Well, it has been almost two months since I last wrote. I haven't made any progress on the layout, but have spent a bit of time on a 2 x 4 module to try some techniques and to give myself a nicer backdrop for photo shoots of rolling stock until the layout progresses.
I made the base of scrap 1 x 4s and some 1" blue foam I had. I glued down the riser for the track and the cork roadbed. I sanded the cork smooth, but the track is just sitting there for now. I plan to spray paint it with Testors CreateFX Gravel Gray. I want to see how that looks for a temporary ballast, as I am thinking of doing that on the impending layout. It takes me so long to get ballast down, I think this will be a good temporary stand in. I also bought the Pennsylvania style tunnel portal and wings last week. I just have them leaning in position to get an idea how I want to build up my mountain. I bought them at Hobby Express in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, and thought the manufacturer's name was on the wrapper. I'm thinking Woodland Scenics, but don't know for sure. When I got home, I saw there was only a price tag on the shrink wrap, so I am not sure who made them. They are a slightly flexible foam. So, with my Legacy F7 set and an Atlas 2-bay hopper, you get an idea of how I envision this for photo shooting.
I did get a chance to start accumulating some wood for the layout. More on that later.
