TheRailwire
General Discussion => N and Z Scales => Topic started by: wm3798 on June 23, 2010, 10:45:18 AM
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Enough powlabbering about the state of the industry... Let's work on the layout!
Last night I re-wired the staging yard to account for the reverse loop. I still have to add a few drops, and the eastbound throat needs rebuilt, but we're not too far away from having the staging tuned up and ready to be buried. I test drove a 4 axle, then a 6 axle, then the big 4-8-4, and so far so good. The only problems that turned up were in the old section that I already knew about.
Next, this morning I rebuilt the area around Shaw. This is where the original section of the layout joined the temporary section, and the benchwork was a scabbed together mess. I needed to change the elevation, since the grade would be ascending here now, instead of descending as the temp loop had it. I also wanted to replace the subroadbed with proper 1/2" plywood, instead of the 1/4" paneling/3/4" foam sandwich I used originally. Here's what it was:
(http://www.wmrywesternlines.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/WM_2-8-0_761_Steam_Shaw_%281%29.jpg)
You can see pretty clearly that the engine is headed down grade. The point where the locomotive is in that picture is now about a full inch and a quarter higher than it was.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ERLF7TTPvmA/TCIYMOa7hAI/AAAAAAAAK2s/je-SkykwoHY/ReconstructionPh2%20002.jpg)
You can also see that I've made provision to add a Tortoise to run the siding at Shaw. There will be two short passing tracks on the Thomas sub, on either side of the scenic divider. Probably long enough to handle about 15 cars, or 20 55-T hoppers. I'm going to put the controls for both at the end of the peninsula so one tower operator can control movements on both sides. The switch into the truck dump at Shaw will remain manually operated by the train crew.
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ERLF7TTPvmA/TCIYNRuv5wI/AAAAAAAAK2w/ql-klQLwbK0/ReconstructionPh2%20003.jpg)
This shot reveals that the alignment will remain the same through the junction, just at a higher elevation.
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ERLF7TTPvmA/TCIYOeUljbI/AAAAAAAAK20/jwPYnxZixZI/ReconstructionPh2%20004.jpg)
The grade change has put the truss bridge at just about level. Compare this to the old view:
(http://www.wmrywesternlines.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/Ops_Session_3-8-08_013web%7E0.jpg)
The bridge dropped about 3/8" from left to right, which was to accommodate the original track plan. I grew weary of having to adjust photos to compensate for the stiff grade, and I'm glad to be rid of it. Now I just have to build up the center pier, which now will have room for proper bridge feet.
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ERLF7TTPvmA/TCIYP00XubI/AAAAAAAAK28/yDasgb7WVnQ/ReconstructionPh2%20006.jpg)
Here's the track to the Shaw truck dump. I think I'm going to re-purpose this siding as a sand load out. There was a source for silica sand near Shaw that was shipped to PPG in Cumberland in two-bay covered hoppers... I sure have a lot of them, and this will put them to good use. I'll carefully relocate the truck dump over to Thomas on the other side of the peninsula. You can see in the picture that I filled the void left by the grade change with some HO scale ballast I have laying around. I use this a lot for filler. I just dump it through the track, brush it out so it's all below the ties, then apply my glue soup to it. Once it sets up, I go back over it with N scale ballast and scenic materials, and when it's done, it'll be nice and blended in.
I'll have to get some of those clip strips for the Tortoise here, because it's located smack dab over the staging yard, and there's no way I'll be able to wire it from underneath. This will also be the first pairing of machines that will get the decoder experiment. I'd also like to apply some simple signaling here. (open-green, closed red) probably as fascia indicators since the Thomas Sub was TO/TT territory. A working TO signal would be fun to have at Shaw, too, and this is where the lighted TO stand from Williamsport Jct. will likely end up.
I'm trying to get all the connection elevations set so when the crew comes down for a work day all the math is already done.
Lee
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Looking good, Lee!
If you still have the original Kato piers that came with your truss bridges, you can cut reasonable-looking bridge shoes out of them to fill the gap under the bridges. It's tough to see in the following picture, but that's what I did on my old layout that used the same Kato bridge.
