Long Island Rail Road-Oyster Bay Branch

@Steamfan77 posted:

Thank you Mark. Isn’t that always the way?

Bill, I wanted to give you first right of refusal.

Andy

Andy- read my response on the What did you do...... thread.

Thanks Bob, I tried 60, 30, and 25 FPS. The flickering is still happening. I think I'll need to fix it in post production

Andy

I shot a few videos of a small freight run.

Bob, you wanted a video, here you go.

Andy

Andy,

Really enjoyed seeing the train go around your layout Nothing like smooth running trains going through some very nice scenery. Wish I was closer. There are so many scenic opportunities on your layout. You're going to have a blast as you continue to work on it. Thanks for sharing.

Dave

Love your work. Having grown up on LI you've really nailed the LIRR look.

Last year there was a wonderful article in the journal of The Pennsylvania Railroad Historical Society on the evolution of the LIRR from the 1870’s to the present, with some wonderful photos and maps. Some of my family live in Woodmere. It was amazing to see pictures of the Woodmere station in 1912 and of the Canarsie Railroad ( a predecessor road)in the 1880’s. I could go on but I’d fill pages. If you’re into the route of Dashing Dan, get a copy if you can.

@RubinG posted:

Last year there was a wonderful article in the journal of The Pennsylvania Railroad Historical Society on the evolution of the LIRR from the 1870’s to the present, with some wonderful photos and maps. Some of my family live in Woodmere. It was amazing to see pictures of the Woodmere station in 1912 and of the Canarsie Railroad ( a predecessor road)in the 1880’s. I could go on but I’d fill pages. If you’re into the route of Dashing Dan, get a copy if you can.

Would you know which issue ?

Thanks

Thank you Dave! I wished you were closer too, I could get a lesson from the expert in all things scenery 😉

Thanks Scotie! Big compliment coming from a fellow Long Islander.

Rubin, I’ll do some digging to see if I can find it. I had the pleasure of going to the university of Stony Brook library where they have the Robert Emery collection of his hand drawn track maps, notes, and associated pictures. What a thrill!
Steve Lynch has a great website at: trainsarefun.com and Artsarchives is a great site too.

I’m with Arthur, would you happen to know which issue?

Andy

Great videos Andy. I'm jealous of your collection of LIRR power.

Trying my best to catch up. 😂😂

Bob

This is one of my favorite layouts and Forum threads. Dave summed it up best with his comment. So many scenic opportunities. Adding structures and details will keep you busy for years and to me is a big part of the hobby. I see so many layouts trying to squeeze as much track as they can in. Including multiple levels. No matter how you scenic it. It’s just  to overwhelming with to many trains and tracks with no purpose in operations. Nothing wrong with that approach if that’s how you want to enjoy the hobby and just watch the trains run. I just really like your approach. Well thought out operating scheme, with structures that fit into that scheme, a particular era and prototype railroad and plenty of open space to add scenic elements.

Thank you Bob. I’ve tried to be selective with my choice of motive power. I have strayed a bit outside of my era with a C420, MP15AC, and a GP38-2. But the majority of my fleet is era appropriate. Lots of good LIRR motive power out there. Happy hunting.

Dave C, wow, thank you so much for the kind words. This track plan is the result of many hours of research and multiple iterations. After all is said and done, I built this layout for operations.
I will have more time to devote to the layout when I retire at the end of the year.

I’d also like to thank everyone for the kind words and encouragement, it has been a source of inspiration. And so has all of the fine work that you guys produce.

Andy

The videos age great, Andy.  They really show off your nice smooth track and a well thought out plan.

Your layout looks amazing. This thread is fun to follow and finally seeing video really brings it together. As another Long Islander I am a huge fan of your modeling. Great job!!

-Tom

Hi Andy,

   Nice job with what you've accomplished so far and very good video work.

Tom

Thank you Mark, I wanted to do a video sooner, but you know how it goes sometimes.

Thank you Tom (Spectac). I’m glad the video helped pull things together.

