I'm imaging the possibilities...
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
Since there is no intermodal yard in Minturn. I removed the concrete styrene from the 2 tracks. And ballasted those 2 tracks that will now be yard tracks that will hold the D&RGW power for helper service to add to trains before heading up the Tennesee Pass.
Michael
CEO- Mile-HI-RailroadPrototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989
Motley My rail yard will now be located in Minturn, CO near the Tennessee pass. At the Minturn yard there's a 5-6 tracks there, complete with loco maintenance facilities.
My rail yard will now be located in Minturn, CO near the Tennessee pass. At the Minturn yard there's a 5-6 tracks there, complete with loco maintenance facilities.
Min-Urn?!! [Note correct pronunciation]
Cool! I love the smell of diesel in the morning.
OK new backdrop is up now! I'm really happy with it. Much better transitions scenes now.
This is the old backdrop. This was 24" x 6 ft.
And here's the new backdrop. This one is 24" x 9 ft.
Along the Moffat route there are several small rail yards. Aspen Branch, Leadville Branch, Minturn,
Hah!
You're gonna have to rig up some rollers, that way you can crank to the scene du jour.
That is going to make matching nearby scenery tricky.
Or maybe Michael is the lead customer for the first widescreen LCD display backdrop?
Comes pre-loaded with a collection of 999 of the world's greatest railway views(Note for American Customers: 50% are of Chinese railways). Has automatic mood sensor so it shifts the scene to a more soothing color immediately after a derailment. Comes in three models: the Shortline (12 foot wide); The UP Think's It's Bigger than It Really Is (23 feet wide); and the Grande (100 feet wide, with custom extensions up to the distance to Mexico City and San Francisco available by Special Order).
I just got another new backdrop delivered today. This one will replace the downtown yard scene, along the left wall, covering the window.
I'm working on it right now, stay tuned everybody.
OK, I see it now. Like a cottonwood? Makes sense down by the river. Maybe that's it...It shouldn't be a single tree on top the small hill by itself, but a small copse of them leading from it down to a little closer by the river? Then all the visual cues will be right for cottonwoods.
But that's a nice tree and it probably wasn't cheap. And it does start to hide the seam, which i hadn't noticed until I looked a little closer. I know all about trees and money, though. Right now I'm making bumpy chenille trees and moving my bigger store-bought trees forward -- while spending minimal $$
Mike I was trying to match the tree in the backdrop foreground you see there. I might at a later time, add some more pine trees in this area.
The grass color looks good, a brighter, closer version of the sagey-looking backdrop.
On the other hand, what are the plans for that tree? Seems like it should be evergreen, not deciduous, but I'm a little uncertain of the prototype landscape so maybe it fits better than it seems to me?
I finally finished the rock faced hills. I think I was able to match the backdrop grass colors, with some sage blue grass I found at my LHS.
JW,
The green bridge is the Micro Engineering 160' combination thru & deck girder. Its a nice little kit and easy to build too.
I think I'm still having nightmares from that Central Valley truss bridge.
Derek, Jim, Doughless, Chad and Rich, all many thanks for the positive comments.
moving along nicely Michael, Cant believe how much you've got done , and what a difference ....the green bridge well be copied, sorry...JW
riogrande5761 Nice looking backdrops! Tempting! Do they have any desert or canyon scenes?
Nice looking backdrops! Tempting!
Do they have any desert or canyon scenes?
These are just a few, but there is a great selection.
http://backdropwarehouse.com/images03/HL-SKL-213M.jpg
http://backdropwarehouse.com/images03/HL-SK-220E.jpg
Joe C
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
I think Michael's progress and modeling work is fantastic.
I also think jalajoie's comments are valid.
The shadow just shows the difference between photographing a real layout, like Michael's, and a diorama, which is built specifically to be photographed from a specific angle; or photographing a layout scene that has the lighting set up perfectly for a specific picture.
Other modelers understand lighting much better than I
And if the issue bothers Michael enough, I'm sure he'll figure out lighting to perfection when he takes his pictures.
- Douglas
And, while we're at it Michael, what's with the cork on the ground???
You wouldn't see that on a real railroad.
Yes, tear out that layout and start over.
And don't come back until you get it right.
