it will be done in time after all of the track is installled. Then a control panel will have to be built and wiring will have to be done and tested. I hate to have to go back and do things over. I found out that I am one turnout short for the supply track for the roundhouse and probably a couple of pieces of flextrack short. Guess this was caused by old timers disease. The flextrack could be a problem because most places want to sell in packages of 10. So far I am very pleased with the track that has been installed. If I can push such a long train through multiple turnouts without any problems whatsoever, it's a good sign.
Now that thing are moving on, it just dawned on me that I'll have to come up with some sort of scenic background to cover about 24 feet of wall.
WE say we are building a layout, but really... It's sort of like tugging on a loose strand of a wool sweater.
So right there. A layout is never done. As years go by, your skills get better and you always end up wanting to improve or ad something.
I did find a backdrop I am interested in, but don't know yet how deep they want to get into my wallet. It 36" tall by 22 and a half feet long. I'm sure it will be pricey.
Back to the search. I just got an e-mail back with a quote. After regaining conciousness, picking myself off of the floor and replacing a pacemaker battery, I think I will continue looking. The quote was for $372 plus shipping. Maybe I'll just keep using what I have already started with.
After hunting all over the internet, I guess I will continue to use Walthers Instant Horizons for a backdrop. Some of the scenes will be repeated, but by using scenery, I think I can make them look different. I started using the Instant Horizons many years ago when they first came out and I will just have to live with them.
I have had excellent success with printing my own. I discovered a company called LARC Products at the quarterly show in Timonium, Md. Their web site is http://www.larcproducts.com/ . They, too, sell ready to use backdrops, but they also started selling the images on CD. Each CD is only $10 and contains the large backdrop images already cut up into letter size pieces. For most people the obstacle is having a suitable color printer. I happen to have an HP Color LaserJet. Don't know how well an ink jet or photo printer would fare. Ink jet may run and a photo printer may be too crisp. For a backdrop, you don't want to draw attention to it. The pieces print out with a quarter inch border. I trim the skyline with a very sharp Xacto knife. I use a paper cutter to cut the border off of ONE SIDE. I learned that leaving the overlap is preferred for positioning. Otherwise, if you have even the slightest gap, the surface of the wall/hardboard will show through. With mine prepainted blue for sky, I had to do some manual touch-up. Once I started using the overlap, it's not very obvious. The other comment on the overlap... From one viewing angle the seam will be invisible. From the opposite angle you will be able to see the edge of the paper (I used heavier stock for durability). Before gluing to the backdrop, you might consider "dirtying" the edge of the paper so it doesn't show. I sprayed the back of each piece with spray adhesive then applied against the surface and rubbed down with a paper tower to get it snug. I have about 50 feet of backdrop done. Here are a few images...
I'll have to look into this. I have about 25 feet of wall left to cover. For some reason your images did not come out. If I can find something that I can somehow blend into my existing background this may just work. I have a photo printer (Epson 500 RX) that would work. Just the price of ink is what I have to consider. That would be a big mosaic. Thanks.
I tried that but it didn't work. I did check out the web site and this could be a posibility if I can find something I can blend into my existing backdrop. I already have over 60 feet up and have blended my scenery into the background and don't want to have to start all over. The background in these pictures are a bit out of focus, but gives an idea how the scenery and background work together.
Dispite many things not cooperating, sime more track has been laid. All of the yard trackace is down and after running a long train through all of the turnouts, again no mishaps. One thing setting things to a slower pace was my Dremmel tool deciding that it didn't care to work any more. I have also started on the roundhouse. Looks like it will turn into a nice structure. I did forget a few items that has caused me to come up short on the code 70 flex track. I have to build a service track for the enging facility and also there will be a couple of industries that will need to have a bit of track. Still thinking about what I am going to do for a backgroud. As soon as I can come up with some more flex track, the trackage to the background indistries will also be completed. It sure is frustrating not to have a hobby shop in my area. Slows everything down.
Looking great do you but your track etc online? I use a few and they are great pm me if you would like some suggestions
I have to get everything online. The closest hobby shop to me is in Billings, MT, about 150 miles away. If I am in Billings, I will usually stop by but it seems that they never have what I need in stock. It's the old I can order it routine. Doesn't make much sense to have to take another trip and then pay full retail. If that had what I needed, I could live with the retail price, but that never happens. Any suggestions on internet retailers is more than welcome. I have been dealing with ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ and so far they meet my needs, but with some of the upcoming projects I may have to look elsewhere.