Thank you Tom. Truth be told, I was working the phone and running the train at the same time. That’s why there are separate clips, I had to reposition after each video. Maybe I can ask my wife to run the train while I shoot the video 🤔 I might have a chance of getting it in one continuous clip.

Andy

Andy, Yes I know!  I don't like doing videos myself.  Even though I don't edit them, I always have to do several 'takes'

Andy

Coming along nicely

Steve

While its probably hair splitting your building a model of a railroad rather than a model railroad.

Mark, always more then one ‘take’, and even then I wish it could be better.

Thank you Steve.

Thank you Scotie, that’s exactly what I was shooting for. And I will try and operate it that way.

Andy

@Scotie posted:

While its probably hair splitting your building a model of a railroad rather than a model railroad.

I live in the area Scottie.  I can vouch for what Andy is doing is as a much of an accurate portrayal of the 1:1 and you could probably fit in the average Long Island basement......

@Scotie posted:

While its probably hair splitting your building a model of a railroad rather than a model railroad.

You said it so well Scottie!

@RSJB18 posted:

I live in the area Scottie.  I can vouch for what Andy is doing is as a much of an accurate portrayal of the 1:1 and you could probably fit in the average Long Island basement......

I had no doubt in Andy, but hearing it from another Islander says it all!

@Steamfan77 posted:

Maybe I can ask my wife to run the train while I shoot the video 🤔 I might have a chance of getting it in one continuous clip.

Andy

Whoa! Don't do anything you may regret!

Tom

Andy,

Where did you find that painting of the C-Liner leaving MY in the second video?

Wow, thanks Bob!

Thanks Mark!

Tom, she’s a fast study, plus I’ll have the “E” button ready 😁

452 Card, I was in Willis Hobbies in Mineola one day, and saw it behind the counter. Right place, right time.

Andy

Is the picture signed by an artist? I can't find it on Google. I remember seeing that picture somewhere before. It would be perfect for my layout, as Montauk is on the front right side. I am doing a condensed LIRR from LIC to MY with Patchogue as a central focus.

@452 Card posted:

Is the picture signed by an artist? I can't find it on Google. I remember seeing that picture somewhere before. It would be perfect for my layout, as Montauk is on the front right side. I am doing a condensed LIRR from LIC to MY with Patchogue as a central focus.

Think that's a Howard Fogg print.

Fogg it is, and available its not.

452 Card, Arthur is correct, Howard Fogg 1986.

Andy

Card, can we see your layout somewhere? Do you have a build thread, or have you posted your layout on the forum?

Andy

A work in progress, awaiting tabletop. I have a thread on here about just what to use to kill the noise. All different opinions are offered, and I don't have a good idea whats best. I plan to run long passenger trains and some freights. There will be a yard and switching involved there and in Patchogue at the sidings. Here are two pics, one of the completed benchwork and the other is the track plan. The gaps are where I will have to cut track to fit. Its a shared room, so I'm lucky to have this much space. And its temperature controlled.

I have the MTH C-Liners and cars to match, with some PRR equipment to mix in as prototypical of the late 50's and early 60's. I came around in the C420 era, so all the FM stuff was gone by the time I hired on (1974). I can easily create the train in the print. Also have the Lionel C420s to move the timeline along and still use the same rolling stock. All I will model is going to be Hi-Rail, so no true-to-scale craziness for me.

You were very fortunate to snag that print, as far as I can tell its the only painting Fogg did of an LIRR scene. It was commissioned by John Scala, according to "Trains Are Fun". I can't find it available at all on the net.

Card, looks great. Mianne benchwork and a nice track plan. Should give you lots of switching opportunities and the ability to run some nice long trains.                              

I used 1/2” Homasote on top of my decking with great results. The only thing i hear is the train on the track, no echo. It’s very quiet. It’s cheap and easy to work with. Just a little dusty when you cut it. Have a shop vac handy.

Start a build thread, I’d follow along with great interest. Always good to see layouts for Long Island.

Andy

Great layout video update Andy!!   Love (ENVY) your space and the long runs!   I assume your trackage is point to point - correct?    Would like to see a full sketch of the trackage.    You are set for some great operational fun!   Thanks for sharing!!!!

