New Winter Scene Layout

I can't tell the exact distance between the wall and the track, but don't box yourself in by placing the track to close to the wall.  The distance may limit what you can run due to overhang when rounding the curves.

Steve

RideTheRails posted:

I can't tell the exact distance between the wall and the track, but don't box yourself in by placing the track to close to the wall.  The distance may limit what you can run due to overhang when rounding the curves.

Steve

This will only be O36 curves and run 15" passenger cars or small freight cars nothing longer than 13". The size of this layout is 41" by 109 1/2". 

Nice to see you are starting a layout!

prrhorseshoecurve posted:

Nice to see you are starting a layout!

Thanks prrhorseshoecurve...

Will take some time to build, will only be working on it one day a week. Going to take my time and go nice and slow. Next step is to install the foam insulation on top of the plywood next weekend. Then my daughter will start painting the 24" high by 109 1/2" long back drop.  

Here's a figure 8 added to you plan to add some play value. The cross can be moved 4-1/2" or 9" either way off-center by moving the 4-1/2" pieces near the switches to help with scenic fitment. Spurs can come off the 10" pieces in the cross.

You may be able to have just a diagonal in the center back to the wall above the floor molding and remove the legs for a shelf look. Being attached to the wall provides a lot of support. The diagonal would control flex in the center. (if there is any). It would make a nice clean view from the front.

One more thought...fit the foam (don't secure it) and then remove the plywood to allow easier access for the backdrop painting. Then put it all back together.

I would like to see your scenic ideas.

Nice use of that space! It's almost perfectly sized for O36.

Backdrop could mean a scene on the wall or on pieces of plywood to hang on or attach to the wall. If it's going to be painted on the wall, then I agree with Carl, remove the foam and plywood to make it easier for your daughter. You said 24"x109 1/2", so I assume that means you don't intend to continue the backdrop on the sides.

I also agree with Carl that replacing at least the middle leg with a diagonal support to the wall might give you a better look, but I don't know what you have planned for the front, some kind of skirting or other cover perhaps? Like Carl, I'm not even sure you needed legs since the frame is attached to the wall on 3 sides and it's made with 2x4's. It looks like the frame was made in 2 sections and connected with nails instead of screws, so maybe there is some flex in the middle. Either way, it's not going anywhere, so it's just a matter of making it look like a built-in shelf or cabinet.

As far as spacing is concerned, it looks like the engine and cars you already have running show that you provided enough clearance for the rolling stock you intend to use. It looks like you don't have much wiggle room anyway, so you just have to avoid buying something new that requires more clearance.

Don't forget to add multiple power drops. Even though it's a small loop, power drops every 3 feet make a WORLD of difference on how your trains perform and run on your layout. My 4x4 Christmas Tree Base layout has 4 power drops per loop and no performance issues.

foam board is on and weighed down.

Moonman posted:

Here's a figure 8 added to you plan to add some play value. The cross can be moved 4-1/2" or 9" either way off-center by moving the 4-1/2" pieces near the switches to help with scenic fitment. Spurs can come off the 10" pieces in the cross.

You may be able to have just a diagonal in the center back to the wall above the floor molding and remove the legs for a shelf look. Being attached to the wall provides a lot of support. The diagonal would control flex in the center. (if there is any). It would make a nice clean view from the front.

One more thought...fit the foam (don't secure it) and then remove the plywood to allow easier access for the backdrop painting. Then put it all back together.

I would like to see your scenic ideas.

Nice use of that space! It's almost perfectly sized for O36.

 

Moonman,

Thanks for the new track design, but it will not go with the design we are planning. The back drop will be on 2 pieces of masonite board 24" by 55". My daughter will roll on the blue paint on both pieces before I mount it to the wall with mirror hangers. The track design will be one loop with a slight dogbone design in the back so we can use the lionel covered bridge. It will raise up 3" in the back with the covered bridge in the middle as the focal point of the back drop. I plan to have a waterfall effect on the back drop with the water coming under the bridge into a frozen pond. All ground cover will look frozen with a fresh snow fall, just like the woodland scenics winter wonderland how to video on youtube. 

