ledzeppelinfan1's Layout Journal...

[ledzeppelinfan1]

Entry #1

In the months leading up to this journal, which I will document the progress of my layout, I spent a vast amount of time researching the art of professional model railroading. In this time, I found my niche; I'm the type with limited space and a limited budget who seeks to get the most out of said space in attempt to trick himself and the viewer into a larger experience. Well after maybe a 100 hours of research and dreaming, the months have turned into mere days as the taxes are done and now its just time to wait.

Then, a snag.

I found out my total tax refund and its slightly less than expected. If it was close to a certain amount, my wife was cool with a 1500 dollar budget, after shipping AND taxes. But its less than that certain amount, and with other responsibilities calling my name, it is only right that I attempt to do everything I had in mind at a cheaper price, even if some comprises must be made.

Sigh...oh well, honestly I'm lucky she is still even remotely cool with it. Probably because she knows shutting me down will cause pouting of epic (and pathetic) proportions. Truly.

Well the comprises are probably as follows:

1. The use of sectional track over flex as it can be found in super cheap lots if you do good research. I feel that I would be pretty good for a beginner with flex track after all my research and COUNTLESS hours of watching how-to' videos. But the fact is its about the money. Period. HOWEVER, I will not comprimise on Peco Turnouts...those are a must. And small quantities of flex will be purchased for spurs with paths not conducive to sectional track without a BUNCH of cutting and patching. So for now its Atlas Code 83 and Peco #5 turnouts.

2. A couple structures were going to be Woodland Scenics Built-Ups that are industrial in nature and expensive as hell. Combined cost of 130 bucksfor two structures!!! Yikes!!!! So replacing those with a much cheaper alternative is now something of interest. And going through the many other structures and replacing them with other smaller and cheaper details is another way to reduce costs in a still effective way.

Layout Plan

The Layout will be a freelance HO Scale 10x5 modeling the late 80's and early 90's. It is a shortline railroad in Missouri (Destination Not Yet Chosen) that sees running of many different rail lines. The table will be built of 1x4's with 4 inches of foam for plenty of room for carving in the terrain. Almost every ground cover, foliage, brush, weeds, etc offered by Woodland Scenics will be featured on the layout. Scenery and reliability is the highest goal.

The layout will be divided into 4 separate scenes. Two longer scenes, approximately 6 feet long, will be accompanied by shorter scenes along the shorter (five foot sections) The goal is to model even the transitional scenes in a way that they fade naturally into one another.

I have an interesting trick I've come up with for portable backdrops I will get into later.

So...periodically I will post questions, ask for advice and give updates. Some times I will post lists for myself...so if you see something that makes no damn sense, nevermind it.

Hopefully all goes well and many follow!!!

Stephen





About Me (For Those Who Care)

I'm a 34 (just turned 34 in January) year old Father of four. I live in Midway, Arkansas and work with the developmentally disabled. I'm an avid guitar player, having played for nearly 20 years at this point. I try to lead a simple quiet life after many stupid stretches in my younger years. Thanks for following.

 

[AllenB]

Looking forward to the progress. Post pics when you get them.

 

[Bruette]

Hey Stephen!

Thanks for sharing your vision for your layout and I look forward to seeing more especially the portable back drops. I am hoping to learn something!

Be creative and you can save yourself a lot of cash. I saw LASM made structures from empty cereal boxes and if he had not said so I would have never known. Look into his threads for ideas because he is a master at being economical. There are several modelers doing things to be economical too. I think everyone should cost conscious because there is always something else you need or want. Stretching your budget is important for all of us or should be.

Keep in mind you don't have to start out with the perfect layout, just get started.

I'm glad to hear about you and having been stupid in my younger years also I know a bit about how you feel. Isn't it nice to enjoy family and simple things in life? You are a lucky an to have an understanding wife and four children too!

 

[Rico]

Hey looking forward to seeing the progress! Nothing wrong with starting small and growing later on.
Looks like you've done your homework on this too!
As for the tax thing, I've been told that most people are owed much more than the gov lets them know and not many look into it further.
The (can I say bastards here?) actually count on that.
I once owed a substantial amount according to them but after a little blood sweat and mostly tears it turned out they owed me!
Oh don't get me started!!

 

[NScaler]

Looking forward to seeing your plans realized. Interesting idea starting a journal.

