The Model Railroading thread

[August]

I've been getting back into model railroading in the past few months and i'm finding it very relaxing after a hard days work. It started with a 20 buck box of ho scale engines and freight cars and has grown into the makings of a fairly decent layout. I still have lots of work to do on it, the most important right now to get it insulated and finished before it gets too cold and drives me back to the warmth of a painting and detailing bench set up near the basement wood stove like last year.

The time period is the 1970's and the Railroad is Maine Central in their heyday.

http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/daves%20layout%20fall%202012.jpg

[Betonov]

Ha, a grown man playing with toy trains. I mean, how low can, it's so...

I'm so jealous :wah::wah:

[magic452]

Looks like a nice layout :yeah:

I just posted in another thread about mine.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=1941424&postcount=1487

You got more length than I do and I'm just getting too old to duck under track so mine is more a U shaped layout.

Are you going DCC and is that all on one level?

Magic

[August]

Yeah I went DCC. It's so much better than block wiring and all the other old hassles involved with DC operation. It's one level so far but I figure to add some peninsula shaped extensions into the middle which may have some height variations.

Here are some more pics:

http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/CR%20Dscf3677.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/CR%20Dscf3678.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/CR%20Dscf3681.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/CRDscf3671.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/CRDscf3672.jpg

[Jimbuna]

I'm se envious August...I'd love to givr the hobby a go but my loft is used as a storage area.

Looking forward to seeing your hobby progress :sunny:

[soopaman2]

I'm with Betonov.

I'm jealous, my basement floods when one of my animals pees in the yard!

Great pics. Thank you for sharing.

Though you know we will want more now, after all you cracked the cork, now we want it all!

Kidding, keep us updated when you add new pieces.:salute:

[magic452]

Lots of work isn't it? The open studs makes for easier bench work.
I had to candle leaver off drywall. Used pink foam insulation over mine and than used N gauge foam roadbed instead of HO, like the looks better.
got some pics someplace, I'll dig them up and post tomorrow.

Like your town set up there. Going to look nice when done. :up:

Magic

[August]

I'm se envious August...I'd love to givr the hobby a go but my loft is used as a storage area.

Looking forward to seeing your hobby progress :sunny:

So is mine. I guess I just have little enough to be able to hide it all under the eaves.

I'll post more pictures as I get further along but this is a long term project. I understand the best layouts are never done.

[Jimbuna]

So is mine. I guess I just have little enough to be able to hide it all under the eaves.

I'll post more pictures as I get further along but this is a long term project. I understand the best layouts are never done.

Rgr that mate but your start sure looks good/promising.

[u crank]

You trying to make me crazy, August? :hmmm:

I used to love this stuff, but have gotten away from it. No time or space. My brother has an extensive N gauge layout and you're right it's never finished. I love your time period as well. Love those '70s era diesels.

Enjoy. It's time well wasted.:up:

[Oberon]

That is fantastic!

Love the weathering on that, is it a GP38? With the silver bogies? Just next to what I think is a GP40? My knowledge on US diesels is a bit spotty, so I might just be grasping at wikipedia straws here.

Am I right in thinking that's a Berkshire on the turntable though?

[Gerald]

August,

http://imageshack.us/a/img821/9951/14656o.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/821/14656o.gif/)

[AVGWarhawk]

August, you are doing what I have wanted to do since I was a wee lad. My train world existed on a 8x4 piece of plywood. Worked great but I always wanted the entire room. You are off to a great start. I look forward to seeing new construction in the thriving metropolis in your attic!

[Oberon]

I have a couple of locos, but as of yet no layout to run them on, however one day... :yep:

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/6889/1006168e.jpg
An old Triang Princess Royal class (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LMS_Princess_Royal_Class)

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/3227/1006169r.jpg
Fictional 'Holden' design LSWR ex-GWR tank locomotive

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/6522/1006170y.jpg
EWS Class 56 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_56) diesel locomotive

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/2928/1006171h.jpg
And my personal favourite, the LBSCR A1X 'Terrier' (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LB%26SCR_A1_class) tank locomotive. :yep:

All of these are Birthday and Christmas presents from the wife, except the Holden tank which was brought on our honeymoon at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. :D

[Sailor Steve]

Excellent! :rock:

I understand the best layouts are never done.
Back in the late '70s I worked for a couple of years for a hobby distributor, and heard that said more than once. Another great saying concerning the work involved in any model-building endeavor: If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over.

[Jimbuna]

If you get round to a British section I'll supply the overhead entertainment :03:

[August]

That is fantastic!

Love the weathering on that, is it a GP38? With the silver bogies? Just next to what I think is a GP40? My knowledge on US diesels is a bit spotty, so I might just be grasping at wikipedia straws here.

Am I right in thinking that's a Berkshire on the turntable though?

Thanks Oberon.

That is indeed a GP38, High Nose type. It's one of my flea market locos i'm in the process of converting over to Maine Central colors. It's been stripped of it's Santa Fe factory coat. What looks like weathering is just over spray from a coat of paint I put on the inside to keep the lights from shining through.

The green one next to it is a GP7, and yep that is indeed a Berkshire 2-8-4 on the turntable. Just behind it is a maroon F3A and F3B consist with a parts F3 next to it in ATSF colors. Next to that is a GP-38 another flea market loco that is being worked on. The black one next to that is a recent acquisition that is lot like a U-30c but there are some small differences, then another green GP7 which is a matching set with the other one. Just behind that you can make out a couple roadwheels of an old 4-4-0 wood burning steamer. At far right in black with the red stripes is a GE 44 ton switcher.

Not pictured I also have a 4-8-2 Mountain steamer which is the workhorse of the layout.

[nikimcbee]

Now that's pretty damn cool!:up::salute: So, how much does your set up cost? And how much time does Mrs August allow you to be an "engineer?":haha:

If you're good this year and post a lot, maybe McBeeoclaus will get you this:
http://www.wonderbrains.com/images/products/w/wooden-train-whistle_1.jpg

[AVGWarhawk]

August, I love the steam engines. Post a picture of the mountain steamer. I have a Booth Kelly logger. Purchased 20 years ago. I run it at Christmas.

http://www.google.com/search?q=booth+Kelly+log+steam+engine&hl=en&client=tablet-android-acer&tbo=d&biw=1280&bih=800&site=webhp&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=veJoUKLKGqXs0gG6rYHgAg&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ#biv=i|4;d|omXCUEzw8_XeMM:

[August]

August, I love the steam engines. Post a picture of the mountain steamer. I have a Booth Kelly logger. Purchased 20 years ago. I run it at Christmas.

http://www.google.com/search?q=booth+Kelly+log+steam+engine&hl=en&client=tablet-android-acer&tbo=d&biw=1280&bih=800&site=webhp&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=veJoUKLKGqXs0gG6rYHgAg&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ#biv=i|4;d|omXCUEzw8_XeMM:

Here ya go: 4-8-2 Mountain

http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/CR%20Dscf3687.jpg

[AVGWarhawk]

She is nice. Is your collection American Flyer scale? I can not tell if you are running HO scale.

[Sledgehammer427]

Here ya go: 4-8-2 Mountain

:rock:
I used to be an avid model railroader but the starter set I got sucked and it was basically a christmas present that I wanted to expand on but never really did. I had a N&W J Class 4-8-4, and a bunch of Diesel types but I yearned to have more Steam, leading up to an insane desire for either a Challenger or Big Boy. I moved on to Rail Sims on my PC and frankly, its a lot cheaper.

It's a great hobby! the layout looks great August! :up:

p.s. was that a yellow AMC Pacer or a Pinto in your street shot? :O:

[August]

was that a yellow AMC Pacer or a Pinto in your street shot? :O:

Yep on both. A company called Model Power makes a bunch of 1960 and 70's vintage ho scale cars and the prices are generally reasonable too.

http://www.hobbylinc.com/model-power_ho_scale_model_railroad_vehicles

AVG: HO scale. I wanted to go N scale but you never see that stuff in flea markets so it'd have meant going all new.

[AVGWarhawk]

HO scale. Got it. The Booth Kelly 2-6-6-2 is HO. Made by Mantua. I have a few N Scale but HO was more prominent and still is I would imagine. I like the intricate workings of the steam engines. I did have my far share of the diesels.

[Jimbuna]

I'm quickly getting the impression this hobby can be as expensive as collecting diecast if not even more so :)

[Herr-Berbunch]

That's the thing with any hobby, it can become expensive!

Looking great, August. :yeah:

Do keep us updated on progress.

[Sailor Steve]

I have a few N Scale but HO was more prominent and still is I would imagine.
Back when I worked at the hobby distributors I spent a fair share of time behind the retail desk. One of my funniest memories is when a wife or mother would be buying a gift, and would ask for something in "Ho scale". I enjoyed explaining about O scale, and that H-O was "Half O", O, or 0 scale being 1/43 and HO being 1/87.