(http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc84/dff21901/DSCF0666.jpg)
Of course, you could always just fabricate something out of pieces of styrene, but, if you already have the piers, using those shoes would probably be easier.
Hope this helps,
Dave
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I'll have to rummage around the junk box. I'm pretty sure I kept them for that very purpose. There used to be a pretty nice white metal casting, (Sunrise?) but I haven't seen them in a long time. Odds are I'll end up using some bits of styrene. We'll see!
Lee
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I'll have to rummage around the junk box. I'm pretty sure I kept them for that very purpose. There used to be a pretty nice white metal casting, (Sunrise?) but I haven't seen them in a long time. Odds are I'll end up using some bits of styrene. We'll see!
Lee
Micro-Engineering HO bridge piers are great and not as large as you would think.
The S.
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Like the progress, but man are you bothering to sleep or something? thought you'd be done by now! ;D
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Entertained the Goon Squad today, and made considerable progress with their assistance.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ERLF7TTPvmA/TCat6v4xNbI/AAAAAAAAK-s/nok7aQMfiOo/ReconstructionPh2%20012.jpg)
Tim and Brian were ready to apply the ground foam before we cut the first piece of lumber.
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ERLF7TTPvmA/TCat3ps0opI/AAAAAAAAK5c/5J0Rqp2FCLE/ReconstructionPh2%20008.jpg)
Dave worked on adding the "freight car diaper" to the helix.
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ERLF7TTPvmA/TCat9DaCGuI/AAAAAAAAK6A/Qm_13sMzk44/ReconstructionPh2%20017.jpg)
Gary spent the better part of the day tangled up in the benchwork...
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ERLF7TTPvmA/TCauAHyylmI/AAAAAAAAK-I/tOCOjTNf1Is/ReconstructionPh2%20023.jpg)
and I did what I do best... Offered numerous suggestions that were largely ignored. (probably to the benefit of the layout!)
We had a great time, got a ton of work done (It would have taken me a month to get this far) and really enjoyed seeing the plan start to come together. As always, there's a couple of minor kinks to work out, but overall, it's coming out just the way I imagined it, and following the plan drawn up by David K Smith has been a breeze. This is going to be a great layout to scenic and run trains on.
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ERLF7TTPvmA/TCauCv5oHzI/AAAAAAAAK_4/KtZy4Vquuu0/ReconstructionPh2%20028.jpg)
More pictures of the action here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Lee.WildCard.Graphics/ReconstructionPh2?feat=directlink
I can't thank you guys enough.
Lee
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Had a great time Lee. Hopefully the Thomas Sub works out in spite of that 'NASA engineering". ;)
Added - you already made a lot of progress since I left! Track on the lower loop and the Casselman bridge back in. 8)
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(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ERLF7TTPvmA/TCauAHyylmI/AAAAAAAAK-I/tOCOjTNf1Is/ReconstructionPh2%20023.jpg)
and I did what I do best... Offered numerous suggestions that were largely ignored. (probably to the benefit of the layout!)
I notice the head-scratching as well.
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(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ERLF7TTPvmA/TCauCv5oHzI/AAAAAAAAK_4/KtZy4Vquuu0/ReconstructionPh2%20028.jpg)
Who did you say designed this section....it looks like the culprit was tracing the trackplan over his copy of Playboy!
Yours
Hugh Hefner
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Monday Morning...
Finished laying out the final alignment of the Thomas Sub.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ERLF7TTPvmA/TCiTkM-BZFI/AAAAAAAALCE/ku4lCIImZ6E/ReconstructionPh2%20041.jpg)
I squished the loop a little to get a straight section on the bridge, and to get the storage yard to shift a little. The minimum curve is still 15" On the right side, I'm going to "terrace down" via a switchback to a couple of coal mines. This is the replacement for the late, great Chaffee Branch so I can "get my coal on."
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ERLF7TTPvmA/TCiTl2fH6bI/AAAAAAAALCM/s8gJigkVfJ8/ReconstructionPh2%20043.jpg)
Other than the old switch at Shaw, this side of the peninsula will be nothing but scenery. A long slope down to a winding river, with railroads on both banks. Very Western Marylandy...