DoubleDAZ posted:

Backdrop could mean a scene on the wall or on pieces of plywood to hang on or attach to the wall. If it's going to be painted on the wall, then I agree with Carl, remove the foam and plywood to make it easier for your daughter. You said 24"x109 1/2", so I assume that means you don't intend to continue the backdrop on the sides.

I also agree with Carl that replacing at least the middle leg with a diagonal support to the wall might give you a better look, but I don't know what you have planned for the front, some kind of skirting or other cover perhaps? Like Carl, I'm not even sure you needed legs since the frame is attached to the wall on 3 sides and it's made with 2x4's. It looks like the frame was made in 2 sections and connected with nails instead of screws, so maybe there is some flex in the middle. Either way, it's not going anywhere, so it's just a matter of making it look like a built-in shelf or cabinet.

As far as spacing is concerned, it looks like the engine and cars you already have running show that you provided enough clearance for the rolling stock you intend to use. It looks like you don't have much wiggle room anyway, so you just have to avoid buying something new that requires more clearance.

DoubleDAZ,

The back drop will just be on the back wall. I bought 2 pieces of mirror 24" by 30" to place on each end side wall. The first 30" in from the front will be mirror, the last 11" will be like a blasted rock cut out for the track to come down.

The frame is a solid one piece, 2 long 109 1/2" in front and back with 8 38" in the middle for the ladder supports. I nailed the two center pieces side by side for easier nailing of the 1/4" plywood in the center. The front will just have a skirting across it to hide all of the boxes that will be under it. All wiring will be nice and neat underneath, stay tuned.

DL&W Pete posted:

DoubleDAZ,

The back drop will just be on the back wall. I bought 2 pieces of mirror 24" by 30" to place on each end side wall. The first 30" in from the front will be mirror, the last 11" will be like a blasted rock cut out for the track to come down.

The frame is a solid one piece, 2 long 109 1/2" in front and back with 8 38" in the middle for the ladder supports. I nailed the two center pieces side by side for easier nailing of the 1/4" plywood in the center. The front will just have a skirting across it to hide all of the boxes that will be under it. All wiring will be nice and neat underneath, stay tuned.

Now that's a cool idea, I never thought of mirrors for the ends and that gives me an idea for my Christmas layout. The mirrors should make the layout look a lot bigger that it is. I added a round mirror for a skating pond last year and it worked out really well. I remembered some of the frozen ponds from my childhood looking like mirrors and of course, I love taking photos of lakes with trees, mountains, etc., reflected in the water. We have an Abuelo's restaurant with a back wall of mirrors. I remember the first time we were seated there and was amazed at how big the place was. Duh!

DoubleDAZ posted:

DL&W Pete posted:

DoubleDAZ,

The back drop will just be on the back wall. I bought 2 pieces of mirror 24" by 30" to place on each end side wall. The first 30" in from the front will be mirror, the last 11" will be like a blasted rock cut out for the track to come down.

The frame is a solid one piece, 2 long 109 1/2" in front and back with 8 38" in the middle for the ladder supports. I nailed the two center pieces side by side for easier nailing of the 1/4" plywood in the center. The front will just have a skirting across it to hide all of the boxes that will be under it. All wiring will be nice and neat underneath, stay tuned.

Now that's a cool idea, I never thought of mirrors for the ends and that gives me an idea for my Christmas layout. The mirrors should make the layout look a lot bigger that it is. I added a round mirror for a skating pond last year and it worked out really well. I remembered some of the frozen ponds from my childhood looking like mirrors and of course, I love taking photos of lakes with trees, mountains, etc., reflected in the water. We have an Abuelo's restaurant with a back wall of mirrors. I remember the first time we were seated there and was amazed at how big the place was. Duh!

I have a mirror on mine.  It can give an interesting field of depth and some nice photos using it. 

My layout is a winter theme.

DL&W Pete posted:

Moonman posted:

Here's a figure 8 added to you plan to add some play value. The cross can be moved 4-1/2" or 9" either way off-center by moving the 4-1/2" pieces near the switches to help with scenic fitment. Spurs can come off the 10" pieces in the cross.

