The Modeler's Forum

Quote from: S&S RR on February 21, 2014, 09:24:07 PM
The attached layout drawing is a test.  When you click on the attachment do you get a nice big picture of my layout diagram? 

Quote from: gnatshop on February 21, 2014, 09:33:48 PM

Quote from: S&S RR on February 21, 2014, 09:24:07 PM
The attached layout drawing is a test.  When you click on the attachment do you get a nice big picture of my layout diagram? 

Got it - that's an awesome layout drawing!

Quote from: gnatshop on March 05, 2014, 11:30:30 PM
Hope you didn't get any rattlesnake rattles mixed in with the talus!!!!   ;D ;D ;D

Quote from: jbvb on March 06, 2014, 10:36:06 PM
I looked up the .xps file type - one site says "Microsoft's less-compatible version of a PDF".  .xps on Win7 & Vista is apparently incompatible with .oxps on Win8.

Nice progress on the scenery.

Quote from: bparrish on March 11, 2014, 07:09:04 PM
John

The problem with trees is after you put up the first one it screams for another thousand or two.  I have 700+ trees on my RR and it's not that big of a room.

Looks great.

Thanx
Bob

Quote from: Janbouli on March 11, 2014, 08:32:25 PM
John , did you get real Super Trees, i mean the brand or did you look for a Floral supplier. I bought a box from a floral supplier , cost me 45 dollars and it's good for about 800- 900 trees.

Quote from: bparrish on March 13, 2014, 01:53:21 PM
John...

Very cool.

Below is a photo of the high line in my logging district.  The spar pole is a direction change in the lines and there is a staging point at the base of that spar pole.  The line going back to the wall goes to an N scale donkey boiler winch and some N scale buildings.  I had too much fun with this part of the railroad.

see ya
Bob

Quote from: bparrish on March 13, 2014, 06:59:21 PM
John........

It's common in the northwest here that trees get the tops blown out of them by lightning.  The natural physiology of the trees, Doug Fir, Grand fir and occasionally Tamarack (Larch) is that when they loose the top they also loose the center of the tree growth hormone and the top remaining layer of branches go nuts trying to be in charge.  This becomes the nest foundation for prey birds, especially osprey if it is anywhere near water as they are exceptional fishers.  Put one somewhere and see if anyone notices.

see ya
Bob

Quote from: bparrish on March 15, 2014, 01:49:46 PM
...
Rock strata can be done after the crunchies by pulling a coarse wire brush horizontally across the area.  One or two swipes and then allow to dry and color later.  Real easy. ...

Quote from: bparrish on March 15, 2014, 06:57:33 PM
Dave.........

Those were two separate paragraphs but either way......... ya got me.

see ya
Bob

Quote from: deemery on March 15, 2014, 08:06:39 PM
We lived in BC (North Delta, suburb of Vancouver) for a couple of years, and did a lot of day trips into the interior.   You have your choice of rocks there :-), some granite (Stawamish Chief!), a lot of basalt and other lava flows, e.g. on the trip up to Whistler, and then back to sedimentary rocks once you're in the interior.   Somewhere I have some great photos of the Othello tunnels on the Kettle Valley RR, scenery that only a model railroader would dream up (and proof that even in scenery, there's a prototype for everything.)


dave

Quote from: deemery on March 15, 2014, 08:06:39 PM
We lived in BC (North Delta, suburb of Vancouver) for a couple of years, and did a lot of day trips into the interior.   You have your choice of rocks there :-), some granite (Stawamish Chief!), a lot of basalt and other lava flows, e.g. on the trip up to Whistler, and then back to sedimentary rocks once you're in the interior.   Somewhere I have some great photos of the Othello tunnels on the Kettle Valley RR, scenery that only a model railroader would dream up (and proof that even in scenery, there's a prototype for everything.)


dave

Quote from: bparrish on March 15, 2014, 08:52:35 PM
I have long been a conscientious objector of rock molds because neither I or anyone I have been around had a great enough selection that after a very short while they all get to looking alike, even when rotated a bit.

