I am working on the base. From the pictures I have of the Baldwin Locomotive Works, the floors look to be concrete. I have searched online and on this site to find ideas on modeling rails embedded in concrete. The directions I am leaning towards are various forms of sheet stock as opposed to clay, plaster or dry wall compound. I was hoping some of you can provide input or your own experience. Thanks, Scott
Sheet stock layers, I used 1/16" basswood: Then paint the concrete with tole paints like Apple Barrel from Hobby Lobby or similar: I put the walls on, and details in before the rails, because I built it on the workbench, and place it on the layout before adding the rails: After mounting on the module, I added the rails. I just used Atlas flex track, that I cut all the ties away except 3 ties every 2 inches apart, held in place with contact cement under the remaining ties, then I cut a piece of thin plywood to represent access planks and glued onto those ties so you could not see any ties. This makes the rails look like they were imbedded into the inspection pit, yet holds the rails in gauge:
Robert’s approach cannot be surpassed, I think. However, Kathy’s approach, with foam sheet, is something I am considering to give a try (some day…). She’s modeling Tarmac but it could work for concrete just as well, I suspect: Matt
Amazing! It doesn't get any better than this in z-scale. Great tip as well for keeping the track true and hiding the ties. Are you using the Atlas turnouts? I have seen shims used in the flooring business that are 1mm sheets of compressed foam and thought they could be useful for this type of module. Have you any experience with it? All those lights and hardly a wire to be seen. Great work. Jim
Put some time in on the base, track, and concrete floor. The base I had cut out of some scrap Baltic Birch plywood. I wanted to use this plywood because it is very stable. I have allowed a 1/4 inch ledge all around, that the cover will sit on. I cut 1/4 inch slots for the two side walls and an 1/8th inch slot for the back wall. I have since filled the back wall slot in when I discovered more information on the BLW and changed the dimensions. I'll cut a new slot this week. The pencil lines on the base are the seven rail center lines and the new wall slot on the right. I cut cardboard strips from a note pad backer for the concrete and will paint and weather. I'll need to cut the concrete and track to the correct length for the bays inside the walls, and for the two bays that go out the doors. I still ned to cut spacers for the floor sections between the ties. Scott
Scott, What's the plan for painting the cardboard slats that will represent the concrete? I'll assume enamel primer and then paint? Just curious. Looking good though overall. Another note of curiousity, but will this mini-diorama feature any sound, lighting, action or anthing of that nature? Or just a static display? Plan for any of that now if so -- just speaking from experience when it comes to lighting the sawtooth warehouse, especially after 90% of it was built. I'll make sure to plan my lighting in advance for any other buildings I do. Lance
Barn Grey. Also, if you have access to Diatomaceous Earth, you can add a small amount to the paint to get a really concrete looking texture too. I also use chalk powders to add soot and dirt effects.
Lance, I am going to use the Apple Barrel paint. I am planning to use it as a photo backdrop, showcase, and storage for the locomotives. I hope to have at least one locomotive for each bay. I think since this is my first model build, I'll keep it relatively simple.(maybe even finish it) Rob, Thanks for the paint and powder info. I do have Diatomaceous Earth! Scott
Worked on center support columns. I'm laying them out for Circut. To the left of column are the column components to be cut. "Floating rectangles" around column, are for dimensional reference. I am learning how to print and cut from Cricut using Illustrator. Parts will be cut from card stock. Scott
Made little more progress on the erecting shop. Removed the rail joiners, cut the rail to length with the razor saw. I held the rail down with Shurtape, it's so strong the we taped down parts to a Bridgeport deck to mill. I used some popsicle stick to create a backstop to ensure the rails fit between the walls. I cut spacers to bring the backer cardboard between sections of rail, up to rail height. Next job is to cut pits into the cardboard. These pit are not the type that run down the center of the track, but run perpendicular. See the picture below, just behind the chassis and 4-4-2 and in front of the 4-6-0. Scott
I've been working on the center columns and crane wheel. The crane wheel I will try to grow. I am going to try my hand at Fusion 360. The wheel will be my starter project. The column I am working on in Illustrator and Photoshop. I hope to print and cut the columns in Cricut. Here is my first trial file. Scott
I made some more progress. I first painted black stain into the areas where the pits might be. I then painted contact cement onto the base and ties. Let dry, then stuck down the rails and added weight. After those are dry, I cut spacers for between the rails. I cut out the areas where the pits will be. I painted on contact cement between the rails and on the spacers. After those were dry I stuck them down between the rails. Next I fit the actual concrete(backer cardboard) between the rails. I marked the areas where the pits will be and cut out the pits that are open. Here is a shot with the saddle tank that my dad created for In Service Models. Scott
Slowly starting to take shape and looking really good. Knowing you are going to cut the columns in Cricut, what kind of program or tooling is that???? I am not familiar with it.
Lance, I am using Adobe Illustrator to create the files. Then I'll use the Cricut program to print and cut them. After I finish building this iteration, I'd like to try laser for the walls, and brass etch for the columns. We'll see. Scott
OK I know what you’re talking about now. I had to look it up on the net to see what the actual mechanism or tool was. Looks interesting. Someone a printer and cutter in one correct?. What material thickness is can it handle? Very interested to see what results you have with it especially on this project you were doing.
Rob, Thanks for the gray paint suggestion. I picked some up yesterday. Are there other colors from Apple Barrel that you use? I have no paints at hand and want to build up a selection. Thanks, Scott
