cudaken Paul from GA, the way you are starting out is the best way, simple. You and your son will enjoy it for sometime.Then, if you want the bigger layout I will have the plain and you will be ready for more of a challenge. Looking forward to see what you and your son gets done this weekend. Is 5.2 inches in height OK? Are you still planing on the Walther's Mining Company? If you are still planing on the mine, do you want it as a drive through or can it be a stub end yard? Paulus Jas, thanks for the reminder. I am not ready at this point to post any pictures yet, still needs some work. Ken
Paul from GA, the way you are starting out is the best way, simple. You and your son will enjoy it for sometime.Then, if you want the bigger layout I will have the plain and you will be ready for more of a challenge.
Looking forward to see what you and your son gets done this weekend.
Is 5.2 inches in height OK?
Are you still planing on the Walther's Mining Company? If you are still planing on the mine, do you want it as a drive through or can it be a stub end yard?
Paulus Jas, thanks for the reminder. I am not ready at this point to post any pictures yet, still needs some work.
Ken
AAAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It takes me FOREVER and an ETERNITY to get on this #*&(^%$@ website!!!!!!!! I keep getting "Safari redirects" when trying to respond to a post. I FINALLY get on, sometimes after DAYS of trying and I have contacted these people SEVERAL times and all I get is a runaround when I KNOW what it is. It's THEIR FORUM SOFTWARE!!! Not enough bandwidth.
Okay, so hi Ken,
If I get a chance I would like to post what I want to do.
I want to model the Wingate layout but it's REAL tough for me and ENDLESS frustration because I just cannot seem to think in three dimensions. I know I have mentioned this before but this is a REAL SERIOUS ISSUE with me.
So I feel like a deer in the headlights.
What I want to do is Wingate like I said and I posted a picture of the layout before but I wanna change it. I don't want that backdrop splitting the layout but I still want the river. I want to use the mining company and some of the other structures I have.
No elevations at all. None, zip, nada.
Now, there's a bridge on a curve which is a HUGE headache for me because there aren't ANY bridges that are curved so my LHS guy said I should MAKE a bridge out of styrene and use the trusses from the Warren truss bridge I already have. Only problem is it'll be wide. And I have never built a bridge from scratch.
I suddenly wish I had never gotten into this hobby.
Stressors:
Trying to figure out how to lay the darned track, ESPECIALLY flex track.
There isn't a grid on the layout so I have no reference points of where to start.
Digging down for the river and building UP for the wooden auto bridge.
I can wire, build structures (EXCEPT for the TICHY water tower which comes with NOTHING!!!!! in the way of instruction except POOR black and white SCANS), I can do the scenery, build rolling stock, weather, and a lot of other things but I'm FROZEN because I have NO ONE IN THE WORLD to help me in PERSON!!! ARGH! I have never been so frustrated so I'm gonna put it all on hold till I get around to it. Too much stress.
So Paul, you want me to work on the Wingate only?
I hate Rust
Hi Ken, I guess. Yeah. But will this cost anything for you to do? Because I can't afford to have a pro do all this CAD stuff. This is driving me crazy. Flex track isn't as easy as it's cracked up to be. I don't even know what to lay down first and where.
Paul_in_GAI want to model the Wingate layout but it's REAL tough for me and ENDLESS frustration because I just cannot seem to think in three dimensions. I know I have mentioned this before but this is a REAL SERIOUS ISSUE with me. So I feel like a deer in the headlights. What I want to do is Wingate like I said and I posted a picture of the layout before but I wanna change it. I don't want that backdrop splitting the layout but I still want the river. I want to use the mining company and some of the other structures I have. No elevations at all. None, zip, nada. Now, there's a bridge on a curve which is a HUGE headache for me because there aren't ANY bridges that are curved so my LHS guy said I should MAKE a bridge out of styrene and use the trusses from the Warren truss bridge I already have. Only problem is it'll be wide. And I have never built a bridge from scratch. I suddenly wish I had never gotten into this hobby. Stressors: Trying to figure out how to lay the darned track, ESPECIALLY flex track. There isn't a grid on the layout so I have no reference points of where to start. Digging down for the river and building UP for the wooden auto bridge. I can wire, build structures (EXCEPT for the TICHY water tower which comes with NOTHING!!!!! in the way of instruction except POOR black and white SCANS), I can do the scenery, build rolling stock, weather, and a lot of other things but I'm FROZEN because I have NO ONE IN THE WORLD to help me in PERSON!!! ARGH! I have never been so frustrated so I'm gonna put it all on hold till I get around to it. Too much stress.
