The OLD PORT SHOP

SMR May 19, 2019

  1. SMR

    SMR TrainBoard Member

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    This is a joint project between Dirk and me. This will be our first one fully dedicated to the US territory.
    We have teamed up before and decided to drive it this time to our limits (or even beyond).
    This is a fully functional layout that uses all concepts of e.g. a theatre stage. All is designed to create the illusion of a real railroad scene.
    Here is the track map of the visible part (the stage):

    OPS MAP TB.jpg

    It uses ideas from Newport News at the Chesapeake Bay as well as impressions from Chicago's Indiana Harbour Belt.
    As with any good stage, it should be useable with may railroads and be plausible over periods of time, best only defined by the rolling stock and other only transient equipment.

    OPS Announcement TB.jpg

    Here a first shot, after the first water was filled in and the locomotive sheds were placed.

    - to be continued -
     
  2. animek

    animek TrainBoard Member

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    Gasp!!!! Can only say it looks great.
     
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  3. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    Neat track plan and the water effect looks fantastic!
     
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  4. SMR

    SMR TrainBoard Member

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    Meanwhile the area around the locomotive sheds has been finalized........

    OPS Shed 1 TB.jpg ops shed 2 TB.jpg ops shed 3 TB.jpg ops shed 4 TB.jpg OPS Kram TB.jpg

    ..... as well as the roof structures.....

    ops shed 6 TB.jpg
    ops shed 7 TB.jpg

    ..... and here and there a few more details added:

    ops shed 8 TB.jpg
    ops shed 9 TB.jpg

    .. - ...

    ops UP 3985 TB.jpg
     
  5. kevsmith

    kevsmith TrainBoard Member

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    Stunning!
     
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  6. SMR

    SMR TrainBoard Member

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    Let's look around a little bit.......

    ops112 TB.jpg ops113 TB.jpg ops114 TB.jpg ops127 TB.jpg ops122 TB.jpg ops123 TB.jpg ops121 TB.jpg ops128 TB.jpg
     
  7. SJ Z-man

    SJ Z-man TrainBoard Member

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    That track plan gives me some ideas for the new home layout.

    In the mean time, Mickie's drooling at the Chessies ;)
     
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  8. SMR

    SMR TrainBoard Member

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    This is good news, Jeff !!!

    OPS Chessie Switcher TB.jpg

    ...and ACTION .......

    OPS Chessie Caboose TB.jpg
     
  9. SMR

    SMR TrainBoard Member

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    One of the major problems we face is a mid- and background that catches the eye of the observer, is confluent with the "stage" and creates the illusion of great depth. Here we are now:

    ops158 TB.jpg

    Classical, but not really "eye catching" .....

    ops108 TB.jpg

    But only trees is really boring!

    OPS Hauptstrecke TB.jpg

    So we were thinking, may be we should add some buildings around the trees, thereby hoping to create a more a appealing mid-ground!

    ops104 TB.jpg

    Looks better, but we need to tell a story here - with each and every house!

    ops160 TB.jpg

    You haven't heard about Dirk's and my famous car company in the US? Sure????

    ops154 TB.jpg
     
  10. SMR

    SMR TrainBoard Member

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    OK, so finally we had a strategy how to improve.

    OPS Plan Housing Area TB.jpg

    We applied it test-wise, but consequently in the left upper corner.
    A small map is shown for your orientation.

    OPS - Backyard houses w trees TB.jpg

    Getting closer, here are some formerly nice houses that have tracks in the back-yard,......

    OPS - Backyard houses TB.jpg

    The houses have surely seen better days !!!!

    ops- Backyard houses front TB.jpg

    This is still an impressive Victorian house!

    Victorian House TB.jpg

    Now it get's spooky - a Raven !!!

    ops162 TB.jpg


    A good paint job wouldn't be bad now.....

    ops155 TB.jpg

    Any further recommendations?
     
    Last edited: May 20, 2019
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  11. John Bartolotto

    John Bartolotto TrainBoard Supporter

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    WELL DONE!! I'm in awe! I know how long it takes to detail scenery like this and weather everything. You have gone above and beyond! Top notch! This gets my vote for layout of the year!

    John
     
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  12. husafreak

    husafreak TrainBoard Member

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    As someone new to trains I'm not sure what to think, it is too good to be true! It is an amazing diorama, do the trains also run on this layout?
     
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  13. SMR

    SMR TrainBoard Member

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    What you see is not a diorama, it will be a full blown layout. Everything is / will be fully functional!
    Here you see our complete planning as of now:

    Komplett Plan OPS TB.jpg

    The work-in-progress pictures I am showing stem from the left part, which is getting closer to finalization.
    The right part is still under construction.

    OPS vom Meer TB.jpg

    Any recommendations regarding the optimal layout of the tracks in the "shadow" is highly appreciated.
    I am thinking even to have these tracks non-permanently placed, to allow for optimal adaptation to exhibition space or to connect it with other layouts. Rokuhan Track Material may serve well. What do you think?

    Thank you!
    Best,
    Sven
     
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  14. husafreak

    husafreak TrainBoard Member

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    Now I "get it".
     
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  15. SMR

    SMR TrainBoard Member

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    Thank you, BNSF Fan,
    Indeed, the water effect is key for the illusion.......

    ops106 TB.jpg ops119 TB.jpg
     
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  16. Kurt Moose

    Kurt Moose TrainBoard Member

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    Wow, that's some stunning water!(y)
     
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  17. SecretWeapon

    SecretWeapon Passed away January 23, 2024 In Memoriam

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    UN-FRIGGIN BELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU SIR, ARE A MASTER MODELER!!!!!!!!!!!
     
  18. JimJ

    JimJ Staff Member

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    Very inspirational work! Thanks for sharing the great photos with us.
     
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  19. tracktoo

    tracktoo TrainBoard Member

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    That is an outstanding bit of work! (y) I can't imagine the hours invested. o_O
     
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  20. mdvholland

    mdvholland TrainBoard Member

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    Hi Sven, amazing once again!

    For those unfamiliar with the work of these modellers, please check out http://www.helenensiel.com/ and Sven's postings on the AZL forum. I have seen two of Dirk's layouts life, and they're in reality as good as these (beautiful!) pictures.

    Regarding the hidden staging: it seems to me that the right hand track coming from the right into to hidden area has no staging opportunity. Why not replace the 490 curves that are now projected with a switch so a straight track is added and you can store at least one train on this track in your schattenbahnhof?

    Btw great work on those houses. They were truly great kits. Is anyone in contact with Miller Engeneering, so sad these are discontiued. I do believe there is still a serious market for these kits (particularly now that folks see in these pictures how great they are :) )

    Matt
     
    Last edited: May 23, 2019
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