6 months since I last posted. Some things have changed. Some have not. I have been doing video updates when I have thought enough has changed that it needed to be pointed out. I will link the videos that I have done since the last post here. Watch if you would like, I mostly make them because my mom likes to watch them and they make her happy.
I practice a lot of iterative design. I try something and if it works out I build off of it. If it doesn’t, I tear it out and try something else. Here are some grand views of where things stand now:
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Helix is laid out. I am using the “double pinwheel” method that Dan Bourque on Appalachian Railroad modelling touts. None of the threaded risers are mounted permanently yet. Good thing as some are no where close to vertical. I like the method though and will get it set up right before continuing. I got one turn constructed to check clearances for the Reynolds spur which has to go under it along the wall. Sitting on temporary track is a design length Pride coal train sans locos. I got it on there to check if a coal train could be made to circle a loop set on top of the helix to actually represent the Pride transloader. I think it can and I am also wondering if there is a possibility to making an empties in loads out loop that connects with the helix. That would be tricky but very neat. I think a simple loop will be the ultimate answer though.
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Dropped the benchwork for the Bear Creek trestle. Not too challenging in the construction department but the plan is to model the rails and old abutments on the sides where an old alignment crossed the creek at a lower level. You cant really make it out anymore but when I was still riding around in the car with my granddad he pointed it out. Sometime in the 90s they cleaned it up.
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Lower level has foam and lighting. Track plan is drawn on and I am pretty set on it.
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Reynolds metals. Significantly scaled down but it still gives an idea of the plant and offers tons of operation ability. By the 70s most ore was pre processed to some degree and shipped in covered hoppers. The piles of bauxite that are visible on 50s and 60s aerials are no longer there. These are cardstock stand ins.
Here are the update vids if you are truly bored or need something to put you to sleep….lol
In order starting in January:
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Thanks for looking!