That's the thing with any hobby, it can become expensive!
Get a job in the industry that makes your hobby. Then you can get stuff for free. I lost several thousand dollars worth of models in a fire, but I can't complain too much since most of them were freebies from the shop. Most of my books also came from working for years at a book distribution warehouse. :sunny:

That said, I still spend around 10% of my income on books and models.

[Herr-Berbunch]

0 scale being 1/43 and HO being 1/87.

Surely a half scale of 1/43 would be 1/86. :hmmm:


:O:

[Sailor Steve]

Surely a half scale of 1/43 would be 1/86. :hmmm:


:O:
You would think so, but both scales were imprecise at first and even now vary with different standards for European and American modelmakers. Don't even get me started on HOn3
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_scale
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HO_scale

Also, were you aware that some dedicated enthusiasts lay their own track, using tiny wooden ties and scale spikes holding down the individual rails?

[AVGWarhawk]

I'm quickly getting the impression this hobby can be as expensive as collecting diecast if not even more so :)


:yep::yep::yep::yep:

20 years ago I paid $200.00 for this Booth Kelly Logger. 2-6-6-2. She has not lost value nor has she grown in value.

http://loggingmallets.railfan.net/models/mantua/bklogger2.jpg

[Herr-Berbunch]

You would think so, but both scales were imprecise at first and even now vary with different standards for European and American modelmakers. Don't even get me started on HOn3


Also, were you aware that some dedicated enthusiasts lay their own track, using tiny wooden ties and scale spikes holding down the individual rails?

And our British OO scale :doh:

I wasn't aware of those people, but I could've guessed. Great if you've got the time and patience (and skill!), but not me. :03:

[Betonov]

A friend of mine makes some extra cash by building Slovenian and Yugoslav engines. Only diesel or electric. He doesn't have the patience for steam.

I'll try to make a few pictures the next time I'm there

[August]

:yep::yep::yep::yep:

20 years ago I paid $200.00 for this Booth Kelly Logger. 2-6-6-2. She has not lost value nor has she grown in value.

That is a sweet looking loco. Is it articulated?

[AVGWarhawk]

That is a sweet looking loco. Is it articulated?


Yes sir. The two curved tracks offered for HO, the larger diameter is required. She does not like the tight turns.

Here is the Mantua write up.

http://loggingmallets.railfan.net/models/mantua/mantua.htm

[Oberon]

You would think so, but both scales were imprecise at first and even now vary with different standards for European and American modelmakers. Don't even get me started on HOn3
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_scale
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HO_scale

Also, were you aware that some dedicated enthusiasts lay their own track, using tiny wooden ties and scale spikes holding down the individual rails?

Over here we have the OO which is similar to HO in scale (4mm to HOs 3.5mm), but you are correct the scale is imprecise and because of that some modellers started the EM and P4 scales which scale closer to reality than OO. Of course it's quite a niche sector and most 'ready to run' models are OO, N or sometimes O.

Meanwhile in Japan (who are also quite crazy about trains in a manner that only the Japanese can be) they have invented "T-scale" which is 1:480, and has magnetic wheels.

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/uploads/monthly_03_2010/blogentry-6745-126911282654_thumb.jpg
An N-gauge Class 08 shunter and a T-gauge Japanese power car for comparison.

Personally, I'm a OO or N man, although the cost of N gauge equipment is...quite high, and my fingers are...quite large. My Dad always wanted to get himself a garden railway, so he has a little Gauge 1 railway at the bottom of his garden now. He used to use track current but has found it to be too unreliable so he uses battery locos now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f_1Dm2c-us&feature=plcp

[AVGWarhawk]

I have some N gauge and do enjoy the smaller scale quite a bit.

[Jimbuna]

:yep::yep::yep::yep:

20 years ago I paid $200.00 for this Booth Kelly Logger. 2-6-6-2. She has not lost value nor has she grown in value.

http://loggingmallets.railfan.net/models/mantua/bklogger2.jpg

She's a beauty Chris, I met a guy a few months ago who lives locally and is in the diecast trade...he was in a small party/group of which I was a part at a small air show and he told me during the course of the day that diecast aircraft were a pretty good investment, so on the way home I invited him and a few others in for a drink and took him up into the man cave to look at my collection on display.

I said "That paperwork lying face down on my computer desk is an itemised spreadsheet of my entire collection including purchase prices....make me an offer on the entire collection then turn the spreadsheet face up".

He made an offer then turned the spreadsheet over and his offer was a little over half the price I had paid :stare:

[AVGWarhawk]

I can not say all of my diecasts are a great investment. The Danbury Mint and Franklin Mint do not hold the value that I can see. I can say my Matchbox Collectible diecast aircraft do hold the value and then some depending on the aircraft.

I do collect for the enjoyment. Most people collect for the enjoyment. Some collect spoons or bottle caps. Too each their own.

[Jimbuna]

I can not say all of my diecasts are a great investment. The Danbury Mint and Franklin Mint do not hold the value that I can see. I can say my Matchbox Collectible diecast aircraft do hold the value and then some depending on the aircraft.

I do collect for the enjoyment. Most people collect for the enjoyment. Some collect spoons or bottle caps. Too each their own.

Agreed...collecting should always be for enjoyment IMHO and any increase in value is the icing on the cake.

Young buna has told me he'll sell em as soon as I pop my clogs :)

[nikimcbee]

Agreed...collecting should always be for enjoyment IMHO and any increase in value is the icing on the cake.

Young buna has told me he'll sell em as soon as I pop my clogs :)

You need some grandkids to play with your collection.:hmm2:

[Jimbuna]

You need some grandkids to play with your collection.:hmm2:

No way....they're far too expensive to be used as toys :o

[AVGWarhawk]

No way....they're far too expensive to be used as toys :o

http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/sumners/sumners1002/sumners100200003/6367503-eine-erwachsenen-mann-in-seine-30-des-flugzeug-in-einem-alten-karton-box-spielen.jpg

[Jimbuna]

http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/sumners/sumners1002/sumners100200003/6367503-eine-erwachsenen-mann-in-seine-30-des-flugzeug-in-einem-alten-karton-box-spielen.jpg

^ :har:

I resemble that picture http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/1853/angry8ro5.gif

[nikimcbee]

http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/sumners/sumners1002/sumners100200003/6367503-eine-erwachsenen-mann-in-seine-30-des-flugzeug-in-einem-alten-karton-box-spielen.jpg

Kraaaaaaatooooooooos! I'll get you! A dramatic re-enacment of Jim v Kratos in Il-2.:har:

[nikimcbee]

No way....they're far too expensive to be used as toys :o


Tell that to them.:doh:

[nikimcbee]

Tell that to them.:doh:

Hey Papa Jim, watch this aeroplane fly.
http://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/98country.com/files/2012/08/Toy-Airplane-Tony-Crescibene-facebook.jpg?w=300&h=200&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89

[Gerald]

^:haha:

[Jimbuna]

I'm booked on the next flight to Ore-gone Jason...now your in trouble :O:

[nikimcbee]

I'm booked on the next flight to Ore-gone Jason...now your in trouble :O:

Deal! Newcastle Ale awaits you, as does the Spruce Goose.:up:

[Jimbuna]

Deal! Newcastle Ale awaits you, as does the Spruce Goose.:up:

Careful...you might just be on :03:

[nikimcbee]

Careful...you might just be on :03:

And if you bring ol' mcbee a NUFC jersey, I'll take you to Costco and get you you a pallet of Newcastle ale. waddya say?

[Jimbuna]

And if you bring ol' mcbee a NUFC jersey, I'll take you to Costco and get you you a pallet of Newcastle ale. waddya say?

Well if it tastes anything like the Brown Ale I purchased in Houston...no thanks :)

[magic452]

Here are some pics of my layout. Basically a U shape along three walls of the room. There will be an island section in the center later. The room is 17 feet X 17 feet. Still laying track so I'm not as far along as August.
It's all code 83 track so I had to get all new stuff.

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/Southwallyard.jpg

This is along the South wall. It's really two switch yards.
24 inches wide by 14 feet. There will be a little section to the left on the east wall. How big it will be will depend on if I ever want to use that bathroom again. The layout will have some trees on it so that may be an option. :o:D

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/Switchyardhead.jpg

The head of the yards. The bridge thing is just a temp. Don't really know what I'll do with it.?????

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/Westwall.jpg

That leads to the west wall

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/NWcorner.jpg

The NW corner. A double crossover here to get from one oval to the other.

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/Northwall.jpg

And the North wall. It's 48" X 96" The two dead ends will crossover to the other side via the center island.



http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/GP9.jpg

GP9 Got another just like it on order DCC with sound.

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/Locos.jpg

The little switcher is DCC the others DC.

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/VTRR.jpg

This one is my favorite. Virgina & Truckee. Ran form the mines in Virgina City to Carson City and than to Reno. Not the right locomotive in this shot.

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/Rollingstock.jpg

Some of the rolling stock.

