Here is the next installment of pics 11. This is probably the most photographed scene on the layout. I call this Devils Gate bridge and consists of the very popular Kato bridge. 12. Here the train is on a downhill grade as it passes Sherman Nth Junction 13. The train is diving on a 2% grade on the return to Choctaw yard 14. The train enters Choctaw Yard which is a through yard, it is also the entry to El Rino Service Facility. The main line can be seen to the right. 15. Here is the top end of Choctaw yard with the mainline passing over. The final installment will be posted tomorrow.
Actually there is a D&RGW train in the yard, the orange hoppers are being led by two roi grande GP60's under the bridge. Here is a shot just for you Hemi
It is a great tour, Paul! Nice correlation with the photos and the layout. BTW, I think Paul told me that the deck girder bridge in photo 15 was his first try. Not bad for a first try or a last try, either!!
Paul, that's fantastic work. Wish I had your available space. *thinks* That's it, we're selling up and buying a place with triple garage or self contained granny flat I'll have to use retaining walls on parts of my layout too. Could you give us a quick rundown on how you did those rock walls and concrete walls? This thread should be kept in a safe place for future reference.
Jim, The walls are quite easy, the rock walls are printed rock on paper glued to masonite, I tyhink these are made by Kibri but you can buy similar from most hobby stores. The concrete walls are made from styrene sheet. I cut stips of styrene and glue to the sheet to look like concrete panels then used the iarbrush to piant them.
Flash, You are correct the deck bridge was my first attempt at scratchbuilding but most likely not the last when I eventually extend the layout. Here is the last instalment of the layout tour. 16. Looking west down the layout and along Raonoke yard the train has departed Choctaw yard and is on a 2% grade up too the mainline. On the mainline is the MKT mixed freight. 17. The train is about to travel under Cat Springs Bridge. Thankfully the level crossing was maintained recently and is in good workingorder as the train passes the main road past Raonoke Yard. 18. The train has now completed it's run and is entering Raonoke yard 19. Once the train is fully within Raonoke yard the switch into the yard is normalised and the train reversed either into the grain terminal or into Witchita Interchange Thats basically the tour of the layout, hope you have enjoyed the tour,
ENJOYED !!!! I wish I was there. Felt like I was chasing trains all day, not a bad idea. I hope someday to come close to such a great layout, of course, having all that Jenks Blue helps. MOPHEAD
Great shots, Paul! Thanks for the Rio Grande shot; a man has to get his Aspen Gold fix somehow, eh? And a bonus, Geep 60's!
This is a great layout tour. Simple and complete. Great layout that should be kept bookmarked. Thanks again, Paul!
Thanks for the comments guys it makes it all the more worth it taking the time posting pics etc. you will have to ask TxRonHarris about these as I did a swap with him.
