Layout Progress...Never too late!!! "Lionel Legacy PRR SD45's" 4/16/24

Dave, looks like you have a nice looking layout from the pictures sofar! Do you have a layout plan you can share with us? Some more pictures of the rest of your layout would be great also!

Also, I can see the inspector is there to keep you on task! Good luck on the next phase!

Dave, looks nice. Just because you may have started a layout years ago doesn't mean you can't improve something after learning something new. Like Mike said could you post a layout plan..............Paul

Yea- more photos please. Looks very nice from what we can see. Cool dog too!

Bob

Dave,

That two-tone brown and black model you have in the fourth picture looks pretty sharp.

alan graziano

Hi Everyone,

The dimensions of the layout are approximately 25' X 15'. It is an around the room plan which currently features a 6-track yard. The layout has a two track mainline (lower level) and a single loop branch line(upper level). I use Atlas 3 rail track. The layout is not based on any particular area and is freelance. I would venture to say, because of my preferences, the era of the layout would be from the transition era to the present. I know, how do you model that? Big gap, I know, but I like the new and old. 

I mostly use diesel power but have started to become more fond of steam power. 

Here are some random pics of the layout. I also have a couple of videos on Youtube under luvindemtrains.

I also have included the print out of the track plan but there have been a few modifications made to that. Most notably in the upper level (branch line). The three track spur section, to the right, has been re-installed on the lower level. I could not justify keeping it on the upper level. Currently this area is where I have an engine servicing facility but plan to cut through the wall and continue the layout in the adjacent room. When that project begins I will post it step by step. 

Thanks,

Dave

Thanks for the plan and pictures Dave! Things sure look nice from where I am sitting! Just keep up the great work!

nice progress! great detail under the double bridges. does that little switcher run anywhere? 

looks GREAT Dave !!!

atanz posted:

nice progress! great detail under the double bridges. does that little switcher run anywhere? 

In my head it does, lol.

mike g. posted:

Thanks for the plan and pictures Dave! Things sure look nice from where I am sitting! Just keep up the great work!

Thanks Mike! I plan to get a great deal done this week as I am off from work. Will post more progress very soon.

briansilvermustang posted:

looks GREAT Dave !!!

Thanks Brian!

Fantastic, love the Royal Gorge, been there, it's a great rendition. Keep coming with updates.

Really great design. I especially like the yard and gorge and bridges.

pennsynut posted:

Really great design. I especially like the yard and gorge and bridges.

---

 

Much appreciated Pennsynut!  

Here's the 2nd of 3 videos I have on Youtube. This video gives a brief overview of the layout. Unfortunately it was made just shy of a year ago and more work has been done since then. 

Dave's Train Room

Dave, Very impressive work!! Your track plan looks fantastic and your scenery is very well done. Keep those photo updates coming!

bigtruckpete posted:

Dave, Very impressive work!! Your track plan looks fantastic and your scenery is very well done. Keep those photo updates coming!

Thanks Pete! I plan to do more updates. I honestly haven't been good about it at all but I am determined!

Impressive I reckon so!  Believe there is much to learn from your participation.

Dewey Trogdon posted:

Impressive I reckon so!  Believe there is much to learn from your participation.

Thanks Dewey!

Looks GREAT. Your very talented! LOVE the under arch bridge. Now that you got it going keep us updated!!

rockstars1989 posted:

Looks GREAT. Your very talented! LOVE the under arch bridge. Now that you got it going keep us updated!!

Thank you kindly and will do!

Dave, I just watched your video.  Your layout is very well done.  You are making the most of that odd upstairs space!!

Mark Boyce posted:

Dave, I just watched your video.  Your layout is very well done.  You are making the most of that odd upstairs space!!

Thanks Mark! I keep ordering those creative juices and for a while they were out but they got more in stock, lol. 

Good Evening Everyone,

Today I had a burst of energy, after work, and decided to do some more work on the hillside for the coal tipple. First are a couple of pics with me laying out some retaining walls and also the piers I had to install to get clearance for the engines, hoppers, and other rolling stock I will run under the coal tipple.  Next, there are a few pics with the coal tipple in place before carving.

The last few pics will show new stacked foam, in the rear, that covers the entire corner. I got an idea, while at work, and this was what I needed to do in an attempt to execute the idea. The last few pics show both hillsides carved and the front hillside partially painted. I'm feeling pretty good about this and am trying to be as methodical as I can be.

