Layout " Stuff"

Joe I want to be tne first to say, WOW!   Absolutely fantastic, if you have the time,  would love to see more pictures posted.

Been Retired for 10 yrs now. Got the time, ( in between layout " projects " ).... here's my "Operational" Flood-Loader..

" Helix " serves all 3 levels of my 16 x 36 O Scale layout...

If I could not see the side of the board in the second picture I would swear it was the real thing, third rail notwithstanding.  Thank you for sharing.

Yeah, I need to be more " Careful" when taking pics, leaving out anything that would " take away" from an otherwise, more " realistic" pic

Lets try again...

Wow! Great stuff. Keep the photos coming. Any chance we could get an overall view?

I'll have to " Work" on that. 16 x 36 ft, it'll be very difficult to get an " overall" pic. Until then....

Wow! Fantastic modeling and photography!

Joe, I moved this to the proper forum.  The topic is not about 3-rail traditional trains rather it is about picture/photos of your layout so is more appropriate here.

Spectacular is not an overstatement!

Gee, Thanks !!

@Joe Cassiday Jr- Great pictures Joe.  I might suggest with pictures such as this you post on "Trackside Thursday" where we are always looking for great scenery / layout shots.

Don

Joe, I started smelling the coal smoke in that second photograph; and my nose can hardly smell anything anymore.  I think it was the stunning accuracy of the scene as Bill N stated earlier.  My brain must have smelled it!  Thank you for posting photographs; your work is great looking!

Thank You !!

Can you share details on building your Helix?

@Joe Cassiday Jr posted:

This is the photo that blows me away.  Do you have a fog machine to give this overcast moment on your layout?  It is very convincing and sets such a wonderful mood.  Thanks for sharing!

YES ! Jonathan, I do have a " Fogging " Machine. Takes about 15 minutes to " Fog" the whole layout ( 16 x 36 ft ). I then turn off the Furnace / AC Blower to not disturb it. After I'm finished, I turn the Blower back on, and it takes about another 15 min. to " de-Fog" the room. Thank You !!

I also have a 4- speaker sound system, that I play a CD with " Nature Sounds," like Thunder, Rain, Birds singing. That also helps to make the " Mood "

Gorgeous!

Peter

Thanks, Peter !! " Labor of Love !"

Joe, you may be retired but it looks like you've been very busy,   Thanks for posting the additional pictures. Your photos were a great way to start my Sunday morning. Many thanks, Dwayne

My layout keeps me BUSY !  There's ALWAYS something to " tweek," adjust, manipulate, correct ! I Thank You !!

Thanks so much for sharing! Wonderful ideas with the fog machine and sound system. Definitely inspiring to say the least! Enjoy!

Thanks, guys !

Just a point from another hobby of mine- laser light shows, a Hazer is likely to be the more appropriate theater effects machine to be searching for. This is because a hazer produces smaller particles or droplets than a "fog machine", and because they are smaller they hang in the air longer, block less light and give a more subtle long lasting effect.

Again Hazers are a specific type of effects machine, use different methods to produce the haze, different liquid (sometimes pure mineral oil or some are water based fluids).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJVqerg09Z8

This is the model I have been using for years and is about to get used again (Halloween season) at the local train club. Uses a compressor and fan to break up mineral oil into micro-fine droplets.

My  Fog Machine, HEATS the " Liquid Smoke." There's NO DROPLETS of any kind. If there was, I'd see them on the rolling stock, buildings, etc.

That is just beautiful, Joe. To echo Mark, Jonathan, and others appreciation of the smoke effect, it takes an already excellent scene and elevates it to the next level. It's so authentic looking. I love the grass between the rails and so many other details. You even applied a little greenery to the helix! Craziness - in a good way.

John

What a beautiful layout Joe !

Takes my breath away.  Congrats.

John

Thanks ! Very much, Appreciated, John !! All I do is try to " MIMMIC Nature" I try to be " Observant" of Nature, while I'm out driving. I also Belong to the C&O Historical Society. I try to get that " West Virginia " feeling on my layout. I spent a lot of my summers as a youngster, down at Grandma's house in W Va. NYC Colombus OH - Charleston W Va line ran right next to her house. Very " Impressionable" to a 5-10 tr old !!

Thanks, again, John.

Joe, you have a very good "eye" for details and scenery.  You set a very good mood on your layout and your pictures.  I love the smoky look, but I have to keep my smoke turned off on my engines so I can breathe.  A friend of mine has a layout that as soon as you enter the basement, the smoke smell hits you in the face.  His is constant engine smoke and cigars.  He "tolerates me" by not running smoke for awhile and when he does I have to leave.

Sorry for the negative smoke comments.  You have a beautiful layout.

Art

No Apology needed, but, Thank You ! Everyone's Different, every layout reflects the owners Personality, like a fingerprint. I Accommodate my visitors wishes as well, with understanding. I was 26 when I got married.  My folks each, smoked about 3 Packs a day !! I NEVER smoked, but my lungs have second-hand-smoke damage, according to my doctor. So, I understand. Your comment about the " Mood" on my layout is what I'm trying to achieve. " Mood " " Scenery," and " Detail" sets it all up ! Thanks !

Joe, I hope EPA does not see your coal fired power plant! They are quickly becoming extinct like the dinosaures!

Great modeling!

Sam

you're right, there !!

Very impressive, I agree that some of the scenes look like the real thing!  If we could only figure out how to hide that 3rd rail.

@Vernon Barry posted:

Just a point from another hobby of mine- laser light shows, a Hazer is likely to be the more appropriate theater effects machine to be searching for. This is because a hazer produces smaller particles or droplets than a "fog machine", and because they are smaller they hang in the air longer, block less light and give a more subtle long lasting effect.

Again Hazers are a specific type of effects machine, use different methods to produce the haze, different liquid (sometimes pure mineral oil or some are water based fluids).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJVqerg09Z8

This is the model I have been using for years and is about to get used again (Halloween season) at the local train club. Uses a compressor and fan to break up mineral oil into micro-fine droplets.

I’m not sure if I’d want to run a hazer in my house all the time, but it sure would look cool!

The hazer you linked looks to be discontinued. If anyone is looking for the Cadillac of hazer machines, look for the Reel EFX DF-50. Not cheap, but highly trusted and proven design that is used on movie sets and in theater and concert production.

The problem running these in a house is that the vapor will eventually condense and leave a residue behind.

The pictures are awesome @Joe Cassiday Jr

Thanks !!