Thanks for taking the time to look at my pictures and letting me know what you think. I was thinking that the wider arches looked the best and it appears that most of you agree.
Art
Grandson Cody and I ran wires to the switches on the outside loop tonight next project is running the power for the second loop and then we will have 2 operating loops....hopefully by next weekend.
Originally Posted by Chugman:
Working on my stone arch bridge and trying to decide on the shape of the arches. A friend made me some elliptical patterns and I cut what I felt was the most promising one out of cardboard to compare it to the first trial. The first one was just using a 4" hole saw for the top of the arch.
Which do you think looks better? What should I do differently?
Art
I vote for the elliptical arches.
Originally Posted by Rixster:
Tough call, Art...both look really good, but I will go against the popular vote and choose the first one. I think I like the fact it will contain more stonework with the narrower arches. You can't go wrong with either design, however.
Rick
There is something to be said for both styles of arch. After thinking further about my vote for the eliptical arch, another reason for my preference was that the spaces between the uprights are further apart and show more of what is behind the bridge.
Randy - Thanks for your comment and opinion. That is a good point about exposing more of the scenery under and behind the bridge. By the way, I love your creativity on your logo, nice job!
Art
Originally Posted by Chugman:
Randy - Thanks for your comment and opinion. That is a good point about exposing more of the scenery under and behind the bridge. By the way, I love your creativity on your logo, nice job!
Art
Art:
Thank you for the kind compliment. The logo is my feeble attempt at computer art. My son, Chris, has a friend at school who is a real artist and, in his spare time, is cleaning up the logo.
Randy
Since my last post, I've built a real stone portal for my trolly line where it enters the underside of Mt. Randolph. I've also used real stone for the hillside that runs along side the trolly line decending from track level of the Mountain Division. The trolly line is entirely elevated on the layout, making for a second level to my Free State Junction Railway which runs above the fictitious town of Patsburg. The east end of the trolly line terminates at a bumper on the inside of the underside of Mt. Randolph. The west side of the trolly line will terminate at Patsburg Westend, a shopping district.
Having the trolly line run inside of Mt. Randolph alludes to the interurban days. i use an Atlas O trolly. ( See accomp. photos )
I used real rocks which I got out of a nearby river bed. I glued the rocks together using Sinbad glue ( great stuff !! ) which I picked up at York. Using Sinbad to glue the rocks together insures there will be no rock slides. 
The top rock over the portal is a long sort of "slab" rock, which fit quite nicely into the space. The portal does not look at all like any "classic" portal, which from my standpoint is pretty cool. As I planned my layout, I did not want to have all of one kind of portal. I want to give visitors the impression that the railroad was constructed over a period of many decades so different kinds of stone, materials, and cuts were employed. At present there are a total of 8 portals on the layout and I use 6 different kinds of portals .... one MTH single portal ( heavily weathered ) for the east portal of Mt. Randolph on the Mountain Division, a Scenic Express wooden portal ( also weathered ) on the west end of Mt. Randolph. For the double track main lines on the bottom deck of my layout I use 3 K line double track portals, an MTH double track portal ... which I had to widen a bit and cut the top higher to accommodate GG1 panagraphs... and a unique looking single portal that I purchased at a local train show.
I hope you enjoy the accompanying photos showing the rock hill, portal, a view of all 3 layout levels, and a Y6 taking the bridge.
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Images (4)
Originally Posted by p51: Looks great! Nicely done!
Completed a depot repaint and re-detail I've been wanting to do for a very long time. You can even read the writing on the bulletin chalkboard if you break out a magnifying glass...
Originally Posted by Chugman: Both sets of arches you will be great whichever one you decide upon. I do find myself in favor of the wider arches because they do seem a bit more majestic and graceful. I also agree with Randy that the wider arches will allow for better viewing of whatever scenery you have behind the arches. Just my 2 cents. Whichever way you go though your layout will be a winner
Working on my stone arch bridge and trying to decide on the shape of the arches. A friend made me some elliptical patterns and I cut what I felt was the most promising one out of cardboard to compare it to the first trial. The first one was just using a 4" hole saw for the top of the arch.
Which do you think looks better? What should I do differently?
Art
I was busy today. I decided today that before I start on the upper part of my tunnel/mountain I needed to paint the wall in the room blue for sky. also I wanted to finally attach the tunel portals I worked on over the weekend so I did that tonight also. so here is a layout update of sorts. I also ordered a few things in the past few days I ordered 2 sc1 switch controllers and a station with 3 platforms 2 at almost 12 inchs and one at 24 inches.