I did fill in the gaps and paint the rear hillside but did not put it in place because the paint needs to dry overnight, before I put it on the layout. Tomorrow I hope to have the same energy and do more work on this scene. I will show more progress in the next day or so.

Comments and suggestions are always welcome.

Thanks,

Dave

I'll bet the styrofoam makers never figured we'd be using their product.....LOL

Dan,

Probably almost as much as home builders. I'm sure they are not concerned or worried. All the money looks the same to them, lol.

                      looking GREAT !!

Dave,

Great job, looks like you are making some serious progress. Also great layout design please keep us posted. Love to see a layout progress.

Brian and Dennis,

Thanks for your compliments. I just need to stay motivated.  I'm trying to do a little each  day. Once I get in and start something that energy usually fuels itself. 

Dave, I think it is looking great too!

Thanks a bunch Mark!

Dave, great pics of the progress on the layout. Your plan is coming together nicely and your blending of scenes is looking good...............Paul

Great work. Hoping mine comes out as good.

Richie C. posted:

Great work. Hoping mine comes out as good.

Thanks Rich and I am sure yours will come out great!

Dave, you really got some great looking work going on there! Keep up the great work with the post coming! Thanks for sharing!

Good Afternoon Guys and Gals,

I have been working to get as much done around the Coal Tipple as I can this weekend.  Here are some progress pictures. Not quite finished yet but got a lot done.

Once I get to certain point with a scene, I move on and come back to it. This allows me to come up

with ideas for more detail.

I am going to start the town scene this evening and will keep everyone posted every step of the way.

Comments and Suggestions welcome.

Dave

          looking AWESOME Dave !!!   great job !!

                      a very nice scene !!!

briansilvermustang posted:

          looking AWESOME Dave !!!   great job !!

                      a very nice scene !!!

Thanks Brian! 

It looks great, Dave!!

Nice job Dave,.

i love the color.

alan graziano

Well done!

Peter

Mark, Alan, and Peter thanks for the compliments. Much more details to be added but I am pretty happy with the direction the scene is going.

Dave

Dave, everyone a head of me has pretty much summed it up , but I do want to put my 2 cents in. GREAT JOB!

Thanks Mike! I'm working on more foliage for the area and a trim here or there on the hillside (rear). Once that is done I will concentrate on making the area a little more "dirty".

I'm getting closer to ballasting and "coaling" the tracks but will save that to I get the area just about where it looks finished. I am having to lay across those tracks more often that I want to do when I have the tracks rocked up. 

Oh yeah, I need to wire it up as well.

Dave

Hey Everyone,

I have started to plant some "greenery" on the layout. Mostly vines, but some trees as well. Here is a pic update on some of that work as well as what I added around the coal tipple. You probably can't tell from the pics but I need to also weather the retaining walls in front of the steel mill backdrop. They are still a little to "clean".

Dave

Looks great Dave. Keep us posted!

Thanks GG1MAN...will do!

Just caught up on your build progress Dave. Everything looks really sharp. The blue on the coal tipple really pops against the background.

Bob

Thanks Bob,

I plan to weather it but do like the color and how it blends with the area. Like my thread says Never too late. Thanks for joining in for my adventure.

Dave

Dave where did you get the back drop with the blast furnaces? Your layout looks great. Nick

Things sure are looking good Dave, the grass and vines nice and green help with bringing everything to life! Nice work Dave!

Thanks Mike I'm really trying to make regular progress. Someday's it's not a lot and I just run a few trains, other times I spend the entire day working. 

Nick, thanks so much! The backdrop is from Larc Products.

LUVINDEMTRAINS, your layout is coming along great. I too like the color of the coal tipple. Keep posting pics of your progress............Paul

Thanks Paul!

Here is a start to my town scene ala "Dave Minarik". I wanted to capture a scene of a small Northern town where part of the town is on a hillside. This was a regular site in my youth and a great way to bring "home" to my layout. 

First you see where I traced out the main section of the town. I then built up 4"(two sections of pink foam stacked) and then cut to form. Next, I lined the roads and sidewalks that will run through the area. The final pictures shows some cut-ins for buildings. 

The next step will be to cut in the roads and trim the edges to depict rock sides. On the left of the road that crosses the railroad tracks I am considering another piece of foam and a bridge that connects the two sections.

As always suggestions and comments are welcome.

Dave

Fave, the town is looking good so far!  It will compliment the other nice work you have done!

Much appreciated Mark!

