Been several weeks since my last thread involving the construction of the fictional New Hampshire branch of the New York Central System so I thought I’de share some newer construction photos as I move along. The 1st two are of the future engine terminal (there’s that darn turntable waiting to be kitbashed or just plain bashed!). The third is just a shot of the framework underway for the backdrop. #s 4 and 5 are of the fututre freight yard. #6 includes a pic of the river scene; and what New England scene would’nt be complete without a covered bridge! #7 is a shot of a passenger station in the yet as un-named small town. The vintage Atlas station will be replaced with a more detailed station in the future but for now it’s staying. #8 is a shot down Main Street and the gas price at the Clark station will need changed to reflect the late 50s. It’s too darned expensive! #9 Is a shot down the other end of Main Street. Both these 2 pics will encompass alot more structures as I get them built. #10 is of a Rix products wooden overpass yet to be painted and weathered. Lastly #11 is of a scratchbuilt cabinet company that doesn’t have a home yet.
Since my last thread I’ve gotten mainline trackage painted and weathered and I’ll soon have to get on to that wonderful process of ballasting. You may notice that I jump around from project to project or area to area and I have a million things going on at once. That’s how I keep my interest level very high. If I, for instance, had just worked on painting and ballasting all the track at once I would be bored to tears with the arduous process! A couple feet here & there is what I like to do at one time. Each couple of feet represent a couple of feet closer to completion! I also find that by keeping that work ethic I illustrated allows me to do a much better job with more of an eye for the detail instead of just rushing trying to get it done.
As always helpful hints and constructive criticism more than welcom
Looks good so far. One thing I like is the “Work in progress” sign. Second thing I like is your super-elevating the curves - nice. One thing I’m a little hesitant on is your use of surface covering (the wood). Isn’t that the stuff that when it gets wet it tends to get funky and come apart?
Thanks for the nice comments. As far as the wood. It’s 1/2" OSB board at $6.33 a sheet. Been using it for 20 years on several different layouts with no problems at all. Except for 4 or 5 splinters in the hands cutting it up with a sabre saw! (That’s why they make neosporin LOL!) I’ve never heard of it coming apart but maybe it would if it was constantly under water![:-^]
Now I know all the experts swear by good quality plywood and I would have certainly used it if it wasn’t so darned expensive. I’de rather sink my hard earned dollars into structures, engines,rolling stock and scenery supplies than good wood nobody will ever see anyway IMO.
Anybody else out there use OSB for subroadbed? I’de be curious if anyone has and had problems with it.
Looking good! How do you like that Atlas turntable?
That wood warps and falls apart pretty EZ when exposed to the elements. Which makes me wonder why they use it for roofs???[%-)] Lasts a long time inside. Know what you mean about the splinters.[:-^]
Loathar… The Atlas tt? it works. the indexing is fine. Other than that, it is the most “unrailroady looking” type of railroad model ever made I do believe. I will be rebuilding or replacing or some form of both at some point. Probably not until backdrop is finished and I’m ready to start work on the control panel. There will be a lot of wiring in that particular area and a tt motor will need to be incorporated into that, So in the meantime the Atlas is just sitting there attempting to blend into the OSB! [:D]
Looking good. REALLY good!! [bow] As to the Atlas TT, don’t sell it too short, just yet. Geared Steam, another one of our posters, has turned his into a ‘gallows’ type turntable that looks incredibly good, so there are adjustments that can be made to it to make it blend into a layout just fine.
Thank you Tom. I remember that thread and being very impressed. I just may do something like that with the tt at some point. That projest will probably be waiting until all the “heavy” construction is done.
OSB is just fine as long as it isn’t subjected to standing water. If you let water come in contact with it for any length of time, the wood fibers soak up the water and swell. Then it gets “punky” and starts to crumble. Like that spot on the inside floor of your cheap bathroom vanity where the drain has been dripping all these years…
Thank you Sue! And Tom, I enjoy seeing your progress as well on the ole Rio Grande!
Being a solo modeler with no-one around who knows or cares much about the hobby, it’s great to be able to post here, get feedback, positive criticism if needed and enjoy what others are trying to accomplish. While browsing around here, I always seem to jump right to the threads that show progress pics because I really like looking at other people’s layouts and models.
Looks great! I am really getting jacked up about seeing all the progress getting done on these layouts this summer. Hoping to jump right in there with y’all real soon. Jamie
I sure will if I make up my mind on exactly what I want. If I decide to add a couple Hudsons,Niagara or Mohawk, then the length of the bridge will be an issue and will have to break out the wallet for a kit that’s bigger. (now if anyone wants to stop by and help scratch-build one the beer is on me!!! Not to mention steaks and shrimp on the grill! [dinner])