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are you doing clouds? I thought of doing them on my walls and putting those glow in the dark stars for at night to give an effect! You have a very nice setup. have fun!
chris
Originally Posted by trumptrain:
Looks great! Nicely done!
Originally Posted by p51:
Completed a depot repaint and re-detail I've been wanting to do for a very long time. You can even read the writing on the bulletin chalkboard if you break out a magnifying glass...
Thanks!
I also have a few new structures, including two single-story farm houses, a water tower and some small sheds.
My layout only exists on paper, I'm waiting for a pal of mine who's offered to help me with my benchwork (I'm going to be building it in sections, so it can be broken down and transported if I ever have to move) for a time he can break out the saws. I have my track plan and am also currently buying up more On30 flex track.
that is very nice. good detail!
Originally Posted by trumptrain:
Since my last post, I've built a real stone portal for my trolly line where it enters the underside of Mt. Randolph. I've also used real stone for the hillside that runs along side the trolly line decending from track level of the Mountain Division. The trolly line is entirely elevated on the layout, making for a second level to my Free State Junction Railway which runs above the fictitious town of Patsburg. The east end of the trolly line terminates at a bumper on the inside of the underside of Mt. Randolph. The west side of the trolly line will terminate at Patsburg Westend, a shopping district.
Having the trolly line run inside of Mt. Randolph alludes to the interurban days. i use an Atlas O trolly. ( See accomp. photos )
I used real rocks which I got out of a nearby river bed. I glued the rocks together using Sinbad glue ( great stuff !! ) which I picked up at York. Using Sinbad to glue the rocks together insures there will be no rock slides.
The top rock over the portal is a long sort of "slab" rock, which fit quite nicely into the space. The portal does not look at all like any "classic" portal, which from my standpoint is pretty cool. As I planned my layout, I did not want to have all of one kind of portal. I want to give visitors the impression that the railroad was constructed over a period of many decades so different kinds of stone, materials, and cuts were employed. At present there are a total of 8 portals on the layout and I use 6 different kinds of portals .... one MTH single portal ( heavily weathered ) for the east portal of Mt. Randolph on the Mountain Division, a Scenic Express wooden portal ( also weathered ) on the west end of Mt. Randolph. For the double track main lines on the bottom deck of my layout I use 3 K line double track portals, an MTH double track portal ... which I had to widen a bit and cut the top higher to accommodate GG1 panagraphs... and a unique looking single portal that I purchased at a local train show.
I hope you enjoy the accompanying photos showing the rock hill, portal, a view of all 3 layout levels, and a Y6 taking the bridge.
Finally started to work on the layout again. Working with pink board to fill in an open corner of the layout between the two levels.............Paul
Here is a short video clip of a Railking Y6 leading a coal trains across a Bollman bridge.
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Videos (1)
Originally Posted by Chris D: Thanks so much Chris. I appreciate your taking time to view my photos and your nice compliment.
that is very nice. good detail!
Originally Posted by trumptrain:
Since my last post, I've built a real stone portal for my trolly line where it enters the underside of Mt. Randolph. I've also used real stone for the hillside that runs along side the trolly line decending from track level of the Mountain Division. The trolly line is entirely elevated on the layout, making for a second level to my Free State Junction Railway which runs above the fictitious town of Patsburg. The east end of the trolly line terminates at a bumper on the inside of the underside of Mt. Randolph. The west side of the trolly line will terminate at Patsburg Westend, a shopping district.
Having the trolly line run inside of Mt. Randolph alludes to the interurban days. i use an Atlas O trolly. ( See accomp. photos )
I used real rocks which I got out of a nearby river bed. I glued the rocks together using Sinbad glue ( great stuff !! ) which I picked up at York. Using Sinbad to glue the rocks together insures there will be no rock slides.
The top rock over the portal is a long sort of "slab" rock, which fit quite nicely into the space. The portal does not look at all like any "classic" portal, which from my standpoint is pretty cool. As I planned my layout, I did not want to have all of one kind of portal. I want to give visitors the impression that the railroad was constructed over a period of many decades so different kinds of stone, materials, and cuts were employed. At present there are a total of 8 portals on the layout and I use 6 different kinds of portals .... one MTH single portal ( heavily weathered ) for the east portal of Mt. Randolph on the Mountain Division, a Scenic Express wooden portal ( also weathered ) on the west end of Mt. Randolph. For the double track main lines on the bottom deck of my layout I use 3 K line double track portals, an MTH double track portal ... which I had to widen a bit and cut the top higher to accommodate GG1 panagraphs... and a unique looking single portal that I purchased at a local train show.