Magic

[Jimbuna]

Very nice indeed :cool:

[August]

Very nice Magic! Have you tried installing any DCC controllers in those DC loco's yet?

[Sailor Steve]

I remember reading as a kid about an enthusiast who converted a spare bedroom into a layout, then proceeded to make holes in all the walls and running the track along a narrow shelf in several rooms. The train would come out of a "tunnel" and run along the wall, with a painted background behind. Every room was different.

[AVGWarhawk]

Looking good Magic. This thread makes me want to grab my trains and build a small layout!

[magic452]

Very nice Magic! Have you tried installing any DCC controllers in those DC loco's yet?

I have two other locos, GP 7 and a GP 9 in SPRR gray both Athern that I would like to make DCC, them and the green 4 6 2 steamer.
Problem is I spent most of my working life as a heavy equipment mechanic and if it don't work get a 16 pound double jack. Not the best tool for HO.
Might get around to it later but for now I just want to get things running.

@ AVG go for it man, there are lots of interesting track plans on the Interwebs for 4x8 or so and lots of new stuff that make building so much easier.

I'm not a stickler for exact detail or realism just trying to get something that looks good and runs well, makes the job much easier.

Magic

[August]

I have two other locos, GP 7 and a GP 9 in SPRR gray both Athern that I would like to make DCC, them and the green 4 6 2 steamer.
Problem is I spent most of my working life as a heavy equipment mechanic and if it don't work get a 16 pound double jack. Not the best tool for HO.
Might get around to it later but for now I just want to get things running.

It's actually easier than it might appear. When the time comes you want to try it let me know and I can help with advice and experience having done a bunch myself.

[magic452]

It's actually easier than it might appear. When the time comes you want to try it let me know and I can help with advice and experience having done a bunch myself.

Thanks for the offer. :up:
I just might take you up on this sometime.

Magic

[joea]

OMG this is one of the coolest threads I've seen here for awhile. Awesome setups guys!!! :rock:

[August]

Thought I'd post an update.

I just bought this 1910 Barnhart Log Loader. Part of my Forest products industry project. These steam powered booms were mounted on rails mounted to the bed of flat cars. The Loader moved along these rails lifting logs that had been placed by the side of the tracks by the lumberjacks. It could haul itself from car to car by use of special joiner sections which let it bridge the gap as it filled each car in turn.

At the time this was considered a big innovation because it meant you didn't have to move the train every time a car was loaded.

I have chained it down on rails to the deck of a 30' flatcar and stored extra rail sections between them. In the background you can see my latest efforts in using Sedum as HO scale trees. The tree trunks behind them are small branch pieces with moss filling in the background. The effect looks pretty realistic I thought.

http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/CR%20Dscf3735.jpg

[nikimcbee]

Your whole setup is HO scale, correct?

[yubba]

That does look pretty cool just in time for christmas, I miss my HO set, I did download rail simulator then my box crapped out,, any intel on any decent train sims...????

[AVGWarhawk]

Try to weather the car?

[August]

Yeah that's on the list AVG. I plan to make it look like it's been sitting in the yard for a very long time. A silent and rusting witness to the more modern machines that supplanted it... :)

[August]

Your whole setup is HO scale, correct?

Yep. If I had to start over I might prefer N gauge instead just because it gives you so many more possibilities per square foot but i'm happy with what I got.

[Oberon]

Very nice August, and a nice design too, never heard of such a thing before but a very clever solution to the problem of loading logs. The trees are looking good too. :yep:
When it comes to weathering, do you plan to weather the track as well?

[August]

When it comes to weathering, do you plan to weather the track as well?

Yes, ballast and rust up the sides of the rails. That comes last once all the scenery behind it is done.

[Gerald]

Good work here,:up:

[magic452]

A little update here.

Got a new DCC system as my Christmas present to me. Digatrax Zephyr with one remote throttle. Works pretty good. The Zephyr will be perfect for switch yard operations.

I couldn't get the Athern SP Black widow to run right, keep cutting out. Spent hours checking my track only to find out I wasn't getting power to the front truck on the loco. :/\\!!:/\\!! Got that fixed, loose wire. Brand new, very expensive and it didn't work. :nope:

Replacing all the trucks on my older rolling stock with new metal wheels, roll much better.

Got a bunch of stuff on order so I can get back to laying track but right now you can't buy anything, it's all on back order even rail joiners are hard to get.

Found some good videos on installing DCC in the older Athern blue box locos. So I'll be trying that next, looking at Soundtraxx 750 Tsunami sound decoders but at $135.00 each I will be a while getting them. Still cheaper than new locos though. I do like the Southern Pacific gray. Got them all cleaned up and running good. They are 30 years old but much better built than the new ones.

August that logging crane looks great. I'm trying to fit some sort of logging thing into the layout but don't know where yet. Had one planed but that plan used 3% grades and they just didn't work so I went with 2% and everything changed.

Magic

[Takeda Shingen]

I am terrible with model railroading. My 'woodshop' and electrical work abilities leave much to be desired; by which I mean that they are totally lacking. However, I love the photos in this thread, and love seeing these things grow and transform.

More, pics! More, I say!

[August]

My steam engine fueling facility.

In the foreground the Sand House and Water tower with the Coaling station just behind it. Aside from painting and weathering the structures I replaced the molded plastic chain with a real scale chain (40 links per inch)

http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/2012-04-23%20015%20CR.jpg

[Sailor Steve]

:rock:

That's the kind of detail I like to see. It makes all the difference. :sunny:

[Jimbuna]

Now that looks so cool :sunny:

[Navuhodonosor]

I live in the wrong part of the world:wah::wah:

[Oberon]

How the heck did I miss that update?! That's a beautiful looking water tower and coaling station there August, love the weathering, particularly the coal dust effect on the coaling station. :yep::yeah:

[August]

It's been awhile so I thought I would post a few new pics for you guys:

A hobby shop used caboose that I repainted and decaled to MEC scheme. I wish I could say I put in those led marker lights but that was the previous owner. Now that i've seen how it's done though it's not that difficult.
http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/Reflag%20Feb%202012%20007%20cr.jpg


Another repaint job. This little guy lives under my coaling station.

http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/Reflag%20Feb%202012%20010%20cr.jpg

This was a former Dutch Cleanser Hopper (http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Tyco-HO-Scale-Old-Dutch-Cleanser-Center-Flow-Hopper-Car-358F-/00/s/MTA3MVgxNjAw/$(KGrHqRHJC4FCFPsthvLBQludBdvcg~~60_35.JPG) car.

http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/CR%202012-06-06%20006.jpg

Here's a Pennsy GG-1 I picked up at the LHS for just five bucks.

http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/CR%202012%20August%20037.jpg

[AVGWarhawk]

Looks great August. Makes me want to start my own. There is not enough time in the day.

[August]

Looks great August. Makes me want to start my own. There is not enough time in the day.

I do just a little bit at a time and it's very relaxing.

[Oberon]

Five bucks for a GG1, very nice indeed! Powerful beasts the GG1s, but with an odd sort of beauty to them. I presume she'll be being dragged by a diesel perhaps off to a maintenance shop somewhere? Don't recall seeing any overhead cables in the other shots.
Love the caboose too, fantastic bit of weathering there, LED lights are an excellent addition to any stock, and indeed to buildings too, can be very atmosphere to turn the lights off and watch the railroad run in the night.
Have you thought of replacing the plastic coal in the coal hopper with a layer of crushed real coal?
Something a bit like this (although this is a tender, not a hopper):

https://www.model-railways-live.co.uk/userfiles/image/News/tender%20with%20loose%20coal.jpg


Also, I remember one...magazine I think it was, showing a way that if you get an empty hopper or wagon, measure it up and create a load that slots into the wagon but is easily removed, then you can simulate empty and full loads on the layout.

Some links that might be of interest, UK based but I'm sure that they will still be relevant to a US layout:
http://georgedentmodelmaker.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/fill-em-up.html

https://www.model-railways-live.co.uk/Articles/300/Adding_coal_to_the_tender_-_Hornby_Top_Tips_number_3

[August]

That's a good idea Ob. I still have to do the landscaping around the coaling tower and when I do i'll change out the cap for some scale coal. It'll look a lot better than the plastic load.

[Sailor Steve]

Lookin' better all the time. :sunny:

[Jimbuna]

Looking really awesome August :cool:

[Wolferz]

Model railroading was a passion of mine that was never given voice. I never had the ideal conditions for starting and building a good layout, and still don't. <sigh>

My father ignited the passion by getting my brother and I a nice Marx 666 electric train set that we usually set up once a year around the Christmas tree. It kept two precocious little boys occupied during the holiday season. I think it was O gauge but I'm not sure.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/Wolferz_2007/marx666.jpg
I found this shot of the die cast locomotive that came with the set. The last time I had the engine out, after 40+ years, it still worked but showed extreme signs of aging. The tender had a missing axle that made it impossible to hitch a load of cars to it. My elder brother was rough on our toys. He always broke his toys, then turned his sadistic nature toward mine. Many a fight ensued. Now, here I am in my golden years, disabled and unable to work, with nothing but time on my hands to pursue my passions and no money to accomplish them. We also had an HO set, but I hated the thing for being too small to set up without some sort of permanent foundation. So I guess I'll just live my dream vicariously through you fine fellows. Please continue posting shots of your goodies.

