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Jim, Definitely time to down size. That is what this thread is mostly about. Many, like me, are restrained by lack of space and money. I've tried to get this across and have offered alternatives to build smaller and cheaper. Trust me if I had the money I would plunk it down on those Bragdon resin cliffs instead of my lame rock work and rock substitutes. Next layout will probably be a 4'x6' table in the middle of my trainroom with a 'race track' oval and maybe one turnout. This is my last bedroom size layout.
Any\d speaking of the last layout here's the latest photo. This is at the left end of the bridges coming out of the hill that was presented with plaster cloth a few pages back. The terrain should look drier. This photo is pretty much complete building wise. Jim
Jim, there are many reasons for model railroading. We know why we do it I think. I know why I am so interested in returning to it. In my case I want the activity and the return to something fun. While not "strong" anymore I do have periods every day when I'd like to devote myself to creating something pleasing. Trains have always been pleasing.
You have a wonderful skill, and aptitude. You build railroads quick and beautiful. You have visions while others plan and fret. You are gifted wih something simple, that you amplify by sharing with others and that's wonderous. I'm not sure yet what my "skill" will be. I am hopeful that it will continue to be as much fun as it is now. Keep writing your journal Jim, it's important.
Sherrel, I admit the original kit version of this Climax is not the best looking loco. But, mine is a very much different bash than the kit. I only wish I could motorize this one. Jim
Jim, did not realize this was a kit and that it was un-powered.
I know that there is a prototype for it, but it's still just plain ugly; no amount of lipstick will make it look any better!
Locomotives are supposed to have big wheels .. LOL.
Sherrel, I cut half of this loco away and rebuilt the back half. I like it.
Here is a photo showing progress on the layout to date. It also shows how I work. I'm not too tidy, but in the end I seem to sort through the mess and get results. Eventually this side will have to be cleared and I will bring in a small folding table to hold all the junk. Also, this photo shows how small the PCM&T Southern Division really is. And it is larger than all my previous layouts! Jim
Thanks Toot, I found a maker of these trucks. The cars I have on the layout is their brand. I find that Dull Coat and some weathering powders are needed to age them, especially in the climate I'm modeling this time around. Not much rain so no 'clean' cars.
Sherrel, Yes, the angels are singing. The trestle will be 36 inches long. Not really very high but it will be old and rundown much like the turntable. Symmetry? Jim
I've mentioned before how I photograph most everything on the layout and study the pics. Most times problems/flaws jump out and I can then go back and fix them up. Photos show us much more of our layouts that we can "see" with our own eyes. One glaring, no pun intended, is the lack of glass windows in the caboose. I just forgot about that job, now I will have to do it! I'm sure there are errors in the trestle, but I'm pretty much okay with it. See if you can find any. Also, having fun with photos by setting up the scene is a way to hide flaws. Jim
Sense you graciously sort of hid "Miss Piggy" ( LOL ) ... I'm having a hard time finding flaws.
When you glaze the windows, you might paint a little soot on the smoke Jack.
I'm not up to speed on NBW's on trestles .. Maybe the x braces need tying together where they cross?
Tyco caboose! I have one of those lettered for a long ago private line. I think I spent hours watching the Lakers scraping off the grabs. I'm going to look for it. BTW Jim that's a really stunning photo. With Audio and Model Photography I have the same judging criteria, "do I believe it"with so many of your photo's I do. Great work.
Nice photo of the train entering the portal. I have several of the Mantua/Tyco cabooses, they work really well on a short train. The trestle, will you be staining it? - Chris.
Sherrel, I will check on the x braces. The caboose is far from finished. It will be detailed a bit and weathered of course.
Thanks JimT.
Chris, I have begun to stain it a darker brown. Notice the top by the track. The whole trestle has be stained. The light color wood is not original, trick of light.
Sherrel, I checked on the cross braces. They are not supposed to be bolted. They allow the trestle to bend and flex as the great weight goes across. Bolting them would make the structure too rigid and prone to failure. I thought I knew that way back when, that is why no bolts. I checked all my photos and never put them in. So don't do it. Jim
Sherrel, I checked on the cross braces. They are not supposed to be bolted. They allow the trestle to bend and flex as the great weight goes across. Bolting them would make the structure too rigid and prone to failure. I thought I knew that way back when, that is why no bolts. I checked all my photos and never put them in. So don't do it. Jim
Stoker, We've missed you. In your photo I don't see any bolts at the meeting of the X Generally, like the photo above the cross braces are separated because they are put on the opposite sides of the bent. We are talking about the bolts that show clearly in your photo. Those are correct. Jim
Stoker, I may have confused everyone by using the names spikes and bolts for the same item. My bad.
Here is an update photo this for this Sunday. The very top of the hill is dark because it is wet with glue. I'm slowing getting around the layout. Slow this time around as my back is shot. Remember that the 'top' of the layout finished is only about 60% of the total layout! No fascia board this time, all scenery. Jim