I hope you enjoy the accompanying photos showing the rock hill, portal, a view of all 3 layout levels, and a Y6 taking the bridge.
Originally Posted by p51:
Originally Posted by trumptrain:
Looks great! Nicely done!
Originally Posted by p51: Yeah P51! Keep those dreams alive and may your friend get over to your place and help you out with the bench work! This little station looks great! Would love to see the rest of your structures.
Completed a depot repaint and re-detail I've been wanting to do for a very long time. You can even read the writing on the bulletin chalkboard if you break out a magnifying glass...
Thanks!
I also have a few new structures, including two single-story farm houses, a water tower and some small sheds.
My layout only exists on paper, I'm waiting for a pal of mine who's offered to help me with my benchwork (I'm going to be building it in sections, so it can be broken down and transported if I ever have to move) for a time he can break out the saws. I have my track plan and am also currently buying up more On30 flex track.
Originally Posted by Jhainer: I really like how you made a cut in the hillside for your switch tower. Very cool!! Very nice looking bridge as well! Retaining walls looks really good too, as does the night shot of your passenger station! WOW!
I was busy today. I decided today that before I start on the upper part of my tunnel/mountain I needed to paint the wall in the room blue for sky. also I wanted to finally attach the tunel portals I worked on over the weekend so I did that tonight also. so here is a layout update of sorts. I also ordered a few things in the past few days I ordered 2 sc1 switch controllers and a station with 3 platforms 2 at almost 12 inchs and one at 24 inches.
Originally Posted by trumptrain:
an MTH double track portal ... which I had to widen a bit and cut the top higher to accommodate GG1 panagraphs...
Nice work! Can we see that MTH portal? Cutting one up also.
Originally Posted by Chugman:
Working on my stone arch bridge and trying to decide on the shape of the arches. A friend made me some elliptical patterns and I cut what I felt was the most promising one out of cardboard to compare it to the first trial. The first one was just using a 4" hole saw for the top of the arch.
Which do you think looks better? What should I do differently?
Art
Art, have to agree with the others. The wider arch mock-up looks better and they will allow for great views of the scenicing after you are done.
Originally Posted by trumptrain: Thank you very much a lot of what I have done I have learned from this site! the retaining walls and all the portals are made from pick foam board. it's time consuming drawing out all the bricks and the more I do the better I get at it. I have been trying to get my daughter to make them for me but they seem to have a bad mason when finished double motor lines and such but atleast she is trying and that's all I can ask for. she did help with the Indoor outdoor carpet tho and did fine with it the cut out for the switch tower came by accident I planned on it being there but didn't account for the hill side so alittle redesign was in order. I came up with the idea and my daughter made it with 1/4 square dowels I placed it on the layout then that whole hill side she made from doing the lattice work with cardboard to covering it in plaster she has been a big help. I even had her do the painting of the green (she doesn't like the green tho). the bridge's I have theres 2 one being the tw trainworx one that I ordered with arches running length wise for a train to pass under it. the second one was really an experiment. I had a wooden truss bridge built there and it kept coming apart. the weight of a train seemed to be to much for it probably a combination of poor craftsmanship on my part edges not quite square things like that but anyways it kept falling apart the last time it was on the layout a train was crossing it and two track supports broke out the bottom dropping the track and the train. off the layout it came. so I put up a temp board across the span just to keep things running in the time being until I could figure out what needed to go there. total length is 52 inchs. well while I was building a few structures out of foam core I thought I could build a truss bridge out of it it doesn't need to do the supporting the temp board could. so I drew it out and begain making it the center section is 32 inches and the two plate girder ends are 10 inches making the 52 inches needed I hot glued it all together and it seems to be fine. now what I need to do is add some details to it paint it and then see how I like it. the plan was for me to buy a another trainworx bridge b52 I think is the number for it which is 32 inches and they also sell girder plate in 30 inch sections and finish up the other bridge leadins then use what was left over to do the girders on this bridge. but I like $7.00 compared to the $200 for the other bridges . the station photos I wish I could take credit for it but I can't it's accually from a company a few miles from where I live they make the station this is there photo from there website. the station is on order for my layout but it has a 6 week leaway before it gets here. I bought the station the small platforms then one long platform. the small platforms are about 12 inches the long platform is almost 24 inches it comes complete ready to run with lighting and the benches I will have to add the people here is the website is anyone is interested. http://www.locomotiveworksinc.com/Home.html he also does laser cutting so I might have him do up the other station I have plans for maybe give that one to my daughter for her help
