okay, i pulled up the cork, went to the train shop, and got started today.... im using a slightly varied version of the design i posted in the layout design discussion forum which is this one: the only changes are some slight bending of flex track (as opposed to straight) and some 12 inch and 10 inch radius instead of 9 and 11... as well as taking some liberty with flex track to make it a wee bit more realistic. here are the pics from the first night more pics to come whenever the glue dried!!! hope yall enjoy, -Rob [ 05. June 2004, 20:20: Message edited by: theskunk ]
Well, at least you have great taste in risers and hopefully scenery equipment (meaning woodland scenics) Hey, while you are at it.. why don't you go into a little detail about how those risers work and do you think they are good? I'm thinking of using those when I build my layout in HO.
Well to me, Woodland Scenics, makes everything easier! I've used their products in the past, and everything turns out so realistic!!
Oh and I might add, I was looking over your pics again. I noticed you didn't paint your table before applying any roadbed / track. I was reading somewhere, that you should paint your layout an earthtone color before adding anything to it. I can remember doing this on a 4x6 layout I started.
hmmm..... this could make things interesting..... to home depot we go!!!.... when i wake up that is.... thanks for the info! -Rob
I believe I read it in one of the Atlas books! I forget why though. I think one of the reasons is.. if you miss something when you do scenery, it won't be that noticable. I think I went with a very light light light brown color. I belive it was a shade darker then the board itself. But wait and see what everyone else says..
I have used the WS products to great avail, and so have many others. I went all out and used the foam roadbed which I was also very satisfied with. The inclines are difficult to modify and generally I would recommend designing for the grades that they provide if you plan on using them. Check out my railimages gallery Excuse my spaghetti bowl I won't put a picture of mine in your thread Rob. It looks awesome so far and I really like the trackplan in shown in the other thread. This is one of the best parts
got up early this morning and did some more glueing, came home for lunch at about 3, glue was dry, did some more laying of foam..... should be dry by the time i get home, so i can do more!!! all of the mainline foam is in place now, and i have two industries that will need risers also.... but those are still tbd..... so we shall see exactly what ends up where and how..... my goal is by sunday night to have the mainline and yard area done with track in place..... i feel that this is a realistic goal, however, i have no idea what im going to use to attach the track to the cork.... i hear glue works well.... but im a little hesitant..... any suggestions? i hear this "liquid nails" is good, but i have honestly never seen it. thanks! -Rob
Liquid nails is exactly what the name implies and I used it for some foam-foam connections but I wouldn't attach the track with it. Its really gooey and wouldnt look to good on the track itself I recommend the white glue or woodglue. Either allow the track to come up without much trouble if it needs to and are virtually invisible.
derek, do you have any curved bridges on your layout? memory serves me correctly, you do, what exactly are you using to support the track through those sections?
Well, good question. I've found that the code 55 flex can span a good 6" and still support a train all by itself. I only have two spots where I'll truly be using a curved bridge and I plan on putting a pile-trestle under one of them and on the other...shrug...when I feel inspired to design something for it. As of now, though, the track does just fine suspended in the air. I just laid it right over the gaps. I had one longer 8" or 9" span that I stuck a temporary peice of scrap something under for additional support because it was causing some problems when two locos when over it. I have a few places where tracks cross, but a bridge isn't necesary because the lower track is in a tunnel. If the clearance is too close to lay the foam WS risers etc for the upper track, I improvise with a peice of cardboard or something to help support the track.
good deal i have my foam all the way in and dry, so now im just push pinning in cork on the risers and remembering where i meant to put in switches hopefully ill actually lay some track tomorrow!!! im all excited now thanks for all the input, its always welcome. -Rob
made lots of progress since i last had access to the digital camera.... all of the mainline and lower yard area cork is in, although i havent quite figured out the upper yard or passing track yet. a lot of the track is in or in the process of going in.... and no, i didnt stick to the original plan, but i think this one works just as well. please post comments on what you guys think! hope yall enjoy: -Rob
Wow. When you get going, you really make progress. I need some inspiration to get going on my home layout one of these days. Keep it up please.
hahaha, yeah, that was the 4 am snack that i decided i "needed" when i started glueing again on another note, as of right now, 12:40, the mainline is done pending 3 more switches that are on order. i have made a train all the way around and not derailed!!! later guys, -Rob