Weekend Update 3/11/18

[Chris333]

But does it ever rain on the layout? 

[160pennsy]

Nice bash. I like the different color lighting, too. Perhaps the top floor is too bright?

@Kentuckian Some testing was done earlier to come up with a solution for the "too bright" issue using Woodland Scenics Just Plug hub w/dimmer pots. I like the option of adjusting my module's structure lighting to fit the ambient room lighting found at each layout venue.

[nkalanaga]

If you use tar paper for the "cricket", it should go under the shingles, for a proper installation, just like the usual metal flashing in similar roof valleys.  Otherwise the water will run down the cracks between the shingles, and under the paper, causing the roof to rot and leak.  That could take some fancy trimming, or you could slop enough "tar" over the entire area to simulate a roof that has leaked and been resealed.

[trainforfun]

Much discussion has transpired on TRW about Google images not being reliable for linking; apparently the URL is unpredictably dynamic. Probably best to use the site's internal image hosting features: https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=42854.0

Thanks !

[trainforfun]

[OldEastRR]

@OldEastRR   To solve the side wall window alignment w/front bay windows flaw, my thoughts for YOUR future kit bash are:

1.) Buy extra kits to give you more parts to kit bash with
2.) Cut up those extra side walls to give you blank long clapboard pieces w/chimney (slicing front to back) using the clapboard bottoms as guides
3.) Use said clapboard wall slices to splice in the extra few feet between top & middle floor windows so that they now align better with the front bay windows
4.) Add splice backer plates (.020 +/- styrene) behind the cut up walls for added strength and reinforcement

I would lean to using different windows for the sides, as the originals are somewhat fancy. And yes, blocking in the 2nd floor window holes so they match the rest of the floor wouldn't be hard. In fact, cutting along the siding edges to slice out the second floor side and flip it to the right window alignment would be a seamless way to correct the problem.
The trick is finding one of those old IHC kits. I'd been looking for a suitable building and it turns out one of these kits would be perfect. What's the footprint for a single house?
ALSO - I like your idea of putting residential wood upper floors on DPM retail first floors. Too bad my downtown is already finished.

[160pennsy]

I would lean to using different windows for the sides, as the originals are somewhat fancy. And yes, blocking in the 2nd floor window holes so they match the rest of the floor wouldn't be hard. In fact, cutting along the siding edges to slice out the second floor side and flip it to the right window alignment would be a seamless way to correct the problem.
The trick is finding one of those old IHC kits. I'd been looking for a suitable building and it turns out one of these kits would be perfect. What's the footprint for a single house?
ALSO - I like your idea of putting residential wood upper floors on DPM retail first floors. Too bad my downtown is already finished.

@OldEastRR The IHC Painted Ladies or "Gingerbread" houses are all approximately the same footprint 3" L x 1 3/8" W x 2" H (not including the base). You can find these kits on eBay, at train shows mixed in with other IHC kits or even built up.

I cannot take credit for the duplex structure kit bash idea...all I did was carefully follow plans & adapt instructions for an HO version found in the now gone magazine Model Railroading Dec 1989, in a series of articles written by Roy M. Stanley II. My duplex came out 80%-90% like Roy's HO version (minus some details) and I even painted it Blue to match the article name - "The Blue Victorian". You might be able to find these articles online via web search or in the NMRA library.

Send me a PM if you want to see the actual articles

[mrnhn]

Try eBay .Home depot also carry it

[mrnhn]

 Home deport carrys no_ ox

[wm3798]

The scene looks great.  I especially like the slight uphill slope to the left.  It's such a small thing, and it does take a little work to modify foundations and build up the sidewalks and streets, but it makes such a difference!  Big win!

Lee

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I like it a lot!

It doesn't look like a TTRAK module at all, something I really dig. I'm getting into a bit of that myself.