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ERLF7TTPvmA/TCiTlLjsAvI/AAAAAAAALCI/JIMyQih1Q6k/ReconstructionPh2%20042.jpg)
Here's a closer look at the storage yard at Thomas. The left hand track will be the main (installed on cork) and the other two tracks will be on the ply for a little grade separation. To the left will be sawmill, and to the right a couple of coal tipples.
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ERLF7TTPvmA/TCiTjValCzI/AAAAAAAALCA/ROWODB5WC-E/ReconstructionPh2%20039.jpg)
Finally, while it's totally not a Western Maryland bridge, this is how we'll be bridging the gorge at the end of the peninsula. I'll use the 40' deck girders from the old Potomac Crossing to get around the bendy bits. The long truss is scabbed together from Atlas deck truss bridges. I'll be installing Micro Engineering's bridge track over the full length of the span, and adding a walk way along the side closest to the aisle.
I'm going to try to get the rest of the track in over the next couple of days, and hopefully by the weekend be able to run a train from Maryland Junction to Elkins!
Lee
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(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ERLF7TTPvmA/TCiTjValCzI/AAAAAAAALCA/ROWODB5WC-E/ReconstructionPh2%20039.jpg)
Finally, while it's totally not a Western Maryland bridge, this is how we'll be bridging the gorge at the end of the peninsula. I'll use the 40' deck girders from the old Potomac Crossing to get around the bendy bits. The long truss is scabbed together from Atlas deck truss bridges. I'll be installing Micro Engineering's bridge track over the full length of the span, and adding a walk way along the side closest to the aisle.
Lee
All JUICY! But I think you should really do that bridge some justice using a ME plate girder bridge, to me that open frame truss is reminiscent of B&O -not the modern WM (yeah I know there were quite a few open truss bridges crossing the Potomac on the Thomas Sub, but thats a box truss). Maybe use a gentle curve all the way across the bridge.
(http://www.wmwestsub.com/8thcrossing11.jpg)
(http://www.wmwestsub.com/4thcrossing18.jpg)
Humbly Submitted,
The S.
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I weighed all those options. One of the issues is the height of it. The deeper truss eats up a little more of the air below the rails. Scratchbuilding a bridge like McCoy's Ferry, which is on a curve, would be optimal, and could still be worked in, but it will have to work with the angle of the Connellsville line below it.
This will at least get a train running NOW. ;D
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I'm with The S. on this one. I don't think that the 15" radius curve will be an issue at all on the Thomas Sub, considering the motive power and rolling stock that will ply the rails. But a curve on the bridge will make the track flow sooooo much better. I'll admit that I'm speculating, but it would seem that three spans of a plate girder bridge and two piers would do. Considering the sheer cliffs on each side, the piers may not be as tall as you would think. I'm sure that there's a way to engineer it to look right. Hey, bring back that NASA engineer guy!
DFF
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I weighed all those options. One of the issues is the height of it. The deeper truss eats up a little more of the air below the rails. Scratchbuilding a bridge like McCoy's Ferry, which is on a curve, would be optimal, and could still be worked in, but it will have to work with the angle of the Connellsville line below it.
This will at least get a train running NOW. ;D
I dunno Lee, that straight-away in the middle of the curve is about as sexy as a fatroll on a supermodel. I know you want to get it up and running, but I'd hate to see you want to tear it out later. You could use concrete piers, I don't remember the location on the WM but they were TALL almost the same size as the 1x3 you have there holding the existing structure up. You could use the HO plate truss that ME makes which would eat the same amount of vertical space without looking overdone. Also consider that the foliage hanging for dear life on those cliffs will add to the clutter that will eat up that vertical space.
The S.
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I know how you hate to listen to us mere unpublished mortals .. but in the case of this bridge, you are getting some real good advice that you would be wise to follow ..
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I'd have to toss in my vote for a bridge configuration that maintains a smooth curve. You could always do a John Allen and just put a plywood span there until you've built the "ideal" bridge.
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The committee has spaketh. As soon as I tie up a few loose ends work wise, and my wife spirits the chilluns away to the pool, I'll have a closer look. I think four spans will make the turn nicely, I just have to figure out how to make all that concrete look good to hold them up....