Dave,

I enjoy tracking your progress - Good Work!

Thank you for sharing.

Alex

Alex thanks a million or billion...whatever you prefer, lol.

Hey Guys and Gals,

It's been a while since I posted but here we go. This post is an update of the town scene on the layout. Most of the buildings are in place and the road system has been completed. I have begun installing sidewalks and some greenery and "pinkery" has begun to grow. 

Future work in this area will include building up the areas outside of the platform. I will need to put some buildings up on the other side of the main street. I will be installing a backdrop of a town scene that will give the town some more depth and I need to continue working on the small industrial area on the other side of the truss bridge in front of town. 

Of course more details in the town itself will continue. The buildings need wired up and some detail work needs to be done on a few of them. There are a couple of spaces I need to add a building or two and I think the town may need a parking lot. The roads need lined and weathered. I still need to install more sidewalks, plant more foliage and trees, and add other elements present in a town. Eventually human life will find its way in the small bustling area. 

Lastly, I have decided to put an access hole under the platform. The platform will not be secured to the bench work and my frequent trips atop Midtown will not be an option as more scenery gets completed.

All comments and suggestions are welcome.

Thanks,

Dave

looking GREAT Dave !!!

Thanks Brian!

Quite the town Dave! Keep up the great work, and please keep posting so we can fallow along!

I got you Mike and thanks!

Dave, I like the town not being on a flat plane but the streets go up to different levels.  Nothing is flat around here that is for sure.

Mark Boyce posted:

Dave, I like the town not being on a flat plane but the streets go up to different levels.  Nothing is flat around here that is for sure.

Mark,

Yes, I know. I used to travel to Weirton, WV regularly and I take my inspiration from there. Most of the homes and businesses are on a hill. I know this is a regular view in much of the Ohio Valley area. My great aunt's home was on a hillside and the steps that led to the house were so steep I always thought I would fall going up and down them. 

Yes, Indeed!  Our older daughter and her husband own a house that you walk down steps from street level to the first floor, there is a walkout basement below that, with a crawl space below that.  We owned a house like that along a country road at one time, and our first house had 20 steps down to the front porch, then that many again down to below the garage in the basement.  We are at the tip top of a hill overlooking the town 300 feet below, so we don't have those problems, but sometimes it seems like a bobsled run down to town in the wintertime.  

Mark Boyce posted:

Yes, Indeed!  Our older daughter and her husband own a house that you walk down steps from street level to the first floor, there is a walkout basement below that, with a crawl space below that.  We owned a house like that along a country road at one time, and our first house had 20 steps down to the front porch, then that many again down to below the garage in the basement.  We are at the tip top of a hill overlooking the town 300 feet below, so we don't have those problems, but sometimes it seems like a bobsled run down to town in the wintertime.  

YES!!!

paperboys posted:

what tool, instrument,? did you use to make this?

Hi Paperboys,

Unfortunately whatever pic you copied didn't show up. I'm not quite sure what you're asking about.

Looks great!  Very nice work.

Hi Paperboys,

I apologize for the late response.  

Anywho, I simply used a combination of steak knife and dry wall knife, and actually a metal paint can opener. 

I used the steak knife and dry wall to do the various carving of the foam, usually starting with dry wall knife. Then I take the paint can opener and randomly notch out sections of the foam. 

I plan to do a video using this technique, even though there are many on Youtube.

I hope this helps!

Dave

Rich883 posted:

Looks great!  Very nice work.

Thanks Rich!

Dave, The video would be great!!

Good Evening Guys and Gals,

Took a break from the town scene which helps me with taking that scene to the next level as I observe and critique it for a few days. 

Did some more work on the farm scene. I had to create terrain to cover the bottom of the backdrop where there is a slight space between it and the bench work, placed the farm house and barn and started the gravel road. The next step is to do more with blending ground cover, especially around the barn,  a small pond close the the house, trees, a cornfield and other vegetation, and of course what is a farm without farm animals. I also need to weather the barn and paint over the signage on the rooftop (sorry Menard's)! As always when I add those features I will post the results, but this is where I am as of this evening. 

Good Evening and I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Dave

          looking GREAT Dave

Nice work Dave, as I said in the other thread I really like the backdrops and how the blend with your farm area! Keep up the great work!

Brian and Mike thank you so very much for your compliments. I'm going to try and post more progress this week but for today it's yard work, lol.

Dave

Superb!!!

Well done!

Peter

Thanks Peter!

Much appreciated Mark!