You may be able to have just a diagonal in the center back to the wall above the floor molding and remove the legs for a shelf look. Being attached to the wall provides a lot of support. The diagonal would control flex in the center. (if there is any). It would make a nice clean view from the front.

One more thought...fit the foam (don't secure it) and then remove the plywood to allow easier access for the backdrop painting. Then put it all back together.

I would like to see your scenic ideas.

Nice use of that space! It's almost perfectly sized for O36.

 

Moonman,

Thanks for the new track design, but it will not go with the design we are planning. The back drop will be on 2 pieces of masonite board 24" by 55". My daughter will roll on the blue paint on both pieces before I mount it to the wall with mirror hangers. The track design will be one loop with a slight dogbone design in the back so we can use the lionel covered bridge. It will raise up 3" in the back with the covered bridge in the middle as the focal point of the back drop. I plan to have a waterfall effect on the back drop with the water coming under the bridge into a frozen pond. All ground cover will look frozen with a fresh snow fall, just like the woodland scenics winter wonderland how to video on youtube. 

You have this well thought out. I'll just watch your execution of your plan. It sounds like it will look great!

Liquid nails has dried, foam board is nice and flat. Laid down the track plan to check for clearance, made some minor adjustments. My K-line 15" heavyweights are good, ran my WBB F3 ABA dummy set through and are good too. Traced the fastrack with a sharpie to get the plan on the foam. Might get the back drop painted blue today, then it's time to hit Scenic Express website to make my wish list.

Nice job. Are there any kids involved? If so, any plans for a barrier of some sort along the front?

Nice, but you may want to read just track plan to allow more clearance on those curves. Especially since your going to install mirriors and back drop. You always need to plan for Murphy.   

Children or no children, with track laid that close to a platform edge I'd opt for a barrier to mitigate potential damage if a catastrophe occurred along there.

My daughter wanted to keep working, so we painted the two back drops and mounted them and the mirror's. Here is the pictures, everyone really like's that the scene keeps going.

We installed the risers today, reworked them a few times. Installed the fastrack to check for clearance, nothing hitting the back drop. Also picked up the rest of the scenery supplies with the risers, will mark the risers on the foam and trace outline the lionel covered bridge on the back drop. My daughter will start painting the clouds this coming week, then we will trace the mountains. 

suzukovich posted:

DoubleDAZ posted:

DL&W Pete posted:

DoubleDAZ,

The back drop will just be on the back wall. I bought 2 pieces of mirror 24" by 30" to place on each end side wall. The first 30" in from the front will be mirror, the last 11" will be like a blasted rock cut out for the track to come down.

The frame is a solid one piece, 2 long 109 1/2" in front and back with 8 38" in the middle for the ladder supports. I nailed the two center pieces side by side for easier nailing of the 1/4" plywood in the center. The front will just have a skirting across it to hide all of the boxes that will be under it. All wiring will be nice and neat underneath, stay tuned.

Now that's a cool idea, I never thought of mirrors for the ends and that gives me an idea for my Christmas layout. The mirrors should make the layout look a lot bigger that it is. I added a round mirror for a skating pond last year and it worked out really well. I remembered some of the frozen ponds from my childhood looking like mirrors and of course, I love taking photos of lakes with trees, mountains, etc., reflected in the water. We have an Abuelo's restaurant with a back wall of mirrors. I remember the first time we were seated there and was amazed at how big the place was. Duh!

I have a mirror on mine.  It can give an interesting field of depth and some nice photos using it. 

My layout is a winter theme.

 

 

suzukovich,

Installing the two mirrors on each end make's it great for pictures, the depth of field it gives is outstanding. Looking at your pictures, I can't tell where you layout ends or where the mirror begins. I would like to see more pictures of your layout, looks very nice and "cold".

These three below were all taken from the mirror, the second picture gives the double smoke effect.

Pete,

I just saw your topic for the first time.  I like your concept and execution so far.  I will keep watching your progress.  

When our last daughter gets married in September, I will be taking her art studio room for a new layout.  Right now, I have a little one in the already married daughter's old room.  My wife want me to keep a layout in there for Christmas and maybe other seasonal effects.  She really enjoys it.

