PRR Panhandle 2.0

Steamer posted:

seeing the real  bridge 5 days a week, yours looks great.

Just saw this.  Thank you Dave!!  Very kind of you to say so.

George

Updated 10/22/2018:

Well, another York train show is in the books.  I have to say that I had some success.  Items acquired for the Panhandle include:

• The last two turnouts needed for the layout.  These are from Ross Custom Switches and are equipped with DZ-2500C switch motors.
• About 60 GarGraves pig-tails of different colors (red, black).
• Two DZ-2500C switch machines to replace damaged ones.
• Two DZ-2001L Data Wire Drivers (Switch Buses) to distribute TMCC messages to DZ-2500 switch machines.  There will be 3 Switch Buses on the layout, controlling 35 switches.
• Two Evans Design U3TR slow, red, blinking LEDs (with bridge rectifier) for use as navigation lights on the bridge piers.
• Two AtlasO PRR X-29 box cars.  These were originally made for Middle Division.  I wasn’t planning on buying any cars but the deal was too good to pass up.
• A Lionel PowerHouse 180 brick.  This was new old stock and at $50, it was the steal of the show. 
• Six painted figures
• Five automobiles

I am currently re-organizing my electronics and wiring storage boxes so as to be ready to start wiring (at least 3-6 months off). By mid-week I expect to resume working on the remaining piers.

George

Updated 10/30/2018:

I am hoping this is the completion point for the piers. Below is the East Channel Pier (closest to the WV side of the river).  I have slightly propped up so as not to smash the wires for the lighting.  That's Pier 2 behind it in the background.

The last pier (I finished it tonight) is the West Channel Pier.

I followed the photographs as closely as possible.   The West Channel Pier exited the spray booth today, hopefully for the final time.

It's time to start moving the bridge into position and marking locations for permanent attachment of piers and abutments.

More when I know it.  

George

I like the piers!  Time for the bridge!

Mark Boyce posted:

I like the piers!  Time for the bridge!

Whoa! Those piers look too good to cover up with a bridge! 

Tom 

Mark Boyce posted:

I like the piers!  Time for the bridge!

Yes, way overdue for the bridge.

George

MNCW posted:

Mark Boyce posted:

I like the piers!  Time for the bridge!

Whoa! Those piers look too good to cover up with a bridge! 

Tom 

Well, maybe.  If we go for the post-apocalyptic look on the layout, I'll leave the bridge off or have part of it submerged.  

Or not.  

George

Those piers do look great George. Sorry I didn't run into you at York. Sort of like a needle in a haystack I suppose. We could have been standing feet from each other and not known it. I'll have to make sure next time that Mark is there(here's hoping).

Dave NYC Hudson PRR K4 posted:

Those piers do look great George. Sorry I didn't run into you at York. Sort of like a needle in a haystack I suppose. We could have been standing feet from each other and not known it. I'll have to make sure next time that Mark is there(here's hoping).

Thanks.  Yeah, sorry I didn't run into you either.  And yes, we need to get Mark out to York.

I did see Luvindemtrains, though.  Pretty cool.  

George

Dave NYC Hudson PRR K4 posted:

Those piers do look great George. Sorry I didn't run into you at York. Sort of like a needle in a haystack I suppose. We could have been standing feet from each other and not known it. I'll have to make sure next time that Mark is there(here's hoping).

Yes, it was like a needle in a haystack thing last year.  You saw me and said I must not have recognized you without the shades!  I'm hoping to be there next time too!  

G3750 posted:

Updated 10/6/2016:

My work on the East Channel, West Channel and Pier 2 continues.  I am using a Sharpie to inscribe lines on these piers.  I am also in the process of installing lights in these piers.  Here's a photo showing the installation of the navigation light as well as the supports for the pier floor (Pier 2).

It's also time to start test-fitting the Steubenville truss (Span #8) to the main span.  First let's look at the main span sitting atop Pier 7.

Here are both spans being supported by Pier 7.

This is a shot from beneath the bridge. Note the bridge shoes / pedestals supporting the truss in the middle of the "pocket".

I must say that I am pretty happy with how this turned out. Even the coloration and weathering of the pier looks pretty good to me.

More when I know it.  

George

Where is the backdrop photo from?

I have a similar scene and am looking for that type of backdrop photo.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Buzz

GG1 2340 posted:

G3750 posted:

Updated 10/6/2016:

My work on the East Channel, West Channel and Pier 2 continues.  I am using a Sharpie to inscribe lines on these piers.  I am also in the process of installing lights in these piers.  Here's a photo showing the installation of the navigation light as well as the supports for the pier floor (Pier 2).

It's also time to start test-fitting the Steubenville truss (Span #8) to the main span.  First let's look at the main span sitting atop Pier 7.

Here are both spans being supported by Pier 7.

This is a shot from beneath the bridge. Note the bridge shoes / pedestals supporting the truss in the middle of the "pocket".

I must say that I am pretty happy with how this turned out. Even the coloration and weathering of the pier looks pretty good to me.

More when I know it.  

George

Where is the backdrop photo from?

