3rd Annual International Winter Layout Party of 2011

ppuinn Dec 11, 2010

  1. ppuinn

    ppuinn Staff Member

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    This weekend, I made good progress on the backdrop building flats and background tree flats behind the 4 rail businesses!

    I went on Google Maps and printed street views of all the businesses on the west side of Adams Street (the side of the street against the backdrop) across from the 4 industries next to the CNW Adams Street Yard. After some serious scissor-work I pasted the pics onto foamboard and cut out the buildings, muted the edges with a black Sharpie, and put ground foam and blended turf on the trees and bushes in front of the buildings. I trimmed the background tree flats to a height that shows behind the building flats, and next week, I will put the groundfoam and blended turf on selected portions of the tree flats (which are already painted green).

    If everything turns out as I hope, the variations in texture (from the 3D trees I will plant in front of the building flats, to the groundfoam on the building flats, to the blended turf on the tree flats, to the painted surface of the tree flats) will force perspective and give the illusion of great depth in just a couple of inches.

    Adams Street will pass across the back of the shelf for about 5 feet, appearing from behind some trees at the left and disappearing behind Smith-Scharff Paper on the right side. I'll use painted foamboard and will put lanes stripes in with colored pencils and markers.

    This is Great Plains Propane:
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    The track was repositioned closer to the yard last week, but not much else will be done until the propane tanks I ordered arrive. For the next few weeks, the cardboard mock-ups and chopped plastic tubes will have to suffice for buildings and tanks. I've got a BMLA etched brass chain link fence that will surround the tank yard.

    Heller Tin Compress (a scrap metal bundling facility) will have 2 plastic structures, a long white fence and scrub trees separating Adams Street from the scrap yard piles, and a dilapidated sheet metal fence along the sides and back.

    This is a picture of Smith-Scharff Paper:
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    3 of the 4 buildings are just sides and roofs temporarily taped together so I could experiment with positioning...and the 4th is on loan from another place on the layout until I figure out how to selectively compress the industry to fit the space I have available.
    S-S Paper got a new siding last week (one of the reasons for repositioning the track for all 4 industries). I've got several ME kits to paint and build...once I settle on a particular configuration for the buildings.

    This is International Trucking, a business that does not use any rail service.
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    The repositioned track used to end at Ehrlichman Recycling just beyond where the yellow and red truck is, but I am going to add a turnout into Ehrlichman's and extend the track to 4 or 5 other industries. To accomplish this, I had to make some changes in the P&PU north and south bound mains (the first 2 tracks closest to the camera), and the BN main (3rd track). The BN used to serve industries along the Alley Track that ran down the middle of a number of blocks between Washington Street and Adams Street...but those alley track industries will now be served by CNW.
    This picture shows the NE end of Ehrlichman's Recycling.
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    The pictures of the SE side of Ehrlichman's didn't turn out as well as I had hoped, so I may kitbash or scratch build that side of the building.

    I've been on Christmas Break since the day the Winter Layout Party started, and must go back to work on Monday. I expect to have less time to work on my layout, but I'll still try to make a weekly report on progress (or lack of it).
     
  2. Wolfgang Dudler

    Wolfgang Dudler Passed away August 25, 2012 TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    Now my corner module is ready for operation. At least for a first picture. The trees are still not planted, only for the picture. :angel:

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    Wolfgang
     
  3. eric220

    eric220 TrainBoard Member

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    Nice scenery, and gorgeous mud hen!
     
  4. Specter3

    Specter3 TrainBoard Member

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    trains

    Well even though I have had the death hack for going on 5 days now I still managed to drag myself down to the dungeon to do some work on the modules. Got the two layers of foam glued together with the below grade contours made. For the first time I have glued track and cork to foam. Seems to have worked. The last switch will be code 55 along with all the track. The reverse side will be identical in switch selection. rail will be filed where it goes from code 80 to 55. Still have to order the remaining switches and the crossover. Rolling stock in the pic are some of my ebay scores from over the holiday.

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    Fun is still to be had! Hack Hack...
     
  5. Flash Blackman

    Flash Blackman TrainBoard Member

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    Everything planted but maybe some more weathering.
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    Everything in place with a few locals stopping by. That is a sorry building but it is at the back of the layout.
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  6. northlakenorthern

    northlakenorthern TrainBoard Member

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    The weathering (rustifying?) of the rails on the Ntrak module is slowly being accomplished. Slowly because I'm using a small brush to apply the paint - flat black Tamiya acrylic, followed by red brown. I'm pleased with the result, not so much with the fiddly nature of the task. Airbrush technology will be in place here before any future layouts are started.:smile:

    ** edit **

    OK, Josh... here's a picture

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    middle two tracks have the red brown, front and back tracks just have the black
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 6, 2011
  7. JSL

    JSL TrainBoard Member

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    Pictures Bret. We need pictures...