Cheers, Dave

Steam-

The top (rear) section with the double x-over will be 7" higher than the front. It will include an MTH HellGate Bridge on the center left before the curves. I plan to elevate the yard area 2" higher than the front. I know- no HellGate on LI, but I have operated over it thru my career and just have to include it on the left (west) end which sorta is Queens. Besides, I got it for a song at York.

The angled siding in the inside front will have #456 coal ramp, a salute to Snedecor Coal in PD. Lots of switching there, besides the yard. No room for an engine house or turntable.

All my MTH power is from Charlie. BCR's in everything. Haven't been there since Chris took over.

I have another 4x8 Mianne setup in the basement with RealTrax for the grand kids, on casters so I can move it easily. It was my old layout where the new one is now.

Thank you Dave! It is point to point, but I can make it point to loop (the return loop in the staging area). My track plan is on the first page of this thread.

Andy

I like your style Card, sounds like a lot of fun.

Andy

@Steamfan77 posted:

Thank you Dave! It is point to point, but I can make it point to loop (the return loop in the staging area). My track plan is on the first page of this thread.

Andy

Thanks!   I missed seeing the PDF reference when I perused the earlier posts.  

Cheers, Dave

Painted and placed the cap that goes around the top of the turntable. I'll make it permanent shortly, then do some weathering.

Andy

Andy you mentioned dust with homasote. Use a knife blade on your jigsaw and there should be no dust. The blade appears to me to push thru the material rather than cut it… whatever, there is barely a trace of dust.

That’s absolutely true Bill. I used knife blades in the jigsaw to do general cutting. I meant dust when I use the flush trim bit in the router to make the profile of the Homasote the same as the decking. Makes a nice finished product but kicks up some dust. None at all when I follow along with the shop vac.

Andy

I’ve made a change in the yard around the turntable area. I’ve been playing with the idea to pull the foam board up and today I finally pulled the trigger. I did this with the idea in mind to create a slightly different height so everything in the area doesn’t look so uniform. The first step was to remove some ballast and pull out the foam board. I’ll touch up some spots with flat brown latex next.

Andy

Andy,

That's what you have to do. If you keep going back and forth with keeping something or not, it's probably a good sign that you really want to change it. This was probably the best time to do it before you got too much further with the scenery.

Dave

Thanks Dave. I was never completely happy with the look, and I remember you saying when in doubt, rip it out! And rebuild it of course 😉

Andy

I agree, if you kept not liking it, this was the time to do it.

I'm with you Andy.

The world is not flat so our RR's shouldn't be either.

Especially in Oyster Bay......😉😉😉😉

Bob

Mark, I think about all of the changes and adjustments so many folks have made, I figured why not. I’ll be happier with the area after I’m done. I built in a few spots in the yard where the ground is somewhat uneven for that reason.

Bob, I agree with the Oyster Bay comment completely. Just want to tweak the area to add more visual interest. I recently found out that the bunk house in the yard is “L” shaped! I never saw a picture from the angle that shows that. That’s part of what prompted the change.

Andy

Andy,

I believe what happens is your eyes and skills get better. Not only do you get an idea but you know how to execute it better than you would have in the past. When this happens inevitably you will want to change things. Guess what, that's ok.

Dave

Dave,

I agree with you, the passage of time, and as you've mentioned before revisiting something spawns new ideas or inspiration. In the last several months I've started tackling areas and "issues" that just haven't sat right with me since I built them originally. It also helps that there is such creativity and talent on the forum to sometimes draw from.

Andy

@Steamfan77 posted:

I’ve made a change in the yard around the turntable area. I’ve been playing with the idea to pull the foam board up and today I finally pulled the trigger. I did this with the idea in mind to create a slightly different height so everything in the area doesn’t look so uniform. The first step was to remove some ballast and pull out the foam board. I’ll touch up some spots with flat brown latex next.

Andy

Super idea!

It makes a great scene even better.

Peter

Thanks Peter! These are subtle changes that will provide some visual interest and break up the straight lines.

