N Scale HCD Layout Progress

UP_Challenger3985 Apr 27, 2015

  1. UP_Challenger3985

    UP_Challenger3985 TrainBoard Member

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    About a month after we moved into the new house, I finally had some time to get the layout set up again. The fiance was a great helper, as always :). Here it is, in its new home, a 13x14 ft room in the basement. I'll likely move it, but I have some wiring to do, so I figured I would leave it for now.

    I was able to run a train around the outer loop and spotted no immediate issues.

    Photo Jul 04, 4 50 30 PM.jpg
     
    JoeTodd likes this.
  2. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Cool. Able to run something. That is always a big plus for enthusiasm.
     
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  3. UP_Challenger3985

    UP_Challenger3985 TrainBoard Member

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    On Sunday, I started assembling the "Central Gas and Supply" kit that I've had for a couple months now. Of course, I forgot to take a photo. It seems that the kit is going to be much harder to complete than the picture led to believe. The instructions for the piping aren't very detailed, but perhaps that's because you're supposed to be creative?

    Next on the agenda is to finish installing the remaining Caboose Hobbies ground throws. Most of them will be quick, but a few of them will be tricky. I will have to use brass rod to go under the track and to the other side - this has proven to be rather difficult! I also would like to get the reverse loop module installed this week as well.
     
  4. UP_Challenger3985

    UP_Challenger3985 TrainBoard Member

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    Yikes, it's been a while since I posted an update. Though, progress has been slow due to wedding (last October), lots of house stuff and being busy with work.

    Lately, I've been playing with scenery in certain parts of the layout since all the track is laid. Here are a few shots:

    Scenery around the mill, including the first of track ballast (wasn't planned, but decided to try it)


    And from a while ago, the start of the pond. The tan area will be sand. Still need to pour the resin for the water.
     
  5. Thieu

    Thieu TrainBoard Member

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    Blue for the pond? Avoid blue, since water is not blue (unless you model the Mediterranean Sea).
     
  6. Backshop

    Backshop TrainBoard Member

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    Rather late advice now, but if one has plans to make a bigger layout after his first attempt, putting in one or two tracks that run off the edge of the layout. This gives the option of incorporating the original layout into the bigger one later, and saves scrapping, etc. Plus the modeler has a whole section of the new layout already finished.
    Care must be used to plan the extension tracks, so they come out on a side where an addition can be easily and securely attached.
     
  7. JMaurer1

    JMaurer1 TrainBoard Member

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    It's never too late...I agree, add a track off of both sides of the layout. Currently they can be an 'interchange track' but in the future they can connect to a larger layout.

    Most ponds are not blue (unless it's a 'cement pond'), Go with a dark murky color: brown, grey, black.
     
  8. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Also, consider some green hues.
     
  9. UP_Challenger3985

    UP_Challenger3985 TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks guys! This is actually a great idea. I wasn't sure if my next layout would be an extension of this one, or a complete new one. I can see this allowing me to expand "easily." I'll give it some thought on as to which corner(s) to do this on!

    I decided after @Thieu's comments and talking with a friend to forgo the blue and going to paint the brown over that. Any ideas how I could add some green in there easily?

    Thanks all!
     
  10. Thieu

    Thieu TrainBoard Member

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    Add some green to the brown, and use that along the edges of the pond. Make the middle of the pond a little bit darker, since it will be deeper there.
     

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