The JACALAR RR

Mark / Jerry / TK - Thanks, these weren't easy, but weren't quite as bad as I expected. Lots of very patient painting under magnification, with 5-0 and 10-0 brushes. First, had to wash the pewter, and after drying, I primed using a white spray primer. Then when that was done, started the painting. It may be counter-intuitive, but with the small features, I actually started with the finer items first, and then carefully painted the larger blocks of color. The castings give you some nice easy-to-feel delineations, but still about 30 minutes per figure all told, and one can't do too many at once, or eyes start crossing and fingers cramping.

The finest details are actually the easiest! Once all the main color is on and dry, then wash with a dilute grimy black. It fills in all the crannies of the casting, and all of a sudden, the faces and wrinkles, etc. appear.

I also got 6 coyotes, which are complete, and need to be placed on the layout, as well as two wagons, with loads, horses and driver. Those still need painting and assembly.

 

Just used the cheap craft acrylics from Michael's. Hmmm... maybe when I start on the next batch, I'll take some pictures during the process.

Today, I FINALLY got the logic controller (a TeamDigital SRC16) installed for those first dwarf signals in the yard leading off the turntable; they now show the correct colors depending on switch positions. I have about 20 more of the single dwarfs, and 5 more bi-directional dwarfs to install yet to install, plus some mast signals. And, I don't even have a full complement of signals for all the layout, yet!

 

Look what showed up on the JACALAR

A new train came through Laurel Gulch, the Santa Fe El Capitan. I was able to get some photos of it, alongside the new signals that the RR installed



I caught the train just as it was pulling out of town. Here's a nice closeup of the EOT placard



The railroad crews were out this weekend, installing these new signals, too






The white "stanchion" behind the signal is one of the sensors for the Azatrax crossing signal detectors. Still need to camouflage it. The new signals are from Scale Models Division.

 

After leaving town, I was able to catch a few photos of the El Cap, as it was completing its crossing of the trestle and entering the High Sierra tunnel

 

Jerry, those aren't the signals I was having the problems with. The ones I wanted to jump up and down on the layout over were the grade crossing gates. They are just out of sight, near the bus, in the 4th picture above. I am waiting for the motor mounting hardware for the gates, and if I can get the one undamaged one to work smoothly, then I will order a replacement for the broken one. If not, I will abandon the gates, and just get the flashing lights to replace the broken (or maybe even with a tower / platform across the road).

These signals are from Scale Models Division. Serge does a fantastic job, and these were something new he was just starting on (with the electric box at the base). I have these signals wired up to an TeamDigital SRC16, which is actually reading (via Loconet) the positions of phantom switches, whose logic is controlled by a TD SRC24-AD, which is on the far side of the layout. The 24-AD allows for "logic" control of the signal, with AND and OR logic.

 

Thank you and how perceptive! Yes - my sister got it for me (including the 2-car add on). We've reached that stage where we now buy each other "toys" again (they just cost a lot more than they used to).

I was able to end work early today and spent the afternoon working in the train shed. Got a couple of fix-up projects completed: the crossing signals over behind the roundhouse are now working properly (no crossing gates there) - Due to location, those are using block occupancy, rather than IR sensors; I got a switch installed on the control panel to now slide into position to indicate the lift-out bridge being in or out; and got the programming of the SIC24AD updated to take into account the bridge, so that all the lights leading to it go red if there is no bridge (and normal logic if the bridge is there).

Now, I need to run the cleaning car around, and then I'll be able to take the El Cap out for a proper spin.

 

Happy Birthday Rick!:beer:resent::cake:

I love watching what you are up to on this layout.

 

Thanks Jim! And, lookee - it says I'm 56!

 

Loving the updates! (And of course seeing some ATSF on the layout!)

 

Thanks Jerry. What with the City of LA on order, I guess I need to get a Super Chief to complete my California terminating trans-con named trains.

 

I use the CMX cleaning car. Will work fine in all cases

 

Some Improvements around town

Lot of work around the town of Laurel Gulch. The Ariel Mineral & Mining company now has fencing around the operation

Here's the main entrance, we see that they even off public tours, Thurs - Sun at 11am and 2pm



A wider view of the area



and here's the fence near the stamp mill and yard



and, finally, the Rustic Rails wagons are complete and in town

 

The JACALAR aquires some AT&SF power and trains

The AT&SF El Capitan is seen in full glory, sitting next to the California Zephyr. An SP Morning Daylight consist, and an unnamed UP passenger consist to the right.

There is also lots of SF power on display, 2 E8m A units, and one B, 3 F7 A units and on B unit, and the El Capitan is awaiting an F7 A-B-A string to pull it. (The other B is not yet arrived)



Close up of SF #312 and #300. 312 is an Intermountain F7A, while 300 is a Kato F7A.



Here, #300 leads the El Cap past the roundhouse and through the grade crossing with working signals