Good Day Everyone! Today's post on the thread is more for opinions and advice on a project I am working on. I am currently preparing the adjacent room to my current layout for an extension and addition. The room will allow me to extend the upper level of the current layout and allow me to run longer trains and also will let the trains disappear for a bit.  Secondly, the upper level to the addition will be 2 Rail, which will satisfy the "itch" I have had for this aspect of the hobby. 

The room is not very large, about 11'X12' which is enough to keep me busy and meet my immediate goals. 

I have provided the design to the extension and my question is do you think that this is a good use of the space that I have for this project? Any comments or suggestions are welcome.

Thanks,

Dave

Two comments:

1.  Are you sure you've left enough room to get completely around your new O scale layout?

2.  Why not make the O gauge reverse loop as small as possible so you can add some "staging" sidings around the loop using wider curves.

Chuck

Hey Chuck,

The way the bench work will be constructed I will be able to reach over and under in most spots. In others, specifically one area I am thinking of, I will need to do a pop up. The staging idea sounds interesting. Can you be more specific?

OK, I'll try to be a little clearer.  First, with the benchwork in the PDF picture, it doesn't look like you will have much room between the walls and the edge of the benchwork.  Might just be my old eyes and "wide hips" talking, but most "experts" (term used in jest) recommend at least 24" to 36" aisle spacing.

Second, put two switches on each side of your balloon loop so that the turnout goes to the outside of the loop.  Then connect the first set of switches with O84 curves and the second set with O96 curves.  Now, you have two tracks to use for concealed staging of trains while the O72 mainline allows for a run-through.  I specifically recommend those curves so that you can run longer equipment and engines through there with minimal chance of problems.  Of course, since most, if not all, of that track will be hidden, you will have to be very careful in the track laying, and you will have to develop a system for identifying occupied tracks to avoid collisions as trains enter.

Chuck

Chuck thanks for the detailed explanation and clarification. Do you believe with the dimensions of my room I will be able to put curves that size in the track design?

Sure, but you will have to remove most of the straight track from your current O72 loop.  Remember, the largest curve I mentioned, O96, is only a little more than 8' in diameter.  Your room is much larger than that, leaving some room for straight track here and there in your "staging."

OK Chuck, thanks for the detailed explanation. I am certainly going to experiment with some of your suggestions. I will be using Flex-track for the most part, even for curves.

Good Evening Guys and Gals,

I decided to post the before and after of the room I will be extending the current layout into. These pics show the paint job and track lighting that was installed. The room is adjacent to the main train room and is 11'X12'.  Though it wasn't a big deal to paint the room and install the lighting after the bench work was built, in the main room, this way saves a lot of time and seems to be the logical way to do things.  

I will begin bench work very soon and post pics of that process.

Dave

The room looks great!

Dave, how does the extension fit into the current layout?

Jan

Dave, Great start! I am still working on sanding mud! LOL

Thanks Mark and Brian!  Brian, I am sure when you get to your bench work all your hard work will have paid off.

Dave

Jan posted:

Dave, how does the extension fit into the current layout?

Jan

Hey Jan, 

I will cut a hole through the wall to connect to the two areas. The upper level of the main train room will be extended into the other room. The top level, in the new room, will be 2 Rail. Does this answer your question?

Dave

Just got caught up on your progress.  Great imagination and scenic skills. 

pennsynut posted:

Just got caught up on your progress.  Great imagination and scenic skills. 

Thank you kindly sir!

Dave, nice track plan. I take it from the plan the upper and lower tracks in the front of the layout will be a duckunder or lift up section???. Looking at that would it be possible to add another switch so you could come into the yard from the opposite direction adding a fourth siding and then you wpould not have to back trains into the yard...................Paul. 

paul 2 posted:

Dave, nice track plan. I take it from the plan the upper and lower tracks in the front of the layout will be a duckunder or lift up section???. Looking at that would it be possible to add another switch so you could come into the yard from the opposite direction adding a fourth siding and then you wpould not have to back trains into the yard...................Paul. 

Paul thanks and your idea is genius. I think I may do that and yes, the entrance will actually be a lift bridge.

Dave

Good Afternoon Everyone. I thought I would post the start of the bench work to the extension of the layout. What you are seeing is the lower level of the extension which is level that will be connected to the upper level from the main room. It is about 39.5" high.

At this point I still need to complete one section on this level, then I will start the upper level which will be somewhat more intricate. 

