That last one sounds too much like a job. Fun perhaps, but there's a reason I retired: I didn't need to work anymore, so it was time to play again! There are parts of my career I miss, but not enough to put up with the rest of it.
Progress Paint and track on 2/4ths of layout done. I'm not satisfied with the paint colors and will do some testing and get back to it. Train run, well, OK, Kata steeple cab run to test track. Track support for the bullet trains will change. Freight line will remain save that passing sidings will be extended / added. Grey and Grandure, (first 6"s will change) Working on a more accurate track plan.
Current *completed* track plan. Sections 3 and 4. Green indicates area serviced by the Grey and Grandure but track is still abstracted. The area in the upper right corner could see significant scenic changes or modular content swapped out for various reasons.
Side and Front Views Showing Construction Foam Mounted on Cabinets Scale: 10pixles = 1inch Side View: Leg, (Made of foam); Stacked layers of foam, (2" thick) and support for bullet train line. Front View: Two Cabinets with Doors and Bridge Design Cabinets: 44"W x 27"H, x 11"D I mostly did this for myself to get an idea of the proportions. I have done a 'test' of the bridge design on the previous version of the GandG. I'll be doing a separate thread when I have something to show for it.
I have a actual track plan to scale for those who are interested: This is done in MS Paint. Location of 'Plan #4 may be moved up about 2 to 3 feet. I'm tempted to make a loop there or on the far right but? Probably not. The rule is: Keep it simple Get track down Build mountains Run trains
First train runs on the 'Grey and Grandure 2021' There are small changes to the upper East Southeast. I will be changing the trackplan drawing soon as the upper left corner is not accurate.
Quick Update: Bullet Train: Track 'finished' but needs more testing Main Line: Needs view blacks and such but track works great. The 10 month old grandson loves it. Grey and Grandure: Track in place and interchange with Main Line working. More testing for the line needs doing. Birthday Hedge: Marking at 8AM (exactly), on the day between my wife's birthday, (Nov 16), and my grandson's, (Nov 18). I will mark other birthdays and the Soltice / Equinox. The pegs will be replaced by um, something. I'm open to suggestions.
I will be taking down the Shinkasen line. Sigh, bit off more than I feel I can chew. Well, maybe I lost sight of my goal or purpose. Current Focus Will be Scenery * Learning to build mountains * Getting colors 'right' * Assembling a few plastic building kits, (from Outland), I have been given * Continuing with my Cardstock Structures * Planning the future layout * Using up my extensive scrap box - dates back to high school * Selling off most of my superfluous rolling stock and locomotives. * Maybe if I'm so inclined I might do a tiny bit of extra wiring. I still intend to include a Shinkasen line in the future location.
@Jim Reising Yes, that is 'Rule #1'. Thanks for the remainder. ☻ I wanted this bridge but it will have to wait: The design / construction of the bridge is my own and it would have been beautiful against that blank wall. Oh well, 'The best laid track of dreamers and designers☻'
View attachment 244821 Update: Shinkansen line was taken down. It was just taking up too much room and time. After its removal I realized I could run my Shinkansen if I broaded the curve at the Southeastern end of the Main Line: This also gave me access to the hill in that corner and a chance to show how it could be swapped out for : Access to the area behind it Swapping out for other terrain such as city, town or? The trees are being used as 'positioning' markers but I will be putting in a couple of loose fitting pets. Note: Beyond the hill semi-hiddent short staging To the left front Shinkasen storage / terminal Note the increased radious. Will be an interesting challenge to make the area look right.
Bison and Long Horn Cattle Painted by my step daughter: Sylvia has *never* seen bison or *ever* painted something this small. They are less than 1" long. 3D printed by 'miniprints.com', (a Canadian company). I have about 20 of their pieces ranging from 'The Headless Horseman' to beavers, great white sharks and bears / cougers / big horn sheep etc. White spects are shiny terain. I'm open to suggestions on how to suppress it. These are mounted on green cardstock with white glue mixed with green paint.
I realize they are not *realistic* colors for Bison. Apparently there is something in the Grandure Valley environment that causes it. Oh, and she got 3 colors on each beast.
I would have liked to see more color from the Hereford Thoroughbreds I had to raise in my youth. Richard