Andy

I touched up the area with some flat brown paint. The oak tag in the back is to create a template for the bunk house. The “L” shaped bunk house will be located inside the red circle. I’ll touch up the ballast along a few of the tracks, secure the top cap on the turntable, then lay down some ground cover.

Andy

The bunkhouse will fit nicely!

Thanks Mark, I’m trying to work out the placement carefully as you can see there isn’t much wiggle room.

Andy

The cap piece around the turntable is now in place and painted. I added some lines in the top to represent expansion joints and separate pieces of concrete. Next up I’ll start some ground cover in the area.

Andy

Looking good Andy!

Bob

Thanks Bob! Glad to finally start working on this area of the layout. Making a decision on the cap piece and foam board will allow me to finish that end of the yard.

Andy

The turntable looks great, Andy!  Bob and I are jealous. 

Hahaha no need to be Mark. You and Bob have great layouts.

Andy

Started weathering on the turntable pit. I didn’t want to go too heavy just yet…I can always add more later. The first picture is before, the others are after.

Andy

Looks better with the weathering.

Thanks Mark!

Andy

Andy,

  That looks pretty sharp. You should be happy.

Tom

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

Bob 😁

Started to add some ground cover in the turntable area. This is just the base. I’ll add a few more details later.

Andy

Thank you Tom and Bob. I’ve been meaning to take of this area for a long time. Glad I’m finally moving forward on it.

Andy

Andy

It looks awesome, it has come a long way. The weathering of the turntable makes a huge difference!!

Mike

Thanks Mike! I’ve been meaning to work on this area for way too long. It’s funny how one project leads to another. First the cap around the turntable, then getting a clearer idea about the bunkhouse dimensions, removing the foam board in this area to change the look and add more depth, and now some ground cover to add a more finished look.

Andy

Andy,

The ground cover looks good and gives the area a more industrial/railroady look. Definitely a transformation. You could not be more correct about one project leading to the next. I know every time I say I'm going to do one it will inadvertently include 2 or 3 mini-projects. In some cases not so "mini". I guess that is what makes it fun and also gives you more satisfaction when completed.

Dave

Thanks Dave. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and the satisfaction of establishing a certain look to a scene. There is still plenty of work to do, and I’m happy about that too. I enjoy the construction or creation aspect for sure.

Andy

Added some ground cover to the area outside of what is called the “Fence Track” in the Oyster Bay yard. I’m laying the base ground cover and will come back with some grasses, weeds and trees later on. I will install the fence at a later date too.That area is a public park known as the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay. President Roosevelt lived not to far from this area at his home at Sagamore Hill, and would take trips from Oyster Bay into New York City and ultimately to Washington D.C. on the train.

Andy

Andy,

Very neat work here. I can foresee a really eye catching scene when you start to add all of the other elements. Will you have a few distinct features inside the park like the rock monument, a gazebo, or even one of the signs to the entrance of the park?

Dave

Andy, I agree with Dave about the very neat work.  For some reason I like the very neatly manicured ballast like many railroads had when labor was cheap and they wanted to look their best.

Thanks Dave, along the narrow part I will have some trees and shrubs, but on the wider part I can have a little more fun. I’ll research what the park may have looked like back in 1955. I may add some of those features anyway! Outside of the park about a half mile into town, 10-15 years ago, they commissioned a statue of President Roosevelt on horseback when he was a member of the “Rough Riders”.

Thank you Mark. It is neat for the most part, but I intentionally sprinkled some ground cover onto the track ballast. It would look a little strange if it was just a straight line with two different textures.

Andy

I saw that Andy and I agree.  I have seen photographs probably before the Great Depression of the old passenger stations where the ballast looks like not one stone is out of place.  Of course there would be no weeds.

Mark,

I think about you often. How is your health? It sounds like you’ve had many issues to cope with but that the trains et are a happy balm. That’s what they’re for( at least in part).

