Blackwater Canyon Line - October 14, 2024 - Town and Scratchbuild Planning

Mark, that’s a pretty creative way to access trackage. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with for a scenic element for it.

Rubin, I installed a QSI soundest in a Williams Mike back in the early 90’s. Later they came out with an uncoupler board and coil coupler. Had to have it. What was in there was already a tight fit. Had to reconfigure everything but the speaker to get the added board to fit. First time it fired it was the most amazing thing I had ever seen since I entered the hobby. Thought was. It can’t get any better than this. I wished I had a crystal ball back then. Would probably put off a lot of purchases back then. I knew many guys that had a surplus of Proto 1’s just waiting to build the dream layout. Next thing DCS came along and everyone’s outlook changed.

Thank you, Dave, Rubin!!

I've had trouble keeping up on the Forum the last few days.  I have my last sessions of PT this week, and have been taking the 2004 Hyundai Sonata to a couple mechanics.  I love that car.  I think it has class, but unfortunately PennDOT salt to keep the winter roads safe has claimed another victim.    However, a good friend just took in on trade a 'Cream Puff' as he called it.  So tomorrow we are picking up a "Florida Car", a 2006 Chrysler Sebring with only 83,000 miles.  It has class as well and looks years newer than it is.

Rubin and Dave, Yes, the clanks and clunks are really tricky on PS1.  Equipment at work at that time was so awkward to setup as well.  It is true, we had to go through that to get to where we are today.  I see so many great looking engines at train shows, but see they are PS1.  I usually walk away, but the Western Maryland F3 AA set found its way home. 

Dave, I had actually designed a lift off variety back on Page 93.  It was Ben @bluelinec4 at the top of Page 94 who suggested the hinged variety, and I'm sure others would echo his suggestion.  It is so much better than the lift off was.  I'm already thinking I can rig up something similar for the town section on the other side of the double tracks! 

Mark, I like how you design in 3D, makes sense, and allows you to adjust as you go. I like the lift up design. Very convenient.

Andy

Thank you, Andy!  I was able to draw isometric drawings from two dimensional drawings in drafting class, but they were always rather easy.  I can’t seem to do that for the layout.  It’s easier to pull pieces out of the scrap boxes and see what fits together!  😄

Here’s the stationary part of this scene.

I think this will work.

Oh yes; I checked clearance, and there is plenty even though it may not look like it.  😄

Yes, this will work out great!

This angle may show of the hotel better.

@Mark Boyce posted:

This angle may show of the hotel better.

I like that angle too Mark. Shows off the covered balcony on the end. Nice spot for railfanning.....

Sorry to hear about the car. New York winters are not kind to them either. Remember undercoating?????

I had a 1983 Hyundai Excel sedan that I bought new for $10,000. I gave to my sister when she went to Pitt. Car went to about 140K miles until the clutch blew and it wasn't worth fixing.

Bob

Thank you, Bob!

Yes, at this angle you see the porches on the side better.  It is also a better angle walking into the room.  The back of the hotel is rather plain, as isn’t surprising.  This lets more details to be seen at each viewing angle.

We had two Elantras, a 2003 and a 2005.  I actually bought the newer one for our older daughter after she graduated from college because we thought she was going to work in Ohio.  That didn’t pan out, and they sold it last year.  We bought the Sebring Thursday.

Forum member Ted Bertinger saw my Facebook post commending our young friend who is the dealer.  He told me it is perfect for driving to York.  I replied that it has a bigger trunk than the Sonata!  😆

Looking good Mark. The larger trunk will come in handy for sure.

I do like the covered balcony too. Perfect spot to railfan while sipping a cocktail.

Andy

Looks pretty good to me… and kind of familiar. I'm so glad it found a nice home!

My 16 year-old Acura TL-Type S continues to be the most trouble free car I've ever owned and at last count it's around 24. It doesn't have 97,000 miles on it, and has not a single component failure or wear out other than scheduled maintenance items. It's had two sets of tires, two sets of brakes and a few batteries. No shocks, struts, exhaust, engine, nothing. The only thing that doesn't work is the AUX plug so I can plug in my iPhone and play tunes. That's it. It's crazy. I detailed it thinking I was going to put it up for sale. As an unusual model with low mileage in excellent shape it's still worth a lot of money. The car came out so good, I'm keeping it.

Sorry to hijack your thread...

Thank you, Andy, Myles!