So, what do you think of the bendy storage tracks in Thomas? I like 'em. I think I'm going to run a stream along one side starting up behind the sawmill, crossing under the tracks next to the Thomas depot (which in reality sat partially on a bridge) then along the front edge of the storage tracks and down to drain into Wills Creek somewhere. I'm also thinking I might have room for a 2-lane highway to work it's way through the big river valley, too, not sure where it will end up, though.
Lee
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The committee has spaketh. As soon as I tie up a few loose ends work wise, and my wife spirits the chilluns away to the pool, I'll have a closer look. I think four spans will make the turn nicely, I just have to figure out how to make all that concrete look good to hold them up....
So, what do you think of the bendy storage tracks in Thomas? I like 'em. I think I'm going to run a stream along one side starting up behind the sawmill, crossing under the tracks next to the Thomas depot (which in reality sat partially on a bridge) then along the front edge of the storage tracks and down to drain into Wills Creek somewhere. I'm also thinking I might have room for a 2-lane highway to work it's way through the big river valley, too, not sure where it will end up, though.
Lee
If it was me I'd stick to a purely mechanical operation (trucks, tractors and equipment). Even with the scene-block, you've already got a water source in the scene even though it's 6" below.
The S.
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I'd have to toss in my vote for a bridge configuration that maintains a smooth curve. You could always do a John Allen and just put a plywood span there until you've built the "ideal" bridge.
exactly
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As I see it you are probably looking for a cross between this:
http://www.wmwestsub.com/wmwestsubintro.jpg
and this:
http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=qsdk8q8qymxk&scene=18204459&lvl=2&sty=o
The latter is a really nice deep deck truss that's also wide enough for a curve. Time to get creative.
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It'll work. It won't be a consistent flowing curve, but the 21" for the curved turnout east of the bridge is already flattening it out there. It can run 21 (at the turnout) to 15 to the abutment, then back to about 21 around most of the bridge, to 16 where it hits the other abutment and into the first switch at Thomas. It can work with a 40' deck plate girder, two roughly 65' girders, then two 40's to cross the maybe highway and hit the Thomas abutment. Three concrete piers and a steel pier on the Thomas end should do the trick. Might even make the abutments and piers "double track"... even though that was a Connellsville line thing. Having wider piers will make it look more like Ohiopyle's high bridge, which appears to have had a gentle curve to it.
(http://www.wmwestsub.com/connellsvillesub/bandoconnectionohiopyle02.jpg)
(http://www.wmwestsub.com/connellsvillesub/bandoconnectionohiopyle04.jpg)
I'm okay with that...
Lee
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(http://www.wmwestsub.com/connellsvillesub/bandoconnectionohiopyle04.jpg)
Lee
That is the hotness.
But I do lobby for a smooth curve 15"-16" curve throughout.
The S.
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the high bridge over MD 550 is curved, has concrete supports, and is all WM.
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(http://www.wmwestsub.com/connellsvillesub/bandoconnectionohiopyle04.jpg)
This is exactly what I had in mind for this bridge. You get a prototypical excuse to model a tall WM bridge, the concrete piers will a snap for you to build, and headroom underneath the deck girder will be no problem for the Connellsville Sub line. Me likey.
I haven't decided whether I like the consistent radius curve or multi-radiused. At first glance, I would think that the model bridge built on the maximum feasible curvature would look better (e.g., 21" radius). If true, then a couple of sharper sections around the curved turnout and the bridge shouldn't hurt too much. The 15" radius sections in the midst of the 21" sections certainly shouldn't cause operational problems, and I wonder if most people wouldn't even be able to pick it up by eye if not informed. I say lay it out with flextrack and see what you think.
DFF
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Steve, I actually had that one very much in mind. (It's between Thurmont and Sabillasville for those of you who haven't studied). It's got the rounded off piers, as I recall. The damn Bing Maps has a photo tile "seam" right over it though, so I can't get a clear shot to see how curvaceous it is. I've been under that thing a million times, but I've never had a chance to pull over to shoot it. (there's nowhere to do so since they put up all the damn guardrails...)
I have in mind what I think I can make it look like, so no worries. Here's a look at the curve I'm ending up with ...