[August]

The trainroom is closed up for the winter so I've set up shot next to the woodstove and have been working on rolling stock and other stand alone projects.

This the latest.

http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/cr%20Dscf3761.jpg?PHPSESSID=99e719f19574849672ccad 14abeef220

[Oberon]

A trip down memory railroad, eh? The ambiguous shoebox, if there was a job needed doing there was probably a shoebox to do it with.

Love the weathering! :yep: Is the photo from your unit?

[August]

Yes it is. That's my RaTT rig from my first tour with the Mechanized Infantry.

[Jimbuna]

Love the rolling stock :cool:

[iambecomelife]

http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/CR%202012%20August%20037.jpg

Nice pics all. There's a rusty GG-1 parked not far from where I live; they say they're going to restore it but I doubt it will happen.

[Betonov]

I live in the wrong part of the world:wah::wah:

I think Mehano stil makes them :D

[August]

There's a rusty GG-1 parked not far from where I live; they say they're going to restore it but I doubt it will happen.

If you take some pictures of it i'll post them here:

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/default.aspx

[magic452]

Latest form the Magic Railroad.

Things not going so good, ran into a big problem with this.
It's a double crossover and a key part of the lay out and it broke.
Had to replace it and what a pain. The new one was shorter and did not fit! I have to order everything on line and it almost took two months to get all the new stuff, lots o' money also.

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/crossovertop_zps510a24f4.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/crossovertop_zps510a24f4.jpg.html)

I changed switch machines to these.

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/switchmach_zps049e217b.jpg[/URL

Had to cut the bench work to get them in.

[URL="http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/Crossmounted_zps6fc3de91.jpg.html"]http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/Crossmounted_zps6fc3de91.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/switchmach_zps049e217b.jpg.html)

Finally got it in and it worked.


http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/ccrossover_zps22668f02.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/ccrossover_zps22668f02.jpg.html)

They don't make a 22" curved bridge so I made my own.

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/Buildingbridges_zps7f5fda45.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/Buildingbridges_zps7f5fda45.jpg.html)

Got the center section done and all the crossings of the walkways

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/Centersection_zpsf51bdb8b.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/Centersection_zpsf51bdb8b.jpg.html)

Some of the bridges I had to make, they all need some dressing up but they do the job so far.

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/4bridges_zpse2954179.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/4bridges_zpse2954179.jpg.html)

Picked up some new rolling stock as well, thanks to E Bay

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/rollingstock_zpsc6022640.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/rollingstock_zpsc6022640.jpg.html)

I was very surprised to see that this ran on all the layout.
It's a cheapie but a good test, the loco is an EMD E-8 with a F-7 B unit.
They are a bit messed up and not DCC so I will replace it soon with a Southern Pacific Daylight set. Just ordered the locomotives today, I'll pick up new passenger cars as I find them. It's all setting on a display track I added.

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/Passengertrain_zpsf8be2993.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/Passengertrain_zpsf8be2993.jpg.html)

Been busy and spent a ton of money but I'm getting there.

Magic

[Jimbuna]

Looking great :cool:

[swamprat69er]

Wolferz....P.M. coming your way.

[Mork_417]

:o WoW!!!

Looking really sweet. :yep:

[fireftr18]

Magic, that's looking great. A lot of work, a lot of space. Keep sharing. I can't wait to see how it comes out.
:salute:

[Jimbuna]

Wolferz....P.M. coming your way.

I must be missing something here :hmmm:

[swamprat69er]

I must be missing something here :hmmm:
Do you want one, too?:D

[swamprat69er]

Way back when I was a young gaffer, my Dad and I had a HO scale setup on two sheets of 1/2" plywood in the basement. Hurricane Hazel destroyed it for us when the basement flooded.
4' of water in the basement has a tendency to do that.
We never got back into it.
I still love trains and prefer long distance train travel over any other mode of transportation.

[Oberon]

Magic that is, well, magic! Very nice indeed, great work on the bridge and glad to hear you got the crossover working right, switches can be a sod at times, even on the real thing!

[Jimbuna]

Do you want one, too?:D

Well yes....if I had the room :-?

[soopaman2]

Not to get too personal, but how much $$ have you put into this thus far. not so much counting time, just materials. Just interested.

This thread brings back my childhood, I was 11 with a G.I Joe train set with soldiers, and bridges, and missile trains, tanks, all that fun stuff.

I had battles going on, as the train dropped off reinforcements. Epic battles, you had to have been there!:O:

I read through this and felt like a kid for a minute. Ear to ear grin.:salute:

[August]

That's a beautiful job Magic.

Here's some shots of stuff i've been working on:
http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/cr%202013-04%20northeast%20corner%20008.jpg?PHPSESSID=99e719 f19574849672ccad14abeef220

http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/cr%202013%20April%20013.jpg?PHPSESSID=99e719f19574 849672ccad14abeef220

[swamprat69er]

That is pretty neat what you are working on, August.

[Oberon]

Loving the lighting there August, LEDs or Fibre-optics?

[fireftr18]

Nice work August!

[fireftr18]

Since this is the model railroading thread, I thought I would post this:

http://www.entertrainmentjunction.com/

[August]

Loving the lighting there August, LEDs or Fibre-optics?

Thanks Ob. LED's are the way to go I think. Little or no heat and a fraction of the current draw.

[Jimbuna]

Looks almost real August...very nice :cool:

[magic452]

I'm still laying track and I decided to replace my Atlas switch machines with ones like in the pics. No doubt will be next winter before I get to any scenery or details. I can only hope that things come out looking half as good as what August has there.
He has much more talent for this kind of thing than I do.

Looking super there August. :up::up::up: That kind of stuff makes a layout.

Magic

[August]

I'm still laying track and I decided to replace my Atlas switch machines with ones like in the pics. No doubt will be next winter before I get to any scenery or details. I can only hope that things come out looking half as good as what August has there.
He has much more talent for this kind of thing than I do.

Looking super there August. :up::up::up: That kind of stuff makes a layout.

Magic

Judging by the pictures your track plan is far superior to mine and once you get to the detailing it will easily show it.

By the way this is where I usually hang out to talk trains. You can get some great ideas here: http://www.thewhistlepost.com/forums/

[swamprat69er]

August and Magic, it is a pity that you guys are 4,000 miles away from each other. You could team up and build a super town complete with trains and shops, etc.

[August]

August and Magic, it is a pity that you guys are 4,000 miles away from each other. You could team up and build a super town complete with trains and shops, etc.


Don't forget a sub base. Lot's of rail in those facilities. :D

[magic452]

Thanks for the link, I was looking for something like that. :salute:

Magic

[JU_88]

Impressive work August :)

[August]

An RS-2 I picked up at the train show last January.
http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/cr%202013-04%20Main%20Yard%20001.jpg?PHPSESSID=99e719f195748 49672ccad14abeef220

[Catfish]

Very nice !

I have no track layout yet, but have got myself some nice HO-track locomotives, and rolling stock. I plan to make a very early american track layout, maybe around before the civil war, or only a bit into it. Thinking of the old Mason, Rogers or Smith&Perkins engines, with inline cranks, ouside frames etc.. Certainly means a lot of kitbashing.
Found some nice older locos from Mantua/Tyco ('General' and 'Dixie Belle') which are nice and easy to change. Have hesitated though because they are now becoming 'classics' in a way themselves ..

Thanks and greetings,
Catfish

[AVGWarhawk]

The layout is big. It looks great. I always wanted to make a layout of this size. One day...one day!!!

[eddie]

Do you like the Hurst Olds August,lol Saw a couple in your pics!

[August]

Do you like the Hurst Olds August,lol Saw a couple in your pics!

Yep I have two, gold and red. Aside from the Cuda hemi they are the coolest cars on the layout. :cool:

[eddie]

They really look sharp!

[swamprat69er]

Yep I have two, gold and red. Aside from the Cuda hemi they are the coolest cars on the layout. :cool:
I saw the gold one and immediately thought 4-4-2.

[magic452]

Well I'm done laying track for now :woot::woot::woot:
Can finely start dressing things up some.

