Hi everyone! I hope you are all having fun with your layouts. For awhile I had taken a little break from mine. I got engaged to my girlfriend (whom I've known since 5th grade and who I currently live with), and also I switched from eye glasses to contact lenses, which really has nothing to do with anything, it's just something I've always wanted to try. Anywho, here's some pictures of my layout that hopefully aren't too redundant, because I have a small layout so my posts usually picture the same things, just at different stages. Here's a little detail I added based on some prototypes I've noticed in my area. I'm not exactly sure what all the parts are or what hooks up to what & where, but I'm not sure I even really care. I just like to have fun with things and not worry too much about accuracy (example- my grain elevator is an older type not in use these days, but I liked the style so I went with it anyway!). I think I'm basically done with the elevator now. It could be better, but I think it'll do. I've got plenty more pictures of this on my website if you're interested. The sunset picture had quite a few digital enhancements done to it, but they only adjusted color and what not. The actual model in real life is as pictured. Here is the tunnel portal that has been giving me the most trouble. Nothing was fitting together correctly, and I didn't know how to make it look right. Last night I just dove right in and got it done, although I still plan to add a few details. I had to sort of cheat by simply gluing ground foam to the vertical wall to the left of the tunnel portal on the edge of the layout. I didn't leave enough room to make rocks. Hopefully though you didn't notice this until I pointed it out The skatepark is almost complete! So close. Now I just need some skaters! Here's some trees that I have added. They look ok, but it was a heck of a mess trying to make them. I think I'll buy some pre-made trees and just spice them up for the rest of the layout. Here's an overview to show where the layout stands currently. It's coming, but it's a slow process. That's it for now! Have a good day
I love those detail pics, Dave!! I agree with Pete, that you have a great eye for color. Almost felt like I was standing next to a real RR I really like to follow progress of model RR's in progress. Thanks for posting these, and your previous ones. BTW, do skaters have to wear kneepads and helmets in your skate park? Best...Larry
Pete & Larry- thanks for the comments! Larry- they don't have to wear any sort of protective gear (this reminds me that I still have to make some signage for the skatepark). It is of course recommended that they wear pads & a helmet, but it is not enforced. I hate it when I go to a nice skatepark (there's one in my area like this) and you are required to wear FULL gear (including wrist guards) or else the police (who monitor the park constantly) will kick you out. That's no way to have fun. Plus in the summer it's easy to overheat wearing all that gear. Anyway, this park is hassle free. Also currently it's skater-free, but I'll add some soon
wow, your details are just so... well, detailed. Seems like you go outside, looks at the real thing and then go back home and make an exact 1:87 copy. Love the propane tank detail, Road End detail, the parking blocks details (don't know what they called), and of course the grain elevator. Outstanding work. Jesper
Dave, great to see more progress on your layout, its looking really great keep up the excellent work!
Dave, Really great work! That skate park fits right in now! Also, Congratulations on your engagement! Russ
we all get to see lots of layouts, especially here on trainboard, but it is a real pleasure to peruse a scene that; makes sense, looks good and works thematicly. You have captured a feel that's like being trackside on a real RR. A famous architect once said " God... it's in the details". Dave you've figured that out. Congratulations.
Dave congrats to your engagement! As for the layout that is terrific work you've done! I'm anxious to see it when its completed! I do want to ask tho, (being I run some large steamers) what radius is those curves you have on your layout ????? I know you said once (I think, if my memory serves me an is telling me a fib ) but I'd like to confirm it. Thats a decent looking layout for its size! Keep up the great work. and don't loose your forsight to detail! Thats great to have!
That first shot has got to be the best (actually, the only) representation of a switch heater I've ever seen on any layout! Based on what I've seen on Conrail in Indiana in 1982, it's dead-on. Very nicely done! And I hope you and your fiance stay happy and live long. Congrats on your engagement!
Well thanks for all the comments guys. It's nice to hear you think the details are looking good. On a small layout like mine it's easy to spend time on the little things. I know once I have enough room to have a good size layout, it's going to be hard to put as much time into all of the details. John- the curve radius for the main oval is 22" atlas snap track. I wish it could have been bigger, but as you can see, it gets right up on the edge of the layout. I had to use a curved switch on the far edge of the layout (by the tunnel) to keep a large radius around that curve. I used flextrack on the spur and the reversing loop, and I think the radius there gets down to 18" or so. I think there's a section that's even tighter (where the UP engine is on the photo above), maybe around 16" or so. I can't wait 'till I can have a large layout and run some large 6 axle engines. I totally forgot to tell you guys how I proposed to my girlfriend. It was kind of cheesy, but I put a big fake ring in a Gondola driven by a switcher engine and followed by a caboose. I had it waiting in the tunnel, and when she came in, I drove it around! It was funny. Then we went shopping and got a REAL ring
Dave, The 22inch isn't bad! I think that the tightest radius on my layout. Being I run articulated steam an large diesels I had to have a bare minimum... I run loco's are 15 inches plus in length so.... and the 22 is what I sat my minimum too. I think I got places that it gets around 30 inch radius.... but it hovers right around 24 to 26 inch radius otherwise... Being the size of your layout I was wondering. its very elaborate for its size an was wondering what radius you had used.... Overall tho, GREAT WORK! Look forwards in seeing more of it as time progresses!