I have a similar scene and am looking for that type of backdrop photo.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

Buzz

Buzz,

The backdrops are a series of photos of the actual Ohio River valley.  These were taken by RailroadBackdrops.com, a forum sponsor.  They won’t be cheap but they will be excellent!  I can recommend them without reservation.  They work with you to produce the results you want and they guarantee their work.

 You should check out their website.  They have similar scenes.

George

G3750 posted:

GG1 2340 posted:

G3750 posted:

Updated 10/6/2016:

My work on the East Channel, West Channel and Pier 2 continues.  I am using a Sharpie to inscribe lines on these piers.  I am also in the process of installing lights in these piers.  Here's a photo showing the installation of the navigation light as well as the supports for the pier floor (Pier 2).

It's also time to start test-fitting the Steubenville truss (Span #8) to the main span.  First let's look at the main span sitting atop Pier 7.

Here are both spans being supported by Pier 7.

This is a shot from beneath the bridge. Note the bridge shoes / pedestals supporting the truss in the middle of the "pocket".

I must say that I am pretty happy with how this turned out. Even the coloration and weathering of the pier looks pretty good to me.

More when I know it.  

George

Where is the backdrop photo from?

I have a similar scene and am looking for that type of backdrop photo.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

Buzz

Buzz,

The backdrops are a series of photos of the actual Ohio River valley.  These were taken by RailroadBackdrops.com, a forum sponsor.  They won’t be cheap but they will be excellent!  I can recommend them without reservation.  They work with you to produce the results you want and they guarantee their work.

 You should check out their website.  They have similar scenes.

George

George,

Nice work on the piers by the way.

thank you for the information. 

I will look at their website. 

Thanks again

Buzz

Updated 11/01/2018:

Today I worked on determining the correct final position of the Ohio River bridge. The first steps of this task were taken last year when the size and placement of the backdrop was determined. Today's focus was specifically on the western abutment.

Since the bridge is at a slight angle relative to the backdrop, it’s important to have the correct distances between the ends of the bridge and backdrop. Without using trigonometry, I have decided to place the western end first, using it as an anchor, and then pivot the bridge around that point. The position of the other (eastern) end of the bridge is critical as well. See Figure 2. 

I want to achieve a Pennsy track and fill profile (see Figure 3) at the eastern end of the bridge, when the track is parallel to the backdrop. The table will be 18” deep and the tracks (4 5/8” center rail to center rail) must sit on benchwork that is 9.5” wide. I briefly toyed with making the table 21” deep but cutting 3” off the aisle width. However, just a few feet to the east, the track goes through a nearly 270 degree curve. To make these O72 curves fit in the room, I couldn’t afford to lose those 3”.

Here's a look at the western abutment. I have cut the board to size and am test fitting bridge components on it. Corner brackets will hold a shelf upon which will sit the abutment, pedestals, and bridge shoes. These will all press up against the bottom of the truss bridge. However, they will not really be bearing the bridge's weight. It will be attached with screws to board.

Here's a side view showing all the components. Note the Vinylbed scraps I attached to the top of the abutment (on the right). These are to help me get the height of the bridge (and its position on the abutment) correct.

Here's a better look at the Vinylbed and their meeting with the bridge.

Here I have starting putting the stone paper on the face of the abutment. Note the holes for the screws that will hold the bridge.

OK, that's enough for tonight.  More when I know it!  

George

Updated 11/03/2018:

Work today focused on attaching a bridge section to the western abutment. I used the program Brickyard by Evans Design to print a sheet of stone on paper. I then glued it down on the abutment. Next I positioned the bridge section so that it mated up level with the 3/8" Vinylbed roadbed sections. As shown in the previous post, those have been temporarily nailed to the top of the western abutment.

The next steps were difficult. Using the bridge as a template, I marked the screw holes on the (paper) abutment and drilled small pilot holes. Then I screwed #6 x 1 wood screws into the holes in the bridge and the abutment. I couldn't get this done on the first try as the phillips head screws could not be turned a quarter turn in the space available. Offset screwdrivers wouldn't work. My jeweler's screwdrivers were too long to fit in the work space (inside the bridge) and too difficult to hold strongly. Fortunately, Harbor Freight had a small ratcheting screwdriver ($3.00) that worked.

Thankfully, this approach worked.  I will have to repeat this process at the eastern end of the bridge.

More when I know it. 

George

That ratchet offset screwdriver is neat!  The regular offset screwdrivers are torture!

Mark Boyce posted:

That ratchet offset screwdriver is neat!  The regular offset screwdrivers are torture!

I would have absolutely been up the creek without a paddle if I hadn't found it.   

George 

Updated 11/05/2018:

Today, I installed the bridge shoes and pedestals under the western end of the bridge.  I also installed the shelf that will hold them all in place.  Pilot holes for screws in the “stone” arch (eastern abutment) were also drilled.  Four #6 wood screws will hold the bridge to the arch.  I painted and cut to length two pedestals to fit under the eastern end of the bridge as well.  These will hold up the bridge shoes which will support the bottom of the truss.