My goal is to have bench work and track installed in a few weeks, but we'll see. I have an open house in November so maybe I can have trains running by then.

Dave

luvindemtrains posted:

Good Afternoon Everyone. I thought I would post the start of the bench work to the extension of the layout. What you are seeing is the lower level of the extension which is level that will be connected to the upper level from the main room. It is about 39.5" high.

At this point I still need to complete one section on this level, then I will start the upper level which will be somewhat more intricate. 

My goal is to have bench work and track installed in a few weeks, but we'll see. I have an open house in November so maybe I can have trains running by then.

Dave

 

Your benchwork looks professional !   Now would be a great time to apply wall features, even if just skyblue paint.  Good luck with your progress !

Looking good! I don't know, but I think it looks like sky blue already, but then again I am getting old and my vision isn't what it use to be! LOL

Thanks for your wonderful comments Trestle and Mike! Mike you are correct, that is as blue as I'm going to get.

Dave

Here is some more progress on the farm scene and I'm relieved to say it is nearing completion...well at least for the the major elements. It was fun but for some reason getting the figures was a bigger task than I thought. I have added some life to the scene as well as some more scenery. The only thing missing is a little more cattle and some piggies. 

This coming week I will be posting some progress on the extension of the layout which will included completed bench work and installation of track. Stay tuned!

Dave

Dave, The farm looks great!!!!

Thank you Mark! The first area on the layout where there is life.

Dave I am with Mark Great looking! But for me it looks like to much work dealing with hey, corn, feeding the darn cows and pigs! I love it but I think I will stay with fishing! LOL

It’s a great start!  

mike g. posted:

Dave I am with Mark Great looking! But for me it looks like to much work dealing with hey, corn, feeding the darn cows and pigs! I love it but I think I will stay with fishing! LOL

I think you might be right Mike and I will stay with my dog.

Hi Everyone,

It has been a while since I posted. I have been back and forth between the main room and more bench work in the second room. Not much work done in the main room since working on the farm scene and getting it cleaned up for my open house, which by the way went very well. 

However, quite a bit has been done on the layout out extension. I have completed the lower level (3Rail) and trains are running. I got a good start on the upper level (2Rail). The bench work is done and as you see in the pics I have begun to lay track.  The roundhouse and turntable are in the correct place but it looks like I will need to cut into the homasote to install the turntable so that the whisker tracks leading into the round house are flush. This is interesting to me considering the turntable was made to sit on the surface. I assume this is because my  turntable was a conversion from 3 Rail and it simply sits higher. There is a pic of the girder bridge awaiting installation of the piers you see. I actually will need to trim them down about a 1/4 of an inch. 

Once I cut the track that goes inside the roundhouse, install the track in the yard, and install a lift bridge, I will hook up the NCE and get trains running.  I'm hoping to get this done before Christmas. 

Though the extension is in a smaller room I have some creative ideas that if I can pull it off, will give this part of the layout some character.

I actually have some footage of the extension build as well as other updates to the layout. I just need to get in the trenches and do some editing and get it posted. Stayed tuned for that but don't hold your breath, lol. 

As always, comments and suggestions are welcome.

Dave

Looking good Dave! Keep up the wonderful work! Its going to be nice to see the footage you have on hand when done with the edit!

Thanks Mike! Have a great Thanksgiving.

Dave

Thanks Dave. I sure hope you have a nice thanksgiving with your family! Don't eat to much cause you might get the urge to do something on the layout!

Looks great, Dave!!  Thank you for posting!!

Thanks Mark!

mike g. posted:

Thanks Dave. I sure hope you have a nice thanksgiving with your family! Don't eat to much cause you might get the urge to do something on the layout!

Then I'm going to stuff myself like the turkey, lol! Layout here I come.

Good Evening Guys and Gals,

As promised, I will be doing daily layout updates this week. That means work, work, work! I have a goal I want to reach by this coming Saturday, so I am going to take you on the journey with me until I reach that goal. Today adjustments were made to the bench work to have more contour in the real estate.

The first pic shows "a hot mess" as the magic is unraveling. The area you see to the left will be a small river that eventually runs into a small lake. To the left of the river will be a two lane dirt road for light traffic. 

Pic #2 you see at ground level shows HO tunnel portals. The one in the foreground will be a bridge for the dirt road. The second is an overpass/culvert for the 3 rail traffic. Both are crossing over a small river. There is a third bridge, located on top right, also for the dirt road. That bridge will go in the left back corner you see in the first pic by the drill.  I apologize for the black spots. My bench work is my temporary work bench and the inside of culverts and lining of the underside of bridges needed to be sprayed with flat black paint. That will all disappear before the week is out.

