I’ve been using spackle to fill the seams and holes. I like spackle because I can sand it smooth and vacuum the dust. Caulk would work but I don’t think it can be sanded.
Thanks in2tech. I’m planning on visiting my local train store tomorrow to pick up some track for the new section so I’ll have an update soon. I have no plans to expand beyond the U shape. I’ll be 75 in January so duck unders are a no-no and I’m not a fan of lift up or lift out sections. Like you, I want to walk into the room, throw the switch to power the layout and run trains.
The addition is done and track is laid. I can run trains now. I’m not sure what I’m going to do with it but I have a couple of ideas to get started with. I’m thinking of adding 2 industrial spurs and a river like this I’m also thinking of fitting cattle in. Ranching is big in Florida. On a different note, I bought a bulkhead flat and a runner pack of Ortner hoppers.
The "U" plan definitely the way to go. Congrats on ability to run trains! The 2 bridges work in nicely especially if you add a river. Curious... How high are the bridges above grade? What is the approximate track length from the 1st Woodland riser to the beginning of the bridge? The cars look nice. Planning on making more pipe loads?
Thanks Mark. I’m running a couple of trains as I type. The bridges are a half inch above grade. There are no mountains or valleys in Florida but it’s not dead flat either. I think a little change of elevation adds interest. The WS 2% incline starters are 24” long. I’m going to raise the ground to close to track level. The bottom of the river will be the pink foam or maybe I’ll dig into the foam a little for more depth. Yes, another pipe load for the bulkhead flat car and either sand or gravel loads for the hoppers.
Very nice; I like the river and bridges/trestles. You could use a piece of 1/2" foam board to raise the whole layout on the near side of the river. That gives the river two different bank heights, with a short bluff on the near side, for a little more interest. Even Florida has some terrain! That will also make it easier to add sidings for industries where you've indicated. And they'd be up, out of the "flood plain."
Thanks Andy. I’m planning on using half inch foam on the side with the planned spurs. Right now I’m trying to imagine how the addition can be scenicked.
I like your sketch showing two industry sidings, one on each side of the bend. That leaves some room for a creek that cuts through the elevated terrain, and enters the main river. You could use a pair of side-by-side Unitrack curved viaducts for a rail bridge across the creek somewhere along the front end.
DeaconKC painted a curved viaduct housing black on his layout, to make it look more like a typical iron bridge. You could do that where the creek passes under the tracks at the front end of that peninsula.
Awesome we have an extension and new track, yeah. Can we get a NEW shot of the entire layout please. like kind of a drone shot? I like seeing wide shots of larger layouts. Great work and digging the risers too. BTW, notice you really like those bulkhead flat cars too. You even have an MRL one like mine are. I really, really like those cars and they run great for me. And super happy I ordered the extra MT pipe loads too, as they are heavy. Worth every penny I paid for them, which wasn't much
Yup, I really like bulkhead flat cars. I think they’re way cool and making the pipe loads for them is easy and fun. This is the best I can do tonight. I’ll try getting on a step stool tomorrow to see if I can get a better overall picture.
Perfect, be careful on the step stool. Don't want you to get hurt taking a picture Looks awesome! Lot's of track for those bulkhead flat cars to run on
Nice view! But it reveals the long reach back into the corner at right... I would increase the radius of that right rear corner curve pair to 13.75R/15R, or split it into two 45 degree curves with a straight section in between, to cut across that corner. The largest radius Unitrack double-track curve pairs are super-elevated, which would look nice in that corner too. I really wish Kato would come out with the doubletrack-spaced complements (33 mm radius increments) for their R19 and R28 curves. They have R17 and R19 bridge curves, but not ground level. Maybe you change that back curve into a low bridge, extending the elevated track at right back into that corner?
Thanks in2tech. I tried taking a photo while standing on the step stool but it wasn’t any better than the one I posted last night. I’m going to do a layout video series on my layout taking it from pink foam to finished. I’ll do episode one fairly soon and future episodes as I make progress. You’ll be able to see the whole layout in the first episode.
Thanks Richard. I’m not sure what I want to do with it other than the river. Fortunately I'm not under a deadline so I can take my time and figure it out.
I think the river or creek might look good there. If you are feeling particularly ambitious, check out the bog scene Allen H is currently working on in his "The Little Rock Line" thread. It has inspired me to look into trying something myself.
I’ve been following Allen’s thread. His bog has me thinking. I’m going to do a little research on Florida wetlands.
Thanks for the suggestion, Andy. I like the idea of breaking the curve into two 45 degree curves. That would make getting to a derailed train easier plus it would make more room for scenery in the corner. I can’t reach the corner but with this lightweight stool I can reach the back.
