I haven't been doing much Z in a while. Probably didn't touch it for a year. But I got the bug again with Searails steam bodies and decided to rebuild my layout a little shorter. It is 6' long and 12" wide. (old layout was 8' x 20" wide) The loops around the backdrop folded up to save space when stored. Within about 2 weeks I had all track done and was this far: http://picasaweb.google.com/ErieChris333/ZScaleLayoutTake3 Then I used some sculptamold to build up the roadbed. It soaked into the crappy MDF I used and bubbled up the track. I had to scrap the layout, but was able to save the backdrop. Well now about 3 weeks after all that I'm back in the game. The roadbed is 1/2" birch this time. The layout is the same size so the backdrop stayed. Here is where I'm as of tonight. Just wanted you guys to know I was still in the game : )
Looks good Chris, I like the folding method you used, I see the MTL track used is the other track hand laid? Thanks againg for showing the pics... Mike..
neat. you took a real craftsman's approach to the folding back loop and fitting the track so cleanly with the hingeline. very very cool. you should look at the japanese tenshodo mikado coming out (targeted for december). could be all kinds of possibilities there (tender drives, but running gear with working side valves). thanks chris, glad your solidly in the game! dave f.
Chris, Glad you are still in the game. You are one of the great one (in any scale)! I've always liked all of your layouts. John
Z Train Things Evergreen Trees I've finally completed a 1,500 tree order for two brothers in San Francisco who build custom layouts. These trees will end up as forced perspective trees on a N scale exhibit layout in a hobby shop in the San Francisco area. Can you spot the spotted owls? )
I just finished weathering a boat load of NP two bay hoppers here at MTL...can't provide picture, but they are burned on the back of my eyes right now. 10 pm and I'm still spraying paint so they can be sent out tomorrow. Working on a cool display, hope to have some shots later in the week. Oh...Loren has trees by the boat load too...the whole house is green with them! Joe MTL
Are they N scale? Got pictures on the MTL website. BTW was the C&O GP35 also built in 1964? Not sure why they could be built in 1974 when production ended in 1966? Maybe a typo in the copy?
Joe, why don't you just post what you have over here on TB. We'll proof and rewrite your marketing spin for you. Then you can be assured that all is well. (plus we get to see what's up a few days in advance .
nice work chris. i wish my progress was half as much as yours! thanks for this post -- and for saving us from more marklin topics (i know, they will all hate me for saying that). dave f.
Chris, What did you use to make the streets and sidewalks, and what paint colors did you use for each? John
I always wanted to make a more urban module like this one Chris. Perhaps my next project? Keep us posted off your progress.