Paul, I've been busy (among other things) helping a friend try to straighten out some electrical problems with a car, but I'll see if I can make some free time this week for a visit in person. You have my number, call me if needed.
Brad
EMD - Every Model Different
ALCO - Always Leaking Coolant and Oil
CSX - Coal Spilling eXperts
Hi Ken,
I 've made a dedicated "new map" for BITMAPdrawings. When uploading a pic into Photobucket using "upload / select" you will find the map where you have stored your pictures.
Hi Paul,
start with making a copy of the Wingate plan and draw the gridlines on the plan yourself.
The best way to start laying track is to begin with the turnouts.The gridlines will come handy. Then the 180 degree end-curves should be laid out. A yardstick or templates are needed to get that done properly. Closing the remaining caps is done last. I found a good book very helpful, however those were the days before the WWW. For laying out handmade track, I needed a model railroad friend; looking back more for encouragement then for anything else. You will find your way.
Wish you the best
Smile
Paul
Paulus Jas Hi Ken, I 've made a dedicated "new map" for BITMAPdrawings. When uploading a pic into Photobucket using "upload / select" you will find the map where you have stored your pictures. Hi Paul, start with making a copy of the Wingate plan and draw the gridlines on the plan yourself. The best way to start laying track is to begin with the turnouts.The gridlines will come handy. Then the 180 degree end-curves should be laid out. A yardstick or templates are needed to get that done properly. Closing the remaining caps is done last. I found a good book very helpful, however those were the days before the WWW. For laying out handmade track, I needed a model railroad friend; looking back more for encouragement then for anything else. You will find your way. Wish you the best Smile Paul
Hi Paul, I have tried starting with the turnouts but it is still difficult. My son even drew gridlines on the plan but it's not accurate. I wish I could express in words how frustrating this is for a newbie who has no one to help him in person. Once I can see how it's done and get some help I'm sure everything else will fall in place. I have tried using a yardstick and a pen but nothing seems to line up and it's hard to keep the flextrack in place even with pins. I am THIS close to giving up.
twcenterprises
Brad, I left a message on your phone this morning.
As far as making turnouts fit, just get one each of what you think you need, make photocopies, and place them on the table top to see how the trackwork flows through them. Once you are happy, then start investing in your turnouts. Saves a lot of time and effort.
The Lehigh Valley Railroad, the Route of the Black Diamond Express, John Wilkes and Maple Leaf.
-Jake, modeling the Barclay, Towanda & Susquehanna.
Lehigh Valley 2089 As far as making turnouts fit, just get one each of what you think you need, make photocopies, and place them on the table top to see how the trackwork flows through them. Once you are happy, then start investing in your turnouts. Saves a lot of time and effort.
I have all the turnouts and flextrack I need. The difficulty is pinning them in place and getting the flextrack to meet up with the turnouts.
Paul_in_GA Flex track isn't as easy as it's cracked up to be. I don't even know what to lay down first and where.
Flex track isn't as easy as it's cracked up to be. I don't even know what to lay down first and where.
What brand of flex track are you using?
Rich
Alton Junction
richhotrain Paul_in_GA Flex track isn't as easy as it's cracked up to be. I don't even know what to lay down first and where. What brand of flex track are you using? Rich
1 Peco, three Atlas, and a bunch of Walthers, all code 83. I just accumulated it at random.
Paul_in_GA richhotrain Paul_in_GA Flex track isn't as easy as it's cracked up to be. I don't even know what to lay down first and where. What brand of flex track are you using? Rich 1 Peco, three Atlas, and a bunch of Walthers, all code 83. I just accumulated it at random.