First was some new sidings on the north wall
http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/Newsidings_zpsd1f0b327.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/Newsidings_zpsd1f0b327.jpg.html)

You don't see most HO railroaders using these things, but I'm not most railroaders. Also put the sidings on the center section. Thanks to August getting his town to look so good I've decided to put a town here.
http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/Boltcutters_zps7735d50c.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/Boltcutters_zps7735d50c.jpg.html)

Re did the switch yard some,one new turnout and a couple of crossovers at the tail end, and added some ballast to dress it up.
http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/NewYard_zps0e76777a.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/NewYard_zps0e76777a.jpg.html)


Newest toy a set of PA & PB locomotives. Both powered and DCC.
http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/Locos-1_zps458922e1.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/Locos-1_zps458922e1.jpg.html)


I could not believe I actually got these things to run into the yard. :o :rock:
http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/LocoampYard_zps1becd8ad.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/LocoampYard_zps1becd8ad.jpg.html)


Busy day at the old bridge crossing.
http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/Busyjunction_zpsda0726ac.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/Busyjunction_zpsda0726ac.jpg.html)

Summer is here so I"ll be doing work on the house and yard mostly so the Magic Railroad will be going slowly for a time.

Magic

Edit WOW 1600 post :woot::woot: Look out Jim, I"m coming after YOU.:O:

[Jimbuna]

Looking good :cool:

[August]

That's a nice job of ballasting you did. I'm about ready to begin that stage myself. How much ballast did it take to cover that area? Did you use just straight water and white glue as a binder or go with a commercial product?

[AVGWarhawk]

Looking great Magic. :up:

[HW3]

Brings back memories. It has been 30 years since I sold off all my HO stuff, except for one boxcar that I thought might be collectible one day.

:subsim:

[magic452]

That's a nice job of ballasting you did. I'm about ready to begin that stage myself. How much ballast did it take to cover that area? Did you use just straight water and white glue as a binder or go with a commercial product?

I really cheated on this. I pulled up all the track so I could put under the track magnetic un couplers and add the new turn out. Since it was all empty I got some RUST-OLEM spray on Stone paint, gray and white. Kind of free handed it till I got the look I wanted. Did the same on all the new track I laid. Expensive but easy and I'll take that over less expensive and hard any day.

I'll dress it up later with some regular ballast. It's pretty neat because it is really rugged and will take some rough handling and has a fine smooth texture.

I just wish they made the Stone in a brown tone.

Magic

[August]

An abandoned barn. It's trackside location makes it a favored haunt of hobo's and other dangerous characters.

http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/CR%2020131202_011846.jpg?PHPSESSID=99e719f19574849 672ccad14abeef220

[fireftr18]

Looks great August!

[AVGWarhawk]

Nice work. Looks like a dilapidated old shack. :yeah:

[Oberon]

Very nice, love the corrugated iron roofing. :up:

[Jimbuna]

At a glance it looks real :cool:

[magic452]

Well been busy on the old railroad.

Made some progress and had some set backs.

Some overall pics.


North wall looking west.
http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/NorthwallWest_zpsa22889d8.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/NorthwallWest_zpsa22889d8.jpg.html)

West end of North wall. Stock yard(complete with downer cattle), lumber yard and citrus packing plant. The little hill to the left covers up 3 turnout motors for the second half of the crossover.
http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/Northwall2_zps03b78479.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/Northwall2_zps03b78479.jpg.html)



West wall looking South. Took out the double crossover, redid 4 times and it just didn't work. Replaced with 4 #6 turnouts. The Y turnout is a passing track and entrance to the main yard. Believe it or not I've backed 20 car trains through this Y.
Where the little farm house is, is where I put 4 of the turnout motors, pic later. I'll cover that area with citrus trees to go with the packing plant. There was one just like this just a couple of miles of where I grew up and we had citrus groves next to my house. Rebuilding my childhood.
http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/WestwallY_zpsa8eb9e27.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/WestwallY_zpsa8eb9e27.jpg.html)

West wall looking North. The ladder set up is now part of the main yard. Needed more yard space as I running 15 to 20 car trains.

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/WestwallLadder_zps3036fbc6.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/WestwallLadder_zps3036fbc6.jpg.html)

Entrance to the yard.
http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/YardHead1_zpsd293e391.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/YardHead1_zpsd293e391.jpg.html)


The classification yard along the South wall. Have added some more sidings.
http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/YardEast_zps8a8da4b5.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/YardEast_zps8a8da4b5.jpg.html)

The yard looking South and some of the rolling stock.
Also the completed Southern Pacific Daylight, well almost complete, I've got one more Alco PA unit to add. Will be a PA-PB-reversed PA if I can get all that running.
http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/YardSouth_zpsdd0d705d.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/YardSouth_zpsdd0d705d.jpg.html)

This is the stub end looking South, may bring it across the bath door and put in a roundhouse and turntable????
All the locos are DCC with sound except the two little switchers.
http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/Northwallstub_zpsef3f67b4.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/Northwallstub_zpsef3f67b4.jpg.html)

This is the center island, the much too big building is a meat packing plant, will shuttle stock cars from the stock yard to here. Not too sure about how this will go in???
http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/CenterIs_zpsd4e40028.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/CenterIs_zpsd4e40028.jpg.html)


Here's how the turnout motors are placed for the yard entrance and half of the new crossover. Re moveable top cover is holding the little farm house.
http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/Tamptortous_zps39b99dce.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/Tamptortous_zps39b99dce.jpg.html)


I am now radio controlled. Many of the turnout controls are mounted near the turnouts, like to be more involves in operations and walk to the controls, Radio makes this workable.
http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/Digitrax_zpseb3baed1.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/Digitrax_zpseb3baed1.jpg.html)

A emergency repair,don't have time for shopping for non essentials.
http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/Shoe_zps78a3a931.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/Shoe_zps78a3a931.jpg.html)

Most of the scenery has yet to be detailed but is mostly in place. much more detailing to go. Got a big box full of stuff, buildings to build, cars and people, trees, etc.

I think I'm done laying track and just re did all the electrical mess and everything seems to run OK. :yeah::yeah::yeah: I can now start "operating" the Magic Railroad.

Snoopman2 asked a while back about the cost of this. Way too much.:o Houses around here go for about $85.00/sq.ft. I did a cost thing on another forum and it came out to about $42.50/ sq. ft. of benchwork, or about what one might expect to spend on a decent use car. Another reason for the shoe repair. :yeah:

Magic

[Oberon]

http://digigum.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/comment-friday-damn.jpg

That is beautiful! And all DCC with sound (bar the two switchers) that is some serious hardware, and must sound beautiful! :yeah:
I know what you mean about the money, I was in a model shop the other day and was browsing through their stock, and even the new Hornby 'Railroad' selection which is supposed to be a reduced cost/detail for modellers is about £80 (about $133) for a tender locomotive. :dead:

I need a better job... :know:

[August]

Beautiful job Magic.

:salute:

[Sailor Steve]

My friend Rocky used to like to quote the mythical '60s hippie 'Doctor Feelgood': "Drugs will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no drugs." Of course he refered to models and hobbies in general as our drug-of-choice, but the meaning is still there.

Lookin' good. :sunny:

[August]

My friend Rocky used to like to quote the mythical '60s hippie 'Doctor Feelgood': "Drugs will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no drugs


I thought that was Freewheeling Franklin of the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers. :)

http://chromatism.net/current/images/freewheelinfranklin.jpg

[Sailor Steve]

You're probably right. I sometimes take my friends at their word, and he likely either forgot or heard it that way from someone else. It's hard to remember things you never knew in the first place.

Thanks for the correction. :sunny:

[Jimbuna]

Absolutely amazing, I am most impressed :sunny:

[magic452]

Thanks guys. :up:

I think the next project will be some good lighting and backdrops.
Planning to install 4 lights, one in each corner with on/off dimmers.
That way I can control how much and from where the light will come from, low light from the East for sunrise to low light from the west for sunset.

Some good backdrops will improve things immensely.

I had to relay the track sometimes 3 or 4 times as I made changes, now that that is done maybe I can make some read progress.

Magic

[ReallyDedPoet]

Nice :yep::up:

[Catfish]

Very nice, and i like the whole thread :yep:

[BrucePartington]

Thanks guys. :up:

I think the next project will be some good lighting and backdrops.
Planning to install 4 lights, one in each corner with on/off dimmers.
That way I can control how much and from where the light will come from, low light from the East for sunrise to low light from the west for sunset.

Some good backdrops will improve things immensely.

I had to relay the track sometimes 3 or 4 times as I made changes, now that that is done maybe I can make some read progress.

Magic
Very nice work.
I can't believe only now this thread became visible for me.
I love train models, and trains in general.

You mention lighting. I just came across this on my FB page:

http://www.viralnova.com/takes-pictures-of-model-town/

and

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24796741@N05/

[August]

Very nice work.
I can't believe only now this thread became visible for me.
I love train models, and trains in general.

You mention lighting. I just came across this on my FB page:

http://www.viralnova.com/takes-pictures-of-model-town/

and

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24796741@N05/

Yeah nothing beats natural light. I've been thinking of putting some skylights in the train room to augment the lighting system.

