"Shoofly" Free-moN module (2'x6')

I don't know if an engine would clear the upper portal of that tunnel...

 

A MOW train might not, but a MAW train would

The water is cured, so I might add a few Gloss Modge Podge ripples here & there.

Also finished the rail crane dedicated to the bridge build:



While the kit had some nice castings, it was obvious from the directions that the N scale kit got shortchanged moocho on a lot of details, so I had to add a lot.



Looks like I need a bit more weathering (though in person it doesn't look as "fresh").

So here's the whole construction scene so far:



I'll try to get the whole module outside tomorrow for some "final" photos, but it's supposed to start dumping rain tonight and go throughout the weekend, so we'll see.

Any other nifty detail suggestions appreciated!

Thanks for looking.

 

That's me!

Raining today so best I could do was haul the module as close to the open garage door as possible for some shots to show how both sections work together:









Lots of little details still to add, but it's nice to have a module "done" with most of the scenes in so I don't have to keep explaining to viewers what "will be" there.

Now to fit the endplates to it doesn't take up as much room in my car!

Thanks for looking.

 

Hi MC,

Excellent work as always. But then again, we expect nothing else from you! About the only thing I would suggest to be added to the scene would be some construction materials scattered beside the "mainline" track the crane sits on. Maybe some piles of rebar, wood, or even the girders that the trestle will eventually be made of.
I'm not sure what your intention is with regards to the actual bridge, is it supposed to be a pile trestle, girder bridge or something else? You could arrange the final components alongside the track, and let the viewer "complete" the bridge with their eyes.
Keep us updated, as the threads of your progress are always the first ones I check out!

Frank B.

 

Just had another quick thought with regards to the scene. That crane doesn't seem to be self-propelled. So how does it travel up and down the track collecting construction materials? Perhaps a run down loco of some kind could be added to the crane to help it with the work.
It's better I over-analyze this now, before some know-it-all-nine-year-old asks you these questions at the next show!

Frank

 

Or maybe even a couple cars on the siding with materials on it. You could have a flatcar with the girders on it, and a gondola with the rail and a couple bundles of ties.

Just an idea.
Ryan

 

Thanks for the suggestions.
I do still need to add a lot of small details: piles of dirt, construction material, etc.
During the last train show in Sept., I did park my wreck crane train on the siding:



But it would be groovy to have a couple of dedicated material cars there, as well as a crew cabin.

As for the propulsion for the fixed crane, I do have some WS horses still lying around waiting for a job...

 

On the importance of endplates:

I used to cart this Shoofly module around in a custom-built box:



You can see it under everything and how it takes up most of the back of my car.

The dimensions of the ply box are 28"W x 24"H x 37"D.

By attaching endplates, I can reduce the footprint to 19"W x 25"H x 37"D:





Why only 19"W? By turning the modules on their sides!
So basically I free up over 10" of space, which is more than enough for a bunch of 45 deg modules or legs or anything else!

Plus, all the scenery is totally protected within the box, which is a BIG plus, considering that most module damage occurs during transport.
After putting endplates on Effett Yard and the 45's, I'll probably be able to pack everything in my car (with seats unbolted) and not have to worry about a speedbump destroying a coaling tower or oak tree.

It's all about the packaging!

Thanks for looking.

 

Will you be at the Santa Clara GTE this weekend? Would love to see those modules in person!!

 

No, we were there back in Sept., and this week is a bit busy for many.
We might have some modules at the PCR Coast meet early Dec. in San Leandro, but that's very iffy at this point.
We'll probably be at the Richmond GTE in Jan or the WGH show in San Mateo in March.
We'll definitely be at the Iron Horse Convention early April, as most of us are presenting clinics as well

 

MC, that picture gives new meaning to "when to worlds collide"!!

Dean

 

Awesome article...as I have watched the creation of the "Shoofly" from the cutting of the first piece of wood to the finished product right here on TrainBoard

 

Yes Sir! I'd say MC has done mor eto advace Free-MO N in the US then anyone else of recent memory.