Andy, that is a great spot for rail fans!  I hadn’t thought of it, but I know of hotels and restaurants that make use of their proximity to railroads in their advertising.

Myles, I thought of this location for the hotel last winter when I was reconfiguring the mainline.  I hoped it would work, and I think the raised ‘landscape’ above the tracks will show it off well.  I’m glad I got it from you and am anxious to be able to show you the finished scene!

You didn’t hijack at all.  I thought the story of cars and the comment from Ted was appropriate.  Ted’s been after me to go back to York ever since they reopened after Covid.  You just carried the story bringing up the great Acura!  Is that the car you were driving when you delivered the Idaho Hotel?

Morning Mark I really like the lift up section, what I really like is the idea of attaching things to it, so you don't have to remove them. I did the same thing with some autos but used hot glue, in hindsight I would have rather drilled very small hole and use the wire ties like they use in new car toy packaging.

But as for all the trees and rocks I used hot glue and like how it turned out! As for the angle of the Hotel I am with Bob as I like the second placement angle!

Nice to see you have a good looking new to you car! I hope it last a few more winters for you!

Mike, thank you!

The next issue for the hotel scene will be how to make the scenery fit near the hotel where the lift up section meets the stationary section.  The scenic materials will have to be attached right to the Masonite to keep from hitting each other when the lift up is raised.  That is probably a good thing because as it stands the base of the Hotel is 52 inches above the floor.  When I reach my arm across the Masonite there is about an inch to spare under my arm pit.  The peak of the hotel roof is right at my chin.

Even though the car has very little rust and has averaged 5000 miles driven per year, the Book value is so low, it wouldn’t take much of an accident to total it.  Of course we didn’t pay much for it.  I’ve been averaging a little less than 4000 miles per year since retiring.

And now for something completely different…

The Idaho Hotel was used to Sculptamold at it’s old home.  Take a look at those homemade shaker bottles.  Gerber!  Our daughters are both in their 30s now!  No, the bag of Sculptamold isn’t 30; it’s fairly new!

I had better move some rolling stock and cover the track before starting this project!  😄

I like the second positioning of the hotel for the reason Bob mentioned. A great balcony to railran from. It’s angled perfectly to view the action on the rails below it.

Mark, is the hotel staying stationary on the layout or is it part of the lift up ?  You could cut an angled line near the edge of the footprint of it and use hedges or shrubs to hide the seem of the lift up section.

Thank you, Dave!

To get that viewing angle the hotel has to straddle the seam between the lift-up and the stationary section.  I actually briefly thought if I was slick enough, which I’m not, the lift-up could pivot with the narrow section going down as the rest lifts up.  I wouldn’t be able to lift high enough before the part going down hits the lower level.

That said, here are a couple close ups of what I mean.

To have it not straddle the seam, it would have to set this way.

The front faces the main operating area, but the side balcony can’t be seen well.

Here is what it looks like when entering the room.

I’m going to leave it this way today, and see what I think.  🤔  🤷‍♂️

That should still work out for train viewing with that long second-story porch.

I know that you must have stated (way back in this thread) who made the hotel (I am to lazy to search it out!), so I ask now.

Dave, I'm thinking you are right.  I am thankful for your feedback.  It is more what looks best to me all around.

Don't say you're lazy.  The pages rack up fast, as I was looking for something just a week ago.  I'm happy to repeat, than to have someone frustrated looking it up. The hotel was kit built by Myles @Trainman2001. 

Mark, if you did want to go with the hotel like this.

Could you cut the rectangular lift up section at an angle to follow the walkway. It looks like it would involve moving one hinge in a bit. This would leave the building in a fixed position and not part of the lift up. Not sure as to how much area you need to access on the under side.

Either position looks good. I think you have to consider the big picture from both positions of the hotel and envision what you want to do with the rest of it scenery or structure wise. I’ve got a thing for gas stations. There’s some great looking kits out there and enough room for one and a roadway if your thinking of another structure.

@Mark Boyce posted:

Thank you, Dave!

To get that viewing angle the hotel has to straddle the seam between the lift-up and the stationary section.  I actually briefly thought if I was slick enough, which I’m not, the lift-up could pivot with the narrow section going down as the rest lifts up.  I wouldn’t be able to lift high enough before the part going down hits the lower level.

That said, here are a couple close ups of what I mean.

To have it not straddle the seam, it would have to set this way.

The front faces the main operating area, but the side balcony can’t be seen well.

Here is what it looks like when entering the room.

