TheRailwire

General Discussion => Layout Engineering Reports => Topic started by: Mark W on March 06, 2019, 12:47:21 AM

Title: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: Mark W on March 06, 2019, 12:47:21 AM

I'm always up for a good challenge!

I've been pondering this module set for a while now.  It's going to be a pretty big project, but what the hay!  Let's do it!

This is the Gooch Milling and Elevator plant, covering about 20 acres here in Lincoln. 
It is located a little ways south of Hobson Yard and the Wye under the Rosa Parks Way overpass. 
You can see the double track mains across the top left, with the plant tracks cutting in a bit out of picture to the top.

(https://i.imgur.com/pwz1a31.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/pwz1a31.jpg

And here is the module designs. 
Practically everything on this module will have to be scratch-built and I plan to use the Silhouette and Photon heavily.  In fact, I may even buy a laser cutter for this one as well! 
The plant itself spreads across 5 modules, each approximate 2 foot by 5 foot, giving a scale footprint of almost 30 square feet to be filled with elevators!...

(https://i.imgur.com/2oafMgs.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/2oafMgs.jpg










.... oh.    T-trak module.   :oops:





Ok, put the mill complex back on hold.  Here's another one I've been thinking of lately.  Emerald Nebraska is just a few miles west of Lincoln. 
The town itself is unincorporated; little more than a diner and a gas station.  But there is a large Farmers CO OP that offers pretty good railfaning too. 

(https://i.imgur.com/JGR7J7C.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/JGR7J7C.jpg


Why T-trak instead of Free-moN? 
Three reasons: 
1. It will give me something to play with while the Free-moN layout is all packed up between shows. 
2. It will be used as a vendor display for 3D printed models.
3. It will be a practice/pre-build for Emerald the Free-moN module!   :D



So first step is the framework.  With the bridge over road, over creek, I'll need about -3.25" of elevation below the tracks.  So the question is, do I compress to fit everything in 2.5" of negative elevation of the standard dimension (assuming 1/4" ply as the base).  Or do I fashion 'drop-frame' T-trak module that would basically hang between two tables like so:

(https://i.imgur.com/foj8fVn.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/foj8fVn.jpg

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: squirrelhunter on March 06, 2019, 01:50:03 PM

I would suggest avoiding the drop frame idea unless you plan to clamp that module to the table at both ends.

One of the bigger issues we deal with on our T Trak setups at shows over the course of a weekend is people bumping the tables and shifting them out of alignment.

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: Mark W on March 08, 2019, 12:39:55 AM

Thanks for the insight, good to know. 

I think the urge to be different is still overpowering the basics though.  I don't mind clamping, and I have a small adjustable height folding table I could slide under like so:
(https://i.imgur.com/sVEigWY.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/sVEigWY.jpg


This weekend, I'll do some paper mockups to see what the elevation differences would look like in tangible form.

Another thing I've been pondering is the orientation itself.  As drawn above, the elevation drops off quite a bit toward the backdrop.  Ideally, the tracks would run along the backdrop and the scene would rise up into them from the foreground.  I would prefer that orientation much more, but then I'd have to get creative with the two flat storage buildings. 

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: Mark W on March 16, 2019, 02:23:50 PM

Well I'm still torn on whether to go with the drop-frame module or not.    :|

I made a mock-up, but it didn't help my decision at all. 

(https://i.imgur.com/Z4NGaQG.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/Z4NGaQG.jpg

Drop-Frame Module
Pros	Cons
Full Elevation	May limit setup options
Display focus	Functional ease
I want to	Only 3/4 inch  gain
I want to	hmm
I want to	I think you have the answer

 :facepalm: 8)

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: Mark W on March 28, 2019, 12:25:23 AM

Did some more blocking today by plotting out dimensions and laying out some stand-ins on a white board. 

(https://i.imgur.com/JGla6rn.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/JGla6rn.jpg

I'm making this an extra wide set to accommodate the flat storage buildings (the two buildings will be bashed from my too-big single building there), and 'track-at-the-back' since most of the terrain is below grade. 
The standard endplate will remain 14" and taper out to 20". Based on my soup-can, everything should fit just right!

Official construction is set to begin this weekend!

