Great thread, Jerry. You have come a long way with the remodeling of the layout. I know what you have been going through because I have recently redone some HO modules...converting them to N scale. At one time I had 18 modules in my HO layout. I gave 12 of the modules to a school group. (They later found their way into a club layout, I think.) The remaining six modules I converted to N scale. Some discussions and pictures showing the results of the process, and some other upgrades can be seen in my blog and in my Railimages album. Most of my modules have two mainlines and it is possible to run two trains mindlessly on the 16' x 32' layout. I have 4 DCC throttles, so I suppose it is possible to run up to 8 trains. I often run as many as 4 trains without too much trouble as long as I pay attention to what I am doing.
Looks great Jerry! Heres something i did with my conrail layout. ive been on a tight budget for some time too, so i took a pair of Model Power Brand Overhead Signal Bridges and rearranged the signal heads to make this an Absolute signal Bridge. The signal bridge had been set up for Intermediate signals. I also painted it silver, it had been black. It now looks like a modern signal bridge and it only cost less then $10 bucks!
Thanks all! Operationally and visually it is a 'new' layout. Work on the steel mill and yard sections is still on-going, so more on those later. Tonight after it cooled some I finished the main road and the other stations parking lot. (I say cooled....from 95 degrees to about 90! LOL)
You did a really good job, IMHO, on the painted trees in the back drop. It looks like you may have used lychen dipped in paint an "sponged" the trees? Yougot just enough paint on the backdrop that it gives the illusion of daylight through the tree's folliage. Reguardless of the technique, they look good.
I used some kind of 'sea' sponge that came in a net bag in the craft section in Hobby Lobby. It has several different sizes and patterns for about $3.
Here's a video of the work we have been doing. You can see some unfinished areas, mainly the steel mill section, but the main layout is about 90% done. (By done I mean ready for 'super detailing'. ) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WObilFI6QPg
Very nice, Jerry. I appreciate that you backed off and showed an overview for the latter part of the video. It shows an overall picture of how things fit together, and gives me ideas for my next few plunges into the scenic unknown....thanks. Near the end of the video there appears to be another layout in the background...yes/no?
LAYOUT You know...for an Alabama based club there sure was a lot of UP power on that video.... I know the guy shooting it was a guest but the other train running while he shot it was UP as well.
Jerry, You and the other guys have the layout nicely rehabbed! It is looking really good! Can't wait to see what you do with the steel mill. Glenn
The last couple months have been very busy. Taking care of our grandson on weekends and working and just life in general! Not complaining by no means, but it does get into the model railroading time! (Both on this club layout, and my own.) Been doing more as I can on the clubs layout to get it ready for the show in Dec in Birmingham. One set back was a mouse that decided to use all the new poly fiber bushes on the layout......but a sticky trap got that taken care of the other night. Have gotten the scrap yard done, and the yard leads done as well as a servicing area. Steel Mill work continues and so does the main yard. Pictures to come......
