic... and you?
I am more of an EMD guy myself, but I LOVE the PA-1. I have never found one, but my goal in life (OK,OK, OK maybe this year) is to find (or custom paint) a PA-1 in D&H livery.
I like me a healthy mix of ALCO's and EMD's. Maybe the occasional GE thrown in, but it has to be a standard cab.
Unfortunately, I have no place for ALCO's in my roster. Mostly EMD's and a handful of C40-8s.
Guilford Guy Hi my name is Alex and I'm an ALCOholic... and you?
I'm Joe. I think you can figure out nearly anything you could want to know about me (train wise) from the links in my signature. "Tri State Rail" goes to my model railroad's website. "Flickr" goes to my Flickr account, which has modeling, prototype, and non-railroading photos. "Youtube" goes to my Youtube account with prototype and model railroad videos. "RR Picture Archives" goes to my Railroad Picture Archives account, which has "real" train photos.
If there's still anything you'd like to ask me, go ahead. Just about anything goes.
Nice little setup you got there! Judging by your assortment of rolling stock, would I be correct in assuming that there is no specific prototype?
And happy Friday, Friday, gotta get... this song out of my head... back at ya!
Guilford Guy Hi my name is Alex and I'm an ALCOholic
Hi my name is Alex and I'm an ALCOholic
Wow... Just. Wow. No comment.
This unit just needs primer on the cab, nose, and handrails. The other RS3m still needs a windshield.
Alex
Hi everyone!
I live in Oklahoma, deviod of any LHS within 30 miles, and have a 4x8 HO layout. I am planning in an extension (4x4) with a turntable, and hope to be on DCC (NCE Powercab) by the end of the year. Right now my motive power is a mismatch of various locos & roads. I would love to get a GP38-2 to handle low-speed switching. (RIght now the only loco fit for the job is a Spectrum Amtrak F40PH, which looks a bit akward) I do not have any scenery on the layout so far, but the tracklaying and wiring is complete so I could start "breaking ground" anytime. The only problem is, I am on the local swim team, which eats up most of after-school modeling time. Photos of my layout HERE.
Happy Friday!
PS-And I am the only "weirdo" in school that likes trains. Of course.
Acela! We do not have any kind of "initiation" process, and are always welcoming to new members! Feel free to tell us more about yourself and your modeling interests.
GG, great job on those hoppers! I'd sign up for a few if I had made provisions for dumping live loads...
Well, with spring break getting ready to wrap up, I'm sad to say that I didn't have a whole lot of time to spend on model railroading. Fortunately, lacrosse ends in 19 days, and I'll have plenty of free time for about a month. Then, I go down the shore for the summer. Good news there is I'll have a job again, bad news is no MRRing. But I have a secret project for that, but I'll discuss that at another point in time...
Hey-- Is this a thread for designated members only or can any MRRing teen join in? Acela
Hey--
Is this a thread for designated members only or can any MRRing teen join in?
So I finally did some modeling again...
watch?v=jHqHffNHq90
Happy Easter!
Sawyer, good call on the Dullcote. Never thought of that. The front loader is way oversized, so that will be replaced. The bulldozer is relatively close to scale, so that will stay. And get Dullcoted.
On Wednesday, I somehow found some spare time (because so far, the rest of break hasn't provided any...), so I made a short switching video. It would look a lot better if the track was ballasted, the loco had decals and handrails, the cars had decals, and there was a backdrop, but I'm making do with what I have for the time being. Anyway, here it is:BY1-20 Switching
Enjoy!
Joe, nice progress. I'd hit the construction equipment at Andover Stone & Gravel with at least some dullcoat or something similar to kill that shine. looking good though man!
Well, I have progress, just no pics. Hopefully I'll have that corrected soon though.
Sorry to double post, but I have photos!
https://sites.google.com/site/tristaterail/layoutabout/blog/sceneryblitz
Also, I have a pair of signal sheds on the way from Walthers. They were backordered. If they knew that it would only be a few days before they came in, I wish they would have held my entire order so that I wouldn't have to pay shipping twice. Ten bucks to ship a seven or so dollar item is ridiculous!
[Taylor, thanks, and good luck on those SAT's. I think I'm gonna take them in May, is that when you are?And Sawyer's the one on break, not me. Break for us doesn't start until the 20th, but then we dont go back until the 2nd.
My order came in today. Here's the contents:-Grand Central Gems trees-Grass-Ballast/Gravel-Turnout-3 Bumpers-Scenic Cement-Centerbeam lumber load
I already burned through the bag of trees. Never heard of that brand before, but they're really nice. I'll need a lot more of those.The three bumpers are in place, and hopefully the replacement turnout can be installed in the next few days. After that, trackwork will be 100% complete.The lumber load makes the centerbeams look way better, but they are a massive PITA to remove from the cars. Still, I'll need a few more of those (and a few more centerbeams to put them on).
I know that Elmers and water works fine for scenery glue, but I figured that I'd give the Scenic Cement (not GLUE this time! ) a shot just to see if it's the same, or if it's better.
I'm hoping to get to some more scenery (mostly gravel and grass) this weekend. If time allows, I would also like to finish up the PL42AC once and for all. I want to hold off on ballasting until I can get the feeders soldered.
Anyways, here's a few photos. I'll try and have a lot more over the weekend.
BTW, those trees are stratetgically placed to hide equipment on the staging tracks behind them. They're so effective, that you probably wouldn't know if I hadn't told you!
Sorry guys, always busy when you come bakc from spring break! Joe good luck, im taking sats soon and not prepared at all! Joe have fun on break, wish I was on break again.
Bear Down!
Thanks Joe. Have fun waiting for that package; I'm on spring break so I have some time for model rring. going by a hobby shop in Augusta Tuesday probably; hopefully going to pick up some white paint and get workin on fixing my CSRY scheme.
Nice work!
My package should be coming in early this week, but I probably won't get to any modeling until the weekend (at the earliest) because I'm taking ACT's on Saturday, and I feel 1000% (yes, that third zero is there on purpose) underprepared. The good news is that, if I don't do well, I'll still be able to retake them in June or in the fall.
Page 3 guys?
Well, took some pics of my layout and my work so far:
U23B #6330 rounding the curve:
Up Close and Personal:
The crossing in the small town
My big project car. Still need to add the CSRY and number
Fuzzy downtown overview (sorry guys)
Main street stores
The left hill
Joe, sounds like a good order.
Well, got a bit of scenery work done last night when I was unwinding. It's not much, I'll get pics when it's a bit more further along.
Pfft, rain. We're getting SNOW on Friday! Great April Fools joke... HAHA LOL LMAO NOT FUNNY...
Tonight I placed an order with Walthers. I got a lot of stuff for a hundred bucks. I lucked out because a lot of stuff that I wanted happened to be on sale this month. Here's the most notable things, mostly scenery stuff:- Replacement turnout for the one that I broke during installation- The last three bumpers I need, and then trackwork will be DONE!- More grass- More gravel. Actually it's ballast, but I'm using it as gravel (ballast will be a darker shade of gray)- The first set of trees for the layout. It's only a box of 20, but it'll make the layout look that much closer to completion.- And some other not as important things
I still don't have photos of the stuff I did over the weekend, because it's too dark to take photos in the basement by the time I get home from practice. Hopefully I can get them this weekend. They're coming. Eventually.
John, see, that'd be good except I have rugby and a soccer reffing meeting the rest of this week. and on top of that I'm getin paid $40 to rake out a backyard...which I can't do unless it doesn't rain. so I'll just haveta wait until the weekend. Saturday is gonna be BUSY