My new layout room is now almost complete. But it’s a clean 19 x 20 foot slate. Some givens and druthers: double track mainline ; no duckunders; yard with turntable and five track roundhouse; one town with passing sidings and and several stub sidings to service Lionel operating cars ( with 6 1/2 grandchildren under 6 whose imaginations must be fed…).
no I have to come with a design and decide whether to use Mianne, Sievers, or DIY.

ALL thoughts welcome.

Thanks,

Rubin

Rubin, Thank you for thinking of me and asking!!  I've been saying since all my problems have been concerning the extremities, I'm doing great!  I guess now I have to admit lumbar fusion isn't an extremity, but it isn't a vital organ either.  The surgeon cleared me last month to do whatever I can and I don't have to have any more follow ups.  I do still have pain from the damaged left sciatic nerve, and have been looking at some other ways to help with that, but nothing is definite.  My wife however has had several organs fully or partially removed and has several issues that have been hard for doctors to find a remedy.  She has appointments with several specialists, some of which keep getting rescheduled which is frustrating.  Thank you again.

Hang in there, my friend.

Added some fine grass to part of the yard area. Hoping to give it another layer of visual interest.

Andy

Any static grass in your future? I've watched several videos and a recent thread here about the challenges it presents.

Looks great Andy. Are you going to add a wire to the turntable bridge eventually?

Bob

Hi Bob,

Yes, some clump foliage and static grasses around one half of the turntable. I have the poles and will run some wire as a last step for the area. I’ll also add some trees to the park area, and I’ve ordered the fence. Then I can truly call it the fence track!

Andy

Been an interesting thread to follow ... thank you !

That was an excellent question, Bob.  Andy, the clumps and static grass would really enhance the area!!

Looking forward to seeing the TR park scene!

Peter

Im loving this build ....

The Long Island RR is kind of a weird interest of mine ,being from the upper midwest and now living in SC  ...

my connections to the LIRR are ,  I was born and raised in Freeport , IL and ive always wanted to visit Freeport on LI ... and , when my wife and 2 sons received their cochlear implants , in NYC , they lived in Port Jefferson for a few months ..

Im a collector of Fairbank's Morse items ... model and real ...

And , i like the color schemes ...

So , in my midwest based , modern day Museum/Tourist RR , i have some restored FM  LIRR power ...

Thank you for sharing your inspirational project !

Oyster Bay, 1950.

@dPrasse posted:

Im loving this build ....

The Long Island RR is kind of a weird interest of mine ,being from the upper midwest and now living in SC  ...

my connections to the LIRR are ,  I was born and raised in Freeport , IL and ive always wanted to visit Freeport on LI ... and , when my wife and 2 sons received their cochlear implants , in NYC , they lived in Port Jefferson for a few months ..

Im a collector of Fairbank's Morse items ... model and real ...

And , i like the color schemes ...

So , in my midwest based , modern day Museum/Tourist RR , i have some restored FM  LIRR power ...

Thank you for sharing your inspirational project !

Great connection to LI.

@Arthur posted:

Oyster Bay, 1950.

One of my favorite pix. Must have been something to see all those G5's in action.

Bob

@dPrasse posted:

Been an interesting thread to follow ... thank you !

Thank you for following along!

Andy

Wow dPrasse, great to hear about your connection to and interest in the LIRR. I’m impressed by your library. I’ve been able to amass a nice collection myself. I like your fleet. Really nice FM engines. I’m going to sell my C-Liner in the Tichy scheme. Trainworld is coming out with a C-Liner in Goodfellow gray, that’s more to my liking.

@Mark, I’ve wanted to work on this area for such a long time, it’s exciting to finally give it the attention it deserves.

@Peter, I’m going to create as much interest as I can in the space. It’s such an interesting atmosphere to see in real life too. A train yard with a park next to it.

@Arthur, I’m with Bob. That’s one of my favorite pictures for sure. Wish I could have seen that in person.

I’m fortunate in that there are so many unique scenic features on the Oyster Bay Branch that I can incorporate on my layout. There were a lot of hard choices to make, and many versions of what to include.

Andy

I added some more ground cover and clump foliage around the turntable area.

Andy

Andy, It gets more realistic every time you post.

