GMTRacingUlrich - I'm no architect, but the buildings look good to me. Is the slope of the back section roof correct for the climate you model?
I don´t know, to be honest. The layout will be set on the coast of Maine, so Mr. B. could tell. The roof has an angle of about 45 degrees, which is what we are doing here. I could easily alter it to be more prototypical.
Spend most of the day on the drawing board, trying to involve another building. Not an easy task, when you have nothing other than pictures from the Internet to work with. Traveling to the prototype locale is unfortunately out of question.
Here is what I did so far:
I try to capture a typical new England atmosphere. Again your critique is more than welcomed!
Ulrich - try fathoming this link. Not as simple as I hoped. J.R.
http://www.city-data.com/forum/maine/479695-snow-load-roof-slope.html
GMTRacingUlrich - try fathoming this link. Not as simple as I hopedHmm. J.R.
I don´t know whether Maine is a rather snowy place, but I gather it is, judging from a few posts in this forum. So that 45 degree angle does not seem to be too far off.
Strong coffee in a UNION PACIFIC mug, please.
Have a terrific day all.
Cheers! Rob
Ray - Yeah, I figured wine sales would be affected in a couple of years. When we get our wine up there, it's always 2 or 3 years old. Maybe I'll talk to the owner and see if I need to double up on my order. Think I'll have to rent a truck if I do.
I like the new color on the retaining wall and the foilage. Looks great.
The good news is I finished cleaning all the windows on the 1st floor this morning. The bad news is I discovered the bottom of the bay window in the living room is completely rotted out. Had no idea it was happening because it was covered in aluminum. Okay gang, can we all spell "BIG BUCKS". Actually, we might have to replace more windows than just that one. We did replace them all about 40 years ago, and now a lot of them don't operate properly. Have to use a stick to keep 4 or 5 of them open. What's failing on them are the plastic parts. Some say plastic doesn't deteriorate, but I don't think that's true. Got some yard cleanup done yesterday, and will finish it up after lunch. One nice thing about a "leaf vac" is it does chop up the leaves pretty good. Otherwise, I'd have about 15 bags for pickup, instead of the 5 I'll have. That's about it from here, have a good one...
Tom
Pittsburgh, PA
Ulrich, Maine is indeed a snowy place. On the coast, it is often a very wet, heavy snow, and a single storm can easily leave a foot or more of it. So, a steep roof is almost mandatory. My own home in Massachusetts has mostly 45-degree rooflines.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Good Morning,
Well the snow is finally melting! Although the ground is still completely covered we have only a foot or two to go except,of course, the mountains the graders created. Those likely won't be gone until May.
Ray, you have created a fabulous scene with your blacksmith shop. Congratulations on a fine job!
Nothing much new here except that this is my last week on my own. My wife is finished work at the end of the week now that classes are over. She goes back in September so no more 'independent activity' for the next 5 months.
I called a former, fellow employee of the place I used to work. He was retired a month after I was. I've known him for 25 years even though he worked in a different city. He is struggling with retirement as he can't find much to do. I think I would be in a similar position if I didn't have model railroading. I've always had outside interests and before model railroading it was sailing. Funny how I was virtually obsessed with sailing for so many years but now never think about it. I bought my first sailboat in 1974, a little 16 foot dinghy. When I sold the last boat in 2009 we had owned it for 25 years and had spent many weekends and holidays on it every summer.
Well time to find something to do, let's see, trains!! Yes, I think I'll go run trains but N or HO, that is the question.
CN Charlie
tcwright973Got some yard cleanup done yesterday, and will finish it up after lunch. One nice thing about a "leaf vac" is it does chop up the leaves pretty good. Otherwise, I'd have about 15 bags for pickup, instead of the 5 I'll have. That's about it from here, have a good one...
No yard cleanup here yet. Still have a lot of the ground covered in that white stuff although in the past few days about half of it has melted. Usually all gone by this time of the year. We're still about 5 degrees below normal so it's a slow spring.
Got the rest of the turnouts wired yesterday. That's done till I get around to doing the yard trackage and the mine trackage. Many more to be done them.
Still working on scenery in bits here and there. You know how it goes, can't do it there until you get whatever else that needs doing first. Also thinkning about painting the backdrop but that's about all it is.. Thinking about it. Who knows the if, when, and how will happen.
Canada's largest Train Show aka Calgary Super Train is this weekend about 100 miles south of us. Should go but the vehicle repairs put a pretty big dent in the pocketbook so don't know. If I stay away, I won't spend any money. If I go "Just to Look", I'll end up buying stuff because Athern, Walthers and a bunch of the other Big Guys are there.