I’m going to leave it this way today, and see what I think.  🤔  🤷‍♂️

It looks fine like this Mark. You still get a visual of a balcony on the side. If needed, you could always put a small led light on the ceiling of the balcony to highlight its appearance.

Gene

I don't think it's mandatory for the hotel to be permanently mounted to the lift-out section. That way it could just be lifted out of place when you need to utilize the lift-up. If lighting is an issue, you can use pull-apart connectors. This would allow you to place the hotel at the angle and sight-line you want.

Not sure if it's doable, but can you hinge the lift-out section from the other side (where the legs are) so it tilts the other way ? This could also allow you to place the hotel at the angle and sight-line you want and have it permanently mounted to the lift-out.

Thank you, Dave, Gene, Richie!

Actually, all along I was planning to lift the hotel off the layout anytime the lift-up is raised.  That would entail a plug for wiring to lights.  I am planning to make all the buildings removable with plugs for lighting.  I really wasn't clear that my only concern with the hotel straddling the seam between the lift-up and stationary support was that it may be difficult to blend in the scenery right here to not show the gap.

I got thinking about the old rolls of stiff paper with green sawdust-like material stuck on that are sold for basic layouts.  Something like that could be glued down and slit for a very thin seam on a mowed lawn or dirt driveway.  As I was typing, I thought of trimmed bushes along the front railing to conceal the seam at the foundation of the building.  Keeping this in mind, I think I like this alignment best.

Dave, I have given some thought to the rest of that scene.  An old gas station is a good idea.  I had a Woodland Scenics service station which after many years, I decided to sell because it takes up a lot of room.  I have seen some neat kits of smaller stations are available.  I do have a small produce stand and was thinking of an outbuilding or two.  I thought I would have a vehicle or two out front with main parking implied to be out back.  My initial concept of the hotel was in keeping with the Shady Rest Hotel up the bank from the tracks on Petticoat Junction.

Mark, I was thinking of a small wooden gas station for a rural look to match the hotel. I think the ones I saw were from Bars Mills.

Not having done this but I have used pieces of then in a few areas. Martin Wellburg scenic sheets are available from Scenic Express. I think they still have some in stock. They come well layered with static grass, bushes and other details. There’s a few to choose from. Pricey but what isn’t in this hobby for about an 8x10 sheet. They are made on a sheet of vinyl and seem pretty durable and it does flex and contour to different shapes. I’m wondering if you used one near the hotel where the seam is. If you glued it down but made sure there was no glue on either side of the seam. It’s very flexible and would eliminate a visible seam.

I found a leftover piece to give an view of it.

Thank you, Dave!
Bars Mill has Bud Smily’s Texaco and Shady Grove Texaco.  I like the Bud Smily’s better.  That’s a great idea.  It fits the 1950 rural look perfectly.

That Martin Wellberg scenic sheet is neat.  That’s a great idea of how to use it.  Thank you.

Mark, in addition to Dave's thoughts (which I think will work) maybe a line of trees or shrubs along the seam of the drop down. The trees would serve as a view block of sorts. I like the final position of the hotel. And you can make adjustments if you don't like it.

Andy

Thank you Andy!  I took Dave's advice and ordered a Martin Wellburg scenic sheet.  Dave, you were right, there weren't many in stock.  I got Prairie Floor Spring.  I am going to wait for it to arrive and see how it works out and how to blend in other scenery on the lift up and a rock cut on the stationary part.  Trees are a good idea.  Right now I have been running trains, and corrected one spot that was causing occasional derailments.  Actually, I have been able to get some yard work done, so I haven't been in the train room a lot.  Thank you both!

Hi Mark, I guess I am going to have to check in daily! Dave took my thunder idea! LOL I guess great minds think alike! I just wish I had the skills most of you have, but I am getting better!

Hey Mark if you want I have an extra Menards gas station you can have and maybe repaint to fit. Just an offer!

Thank you, Mike!!  Yes, you have to be quick about it on this Forum!    You have skills that many of us don't have! 

Mike, thank you for the offer.  Is this station that currently resides on the Ceiling Central Railroad the one that you have an extra?  I see they have a newer one out with a pump and two service bays.

Hi Mark,  thank you and yes it's the same one!

@Richie C. posted:

I don't think it's mandatory for the hotel to be permanently mounted to the lift-out section. That way it could just be lifted out of place when you need to utilize the lift-up. If lighting is an issue, you can use pull-apart connectors. This would allow you to place the hotel at the angle and sight-line you want.