Thank you Mark! I’m inspired by a lot of work on the forum, and I have some nice references to draw from.

Andy

Andy, absolutely!  None of us would be doing all we are without our Forum friends!

Andy love your progress. It is interesting to watch how you handle different areas. We vote yes for the immaculate grooming of ballast, etc.

😁 thank you Bill!

Andy

Another general LI question from a learning LI fan ...

Were there any steam engines running as the Tichy scheme was started , or , is that the new passenger scheme for the C-Liners ?

What color were the coaches , before the Tichy scheme ?

May pick up some cars to run with my '47 2025 .... ( is the Lionel 2025 a K5 missing an axle on the pilot truck or a "modernized" J28 ?

Passenger equipment was tuscan with black roofs prior to Tichy.

@Scotie assuming "Pennsy" Tuscan ? I have that ... i have black paint ..

Thank you !

@dPrasse - careful posting copyrighted pix. The mods will slap your hand.

Check the TOS for details.

@RSJB18 posted:

@dPrasse - careful posting copyrighted pix. The mods will slap your hand.

Check the TOS for details.

Noted and pulled ..

One pic was a public domain pic and one had the pics owners name and website address included , so , i figured they were ok ...

dPrasse, steam was still running when the Tichy scheme came out in 1950. Steam ended in the fall of 1955.
Check this website out by Steve Lynch: http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirr/lirrcontents.htm

And this page dedicated to C-Liners: http://www.trainsarefun.com/li...ners/lirrCliners.htm

It’s a great resource for all things LIRR.

Andy

I added a few more touches of ground cover in the turntable area. I think layering helps give it a more random and realistic look. More to follow.

Andy

I started experimenting applying static grass in some areas around the layout. After some disappointing initial results, I watched a couple of videos and made a few adjustments. Because my dehumidifier is running, it’s making the air very dry. In order to increase the static charge, I first need to wet the area with water, then apply a 50/50 mix of white glue and water, and then apply the grass. I’m happier with the results this time around.

Andy

seems to be a learning curve for grass applications Andy. I don't think anyone gets it right/ satisfactory on the first attempt. Room humidity does seem to be an important ingredient.

Bob

Just beautiful!

Peter

Thank you Peter!
Bob, I didn’t realize humidity played such an important part. Makes sense, but that wasn’t mentioned in any of the materials. Thankfully there are other sources of information.

Andy

Andy you appear to have it down. What applicator did you use?

This looks really good. Next you will need a lawn mower.

Hahaha, thanks Bill. I used the Woodland Scenics Static King and grasses.

Andy

Andy, I agree it seems there is a learning curve.  I have never tried it myself.  It looks like you have it down.

Thanks Andy. It did a nice job.

We are looking at the RTS Greenkeeper BUT that has to come from Germany and costs about double. Kinda on the back burner since grass is a while off.

Thank you Mark. I have a little routine now.

Thanks Bill, I thought about making my own, but decided on this model.

One thing I need to be careful about is not over doing it with the grass. It’s very tempting once you get going.

Andy

Tried a few more areas with the static grass. I mixed coloring and length in some cases.

Andy

After reviewing more pictures of the Oyster Bay yard, I noticed that there is a lot more overgrowth than I initially thought. I started to add some overgrowth around different parts of the yard. I want to be careful not to overdo it, but it is more prevalent than I realized. More to follow…

Andy

Andy, It is not surprising there should be more vegetation.  Plants seem to grow everywhere you Don't want them. 

It would be a lot easier to get one of those MTH weed spraying cars, fill her with Roundup, and give her some time going around the tracks. You know a lot more about gardening than those Long Island train guys did. Heck, look at the mess they left… green stuff everywhere.

Now if you want realism,  you have it looking pretty good. But I bet that you keep right on growing more of the stuff. How about some goldenrod bushes and cattails near the water.

Paula is close to copying you. She got an attempted delivery notice on one of those R T S Greenkeeper things that she ordered from Holland and can’t wait to pick up tomorrow. Makes a good birthday present.

Mark, how right you are!