[Betonov]

Got my model train over the mail today.
Can't really compare with the scenery and junctions of August and the rest, but it's a start :)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-9/10374869_815840655095120_4270843461112265930_n.jpg

[magic452]

Welcome to the club Betonov. :salute:
You gotta start some place.
I'm having a blast with mine, will post some updated pics as soon as I get them sorted out. Made some more changes.

Magic

[Betonov]

Thanks :salute:


Shame I'll be limited to an 8 track and a collection of cars/engines.

Won't be able to build anything resembling a model railroad until I get my own house

[magic452]

Been sometime since I posted here so here are some updates.

Athearn genesis SD70ACe Locomotive. 4,300 HP, 3,000 KW.
In the early 2000s Union Pacific started a program honoring all the roads they had taken over, this is the Up 1983 in Western Pacific Heritage paint. DCC and sound, really a beautiful loco.
http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/SD870ACe3_zps6c1d11b9.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/SD870ACe3_zps6c1d11b9.jpg.html)

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/SD70ACe2_zps4cf23d84.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/SD70ACe2_zps4cf23d84.jpg.html)

This is a 1908 Type C two truck Shay Used in logging and mining.
Vertical mounted steam pistons power drive shafts to freight car trucks. Not fast but able to climb 6% or better grades.
http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/Myshay1_zpsb8bc4b0c.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/Myshay1_zpsb8bc4b0c.jpg.html)



http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/MyShay3_zps5dadfa8a.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/MyShay3_zps5dadfa8a.jpg.html)
I really need to paint this, looks kinda shabby just flat black.

This is what a real one looks like.
http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt296/Magic452/TwotruckShayc1908a_zpsd2cec7e5.jpg (http://s621.photobucket.com/user/Magic452/media/TwotruckShayc1908a_zpsd2cec7e5.jpg.html)

Much progress has been made to the Magic RR and way to many pics for my slow DSL to upload.
Here is a link to my build thread on another forum. modeltrainforum.com
http://www.modeltrainforum.com/showthread.php?t=22525

Magic

[Wolferz]

That the only difference between men and boys
is the price of their toys.:D

It all looks great, Magic!:up: I only wish I could afford something like it.
But, alas, my basement tends to hydrate after a heavy rain and we all know that water and electronics don't mix.:wah:

If I did build one of those, it would be the "O" scale like I had when I was a kid. Even more expensive than HO

[Sailor Steve]

Good to see a new post in this thread. Looking good, Magic! :sunny:

[Betonov]

But, alas, my basement tends to hydrate after a heavy rain and we all know that water and electronics don't mix.:wah:


Model boats thread ??

[Oberon]

That Shay is awesome, and the whistle on them is chilling. Let me see, where did I put that video?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbsbcZKCWDY

Listen to that whistle! :yeah:

[Wolferz]

Model boats thread ??

:haha:It doesn't hydrate that bad!:haha:
But enough to make anything metallic oxidize.

It would be a hoot to build a RC version of a Gato class sub but, the kit for that runs around $700.00.:wah:

[magic452]

Great video Oberon, haven't seen it before. Thanks. :yeah::yeah:

Magic

[BrucePartington]

I had never noticed the boiler was off center.
Very nice video.

[August]

I've been working in some fall colors to the layout What you do think?

http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/20141212_221048%20red.jpg?PHPSESSID=99e719f1957484 9672ccad14abeef220

[Buddahaid]

I like it and I like the AMC Pacer parked on the street too.

[Eichhörnchen]

I find the peripheral modelling of a layout like this even more interesting than the rolling stock (do you use that phrase in the US?) so I love the houses and trees.

Just one thing: that guy on the sidewalk in the brown sweater... has he just stepped in a doggie doo-doo?

[Catfish]

^ :haha:

But this is really phantastic, like the "fall" atmosphere, it almost looks as if there's some heavy rain on the way with the dark blue background.

I envy you, i have neither the time nor the place (still continueing building the house), but i like this thread very much! :up:

Have some put on sideboards or in a showcase though ..

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y174/penaeus/ModellfotoGeneralMantuareducedgross_zps8f73ef96.jp g (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/penaeus/media/ModellfotoGeneralMantuareducedgross_zps8f73ef96.jp g.html)

Thanks and greetings,
Catfish

[Jimbuna]

That is some layout there August :sunny:

[Oberon]

I've been working in some fall colors to the layout What you do think?



Fantastic, it all goes together really well, it looks very natural. :yep: :up:
Loving the F7 too. :up:

[August]

Just one thing: that guy on the sidewalk in the brown sweater... has he just stepped in a doggie doo-doo?

:D :up:

[Sailor Steve]

I've been working in some fall colors to the layout What you do think?
I think it's great. Too bad there isn't a way to have the seasons change, as I'm thinking that scene would look good in snow too.

I like it and I like the AMC Pacer parked on the street too.
And the Gremlin in the driveway. :yep:

I find the peripheral modelling of a layout like this even more interesting than the rolling stock (do you use that phrase in the US?) so I love the houses and trees.
I used to think that if I could get involved in a major club-type project I would rather work on the buildings than the trains. Then again at the time I worked for a guy whose passion was collecting brass locomotives.

Just one thing: that guy on the sidewalk in the brown sweater... has he just stepped in a doggie doo-doo?
When I worked for the hobby distributor metioned above I discovered that you can find figures of almost anything, including the doggie placing the doo-doo and a couple "busy" in the bushes.

[Aktungbby]

^ :haha:

But this is really phantastic, like the "fall" atmosphere, it almost looks as if there's some heavy rain on the way with the dark blue background.

I envy you, i have neither the time nor the place (still continueing building the house), but i like this thread very much! :up:

Have some put on sideboards or in a showcase though ..

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y174/penaeus/ModellfotoGeneralMantuareducedgross_zps8f73ef96.jp g (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/penaeus/media/ModellfotoGeneralMantuareducedgross_zps8f73ef96.jp g.html)

Thanks and greetings,
Catfish
THIS"LL TIDE YOU OVER:D http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/18ml9vo0j9sw8jpg.jpg[/URL] (http://gizmodo.com/5242682/briefcase-contained-model-train-set-makes-you-look-like-a-businessman-when-you-clearly-are-not#)
[U]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLg3jB0ckQ0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLg3jB0ckQ0)

[Buddahaid]

THIS"LL TIDE YOU OVER:D http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/18ml9vo0j9sw8jpg.jpg[/URL] (http://gizmodo.com/5242682/briefcase-contained-model-train-set-makes-you-look-like-a-businessman-when-you-clearly-are-not#)
[U]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLg3jB0ckQ0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLg3jB0ckQ0)


Perfect for the "bored" meeting. :rock:

[August]

Have some put on sideboards or in a showcase though ..

That's a really beautiful engine. What scale is that?

[Catfish]

You are welcome :)
It's an old 1:87 (HO) Tyco die-cast 'General', this is a kit version which came in pieces and without paint. Motor is in the tender, and there is a worm drive that drives the locomotive's big wheels.
(My other old favourite is a Rivarossi 'Genoa', but it is a rather late, post civil-war 4-4-0. And yes i am a big fan of Buster Keaton's film "The General"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncapCvkPgVw :up: )

I like the ballasting of the rails on your layout very much, those rails look astonishingly real :hmmm:.
I was looking for 'flatter' rails, as the pre 1868 ones were not as thick and study as later. In those times it also was wide-track of course, but i will not change that..

[Oberon]

Looks HO to me, and I agree, that is a beautiful loco...American 4-4-0, I do love those old log burners, a classical US design. :yep: Like the famous 'The General'. :yeah:
I think I have an HO 4-4-0 somewhere that a friend of my mothers gave me, and some boxcars. Nowhere to display it sadly so it's tucked away for future use.

[August]

I like the ballasting of the rails on your layout very much, those rails look astonishingly real :hmmm:.
I was looking for 'flatter' rails, as the pre 1868 ones were not as thick and study as later. In those times it also was wide-track of course, but i will not change that..

Thanks. I'm using Atlas code 83 flex-track and the ballast is Woodland Scenics brand Grey blend medium.

http://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/show/Item/BAL-GB/page/1

[August]

Just finished wiring this bus for headlights using fiber optics. My first attempt with this type of model lighting and i'm pleased with the result.

Materials
http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/20141231_175144%20r25.jpg?PHPSESSID=99e719f1957484 9672ccad14abeef220

I drilled out the head and tail lights and ran in the fibers. Then drilled out the head of the LED and super glued the ends into the hole.http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/20141231_183703%20r25.jpg?PHPSESSID=99e719f1957484 9672ccad14abeef220

I melted the end of the fibers into a ball and glued them in place
http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/20141231_191419%20r25.jpg?PHPSESSID=99e719f1957484 9672ccad14abeef220


Drilled a hole through the layout and mounted it in place
http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/20141231_221840%20r25.jpg?PHPSESSID=99e719f1957484 9672ccad14abeef220

[Sailor Steve]

Just finished wiring this bus for headlights using fiber optics. My first attempt with this type of model lighting and i'm pleased with the result.
As well you should be. That last picture looks like a photo taken from a traffic control camera on a dark night.