I'm still a window screen guy as you can wrinkle it up and pre set the natural erosion lines and slump stuff.

My dad started me out with wood fiber plaster as it was a base for old lathe and plaster stuff in houses.

Not available any longer that I have found

see ya
Bob

Quote from: bparrish on March 16, 2014, 06:10:32 PM
They look good...... the second however was so large that the forum went back to the slider deal to see it all.

How are you getting these bigger than the two inch stuff?

see ya
Bob

Quote from: deemery on March 17, 2014, 10:38:42 AM
Most of the rocks you see on the train from Whistler to Vancouver are volcanic.  Particularly once you've cleared Squamish and start climbing, that's all basalt flow from Mt. Garibaldi (one of the Coast Range volcanoes.)  I always enjoyed that drive when we lived there.  My BC photos are all old-fashioned printed photos, so I'll have to dig out the pictures and scan them.


dave

Quote from: bparrish on March 18, 2014, 09:58:52 PM
John.......

You are really cooking on this railroad.  Too bad I live so far from Michigan.

We have a lot of DCC operators here in the valley and one has used a drawer idea like yours and it works well.  My command station just hangs off of the edge of the bench work in one area along with the test track.  Pretty out of the way.  I use all wireless stuff so needing the command station is a pretty seldom thing.

see ya
Bob

Quote from: ACL1504 on March 19, 2014, 04:39:04 PM
John,

Holy Cow! I'm green with envy of all your space! I love it!

Tom ;D

Quote from: gnatshop on March 19, 2014, 05:54:54 PM
I'm in envy that he retained his grammar school skills of drawin' with all them
colored pencils!  ;D ;D ;D ;D  (need a 'rollin' on the floor' smiley!!)

Serussly, that layout diagram is awesome!!  8) 8) 8)

Quote from: deemery on March 20, 2014, 10:19:11 AM
I know all too well the feeling of terror you get when working on a plaster kit, that one slip can ruin your whole experience! 


dave

Quote from: deemery on March 20, 2014, 05:44:49 PM

In my case, I was working with Model Masterpieces parts that would have been really expensive to replace.  (No one seems to know what happened to the old MM molds.)

What are you using to glue the plaster together?  I've used carpenter glue, with epoxy where I wanted a particularly strong joint (or gluing wood bracing to plaster.)


dave

Quote from: ACL1504 on March 21, 2014, 06:04:45 PM
John,

Loved the roundhouse story and to get the spare pieces from George was a great bonus. The Ebay prices aren't as bad as they once were. I purchased both of the SRMW Roundhouses. I was going to build the Brick Roundhouse when I noticed the Ebay prices going up and up and up!
I sold the brick one to a guy in CA for $2,300.00 and the stone one to someone in AR for $1,850.00. Yes, I am a capitalist!
Your roundhouse is a thing of beauty! Well done John!
Tom ;D   

Quote from: ACL1504 on March 21, 2014, 06:04:45 PM
John,

Loved the roundhouse story and to get the spare pieces from George was a great bonus. The Ebay prices aren't as bad as they once were. I purchased both of the SRMW Roundhouses. I was going to build the Brick Roundhouse when I noticed the Ebay prices going up and up and up!

I sold the brick one to a guy in CA for $2,300.00 and the stone one to someone in AR for $1,850.00. Yes, I am a capitalist!

Your roundhouse is a thing of beauty! Well done John!

Tom ;D

Quote from: gnatshop on March 21, 2014, 06:56:07 PM

Quote from: ACL1504 on March 21, 2014, 06:04:45 PM
John,

Loved the roundhouse story and to get the spare pieces from George was a great bonus. The Ebay prices aren't as bad as they once were. I purchased both of the SRMW Roundhouses. I was going to build the Brick Roundhouse when I noticed the Ebay prices going up and up and up!
I sold the brick one to a guy in CA for $2,300.00 and the stone one to someone in AR for $1,850.00. Yes, I am a capitalist!
Your roundhouse is a thing of beauty! Well done John!
Tom ;D   

I agree fully with your last sentence!!

