Thank you, Frank. I like this idea. I have a lot of Marklin turnouts. What switch motors do you use/recommend? I've seen some European motors that look pretty cool. I have some MicroMark motors that I will use on some Peter Wright switches. Be well. Jim
Hi Jim, Can't advice for ay switch machine type. I have used only the lowered original switch machines cut from the switch, on my German layout. On my US switching layout I use handlaid code 40 rail type 8 switches with a self build mechanical hand thrown rod system instead of switchines. Verstuurd vanaf mijn ANE-LX1 met Tapatalk
I like the idea of manual hand-thrown switches since I am modeling an urban, industrial layout. The trains will be moving slowly around the layout and I like the prototypical feel of manual operations. You just got to pay attention. Thanks. Jim
I too like manual hand thrown switches because I like to work on the railroad. It gives you something to do besides just sitting there and watching the train go by. Also makes you pay attention or else there will probably be a derailment around the corner. Joe
We are working heavily on the module 2 -- independent of any kind of virus of weather or, or, or........ A few meter of harbor line became ready, and with it a first layer of water. After the water dried up completely all the tracks are fixed and built into the concrete ground of the harbor. Extensive test runs with the most demanding rolling stock have been performed !! Next thing on the agenda is now the installation of the buildings....... - to be continued -
Looks great. I can't wait to see what buildings you use. What method are you using to bring the concrete up to the top of the rails? Paper or plastic? What is the width and thickness for the piece that goes between the rails? What is it made of? Are ready made parts available? I am using 2 parts of styrene sheet, one 1mm and the other .50mm. It brings the surface nearly to the top of the rails. Thanks, Jim
The OLD PORT town is getting closer to the finishing line......... Let's have a closer look at the details of the middle block. Looking forward to your suggestions which details are a must be in the roads ..... and may be some action ideas? Thank you! Have a nice WE, Sven and Dirk
One thing that is seen on all roads is construction signs, cones and barrels. Pot holes is another suggestion, also a bridge under construction would look neat Funny thing is @BNSF FAN and I have been talking about the road construction items on another thread just a few minutes ago. Joe
An active construction site is a good idea. It doesn't even need to be big. Pothole patching takes a dump truck and a couple of guys. I love seeing all of these Miller Engineering buildings. The lights are great. They really do make a great urban scene. Superb work. Jim
It looks like there is an armed robbery in progress two doors down from the gun shop. If it is maybe some police arriving with lights flashing and sirens wailing would add some action. Maybe a silent alarm has been activated and there is a red flashing light outside the building...Jim
One of the funniest things I have ever seen (well, my copilot and I laughed pretty hard) was a taxiway closure at OAK airport, one guy with a wheelbarrow and a shovel surrounded by giant jet airliners taxiing around him. This is the kind of stuff that shows so well in Z scale, it is clearly the most "human" scale.
Finally, we are done with the water! Note the brownish dirt in the harbour water. Let's see how that blends in with the ships...... Best, Sven
What type of water product did you use? I have Woodland Scenics water but have never used it before, any tips? Joe
I’ve used thin cardboard before. It Was ok. I used Balsa wood with decent results by my coal tipple. Used the styrene for the gas station. I liked the styrene because it just was easier to use. So I even used it for my last asphalt roads instead of the foam because it seemed to look better with right paint.
On my last layout I used fine grit sandpaper for roads and some rooftops, It's easy to paint and weather. Joe