Mopac layout

[MOPMAN]

Well I finally got the spurs done on the east end of Van Buren http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/thumbs/Pict0152.JPG This will complete the trackage on this side of the backdrop. Now all thats left are the two tracks to the grain elevator on the opposite side and Van Buren will be complete as far as trackwork. graemlins/yippie.gif

[friscobob]

Nicely done! Are you including the Frisco crossing diamond as well as the bluffs along the north side of the tracks (where they follow the Arkansas River)? ALso, any of the industries west of the yard?

I'd like to see more pics if you have 'em- I haven't been back to Van Buren yard for quite a while now..........

[MOPMAN]

Thanks Bob. This is the west end. Sorry about the lighting as I have not had time to install the lighting valance. I couldn't recreate Van Buren track for track but I hope the feeling is there. You can't see the diamond for the shadows but its there. The locos are on the live Frisco interchange. I am in the process of building the cardboard mockup of a refrigerated storage whse. The other two tracks will be the rip and caboose tracks. http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/thumbs/Pict0145.JPG

[ February 28, 2006, 04:15 PM: Message edited by: MOPMAN ]

[StickyMonk]

<font color="336633">[B]Nicely done, must be nice being able to model a real location.

[Colonel]

Jim,
Looking great what locos do you have? As you know I'm an N sclaer but do have a HO GP35 and SD40-2 awaiting detailing and painting jenks blue.

Do you have a pic of your track design to post?

[MOPMAN]

Thanks Matt. It is fun to try and simulate features on a real line. I must admit that I have had to use modelers license (yes mine is current :D ) to inhance switching since I enjoy operation.

Thanks Paul. I have a 40-2 and U30C detailed while building a previous layout. Unfortunatly we had to move and everything was packed for some time. Now that I have space to work again, I still have 2 more 40-2's and U30C's, 2 GP38-2's, GP35, U23B & B23-7 still to detail and paint or repaint. Since I model 1975-1976 I will need to add GP7/9's and GP18's to the rooster.

I don't have a fully drawn plan. I did a scale drawing of the benchwork to check aisle width and clearance for a dropdown attic entrance. The rest I fit as needed. I have room for a minimum 36" radius with 40"+ being common.

Bob: Here is a closeup I shot last night of the diamond. Again sorry for the lighting. The line into Ft. Smith is a dummy track while the track to the far right is the live interchange. This scene will change greatly once scenery and structures are added. http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/Pict0083.JPG

[ March 01, 2006, 08:39 AM: Message edited by: MOPMAN ]

[Joseph]

Hi Jim, nice railimages, clean,neat and tidy. Can I, ( a newby ), ask about the track. The ties are painted i assume but they look wider and more of them than my Atlas track. Or is it just these old eyes. Thanks

[MOPMAN]

Thanks for the complement

The ties are Kapler lumber 7"x9"x8-1/2' scale.
I lay them in a tie jig that is just over 3' long, lay masking tape over the top then glue them to cork roadbed. I use the same jig to layout and cut the switch ties. The rail is code 83 on the mainline and code 70 in the yard and sidings spiked every few ties. When that is complete I overspray the track with loco black and hand paint the rail with rail brown. Right now I am in the process of painting the track you see in the photos so I can start ballasting.

[Joseph]

Thanks Jim, looking forward to more pics.

[friscobob]

I like the layout of the west end. If you had more room, you could almost put in the interchange track that came off the Frisco just north of the diamond, then went right and along the MP main. However, I can understand space constraints.

It may be neat to have a Frisco GP7 sitting on the tracks as if waiting for the signal to cross over the diamond to get to Ft. Smith. Just using an old Athearn "wide-body" blue-box GP7 dummy would work, as you wouldn't even have to have it powered.

I hope to be back in that area about a month from now en route to home, and will stop to shoot Borg and A&M action.

Well done!!!

[MOPMAN]

Bob: Thanks for the suggestion. That idea did cross my mind.

A couple of us are going up there during spring break for day trip. I hope to get some good reference photos for future structures. graemlins/222.gif If I see any A&M I'll shoot it to. However since I won't have my gun I can't shoot any UP. :D

Do you know if there was a tower at the interlocker prior to the UP takeover? I have seen current photos and there isn't one. I was planning on one but not sure of the position or if it ever existed. graemlins/226.gif But then again I might have to pull out my modelers license. graemlins/223.gif

[friscobob]

From about 1979 on, there was no tower. Any earlier than that I couldn't say, but one source for this info could be the MOPAC group at Yahoo.

[MOPMAN]

Thanks Bob. It appears there never was one from photos I saw on the yahoo site. I'll have to think about that for a while. I may still pull out my modelers license.

[MOPMAN]

Here's the latest construction update

Scenery base started in Alma for the scrapyard spur
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0182.JPG

Ozark looking west - note reference photo for scenery on the benchwork
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0179.JPG

Ozark looking east
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0184.JPG

The front and rear uprights were the same measurments but the horizontal pieces had to be cut one at a time thereby taking quite a bit of time to construct. The river will be on the front side of the tracks.

[StickyMonk]

<font color="336633">[b]Looking good so far, do you have a track plan of the layout???

[verse2damax]

This is nice work MOPMAN.

I'm currently building my first HO layout, I'm really a n scaler but I have so much good stuff in HO and I can't stand seeing them confined to a shelf.