The fact that I HATE CROWDS does not help either and the crowds are hugh!!!!!!
Have a good one.
Dennis
Plus my Son In Law is nagging me to come down as he's all involved in the show.
We'll have to decide Sat morning or Sunday morning.
CDN Dennis
Modeling the HO scale something or other RR in the shadow of the Canadian Rockies Alberta, Canada
Mornin' everyone!
Zoe, nice to see the place busy this morning... I will have the #2 speciaql, eggs over easy, bacon, home fries, and a double order of the sour dough toast please. Oh and some Seneca Lake Blend Dark Roast coffee in my R7GV RR mug as well.
Todd, I was going to answer your question from yesterday but never got around to it..... Firswt off here is one of the photos from back then:
Problems i saw are: 1. The wall. Too light and too clean. 2. There is stary ballast in the weeds along the front of the wall. 3. The Stumps are too blunt, I added more grass and bushes to make them less noticable. and 4. the camera angle shows exposed "earth" that hasn't been sceniced yet... Some things that another gentleman on a different forum added were:
"1. With as much usage as that picnic table apparently gets there would not be grass immediately around it. Perhaps under the benches but not around it. Nor directly under it as the grass doesn't get enough sun. Probably should also be a "beaten" path to it. 2. How about a path where people cut across the tracks and up the edge to this place from the foreground. 3. Glossy clothing on the people and too "solid" in color. 4. Is it desirous to be able to see "through" the upstairs of the building? 5. In the first photo it looks like there is an edge of an isle or fascia with a control panel corner showing directly over the people's heads. 6. Just off to the right of the building it looks like there are some unfinished rocks or something in the background, "white plaster" perhaps? 7. In the 2nd photo there is a band of blue through the background. Looks like sky with a band of trees over it. 8. Why would the plants up around the building be so pale and dry looking while everything else is so jungle green? With the model-T, I presume it is long before the days of Round-up Weed killer. 9. tree stumps on the far right look too sideways and too close together considering their diameter. 10. Not a dandelion, thistle, sweet clover, or any other sort of weed flower anywhere? And I guess finally the real issue if there is one 11. If the model-T is indicative of the age, the clothing doesn't look like the right style."
Most were corrected with a different camera angle, but it was good to have someone come up with all of them as I am looking for that "Perfect Shot".
Today.... (are you ready?) will get up to 69°F!!! Already the temp here in the Finger Lakes is 60°F. Time to open up some windows and air out the house! I may actually go out to run sopme errands today without my Winter Coat! WOW! It won't last as by next Tuesday it will be below freezing again at night...
Have a great day everyone!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Ray - there is a lot of truth in the gentleman´s comments, especially what he says about the figures. Even in a perfect layout, figures and cars are the tell-tales that it is "just" a model. Unfortunately, we all tend to give to little attention to these important scenic features, but you have made a leap forward on the road to excellence.
I have just started my own layout thread in the layout section. Take a look, if you like!
Sir Madog Ray - there is a lot of truth in the gentleman´s comments, especially what he says about the figures. Even in a perfect layout, figures and cars are the tell-tales that it is "just" a model. Unfortunately, we all tend to give to little attention to these important scenic features, but you have made a leap forward on the road to excellence.
Thank you Ulrich! I tried to find more suitable figures for the scene, but unfortunately there are no casually dressed 1920's fighures around out there. I was looking for something like a local farm family that had come over across the tracks to have a picnic lunch and watch the trains for a bit. Even though formal attire was the way most everyone went out around town (shopping or visiting) less formal attire would be worn at home. Just try to find anything matching the period. A Catch 22. What I dide was removed the figure of the young girl and turned the table around so we only see the backs of the couple. I also painted the mans shirt a duller color so that attention would be less likely to be drawn to him.
Will check out yuour thread!
Ray - Preiser has figures for the 1900 to 1920 era, also seated ones, all of them in more formal attire. Look for sets nos. 12190 and 12194.
Hi Guys
Some sad news.....
We got a phone call this morning that the wifes grandfather passed away last night. He was taken by ambulance from his condo but didnt make it. He had been in ill health for the last year or so with stints in the hospital. The wife went to work today though but will take a couple days next week ( I assume the funearl will be next week sometime ).
We are planning on going to the Blue Jays and Orioles game in a couple weeks also and was able to get field level fron row seats.
Temperatures outside are nice but the wind is really howling.
Sir Madog Ray - Preiser has figures for the 1900 to 1920 era, also seated ones, all of them in more formal attire. Look for sets nos. 12190 and 12194.