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ERLF7TTPvmA/TCjsP_3at-I/AAAAAAAALD4/Im4ekQrC86o/s512/ReconstructionPh2%20046.jpg)
From top to bottom, 2 shorts, 2 longs and a short!
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Steve, I actually had that one very much in mind. (It's between Thurmont and Sabillasville for those of you who haven't studied). It's got the rounded off piers, as I recall. The damn Bing Maps has a photo tile "seam" right over it though, so I can't get a clear shot to see how curvaceous it is. I've been under that thing a million times, but I've never had a chance to pull over to shoot it. (there's nowhere to do so since they put up all the damn guardrails...)
I have in mind what I think I can make it look like, so no worries. Here's a look at the curve I'm ending up with ...
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ERLF7TTPvmA/TCjsP_3at-I/AAAAAAAALD4/Im4ekQrC86o/s512/ReconstructionPh2%20046.jpg)
From top to bottom, 2 shorts, 2 longs and a short!
Same bridge I was thinking about too. And that curve looks goooooooood!
(insert Caddy Shack happy-gopher dance here),
The S.
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I'll be cutting up some bridge flex before the sun goes down. Jiggity!
(reprise of happy gopher dance)
I can now re-purpose the deck truss back to the Narrows where it belongs!! There will be trains in Elkins tonight!
Lee
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here's the curved piers
http://www.railpictures.net/images/d1/4/9/5/9495.1126522800.jpg
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Thanks for that, Steve... I'm thinking the Ohiopyle piers will be easier to pull off in styrene, and a little more "westernlines" appropriate, even if they are in the wrong state!
An hour left before I'm off the clock!
Lee
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I predict you now have the layout's centerpiece scene in the works. Given its drama and its smack-dab-in-the-middle location, it ought to stop new visitors in their tracks. Casselman Crossing may be taking a distant second place as the model railfan hotspot.
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(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ERLF7TTPvmA/TCjsP_3at-I/AAAAAAAALD4/Im4ekQrC86o/s512/ReconstructionPh2%20046.jpg)
That curve looks great and will make it much easier to construct the bridge as compared to building a much sharper radiused structure. Again, I think that outweighs the consistent-radius curve, especially considering that none of the curve is below your minimum radius for the Thomas Sub.
Keep the photos coming!
DFF
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We'll show those DRGW and SP clods that proper, more genteel mountain railroading has it's charms, too!
David, there will be an update to the track plan in your hands shortly... Thomas is going to a fun little hotspot. I realize now that the storage tracks will also provide the opportunity to double up trains on the hill (helix) to add some more interest!
I wish I knew what became of the wooden piers that George Myers made for the WMRHS layout back in the 80's...
(http://www.wmrywesternlines.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/WMRHS_Layout_1989_1.jpg)
(recognize the bridge and the challenger?)
Lee
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I predict you now have the layout's centerpiece scene in the works. Given its drama and its smack-dab-in-the-middle location, it ought to stop new visitors in their tracks. Casselman Crossing may be taking a distant second place as the model railfan hotspot.
Perhaps, but now he'll have a canyon to be able to better squeeze a camera in there for the shots of Casselman crossing. To shoot the bridge before, you had to put the camera in the creek.
DFF
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If I can get that bridge to look even a little bit like Ohiopyle... David might be right! Vive le Sweet Spot!
(Better modeling through peer pressure, INDEED!!) :D
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David, there will be an update to the track plan in your hands shortly...
I stand (or sit) ready.
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(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ERLF7TTPvmA/TCiTjValCzI/AAAAAAAALCA/ROWODB5WC-E/ReconstructionPh2%20039.jpg)
Wow, a lot of progress already today. I'm definitely on board with the curved bridge, and I can see the above angle being the new money shot. You'll have to get a blue board for the background though...
Anyone have any good photos of Thomas in its heyday? I'm trying to picture the scene.
-gfh
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I just can't resist ;D
(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa149/rkbufkin/200px-Thomas_Tank_Engine_1.jpg)
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If I can get that bridge to look even a little bit like Ohiopyle... David might be right! Vive le Sweet Spot!
