It is exciting when the train layout finally comes together and you can operate test trains. I can't help but blow my own whistle or toot my own horn. If I'm boring you or driving you nuts...just say so? Progress Report: Although, it's coming together slowly (to slow for me) progress is being made as the MOW crews wire in the blocks, activating the switches and signals. News Update: As of yesterday, the control panel for the Main Line, is wired in and installed. This adds to the operation mystique. Now I'm able to put a train in the hole and hold it while another train is allowed to pass. I'm wiring in DPDT toggles. Allowing me to operate trains with two cabs. I have future plans for DCC. to make that happen, I might need to take out a corporate loan. I decided to pass on the map style control panel and incorporate a straight line or linear control panel. Old News Summary: To bring you up to date. We've had two running sessions...mostly to test the track. SteveH., stopped by for both sessions he commented, "He'd never seen anything run so smooth and trouble free the first time out". I'l take that! Weekend activity: My goal is to get the Coal District, wired in and the control panel installed. Images provided: I've added some pictures along with comments to RailImages, BarstowRick. Feel free to visit. I attached some photos here to wet your appetite. Just a reminder this is a work in progress. You won't find pictures of scenery...yet! I'm itching to get to that point so I can show it off. I'm determined that the scenery will not distract from the trains. For now it is bench work, track and roadbed with wires going in all directions looking totally disorganized. And that's the news for this Friday. Oh, and any suggestions or ideas are always welcome. Thanks for the read.
I like that. Scenery to showcase the trains and not hide them. I have tried to do that but sometimes it doesn't work out that way. The ridge in the photo I'm going to try to include (my first attempt) hides my view unless I stand on tiptoes. It was built to separate scenes but works as a barrier to unobscured view view of the trains. What method will you use for terrain? Hard shell or something else? Ben http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showphoto.php/photo/38155/cat/554
Scenery...Method! To Ben and all tuned in, To be honest (like I was planing on lying to you) I haven't decided yet. I've given some thought to lightweight screen and a type of hard shell plaster patch covering. While building a friends layout, the hard shell or Hydrocal products couldn't be found locally. To get to the nearest hobby shop would be an all day trip. I experimented with a number of items off the shelf of our local hardware store. I was relatively happy with the results I got from a mix of Plaster Patch and Texture Products. When it drys it's a little heavier then Hydrocal but costs much less. Durable as well and takes a while to dry allowing me time to carve in ravines or rock strata. Last night SteveH gave me a call, a fellow model rails and friend. He just got his January issue of Railroad Model Craftsman. He shared with me an article where the author is using a paper product for the scenery base. It reminded me of Paper-Mache. I need something that will go up light, quick and durable. Should a visitor, accidently on purpose poke their finger or bump their elbow into the scenery, I need for it to be strong enough to survive the attack. There are a number of locations where I will need pull-out scenery, to allow me access to the staging yard. I'm considering foam pull-outs. Let's just say I'm undecided. Before I jump to any conclusions I may experiment with several technics. When I finally make up my mind, I will advise you and the many friends here at TrainBoard. You will be the first to know. So, Stay Tuned. I'm open to any ideas or suggestions... feel free to share them. Looks like the snow is falling outside, finally made it to Southern CA., and it's going to stick. Got to get back to my layout and the mundane task of wiring. I'm glad I didn't build an outdoor layout.
Ben and all tuned in, I took time out to visit your RailImages Gallery. Amazing work. I would be interested in what you used for your scenery base and etc. I like the SP switcher sitting on a spur, waiting crew call, to handle the local industrial switching. Job well done!
Regarding that RMC article, it is Howard Zane's layout. I visited it three weeks ago and his solution is incredible. He uses "red rosin paper", available at home centers, as a base. He shapes and staples it into place and then paints it with 100% white glue. It hardens like hard shell, and you can hang plaster castings on it. Finished product is excellent. If you want to change something, you can easily -- and cleanly -- cut a section out with an Xacto blade.
Jerry and all tuned in, Howard Zane's layout! It's tough to keep up with the pro's and he's one of them. And, you had the opportunity to visit him and his layout. I'm envious! I like the idea of Red Rosin Paper. From what you described, it would be clean and easy to change. Anything else you can share with us, will be welcomed by this TB participant. Thanks for the come back.
