ModelRailroadForums.com is a free Model Railroad Discussion Forum and photo gallery. We cover all scales and sizes of model railroads. Online since 2002, it's one of the oldest and largest model railroad forums on the web. Whether you're a master model railroader or just getting started, you'll find something of interest here.
Frankly Mike the 'rush' with this layout and unfortunately every layout I've done since I moved off the sailboat is some weird mental issue that takes its form in "get this finished before you die." I suppose all this isn't true in the real sense, but just behind the door I feel like this is the case. I spend more time with my doctors than ever and never feel better. So cheer up and keep modeling. Jim
Frankly Mike the 'rush' with this layout and unfortunately every layout I've done since I moved off the sailboat is some weird mental issue that takes its form in "get this finished before you die." I suppose all this isn't true in the real sense, but just behind the door I feel like this is the case. I spend more time with my doctors than ever and never feel better. So cheer up and keep modeling. Jim
I understand. "Idle hands are the work of the devil" so they say. I hope at some time you WILL feel better.
Put your faith in God. I will.
Best Wishes , Mike
Regardless of how large, or small, your layout is you should do some planning. Months ago I realized even on the small layout I had to make some adjustments regarding standard modeling practices. In the photo below you can see we basically just have a race track oval. What should stand out is on the right side of the picture the back, or that side of the layout, looks unfinished. It is. Because even though the layout is only four feet wide I have a delicate scene to build across the creek. If I would have finished the scenery on the right side there is no way I could have reached the spot I need to get to without smashed mountains! So when I'm finished with that scene and the creek and the track is laid I will do this part of the layout last. You may also notice some shrubs being planted, but details on that are for later. Jim
Thanks Mike. Lynn, we've all learned the lesson. I'll be having a birthday later this month and with medical issues and a too big stomach the reach isn't what it use to be! Jim
Jim, did you ever decide on the location of your nonexistent prototype? If not, let me suggest that you look 400 miles north, at the old Kettle Valley RR in BC. Lots of trestles, tunnels, mountains, mining, logging, everything you might want. And several really small towns along the way.
Thanks Ian. Actually I know about the KVRR. Problem is it is not narrow gauge and the trees are wrong for me. Better is the Columbia and Western RR nearby, but they went from narrow gauge to standard in the late 1890's. I still don't have an official name but something in Oregon will probably emerge. Thanks for the great input though. Jim
There were lots of narrow gauge in BC, mostly serving mines. One of the last to run was the Leonora and Mt. Sicker Railway, which was about 15 km long. It ran through interesting topography on Vancouver Island, from Mt Sicker, through what is now Duncan to Crofton, where the ore smelted and shipped out. If you want conifers, that might be a good bet.
Jim , first a huge thank you for the past couple of years of sharing your knowledge and skills. I love the way your rocks look and while I know you have just discussed your process for weathering them , if you have more rocks to do could you make a detailed lesson for us through photographs of just how you make a rock from beginning to end? I know it is a lot of extra work for you to do this , but I feel this may be my last opportunity to ask and as you have said throughout this thread , ask any questions you may have. In the past I have tried the molded rocks , and tried to carve them from wet plaster/drywall mud/pushing molds into wet plaster , but they just don't turn out anything like what you make , so can we see an entire process ? Enquiring minds want to know.
450,000 views! Quite surprising actually. Hopefully many viewers are actually learning something on their visits. That is what this thread is all about. So basically we are some months from half a million. As a reward to you all, I will be having a pretty good prize for the contest. I have to get rid of my conifers for one. Most of the HO stuff is gone so trees will be a big prize. I may have a photo to give away as well. Not sure about that yet. (finances) So from the bottom of my heart a big thank you to you all. Jim
Also on this happy day I'm posting a progress photo of the layout. Not much. But I think you can get an idea of where I'm headed. AND, NO, the layout is no where near completion. Remember the reach issue? This is a part of that scene. This photo will show a major departure from conifer trees I think. Jim
Jim, no thanks are necessary in my opinion. Its been a pleasure to be a part of this experience. you have provided a lot of welcomed modeling tips, hints, insight as well a plethora of excellent photos. It is us who should be thanking you! Bill
