Howdy, Stranger!
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Categories
- 955 All Categories
- 3 Picture Posting and Resizing
- 56 New Member Introductions
- 115 Off-Topic Forum
- 4 Photography
- 2 Resources
- 16 New Product Information
- 167 The SierraWest Forum
- 9 Brett's Blog
- 119 General News & Ramblings
- 3 Re-Release Information
- 6 Q & A about SierraWest
- 9 What Would You Like to See?
- 384 Builds
- 140 HO Scale Builds
- 165 O Scale Builds
- 60 Finished SW Build Pics
- 14 Miscellaneous Builds
- 190 Techniques
- 19 Working with Wood
- 20 Painting Castings
- 5 Masonry
- 23 Scenery
- 37 Tools and Supplies
- 21 Layout Planning & Building
- 40 Miscellaneous
- 24 Prototype Information
- 22 Reference and Research
Comments
When we last got together, I was headed to the back of the layout. I finished that part and installed a double cross-over switch so trains could easily switch between the two main lines. I had to do a lot of research into wiring the frogs of this complicated switch because it has more frogs than a swamp in Louisiana.
Once I finished that I moved to the last corner which will bring the track into the timber cutting area. By this time, the timber line has climbed 9 inches.
I am going to delay finishing the timber cutting area until I have the lower tracks working properly. This is probably the toughest part of building a layout - making the trains run smoothly. Basically you have to run a variety of trains over the layout to make sure there are no problem areas. Believe me - it's a lot easier to fix a problem now, then after you start the scenery. Well, I had a major problem in one of my key junction areas where I had an increase in elevation. I had created a major "dip" which was causing all sorts of problems. Therefore, I had to re-engineer the area, rip out what I had done and redo the area.
The re-engineering worked and I avoided a major problem with my railroad. Now, I'm concentrating on powering all the frogs (insures smoother running) and hooking up the Barrett touch toggles. Below is a picture of what a control panel will look like. This is a rough draft of the final product which will be professionally done with my railroad decal (in development). Let me tell you, the toggles are fantastic!!! What you are looking at is the track that goes around the Twin Mills Sawmill and onto the timber cutting support area. I will have three separate panels.
My final task now is to do a major cleanup and properly label all my wiring. Below is a picture of the layout as it is today. Thanks for stopping in. Phil
It looks like you are making really good progress. I look forward to getting to this point also. How are you bridging the entry aisleway? Drop in, Swing, or gate?
Keep up the good work.
Mark
This was very difficult due to the increase in elevation of the track and the contemplated upper level of the timber cutting area. Once this was completed, I needed to provide Joey with the exact dimensions of the backdrop so he could create a photo backdrop that matched the elevation changes. BTW, Joey was very easy to work with and was a pleasure to deal with. I received the photo backdrops in four pieces and started the installation. BTW this is not for the faint of heart. It requires two persons and no backdrop installation is going to be perfect. I screwed up the second panel, but Joey was there to help out and sent another panel.
As you can see, the project is complete and I am pleased with the way it looks except for one joint. However, I plan to cover that joint with scenery.
I'm contemplating the next step. I need to build the upper log cutting area, but I think I'm going to install the woodcutter's shack on the layout and do some scenery. That way folks can see a part of my vision for the layout. I've got some great reference material to do this, especially Karl's Dirt, Details, and Dioramas. More to follow.
Phil
Mark
I have two of his backdrops and I know Allen has some too. I use mine for diorama photog only and I really like them. I was able to mount them by myself, however, the pieces were only a 4' run.
I would like to share a tip on how I get the foam to match the area in question. First, I use packing paper as a template. I put the paper in place and hold it with pins. I slowly work around the edges and mark or cut as is needed.
Once I have the paper template properly cut, I pin it on a piece of foam and mark the edges.
I then use a sabre saw to cut out the foam and it is ready to put in place. As you can see, I used this technique to place the pieces around the shack. The hole you notice is for the lights to the shack. I plan to run a 12v power bus around the layout to provide power to all the buildings.
I did a little cutting and sanding and once I'm satisfied with the results, I glue the pieces in place. The next step will be to create a road to the shack and fine tune the topography.
Phil
Nice work
I do have a question - should I go ahead and paint the rocks before I start on the application of the dirt? Logic would dictate that I would but I would love your opinion. I've also been studying Karl's Dirt, Details and Dioramas and will be following it to lay down the base layer of dirt and application of the details.
Thanks for following. Phil
Karl. A