Thank you Bill. The goldenrod bushes are a good idea. I was thinking of something similar with ornamental grass. I need to be mindful of where/how much I add so as not to take the scene over. Look forward to seeing what you and Paula come up with.

Andy

I added a little more static grass to the yard area. The grass is darker and two different lengths. I like this color better.

Andy

Andy, the grass looks good.  I certainly don't know what grass would grow in a yard on Long Island, but it looks like springtime to me if it was here in Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Looks nice.

Does Long Island have wild sheep to keep the grass short? We are at the Outer Banks where there are wild horses. They probably eat the sea oats.

Mark, I’m shooting for late spring/early summer. Apparently there was growth all over the Oyster Bay yard. They were more interested in running trains then landscaping 😉. This is very close to the water and sea air with winds can drop seeds in may places.

Bill, so glad to hear that Paula is cancer free! Such great news. I think the grasses basically withered and died in the hot summer sun. I hope she has fun putting down some static grass of her own!

Andy

Starting to look more like a typical LIRR ROW Andy. One thing they are very good at is not doing maintenance....

Bob

Thanks Andy. Scary stuff. God is good.

We came to the OBX yesterday and only RR work here is helping the grandsons learn to build two Dennis Brennan kits. Dennis does a fantastic job and his instructions are the best.

Paula likes your grass. She is ready to try the RTS applicator and see how it does. We need to order some more grass varieties this week. But she needs to complete the station before doing grass (I hope).

@Bill Webb posted:

Looks nice.

Does Long Island have wild sheep to keep the grass short? We are at the Outer Banks where there are wild horses. They probably eat the sea oats.

No wild sheep, only wild car drivers here on LI.

Thanks Bob, there is a lot of overgrowth on the island. It kind of adds more dimension than if it were all neat and pretty.

Bill, can’t wait to see what Paula does with the station and the grass.

Arthur, couldn’t agree more. 🤪

Andy

Next up, I’m going to try my hand making some trees. These are Super Trees from Scenic Express. These will be next to the Fence track in the park. So far so good. I dipped them in the diluted matte medium mixture, and let them dry overnight. They are much stronger now with added flexibility.

Andy

I continued making trees, and I’m pretty happy with the results. My wife pitched in and made a few too. I like using these materials and the process. It’s straightforward and easy. And the materials are relatively inexpensive considering how many trees I can make.

Andy

I placed the trees along the Fence Track. I tried to vary the positions a little and move them closer or farther from the track. This area is pretty narrow. I also didn’t want to group them too close or too far away from each other. I’ll add some ground cover/shrubs later to fill the space in a little more.

Andy

Andy, you and your wife did a very nice job on the trees!  It is amazing how a lot of trees seem to not go very far, though!

The trees look great! You may want to paint some rough, basic tree shapes on the backdrop. Would give the illusion of a fuller growth. JohnA

Thank you Mark. I thought it would fill up more space too. But when I started placing them, I knew I had to make at least one or two more batches.

Thank you John. I thought the same thing. I may need to rethink this area. I’m no artist but I think something is in order due to how close they are to the wall.

Andy

Andy,

In preparation for my LIRR layout, I decided to use a pre-printed backdrop. There are several vendors for these. As I wanted to have an ocean view on the GY/MY end of the layout, I found it impossible to find anyone offering such. I settled for a distant farmland view to replicate the east end as best I could. I went with Les Mavor's SceniKing product. I bought five panels that are each 16 1/2" high and 72" long, segueing from city on the left (west end) to rural on the right (east end), with suburban in between. Being that the fence track is close to Oyster Bay, you have a challenge similar to mine. As usual, we O gaugers have to compromise.

It would be hard to ignore that control on the wall, though!

Andy,

  If the thermostat bothers you, a few thoughts on camouflaging it:

• maybe a slight hill to get some higher trees to cover it
• make a farm with a grain silo high enough to cover the dial
• make a coaling tower to cover the dial

Just my 2 cents worth...everything looks great. You should be very happy.