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: wm3798 on March 28, 2019, 12:36:54 AM

That's going to look good!

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: Mark W on March 28, 2019, 11:43:46 PM

Framework is cut and ready for the weekend!  This is one of my favorite stages of module building as it means we're on the pad, everything is a GO, and we're ready to launch! 

(https://i.imgur.com/B3qgF8r.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/B3qgF8r.jpg

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: wm3798 on March 29, 2019, 09:27:40 AM

I dig... I loves me some table saw time!  Go man, GO!
Lee

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: Mark W on March 31, 2019, 09:21:14 PM

Framework is near complete.  One more board to glue up on the far module, and one notch to cut out on the near module.  Next step will be gluing the foam in with Great Stuff and then the real fun begins; carving terrain!


(https://i.imgur.com/IpUoJFn.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/IpUoJFn.jpg

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: Mark W on April 05, 2019, 05:22:41 PM

Last update we left off with frames built and ready for foam.  Now we have foam in and ready to carve!

Here's everything test fitted, minus turnouts.

(https://i.imgur.com/TMsZwTL.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/TMsZwTL.jpg


And here's everything glued in, with turnouts. 

(https://i.imgur.com/jEmbejy.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/jEmbejy.jpg

Uh oh, there's a problem with these #4s!  Turns out they're 2mm longer than the standard 124mm section. 

(https://i.imgur.com/K5pgSKD.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/K5pgSKD.jpg

Looking closer, it looks like I have to use the other wood tie sections on the other mainline to match the length of the turnout?? 
So not only does it look stupid, but that means I cut my 124mm double track concrete tie section apart for no reason?!   :RUEffinKiddingMe:

(https://i.imgur.com/dzhMmqS.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/dzhMmqS.jpg








 :trollface: ...

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: wm3798 on April 05, 2019, 05:52:49 PM

So much for precision Japanese engineering...

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: pdx1955 on April 05, 2019, 06:21:54 PM

Plus you have to be careful with the 62, 124, and 186 mm pieces of the concrete double track as its apparently 1/2 mm shorter than the equivalent single wooden tie pieces. You could end up with not having enough overhang at the ends.

http://ttrak.wikidot.com/kato-unitrack-length-issue-fact-or-fiction (http://ttrak.wikidot.com/kato-unitrack-length-issue-fact-or-fiction)

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: Mike C on April 05, 2019, 06:28:08 PM

 You could shorten the point end of the switch ?

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: Mark W on April 06, 2019, 11:08:09 AM

Quote from: Mike C on April 05, 2019, 06:28:08 PM

You could shorten the point end of the switch ?

That would be pretty difficult if I wanted to keep the unijoiner pocket in tact though.

Quote from: wm3798 on April 05, 2019, 05:52:49 PM

So much for precision Japanese engineering...

We'll just have to apply some of that good ol' American Innovation!


I'm almost disappointed.  You all know my M.O. around here.   (Or maybe my posts on Facebook already revealed it)


3D Printing to the rescue!  :D

(https://i.imgur.com/nZbUCgx.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/nZbUCgx.jpg


I simply modeled up a unijoiner, extended it 2mm and gave it some roadbed. 
That rail gap will be filled with rail cut from the unused 'notch' section, included with the #4s.

(https://i.imgur.com/liMDAjW.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/liMDAjW.jpg


(https://i.imgur.com/Vo9dqsl.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/Vo9dqsl.jpg


Now I just need my bridge sections!

(https://i.imgur.com/xMJ9dPs.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/xMJ9dPs.jpg

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: strummer on April 06, 2019, 11:39:17 AM

Whatta great solution!

Unitrack is a fine product, but it does have its own set of "challenges"...

Mark in Oregon

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: wm3798 on April 07, 2019, 10:48:23 AM

Definitely collecting some style points for that little bit of ingenuity.

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: Ed Kapuscinski on April 08, 2019, 10:22:58 AM

Genius!!!

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: Mark W on April 14, 2019, 05:11:28 PM

I was able to get some work on the Emerald T-Trak modules today.  I originally carved out terrain last week.  However it wasn't quite right yet. Overall the shape is good, but the depth wasn't there yet.  Topo maps show the creek is 50 foot below the rail, so 3.75" in N scale  Above, I was only at 3.25".  So I marked off another half inch and kept going!