My layout is a shelf layout looping above my head in my 10' x 15' office. I made it wide enough for three tracks, 8". It will feature 3 industries (logging, oil refinery and coal mining).

Looking at stage that you're at with your layout reminds me of where I am with mine. I've just finished putting down the cork bed for the two inner loops. The outer loop is complete with trackage and awaiting the completion of the inner tracks, then I can start the scenery.

Do you plan to run a camera train on your layout?

I'm currently making provisions for such on mine, you know the capacitor and what not story.

I'm looking forward to seeing the progress of your layout to the end and if you're interested I'll post pics of mine.

[MOPMAN]

Matt I don't have a formal plan as such. I need to do that for the forums benefit.

Richard, pics of layouts are always welcome on the board. Thank you both for your comments.

[friscobob]

On my pass thru Van Buren, I did get two A&M C420s parked under the US64 bridge. They were being used for interchange/switching power, as well as switching the Arkhola sand plant (see my pics in the Class III forum).

As for the yard, the depor is gone, and the ready track was slug-infested (well OK, road slug-infested):
http://www.railimages.com/g2/d/13476-2/100_0479.JPG

This was spliced between two GP40-2s.

[friscobob]

Mike Condren's Ft. Smith-Van Buren RR Pages (http://www.cbu.edu/%7Emcondren/FSVB-Railroad-Pages.htm) is a great website by a friend of mine, and has a page on juuntions (including the MP-Frisco junction. No towers seen in pics, and they go back to 1900).

[MOPMAN]

Thanks for the link. I have seen that site before but forgot to bookmark it. ( I've since remedied that problem) I have to agree that no interlocking tower ever existed. I am still trying to find a picture of the yard office prior to the one that is on the property now. When I was there in 04 I didn't get a picture (my fault) as we were too busy chasing a damn steam engine graemlins/222.gif

[friscobob]

Can't help you with the station shot- that was one part of the VB yard I never took pics of from 1979 til now. IIRC, it was a bricj structure, but I may be wrong.

Again, that sounds like a good question to ask the folks at the MOPAC group at Yahoo.

[MOPMAN]

Well I have furthered the cause you might say Just posting a few update photos to show you some progress is being made.
Looking west at Alma - Scenery in progress
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0192.JPG
Also looking west, the roadbed approch to the west switch at Ozark
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0179.JPG
Looking east from the west switch at Ozark
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0184.JPG
I'm still working on a trackplan that I can post to give you a better idea of what I'm doing.

[traingeekboy]

Interesting looking layout. Got any motive power shots to share?

I too would love to see some kind of blue print, but I know how it is. You start building and suddenly the reality of what you are doing makes you alter the plan. Keep up the good work.

[friscobob]

Looks good so far! I'll be happily awaiting the trackplan to see what you come up with. :D

[StickyMonk]

Looking good so far :)

[MOPMAN]

Thanks guys. I tried to photograph an older drawing that I had to no avail. I'll just have to draw up something else in order to post a trackplan.

[CP&E 3207]

I love the progress your making on the layout, Jim. keep it up! I don't think i have the patence to handlay track, lol.

[MOPMAN]

Here are a couple of progress photos of the Alma area after a little work Sunday afternoon.

I turned this
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0192.JPG

Into this:
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0190.JPG


I'll post more pics as progress is made

[watash]

Progress looks good!

(I had to go back later and put in single supports and remove some of the long supports I had started with, so my scenery would fit, and I could reach tracks below.)

I notice you have tracks below running almost all the way directly under so I am wondering how will you see a derail under there?

I am not being critical, just curious as to what I didn't figure out.

[MOPMAN]

I can see the tracks from inside the backdrop and also access them from below. I will also have openings in the fascia. Over the turnouts for staging, I plan to have a foam scenery lift out for maintenance. That is the area I am working on now.

[StickyMonk]

What are you using for the Hard shell?

[MOPMAN]

The first coat is just newspaper dipped in plaster of paris. I ususally pour or trowl the second coat then carve and paint.

[loco1999]

That scenery you started is looking good.

I may have to try some of that paper towel dip.

[MOPMAN]

The thing I like about hardshell is that I can control the mess. With foam, it just blows everywhere. Here's a shot of the progress so far in that area

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0199.JPG

[loco1999]

On my last layout I used foam and it was nice.

But I endend up covering all with plastercloth
or sculptamold anyways. :)

http://www.abacusindustries.com/locotrains/snff_278.jpg

[MOPMAN]

I have a couple of lift-outs that I am going to use foam for the main structure but I will probably use plaster for the rock carvings. The first lift-out will be about 3-4 feet long and will go to the right of the plaster work in the above pic.

[dingoix]

Keith, that's a very nice little layout.

[loco1999]

MOPMAN,

What will be on the lift-outs?
Are you doing industries on lift-outs?
Or more like a bridge or something?

dingoix,

Thanks, I hope the new one goes well.
I should have kept that little one.

[MOPMAN]

The lift-outs will be a hillside scene similar to the plaster in the photo

[Matthew Roberts]

Any progress on the layout?

[MOPMAN]

I am in the process of spiking rail in Ozark. I got the roadbed and ties down over the weekend as well as completing all of the sub-roadbed for the mainline (what I call the golden screw). I am hoping to post some pics of the progress tomorrow. Considering all of the racing this weekend and the Mavericks conference finals, I'd say I got a fair amount done. I'm also working with XTRAKCAD to try and post a simplified layout plan.

