This is probably about as "done" as this module is going to get. I've already pulled the existing (unsceniced) module out of the layout and will be installing this and running trains shortly.
Thanks for the kind comments. Paul - the next module will be a four foot straight (the earlier module in this thread was a six footer). I'm planning to include a single or double crossover using Atlas code 55 #10 switches, tortoise switch motors and DCC control. I don't anticipate much in the way of scenery.
(note: the following photos are of marginal quality due to the difficulty encountered when trying to take a panoramic view of the top side of a six foot shelf in a poorly lit room.) That said, here are a few shots of the two modules covered in this thread connected and in operation. Those "backdrops" are possibly the cheapest and quickest way to get something remotely resembling sky behind a section of track. A quick trip to home depot yields a sheet or two of that 4 x 8 masonite with the white finish (can't remember the name) ripped into 2' x 8' strips. Three cans of cheap spray paint (blue, grey and white) and in less than an hour you're no longer looking at a cottage white "sky." But I digress.... Here's the long view (about 6 - 8 feet) showing the six foot straight module mated with the corner module: Here's a closer shot showing how the two modules blend together. The joint is right in front of the Mikado's pilot. asdf Here's a close up. I'm sure that I could blend the scenery together a bit more, but this isn't bad for about 30 minutes work. I just added a bit of Aileen's tacky glue over the "crack" and sprinkled on some more turf. A note about those connecting tracks. Earlier in the thread I posted photos of connecting tracks formed from two pieces of code 55 rail with a short (two ties) section of tie strip in the middle. The joint in the following photo is even more austere. The connecting rails are held only by the rail joiners at each end. As previously, they are precisely cut (measured using a dial caliper, cut and filed to exact length) and then just inserted into the gap. The ties and ballast underneath were part of the original track on each module that the rails were cut and removed from. So far the performance is perfect.
Great work, Norseman! I was born in southern Illinois, and you've really captured the open feel of the countryside and roads there. I love the overpass!
Since I'm starting a new module (finally), I decided to resurrect this thread. The new module will stretch the boundaries a bit. It will be a "double module," combining one of my corner configurations with a 4 foot straight module. The main driver for this is that I've decided to incorporate a small yard into my layout, and it will just be less work (less electrical interconnects, less module track joints, etc.) by eliminating one module interface. Here's the basic track plan. This will be equipped with Atlas code 55 #10 turnouts and tortoise switch machines. I haven't had a turnout on a layout since my last UniTrack layout. I chose Atlas code 55 as my current track standard in anticipation of the longer switches, and from what I've seen so far, they won't disappoint. :thumbs_up: Here's this afternoon's start on the module. "Benchwork" on these modules is extremely quick and simple. That RC Truck has nothing to do with the layout, but it is a good example of the kind of thing you can acquire when your 20 year old son finally cleans out his closet. A lot of fun while taking a break from all that sawing and cutting..... Stay tuned for more progress as that great long Memorial day weekend occurs next week.
I'm delighted to see that you've revived this thread. Looking forward to following along again! Boxcab E50
WOW!! That is astounding! The overpass looks so real!! Great thread keep it going I might use this to make a layout of my own!!!:tb-tongue:
Thank you so much for this thread. I think this will be the route I go to build my layout here in a year or two. I have a "prototype" already considered that will fit well into this style as none of the spur tracks are very deep and can be done in the corner sections like you have.
I hope everyone is enjoying the memorial day weekend. Here in Arizona, we've had great weather (60 degrees with rain showers is a welcome relief from sunny 100+ degree weather). The Sahuaro in the front yard is in full bloom. The next step was glueing the dimensional MDF pieces to the module top. An old S10 pickup makes a handy platform. A lesson learned; Liquid Nails panel adhesive is a much better product than that Loctite brand PA shown in the photo. It's in the hazardous waste pile and I'll be back to Liquid Nails from now on. Here's a shot of the finished product sitting next to a similar, unfinished 6' straight section (reference page one of this thread). These are the two sections that will ultimately provide the complete yard, with ladders at both end. Because of all the switches and more complex wiring, I've decided to build a more elaborate "control panel" into the front face of the corner section. Here's a heavy aluminum panel section that I was able to find at a local electronics supply shop. I'll mount that into a recess in the 1/4" masonite facia board and provide a large cutout in the 1" x 4" MDF piece. A few thoughts about my electrical approach. I haven't gotten started on DCC yet but have made all of my modules "DCC friendly" (large gauge buss wires, frequent feeders, etc.) I fully intend to install DCC decoders into some of my motive power, but will always allow for conventional DC operation as well. Unlike some, I enjoy the electrical aspects of the hobby (developing scematics, block wiring, soldering, etc.) and much prefer working a panel laden with DPDT switches and indicator lamps than calling up a set of stationary decoders to align turnouts, etc. That's just me. I work with computers too much, and find enjoyment in the more traditional electrical approaches. That said, the panel on this module will include two DPDT master switches that with a single flip will switch the outer loop, inner loop or both from my conventional DC packs to a yet to be acquired DCC system. I'll cover more of the electrical approach as this module progresses. Thanks for tuning in and, as always, I really appreciate the postive feedback from many.
So, You're pretty much my hero/inspiration/etc... Your layout is very impressive and i'm starting to use some of your techniques in my own! Keep the updates coming. /me subscribes.
Alright! Looking forward to more progress! Your progress shots are excellent and it's fun seeing whats next. Keep them coming!
Thanks gentlemen! Here are a few photos of the latest progress. Nothing too spectacular; just a bit of work on the control panel that will be built into the facia of this module. Here's one showing the cutout in the 1 x 4 MDF with a sheet of 1/4" masonite glued in place. I've primed that aluminum panel plate and applied a coat of glossy white appliance epoxy to it. I'll use pinstripe tape to make the track outlines and overspray with flat black. This photo shows the panel plate installed with four socket head cap screws with black plastic washers.