Excellent. :rock:

[Jimbuna]

Now that is most innovative :cool:

[August]

Now that is most innovative :cool:

You might want to check this type of lighting out. Bet those airplane models would look sharp with running lights.

[magic452]

Pretty sharp there August, came out good.

Magic

[Jimbuna]

You might want to check this type of lighting out. Bet those airplane models would look sharp with running lights.

Yeah, I reckon your right but the old eyesight leaves a lot to be desired these days, hence the collection being diecast :)

[Buddahaid]

You might want to check this type of lighting out. Bet those airplane models would look sharp with running lights.

That works very well. Given the era of your project I would suggest trying warm white LEDs so the headlights don't look so blue. Color temp 5000K is full spectrum while lower numbers move to red(warmer) and higher numbers blue(colder). A must for those 6 volt Beetles. :O:

Very cool.

[August]

I kinda like the look of the blue. :oops:

[eddie]

Going to put lights in those Hurst Olds August? You should put lights in a cop car, and have it chasing one of those Hursts!:D

[August]

Going to put lights in those Hurst Olds August? You should put lights in a cop car, and have it chasing one of those Hursts!:D


My cops are already busy on the other end of town pulling over a drunk Fisherman. :)

http://home.comcast.net/~rdsterling/pwpimages/20150103_143058%20r25.jpg?PHPSESSID=99e719f1957484 9672ccad14abeef220


BTW both vehicles are commercial made 16vdc.

[Oberon]

I do love the detail on that road, the uneven parts of it, you see a lot of roads on model railways that are completely flat, like they've never had roadworks going on on them, never had potholes patched up.
The wetlike asphault goes well with the autumn colours too, looks like a fall storm has just passed through in the early evening.

[August]

I do love the detail on that road, the uneven parts of it, you see a lot of roads on model railways that are completely flat, like they've never had roadworks going on on them, never had potholes patched up.
The wetlike asphault goes well with the autumn colours too, looks like a fall storm has just passed through in the early evening.


Thanks. It's joint compound painted with blackboard paint. I gotta do a better job of laying the lines down though.

[fireftr18]

Thanks. It's joint compound painted with blackboard paint. I gotta do a better job of laying the lines down though.

The lines you have are great. I've never seen road lines put down absolutely perfect.

[Eichhörnchen]

I was honestly fooled at first into thinking it was a real scene: I'm sure it was the lights that fooled my brain into not looking closer. What a great effect...

[August]

I was honestly fooled at first into thinking it was a real scene: I'm sure it was the lights that fooled my brain into not looking closer. What a great effect...


Best compliment a modeler can receive. Thanks!

[August]

Just a few recent pictures

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/20150330_203805%20cr_zpsw9glad7g.jpg
http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/20150330_204051cr_zpscrqc3k1q.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/20150901_214251cr_zpsipuentkz.jpg

[fireftr18]

Beautiful, especially the "night" scenes. If there was no reference, I may have thought they were real.:up::up:

[Jimbuna]

AWESOME!! :sunny:

[Oberon]

That must have taken a lot of time and patience to get all those LEDs set up. Worth it though, definitely worth it. :yep:
Love the shoeboxes too, very cold war. :yeah:

[Eichhörnchen]

I can't see any squirrels...

[Sailor Steve]

Glad to see it's still growing. Lookin' good! :rock:

[Buddahaid]

I can't see any squirrels...

Now that is my vote for post of the year. :har:

Seriously, the road is perfect as is with all it's warts of existence. It sort of goes with the Back to the Future non-event. :yeah:

[u crank]

That last pic is just perfect. Great stuff. :up:

[swamprat69er]

The night scene looks perfect!

While not 'model railroad', this link is a 'feel good' link with a railroad flavour.

http://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=742907&playlistId=1.2643548&binId=1.810401&playlistPageNum=1&binPageNum=1

[August]

Discussion on prototypes is never out of place in a Model RR thread. Thanks for posting!

[nikimcbee]

Love the Pacer. :up:

[swamprat69er]

I don't know if this has been posted before, it is 107 pages long. Here is the link
http://www.tc.gc.ca/railsafety/cror_tco093.pdf
It is the Canadian Rules of operation for the Railroad.

[swamprat69er]

Here is what the coloured lights mean
http://www.sh1.org/eisenbahn/sac.htm
confusing to me.

[nikimcbee]

I was trying to find some HO scale Boston Terriers to run wild in your diorama, but I couldn't find any.

[August]

Shot of the Lumberyard

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/20151126_220435cr_zpsye7cmsqu.jpg

[nikimcbee]

It just needs the lumber yard smell.:O: Maybe I'm think of a paper mill?

[nikimcbee]

Now, you need to upgrade to G scale in your back yard.:hmmm:

[August]

There is no mistaking a paper mill smell. Gawdawful cloying fart stench. :dead:

[magic452]

Looks very good August. :up: :up:

You should come over to the Model train forum and post some of your stuff. Good bunch of guys there and they would appreciate seeing your work.

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/index.php

Magic

[HW3]

Paper mill smell, I sure remember that smell in Tacoma WA in the 70's.:yep:

[nikimcbee]

If you ever come out here to visit (invitation is still open), we can drive through Longview, Wa for lumber yard-papermill smell.:O:

[Jimbuna]

Shot of the Lumberyard



Awesome!!...museum quality :sunny:

[Commander Wallace]

Wow. Incredibly detailed. Great work. :up:

[AVGWarhawk]

That is a nice piece of work, August.

You would laugh....my wife likes to put up a Christmas Village using Department 56 Snow Village houses. This year I set up my Manuta Booth Kelly Logger HO engine and cars for her display(great engine I purchased on our honeymoon 21 years ago and still runs like a champ). Anyway, we needed to get the smoke liquid for the engine. Now they have smoke liquid with scents! I could not believe it. She purchased the chocolate scent smoke. So, as the kids watch the Department 56 moving Christmas display the train runs the track making chocolate smells. :haha:

Funnier yet....my wife said setting up HO trains is a lot of fun!

[August]

That is a nice piece of work, August.

You would laugh....my wife likes to put up a Christmas Village using Department 56 Snow Village houses. This year I set up my Manuta Booth Kelly Logger HO engine and cars for her display(great engine I purchased on our honeymoon 21 years ago and still runs like a champ). Anyway, we needed to get the smoke liquid for the engine. Now they have smoke liquid with scents! I could not believe it. She purchased the chocolate scent smoke. So, as the kids watch the Department 56 moving Christmas display the train runs the track making chocolate smells. :haha:

Funnier yet....my wife said setting up HO trains is a lot of fun!

Some of my earliest memories are of my father setting up a trainset for my 4th birthday when we lived in Hawaii. You're doing something that your kids will remember for the rest of their lives. :up:

[AVGWarhawk]

Some of my earliest memories are of my father setting up a trainset for my 4th birthday when we lived in Hawaii. You're doing something that your kids will remember for the rest of their lives. :up:


My dad was the same. I recall a Chessie System HO diesel he purchased for me one Christmas. Nice HO. It was this puppy here:

http://cdn3.volusion.com/fnotw.xsafu/v/vspfiles/photos/ATH98709-2.jpg?1443273460


Anyway, he got me a 4x8 cork board type deal covered it with the sheets of ugly green grass that was sold at the time. Set up the track and off I went hauling freight.

[nikimcbee]

Some of my earliest memories are of my father setting up a trainset for my 4th birthday when we lived in Hawaii. You're doing something that your kids will remember for the rest of their lives. :up:
Ha, me too! I guess as the story goes, when I got my train set, my uncle wouldn't let me near it. I can't imagine why?

http://gforever.net/mirror/kaijukits.com/files/includes/images/library-zokei-godzilla_1954_train-godzilla_1954_c.jpg

[AVGWarhawk]

I'm thinking times are changing though. Kids today appear to be setting up the new laptop or xbox together. I guess the smell of new electronic hardware heating up will linger in their memories for decades to come. :haha:

[August]

Ha, me too! I guess as the story goes, when I got my train set, my uncle wouldn't let me near it. I can't imagine why?

http://gforever.net/mirror/kaijukits.com/files/includes/images/library-zokei-godzilla_1954_train-godzilla_1954_c.jpg

My Dad said the same thing but the reality was that he was too busy playing with the train set himself. "It's not ready yet" rings a bit hollow from a guy wearing an engineers cap making choo choo noises! :)

[AVGWarhawk]

My Dad said the same thing but the reality was that he was too busy playing with the train set himself. "It's not ready yet" rings a bit hollow from a guy wearing an engineers cap making choo choo noises! :)

:har::har::har::har::har::har::har::har:

[August]

Been working on a roundhouse for my locomotives all winter and I finally got a section finished enough to move them in and see what they look like.