(Better modeling through peer pressure, INDEED!!) :D
Since we're talking bridges should that be pier pressure? ;)
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Here's the station.
http://www.wvbike.org/tan/pics/tan-thomas_depot-1954-m.jpg
The Francis Branch actually went off behind the depot, I'll have it splitting away in front of it at about the point where the photographer is standing. You can see how prominent the bridge and creek are to the station scene...
I've got a ton of reference photos, but they're all in copyrighted publications... I'm surprised there's not much that turns up in a google search.
Lee
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You got some coke ovens to go with that scene?
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I can sure find a way to work some in.
Lee
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If I can get that bridge to look even a little bit like Ohiopyle... David might be right! Vive le Sweet Spot!
(Better modeling through peer pressure, INDEED!!) :D
Now you see what I see...............
The S.
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i watched my Emery Gulash WM video yesterday. you need more cowbell.
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It took a few alligator clips and extension wires, but BL-2 82 pulled a train of 10 cars and a caboose from Maryland Jct. up through Thomas and the Oliver Twist to the siding at Kerens last night. I need one more female Cinch Jones (or is it a male?) to complete the connections to get all the way into Elkins. (There's a lift out section in front of the window). The High Bridge track is cut and and installed, and up on blocks to allow traffic to pass. I also put in the bridge track for the Narrows Crossing in the way back.
As expected, I have the wire colors reversed from the helix to Elkins. I guess I should make a warning label so I don't forget that.
Anyway, the next step will be to wire the turnout decoder into the Kerens siding, and finish the bus connections to Elkins. Once that's done, I'll paint the bridge fro Kerens so I can permanently install the trackwork between it and the helix.
Once that's done, I'll work on the scenery base for the hard to reach pieces in and out of the helix, and I guess build the sky board that will surround the helix. I'll lose access to the big hole in the layout once the main line through Cumberland gets installed. I also have to permanently install the storage tracks through Thomas and wire all the turnouts in there...
Lee
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It took a few alligator clips and extension wires, but BL-2 82 pulled a train of 10 cars and a caboose from Maryland Jct. up through Thomas and the Oliver Twist to the siding at Kerens last night. I need one more female Cinch Jones (or is it a male?) to complete the connections to get all the way into Elkins. (There's a lift out section in front of the window). The High Bridge track is cut and and installed, and up on blocks to allow traffic to pass. I also put in the bridge track for the Narrows Crossing in the way back.
As expected, I have the wire colors reversed from the helix to Elkins. I guess I should make a warning label so I don't forget that.
Anyway, the next step will be to wire the turnout decoder into the Kerens siding, and finish the bus connections to Elkins. Once that's done, I'll paint the bridge fro Kerens so I can permanently install the trackwork between it and the helix.
Once that's done, I'll work on the scenery base for the hard to reach pieces in and out of the helix, and I guess build the sky board that will surround the helix. I'll lose access to the big hole in the layout once the main line through Cumberland gets installed. I also have to permanently install the storage tracks through Thomas and wire all the turnouts in there...
Lee
What no pictures? Did you wear a hole in the floor doing the "Caddy Shack Happy Gopher Dance" preventing you from taking pictures? Or did you just run the train back and forth about 2 million times all glossy eyed and happy?
Disappointed,
The S.
Ps. Ok Ok I'm sorta doin' an Irish Jig over here (in my mind)...stop looking at me like that!
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Stand by. Mere photos don't do it justice.
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Stand by. Mere photos don't do it justice.
i smell a video coming.
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Better than watching paint dry!
Lee
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neat, the gap in the roadbed looked a bit hairy though! :o
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"Alive! It's alive! It's alive!"
Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (That's FRON-ken-steen)
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/>
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Better than watching paint dry!
if just slightly 8)
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where are those tunnels on the WM you have?
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Mainly through the future skyboard... oh the compromises!
L
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We still want a tunnel through the closet!!!
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You owe me a pair of pants.
;D
The S.
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We still want a tunnel through the closet!!!
Lee,
I just went behind the furnace/water heater...
surely the closet can be negotiated!!! ;D
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The plan as drafted requires no closet railroading. We're out and we're proud!
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I just went behind the furnace/water heater...
does the refrigerator know?
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are those tunnels fictional in the video? if not, where on the WM are they?
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I just went behind the furnace/water heater...
does the refrigerator know?