Sent from my SPH-D710BST using Tapatalk

 

[wombat457]

I too am looking forward to your progress with this layout, it sounds interesting and a little different. The only thing that I would advise you on is this: Atlas track is a little larger than Peco track (code 83 variants) as such the joins between the two will not be as tight a fit as they perhaps should and "may need" soldering to ensure a solid track to track connection.

Because of the slight difference in track side (bottom edge where the joiners slide in) the Peco joiners are too small for the Atlas track and the Atlas joiners are too big for the Peco track. Need less to say, you will not be able to use Peco Track Joiners with the Atlas track. Just something to think about.

Personally, if I could redo my layout again, I would go with all Peco Track to have the better switches and more versatility.

Cheers and good luck with the layout,

 

[ledzeppelinfan1]

Hey Stephen!

Thanks for sharing your vision for your layout and I look forward to seeing more especially the portable back drops. I am hoping to learn something!

Be creative and you can save yourself a lot of cash. I saw LASM made structures from empty cereal boxes and if he had not said so I would have never known. Look into his threads for ideas because he is a master at being economical. There are several modelers doing things to be economical too. I think everyone should cost conscious because there is always something else you need or want. Stretching your budget is important for all of us or should be.

Keep in mind you don't have to start out with the perfect layout, just get started.

I'm glad to hear about you and having been stupid in my younger years also I know a bit about how you feel. Isn't it nice to enjoy family and simple things in life? You are a lucky an to have an understanding wife and four children too!

Well, the backdrop idea is actually quite simple really. First of all, obviously there are a few ways we railroaders like to view our layouts. Lets be honest, when nobody is around we like to get down to eye level and watch the play develop, so to speak. Personally, I like to shoot video of the operational story of my layout. Later on I'll watch the videos on my phone or device as I nod off to bed or encounter a boring moment in life.

So typically a layout is viewed from the outside in, right? Yup. Now with the dividers I have planned, the long divider that runs down the middle AND the two other short dividers can be pulled out of their slot and then clamped to the outside of the bench work allowing the layout to also have a backdrop for INSIDE-OUT viewing. Simple trick...just gotta purchase the clamps. This can be done to set up fully backdropped shots at all angles of the layout. Pretty cool.

I do recall seeing some of LASM's work and being very impressed. In that facet of the hobby, my skills are severely shorthanded but I would like to try my hand down the road after the layout is complete and I'm looking for something to freshen up the scenery.

Yes, it is nice to enjoy the simple things in life and I find myself to be quite lucky...not only to be lucky, but to realize that I am so.

Hey looking forward to seeing the progress! Nothing wrong with starting small and growing later on.
Looks like you've done your homework on this too!
As for the tax thing, I've been told that most people are owed much more than the gov lets them know and not many look into it further.
The (can I say bastards here?) actually count on that.
I once owed a substantial amount according to them but after a little blood sweat and mostly tears it turned out they owed me!
Oh don't get me started!!

Hehe...thanks for the advice. I'm fully confident my tax guy did his best. I use the same dude every year and despite being a little short of what I wanted, I'm still getting over 8,000 so I can't complain too much. Yes, I've done so much homework its actually caused confusion bc I know the pros and cons of almost all the strategies. Analysis Paralysis.

Looking forward to seeing your plans realized. Interesting idea starting a journal.

Sent from my SPH-D710BST using Tapatalk

Thanks!!! I guess it is kind of a cool idea.

I too am looking forward to your progress with this layout, it sounds interesting and a little different. The only thing that I would advise you on is this: Atlas track is a little larger than Peco track (code 83 variants) as such the joins between the two will not be as tight a fit as they perhaps should and "may need" soldering to ensure a solid track to track connection.

Because of the slight difference in track side (bottom edge where the joiners slide in) the Peco joiners are too small for the Atlas track and the Atlas joiners are too big for the Peco track. Need less to say, you will not be able to use Peco Track Joiners with the Atlas track. Just something to think about.

Personally, if I could redo my layout again, I would go with all Peco Track to have the better switches and more versatility.

Cheers and good luck with the layout,

So I will have to use Atlas joiners and then solder the two for the best assembly? Will the Peco turnouts need to be shimmed or should merely soldering those particular joints do the trick? Maybe sticking with Peco Flex is best. I really don't like the risk of comprimising the integrity of my track. Derailment issues kill the fun, if they get out of hand!!!

 

[wombat457]

Yes, you will have to use Atlas or perhaps Universal Track Joiners. The most important thing is for the two types of track to join, solidly, for a good power connection.