DL&W Pete posted:

suzukovich posted:

DoubleDAZ posted:

DL&W Pete posted:

DoubleDAZ,

The back drop will just be on the back wall. I bought 2 pieces of mirror 24" by 30" to place on each end side wall. The first 30" in from the front will be mirror, the last 11" will be like a blasted rock cut out for the track to come down.

The frame is a solid one piece, 2 long 109 1/2" in front and back with 8 38" in the middle for the ladder supports. I nailed the two center pieces side by side for easier nailing of the 1/4" plywood in the center. The front will just have a skirting across it to hide all of the boxes that will be under it. All wiring will be nice and neat underneath, stay tuned.

Now that's a cool idea, I never thought of mirrors for the ends and that gives me an idea for my Christmas layout. The mirrors should make the layout look a lot bigger that it is. I added a round mirror for a skating pond last year and it worked out really well. I remembered some of the frozen ponds from my childhood looking like mirrors and of course, I love taking photos of lakes with trees, mountains, etc., reflected in the water. We have an Abuelo's restaurant with a back wall of mirrors. I remember the first time we were seated there and was amazed at how big the place was. Duh!

I have a mirror on mine.  It can give an interesting field of depth and some nice photos using it. 

My layout is a winter theme.

 

suzukovich,

Installing the two mirrors on each end make's it great for pictures, the depth of field it gives is outstanding. Looking at your pictures, I can't tell where you layout ends or where the mirror begins. I would like to see more pictures of your layout, looks very nice and "cold".

These three below were all taken from the mirror, the second picture gives the double smoke effect.

 

I completely forgot that I wanted to reply to your question.

Here is link to video taken in may and some shots that didn't make it into the video.  I hope your not disappointed. Its really not a huge layout. Street is my sons slot car set that was incorporated into the layout.

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

Not much progress this weekend, but did some last night and we will be working on it today.

I made the outline of the frozen pond from the left over foam boards. Tried to paint some clouds, mine didn't go well but the clouds my oldest son painted are worthy. I hot glued the foam outline down, then installed woodland scenics plaster cloth last night. This morning I spread woodland scenics flex paste with a paint brush over the plaster cloth, this will give me a painting surface to make the pond look deep.

You have inspired me!

I have been toying with the idea of getting rid of a loveseat (might be able to donate to the victims of the Erskine fire up the road) and moving a couple of bookcases. I could fit a layout in that corner about the same size as yours.

My mantle is getting full of my buildings. One more and I'll have to quit.....

suzukovich posted:

DL&W Pete posted:

suzukovich posted:

DoubleDAZ posted:

DL&W Pete posted:

DoubleDAZ,

The back drop will just be on the back wall. I bought 2 pieces of mirror 24" by 30" to place on each end side wall. The first 30" in from the front will be mirror, the last 11" will be like a blasted rock cut out for the track to come down.

The frame is a solid one piece, 2 long 109 1/2" in front and back with 8 38" in the middle for the ladder supports. I nailed the two center pieces side by side for easier nailing of the 1/4" plywood in the center. The front will just have a skirting across it to hide all of the boxes that will be under it. All wiring will be nice and neat underneath, stay tuned.

Now that's a cool idea, I never thought of mirrors for the ends and that gives me an idea for my Christmas layout. The mirrors should make the layout look a lot bigger that it is. I added a round mirror for a skating pond last year and it worked out really well. I remembered some of the frozen ponds from my childhood looking like mirrors and of course, I love taking photos of lakes with trees, mountains, etc., reflected in the water. We have an Abuelo's restaurant with a back wall of mirrors. I remember the first time we were seated there and was amazed at how big the place was. Duh!

I have a mirror on mine.  It can give an interesting field of depth and some nice photos using it. 

My layout is a winter theme.

 

suzukovich,

Installing the two mirrors on each end make's it great for pictures, the depth of field it gives is outstanding. Looking at your pictures, I can't tell where you layout ends or where the mirror begins. I would like to see more pictures of your layout, looks very nice and "cold".

