So in 2012, I purchased the woodland scenics grand valley kit, an NCE power pro (with wireless) and all of the track (code 83 sectional). I got the benchwork (4x8) done and the layout started, basically the initial board, foam, and the track inside the tunnels attached. Then unforeseen events caused me to put my project on hold and I am just now picking up where I left off. I’ve learned a lot from MRR magazine, and YouTube (shout out to Tom’s Trains and things). Most of things were intact but I have learned that broken foam doesn’t mean broken set, the damage was fixed, or patched and will be covered with scenery when that time comes. I’m by no means a professional, so please don’t be to critical, but helpful ideas are always welcome. Some have suggested that I create a thread to show my progress, and after thinking about it a bit, it might be a good idea. So I will be updating this thread with my progress. -Josh Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
So I just purchased Tapatalk so I could upload multiple pictures at a time (yeah I could have done it through browser, but I feel this was easier) Benchwork reassembled and the trackbed laid down Some of the initial plaster cloth laid down. Realized I’m going to need a lot more newspaper or support materials. Also that I should have waited to do the roadbed, live and learn. Back in 2013 I picked up a nice Proto2000 GP at a train show, when I rediscovered it the shell was Fubar so I purchased a replacement shell, modified the shell and loco to fit everything. Installed led lights for number boards, forward, and reverse lights and connected to an NCE p2ksr decoder (also from the past). Also built my own keep alive using parts from DiJikey. Tested all functions on a test track made from a bunch of EZ track I’ve acquired Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Oh one other noteworthy progress was That I tried out painting, which has always intimidated me because I tend to over think things (according to my wife, and she’s not wrong), so I did a basic paint job on this tunnel portal using only three colors, and I’m surprisingly happy with how it turned out. Thanks to all of the videos on YouTube and other modelers who showed me that it’s not about perfections. Real life things are never perfect, and I think I was able to capture that. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Made a lot of progress on forming and laying down the initial layer of plaster cloth, actually ran myself out of it so I’ve got an order in for more. I can already see that I have some clearance issues in a couple spots, but nothing my hobby knife can’t tweak Overall I’m very happy with how things are looking, and I’m having a blast doing it. I plan on going over it all with mixed plaster to layer over the cloth, that should conceal a lot of the cloth appearances, and tiny holes Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Last weekend not a lot got done on the actual layout, I was playing with my Arduino and built a DCC interpreter that turns my Arduino into a stationary decoder. This weekend however I did work the layout, got some more plaster down, laid a couple pieces of track, or at least started to. And the most fun I had was building the bridge that will go over the small stream/runoff. I’ve finished about 2/3 of the bridge, have to fit and install it, and attach the track, and a couple other minor details but I’m happy with my results for first time scratch building. Here’s some pics I took Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I spent time this week mr doing some electronics work on a Bachman 0-6-0 that I had, it is in rough shape, needs some plastic work, but I had another old decoder that I wanted to play with, so I tore it apart and played around with connecting things. I built my own keep alive and everything tests good, I think I really like the electronics part of this hobby Will post pictures of the loco once I get the replacement plastic parts Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That's what's great about this hobby - one can practice and learn all sorts of skills, old and new, and discover new talents. While building my layout, I discovered my artistic side (probably channeling my Mom). The electronics part is where I can really go into it, either as a micro-neurosurgeon on the really small stuff, or full-on mad scientist mode to create some kind of circuit that does what I want. I work in electronics so I'm no stranger to that. Goodness knows how many good practices I learned at work were applied to my layout.
So, I’ve been working on my little Bachman 0-6-0, wiring up a dcc decoder that I had previously installed in a now wrecked loco. Turns out, the dcc decoder is also trashed so I’ve ordered a replacement. Also ordered new side rods from Bachman parts website. Once I get the new (albeit cheap) decoder installed, I’ll take some pics of the loco and the ledification On a side note, I got tired of fighting with my makeshift test track, and really liked some setups I’ve seen online, so I decided to build my own! Two dpdt switches, one to each track On-off-on output to track#1 is either DCC track/OFF/Programming Track On-off output to track#2 AND a set of alligator clips is setup for DC power provided by a classic variable DC power supply Also decided to use a molex connector for the connection to the command station, pulled from a computer. Male end is connected to track (test Or actual layout) and the female is permanently attached to my NCE power pro. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Josh, I have one question in modifying the car body why did you have both the oil bath and paper air filter on the long hood, should be one or the other with on later units the paper air filter replacing the oil bath air filer. Rick Jesionowski
I’m no expert on things, so I’m not even sure what that all means at the moment, without looking it all up. I purchased the shell and simply fit it over my previously damaged loco. I then have just primed the entire thing. Before I actually get to painting, I’ll research your concerns and make changes if I really need to. At the moment, this loco is just kinda my test buddy, relatively inexpensive, so I didn’t deep dive research it like I would if I was spending 100s of dollars and all the bells and whistles If you can point me to the direction of the relevant information, much would be appreciated! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Some more progress has been made on both the layout and the 0-6-0 loco, I had a bad decoder so I replaced it with a low cost one, got it installed and found out that I still don’t have things right with the rods/pistons, they keep catching, I need to find a replacement pins that hold them onto the wheels I also got the rest of the track laid, including the bridge. Now mine you I’m not a professional, but I’m happy with the way this is coming along Few minor adjustments needed with roadbed, and I have to cut and fit some ties in the spaces, but I feel it’s looking good so far. I also have to modify some of the plaster, and give my trains clearance so they don’t crash into a mountain side haha Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
You're doing great. I'm no professional either, but I'm very satisfied with my layout. So you'll do fine.