    JSL
     
  8. saronaterry

    saronaterry TrainBoard Member

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    Wow, you guys have been busy!
    A little progress. Redid the Soo Line interchange after running trains.

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    And messed around with building settings.
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    Still waiting for my track order.

    Terry
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 5, 2011
  9. Flash Blackman

    Flash Blackman TrainBoard Member

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    Terry: Nice looking building. That one is always a good relief building, IMHO.

    For my next area, I am going to add a transfer business at my Flatonia (TX) interchange track. I have puzzled for a long tine about this; I probably mostly wanted several industries. I've decided to not make it so complicated and provide a place for my many tractor-trailer vehicles. Near by I want to add the Red Apple Truck Stop from Catch-Me-Eye, NC. (That's an old one.)

    For this loading dock, here is the area.
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    I tape two pieces of paper together and press them along the rails to leave an impression of the track. Look carefully to see the slight fold along the top of the paper.
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    Cut along the fold. This gives me a template for the structures, the parking lot, and the curve along the track for the loading docks. Then draw in preliminary locations.
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    Now I have to select an office building. I will build the docks from styrene or track cork. (Verne Niner technique.)
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 6, 2011
  10. Tracy McKibben

    Tracy McKibben TrainBoard Member

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    Up The Wall

    The floor and dock are done, aside from weathering. I started on the walls, and almost finished one today. Wow, is this tedious work!! I love the results, but this clapboard siding is driving me nuts, literally up the wall.

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  11. maxairedale

    maxairedale TrainBoard Member

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    Update on the Greenbriar Delta & Rutland.

    Hi everyone,

    No Photos this week

    I did not get much done this past week. Life got in the way. The first part of the week I was under the weather. In the middle of the week I did get some track ballasted and then the week fell apart. With any luck I'll get something done next week before I leave for the Plano, TX train show.

    Gary
     
  12. Grey One

    Grey One TrainBoard Supporter

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    Played Around with Yard Design

    After contributing to this thread:
    Show us your yard! - TrainBoard.com
    I realized that I didn't like my yard design. Two versions ago on the "Grey and Grandure IV" it was much easier to use manually and decidedly aesthetically more pleasing.
    GandG IV:
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    GandG V (today):
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    In the current design the yard throat has been moved back about 7"s. That plus the "geometry" change has contributed an additional 100+ inches of storage.
    The upside of the new layout are:
    Approximately 100"s of additional storage
    Another 100"s of storage if you include the AD tracks and the 2nd interchange track.
    A "formal" arrival / departure track in a logical location

    The downside:

    • Much shorter yard lead - it will be necessary to "clog the main" during some classification jobs. - They will get over it
    • My hangup with visual aesthetics - I'll get over it
    • Access to two turnouts - ok, that's not a big deal
    Good, now I feel better.

    While reviewing pics of older yards I revisited my old thoughts of extending the yard 40"s past a fire exit using a lift / swing out or drop down. The area could also be used as an industrial area. This lead to the thought that I could connect the inner most and outer most tracks for continuous run etc. Then I realized it would create a reverse loop.
    Hmmmm:
    40" x 24"s (depth of area), could:

    • 40"s X 7 tracks = 340 more inches of _temporary_ storage.
    • Significant industrial area
    • Large urban area with sky scrapers
    • Modular area to change out / test scenery ideas
    • Reverse loop with some storage and industry - giving the yard operator lots to do.
    Well, food for thought or day dreaming.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 9, 2011
  13. eric220

    eric220 TrainBoard Member

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    My new basement is getting dangerously close to being done! The walls and ceiling are textured and primed, the ceiling is painted, lighting has been installed, and the trim on the window, half wall, and alcove have been installed. On Wednesday, the electrician returns to finish the electrical. There are two separate 15-amp circuits powering the outlets in the room, as well as a dedicated circuit for the lights. We also finally settled on a tile-print vinyl for the floor. Hopefully I will be able to show off a completed room soon and actually get to work on the layout!

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  14. Tracy McKibben

    Tracy McKibben TrainBoard Member

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    Turned The Corner

    First end wall is full constructed, the long back wall is now framed and ready for interior and exterior finishing and windows.