Pic #3 shows the turnout that was just installed this past Saturday. The goal was to get all track laid before scenery work began. I fell short of  this task as the installation of lift bridges did not happen. I still need to weather both turnouts that were installed. The other is located in the area to right not pictured.

Pic #4 shows custom bridge abutments that will support a small girder bridge. These have to be painted but turned out fine. Scraps were used to level out the abutments but will be covered in scenery before it's all said and done. I will add bridge shoes and girder plates to finish this up.

Pic #5 shows another aerial view of the river/lake area. You can also see the second bridge a little clearer. The two HO retaining walls you see against the wall are placed in the area that several of them will be located in, hence the last two pics. I have several more of these to make before I can call it quits for tonight. 

Tomorrow the task is to begin roughing in land forms, covering with plaster cloth, and some rock carving.  See you then!

Dave

Dave, that is a lot of work going on.  I like the concept of the scenery, (river, lake, dirt road, overpasses)  The castings look great!  It can be a messy job for sure.  I see one support leg under the widest part of the lake I believe.  How much plywood overhang are you leaving past the supports.  I am thing=king of doing the same thing.  If all that is out in the aisle over the aisle is lightweight scenery, then I should get away with no supports very close to the edge.  It's kind of like the idea of L girder, where a few inches of tabletop can be cantilevered beyond the edge of the support.  Not a lot, I'm sure. 

Good Morning Mark,

In some areas the overhang is as small as an inch and in one area it actually is about 9". This is due to the contour of the plywood. There will be fascia all along the edges of this area as well.

When the bench work was modified more bracing had to be installed to maintain its integrity. Along with that one support leg, shown in the pic, I can climb on the bench work with no problem. I did have to shim that particular leg because it had "sunk" into the carpet after months of initially being built. 

Here is a pic of the under side of the lake area. Try not to get dizzy looking at them. The last three pics show various areas of overhang of the plywood in the lake/river area.

Dave

Dave, looks like you have a good start on an aggressive plan! I hope your able to keep with what you want to get done this week! I will be fallowing along to see your progress! Good Luck!

Mike,

Thanks and I hope so too! I can be a little too optimistic sometimes but if you're not you don't get things done. 

Dave

Dave, Thank you for the underside photographs.  I didn't get dizzy, and that is even considering I woke up with the flu last night and fell down twice getting to and from the bathroom.  Mike G. must have sent it 2500 miles to me.  He is such a generous, good hearted fellow!    I'm getting along somewhat better now.  I think the weakness of both legs going through this lower back/sciatic problem contributed to me falling.

Back to the layout!  Everything seems braced good, and I don't care how much you weigh, if it holds you, there should be no worries!!  I'm 170 pounds, and I know I wouldn't be putting that much weight on any given spot.  I am going to have at least two curves on inside corners that the Mianne angled solution is too much benchwork.  I don't want to put the money into a custom solution, but I think I will be fine.  Past experience with L girder tells me the facia gives a lot of stability to those spots as well.

I'll look forward to your progress.  You have Mike in the Northwest Washington state and me in Northwestern Pennsylvania rooting for you!!! 

Will be watching your progress this week. This is an enjoyable part of building a layout. You seem to have thought things through and can just let your creativity and imagination go wherever they will. Can be frustrating too because it may be more difficult or time-consuming than you expected. Just a suggestion... Have you considered carved pink foam covered by lightweight hydrocal instead of plaster over screening?

MELGAR

Mark,

I'm sure you know you need take it easy. I don't like the sound of you falling once let alone twice. I'm sure you don't either. As far as it coming through the air thousands of miles away, all I can say is "That's What Friends Are For" in Stevie Wonders voice. Mike I hope you are prepared to chime in...some things you just should not share with friends! Send best wishes, send gratitude, send gifts, but don't send illness or any of the like.

Anywho, I don't plan to climb on bench work once scenery is done. I have a few pop ups. However it is nice to know that I don't have limitations on what reasonably I can put atop the bench work.

Melgar,

I will meet you half way. Most of the substructure is pink foam, then plaster cloth, finally rock molds. I have found in the last year or so, there are not many land forms you can't do with pink foam. I am curious why you mention or suggest light weight hydrocal.

