Years ago, I had built a set of 3 oNetrak modules of 3ft each, picturing the Old Main Line of the B&O. In an autumn atmosphere, with yellow and red trees, the Potapsco River, and a town that looked a litte bit like Ellicot City. Most of the buildings had been scratchbuilt from pictures: some were close to the real buildings, other more a freelanced version of existing ones. Her two pictures of those old modules: Lack of space, change in interests, less motivation, it all led to the demolishing of the module set. But I kept the buildings and some of the trees, hoping for better days and a new module. In the autumn of 2018, I started with building a new module. Just one, so that saves for some lifting and carrying during exhibitions. The module measures 4ft x 1ft (122cm x 30,5cm), which gives enough space for the buildings of the previous modules. However, there is no space anymore for the Potapsco River and no space for the small railroad bridge. That means: compromises. But first, we had a move to a new house, so I had no time, energy or motivation left to do anything with the module. Yet, thanks to a promise to participate in an event in september, I've started last month with the still almost bare module. First task was laying track. Like all technical things, not my strongest point. Eventually, the track (Peco c55) was on it's place, and despite making mistakes with the wiring, it all works fine. Since I have no need for new buildings - I reuse all the old ones - the scenery should go rather quickly. I cut a street out of styrene sheet and I created with thin foam a slope on which I glued down the styrene. The sidewalks are also styreen sheet, but with a tile structure. Today, I made the hills out of foam (we use it for isolation), which makes a mess of the living room by the way....... The gypsum rocks are drying in the rubber mold. When dry, I will gue them to the hills.
That's very nice Thieu, with a beautiful setting and theme. If I ever have the space to do it, I'd love to work a layout with roughly parallel old and new mains, a la the B&O's Magnolia Cutoff or DL&W's Lackawanna Cutoff with twisty curves on the old and soaring viaducts and straight tangents on the new. Your module captures the Old Road look so well.
I thought that said "Old Man Line." I figured that's good for me so I clicked on it. Being a B&O guy, I'm glad I did. Those are great scenes.
Thanks! I hope to get it as good as the previous modules. At least are the buildings the same. In the meantime, I have glued the rocks to the foam, and put some modelling clay around the rock outcroppings. I needed to glue some styrene strips under the walls of the buildings, to level them with the sidewalks. The business district of Ellicot Hills is rather small, with just 3 shops, but it goes further behind the hill, of course. I have modelled the depot after the original one in Woodstock (MD). That's a B&O depot, but on the 'wrong' line. However, it was exactly what I needed. I used pictures like this one to make my own version of the building:
And that's exactly why I do it that way On too many layouts I see the tracks, roads and buildings parallel or squared towards each other or the edges of the layout. It makes it a little bit dull and unnatural. And especially with older buildings which stood there before the tracks appeared, it is not logical to put them squared to the tracks. There was no serious city planning involved. It also helps to incorporate hills: they force you to follow the terrain and give the roads a more natural course.
Your buildings look great, Thieu!!! And the layout is progressing well, keep up the good work. N scale is the best. Joe
All the rocks are in place now, and I have put a layer of modelling clay around them. Next step will be painting the rocks. I have also built a platform at the depot. I decided to go for bricks. Around the platform, there is a line of natural stones (well, some thick styrene strips in which I carved the stones...). Since the track isn't straight, it wasn't very easy to make the platform, but I think it looks OK. The small building left from the middle has a wooden fence (also styrene...). I have scratchbuilt that house many years ago, with the coachmans house of Hayfields Farm (Baltimore County) as the example.
Painting the soil in a basic brown. The first grey ballast has been glued down. The outhouse is in the garden, ready for someone to use it.
I have no problem with scratchbuilding houses, but I can't handle laser cut kits..... Even this small one - a set of 4 rail end bumpers - gives me a headache. I prefer the plastic bumpers from Walthers, but it is difficult to find a set, so I ordered a set made by Osborn Model Kits. The set includes parts for 4 bumpers. But when I tried to get the parts out of the wooden sheet, one of the parts brook in half. Hm. Luckily, I only need two bumpers. After some cursing, I managed to glue the parts together and create two bumpers. After the glue has set, I painted them red. And yes, one of the bumpers just broke when I touched it with the brush...... Pffff....... Imagine what happens when a boxcar is parked against these things....... The broken bumper will be put on the track behind the factory.
I'm with you. Some things should never be made in laser cut wood. The parts I dread the most are windows and door frames. BTW....the module is looking great
Made some new autumn trees. I managed to salvage some from the previous module, but I need more trees. I took the picture in the evening, so the colours on the picture do not look as bright as are in real life. Hopefully, they will keep their leaves for years to come.
The trees have been planted on the module. Now I have to add some bushes, grass and other stuff, to diminish the rather clean look of this small autumn forest.
I have added groundfoam and small bushes, and dots of grass. It gives the landscape a more finished look. Putting the yellow lines in front of the crossing didn't go very well.....I used masking tape, but it didn't stop the watery paint from running under the tape..... So, the result was a yellow flood on the street....... I had to paint the polluted street with dark grey again to correct the problems.
As you can see, I am also busy with installing telephone lines...... I have done this before on a small Japanese layout and a German Christmas layout, but this is the first time I use it on a module. Problably not a smart move, these lines on a train exhibition with many operators and their clumpsy hands and sleeves..... But real lines look so much better!
Thieu, your buildings and scenery are fantastic!!! The module is coming along nicely. Keep up the good work. Thanks for posting. Joe