Fridge is LOOOOOOOOOOONG gone.... getting it up the stairs was NOT fun.
back to your regularly scheduled "Lee's closet issues" thread...
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Fridge is LOOOOOOOOOOONG gone
don't you know that a great model railroad is built around a well stocked beer fridge?
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where are those tunnels on the WM you have?
You'll find them on here:
http://whiteriverandnorthern.net/images/upper_level.jpg
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where are those tunnels on the WM you have?
You'll find them on here:
http://whiteriverandnorthern.net/images/upper_level.jpg
my point is the WM doesn't have tunnels where he has tunnels on the layout. if his layout isn't maintaining fidelity, i can get by with my scheme and he can't say squat ;D
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I never claimed prototypical fidelity. You're making an argument where there never was one. For one thing, I've got Maryland Jct. railroad west of Cumberland Station. I've been stuck with that ever since the first draft.
The tunnels are where they are because that's where they have to be. The layout is a series of vignettes that are more or less in geographical order. The tunnels serve more as a vehicle to transport you through time and space than to accurately represent a particular location.
From my website, originally posted around 2004...
"As with any model railroad, I had to modify some things to get all of my operating and scenic goals to fit in the room. The single most obvious is the consolidation of the yards at Knobmount and Hagerstown to create one functional yard that I'm calling Ridgeley. Hagerstown, with it's two large class yards and full blown engine terminal and shops was just too big to do it justice, and Knobmount's vast yard just couldn't be worked in. So I've developed a functional model railroad yard that suits the operations I've concocted, and included a big enough engine terminal to reflect the yard's importance. Operationally, the yard handles all east and west bound through freights, and serves as a division point in terms of run through locomotives from the connecting lines." You can read the rest here: www.wmrywesternlines.net/operationsprojects.php
The important thing on my layout, as I state in the above passages, is the flow of the traffic. East-West bridge traffic and coal from tipple to its many destinations. Believe me, if I had a barn available, I'd model every stitch of the WM from Port Covington to Laurel Bank and Spruce.
But for now, I've picked up a few essentials at the Radio Shack... so it's time to make with the soldering iron...
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Last night caught up on some "invisible work" involving 2-pole audio jacks, wire and solder... More news as it happens...
Lee
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You're making an argument where there never was one.
don't get me wrong, i'm not making an argument, i'm just saying that you model a line and have added things to get it to flow from scene to scene - that's something i've had a hard time accepting - adding a tunnel to get things to flow is better than not having anything. my point is that if you are able to model the WM and use those transitional elements, then i too can use them.
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You're right about that... Brian will have a hard time using tunnels to disguise a return loop on the Rock Island in Iowa... ;) (cue the google search for the picture of the Rock Island tunnel in Iowa...)
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You're right about that... Brian will have a hard time using tunnels to disguise a return loop on the Rock Island in Iowa... ;) (cue the google search for the picture of the Rock Island tunnel in Iowa...)
there is a tunnel just across the river in East Dubuque, IL... the closest to Iowa of the 5 the Rock had.
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As of 9:46 pm EDT, the Thomas Sub has been reopened from Maryland Junction to Elkins, West Virginia. After a MOW inspection train traversed the line behind BL-2 82, the first revenue train departed Maryland Jct. The consist of empty hoppers was led by RS3's 191 and 186. Despite slow orders through Thomas, where trackwork continues in the storage yard, the train made good time up the mountain, and arrived in Elkins on time.
The crew is currently switching the empties into the Elkins Yard, and assembling a train of loaded hoppers, along with several cars destined for the Westvaco plant at Luke, which will be departing shortly for the return trip.
Pictures of the momentous occasion to follow shortly...
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Pictures of the momentous occasion to follow shortly...
Lee
You know us so well!
The S.
Ps. Hurry it up already! ;D
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(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ERLF7TTPvmA/TCwbeCXEAoI/AAAAAAAALL8/okltxBHhcxU/Thomas%20Sub%20033.jpg)
More here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Lee.WildCard.Graphics/ThomasSub02?feat=directlink
I have to go to bed now. I'm so tired it hurts...