(https://i.imgur.com/5kD3m18.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/5kD3m18.jpg


In the end, it was only a subtle difference, but I think it will really pay off once we get trees and scenery!

(https://i.imgur.com/njGuAck.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/njGuAck.jpg

(https://i.imgur.com/9XfMwwL.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/9XfMwwL.jpg

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: wm3798 on April 14, 2019, 05:45:00 PM

Hot like firecracker!

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: Mark W on April 18, 2019, 12:20:27 AM

Got a nice rich poopy brown base coat painted on today.   There are a few spots that will need terrain re-shaped, then we'll begin with grout/dirt. 

(https://i.imgur.com/1DaphTs.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/1DaphTs.jpg


(https://i.imgur.com/AyRvfgc.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/AyRvfgc.jpg


(https://i.imgur.com/VS2t5pu.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/VS2t5pu.jpg

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: wm3798 on April 18, 2019, 09:19:52 AM

Is that a dog food bin or a cranberry sauce bin? :trollface:

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: Mark W on April 18, 2019, 10:16:51 AM

Quote from: wm3798 on April 18, 2019, 09:19:52 AM

Is that a dog food bin or a cranberry sauce bin? :trollface:

Neither.  A New England Clam Chowder bin! :lol: 

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: wm3798 on April 18, 2019, 10:26:57 AM

Voof.  I hope you're not modeling July!

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: Mark W on May 19, 2019, 07:05:06 PM

Emerald has been neglected the past few weeks, but got some attention this afternoon.  The fields received dirt and a have been tilled, and the first layer of ground foam has gone down. 

(https://i.imgur.com/rHv5Uc1.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/rHv5Uc1.jpg

I don't have any plans for the two fields on the left, but I'd like to make the big field on the right full of harvested corn stalk stems.  That will be tricky for sure. 

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: Mark W on May 21, 2019, 01:47:09 PM

More scenery, bit by bit.

(https://i.imgur.com/njYP1KQ.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/njYP1KQ.jpg

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: wm3798 on May 21, 2019, 02:00:17 PM

That's coming along nicely.  BTW, I just received the little momento of the Freight Car Load challenge!  Thanks!

You may see some of it coming to a TTrak Module or two...

Lee

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: Vince P on May 22, 2019, 07:53:07 PM

Like the way the fields are looking coming together decently.

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: Mark W on June 05, 2019, 08:28:48 AM

Far from finished, but starting to look presentable.

(https://i.imgur.com/4Q9cWVZ.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/4Q9cWVZ.jpg

The patch between the road and tracks will be heavily wooded next.
(https://i.imgur.com/WJGQHM0.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/WJGQHM0.jpg

Quite a lot of work left on the highway too. 
(https://i.imgur.com/Ov0qezI.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/Ov0qezI.jpg

Starting to capture the overall essence though!
(https://i.imgur.com/rTYseE7.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/rTYseE7.jpg

I'm still intending to finish the gravel roads, surface the highway, and 'lush' up the remaining ditches, gullys, and hillsides before the deadline.  Then I get an extra few weeks to replace the soupy grain bin and other stand-in buildings before Emerald goes on display at the Spring Creek Model Train Show (http://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/openhouse.html) at the end of the month.   

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: Bryn on June 06, 2019, 02:51:07 PM

Great work Mark, nice use of colors within the scenic areas.

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: Vince P on June 10, 2019, 09:36:17 PM

Agreed very nice

Title: Re: Challenge #3 - Emerald Farmers CO OP
Post by: Mark W on June 27, 2019, 09:10:43 AM

Well might as well request this one be moved to the Layouts section too.  There's a bit of work left to complete, but at least I'm on the finishing touches in some areas!

To refresh, here's where I left off at the end of the challenge.

(https://i.imgur.com/WJGQHM0.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/WJGQHM0.jpg


And here's what we have now.

(https://i.imgur.com/BupVKeR.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/BupVKeR.jpg

Tonight I finish the other side by painting the highway and add the thickets along the creek and hillside of the raised right of way.