[halfpint]

Nice looking layout.Ozark isn't far off from me.

[MOPMAN]

Thanks Halfpint. The one thing I love about Ozark is the short rock cut just west of the siding. It's the type of geographical feature that just spells Ozark if you are familiar with the area.

[watash]

You ever see any of those trees with the huge thorns 6" long up around Fayetteville? They look like a Knight's sword!

[MOPMAN]

Seems I remember those suckers and they hurt like hell if you got into one.

[MOPMAN]

As promised here are some pics showing a little more progress

Starting to install the split fascias for access to staging
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0117.JPG

Installation of rail and ties in Ozark first looking east then west
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0158.jpg

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0200.jpg

And the golden screw completing the subroadbed is where the countersink is laying (Also the future turnout for Clarksville Jct)
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0162.jpg

This area is located across the aisle from Ozark. So considering all the racing going on M-day weekend and the Mavs conference finals, I would say a fair amount of progress has been made.

[MOPMAN]

Well finally the mainline is complete so I can run trains all the way around the room!!!! I still need to complete the sidings, points on the turnouts and do the final wiring but this benchmark has been three years in the making. I must confess that I had to piece in a couple of sections of flex as I ran out of rail about 7' short.

Here is the west end of Ozark - model

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0201.jpg

And prototype

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/519/IM001115.JPG

Heading east through Ozark (Sorry for the focus)

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0202.jpg

Around the wall towards Clarksville Jct (note the single point)

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0203.jpg

[MOPMAN]

At the end of the peninsula is the start of Spadra

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0206.jpg

Around the end of the peninsula still in Spadra (that's Alma in the background across the aisle)

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0209.jpg

Leaving Spadra this e/b is about to enter staging

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0210.jpg

It has been a blast to now be able to just kick back and watch trains run for a change. It takes right at 10 minutes to complete a lap (including staging)

[watash]

Looking great Mopman!
I'll be glad if I even get to the point you are now! :D

[MOPMAN]

Thanks Watash. It has been a lot of work most of it fun. But I probably have 3-4 more years ahead with wiring, scenery, structures and I have got to get to work on a lighting valance. But the valance may have to wait for cooler temps in the attic if you know what I mean.

[watash]

I hope you put some sprayed foam or batting insulation up in the rafters, and over the room ceilings!
Then I diverted one of the air ducts to blow into the attic area. Couldn't seal off both end vents, so used a tacker and enclosed the layout space with a clear polyethylene sheeting. The cool air blows in to the enclosure, and is vented back into another room seldom used. Worked for summer and winter, so did the same thing in this house to cool my old office, now the layout room up stairs.

I was going to do it out in my model shop, but I got too old too quickly, so too late now.

[MOPMAN]

I don't have a problem with the train room. The walls and ceiling are will insulated with 3 ceiling fans to circulate air. But nothing keeps an attic cool during Texas summers.

[friscobob]

I don't have a problem with the train room. The walls and ceiling are well insulated with 3 ceiling fans to circulate air. But nothing keeps an attic cool during Texas summers.

My old layout was in the second floor of the old house, and had its own heating & air conditioning units. it could keep the room cool, but at a price (in the summer, a steep price, thanx to TXU).

The new layout is going in the garage, with the mode of cooling a box fan. fortunately the garage is "closed-in" with adequate insulation, and i can open the garage door.

[MOPMAN]

Ouch! Been there, done that.

[StickyMonk]

I am so glad we dont get hot weather over here in the UK :D

[Tim Loutzenhiser]

My layout is in our attached garage. My air conditioner for now is a box fan that I hang in the doorway from a nail. Winter time I use a combination of electric heat and a kerosene heater when it gets really cold. I think someone mentioned doing trackwork in the summer when it's hot - I did some in the winter, and sure enough I ended up with a slight problem in the summer because of expansion. Hopefully this won't be a problem once I get the track ballasted - not quite ready for that yet. Lake Michigan is just a couple miles up the road, so humidity can be a problem. Some of the guys in the area won't use foam insulation sheets for a layout surface because they claim it expands and contracts too much. I use foam and don't think it's a problem, but I am planning on sealing most of my frame work and foam surfaces with paint to help seal it off from humidity.

[Joseph]

Mopman, I am enjoying your progress. I have my layout pretty well layed out and am in the process of putting down the track base, cork. I was wondering about the cardboard strips you use for the terraine? Are they stapled or glued in place? Is it strong when toy lay the cloth and trees etc?
I have a lot of dense styrofoam that i was going to stack and carve. What do you think? Cheers.

[MOPMAN]

Joseph, I use both plaster and foam. I will apply a skim coat of plaster to the foam for carving rock formations. Here are a couple of pics of the foam liftout section I built this weekend.
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/Pict0211.jpg

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/Pict0213.jpg

I find the cardboard web with two coats of plaster to be fairly hard for my applications.

[Joseph]

Thanks MOPMAN, appreciate the info, nice pics, I assume that is the Plaster cloth.I wnt to incorporate mountains and a tunnel so that helps. Cheers

[MOPMAN]

No plaster cloth. The first coat of plaster is nothing more than strips of newspaper soaked in plaster. The second coat is just troweled on, shaped, then carved.

[Joseph]

OK,Great! Thanks.Sometimes when you see an answer, it makes my question seem dum. Cheers.