Lee
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More here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Lee.WildCard.Graphics/ThomasSub02?feat=directlink
Lee
This makes me cringe...you have bigger brass than I.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ERLF7TTPvmA/TCwbemXn1xI/AAAAAAAALMA/Nr56vmFGlbE/Thomas%20Sub%20047.jpg)
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ERLF7TTPvmA/TCwbqlITyjI/AAAAAAAALNo/DFLo38nonig/Thomas%20Sub%20122.jpg)
The S.
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Massive coolness. Can't wait to run it properly, with some pool power from the Southeast!
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Anyone got any 80' Micro Engineering kits drifting around that you don't need? I've got the three 40' ponies I need... I'm cutting some blocks of wood as temporaries. Work's a little light today, maybe I'll throw in the river bed and some piers...
Lee
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Very cool Lee! Of course, I imagined the bridges under the track so it didn't look completely like they were sailing into space...
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More here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Lee.WildCard.Graphics/ThomasSub02?feat=directlink
Lee
This makes me cringe...you have bigger brass than I.
The S.
Glad someone else said that. Lee, you really should put some kind of hardboard up to protect that while waiting to build the bridge itself,
Phil
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Anyone got any 80' Micro Engineering kits drifting around that you don't need? I've got the three 40' ponies I need... I'm cutting some blocks of wood as temporaries. Work's a little light today, maybe I'll throw in the river bed and some piers...
Lee
I have six of the ballasted bridges that I scavaged from the Rochelle Subdivision.
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Massive coolness. Can't wait to run it properly, with some pool power from the Southeast!
Ditto......
.........except insert Midwest!!!
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Massive coolness. Can't wait to run it properly, with some pool power from the Southeast!
Ditto......
.........except insert Midwest!!!
through a tunnel.
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I've got to put the drops in to the bus line from the Connellsville loop, then I can confidently install a river bed to make the trip less scary. Daryl, check your PM to let the negotiations begin!
Lee
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In the meantime, you might want to put a pole on the front loco so it can balance during the high wire act.... ;D ;D :D ;)
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Celebrity bridge girders en route from the Union Pacific. Hopefully they'll make it through the time warp from 2008 Rochelle to 1971 West Virginia!
Thanks, Daryl!
Lee
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Looking awesome, Lee! I'm going to have to make that trip this fall or winter... didn't know you had a boat... maybe during crab season! :D
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I've got something better than a boat... A Neighbor with a boat! While he's out scrubbing barnacles, I'm building track! Come on down anytime!
Lee
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the re-imagined WM is freakin sweet. i had a chance to swing by Lee's today and i was very impressed. the peninsula is going to own your face. once the scenery is in, that gorge is going to have newcomers camped out.
when is the next work session, i think i have a case of beer laying around here somewhere...
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The two happiest days in a boat owners life...the day he buys the boat and the day he sells the boat.
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Acquired a few electrical bits necessary for installing the thru tracks in Thomas. Probably get that installation completed tonight.
Thinking about signaling a little bit, too.... Hmmm.
Lee
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Laid out the storage tracks and sawmill in Thomas last night, and started wiring the turnouts. It's really shaping up.
Lee
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Looking great. The video made me wince a few times though, trains running across a chasm on bare, naked track...I am sure that is a violation of WM safety rules.
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Laid out the storage tracks and sawmill in Thomas last night, and started wiring the turnouts. It's really shaping up.
Lee
Um you can't tell us this without pictures. Haven't you learned yet?
;D
The S.
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Patience... I spent the day preparing for a major barbecue event in my back yard tomorrow... You'll get your pictures when I'm darn good and ready.
Or, come for a beer, some barbecue and some fireworks... I'm sure there will be a tour upstairs at some point for those that are interested....
Lee
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Lee, you certainly get things done!
I've come to appreciate how you don't seem to get lost in the minutiae. You have an idea in mind and you do it. There's no halting things, because the industry track you want to put in is going to be 6 scale feet shorter than you wanted it to be– You just plow ahead and get things done.
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Thanks, Michael. Yes, you're right. I press on, regardless of pitfalls. I'm currently hung up a bit because my local Radio Shack fails to stock the bits and pieces the Easton shop carries... No matter. I'll spike those turnouts and work on something else until the opportunity presents itself.
Lee