Rich
Alton Junction
I'm with Rich and Chad, I think it's great.
Michael I've been watching your progress over the years and you have come a very long long way. Keep posting pics of the updates as I think they are fantastic.
Keep up the great work, Derek
My about the shadow on the back drop, all structures,will cast a shadow,depending upon,what position the sun is. A tree in a forest,will cast a shadow,on other tree's in the forest.. Boy!, It, sure is Hot out here!, would you stand in front of the tree,in the sun? or behind the tree,in the shade,created by the tree's shadow? Now if Michael,stood in front of the light source, the shadow cast,would cover the bridge and maybe look like '' Godzilla '', JUST kidding Michael.
Cheers,
Frank
Maybe I'll just tear down my layout because of backdrop shadows, and go build it outside and use real scenery and not have to use backdrops?
Yes, I agree...I'll be watching the train & probably not be viewing it from that angle anyway..Besides backdrops always run that challenge unless you have a warehouse & have the backrops 2 or more feet from the nearest track or structure.I like what Michael is doing, it is a nice job, Great Work Michael!!!!
jalajoie Yes of course the sun will cast a shadow, but I doubt it will show on a distant mountain. The shadow will be on nearby structures or on the ground. The only shadow I ever saw on a mountain are from clouds. Your background give a good impression of distance, that shadow breaks the effect, to me anyway. I was under the impression it was only from a camera angle and not from the normal lighting of your layout.
Yes of course the sun will cast a shadow, but I doubt it will show on a distant mountain. The shadow will be on nearby structures or on the ground. The only shadow I ever saw on a mountain are from clouds.
Your background give a good impression of distance, that shadow breaks the effect, to me anyway. I was under the impression it was only from a camera angle and not from the normal lighting of your layout.
Picky, picky, picky.
I think that the whole purpose of the photo was for Michael to update us on his progress, not to win a photo contest for realism.
Oh I thought you were talking about the shadow underneath the bridge. You're talking about the shadow on the backdrop. Nothing I can really do about that because of my layout lighting. I think it shows up on the photo more than it does in person, I can barely see that. And it doesn't bother me either.
Every layout I see has shadows, its just something we all have to deal with when using indoor lighting.
Jack W.
Shadows.
Just like on the prototype.
jalajoie I presume it is due to the camera lighting and that under normal lighting this shadow of the bridge will disappear.
I presume it is due to the camera lighting and that under normal lighting this shadow of the bridge will disappear.
I'm not sure I follow you. Are you saying that the sun outside doesn't make shadows?
Hi!
That is some really nice work, and a terrific progression of photos! That is MR mag material to me!
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Michael,
That is looking,really good. The last pic. says to me,that it belongs there. Almost,maybe is,perfect match,for that back drop.
The Vollmer truss bride is installed, and the track to the right of it is completed and ballasted.
On the right side of the river, there is a space there in between the raised track and the two inside tracks where they cross. When I ripped out the middle section, I had some rock faced hills. I was able to cut that out and saved it. Its made of foam pieces glued together.
So today I cut that to fit the area. Now I just need to add some lightweight spackling to the backside with the raised track, and on the left where I cut it.
Thanks for the help, Michael!
Chuck - Modeling in HO scale and anything narrow gauge
The worst is over. Ripples will come. Were you trying to use Mod-Podge or something like that? I gave up on it, puny ripples that would've taken 30 coats to get going good -- and I needed rapids.
What I got was some silicone that's used by cake decorators. You can mix color into it as needed and you get instant ripples, whatever size you need. You're only going to need extra coats if you're talking about surfin' waves.
Anyway, that's what I did, adding in some white acrylic to the silicone. It can be peeled off if you don't like the results, but otherwise stays in place. It was around $6/tube, but is plenty unless you're building an ocean.
Mike and the Bear, thanks a lot for the encouragement. It was dicey there for a while, I must admit I was scared it would turn out looking like crap.
Last night I was going to add ripples. Its supposed to set up in 12 hours. But I kept trying over and over well after 14 hours, and it still didn't take. So I went to bed.
So no ripples. Oh well it will be a slow moving river. I think it looks fine the way it is.
"JaBear"Looking at the rest of your progress I suspect it will turn out just fine.