[MOPMAN]

To borrow one of Hemi's lines, there are no dumb questions here at Trainboard.

[friscobob]

I am so glad we dont get hot weather over here in the UK :D

.....yet........if the global warming screechers are correct, the words "air conditioning" will become most welcome in the UK in the next few decades.

[MOPMAN]

Well I had a looong weekend for the 4th so I was able to get a lot accomplished in and out of the trainroom. I extended the mountains another 5-1/2 feet with the first coat of plaster applied.
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0212.jpg

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0216.jpg

[friscobob]

Nice! I can almost envision those Ozarks now......

[MOPMAN]

Here is some of the rockwork I did over the weekend. I still need to put on the final washes to blend the colors and strata. Then ground foam and trees. Lots of trees!

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0222.jpg

[MOPMAN]

Well it's been a while since I posted to this thread (busy working on the railroad). I have been working on wiring the staging tracks as well as the mainline above staging. I have four long tracks for staging that represent Coffeyville KS and North Little Rock AR. Right now the Coffeyville panel controls all of the staging tracks.

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0224.jpg

Here is the mini-panel for the Ozark West block

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0223.jpg

This mini-panel is wired to terminal strips but not connected to the track feeders yet. It will control the North Little Rock end of staging and the mainline and siding through Ozark.

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0225.jpg

[MOPMAN]

Over the weekend I added more fascia panels around the turnback curve to Clarksville Jct. I still need to cut the scenery profile across the top and fill the corner joints

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0227.jpg

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0226.jpg

[Colonel]

Jim,

The layout is coming along nicely look forward to seeing more progress

[MOPMAN]

Thanks Paul. As you know, the laundry list of projects can get a little overwhelming. Even though the track plan is fairly simple, the layout is large by home layout standards (23' X 23'). There are times I get frustrated at the seeming lack of progress then I'll get a spurt of visible results like this weekend.

[loco1999]

Very nice progess!

"There are times I get frustrated at the seeming lack of progress"
I know exactly what you mean. :)

Keep up the great work.

Keith

[StickyMonk]

I think we all get frustrated at some point, the reason my layout is progressing slowly is I tend to get distracted and end up detailing another loco or freightcar :rolleyes:

BUT I have been working on my layout the last few days, got some point rodding to add also poured the rest of my road way and even started to paint some of the buildings....... But I have just picked up another boxcar out of storage so I am starting that soon.

[MOPMAN]

Well now that the wiring has caught up with the trackwork I am able to resume some of the scenery I started back in August. I finally got the rockwork carved and painted on the first portion of the Arkansas river valley.

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0231.jpg

The front still has that unfinished look that I've seen for months, so I started installation of the top of the split fascia which will allow me to start work on the south embankment and the water. Here is a couple of views of K-L (Kansas City - North Little Rock) just entering the valley

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0243.jpg

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0241.jpg

Here is an overview of the area looking west toward Alma

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0245.jpg

I still need to add more ground cover and eventually trees to the scene. I also need to build a small diorama to find the exact color effect of the water in the river. Since there will be about 20+ feet of river front I want to make sure I get it right. Hope you enjoy.

[Wolfgang Dudler]

Having a painted fascia is a big step. So I've learned too. :angel:

I like your fascia color.

Wolfgang

[MOPMAN]

Wolfgang thanks. I have to admit it makes ALL the difference in the world. Being a golfer, I couldn't resist the shade that Home Depot calls Par Four.:teeth:

[Tim Mc]

Looking good! Par 4, huh? I have some facia boards that need a coat of paint too.

~Tim

[MOPMAN]

Here are a couple of pics of the removable section over the staging turnouts (Coffeyville staging). I will probably use this same method over the N. Little Rock staging turnouts. That way I can get to the turnouts through the side of the split fascia or the top.

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0247.jpg

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0250.jpg

[verse2damax]

Very nice so far Mopman.

verse

[Wolfgang Dudler]

Some scenery is nice to have. With my new Westport (http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=79375&page=4) I'm far away from scenery.

Wolfgang

[MOPMAN]

Over the weekend I started laying the masonite panels for the bottom of the Arkansas River. Next I will install the riverbank along the tracks then I can start the simulated water.

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0255.jpg

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0253.jpg

[MOPMAN]

Over the weekend I worked on the cliff formations around the Ozark area. Right now it's just pink foam that still needs more shaping but you can see how its starting to shape up. First pic looking west

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0261.jpg

Looking east
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0262.jpg

This area is along a 23' wall over staging so there's still a lot of work to do. Those fans who have the Kevin EuDaly Mopac power book can see a pic of the scene I'm trying to reproduce looking west at the top of page 188.

[Flash Blackman]

Great! I like the cut where the tracks pass through it. Nice completed hills along the other wall in the distance, BTW.

[MOPMAN]

Thanks Flash. It has been a SLOW work in progress, but I am enjoying the results.

[MOPMAN]

Well it's been a while since I posted to this thread. So just to update the progress - over the holidays I was off for two weeks. As ususal we never get as much work done as we would like but on a MRR any progress is progress. I was able to ballest some of the track in the Alma area (pics later) but I didn't have the elevator spur in place for spotting grain hoppers. So I laid out the centerlines for the cork roadbed.

