When I started my present layout, back in 2001, I had to thread track through a mountain, some 9 feet as a matter of fact and then out into the valley - I elected to craft a rock portal and for the most part it worked out well. It took about 8 hours to do well. Since then I haven't seen too many on layouts pictured here and elsewhere and I suspected that making this kind of portal is a challenge to most - I know it was to me. And I wanted a few more for my layout as it continues to grow - we won't get into that now - it really is a full time job for one person. Pictures? One day, but not right now. In any event - I found a rock out in my yard - which seems to grow rocks of all sizes and colors - but not grass. It looked to my "n scale eyes" to be perfect, but it was way too thick for what I want to do. I bought a diamond blade for my table saw - mounted it and cut a nice thick slice of the rock from the big rock. Then I made a pass that got me a straight bottom and standing the rock on it's bottom I made small slices up into the rock. And slowly, but surely, a portal that conforms to NTAK clearence standards resulted some three hours later. I then made a RTV tool that results in a huge casting - 6" High, 9" Wide and 1" Deep and have castings from that tool available for purchase at our web site: NSN Index. It comes pre-colored and is as easy to make use of as I would want - I am certain you ould want it that way too. As time goes by some e-retailers may have them in stock - like BLW, Feather River and Wig-Wag, but for now - it's factory direct. Thanks for your time John Coots
Tunnel 11? Somehow I'll assume you refer to the Tehachapi version, not the D&RGW Moffat Route one... Cuz I could really use one of these! Mikel Levine photo:
Is that a Tehachapi tunnel? Or no? Siskiyous? Cajon? Sunset Route? I'm all outta guesses. Granted, it's no match for Tunnel 11 on the Moffat, but Tunnel 30 is a close match, as well as a few other tunnels. Pricey, though, for a single portal. [inappropriate comment removed]
N Scale of Nevada...hmmm might be from the Feather River Canyon, there are many open rock faced portals on that route but specifically tunnel 11 I am not sure.
Hemi, much more than to watch trains or build this tunnel portal would I like to flyfish in the river on the right side of this picture, looks great... :tb-wink::thumbs_up:
Steve, that water is almost freezing most of the year.. The roar from the water cascading down South Boulder Creek is enough to drown out westbound trains growling up the 2% grade. You cannot hear a train until it is nearly on top of you. I have seen a few fishermen heading along the ROW to their favorite fishing spot...
The "truth" about TUNEL #11 First - I want to thank all who had comments about NSN's NEW item. It was kind of fun making, but risky - diamond saw blades do cut and rock - has 'faults' that are unknown and have splintered - fortuntely this one didn't. As for the title - well - it is TUNNEL #11 on MY RAILROAD and as it is a rock from my rock factory - it wan't meant to replicate any portal on any real railroad - but it does suggest some I've seen in my meanderings hither and yon on my HARLEY - a great way to really SEE the country. As for its RETAIL PRICE - remember that included in it is a hefty margin intended to support your local hobby shop - who will no doubt provide a hefty discount to their customers. See ya along the way John Coots