Dave

Dave,

Yes I wrote all that part for Mike’s benefit since he just wrote.  I want to see what his reply is and yours too.  

I agree, some folks with basic scenery walk on their layouts instead of having pop up holes.  Anyone with more elaborate scenery won’t want to walk on it.  It never occurred to me to walk on a layout until I got on this forum.  Just to make a structural test while building makes sense though 

Good Morning. The goal for yesterday was accomplished but unfortunately not too long afterwards I took a nap. I would have still been sleep but realized I had to make a run to the store for some acrylic paints and isopropyl alcohol. Once I got back home I did some cleaning where the work was done in the train room. 

The first pic is what I call the "hot mess". This is because the area worked on is also the work bench, etc. 

Today land forms were installed and shaved, then plaster cloth was added, followed by rock molds and carving those molds. Track was painted in the area being worked on but still need to paint the ties. One of the retaining walls was installed from molds I made on this past Monday. Tunnel portals and lining was installed. Two of the tunnels will be natural rock and the other will be a pre-fabricated portal.  Lastly, fascia was installed in this area.

Today the plans are to continue with the land forms, plaster cloth, and more rock molds. Next sculpt-ta-mold will be added in the dirt areas. Another retaining wall will need to be installed. Once this is completed color washes will be added to rock work. I may end up painting the fascia as well. This task will be more time consuming as there is a period that the land forms will need to dry. To not waste time I may start a smaller project on another section of the layout. 

Tomorrow, will be dedicated to finishing up the coloring, adding ground foam,  and ballast to track. I will again post when the work is completed and include brief descriptions of what was done.  

Dave

Wow Dave!  You were right when you wrote you planned to move forward with this quickly!!  It is all taking shape nicely!!!

WOW, I am with Mark, you are moving at a record pace! Makes me want to do some scenery work, but I also had a plan on getting all the track down first! Seeing your work and may others here has me torn, track or scenery? Oh well, its nothing but time! Great work Cant wait to see what comes tomorrow!

Mark and Mike,

Thanks! It's called sleep deprivation. Seems like I just got done and I'm right back at it as we speak. Well not right this second, taking a breather. Plus I have to cook dinner for my guest.

Actually most of the track is in place. I just need to install lift bridges. Also,this is only one side of the layout. I still have the other to do and am using this to learn some new techniques.

luvindemtrains posted:

Mark,

I'm sure you know you need take it easy. I don't like the sound of you falling once let alone twice. I'm sure you don't either.

Melgar,

I will meet you half way. Most of the substructure is pink foam, then plaster cloth, finally rock molds. I have found in the last year or so, there are not many land forms you can't do with pink foam. I am curious why you mention or suggest light weight hydrocal.

Dave

 

Dave,

My personal preference is for "Mold-a-Scene" over carved pink foam. I suggested lightweight hydrocal because it can be carved to look like rock.

Mark,

Please be careful not to fall. My wife fell recently and dislocated her shoulder. Improving now but still not 100%.

MELGAR

Mel, Thank you for the good reminder.  It is always welcome.  While I was not an athlete or daring kid or young man, it is remarkable how I find so many things that don't work quite right now that I am getting a ways past 60.  

I'm glad your wife's shoulder is improving.

Looking great so far Dave , keep the progress photos coming 

Alex

Now this looks great Dave. Glad I got to see this post(some hide from me until someone comments). Best ideas come from seeing someone else's progress. I'll have to look at this even more.

Mark, no falling please. Let me fall down a bunch. I'm still young enough to bounce right back up(knock on wood) and fortunate that the nasty bugs like the flu stay away.

Dave NYC Hudson PRR K4 posted:

Now this looks great Dave. Glad I got to see this post(some hide from me until someone comments). Best ideas come from seeing someone else's progress. I'll have to look at this even more.

Mark, no falling please. Let me fall down a bunch. I'm still young enough to bounce right back up(knock on wood) and fortunate that the nasty bugs like the flu stay away.

LOL

Thank you very much, Dave!  I let the dog out this morning and the patio was a sheet of ice.  She got her lead stuck on a clump of icy snow.  I was able to reach her by holding onto the door handle for support!  I remember how we used to like to take a running start and slide on the ice with our boots!  Those days are gone for me!  LOL

Alex M posted:

Looking great so far Dave , keep the progress photos coming 

Alex

 

Thanks and will do Alex!

Dave NYC Hudson PRR K4 posted:

Now this looks great Dave. Glad I got to see this post(some hide from me until someone comments). Best ideas come from seeing someone else's progress. I'll have to look at this even more.