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/20170401_221002cr_zpsq2c7d2pl.jpg

[Jimbuna]

AWESOME!! :sunny:

[u crank]

That is so cool August. What a great photo. :up:

More please.:D

[Sailor Steve]

Looks almost real. :rock:

[Catfish]

Wow looks really good! Really catches the atmosphere :up:

[Eichhörnchen]

Lighting is everything. Really nice.

[fireftr18]

August, repeat what everyone else said. It looks great. The lighting really sets it off.
:Kaleun_Thumbs_Up:
The only thing keeping it from looking real is the inside looks too clean.
:k_rofl:

[August]

August, repeat what everyone else said. It looks great. The lighting really sets it off.
:Kaleun_Thumbs_Up:
The only thing keeping it from looking real is the inside looks too clean.
:k_rofl:
Thanks folks.

I agree it looks too clean and I have plans to deal with that. Eventually I envision tool benches along the back wall, equipment like welding rigs and the like between the locomotives and people, lots of workers. Everything with a healthy coat of the grime and soot one might find in a 1970's roundhouse. I made the roof able to come off so I can get access for that very purpose.

[HW3]

Looking very good!!!

[fumo30]

Nice work August!:up:

I had Italian Lima HO track back in 70's and 80's. It was something I could afford and was good enough. Märklins and Fleischmans were of course higher quality but a bit too expensive, and i didn't even like Märklins AC current system. Tracks looked stupid and that feeder rail even more stupid(IMHO).
Today's digital model track system prices are skyrocketed compared to those good old times.

I do regret I sold my track to my friend.:(

[August]

Yeah a lot has changed in the hobby since I started back in the 1970's. Out of the fairly extensive layout that I had as a kid (4x16) all I managed to save was one box car with no trucks and a couple of HO scale figures I found in the bottom of a box of junk. All three have been repaired, painted and placed on my new layout, but all the track and switches I had were rusted beyond use and eventually got thrown away but that's probably a good thing as the way to go these days is code 80 flex track which doesn't match too well with the old stuff which was mostly code 100.

[fumo30]

^Right, if I still have my track, the layout's tracks and rolling stock would apparently be quite weary. Spareparts could be very hard to find, maybe impossible. Sure DIY-man can always find proper solutions by using imagination.

...As somebody said, please post more photos if possible.

[Catfish]

Yes, more pictures please :)

After selling or giving away most of my HO tracks and rolling stock i am slowly getting some stuff again. No time or place for a track layout yet, but maybe some day.. i do like the early Tyco (Mantua) 4-4-0s.
I would like to build some very early US railroads, maybe from the beginnings to before the civil war, or just a bit into it. There is almost nothing readily available, so you would have to "kitbash" to make locomotives with 'outside frame', like early Masons and such.
And the track should have a relatively "flat" profile, maybe code 75 or less for the visible tracks. I do not want to build the rails myself though, maybe there is some ready stuff available? Turnouts should have "hand throwers", so would have to "kitbash" that. Well, one can dream :03:

Keep up the good work :up:

[Sailor Steve]

All of that stuff is readily available. You can by track that is scale 3-foot gauge and narrower (Google 'HO Narrow Gauge). There are models of Civil-War-era locomotives available, but not cheap. I've even seen models of the 'John Bull' and Stephenson's 'Rocket'. Hand-thrown switches? Not a problem. Check out 'NJ International' and 'Details West'. Both companies make several varieties.

[August]

Oh yeah you can get just about anything now a days.

Here are some more pictures (some might be duplicates from earlier postings) Limited by forum software to 25 images:

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20141114_000551_zpsjukstamw.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20161010_200649_zpsowbi0ck1.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20161022_212307_zpsqlbl5inx.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20161010_200724_zpsedrhrkmt.jpg




The roundhouse during construction
http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/WIN_20170125_20_43_20_Pro_zpsvzhz52pm.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20170108_193703cr_zpsyfwmr71w.jpg
http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20161217_231613_zpsn4pzul2h.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20161217_231542_zpsenbolsaz.jpg



http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20161022_212249_zpslo2ixur5.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20160617_202813_zpsuarptnev.jpg



http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20151126_220435cr_zpsye7cmsqu.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20151127_194007_zpso65knp7x.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20151126_220821_zpsur1hdlbq.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20151126_220810_zpsu2jvdyec.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20150330_204534cr_zpsqziaa8di.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20151114_221857_zpsijt8nauw.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20150306_230206cr_zps0uag01g5.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20151023_214631_zpskxwwscbz.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20151023_214524_zpsrhogytln.jpg


http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20150330_204051cr_zpscrqc3k1q.jpg
http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20150330_203805%20cr_zpsw9glad7g.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20150921_223713_zps7ejjqayn.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20150901_214052_zpsl4tybz2o.jpg


http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20150306_225920_zps3abjeeu6.jpg
http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20141212_221443_zpsv3eapjsi.jpg

[fumo30]

Delicious pics. Thanks.:D

[Eichhörnchen]

I want to go and live there

[fumo30]

^Me too, but that black Corvette is mine. Don't dare even look at it.:03:

[Skybird]

Some great scenery and some great shots there. :up: I'm impressed.

[Sailor Steve]

Gorgeous as always. I especially like the night-time shots.

[Jimbuna]

Nothing much compares with seeing the results of such dedication to someones hobby :sunny:

[AVGWarhawk]

August,

I absolutely love your layout! Excellent work. My favorite is the campfire with family around it. Love the movie theater. Your selection of homes and cars(50/60/70's) takes me right to a time period in America! Just overall awesome!

[August]

Thanks Guys!

:salute:

[Catfish]

Sry for being late, thanks for posting all those pictures! :up:
Very nice and atmospheric, and all fits in the time. What a nice layout!

[u crank]

Outstanding August. Those night time shots are very nice. :up:

[fireftr18]

The one with the movie theatre almost looks real. I like the fire station. It kind of looks like one of ours. Beautiful work.
:Kaleun_Salute:

[August]

The one with the movie theatre almost looks real. I like the fire station. It kind of looks like one of ours. Beautiful work.
:Kaleun_Salute:

Thanks. I plan to build in the upper floors. When i'm done you'll be able to see the firemen getting ready to go out on a call when you look through the windows.

I'll be using these figures:

https://www.rocousa.com/preiser/pr10642.jpg


https://www.micromacromundo.com/Preiser_10642_Firemen_Preparing_for_the_fire_run?g clid=CO6l1d3AjtMCFQa1wAodgGgCiw

[Catfish]

All of that stuff is readily available. [...]

Thanks Steve!

What i did not know is that the first railroad companies in the US seems to have used wider gauges than is now standard, it was only during and after the civil war that the systems were adapted to one new standard (taking away the freedom of having individual gauge tracks :03: ).
And no, i do not intend to build own rails to adapt to that, so will use HO track all the way while having a profile as low as possible (80, 75 or less – will prove own problems like with the wheels, but i guess i can do that). I do not know whether there was narrow gauge (like 3 foot and narrower as you mentioned) of any kind used before 1862? Would be interesting for sure!

Thank you very much for mentioning some companies dealing with that, will look for it! :salute:

[fireftr18]

Thanks. I plan to build in the upper floors. When i'm done you'll be able to see the firemen getting ready to go out on a call when you look through the windows.

I'll be using these figures:

https://www.rocousa.com/preiser/pr10642.jpg


https://www.micromacromundo.com/Preiser_10642_Firemen_Preparing_for_the_fire_run?g clid=CO6l1d3AjtMCFQa1wAodgGgCiw

It looks like you try to get as much realism as you can. Just to let you know, the fire gear is kept at the truck to put on in a hurry. It's not kept in the living spaces.

[August]

It looks like you try to get as much realism as you can. Just to let you know, the fire gear is kept at the truck to put on in a hurry. It's not kept in the living spaces.

I'll be looking to you for technical advice when I begin the project. :D

To give you an idea of what it will look like here is another example.

I built an office on the corner that can be seen through the open window. Just a little box held up by posts.

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/20160217_202438_zpsdjyfhpze.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/20160217_202432_zpshtxcc0jl.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/20160217_202521_zps8klsp54c.jpg

[GT182]

Oh yeah you can get just about anything now a days.


http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq193/rdsterling/Trains/20141212_221443_zpsv3eapjsi.jpg

This reminds me of where my my grandparents lived in a little town in NY.... Bainbridge. The main line for the D&H running from Albany to Binghamton, NY went by their house..... 60 feet way from the house just behind the backyard. You could feel it coming and the noise was something else at 70 mph.

[August]

The old F series are my favorite locomotives.

[fireftr18]

August, that looks incredible.

:Kaleun_Thumbs_Up:

[fumo30]

Every second year there's an American themed model railroad convention organized in Rodgau Germany.
This years exhibitors came from Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Croatia, Finland, Luxembourg and Slovenia.
Captions are in finnish, but the pics speak for them selves.

http://vaunut.org/kuvat/?s=4168&p=0