Weekend Update 10/9/16

[nkalanaga]

I want that double plug door Big Sky Blue boxcar, in N scale of course.

For the depot, I've seen a few old depots that had the windows that high.  The only reason I could think of was that many of the older depots had benches with high backs, and they often sat in front of the windows, probably so the waiting passengers would have better light for reading their papers.  Lower sills would have been wasted, as they would have been behind the seat backs.  Many years ago, bricks were probably cheaper than window glass.

[randgust]

This isn't exactly earthshaking, but I finally did get all the hardshell scenery on the "Ross Run" portable logging module done.  It measures 21x42 inches.  It fits right on the end of the Hickory Valley Railroad module that was in MR, and is one of four modules that will be the ultimate portable layout that links into the T-trak standard.   This module was at Altoona in August in all it's unfinished glory, and more than a few people were baffled by what I was trying to accomplish.   I promised myself I'd get the hardshell done at least this year, which after building the T-trak West Hickory, is as much track and scenery construction as I've done in years.

The hilltop with the dowels sticking out of it are 'handles' to lift that section completely off to gain access to the storage yard on the lower level.  Same with the back section - completely lift-off to gain access to the track underneath.



Here's the original track plan sketch I did about three years ago, and frankly, at this point, I'm amazed it came out as close as I originally envisioned it.   That's rare enough.  http://www.randgust.com/ROSSRUN1.JPG

Here's what most people saw at Altoona, but with a whole lot of cardboard scenery support being glued up.
http://www.randgust.com/RossRunPlan1.jpg

Next steps are to spray-weather and paint the track (mostly Peco C55) and that will pretty much complete what I can do before resin casting season this fall.

[nscaleSPF2]

Slicing off a foot or two off the bottom of the building and then cutting off the top section of the doors (under the transom) by the same amount would get it to look better to the eye.

Peter, I've never been one to sacrifice authenticity for the sake of aesthetics.  (Shuddup, Verne.)  Here is what the prototype actually looks like.

https://flic.kr/p/6xQYGW

[wm3798]

Back in the saddle again!  Working up a photo diorama for the Mike McGrattan Memorial train.



I started with a stretch of track left over from the old layout.  I've installed it on a 12" hollow core door for support, and to provide some room for expanded scenery.  I started with some blue foam and a Sure form...



Added some Sculptamold and base scenery.  I mix the Sculptamold with some earth-toned paint to avoid white chips later.





I found that I have a combine kit for the corn field... Now I have to mix up some John Deere Green!



Lee

[Paradise275]

Eric220
Thannks for showing the Atlas tool.
Question, will a Peco rail joiner fit on it? They are a little smaller and finer metal but hold tighter.

Rick

[mu26aeh]

Thanks to @Denver Road Doug and @MRLX1020 my ballast train grew by 7 cars.  Working on getting them decaled.  While they dry, I will work on my box of SuperTrees that need leaves added to them

20161008_122341[1] by Adam Henry, on Flickr

The only problem is I will no longer be able to store the train in sidings at Hanover. 

20161008_121948[1] by Adam Henry, on Flickr

Guess it's time to try to start the planning process for expansion.... 

[peteski]

Peter, I've never been one to sacrifice authenticity for the sake of aesthetics.  (Shuddup, Verne.)  Here is what the prototype actually looks like.

https://flic.kr/p/6xQYGW

LOL, that's ok.  I counted 13 courses of brick from foundation to the bottom of the sill. Adding about 3 courses for the height of the foundation that is 16.  Brick plus layer of mortar is about 3" tall, so that comes out to 48" or 4' from the ground to the bottom of the sill.   The model window seems a bit higher, but whatever works for you. 

[eric220]

Eric220
Thannks for showing the Atlas tool.
Question, will a Peco rail joiner fit on it? They are a little smaller and finer metal but hold tighter.

Rick

Don't have any of those on hand. You should be able to make it work. The top has a slot with no tab, so you could always just hold the joiner in the tool; the pushing surface would still be the tool, not your finger.

[SecretWeapon]

[jagged ben]

I'm gonna bust your balls on the photo quality, but only because I want a better look at what appears to be an awesome train.   

[MVW]

I'm gonna bust your balls on the photo quality, but only because I want a better look at what appears to be an awesome train.   

My thoughts, too. And whose product is that house? 

Jim

[chicken45]

My thoughts, too. And whose product is that house? 

Jim

Isn't it that Model Power house?

[chuck geiger]

Ed has been preaching a light color blue on the backdrop. I repainted and took away the circus clouds and
added digital photos of the mountains behind Wenatchee.

[Chris333]

Here's the original track plan sketch I did about three years ago, and frankly, at this point, I'm amazed it came out as close as I originally envisioned it.   That's rare enough.  http://www.randgust.com/ROSSRUN1.JPG

Only 3 years? Seems more like 10+ It had been so long since I first saw Ross Run that I just figured it was just about finished. Not that I am one to talk though. Good to see progress.

[tom mann]

Made this years ago using a ATSF model.  Sent it on it's way to ebay today.



This is a fantasy model (the UP number is for a SW1500).  Made a long time ago, it was summer in my old town home. As with the NW-2, I no longer own it at it'll be on ebay shortly.