Tom

Thanks Card, I’ve already started looking and may have something suitable. I’d like to explore some more options. I’d be curious to see what you have when it’s installed.

Thanks Tom, I can relocate the thermostat, I’ve just been lazy about it. Now that’s it’s spoiling the scene more, I may make it a priority.

Andy

Andy,

Here's a preview of the SceniKing panels. The top panel will be on the left, the bottom on the right and the other three in between. As you know, its been stinkin' hot here and the spray glue I have recommends using it in "under 80 degree conditions". Also the humidity can ruin the adhesion too.

This is the material that the panels will be glued to:

All of it will be hung using 1/4" mirror clips around this corner:

Here's a closer view of the city scene. BTW- the trees look maaahhvelous!

Nice job Card, the background looks great. What is the backing material? Post when everything is installed.

Andy

@Steamfan77 posted:

Next up, I’m going to try my hand making some trees. These are Super Trees from Scenic Express. These will be next to the Fence track in the park. So far so good. I dipped them in the diluted matte medium mixture, and let them dry overnight. They are much stronger now with added flexibility.

Andy

Andy- like your lumber rack. Forgot to mention it sooner.

Andy,

The backing material is the plastic stuff that sign makers use for lawn, political and everything else signs that they put on those metal frames. It is almost 1/4" thick and easy to cut. I went to a local sign shop and asked them to make the panels. It comes as a sheet 4 x 8' like plywood. Because of the difficulty transporting it here, I asked them to cut it there, which cost $100.00 including the material. They even delivered it to me at my home!

I don't want to glue the backdrop to the wall because of the damage when I need to remove it. I plan to be here no more than ten more years, so the repair would be more than I want to do down the road when I want to sell the house. Filling screw holes is a lot easier than repairing drywall.

Thanks Bob, that’s one of two. There is one on the other side of the shop.

Thanks for the information Card. Good to know mother method.

Andy

I have a new batch of trees ready for paint. I applied tan to the trunks and a light mist of black to the tops. The next step is to add the flocking. The last picture is a new batch that I just soaked in the diluted matte medium mixture. After they have dried overnight, I'll paint them too.

Andy

Andy, your clothesline looks like a great place to dry the trees.  I can just hear my mother squawking if I had done that as a teenager!  Her winter clothesline was right beside my layout.  It was to her benefit that I would take the clothes down and put them in the basket if I wanted to get to the layout.  If the clothes were still damp, I just had to give up on getting at the layout that evening.  Ah; 50-year old memories!

Andy,

Your technique is coming along nicely. I'm sure you know you'll be making trees for the life of your layout. You also will start to see the more you add the better it is going to look. This will motivate you do want to make more. Keep the progress coming.

Dave

Andy.......your trees are great!

Peter

Mark, brings back memories for me too. That’s a great part of the hobby, the memories you recall.

Thanks Dave, I’m starting to see that already. I have a pretty good system to keep a steady stream going.

Thank you Peter!

Andy

Andy they look great.

Is tree making included under the “Scenery Director” job classification? Paula has taken that responsibility and I want to be able to tell her that, “Andy says this is part of your new job. Talk to him and go for it.”

Thank you Bill. It is, and I also sweep up at night too 😉. From what I’ve seen, Paula can do anything she sets her mind to. I’m sure she would do an amazing job.

Andy

I added leaves to the next batch of trees. I’ll go back and touch up here and there, then place them on the layout.

Andy

They look great, Andy!

Thanks Mark. I'm experimenting a little with this batch and probably the next.

Andy

I haven’t posted in a while. I built a custom three drawer cabinet with full extension, soft close slides for my wife, but now it’s back to the layout. I placed some more trees along the fence track in the Oyster Bay yard. I also resolved the thermostat issue ( I removed it), and hung the signs my wife bought me a while back. I’m happy with this look for now. I might add a backdrop at some point or when we move someday.
I was looking at pictures of the TR park back in the day, and instead of a gazebo, there was a small structure that covered some picnic tables. Im thinking I’ll build that instead. It fits the space a little better too. I’ll think about the overall look I want and make my decision at that point.

Andy