Thanks... I already have several sets of those. I need some that are less formal for some places on the layout. just doesn't look right for Mother to be tending garden in her formal dress, Sunday go to Meeting cloths.... LOL
I know what you mean about figures. I am trying to find 1950's figure that would fit in an industrial coal mining company town, and everything I currently see is like "middle class" or the "greasers".
(My Model Railroad, My Rules)
These are the opinions of an under 35 , from the east end of, and modeling, the same section of the Wheeling and Lake Erie railway. As well as a freelanced road (Austinville and Dynamite City railroad).
Sometime last year, I found a sale in the Walthers flyer on Model Power figures. This was a big bag of them, unpainted. There was a set of standing figures and a set of sitting figures, which included a few benches and a couple of dogs. There were 3, 4 or 5 of every pose. Yes, you have to paint them yourself, but that gives you the freedom to choose era-appropriate colors. Yeah, 490-5772 and 490-5792. On sale, but, oops, sold out.
JeremyB Hi Guys Some sad news..... We got a phone call this morning that the wifes grandfather passed away last night. He was taken by ambulance from his condo but didnt make it. He had been in ill health for the last year or so with stints in the hospital. The wife went to work today though but will take a couple days next week ( I assume the funearl will be next week sometime ).
SOrry to hear that.
I have added a prayer candle for his "safe passage".
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
Hospital food can sure be hit and miss. Some hospitals have really good food, some don't. And then there's the restricted diets. Years ago I went in for gall bladder surgery. Because of airine schedules I didn't arrive until supper time the day before the surgery. All the kitchen could dig up for me was a sandwich. I know that gall bladder surgery means a fat free diet, but did they really have to serve me a piece of cardboard between two pieces of paper? Or so it seemed. Drier than the desert. My wife is currently in the hospital now and that hospital considers salt a 4-letter word. She swears they don't use salt in or on anything at all, and she's not on a salt restricted diet. One of her doctors felt sorry for her and swiped a bunch of salt packets from the staff lunchroom (they probably hoard them there) and told her to hide them. I brought her a salt shaker from home for a while, but it was hard to hide and leaked.
..... Bob
Beam me up, Scotty, there's no intelligent life down here. (Captain Kirk)
I reject your reality and substitute my own. (Adam Savage)
Resistance is not futile--it is voltage divided by current.
Good Evening All,
I've been busy taking advantage of the beautiful weather we've had the last two days. Today I started the exterior painting and finished the back-side of the house. I plan on doing one side a day.
Jeremy, my condolenses to you and your family.
TCWright973- Tom, I had the same problem with about 8 of my double pane tilt windows. They are 30+ years old. I looked online and found a source for replacement parts. The problem was the piece called the pivot lock shoes. On all of the problem windows, these shoes were broken inside the channel. The window is attached to these shoes and the shoes are also connected to a spiral balance (spring loaded). If you are interested in trying to repair them yourself, here is the link http://www.swisco.com/cl/Tilt-Window-Replacement-Hardware . It wasn't too difficult to replace these items. I would also suggest getting the spiral balance tool to unload/load the spiral spring.
That's it for now. Take care all.
Eric
Thanks Eric, I'll take a look and see what I can do with the web site. One of the other problems with a couple of the windows is that the seal between the panes has apparently failed, and there is some fogging going on. It never ends, does it.
Hi Gang,
Just came from the Hospital mtg. with my medical team.
The Drs said that everything is as it should be at this point in time. I was elated.
They said the swallowing will come with time and there is still some swelling to go down that will make that easier. But for Stage four Cancer of the tongue and throat it all looks good.
So again, I can't thank you enough for all the prayers, kind thoughts and healing energies, I am in deep gratitude towards those who cared. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I am good enough that I don't have to see them again for two months, I will continue to see the Speach Pathologist to help me with the swallowing each week for awhile.
Prayers to all with Personal or Family problems or issues, may they be quickly dealth with as you see fit.
Johnboy out.....................................and getting there
from Saskatchewan, in the Great White North..
We have met the enemy, and he is us............ (Pogo)
Hi gang!
Still on the 65+ hour work week, so I dont get in much, but I do steal a minute now and then to peek in.
Somebody, smugle a bottle of hot sauce or Tabasco in to Jefffrey. He'll appreciate it!
Ray, I agree with the group, a darker retaining wall might look better. Can you take care of that when you build one for me??
Gotta get some shut eye, 5:30 comes early!
Karl
NCE über alles!
Johnboy - That's great news. I'm so glad for you...
Evenin' folks!
Janie I could use another cup of decaf please.
Johnboy, on the good report form the docs! Keeping you in m,y prayers still.