I have never worked with Walthers flex track, so no help there.
I have tried Peco flex track, and I hate it. It bends all over the place like a snake, and it is hard to restores it to a relatively straight section.
In my experience, Atlas flex track is the easiest to work with, and it is all that I use anymore.
I differ with Paulus Jas on the installation of turnouts. I never put down the turnouts first. I lay the flex track until I get close to the desired position of the turnout and then I install the turnout.
Paul, on getting on the site, have you tried Fire Fox? I believe you are using a Mac. Couple folks in the dinner use Mac's and have no problem getting on. Drop by I will buy you a beer and ask about the Mac thing.
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/210372.aspx
Start at around page 52.
Far as starting a layout here is a few pictures.
First I made some paper tin plates by tracing around some 18 and 22 inch turns. I know, you are using flex track.You can make a big compass with a pieces of wood with 18, 22. 24 or what ever radius you need. Then I used push pins to lay the tin plate to see how it felt so to speak. (You can see some of the tin plates I had used)
Next, I tested fitted my road bed, I use cork. In the above picture you can see it being held down with push pin's. When I was happy, I traced the out line on both sides and pull the road bed. I then spread my latex chalk and applied the chalk and held in places with the push pins.
My next step (we talked some on the phone) spayed a guild coat on the cork (don't think you can do this with the woodland scenic stuff) and sanded the cork with 120 grit sand paper to make smooth. You might want to do this step on the foam bases where the track will be laid then glue down the road bed.
Then I tracked down my track with track nails and give it a test run. (after I add the need feeders) Unlike many here, I do not chalk my track down, I added a few extra spike holes with a 3/16 drill bite. Once (in my case if) I add ballast it will hold the track in places. My K-10 Mining section has been up and running for 4 years with just the track nails holding it in places!
Far as the Flex Track, I have never used Peco. I am off Thursday, up want to talk on the phone? It can be a at first, but you will get the hang of it.
Far as the Wingate plan, all you want me to do is fit in the mine? Give me some idea what you want to change and I will be happy to help. On the mine, can I make a dead end mine or do you want to make it a drive through mine? (for a lack of better term)
Here is a very rough plan for a 5 X 14 track. Still needs a ton of work.
Green and Blue track is either up or down 2 % grade. All black track is at the 5.2 inches in height. Green track is on the bottom level. That is the part I need to work on! Need to find the room to fit a few turnouts so I can get some rails to the far right where the mine / town will be. I think there will be room for a second line that goes around what I have came up with so far. Plus you have a lot of room for a town / Electric company at the 5.2 inch level. (black track)
I will add it looks much better in the 3 D view that I can use. I have a few test runs and it works well so far with a 10 inch engine.
See you later, Ken
Here's all I've done so far:
Thanks Brad! I REALLY appreciate it.
And, yes, I know, the BUDD car has got to go but my wife wants a train station so I will need smaller passenger cars.
I learned a lot, have a ways to go but I now have had some OJT and it helped a tremendously.
Hi,
You've got it, your trackwork looks pretty good to me.
**Walks in door and collapses in chair**
You're welcome Paul, it was a pleasure to meet you and help get you started and be able to share my knowledge and skills.
(For everyone else) We worked off and on for the better part of 12 hours tonight ... probably closer to 3 hours of actual work, and the rest of the time, waiting for adhesives to dry, test fitting and mocking up track, rearranging (mock ups of) structures, question-and-answer, and general chatting.
BTW, dinner was delicious. Thanks!
I look forward to another visit sometime.
**Looks around "The Cave"**
I have a *LOT* of cleaning to do before I should even consider guests.
Brad,
Paul,
If I didn't see it, I wouldn't believe it.