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0281.jpg

Then glued down the cork and ties
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0284.jpg

Spiked the stock rails & frog

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0286.jpg

Installed the point/closure rails & guard rails - soldered the PCB tie bar - then installed the ground throw

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0287.jpg

Now I have a place to spot the grain cars. The structures are still under construction. Since I do my painting outdoors, it may take some time to finish the overall scene, but at least I have another industry to work during an operating session. I also need to add Butler bins, scalehouse and other details to finish out this area. Hope you enjoy.

[FlamesFan]

Its nice to see how the layout has progress from the beginning... keep up the great work.

Cheers,

[friscobob]

I can envision an old clapped-out GP9 or chopped GP18 working this elevator now......

Nicely done- I'm gonna have to try to get a visit made when I get home next month

[Tim Mc]

I can envision an old clapped-out GP9 or chopped GP18 working this elevator now......

Or a shiny new GP15-1 from the first order in June '76!

[friscobob]

That too.....actually, I saw all three diesel models on the ready track at Van Buren- at once, no less!

[Colonel]

Always love seeing a MoPac layout would love to see some pics with some MoPac power.

[StickyMonk]

Nice to see the layout progressing well :)

I like those GP15's but I think I would go with an old GP9.

[verse2damax]

Impressive Mopman!

I too would love to see those Geeps.

verse

[MOPMAN]

Thanks all. I received a couple of GP7's for Christmas this year so that scene will become a reality when the weather allows me to start painting again. I have about 8 engines that need detail and paint, so it will get pretty busy in the paint shop this spring. Right now I am concentrating on scenery and installing the valance for lighting (the temperature in the attic is ideal this time of year for wiring). I'm not on the layout tour for this years Plano show but I'm hoping to have the layout on the tour next year. That gives me about 366 days to get my rear in gear to complete all of the trackwork, build a couple of memory throttles, complete the aforementioned engines and get a car-card system up and running for operating sessions.

If anyone wants to visit, let me know. If I'm available, any and all visitors are welcome.

[MOPMAN]

I started doing the scenery on the area just west of Ozark which I will probably cover in the layout party thread. Here are a couple of pics of the area. BTW I just got my DSL installed on the home computer so I will be able to submit stuff from the house now.

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0273.jpg

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0271.jpg

I have just started putting the plaster "skin" on the foam. The second coat is what I carve the rockwork on.

[friscobob]

Nice to see the layout progressing well :)

I like those GP15's but I think I would go with an old GP9.

I recently picked up an Athearn GP35 off of eBay- it's in MP blue sublettered for T&P. It'll go well with my GP35M and GP38-2 on my MP interchange freight. I recommend at least one or two for your MP layout.

[K.P.E.V.]

Nice Layout! Im still kicking around the idea of running the MoPAC, as those blue Geeps and that sawblade is etched in my childhood memories. Growing up in Southern Illinois, and my dad being a miner, and all my relatives having a railroad track literally in their yard, those long coaldrags are what I dream of. To get from one town to another you pretty much followed railroad tracks somewhere. Even if I never get my layout as far as yours, I will look forward to seeing the eagals flying on you layout. Keep up the good work!

[MOPMAN]

Bob, there are plans to add more GP35s to the rooster. K.P.E.V., go for it. The Dupo area would be a great basis for a model. I'm hoping to finish the area I'm carving this week, then I can post a pic of the area when the rockwork is painted.

[verse2damax]

Friscobob,
I would love to see some photos of the GP35. I've been busy buy geeps recently on ebay. I have 3 GP18s (one low hood), 2 GP7s and a GP38-2. They are all P2K units. I've also bought a number of other MP units too. Unfortunately I didn't see a GP35.

How does the Athearn unit run?
So far the only Athearn engines that I intend to buy are the BNSF GP60M and GP60Bs. Let me know because I wouldn't mind having one in the mix.

MOPMAN, great stuff, can't wait to see your MoPac equipment traversing those freshly installed tracks.

verse

[MOPMAN]

I'm hoping by the end of the week.

[friscobob]

Verse- I have two GP35s in Frisco colors that run nicely, even with other MP GP35 yet, but I expect no different from the Friscos. All three are the new RTR series.

[verse2damax]

Thanks friscobob. I shall look into a couple of them.

verse

[MOPMAN]

Here is a quick pic of some of the progress made over the last week and a half. We now have the rock work stained and ready for ground cover.

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/Pict0023.jpg

This pic is also in the layout party thread along with others as the scenery progressed over the last week.

[friscobob]

Neat-o!

Are you gonna model part of the Arkansas River at the front of the layout there?

[verse2damax]

SWEET!!!

Now that's what I'm talking about.

verse

[MOPMAN]

Bob, yes there will be a sliver of the river along the front edge. That section alone will be about 25' long. I'll do the water effect as soon as I get more of the ground cover done on the riverbank.

Thanks Verse.

[RGW]

Great work MOP, looking forward to the next phase of scenery, should look superb! MRH

[MOPMAN]

Thanks RGW. I'm looking forward to putting down some ground cover this weekend and toning down the rock work. The current pic looks more like Utah than Arkansas.

[friscobob]

Come to think of it, it does reminds me more of Rio Grande along the Book Cliffs............at least at this stage. ;)

I'm sure it'll look more Ozark-like with the addition of lotsa green.

[MOPMAN]

That's the plan if I can pull it off. BTW, if you look at some of the construction pics in the layout party thread, you will see the masonite base for the river along the front edge. That might give you a better "feel" for what the river will look like.