Am I psychic or not, (no comments from the cheap seats please!!!)
Cheers, the Bear.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Derek and Rich, thanks guys. Great feedback here got me to do the right colors. Yes at first that blue was too bright. But easily fixed with the tint.
I will also add some ripples in the water. But I have to wait 12 hours from pouring time to do that.
Looks good!
Water is always one of those "gotta have faith" things. I went through similar angst when pouring my Rio de las Animas and it came out fine.
trwrouteMichael, this is fantastic! The water looks great. Off the wall question...what colors did you use on your road? I have a road poured from plaster, sanded, and ready to paint. I really like the color of yours.
dominic c Fantastic! What a steady hand. Gotta mention the rock formation too. Outstanding! How did you come up with that combo of colors? Joe C
Fantastic! What a steady hand. Gotta mention the rock formation too. Outstanding!
How did you come up with that combo of colors?
Thank you Joe. I had to keep playing with the colors. First I added the green, though it looked good, but then I started pouring it and it didn't cover the blue much. So I kept adding drop by drop, the brown and black.
As you can see, the water wicked up on the rocks a little bit, so I'll have to go back and add more rocks after its fully dried.
WOW!!!!!!! That rocks!!!!
Talk about being in the zone, As Rich says you nailed it!!
Keep posting pics of these "HOT" updates.
Derek
Michael, you nailed it this time around.
Thanks Frank! And I appreciate all your help and suggestions.
In my opinion,,,100% better..
OK I just poured it. I mixed in some dark green, brown, and a tiny bit of black. It definatlely toned down the blue. And I think it matches the backdrop sky now.
Let me know what y'all think now? Good, bad, or indifferent.
You have to remember,that water is clear,the surrounding scenery and sky reflections,create the apparent coloring..plus the river bottom. Even swamp water is somewhat clear,just loaded with impurities,from surrounding area..
That blue looks a lot less intense.
But, again, you have to decide what color and shade you like best.
Here's another bridge over the Colorado river. Looks dark blue too.
Motley What do I want? I don't know what I want.
What do I want? I don't know what I want.
Well, that's a fair and honest answer. In that case, why not mix colors on the side until you find what suits your eye best?
Mike
The picture with the bridge has a cloudless sky giving the water that pretty blue. Someone did mention earlier that matching the water with your drop's sky color would match up good. You do have clouds in your drop right? So tinting your water will do the trick. I once traveled to Laughlin NVand remembered that the Colorado river was so blue. It was just like yours. I never saw water so blue before. It was quite breath taking. But I do remember that there wasn't a cloud in the sky for days, giving that water your blue. If you want that blue go for it.
What do I want? I don't know what I want. The brown tint should change it so its not so blue. And we'll go from there see how it looks.
Motley Sorry but I don't agree with the too blue. Its actually a bit darker, the camera seems to brighten it up a bit. Also, when I pour the water, I will add dark brown tint to it, so it will be darker then. In this bridge photo, the water is pretty darn blue to me, almost matches my color.
Sorry but I don't agree with the too blue. Its actually a bit darker, the camera seems to brighten it up a bit.
Also, when I pour the water, I will add dark brown tint to it, so it will be darker then.
In this bridge photo, the water is pretty darn blue to me, almost matches my color.
But, is that the shade of blue that you want?
That is certainly not the color of the water on your layout previously.
You have to decide for yourself what color and shade please you, not the rest of us.
zstripe Michael, Might be just me,looks good,but I believe it would look better,if it was a closer match to your backdrop sky. Either that, or a color look like you have,on that stream bridge scene,that you built not too long ago..Just a Thought. To me,it just looks too blue for the surrounding scenery. Cheers, Frank
Might be just me,looks good,but I believe it would look better,if it was a closer match to your backdrop sky. Either that, or a color look like you have,on that stream bridge scene,that you built not too long ago..Just a Thought. To me,it just looks too blue for the surrounding scenery.
I have to agree with Frank on this, too blue.
OK so I'm commenting on a job half done something that only fools and children do. Being an awkward argumentative cuss I 'd say the water in the foreground of your photo is more teal, the brown tint may do the trick.
Looking at the rest of your progress I suspect it will turn out just fine.