I have a Peco WYE switch joined to Atlas track with Atlas track joiners. I don't recall who it was; however, one member said that trying to solder the rail joiners to Atlas track on one side and Peco on the other is not a good idea as the Peco track is not a firm fit to begin with. As such, I have NOT soldered mine but have ensured the the sections of track joining the Peco switch are up very firm, then nailed those sections of track down. The theory here is that if the joining track sections are firm and fixed them the joins muct also be firm and fixed. Only time will tell if this will work.

I know you seem set on using Atlas Track, as I have, but was wondering why you may not wish to consider using Peco Track all the way round? That would resolve the problem of "sloppy joins".

Cheers,

 

[ledzeppelinfan1]

Wombat, how to the tops of rail match up with the Peco Code 83 turnouts and the Atlas Code 83 sectional? I did a little research about the relationship between the two and found someone saying that the heights of the sleepers arent the same and can cause one rail to be higher than the other...does this seem to be true or no?

And to answer your question, I'd rather do sectional to save money and also because it makes other things easier...IMO...

 

[wombat457]

I really hadn't noticed; however, now that you raise the point, it does appear as though the Peco track does sit a "very little bit" higher than the Atlas track.

I have run my layout a few times even without the track being fixed in place and so far haven't had any issues. Although I wouldn't try this myself, you might be able to file the ends of the Peco track down a little so the joins match, hieght wise. That could be something for one of our experts to comment on though.

As for the "Flex Track"... don't be scared of it, as I was at first. Before you go spending lots on sectional track, buy yourself a length of Flex Track and play with it. It isn't as hard to work with as you might imagine and will give you more flexibility with your layout. I'm not trying to push Peco on you, just trying to come up with solutions for the compatibility issues between Atlas and Peco track that might save hassles down the road.

As for the cost of Flex Track, you can by 3' of Flex for about the same as a pack of sectional or a little less. In the long run though, the difference in cost between the two is negligible from what I have seen. Many places also have sales on Flex Track before they will have sales on sectional track. Also keep in mind that Atlas, at the moment, is having issues with supplying some track parts, especially turn outs. I may be wrong here, but 9 times out of 10 if you are going to have a derailment it will be at a switch, even if the switch make is the same as the track make.

Cheers,

 

[ledzeppelinfan1]

Question:

In regards to by base coat of paint before I begin with ground foam (working from the soil up, I will)...does it really matter between Acrylic and Latex paint? I've bought some Acrylic and was experimenting and I can't see a reason why it wouldn't work. Its certainly thick enough. And, more importantly, I can get it for SUPER cheap as opposed to Latex. Thoughts? The main reason I ask is bc most tutorials specify latex paint.

Also, I've recently realized that used buildings can be bought in lots off ebay and repainted and weathered, saving me quite a bit of money. So thats nice.

 

[wombat457]

Acrylic paint is fine, so long as it IS 100 % acrylic. Yep, if you trust EBay then there are a lot of deals and you most certainly will save yourself a lot of money

Cheers,

 

[ledzeppelinfan1]

Random Thoughts:

So the time keeps on ticking and ticking...days are going by...and I wait for my tax return to hit the bank. By this time, I've spent an embarrassing amount of time researching, and day dreaming about my pike to soon be built. Excitement and apprehension are constant companions as final decisions are made and strategies and chosen methods are weighed on a daily basis.

The layout, for those interested in more detail will be as follows: (this is also me just planning things out in my head)

It is a HO scale 10x5 divided into four scenes (2 long scenes measuring 6'x 2.5' along the sides and two short scenes measuring 2' x 5' at either end). Every side will have a backdrop, even the short scenes to prevent that awkward feeling of two scenes colliding.

The front long scene against a industrial backdrop will feature a church along a busy road, double track grade crossing, a storage yard, a grain/feed storage facility to switch, a teamtrack platform for box cars. The yard will have 4 spurs (one of them dedicated to the grain storage facility and has a capacity of 20-25 cars. This yards purpose is to hold cars that are empty, loaded and dropped off for distribution by local freight trains, loaded and waiting for pickup by local freights, or there for delivery of grain/feed. Occasionally crews make a stop and crew changes occur. Including the double main (the inner track serving as storage when traffic is backed up) the scene is 6 tracks deep (2 mains + 4 spurs).

Moving clockwise, the first short scene is the two mains bending their way around a bluff and on the outer side of the tracks the terrain falls steeply to the edge of the layout. 4 inches of foam board provide a good base for the falling terrain. The ground cover here will be largely course in nature and dangerous. The four corners on the sides of the layout have enough space for mini scenes, but as for now the intent is to keep this section in the wild.