[MOPMAN]

Well its been a while since I visited this thread. Well to tell the truth....I confess.....I did that layout party (hic) thing.....man for FIVE WEEKS.....well its taken me awhile to get over the hangover effect...if you know what I mean. Well I woke up...no headache...its time to go to work. I've hated the fact I couldn't get enough light in the Van Buren area (not to mention the rest of the layout) so with materials on hand (planning ahead?) I started the first panels for the lighting valance at the end of the peninsula. First pics...
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/PICT00461.jpg

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/PICT0047.jpg

Maybe I'll get to see the car numbers I switch. Damn, thats why the scrap yard didn't know what to do with the TOFC flat with the trailer on top

[firemanchip]

Mopman, This layout is awesome! Keep posting.

Chip

[MOPMAN]

Thanks Chip. With every area that I make progess on, I seem to enjoy it a little more. I got three fixtures up and burning last night. I'm hoping to get a couple more up tonight. It makes such a big difference. I'll try to post some pics before the weekend.

[MOPMAN]

Well I finally got some light fixtures installed in the valance. It makes a whale of a difference to be able to see this layout I've been running for what seems like the first time. Here are some updated pics.

View from entrance to train room

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/PICT0053.jpg

Closeup of east end of yard
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/PICT0059.jpg

From the other side of the backdrop

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/PICT0057.jpg

Then through the east end of Van Buren with the Farmland elevator in the distance.

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/PICT0055.jpg

No wonder my vision is so bad..I've been trying to see in the dark all these years.

[jim157]

Very nice:thumbs_up: :thumbs_up:

[RGW]

Nice work MOP, now you have to tweak the lighting to address shadowing. Michael

[MOPMAN]

Nice work MOP, now you have to tweak the lighting to address shadowing. Michael

Its on the list of many "to dos"

[L Lee Davis]

Mopman, Looks realy good the makeings of a very fine layout. Amazing what lighting in the right place can do to bring everything to life, yet it seems to be third, fourth, or fifth on most important to do list.

"Still Training After All These Years"

[Colonel]

I have to agree its an excellent layout shame it isn't "N" though then I could come over and run some trains. I do have a HO SD40-2 but it is not operational at this stage.

[MOPMAN]

Mopman, Looks realy good the makeings of a very fine layout. Amazing what lighting in the right place can do to bring everything to life, yet it seems to be third, fourth, or fifth on most important to do list.

"Still Training After All These Years"
I guess we tend to get our priorities out of whack sometimes. Get the trains up and running, then we'll worry about seeing them.

[MOPMAN]

I have to agree its an excellent layout shame it isn't "N" though then I could come over and run some trains. I do have a HO SD40-2 but it is not operational at this stage.
Now thats a sorry excuse. You can always run one of mine :teeth:

[verse2damax]

Very nice, the details are now in clear view. Great job.

verse

[K.P.E.V.]

Really nice...Myabe I should decal my speeder for the Mopac.....:teeth:

[MOPHEAD]

Great looking layout Mopman. You gotts love that Jenks Blue.

[MOPMAN]

Again, thanks guys. It is a lot more fun when you can see what you are doing.

[friscobob]

Looks good! Are you gonna include the I-540 overpass east of the grain elevator? It would make a good scenic divider.

Next question-is your layout DC or DCC? If the former, I have an Athearn RTR GP35 and GP38-2 in Jenks Blue that would look good on the point of a local.

[MOPMAN]

Bob, I don't think I have enough space for the overpass. I'll have to think about that (good idea). The layout is DC. Bring on the power when your in town (if you ever get back). Seems like your gone more than at home, but I'm sure your family says the same thing.

[MOPMAN]

Here is a pic of the test fit of the final valance panel over Van Buren. As you can see, I will have to cut the facing to clear the crown moulding on the cabinet. This will give me a chance to try out a pattern tool I have.
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/PICT0061.JPG

[friscobob]

Bob, I don't think I have enough space for the overpass. I'll have to think about that (good idea). The layout is DC. Bring on the power when your in town (if you ever get back). Seems like your gone more than at home, but I'm sure your family says the same thing.

Funny......after being off work for seven weeks I was getting antsy, and it was to the point my family couldn't wait for me to get back to work :eek:

However, I should be home the first week of July, and I have a grandchild to introduce to her uncles (My younger sons), plus an ailing mother to visit. I'm gonna take off two weeks before I hit the road again, where I do not know.

[friscobob]

Back to overpasses......there IS a state highway that crosses over the tracks at the feed mill, and it's a two-laner- could be a possibility. It runs east-west.

[MOPMAN]

Funny......after being off work for seven weeks I was getting antsy, and it was to the point my family couldn't wait for me to get back to work :eek:

However, I should be home the first week of July, and I have a grandchild to introduce to her uncles (My younger sons), plus an ailing mother to visit. I'm gonna take off two weeks before I hit the road again, where I do not know.

Bob, sorry I did not get back sooner; if you can work in a day while your off....

I am aware of the overpass on the lead to the elevator (the two lane) but at the time I thought it would look kind of funny climbing over the tracks and leaping into the air off the edge of the layout but I might revisit that idea.