These three below were all taken from the mirror, the second picture gives the double smoke effect.

 

I completely forgot that I wanted to reply to your question.

Here is link to video taken in may and some shots that didn't make it into the video.  I hope your not disappointed. Its really not a huge layout. Street is my sons slot car set that was incorporated into the layout.

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

 

 

suzukovich,

really liked the video, but I would really like to see more of the scenery and slot car track in action. my oldest son saw the tank in the pictures and would like to know more about it. where did you get the city buses and who made them.

Alan Rogers posted:

You have inspired me!

I have been toying with the idea of getting rid of a loveseat (might be able to donate to the victims of the Erskine fire up the road) and moving a couple of bookcases. I could fit a layout in that corner about the same size as yours.

My mantle is getting full of my buildings. One more and I'll have to quit.....

Hi Alan,

If you do start it, which I hope you do. Please keep us informed, I didn't realize how much fun it was to keep adding the update's and pictures. My looks like a bomb went off sometimes after working on it, but I keep watching the woodland scenics how to video and that keeps me going because mine will look just like that when finished.

Finished working on the layout for the week. My daughter touched up the clouds my oldest son and I did, then she added a second coat of flex paste for the pond to be painted next weekend. My younger son took a patch of the buffalo snow and added some hot glue to make the clouds become 3D. Then I hot glued some scraps of foam to the corners behind the track to add the woodlands scenics shaper sheet which was hot glued in place. That is now ready for plaster cloth to cover it and add rock molds. 

DL&W Pete posted:

suzukovich posted:

DL&W Pete posted:

suzukovich posted:

DoubleDAZ posted:

DL&W Pete posted:

DoubleDAZ,

The back drop will just be on the back wall. I bought 2 pieces of mirror 24" by 30" to place on each end side wall. The first 30" in from the front will be mirror, the last 11" will be like a blasted rock cut out for the track to come down.

The frame is a solid one piece, 2 long 109 1/2" in front and back with 8 38" in the middle for the ladder supports. I nailed the two center pieces side by side for easier nailing of the 1/4" plywood in the center. The front will just have a skirting across it to hide all of the boxes that will be under it. All wiring will be nice and neat underneath, stay tuned.

Now that's a cool idea, I never thought of mirrors for the ends and that gives me an idea for my Christmas layout. The mirrors should make the layout look a lot bigger that it is. I added a round mirror for a skating pond last year and it worked out really well. I remembered some of the frozen ponds from my childhood looking like mirrors and of course, I love taking photos of lakes with trees, mountains, etc., reflected in the water. We have an Abuelo's restaurant with a back wall of mirrors. I remember the first time we were seated there and was amazed at how big the place was. Duh!

I have a mirror on mine.  It can give an interesting field of depth and some nice photos using it. 

My layout is a winter theme.

 

suzukovich,

Installing the two mirrors on each end make's it great for pictures, the depth of field it gives is outstanding. Looking at your pictures, I can't tell where you layout ends or where the mirror begins. I would like to see more pictures of your layout, looks very nice and "cold".

These three below were all taken from the mirror, the second picture gives the double smoke effect.

 

I completely forgot that I wanted to reply to your question.

Here is link to video taken in may and some shots that didn't make it into the video.  I hope your not disappointed. Its really not a huge layout. Street is my sons slot car set that was incorporated into the layout.

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

 

 

suzukovich,

really liked the video, but I would really like to see more of the scenery and slot car track in action. my oldest son saw the tank in the pictures and would like to know more about it. where did you get the city buses and who made them.

I didn't forget about you. Here is my new video 24 hr of Winterton .  Shows both trains and slot cars in action.  The buses are Corgi, the Tank is an M60A3 that is 1:48 and motorized. I hope your not disappointed.

Wow, that was great!  The slot cars, trains, and winter scenery are all great!

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK PETE & FAMILY !  

keep posting more pictures as you continue . 

suzukovich posted:

DL&W Pete posted:

suzukovich posted:

DL&W Pete posted:

suzukovich posted:

DoubleDAZ posted:

DL&W Pete posted:

DoubleDAZ,

The back drop will just be on the back wall. I bought 2 pieces of mirror 24" by 30" to place on each end side wall. The first 30" in from the front will be mirror, the last 11" will be like a blasted rock cut out for the track to come down.