Congrats.
twcenterprises **Walks in door and collapses in chair** You're welcome Paul, it was a pleasure to meet you and help get you started and be able to share my knowledge and skills. (For everyone else) We worked off and on for the better part of 12 hours tonight ... probably closer to 3 hours of actual work, and the rest of the time, waiting for adhesives to dry, test fitting and mocking up track, rearranging (mock ups of) structures, question-and-answer, and general chatting. BTW, dinner was delicious. Thanks! I look forward to another visit sometime. **Looks around "The Cave"** I have a *LOT* of cleaning to do before I should even consider guests. Brad
It was great having you over Brad and I appreciate it. You're welcome here anytime you'd like to come over.
This has relieved an enormous amount of stress from me and for that I'm grateful.
richhotrain Brad, Paul, If I didn't see it, I wouldn't believe it. Congrats. Rich
Well Rich, you'll be seeing more as time goes by. Been busy doing other things today.
I can't really take much credit as Brad showed me as he went along but I learned a LOT! Now I can press on as time permits and no more "paralysis by analysis."
Yay! Good for you! You're on your way!
Thanks, Brad, for that assist. Bit of a long trip for me down there!
Connecticut Valley Railroad A Branch of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford
"If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." -- Henry Ford
The trip and extended visit/work-session left me exhausted, but in a good, satisfied sort of way. I didn't get home til nearly 3:00 A.M., and went to bed around 4:00. It was good to get everything from "a ton of random track on the table" transformed into "a loop of track you can run a train around", complete with turnouts in place. Yes, there's more work to be done, for sure, but now you have more than just a vision and sketch on paper ... you have the beginnings of a real model railroad.
Now if only I could get that much done on mine.......
**Looks around The Cave**
I have a long way to go .... but I also have a lot more layout in the works.
**Goes to nearest pile and gently touches the top most box**
Uh-oh ...
(wait for it)
**CRASH**
(In a soft voice) "I'm OK"
Well, I have the structures mocked up and tentatively placed. Any suggestions because I don't have a CLUE what should go where. How in the world can I connect the mining company to a mountain? Would it be possible to even build a mountain there? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
OK, here's a thought. Try removing the station and corresponding spur (for now). Flip the mine 180 degrees or so. Have the mountain behind the "main" tracks, up to the very edge of the layout. Adjust the positioning of the 3 mine tracks as needed to fit. I haven't looked at the kit, but I'm betting you can adjust the positioning of the part going into the mountain (conveyor?) if needed.
Once the mine is repositioned, try placing the station on one of the mains, either inside or outside the curve, and see how it looks (this would be the corner nearest your work table).
twcenterprises OK, here's a thought. Try removing the station and corresponding spur (for now). Flip the mine 180 degrees or so. Have the mountain behind the "main" tracks, up to the very edge of the layout. Adjust the positioning of the 3 mine tracks as needed to fit. I haven't looked at the kit, but I'm betting you can adjust the positioning of the part going into the mountain (conveyor?) if needed. Once the mine is repositioned, try placing the station on one of the mains, either inside or outside the curve, and see how it looks (this would be the corner nearest your work table). Brad
Thanks Brad,
Here's how it could look:
Looking good!
Try rotating the mine about 20-30 degrees, so the conveyor is "pointing" toward the corner. This way you'll have room to build up some "mountain" between the track and corner of the layout. You'll need to move it a little closer to the corner to make this work. Your mine tracks will end up partly straight, have a curve to head under the mine, then straight again.
twcenterprises Looking good! Try rotating the mine about 20-30 degrees, so the conveyor is "pointing" toward the corner. This way you'll have room to build up some "mountain" between the track and corner of the layout. You'll need to move it a little closer to the corner to make this work. Your mine tracks will end up partly straight, have a curve to head under the mine, then straight again. Brad
Thanks again Brad. Hey, when can you possible come down again?
Paul_in_GAThanks again Brad. Hey, when can you possible come down again?
Not sure yet. BTW, look at my post in the WPF (Acronym for Weekly Photo Fun) thread.