Gidday Michael, like my only (less than satisfactory) attempt at water, I think it's a bit too blue!!!.
One day I'll learn to do it properly, (I hope)
Cheers, the Bear
I just finished painting the river bottom. Wheewweee that was hard. With 4 different color acrylic paints. Light brown, medium brown, green, and dark blue. Trying to get them all blended, while trying to beat the clock before it dries so quickly. I kept re-doing sections over and over again.
Let me know what you guys think?
Yep, that's the ZONE alright.
ChadLRyan Michael,Man that looks Awesome, Excellent work!!! Nice Work!
Michael,Man that looks Awesome, Excellent work!!!
Nice Work!
The man is a true artist!
Ya I'm still in the zone Derek. The green was Rich's idea.
It all done now, weathered up and everything now. Next step is the wood deck trestle.
I see you are still in the Zone Michael. That is going to be one hot scene once it is finished.
Love the green as well.
Gorgeous!
What is that color, Killer Green?
Last night I painted the girder bridge. Now I need to install the ME bridge track, and then weather it.
Derek, I'm what the athletes call "the zone". I'm on a roll right now, and not slowing down.
That makes both you and Rich slackers! Come on people I'm leaving you all in the dust. Get workin on those layouts.
WOW, Michael you have been busy. I almost feel like I can armchair model through your efforts. Keep on posting your progress as it looks excellent so far.
For the record I'm not a layout wannabee. My name is Derek and I'm a slacker. (is there a 12 step program)
richhotrainChad is a layout wannabee
I would agree, I like that, it sticks!!!
Motley ChadLRyan Michael, Wow, that will be sensational!! That's it, I'm not building a Layout, I can't make one that nice.... Ha hah!!!!! Looking real nice Michael!! Thanks Chad, appreciate the comments. You can build a layout like this, I've seen your modeling.
ChadLRyan Michael, Wow, that will be sensational!! That's it, I'm not building a Layout, I can't make one that nice.... Ha hah!!!!! Looking real nice Michael!!
Wow, that will be sensational!!
That's it, I'm not building a Layout, I can't make one that nice.... Ha hah!!!!!
Looking real nice Michael!!
Thanks Chad, appreciate the comments. You can build a layout like this, I've seen your modeling.
And you think that I am a slacker, Michael???
Chad is a layout wannabee
I've been working on the middle bridge. Its an ME 160' combination girder & deck bridge.
Almost completed, still need to add the legs. Here's a test fit.
Thanks Mike! It fits my layout much better now. If you look closley on the bottom, there is a flat farm there with cows and horses. The second backdrop actually show more of it.
You see the mirror I have already have in there. The little bit of wall will be covered by some bushes.
Wow! What a feeling of wide open spaces that opens up!
Great idea on the mirror.
OMG! I just got the first one up. I can't believe how much better it looks than the old one. The paper is really thick and high quality. Like the vinyl without the adhesive backing. Photos can't really do it justice, it looks way better than what the camera depicts.
Mike, you must be good luck. Guess what just showed up? USPS with the new backdrops!!!!!!!!
I'm working on installing them right now. Stay tuned......
MotleyYes there is a small space there that the backdrop won't cover. I'm placing a small mirror there, where the water meets the wall. To give a view of the water going farther back.
I like the mirror idea. You could put a canoe in the river and paint the backside a different colour. That side would reflect in the mirror and it would look like two canoes in the river. Adding even more depth.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
mlehman MotleyAs you can see the wall is bare. I took down my old backdrop, and putting in a new backdrop, so the wall socket will be covered. Gee, and I thought my memory was going. Now I remember seeing the backdrop, so duh Bummer that USPS didn't come through for you. At least you get another chance today, so hoping they leave you a new goodie to play with. I know I'm looking forward to seeing it. Are you planning to "notch" the backdrop so that it drops down there to cover behind the bridge? Or maybe something else?
MotleyAs you can see the wall is bare. I took down my old backdrop, and putting in a new backdrop, so the wall socket will be covered.
Gee, and I thought my memory was going. Now I remember seeing the backdrop, so duh Bummer that USPS didn't come through for you. At least you get another chance today, so hoping they leave you a new goodie to play with. I know I'm looking forward to seeing it.