[MOPMAN]

I finally got around to trying my hand at making trees (its been along time since I did this). I finally found something that I liked for a tree armature in the form of the part of a Nandina bush that produces the berries. When the berries fall off and that portion dies it produces this

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/PICT0066.jpg

So I spread hot glue on the ends and dipped them in WS undercover gound foam (which is similar to the extra course ground foam) and got this result

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/551/PICT0074.jpg

If I say so myself, it is my best effort (stick pin in head to deflat ego)
So got one of those round tuits and planted those suckers and heres the overall scene so far plus a close up of the head end

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/PICT0082.jpg

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/PICT0079.jpg

Once I get more of the scenery done, I can get the water effects in. Well its off to make more trees.

[friscobob]

Trees, what trees? That SD40-2 was in the way.... :D

Just jerking your chain....those are good-looking trees. And that SD40-2 ain't bad, either.

[MOPMAN]

Thanks Bob. Its got a long way to go but it will get there someday.

[MOPMAN]

Well its been a little over a month since I posted to this thread so I guess its about time for an update. Since I spend a lot of time in the kitchen area of the train room watching TV, I wanted to improve the view of the layout in that area so I started with the cannery on the west end of Van Buren. This is a start of the cardboard mockup

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/PICT0125.jpg

This is what you see straight on from the kitchen area. The overall length of the structure is 52". Here's a couple of shots from each side

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/PICT0126.jpg

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/PICT0124.jpg

[Colonel]

Excellent work Mopman, next time you are taking photos can you take one of the trackwork. I'd like to see where the yard connects to the mainoine.

[OC Engineer JD]

The trees look great! There is a certain satisfaction in making your own trees. :) Thats going to be an impressive building when done. Looking forward to more. :)

[friscobob]

Nice-looking mockup, and pretty close to the real thing at Van Buren!

BTW, do you have a trackplan of the layout? If I've asked this question before, forgive me.....I've slept since then. ;)

[MOPMAN]

Sorry I'm just getting back on. Thanks for the comments guys.

Paul, here is an older pic. The curved turnout leads into the siding and yard. I'll try to get a better pic posted later
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/Pict0083.JPG

Jerry, what I'm ready for is that water effect. I still have about 6-7 more feet of river bank to complete before I get that going.

Bob, you and Paul both have. I started one on Xtrakcad but never had a chance to finish the tutorials in order to finish the project. But if I do get it finished, don't expect anything like Pete Nolans' with scenic highlights and such :teeth::teeth:

[MOPMAN]

Well I know it's been a couple of months since I've posted anything here. The main reason is my workplace has installed software that blocks certain sites from being accessed including this one. Now when I'm at home I don't get on the computer much since I'm on one 8 hrs a day at work. Besides, how can I work on the layout if I'm on the computer? Things are progressing though. I'll try to upload some recent pics later.

For the first time in about 20 years I added my layout to the open house tour for the Plano show this past January. There were 30 layouts on the tour this year. I had a pretty good turnout considering all the layouts were spread out from Ft Worth to Commerce TX.

Also this was my first year to operate the Trains at Northpark exhibit over the holidays. There were literally thousands of people that came to that show. So you can see time was a bit tight at the end of the year.

Now lets see, oh, progress. All of the mainline trackage is in and wired, backdrop painting and ballasting the yard has started in Van Buren, and the layout looks presentable as it took me a little over a week to cleanup the room for the layout tour.

Here is a teaser of Van Buren until I can upload more photos

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/PICT0092.jpg

[Wolfgang Dudler]

I would like to come to the op session. :angel:
Too far away. :sad:

Here's my last op session: Friday night (http://www.westportterminal.de/friday080222_e.html)

Wolfgang

[MOPMAN]

That's what this layout is all about...operation.

[MOPMAN]

As promised, here are some progress pics over the past few months.

As a companion to the photo above this is Van Buren looking east

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/PICT0093.jpg

[MOPMAN]

Progress on the backdrop has been slow but steady. This a head-on shot of the cannery in Van Buren

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/PICT0057a.jpg

Compared to the earlier pic

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/510/PICT0125.jpg

[MOPMAN]

Right after the Plano show and open house, I finally had the materials to lay the siding and team track in Spadra

First the east end under construction

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/PICT0075.jpg

Testing trackwork (Sorry about the lighting. The valance hasn't progressed to this point yet)

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/PICT0082a.jpg

and the west switch

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/PICT0086.jpg

In time the branch line to Clarksville will sit on the risers.

This completes all of the mainline trackwork

[friscobob]

Like that backdrop- reminds me of the scenery north of Van Buren (the Boston Mountains).

I'm back working in Sherman at the local medical center, and so far the only show I've been to is the Ft. Worth show last November (woulda made Plano, but work got in the way- besides, I work nights).

How can I wrangle a visit to your layout? I'd love to see it in person someday........

[MOPMAN]

Bob, let me know when you have time to get down this way via PM or e-mail and we will work out a time. For that matter, any TB members that are in the area or visiting the area are welcome. I'm off on weekends plus I have the second week in March off for spring break so I'm sure we can work out a good block of time for a visit.

[MOPMAN]

Paul, I almost forgot to post a better pic of the west end of Van Buren showing how the yard connects to the main before entering staging. The opening on the left is the MOP leaving the Van Buren sub, the center opening is the Frisco main running into Ft Smith after crossing the MOP, and the opening on the right side is the Frisco interchange track entering Van Buren yard.

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/PICT0095.jpg

[Doug A.]