Before all that was installed, I printed another sheet of stone paper, glued it to the wall of the abutment, and trimmed it to size.  The sections outside the truss will eventually (possibly) be covered in Peel-N-Stick Chooch Large Cut Stone.  I then attached the bridge to the eastern abutment (stone arch).  The stone arch was then propped up to its approximate elevation with wood blocks.

Here are a couple of close-ups of the western abutment and the 15" truss.

Just for grins, I positioned the western abutment and all piers in place.  Then I moved the stone arch to its approximate place on layout.  The following photo shows the piers nearly ready to accept the bridge trusses.

Tomorrow, I will focus on weathering all the pedestals and bridge feet in preparation for test fitting the bridge.

More when I know it.  

George

The bridge area as coming along great, George!!

Coming along George.

Thanks gentlemen!

George

Updated 11/06/2018:

Today, I focused on the bridge pedestals and shoes.  First, any missing full-size pedestals were identified and built.  A full-size pedestal is ¼” high and consists of a very thin plastic sheet supported by ¼” I beams.  I only needed to construct one.  

Second, using ¼” Plastruct rectangular pieces as spacers, bridge shoes were positioned in the middle of the pedestals and glued into place. 

Third, I used Doc O’Brien’s Weathering Powders (Rusty Brown) to age in between the flanges of the bridge shoes, the tops of the pedestals, and in between the I beams of the pedestals.  I may also add some rust on the piers themselves.

I applied DullCote to all the full-size bridge shoe / pedestal assemblies and then placed them on the piers.

Maybe tomorrow we will hang the bridge in place temporarily and determine its final positioning.

More when I know it.  

George

Updated 11/07/2018 (AM):

We've made good progress on temporarily placing the bridge.  More to come and finalization, but here are some photos.

The first photo shows the truss over the C & P River Route.  Note the tunnel portal to the right of the pier.

Here's an overhead view of the area showing the relationship of the portal to the backdrop and the bridge.  You can see that the western abutment wall is 15.25" from the backdrop.  At the far end, the bridge will be roughly 4" out from the backdrop.

Here's a side view of the River Route.  The track will be elevated about 2" as it passes under the truss.

In this photo, the main span of the bridge has been placed, but not yet attached to the River Route truss.

Here are a couple of views down the length of the bridge.

Later, I will be attaching the 24" eastern truss, a 15" truss, and the Stone Arch.

More when I know it.  

George

George, It is looking like the infamous Bridge To Nowhere! 

It does really look great temporarily sitting there for a few photographs and to see how it will all line up!

Mark Boyce posted:

George, It is looking like the infamous Bridge To Nowhere! 

It does really look great temporarily sitting there for a few photographs and to see how it will all line up!

Thank you.  I'm hoping to get a bit more done on it today (before the Penguin game tonight  ).

George

LETS GO PENS!! 

Updated 11/07/2018 (PM):

I've got the bridge into a close approximation of its final position.  I need to create a support for the Stone Arch, after which I will join the 24" truss and the 15" truss together.  Here are some photos.

More when I know it.  

George

Looks great coming together.

Updated 11/08/2018:

I built a small table with adjustable glides to support the Stone Arch (eastern abutment).  I adjusted those glides to get a level span which I then connected to the rest of the bridge.

For the first time ever, the entire bridge has been connected!            

The plan is to create a support for Pier 1, replacing the plastic tubs.  After that, I will work on making the installation permanent. 

More when I know it.  

George

        that is one GREAT looking scene George !!      awesome work

briansilvermustang posted:

        that is one GREAT looking scene George !!      awesome work

Brian,

Thank you very much!  Not quite done yet, but I'm very pleased at how it's going.  It seems very heavy and solid, too.

George

It just looks solid, George!  

Congratulations! That's got to be exciting and it's really looking nice too. 

I saw this very scene in person today...but I didn't notice the bare wood......

rtr12 posted:

Congratulations! That's got to be exciting and it's really looking nice too. 

Thank you!  It is.

George

Impressive George!

Steamer posted:

I saw this very scene in person today...but I didn't notice the bare wood......

Yeah, afraid the installation of water is a ways off.  

George

Nice job as usual George. Two questions...What's your time estimate for the first test of a train or locomotive crossing that section? Also, I don't recall if you said what you planned to use for the water below?

I think you really nailed it with the size of the piers vs. the bridge. 

Tom 

luvindemtrains posted:

Impressive George!

Thanks, man!  Great seeing you at York.

George

MNCW posted:

Nice job as usual George. Two questions...What's your time estimate for the first test of a train or locomotive crossing that section? Also, I don't recall if you said what you planned to use for the water below?

I think you really nailed it with the size of the piers vs. the bridge. 

Tom 

Hi Tom - thank you.

I'm not sure how soon it will before I run a train across the bridge.  It might not be that far off.  I do need to test the conductivity of the track on the bridge.   I'm giving some thought to the use of Envirotex for the water.  This is still to be determined.

I'm glad you like the proportions between the piers and the bridge.  I kinda eye-balled that.  I knew that the commercially available itty-bitty piers weren't going to cut it.

George