the cut out for the switch tower came by accident I planned on it being there but didn't account for the hill side so alittle redesign was in order. I came up with the idea and my daughter made it with 1/4 square dowels I placed it on the layout then that whole hill side she made from doing the lattice work with cardboard to covering it in plaster she has been a big help. I even had her do the painting of the green (she doesn't like the green tho). the bridge's I have theres 2 one being the tw trainworx one that I ordered with arches running length wise for a train to pass under it. the second one was really an experiment. I had a wooden truss bridge built there and it kept coming apart. the weight of a train seemed to be to much for it probably a combination of poor craftsmanship on my part edges not quite square things like that but anyways it kept falling apart the last time it was on the layout a train was crossing it and two track supports broke out the bottom dropping the track and the train. off the layout it came. so I put up a temp board across the span just to keep things running in the time being until I could figure out what needed to go there. total length is 52 inchs. well while I was building a few structures out of foam core I thought I could build a truss bridge out of it it doesn't need to do the supporting the temp board could. so I drew it out and begain making it the center section is 32 inches and the two plate girder ends are 10 inches making the 52 inches needed I hot glued it all together and it seems to be fine. now what I need to do is add some details to it paint it and then see how I like it. the plan was for me to buy a another trainworx bridge b52 I think is the number for it which is 32 inches and they also sell girder plate in 30 inch sections and finish up the other bridge leadins then use what was left over to do the girders on this bridge. but I like $7.00 compared to the $200 for the other bridges . the station photos I wish I could take credit for it but I can't it's accually from a company a few miles from where I live they make the station this is there photo from there website. the station is on order for my layout but it has a 6 week leaway before it gets here. I bought the station the small platforms then one long platform. the small platforms are about 12 inches the long platform is almost 24 inches it comes complete ready to run with lighting and the benches I will have to add the people here is the website is anyone is interested. http://www.locomotiveworksinc.com/Home.html he also does laser cutting so I might have him do up the other station I have plans for maybe give that one to my daughter for her help Originally Posted by Jhainer: I really like how you made a cut in the hillside for your switch tower. Very cool!! Very nice looking bridge as well! Retaining walls looks really good too, as does the night shot of your passenger station! WOW!
I was busy today. I decided today that before I start on the upper part of my tunnel/mountain I needed to paint the wall in the room blue for sky. also I wanted to finally attach the tunel portals I worked on over the weekend so I did that tonight also. so here is a layout update of sorts. I also ordered a few things in the past few days I ordered 2 sc1 switch controllers and a station with 3 platforms 2 at almost 12 inchs and one at 24 inches.
Well, it finally rained in sunny California enough to keep me inside for the day. So I wired up five accessories that have been waiting patiently. Had help from my twin grandsons after their school too. Nice to have them here to learn.
Will post photos some day…
jeff
Originally Posted by Lima: Hi Lima... Thanks for your compliment.
Here is a photo of the MTH portal as per your request. It sort of has the look of the prototypical raised tunnels that major railroads are making today ... to accommodate double stack containers.
Although it is not a pretty customized portal, it does the job of allowing GG1 panagraphs to be fully raised as they pass through the tunnel.... and it is not located in an area of my layout that directly meets the viewers eye.
I cut into the top of the portal using my own version of a hot knife..... a candle flame and old steak knife. i held the steak knife over the flame until it got good and hot. once hot enough I cut into the plastic. I had to do several repetitions before I got the desired outcome as you see in the photo.
When i got the upper part cut, I spray painted the top with flat black paint. This gives the effect that this portal has swallowed decades of steam locos. I'm not at all finished scenicing this area. As I continue to do so I plan to put a black interior inside the tunnel.
Thanks for asking about this portal. Like I said its not pretty but it is effective.
Actually I misspoke in regard to having to widen the portal. It is wide enough to accommodate all rolling stock and locos. The reason for employing the double portal at this very location is that this portal lies at the very end of a 42 inch radius curve .... thus must accommodate the excessive overhang of my full scale Lionel J class when it backs up out of the tunnel.