Are you planning to "notch" the backdrop so that it drops down there to cover behind the bridge? Or maybe something else?
Yes there is a small space there that the backdrop won't cover. I'm placing a small mirror there, where the water meets the wall. To give a view of the water going farther back.
This is the mirror here.
mlehman Michael, This is shaping up to be a really well composed scene. The river looks well-sculpted. Whatcha gonna do about that #^&*@$*# electrical outlet? I suppose raising the layout 4" is probably out?
This is shaping up to be a really well composed scene. The river looks well-sculpted.
Whatcha gonna do about that #^&*@$*# electrical outlet? I suppose raising the layout 4" is probably out?
Thanks Mike. As you can see the wall is bare. I took down my old backdrop, and putting in a new backdrop, so the wall socket will be covered.
I'm still waiting for delivery of the new set of backdrops I ordered from backdrop warehouse, and USPS seems to have lost it. It was supposed to be delivered on Thursday.
Been working on the ground cover and river banks.
taildisk Hi Michael I am interested in the location of the prototype bridge that you posted. Thanks from down under Rob (taildisk)
Hi Michael
I am interested in the location of the prototype bridge that you posted.
Thanks from down under
Rob (taildisk)
Rob, that bridge is located in Arizona.
Its the camera distorting it from that angle. I inspected the bridge very carefully, and its dead on straight in every way.
Motley I got the brass walkways delivered today. And I got ripped off, I don't have enough for both sides, only one side. So I'm getting a refund. I found a solution. I have a bunch of extra parts from the Milwakee Station, and I found some pieces that fit perfectly for the walkways. I need some opinions. What should I do???? leave it as is, or add these parts. I will paint them same grey color as the bridge, and weather them up with rust powders.
I got the brass walkways delivered today. And I got ripped off, I don't have enough for both sides, only one side. So I'm getting a refund.
I found a solution. I have a bunch of extra parts from the Milwakee Station, and I found some pieces that fit perfectly for the walkways.
I need some opinions. What should I do???? leave it as is, or add these parts. I will paint them same grey color as the bridge, and weather them up with rust powders.
Yeah you are right,Michael,,,the lighter box and the arch,look similar,except for the arch...By the way speaking of that,,,,is it my eyes,the camera angle,or is that bridge,higher on one side,than the other,around the middle.Right side looks higher to me than the left..
Cheers,The picture above.
zstripe I happened to look at the Vollmer catalog page and it showed two,Box Girder Bridges,ready made,one is lighter looking and one is meatier looking,,,Michael just happened to pick,the ''Lessor of Two Weavel's''.. Cheers, Frank
I happened to look at the Vollmer catalog page and it showed two,Box Girder Bridges,ready made,one is lighter looking and one is meatier looking,,,Michael just happened to pick,the ''Lessor of Two Weavel's''..
Frank,
Mine is not the box girder bridge. Those box girders are too short in length and I didn't like the look of them either.
Mine is the Arched Girder Bridge, and its 22" long.
The angle and closeup nature of the prototype shot probably exaggerate the bulkiness. I thought the same thing on first impression, then I considered those factors.
It's also the case that trying to match certain features of a prototype may not work as well on the layout as they do in 1:1. There may be other factors with the Atlas bridge that makes the Vollmer one better in that context. It's close proximity to the backdrop and consequent set back from the front of the layout also add to the "visual distance" the lighter structure conveys.
While I like the Vollmer bridge, I agree with you Randy. It lacks the buk of the Atlas truss bridge.
You can all shoot me, but the Atlas bridge looks more like the one in the prototype photo (not the exploding one!). The Vollmer one is a lot more airy and open, because it represents a lighter rated bridge using smaller structural members.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
richhotrain I was able to snap a photo of the Atlas truss bridge at the moment of its demolition by Michael. Rich
I was able to snap a photo of the Atlas truss bridge at the moment of its demolition by Michael.
Rich,
I see that you finally got some use out of that Chemistry Set..
Michael,,Good job so far,,looking good.
OK the bridge is finished. Weathered up and all.
Thanks everybody! I appreciate that. I just finished weathering the bridge with powders. I will install the bridge track and walkways. Then I'll post up more photos.
Looks great!