The frame is a solid one piece, 2 long 109 1/2" in front and back with 8 38" in the middle for the ladder supports. I nailed the two center pieces side by side for easier nailing of the 1/4" plywood in the center. The front will just have a skirting across it to hide all of the boxes that will be under it. All wiring will be nice and neat underneath, stay tuned.

Now that's a cool idea, I never thought of mirrors for the ends and that gives me an idea for my Christmas layout. The mirrors should make the layout look a lot bigger that it is. I added a round mirror for a skating pond last year and it worked out really well. I remembered some of the frozen ponds from my childhood looking like mirrors and of course, I love taking photos of lakes with trees, mountains, etc., reflected in the water. We have an Abuelo's restaurant with a back wall of mirrors. I remember the first time we were seated there and was amazed at how big the place was. Duh!

I have a mirror on mine.  It can give an interesting field of depth and some nice photos using it. 

My layout is a winter theme.

suzukovich,

Installing the two mirrors on each end make's it great for pictures, the depth of field it gives is outstanding. Looking at your pictures, I can't tell where you layout ends or where the mirror begins. I would like to see more pictures of your layout, looks very nice and "cold".

These three below were all taken from the mirror, the second picture gives the double smoke effect.

 

I completely forgot that I wanted to reply to your question.

Here is link to video taken in may and some shots that didn't make it into the video.  I hope your not disappointed. Its really not a huge layout. Street is my sons slot car set that was incorporated into the layout.

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

suzukovich,

really liked the video, but I would really like to see more of the scenery and slot car track in action. my oldest son saw the tank in the pictures and would like to know more about it. where did you get the city buses and who made them.

I didn't forget about you. Here is my new video 24 hr of Winterton .  Shows both trains and slot cars in action.  The buses are Corgi, the Tank is an M60A3 that is 1:48 and motorized. I hope your not disappoint

I loved every minute of this video, the slot car track action was just wicked. I loved the "accident" photo's, I just hope my small little layout will be half as good as your masterpiece.

I really want to know where you got those backdrop pictures, I still can't tell where your layout ends and the backdrops begin...

Quick update....

poured the first bottle of woodland scenics water last weekend, made some rocks from woodland scenics molds. The water did not cover the entire pond and took longer to dry than 24 hours, the lightweight hydrocal did not set properly and the rocks just fell apart when taken out of the molds.

Have ordered other stuff yesterday to make the rocks, got another bottle of water to pour and we added rock talus around the edge of the pond today. We also hot glued the risers down, added shaper sheet to the back of the pond and added plaster cloth for the rocks. Built up the corner mountains with wadded newspaper and covered it with plaster cloth, also covered the risers with plaster cloth today.

Wonderful work!

Peter

 Looking Great! Nice work and interesting to see the slot cars worked into the layout

Al

I am curious, why doesn't the tank have snow on it? My eyes immediately picked up on it, as it's a park display, right?

p51 posted:

 

I am curious, why doesn't the tank have snow on it? My eyes immediately picked up on it, as it's a park display, right?

No,   Force protection.  Crew can observe the road towards the village and from the station.  I can tell your not an Armor guy. Turret is in travel lock with gun tube to the rear. 

Actually, I spent my entire army career in heavy mechanized units.

I have seen park tanks with turrets in various positions over the years.

p51 posted:

Actually, I spent my entire army career in heavy mechanized units.

I have seen park tanks with turrets in various positions over the years.

Stryker Brigade doesn't count.   Frankly I cant remember how the turret was put in that position. I think at the time I had just set up The S Gauge PE and had to move a few things around. I bought it originally as a load for one of my flat cars, since it is 1/48.  

suzukovich posted:

p51 posted:

Actually, I spent my entire army career in heavy mechanized units.

I have seen park tanks with turrets in various positions over the years.

Stryker Brigade doesn't count.   

Actually, I ended active duty during the transition between heavy tracks and what later became the Stryker brigade.

Before that, it was all tracks, all the time...