This portal is located on the mainline of my Free State Junction Railway, taking the mainline underneath Patsburg Westend. At the opposite I have a K line double portal ... which is installed on a 3/4 inch base on either side thus raising the entire portal enough to allow the panagraph to come through the tunnel. The K line portal is actually located right on the curve and accomodates the overhang of my 20 inch passenger cars
Originally Posted by trumptrain:
an MTH double track portal ... which I had to widen a bit and cut the top higher to accommodate GG1 panagraphs...
Nice work! Can we see that MTH portal? Cutting one up also.
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Installed two sets of FasTrack remote switch crossovers actuated by an SC-2 controlled by a Legacy command set. A big deal for me, lots of confusion and learning. All new to me. Here's the story .
Started making a cliff area.
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Love the canyon shots above! Nice work!
Bryan,
That looks really good. What did you use?
Originally Posted by Jhainer:
I like what you're doing with the stone retaining walls to stagger the tunnel entrances. I did something similar:
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Originally Posted by mjrodg3n88:
Bryan,
That looks really good. What did you use?
Thanks Mike,
I used the cardboard lattice technique for the form. First coat was paper towels dipped into mixture of water and drywall mud. The first coat was mixed at a soup like consistency. Let dry for 2 days. The second coat was another layer of paper towels with drywall mud but more of a cake batter consistency. This layer I did more shaping of the mud. Painting was just water downed paint using a spray bottle. The pipe was just left over copper pipe spray painted. Darkened the cliff so it looks like dirty water runoff.
Today I finished hot melting the pink board in place and started putting on the plaster wrap. It felt good to be working on the layout again...........................Paul
I ran trains! 
Tested out a new (to me) MTH NYC ESE Hudson. The silver painted Scullin disc wheels add great visual effect!
I played with my new band saw and started cutting the walls for my parking garage. I am using a Korber power plant office kit as the basis. Will post pictures tomorrow.
Art
Originally Posted by hojack:
Originally Posted by Jhainer:
I like the look of that the guy on the wall different style blocks I like it
I like what you're doing with the stone retaining walls to stagger the tunnel entrances. I did something similar:
Originally Posted by Bryan in Ohio:
Started making a cliff area.
Bryan:
This is nice rock work. What did you use and how did you do it?
Randy,
Thanks for the compliment. I used the cardboard lattice technique for the form. First coat was paper towels dipped into mixture of water and drywall mud. The first coat was mixed at a soup like consistency. Let dry for 2 days. The second coat was another layer of paper towels with drywall mud but more of a cake batter consistency. This layer I did more shaping of the mud. Painting was just water downed paint using a spray bottle. The pipe was just left over copper pipe spray painted. Darkened the cliff so it looks like dirty water runoff.
This weekend I plan on adding a little moss to some of the rocks and start on the bottom of the gorge. I really need to get this part done so I can install the wooden trestle that will span the gorge area. Already built the bents just need to get ground level done in order to put it up. Also plan on having a lake at the bottom of the area.
I thought of doing this, did it crack at all? did you use the 30 min setting type? you can mix that powder to what ever you want.
Chris Originally Posted by Bryan in Ohio:
Originally Posted by mjrodg3n88:
Bryan,
That looks really good. What did you use?
Thanks Mike,
I used the cardboard lattice technique for the form. First coat was paper towels dipped into mixture of water and drywall mud. The first coat was mixed at a soup like consistency. Let dry for 2 days. The second coat was another layer of paper towels with drywall mud but more of a cake batter consistency. This layer I did more shaping of the mud. Painting was just water downed paint using a spray bottle. The pipe was just left over copper pipe spray painted. Darkened the cliff so it looks like dirty water runoff.
Wiring and repair...
Yesterday I finally started the Rock Ledge on the face of my tunnel.
1st attempt at doing this.
I used DEP Lightweight Pre-Mix and I am very happy with the results.
Goes on Pink, dries White.
Tested it this morning and it is hard as a ROCK !!
Now on to the top of the mountain.
I just ordered a roll of "Shaper Sheet" from woodland scenics. It looks REAL easy to use for the mountain form. I am going to wait till it arrives and see for myself. Keep you all posted on that.
I have a ?
Do I have to use Acrylic Paint for the inside of the tunnels ?
I am going to be applying it directly over the foam boards I used for the rock face and mountain bottom supports.
Any ideas are good ideas.
Thanks in advance.
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