Looking at the photos, it looks like there is a wooden beam on either side of the tracks by the walkways. These are the outside guard rails, and are about 5" x 8". To model them, I'd recommend using 1/16 x 3/32 basswood or 3/32 x 3/32 basswood and stain it using an india ink wash.
I have a similar bridge I need to work on, and this is a really great thread for reference.
S&S
Modeling the Pennsy and loving it!
A longer bridge always looks better IMO.
Those walkways look great. Given how far back in the scene the bridge is, more detailed walkways might be a waste of good parts. Use them up front for something else.
UPinCT See problem solved looks great! I do have a question, Is the new bridge longer in length than the old one or are they the same length? Just curious, Derek
See problem solved looks great!
I do have a question, Is the new bridge longer in length than the old one or are they the same length?
Just curious, Derek
Thanks Derek! There's always a solution to MRR problems right?
This bridge was longer than the Atlas bridge, by about 3 inches. So I had to re-adjust the abutments back a little.
I just painted and weathered the walkways. I think it looks real good. I'm going with this I think.
The prototype bridge I'm looking to match.
Hey Rich, That's a good job out of you getting that pic of Michael's bridge demo.
Hi Michael, I like the bridge without the walkways but what do I know. You are going to get opinions on both ways. Why don't you go with what way you like or how a bridge in your neck of the woods looks like.
My two cents, Derek
I'll bet that was hard to explain when the Fire Dept. showed up...
Yeah but,,,now we won't know what Rich's comment,would have been,,,,,it appears,now you made me the sacrificial lamb,,,,
Fixed, that just didn't look right. Ooops. LOL
You mean,, Chi-Town,eh..But in Rich's case,,I don't know,,,
Well there's a lot more bridges in Chi-town, then here in Denver. We have like two or three rivers in the entire state. So were on un-experienced out here in the west.
Mike, I agree with you on that. And, I am sure that is the reason that Michael replaced the Atlas bridge with the Vollmer bridge.
But, being from Shi-caw-ga, we like our bridges built outta blood and iron up here, not that pansy steel work being installed in the Denver area.
The Atlas is not a bad bridge, in fact it may even be to scale (I've not seen that particular bridge up close, so not sure). It's just that the Vollmer bridge has a more delicate look to it that pleases my eye better.
While I will agree that the new Vollmer bridge looks darn good, I didn't see anything wrong with the Atlas bridge. Both are pretty good looking bridges.
Michael.
I agree. Replacing that bridge with a better looking one is a great upgrade. It makes that scene, so a better bridge makes that scene better.
Looking great so far. I do like the new bridge better. Keep up the great work and keep us posted with pics.
No slackin here, been going at it for several days, non stop.
Got the river carved out.
Geez, that looks good, Michael. You are really picking up the slack.
I removed the Atlas bridge, and now test fitting the Vollmer bridge. Damn it looks better already.
I also re-painted the bridge abutments and weathered them with powders. Then I flared them out, and used light weight sparkling to fill it in.
Yes the bridge in the background you see in the photo, against the wall, is the Atlas bridge. I just wanted a better bridge there.
Michael, that is looking great, but help us out here a little.
In your most recent reply, you mentioned that the middle straight track will have an ME 160' Girder bridge spanning the river. And the inside curved track nearest the edge, will have a wood curved deck bridge. The Vollmer truss bridge will replace the Atlas truss bridge.
Which bridge is that in the background, and will it stay?
Why are you replacing the Atlas truss bridge?
Michael, I've been following this rework and I think it is coming along very nicely. Having that big operating pit is a great idea for accessibility and you'll get better scene separations too. Change presents opportunity...and with your skills at making scenery, I think its going to look great.
Now I'm working on the inside two mainline tracks. Working it out to see if it everything fits ok.
The middle straight track will have an ME 160' Girder bridge spanning the river. And the inside curved track nearest the edge, will have a wood curved deck bridge.
And today the delivery man brought me this. The Vollmer truss bridge, to replace the Atlas truss bridge.
We've heard that before, Michael.
Thanks Rich. I will start working on the extension room as soon as I get all this trackwork done in the main room. I hired some elves to help me.
What I want to know is when are you gonna get back to work on the extension room portion of the layout?
Huh, huh, huh?
