Building the Pinnacle Creek Mining & Timber Co. RR

[Lynnb]

Mike, I am retired. At 67 I'm too old to play around, my wife wouldn't let me anyway, so why not model railroading? I stated a few posts back that I work on the layout 4-6 hours a day. This is my fifth layout in this room in 6 1/2 years. So what, they last 13 months or something? I can't help it. I like to build. Some say I'm not bad at scenery at least.

On this layout I've included some small operations this time around. Mainly shuffling ore cars. I've put on the fascia and mounted the NCE panel today. When I get the track finished next week I can see how this DCC works.

I played a senior softball game today and was home by 11. Had a Snickers and put in 4.5 hours on the layout until I went to the hot tub to relax. Typical day for me.

Just a small editorial here: I'm thinking that while I may be an exceptionally fast modeler I've been around these sites long enough to have heard every reason why some folks can't or won't finish their layouts. Some are afraid to finish. Yes, afraid. "If I get it done then what do I do?" That kind of thing. Some folks simply can't work for myriads of reasons, some as esoteric as "my work is crappy, why am I even trying this hobby?" Who knows? In truth I think many of us have road blocks. Maybe even stumbling blocks. Family, money, working, other hobbies, can't wire, can't settle on an era, etc. Me? My simple motivation is one thing. If I start something at my age I don't want to leave it unfinished. Maybe I'm afraid in a way? So I just march along building for myself and others. My big problem will be when this is finished what do I do next? I love HO, but there are few layouts that can go in my half a 10'x11' bedroom. I designed this one myself and maybe I'll keep it awhile then quietly take up motocross or base jumping, something like that. As arthritis creeps into my hands and fingers this layout building is getting tougher all the time. Jim

Although I haven't yet made it through all the pages, I had to say how much I enjoyed your comments here in your small editorial, it is very inspiring. I'm 52 and have been working on my 6th layout in 12 years or so and although not yet retired I do try to get as much modeling done as I can as my other motorcycle hobby allows. Keep up the great work and please keep the photos coming. Enough said, reading on.
Lynn

 

[HOexplorer]

Lynn, Thank you for sure. Well now I'm almost 70. Nothing seems to have changed, I build another layout from the one mentioned above. I do have one more in me. Something small in On30. I really like the scale and while getting used to O scale buildings and things is a challenge I think I can do it. Just an oval and a turnout in fine detail. Then I'm done. Jim

 

[Lynnb]

So where were we? Oh, yes, layout building (philosophy)

We've all seen this style. It started back in the 1400's and is still with us today. These are photos of my first roomsized layout. I didn't know any better. I followed the books, learned from everyone's photos and built the fascia into the 'scene' so to speak. Wrong! I don't know how long a post can be here so I'm posting this so far and will be back later. Jim

Jim I'm very very slowly making it through your layout thread and I can only say amazing. I hope you don't mind me asking questions as I move through this great novel. I was curious about the trestle ends from the old layout that they mount on , I think there referred to as abutments, how did you make them here as well although I may come upon them as I read on , how do you recommend making them? I model 20's steam era and have a few trestles to make.
Thanks
Lynn

 

[HOexplorer]

Lynn, No problem ask away. That is what I like to think I'm here for. About abutments: The pair you see in the photo are made by plaster castings as many abutments are. Your LHS has them as well as epay.
As I get older and poorer I simple build my own out of wood painted gray to look like concrete. The price is right and I make wood ones out of logs and shaped timber. If money is no object I like to spend it at my LHS. If you are a mainline major railroad modeler you pretty much have to use concrete or rock wall type abutments. Since I model 'back woods' and branch lines I can be a bit more liberal in these devices.

Lastly, I see you are new here. How, may I ask, did you find this thread. Thanks, Jim

 

[Lynnb]

Jim I'm not even sure how I came across the site but generally when I come across a site I go to the construction threads and start browsing and generally when I see a topic with 248 pages it catches my interest. I will be posting my layout construction thread very shortly as right now it is a huge mess and I prefer to take photos when it looks half descent. By the way I'm upto page 57 on your thread and enjoying every bit.
Thanks
Lynn

 

[Lynnb]

By the way Jim you've already had an influence on me as I switched from hotgluing cardboard woven strip to going out and getting some 1 inch screening.
Thanks
Lynn

 

[HOexplorer]

600 more posts until the CONTEST. This contest will be a bit different. For those of you interested I will require you to post a photo, probably next Sunday if we hit 250,000 views by then. Your one photo must be taken by you showing us YOUR work. You don't have to have a layout, or module, or even a diorama, but the photo must show something to do with model railroading. Any Scale, Any Subject Matter. It can't be any simpler than that can it? I will be the sole judge of your photo. If I like two different entries my wife will break the tie. The winner will be chosen simply by posting the photo that impresses, or I like, the most. Simple. If I like yours from all the rest you win!

Most of you have been around this site for awhile and have read my thoughts on photography. I've shown examples of many techniques and tricks. Use them as a guide or not. Remember, if I like your photo more than the rest you win.

WHAT DO YOU WIN? Throughout this thread there have been a number of my photos taken showing results of my work. The winner can choose any photo in this thread and I will send you that photo printed on a 12"x16" canvas print that is on a frame and can be put on your wall. Here is an example:



Best of luck and of course thanks for a 'quarter million' views. Jim

 

[HOexplorer]

Okay, it looks like we will hit 250,000 tomorrow. Please DO NOT post your photo for the Contest until 1200 Pacific Daylight Time on Friday, August 22, 2014. There is no hurry. Contest will close for entries at 1800 Pacific Daylight Time on Monday September 1, 2014. So there is over a week to get that just right photo and submit it. Hopefully we will have a good number of photos to evaluate. Best of luck. Jim

 

[HOexplorer]

Congratulations to whoever hit the 250,000 view! Remember no photos until Friday at noon here in PDT zone. Thanks, Jim

 

[HOexplorer]

Contest is open. Let's see some entries. The Contest will end Labor Day evening. Jim

 

[Sirfoldalot]

Are we "stalled out"?

 

[HOexplorer]

Sherrel, Probably not. Almost a thousand views since the Contest opened. I assume they are looking for the first entry. At this point an old Polaroid from the 80s would win. Maybe no one wants one of my photos! Jim

 

[Sirfoldalot]

Mantua kit-bash of Frisco 2-8-2 #1352 from 45 years ago.

 

[HOexplorer]

Sherrel is the leader in the clubhouse. Can anyone catch him? Jim

 

[HOexplorer]

1600 visits since the Contest started and you all aren't going to let Sherrel win with a photo taken before many of you were born are you??? I will be gone this weekend and back Monday. Remember the Contest ends Monday evening at 1800 PDT. Jim

 

[T.C.]

I dont post much on here, but to help get the ball rolling I'll throw my hat into the ring.
This is a piture of my TP&T, it needs alot of work yet, backdrops and details ect..... but I'll get there.
Terry

 

[DairyStateDad]

You have spared the rest of us from a picture of my recently unearthed mining building that I made from toothpicks in 1970 when I was 13.

 

[HOexplorer]

Erik, That is funny. You must have something worth posting though? Jim

 

[dmirguy]

Here's the Agate Bay Hotel in Marais (my version of Grand Marais MN)

 

[rlundy90]

Sorry, but this is all I have for pictures at the moment. An unfinished diorama consisting of Campbell Scale Models Saez Sash and Door, a kitbashed and weathered 44 tonner and a scratchbuilt wooden plow. Someday maybe there will be an actual layout to photograph on.