Not sure if it's doable, but can you hinge the lift-out section from the other side (where the legs are) so it tilts the other way ? This could also allow you to place the hotel at the angle and sight-line you want and have it permanently mounted to the lift-out.

@Mark Boyce posted:

...Actually, all along I was planning to lift the hotel off the layout anytime the lift-up is raised.  That would entail a plug for wiring to lights.  I am planning to make all the buildings removable with plugs for lighting.  I really wasn't clear that my only concern with the hotel straddling the seam between the lift-up and stationary support was that it may be difficult to blend in the scenery right here to not show the gap...

My 2 cents... Cut a piece of thinner foam board to cover the entire corner, including the seam, but in a size that you can handle.  Feather the edges to slope down to the level of the benchwork. and create a scenic base for the building.  Semi-permanently attach the building to the foam and lift it off the layout as a unit when you need to raise the hinged section.  In other words, don't blend scenery around the gap - just cover it up.

I think the hotel looks great in that corner.

@Mallard4468 posted:

My 2 cents... Cut a piece of thinner foam board to cover the entire corner, including the seam, but in a size that you can handle.  Feather the edges to slope down to the level of the benchwork. and create a scenic base for the building.  Semi-permanently attach the building to the foam and lift it off the layout as a unit when you need to raise the hinged section.  In other words, don't blend scenery around the gap - just cover it up.

Thank you Mallard!

I saw this last evening and decided to mull it over because I wasn't quite clear on what you are suggesting.  I think you mean that this foam base would be made so that I would first lift the building off, then lift the foam scenic base off before raising the hinged section.  The foam scenic base would be one piece that would cover over the seam.  If that is what you mean, I like the idea. 

@Mark Boyce posted:

Thank you Mallard!

I saw this last evening and decided to mull it over because I wasn't quite clear on what you are suggesting.  I think you mean that this foam base would be made so that I would first lift the building off, then lift the foam scenic base off before raising the hinged section.  The foam scenic base would be one piece that would cover over the seam.  If that is what you mean, I like the idea.

Close, and that's one way it could work.

I envisioned it as having the building semi-permanently attached to the piece of foam, perhaps with double-sided tape or hot glue, so that the base and building would be lifted off the layout together as one unit, but could be separated from each other if necessary.  Done this way, it would be a bit more cumbersome to handle, but it would allow you to build up the scenery around the base of the building in order to "plant" it and have the edges transition into the surrounding area.  Also, if it's one unit, the space required to set it down would be smaller than if you have to set the building aside first.

Another way to think of it is that you are building a diorama for the building and surrounding plot of land.

If you want further details, email me and I'll do my best to help.

Thank you, Mallard!  Now I see what you mean.  I would lift it all off at once.  I was thinking since the underneath is open to see the small vignette scene below, I could have a two pronged plug that easily makes and breaks contact so there are no loose wires or plugs to worry about.  Yes, it would be a diorama! 

Mark- when I did my Ameritown building, I built up the area around the building and made a base for it to sit on. I can lift the building off (which I've done to fix lights)  without disturbing the ground cover. I used 1/2" strips for the base.

I like the diorama idea too....did my corner tunnel like that.

Bob

Thank you, Bob!  I remember those scenes, but forgot about the methods you used for removing!!

Railfanning views from the hotel.

Outstanding view Mark!

Andy

Thank you, Andy!  I think it will work out nicely.

Here is a video of a train traversing both levels taken from the opposite end of the two bridges.  The engine is an MTH Premier PS2 Russian Decapod.  The caboose is from MTH and the 2-bay hoppers are MTH and Lionel.

Last evening, I took a video of the boxcar train that is now broken up in the South Yard and the MTH Premier PS2 B&O Mikado and caboose are on the yard lead.  I did not have the advantage of natural light coming in the sliding glass door, so it is too dark in the foreground.  I need to install a set of lights there and at the far end of the room under the shelves.

Nice Mark! I love the 2-track bridge. I'm very impressed with what you have stuffed into 11'x11'. I do not have a great deal more than that, depending on room furniture and what have you. What brand of track is that? I may try to re-build using that once I get the house reno done.  Me thinks I sent too much money on motive power in times past. I need to reprioritize and focus more on roadbed and scenery.....if I can swing it!

Bob

Mark, very nice track layout, especially the dual level bridges! I see you found a home for the new fire house.

Gene

Nice run Mark. That decapod had no trouble with the grades.  Looking good!

Bob