I had a Webelos Cross over ceremony to attend tonight. It was the entire cub pack from the handicaped pack and troop. The troop was there to welcome them to the the troop and did the ceremony. The small gym at Happiness house where they meet was packed. The Troop has as of tonight doubled in size (and the pack is empty... getting new cubs will the commissioners next work load!). Then after I came home and took a few photos of tyhe changes made today on the layout, the doorbell rang and the other Commissioner stopped by. We talked for about 45 minutes and then i got back to getting the photos processed... I found a more appropriate couple for the picnic table (I think). Thanks [color=red]Ulrich[p/color]! So......
I have three new photos, which would be the running now for the final photo that will be used someplace (no I can't share just yet). Anyway, let me know which one you like best!
1.
2.
3.
Have a great night! Prayers for all in need.
Good evening. I'm very glad to see it looks like sort of a Canadian reunion in the Diner.
JohnBoy .... Sounds like great news. You did mention the stage 4 cancer. I hope you mean to say it has been halted with all of your chemo and radiation. We'll be praying for you.
Seamonster Bob .... Glad to see you in the diner. It's been quite a while since I remebr seeing you. Please continue visiting the DIner. You said your wife is in the hspital, and I hope she gets better. I do not like salt anymore. I am supposed to avoid it.
CN Charlie ... I like the idea of doing 2 scales like you are doing. Sometimes, I think I'd like some of the nice G Scale, but that is unlikely to happen.
Cdn Dennis ... Good to see you. Makes sense to watch your spending after your big bill for car repairs.
Ulrich ..... I received the latest email. Thanks.
Galaxy ... I hope your cold is improving.
Ray .... Your scene looks real now.
Happy Model Railroading!
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
I feel just as terrible as yesterday, maybe worse. COld has settled into my chest. With the fact that I am asthmatic, and have scarred lungs form previous serious bouts with pneumonia, this could get serious for me!
Have a great day you'all!
Happy Friday, for those of us for whom Fridays still make a difference. Cloudy but mild this morning, with 56 degrees on my car thermometer as I drove to work.
Johnboy, great news!
Galaxy, I used to think I got a lot of chest colds, but I had a really bad one, bad enough to go to the doctor for. After a couple of visits, he realized that my chest was clear, but I had a real issue with post nasal drip. So, instead of cough medicine I switched to a nasal decongestent, and got better right away. My standard regimen now is Benedryl at night and cough drops as needed during the day, with Dimetap if the cough is stubborn. Strangely, my daughter, who otherwise shows strong genetic connections to me, finds Dimetap ineffective and prefers NyQuil.
Ray, I like the first picture best. For me, the position of the caboose makes it more prominent. It adds a second focal point and balances the picture. But, I'd rearrange the figures so that they are side-by-side from that angle, as they appear in the other pictures. The track behind the caboose also shows better, and again balances the photo with the track in the lower right. Finally, the big stone wall is too prominent in pictures 2 & 3, as compared to picture 1.
Good Morning All,
53F and intermittent rain this morning. Cars are loaded and ready to go to Pocono this afternoon.
Great news Johnboy! May your recovery continue as well.
Jeremy - sorry to hear about your wifes grandfather.
Seamonster - good to see you drop by. Paper and cardboard sandwich, eh? I think it must have come from the same tray I got last time.
Galaxy - hope your cold gets better soon.
Our continued thoughts and prayers for those in need. It's good to see Flip doing better and stopping in more often.
Ray - The scene continues to get better every post. Now you need to dirty up the far wall behind the caboose. It stands out too much in the latest pics.
I now have a 12 5/16" diameter hole in my layout. Finally bit the bullet and cut out for the turntable (90 foot one). After peering at it all some more and confirming it wouldn't do anywhere else, I took the plunge. I will simplify the extra sidings and whatnot I had mocked up in the area though. I think there is just enough room for a diesel /sand and water stand if not a coaling and water tower. The turntable will have a 3 stall roundhouse behind it then the passenger yard behind that.
Well gotta run. Lots to do in the shop before we leave. Cheers, J.R.
Todd
Central Illinoyz
In order to keep my position as Master and Supreme Ruler of the House, I don't argue with my wife.
I'm a small town boy. A product of two people from even smaller towns. I don’t talk on topic….. I just talk.
Good morning everybody. ....
Oatmeal and OJ please.
I'm working on a small project. I picked up two of the IHC "Action Cars" which in this case is gondolas with a crude sound system to imitate steam locomotive chuffing. I bought these cars for hardly anything a couple of years ago. I removed all the electronmic stuff. I salvaged the speakers and some cheap on/off toggle switches to save for future projects. The cars are getting new wheels sets and Kadee couplers. Both are Santa Fe and one will be re-numbered. They will be weathered and placed in service. It seems like I can never have enough gons.
Happy Model Railroading.