Mark, no falling please. Let me fall down a bunch. I'm still young enough to bounce right back up(knock on wood) and fortunate that the nasty bugs like the flu stay away.

Thanks a lot Dave! It's a big undertaking but I haven't been doing what I should for months. The motivation comes and goes. That's why I get on here as often as I can. This forum is a big part of my motivation with all the great ideas and projects fellow forumites are doing. Is that even a word?

Dave

Good Evening,

Today all rock work was finished. The first couple of coats of wash was applied and we are now in the "Ugly Phase" of this project. The last 3 pics show what I mean.

However, on tomorrow, rock work will be dry brushed, ground foam will be applied, track ties colored, and track ballasted. At that point the outcome should usher in the "Pretty Phase". Stayed tuned and we shall see! 

Dave

The rocks look great!

Mark, 

Thank you kindly sir!

Dave,

I’ve just gone through this thread, and I have to say you’re very talented! Progress comes in spurts for most of us, but you really make hay when you can. I’ve enjoyed your progress to this point. The expansion is great, glad you got the extra space. Thanks for the updates and explanations.

Andy

Andy,

I recently saw your underpass posts and thought to myself, I would like to see more of his layout and BAM...an entire thread before my eyes this evening.  Your track work and installation of signals is breath taking. Your type of  work is one major reason I come to this site. When a modeler of your talents compliments me I know I'm doing something right. Great work on your layout and you now have a new fan. 

I'm happy you were able to check out what I have been doing with the layout and very much appreciate your encouraging words.

Dave

Dave like I said in the other section, WOW your work is a blistering pace with wonderful out comes! Great work!

Dave, you have done a great job on that scenery. When you have the real estate to do this the sky is the limit. Can hardly wait for the finished scene......Paul

luvindemtrains posted:

Dave NYC Hudson PRR K4 posted:

Now this looks great Dave. Glad I got to see this post(some hide from me until someone comments). Best ideas come from seeing someone else's progress. I'll have to look at this even more.

Mark, no falling please. Let me fall down a bunch. I'm still young enough to bounce right back up(knock on wood) and fortunate that the nasty bugs like the flu stay away.

Thanks a lot Dave! It's a big undertaking but I haven't been doing what I should for months. The motivation comes and goes. That's why I get on here as often as I can. This forum is a big part of my motivation with all the great ideas and projects fellow forumites are doing. Is that even a word?

Dave

Forumites? Well, it is now. I can understand motivation  issues, that always happens with everything that there is. The term or phrase, "sucking my motivation right out of me" has been uttered in one way or another many times before. Thing is to always give yourself a break(bit here or there) to give yourself a fresh set of eyes. I still have to get my eyes, lol.

Well here we are guys and gals, day 4 is over. This scene is starting to look "finished". Rock faces and retaining walls were further painted and dry brushed, ground foam was added, tallis was colored, baked, and applied, and dirt road was completed.

So tomorrow we will be adding ground foam to the edges of the road, trees planted, track ties colored and track ballasted, paint fascia, and pour waterway.  I do see the light at the end of the tunnel now. This has been the most aggressive work done to the layout, in regards to time, thus far.

The last thing I will tackle before I break from major layout work is making alterations to the bench work on the other side of the layout. Work on this area will begin tomorrow after the scenery is completed on the area I have been showing all week. Work on the bench work should be completed by early afternoon Saturday.  It will be just a push here, tuck there, and lift over there type of deal.

Thanks,

Dave

Dave, You could put on a clinic!!!  The rocks look great!!!  The texture, the coloring, and the foliage look superb!!  Thank you for posting so much information and photographs!!!

Dave, looks Amazing! Your work is just wonderful! You ever get to Washington state or me know! LOL

Dave,

Thank you for the kind words. The great thing about this forum is that we help and motivate each other. You are very talented and I can learn plenty from you and others here. Mark is right, you could put on a clinic. Your rock work and scenery are incredible! I look forward to your progress.

Andy

Mark and Mike,

I appreciate your kind words and being my number one supporters. I still have much to learn but thanks to the internet and wonderful people who are willing to share their talents I am able to accomplish some wonderful results on the layout.

Who knows Mike, I do need a vacation.

Dave

Andy,

Right back at you bro. Thanks for jumping in on the thread.

Dave

This is some of the best rock work that I have seen. It is amazing what you have accomplished using the pink foam