Advancing now to the second long scene, a small town with three industries to switch; a warehouse, a feed distributor, and possibly a scrap yard (still undetermined) sits at the end of its own spur. There will possibly be a creek and a bridge (will be determined later). There will be a 7 eleven on the main road and possibly a house or two, with yards and drive ways. Yes, I've mapped this out...sort of.

And finally the last short scene will have the double mains skirting a lake (using Woodland scenics realistic water). The tracks will skirt the side of the lake approximately 14 scale feet above the water surface and should be a beautiful scene. Going clockwise the terrain will sharply dip down and below the track level about 15 or 16 scale feet will be the edge of a park with a path and benches. Maybe a playground in the future. The last and final corner scene will be heavy woods.

So there is a more detailed outlook on what I have in mind.

One of the next steps, after finding a great backdrop site, is mapping out which buildings are really necessary and where they will go.

 

[ledzeppelinfan1]

In addition to the 233 trees I have from my last layout, I scored a free fake Christmas Tree and will be cutting that up, shaping, and dipping in ground foam for more timber.

 

[Bruette]

Hey Stephen,

Thanks for the information about the back drops, that is an interesting idea! For the record I don't care who is watching when I sit on my little stool to get me to eye level with my trains as I watch them roll on the rails.

I would not consider your time spent thinking and learning about your layout in any way embarrassing, I know I don't consider my time spent embarrassing. Its time well spent, you and I both know there are much worse things we could be doing or probably have done! In my spare time when I am not working on my trains I am thinking about my trains. Most nights I fall asleep thinking about my trains.

Thanks for all the detailed updates, I enjoy hearing about your plans. My physical problems often prevent me from working on my layout and reading about other peoples work is the next best thing. Thanks again for sharing your work.

 

[ledzeppelinfan1]

Hey Stephen,

Thanks for the information about the back drops, that is an interesting idea! For the record I don't care who is watching when I sit on my little stool to get me to eye level with my trains as I watch them roll on the rails.

I would not consider your time spent thinking and learning about your layout in any way embarrassing, I know I don't consider my time spent embarrassing. Its time well spent, you and I both know there are much worse things we could be doing or probably have done! In my spare time when I am not working on my trains I am thinking about my trains. Most nights I fall asleep thinking about my trains.

Thanks for all the detailed updates, I enjoy hearing about your plans. My physical problems often prevent me from working on my layout and reading about other peoples work is the next best thing. Thanks again for sharing your work.

Your welcome for the idea. I don't know why I feel strange going 'full immersion' in the presence of company...I just do. Depends on who it is, I guess.

I guess I was being a little facetious when I used the word embarrassed as it is no secret among my friends that I'm into model railroading. A lot of them find it interesting, but I have to be careful to not talk too much about it. I can tell when someone has heard enough for the confines of a casual conversation. There is a club here in town, but I'm far younger (by 30 years minimum) than each of the others so sometimes its tough to connect. Maybe I am too respectful sometimes and don't really act like myself enough to feel comfortable. I'm sure they appreciate my respect, but wouldn't mind me to relax a bit too. Anyways, I'm glad you get something out of my ramblings and hope you continue to follow along. I'm sorry you aren't able to work on your layout as often as you would like, btw. But it this helps, well then I'm glad to share!!!

On another note, I've decided (finally) that I will be rolling with Atlas Code 83 Flex and Peco Code 83 Turnouts. So thats decided. STILL waiting on taxes though...tick...tock...tick...tock...

 

[Bruette]

Don't worry, be happy... My daughter loved that song, but my God it drove me nuts and still gets stuck in my head, but the message is good.

I wish I had started younger, but I am having lots of fun now! I can't speak for other older guys but I appreciate your enthusiasm!

I appreciate it , but there is no need to be sorry for me, I may be the happiest man alive! Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and your hobby.

 

[wombat457]

Stephen,

Glad you made a final decision on what track and turn outs to use, now it's time to get into it, well, once the taxes arrive that is. I'm looking forward to seeing your layout come together, especially with the amount of work you have put into the research side of things.

Cheers,

 

[ledzeppelinfan1]

Taxes have arrived. Will be headed to Lowes probably tomorrow and Springfield Hobby Shop on Saturday. FINALLY!!!

 

[Bruette]

That is great news!!!

Stick to your budget, resist the temptation to buy things you had not planned on.

I can't wait to see your layout take shape!