Best Of Modutrak Updates

[Sokramiketes]

If you guy ever look to update the pumps, let me know.



Jason

Looking good, late '60s?

[Sokramiketes]

I used some pre-mix grout to lay out a parcel for the gas station today.

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While the grout was setting, I made a couple stop signs. I wanted to drop the signage in place to help establish traffic flow, and therefore non-traffic weeds, through the lot.

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[Sokramiketes]

Oh no, the apple image rotation issue is back. 

[Philip H]

I really like the look of the gas station and the roads so far.  Seems too clean though, and like there should be a little vegetation in the parking lot in random places. 

[chessie system fan]

And a Coca Cola sign.

[Sokramiketes]

And a Coca Cola sign.

Look close!   

[chessie system fan]

Oh, hey, now that I'm on my laptop and not my tiny phone... I can see actually things!   

On a different topic, I spot some scenery undulations at the very edge of the module.  How does the group deal with scenery heights at the module joints? Is there a set standard end profile template so that everything matches?

[skytop35]

I spot some scenery undulations at the very edge of the module.  How does the group deal with scenery heights at the module joints? Is there a set standard end profile template so that everything matches?

Yes, there is.

[Sokramiketes]

It looks like this.  Standard profile for drainage ditches, and then some soft undulation just to break the habit of plywood plains. 

The note about 2" spline gets you to our latest standard modules.  This is cut in 1/8" masonite hardboard, which is what wraps all four sides of our modules for profile/fascia boards.  Scenery right to the edges like the modules are a slice out of the ground. 

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[Sokramiketes]

More construction details at:  https://www.modutrak.com/forums/index.php?forums/modutrak-public-forum.10/

[Sokramiketes]

While we've been away, member Tom Breed built the Rob Manley Irish Pub for the module.  Rob was an original member of the HO Midwest Mod-U-Trak group, CB&Q and freight car modeler, and evangelist of Pan Pastels.  RIP. 

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Then, I spent a couple weeks contemplating its location.  For some reason it felt better slightly off the intersection. 

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Which worked out OK because I envision the grassy corner lot as a village park/green space...  So that means we need a Welcome to Oquawka sign:
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[Sokramiketes]

Time to buckle down and finish the houses. 

Finally got the window glass cut and mounted, porches built, and drapes painted. 

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Then planted in the hillside.

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And initial ground cover.  They'll need some landscaping and then trees to help create a little distance from the pub parking lot. 

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[Sokramiketes]

Another project up against leaving for the St Louis RPM meet...

The Russell, IL corner is the first corner we built.  It's a 36" outside radius corner, so smaller than the 5ft we built later.  But now that the layout snakes around itself more, its come out of hybernation. 

It's a little aged.  And it had then now well-known bubbling issue with Woodland Scenics easy water over foam.

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A poke and a prod, and pretty soon we have a real issue.

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Spackle to patch, and get out the paints to reblend... just about ready for some Magic Water. 

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I promise we'll share some new modules after this... so far the thread has been an episode of This Old Module. 

[dougnelson]

Will Modutrak be at Trainfest?  I am considering a pilgramage.

[Sokramiketes]

Will Modutrak be at Trainfest?  I am considering a pilgramage.

That's the plan!  We signed up to bring the layout and have hotels booked... think we're still waiting for confirmation that we're in, but anticipate we will be included in the final list.