P.S. Great work so far on the main room portion of the layout. You must have someone doing the work for you.
Thanks guys, its been a lot of work, but I'm getting there.
Mike, I'm gonna build up some small hills in the corner, and plant a bunch of trees to hide the hole in the wall.
I just ordered the new backdrops. Its two 24" x 12' continuous scene photos. Mountains with flat farmfields valley in the foreground.
Michael, Untill now I didn't realize how intense this project is.You are doing a really great job, it will be really nice, & rewarding when you run those units through there again!
Thanks for Sharing!
Looking better and better.
So whatcha got planned for that corner? Obviously not the Moffat Tunnel...
Thanks Derek!
Got the ballast completed on the two tracks there in the corner. Now its time to start laying the inside tracks.
Looking Great Michael. What a long way you have come from where you started,
Keep us posted with photos. Derek
Thanks Mike!
I also replaced the section of foam were the creek was. Oh boy was this a difficult task. The Magic Water I used had fused to the wood base. It took me an hour with the hammer claw. I didn't that that stuff was so hard.
The new river will be carved out, to the left of this about 14". The two crossing tracks will be here.
This is what it looked like before.
Micahel,
It's looking better and better.
Got the scenery almost done in the corner there. Next will be tracks need ballast now.
I left the corner alone for now. I'm gonna create some hills, and a bunch of trees to hide the hole in the wall.
Thanks everybody for all the suggestions and comment, much appreciated.
Sorry I forgot the track plan for this area. I wanted all scenery along that back wall, and have an Ethanol Plant there lower left. And the farm will be on the lower right side.
I'm also replacing the backdrop soon. With mountains and flat farmfields in the valley foreground.
That's a great improvement in appearance. 38" radius is good for operations, too.
I thought my own layout was substantially finished a few years back. But I've found operating it gives you ideas about what can be improved. If you didn't squeeze everything in super tight to begin with, it's pretty satisfying to find out that reconfiguring track arrangements is usually possible.
One thing I've found that helps for me to alter track locations and works if you use matte medium for binding ballast down is 91% alcohol in a mister and a flat paint scraper. Remove the spikes as best possible. Hose down the ballast with the 91%, let it soak for a minute or so, then slip the blade of the scraper under the track and gently lift. I've been able to slid track as much as an inch sideways like this. Done carefully, most of the ballast even stays in place and just needs touch-up. You may have to cut some grooves for you power feeders to lay in once shifted sideways if you don't take it up all the way and redrill the holes for the feeders. If you take up the piece of track, use a vacuum when the ballast is still wet and most of it will come right off, making track reuse a lot easier, too.
A nice improvement, and I think you will see many advantages from an operating standpoint as well as visually. I tried to be disciplined with sticking to my 38" minimum radius on my layout (the temptation is to go lower to make room for sidings and other features) and was able to be so, including the use of easement curves into that 38" minimum. The temptations were always there however -- "gee if I made this curve tighter I'd have more room for a siding" and that sort of thing.
I did however find that in some places some of the features I wanted were getting too crowded out by the big curves, so in select places I was able to make use of the Peco "large radius" curved turnouts. I think the large curve on the Peco is 60" radius which in some applications fit nicely with my easement curves. While I prefer "normal" turnouts the Peco curved turnouts, the large radius ones, did open up some planning options that otherwise would not be there.
Dave Nelson
Aaaaaaarrrrrrggggghhhhh !!!!!! Not another "hands on " modeling thread ,heck,and by another Michael.
Well done Sir.
Michael:
Those big modern diesels and long freight cars (not to mention your steam and passenger trains) will look much better on those curves,and the open access will make life easier...but I know it's hard to start tearin' things up!
Edit: Michael,since the crossover on the access bridge is in the same direction(outside to inside when going counter-clockwise) as the left hand curved switch,would a right hand curved switch running back the other way give you more operational options? You'd be able to crossover from either track in either direction... I'm assuming the curved switch will be part of a crossover,too? If not,and you're just going from 2 to 3 tracks at the curved switch,ignore all this...
Nice fearless approach to improving your railroad! I have seen too many people lose interest because they get "stuck" on a concept. Not only will your mainline be more interesting to run, you have also given yourself the gift of improved scenery potential.
Don H.