Hey, great layout! That backdrop is just inspiring! Wish I could've visited during Plano. Definitely want to check it out sometime.

[MOPMAN]

Thanks Doug. I was also glad to see you have advanced from track plan to actual benchwork and track work. It will look good once the TRE (and BN) start running.

[MOPMAN]

Well I finally planted trees to the edge of the backdrop in Van Buren. If I say so myself, it does make a big difference.

This is looking east

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/PICT0099.jpg

And looking west

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/PICT0100.jpg

I may add a layer or two of color in a couple of places, but this area of the backdrop is just about finished. Quite frankly I think it looks better in person than in these pics. The jagged edges looking west are not jagged if viewed head on.

[MOPMAN]

My, how time flies. I didn't realize Feb was my last post on this thread. I guess I need to upload a few more progress photos. For the most part I've been "playing" trains, operating the Spadra Turn, switching the industries and through freights in Van Buren, you know - the FUN stuff! But over the last few weeks I got a little more scenery done between Ozark and Clarkville Jct. I know the train crews are grateful that the trip over the great abyss (53") is shorter by several smiles. Oh I just dated myself with that term. Here's a couple of pics of Clarksville Jct. Just the initial scenery lacking a couple hundred trees. I need to repaint the backdrop before I plant any trees and I hope to do that this weekend.

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/ClarksvilleJct1.jpg

An overview of the area (same train)

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/ClarksvilleJct2.jpg

To the left across the aisle is the town of Ozark. I'll try to upload some pics of that area latter this weekend.

[stevechurch2222]

I have to agree,that is a great looking layout,the size of your layout is about the same size layout I have planned for the future,24'x24'.I am modeling the Milwaukee Road from Ottumwa,Iowa to Savanna,Illinois from 1981-1985 using SD40-2's and MP15AC's for my motive power.I too look forward to seeing the track plan of the layout and more photos of the layout's progress.

[Doug A.]

Looking great! Are you gonna have the layout on tour again this year for Plano? (or maybe even Fort Worth?)

BTW, I will have a table at the LMRA show in October if you happen to make it over to that show.

[macjet]

MOPMAN, Great looking layout! I'm new to TB and just came across this post with the recent updates.

My son and nieces really enjoyed the Trains at NorthPark. Thanks for a great show!

Perhaps I can catch your layout this year if it's on the tour.

[Wolfgang Dudler]

Your layout looks good.

Wolfgang

[MOPMAN]

Thanks for the comments. I'm hoping to have the layout open for Plano '09. But my big push is to see how far I can get for the '09 LSR. Right now I'm taking a break while the new blue for the sky dries between Ozark and Clarksville Jct. I'll try to get some progress pics loaded tonight. For now I'll leave you with this little teaser.

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/PICT01061.jpg

Looking west at the west end of Ozark.

[MOPMAN]

Well another break (time for a long-neck). Here are a couple of updates - pic 1 Same train as previous post (at a slightly different angle) with backdrop painted a deeper sky blue. pic 2 is the other side of the aisle, end of train in Ozark. You can see the difference in the blue

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/bkdrp1.jpg

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/bkdrp2.jpg

The blue specks of tape mark areas for re-touching.

[MOPMAN]

Well the weekend is over and I made some progress on the backdrop. This is Clarksville Jct. by Sunday night.

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/bkdrp5.jpg

And the east switch at Ozark.

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/bkdrp6.jpg


Hopefully I can get a little more done during the week.

[MOPMAN]

Its been a little over a month since I last posted to this thread. I made a little progress this weekend - mostly backdrop painting so I can start planting foreground trees. But its been fun just running trains. I ran a Spadra turn last night..switched four tracks in three towns, Alma, Ozark & Spadra and it took just under an hour (that's real time). In Ozark I finally finished the backdrop on the east end so I can start the foreground scenery (I can add the clouds later)

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/bkdrp8.jpg

I also carved the last of the rock work just west of the station in preparation for the highway bridge. I just need to paint it.

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/rockwork.jpg

I then painted the deeper sky blue on the backdrop working west from Ozark

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/bkdrp9.jpg

Break time!

[MOPMAN]

I then finished the sky to the end of the backdrop behind East Van Buren. First the town of Alma.

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/alma1.jpg

Then East Van Buren

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/evanburen2.jpg

The paint is still damp in places giving it that funky look. Next pic is looking the other direction toward Alma

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/evanburen1.jpg

I also filled in some of the gaps in the scenery next to the roadbed. Then I started the distant hills behind Alma

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/alma2.jpg

I guess you can say I haven't been sitting on my a$$ets all this time. Sorry about the lighting, but I just shot these with available room light. More updates and pics as things move along.

[stevechurch2222]

Mopman,the layout is really looking I am enjoying following your progress on the layout.Very well done.

[MOPMAN]

Thanks Steve. I'm hosting one of the local clubs in mid October, so I hope to get a little more done before they come.

[Wolfgang Dudler]

Yes, hosting a group is a big push for the layout buidling. And we will see more pictures. :angel:

Wolfgang

[MOPMAN]

I hope to get a few pics Wolfgang. After this there is the Plano show in January as well as the Lone Star Region of the NMRA here this summer. We'll see how the $$$ hold out over this financial BS we are dealing with here in the states not to mention the school district I work for is laying off 1200. If I'm part of that then NOTHING gets done.