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    These are the only two walls that will be permanently attached to the base - the other end wall and the front, along with the roof, will be removable. I plan to fully detail the interior, after I've determined what belongs in a northern Minnesota produce warehouse in 1920. I know that the Hill City Railroad moved a variety of produce from local farms:

    "Besides the hauling of pails and timber, the Hill City Railroad also did a fair amount of traffic in farm products. "Reports from the Hill City Railway Company, show that 28 carloads of potatoes, with a minimum of 600 bushels to the car were shipped over the railroad and transferred at the Swan River junction in the month of October. This means that during that month, local farmers received at least $17,000, figuring the potatoes at an average of $1.00 per bushel, which is a low estimate of the average, for their potato crop, with many potatoes not yet shipped out. This is the greatest number of cars of potatoes ever shipped out on this line in a single month. The largest number of cars were shipped out of the Mississippi junction vicinity, Hill City contributing the next greatest....A number of cars of carrots, cabbages, and bagas [rutabagas] also were shipped and brought considerable money to this section." (Hill City News ~ Dec. 19, 1925)"
     
  15. Bevale

    Bevale TrainBoard Member

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    Time for a bit of an update. Not much has happened on the layout front, as I am still putting the finishing touches on the room. Only a T-Bar ceiling left to go, and then it should be complete. I would post photos, but a 6'x6' empty white room isn't much to see. I would have liked to have started on the benchwork this past weekend, however, a few odd projects for my wife took priority. I promised her I wouldn't let trains get in the way (So far so good... no telling what may happen when trains are finally running though.)

    I did get around to colouring up a layout drawing to get a better feel of what I may be able to do with the scenery. I am fairly happy with it... the colours have kicked my brain into gear. As well, I have started to design the benchwork. This is still fairly preliminary. I am debating on whether or not to build it out of 3/4" plywood ripped into strips, or spring for some clear pine. I think the price tag at the lumber store may make that decision easier.

    As for everyone else, I am constantly amazed at the talent that this forum has.

    Tracy, please tell me that building is H0 scale. I can't imagine how frustrated I would get gluing on individual clap boards.
    Eric, that rooms looks great! I bet you are just itching to get some benchwork set up!
    Terry, that factory relief looks real good.

    Keep up the good work everyone, I look forward to seeing your progress!
     

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  16. Tracy McKibben

    Tracy McKibben TrainBoard Member

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    That building is Z scale... Ok, I jest... Yes, it's HO scale. I've questioned my own sanity a couple of times as it is, I wouldn't dream of doing this with anything smaller.
     
  17. Flash Blackman

    Flash Blackman TrainBoard Member

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    After deciding the location of the primary structures, I clear the area for sizing the styrene base. It's pretty much the same procedure as before.
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    Plastic base and an office.
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    Then scratchbuild some loading docks and locate them around the interchange track.
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    For the most part it is a matter of making myself just sit down and thinking it all through. The layout parties make me do that. My usual, "We will put some industry along the interchange track," just doesn't get the concept finalized and translated into concrete and steel (so-to-speak). The layout party will do that for you.
     
  18. pachyderm217

    pachyderm217 TrainBoard Member

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    Received my mirror today

    Got my front-silvered mirror in the mail today and mounted it.

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    I'm still playing with building mockups to get ideas.

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    The effect of the front-silvered mirror is amazing. With ballast against the mirror, you have to study it closely to see where the illusion begins.
     
  19. ppuinn

    ppuinn Staff Member

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    Not much more done on the Layout since I went back to work a week ago.

    I put some more groundfoam trees on the background tree flats, but I still need to adjust the height of some of the pictures so buildings look like they are more realistically positioned with respect to each other. I'm going to shift the left two buildings farther left ...or maybe just move the second building to the other side of the first one (just off the left edge of this picture where it will be partially hidden by some 3D trees).
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    I've also got a picture of a chain-link gate on one of my tree flats that is partially hidden beneath some groundfoam trees. The scene with the background tree flats and pictures alone looked fantastic...but when I put an N-scale building in front of it tonight, I realized the gate was about twice as tall as it should be to properly force perspective...so it will be replaced this week.

    When my tree flats and picture buildings are where I want them, I'll replace the cardboard road that runs along the back of the shelf with gray foamboard, and then I'll complete my lane striping.
     
  20. MOPMAN

    MOPMAN TrainBoard Member

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    It has been a while since my last update. I've installed most of the fascia around the end of the peninsula and filled in with cardboard webbing

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    The cut will have a two lane highway bridge over the top. It will also act as a scene divider from one side of the peninsula to the other.

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    I still need to install the fascia along this long edge (hopefully tonight) then I can glue the scenery base.

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    With the Plano show this weekend, I doubt that I will have time to put the first coat of plaster on but at least I don't have to worry about trains going over the edge of the layout. That was the initial goal of this project. Nothing like a layout tour (or layout party) to get things done.

    I probably won't have any further updates until next week after the train show.
     

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