Happy New Year All, Spent the first day of the year (first Workshop Wednesday) assembling the layout sections from Weir City out to the MoPac interchange in order to work on some scenery details and further work out where to place various structures. Also working on an operating scheme for this much of the layout and where to have off-spots, etc., in order to turn trains. Picture shows without the MoPac Interchange attached, as I needed to pull the car into the other side of the garage. You can see that Weir City has track down and ballast, but still needs more scenery. This afternoon and this evening, I am working on paving (dirting) the remaining roads including Main Street in Weir. I am also going to pull up some of the static grass just beyond the locomotive in order to put the Long-Bell lumber on that site. It would have been on the opposite corner of the Main Street / Frisco intersection, but space constraints are pushing this deviation. Structures are not any sort of final configuration, only for working on spots for cars and clearances for turning locomotive and other moves. One thing I am considering is adding another ~3ft section on the end nearest in the photo. This would add to the small spur on the near right for the Weir brickyard. Trying to find a photo and dates for this industry, that made bricks up until around 1990 or so. It would also give a bit more length to the main for switching. You can also see the pink foam against the wall and some plywood. The plan is to begin the re-construction of the Lightning Creek Mine area (gave the old one away), to permit a better fit in the garage. More to come on that front as the weather permits.... Take Care All, -Bob T.
Not Wednesday like normal but.... still working on the yard spotter. It got a motor in it, chassis is plumbed and wired for the most part. Body is pretty close. Hopefully cut some windows tomorrow. Then get the body mounted. Its getting closer anyway. Still lots to do but progress. Lots of brakedust on the backside, valve stems on the front of rear wheelsets.
I have been putting together another diorama for pics of finished projects. Its not done yet but I took a few practice shots in the driveway. Pics will look better when I have some more space behind the scene. Don 4162 is looking great.
Thanks guys. Yeah we had real snow blowing around. I had to make it quick in the driveway to avoid soaking the models, camera and me. I'll get some better ones taken as soon as I can. There are a few more things to do to the diorama first too.
I will say you did a great job putting the snow down. I like the flat scenes the best, the first and third. I have seen lots of railroad snow, nothing like a heavy wet, Spring snow, up the line west of Rolla. Great job, Great memory for me.
Don - You are a master. 4162 looks great. Brass 4100's are few and far in between! Steve - Brrrr! Looks like real snow. What did you use for snow, and how did you lay it down so realistically? Nice job! K
Thanks Ken and Bill. Ken the bulk of that snow is just Woodland Scenics. But I sprinkled a little Hudson and Allen snow on that. They are an old military diorama supplier. There snow as reflective crystals so they had a frosty look. Bill glad you guys enjoyed the scene . Anyone who has made a living outdoors can feel it when they look I hope! There will be more. The caboose was from Bob, the SD 45 from Ken. Thanks again
Sure feel sorry for that conductor back there walking in the cold wind and snow, makes me feel a little colder too. Think I will put the side wall heater on high for a bit.
Was hoping for some snow on this scene, but it was sunny and 74 outside in San Antonio..... Dang, will this winter never end?