But that feller in AR darn sure wasn't related to the Ledbetters - they're too tight!
That's about what they were thinkin' of spendin' for some used lumber to build a real new house.
Of course, that didn't include the cost of buildin' a fancy new outhouse!   ::) ::) ::)
They take their outhouse bidness serussly!!  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Quote from: bparrish on March 22, 2014, 03:52:08 PM
I don't know John.........
Plaid paint on cut stone? ? ? ? ?
see ya  Bob 

Quote from: gnatshop on March 22, 2014, 05:40:00 PM

Quote from: bparrish on March 22, 2014, 03:52:08 PM
I don't know John.........
Plaid paint on cut stone? ? ? ? ?
see ya  Bob 

Riff-Raff Big Grins for Li'l Bobby P.!!!!  8) 8) 8)

Quote from: ACL1504 on March 27, 2014, 07:26:11 PM
John,

Now those are mountains! Looks great!

Tom ;D

Quote from: S&S RR on March 27, 2014, 08:12:20 PM

Quote from: ACL1504 on March 27, 2014, 07:26:11 PM
John,  Now those are mountains! Looks great!
Tom ;D   

Tom
Thanks - they will look better with some trees and talus - but one step at a time. First we need to get the trains running!

Quote from: ak-milw on April 02, 2014, 11:19:01 PM
I am using 1 1/2 inch foam insulation board. I get it in 4 by 8 sheets and they cost about $13. I put this on a open grid frame work made of 1 by 4's on 1 foot centers. I can sit on it when it is together and not break through. I have used this method for years and would never go back to plywood. The foamboard is also very stable and I never had it swell or shrink. Check out the last post on my Milwaukee Road thread, I have a picture of a  new section  on there. I get the foambard at my local lumber yard..



8)

Quote from: ak-milw on April 03, 2014, 11:22:11 PM
John, the different colors are from different Manufactures. I use the pink from Corning.



8)

Quote from: jbvb on April 03, 2014, 11:32:16 PM
When using Gatorfoam, be aware that it outgasses formaldehyde in small quantities.  This won't bother most people, but a friend of mine started using it and then wondered (out loud on another forum) why he felt sick after spending a while in the train room.  I found the MSDS on the web and posted a reply.  He went off to the Dr. and it turned out he had (or had developed) a formaldehyde sensitivity. Out went the Gatorfoam and he's enjoying his railroad much more.

Quote from: jbvb on April 03, 2014, 11:32:16 PM
When using Gatorfoam, be aware that it outgasses formaldehyde in small quantities.  This won't bother most people, but a friend of mine started using it and then wondered (out loud on another forum) why he felt sick after spending a while in the train room.  I found the MSDS on the web and posted a reply.  He went off to the Dr. and it turned out he had (or had developed) a formaldehyde sensitivity. Out went the Gatorfoam and he's enjoying his railroad much more.

Quote from: S&S RR on April 07, 2014, 05:07:28 PM
I was reading Tom's build thread for his The Atlantic and Southern Build (http://modelersforum.com/index.php?topic=53.msg5883#msg5883)  last night and realized I hadn't tested the new track with my long Pullman cars.  So today we ran the test with 6 - 40' passenger cars and 3 - 85' Pullman cars.  I found three areas that need some work in the backup test. The Pullman car test has now been added to the Superior & Seattle track testing procedures.  It will be called "Tom's AS Pullman Car Test (TAPCT)". Thanks to ACL1504 (http://modelersforum.com/index.php?action=profile;u=24) for the help in getting this track work right.


(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/18-070414164656.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/18-070414164656.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/18-070414164550.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/18-070414164550.jpeg)

Quote from: deemery on April 08, 2014, 10:14:44 AM
What about the "Tom's Back AS-ward test?"  It's a bit more descriptive, I think :-)


dave

Quote from: Erieman on April 08, 2014, 11:33:49 AM
Good morning John,

All I can say is WOW. I get a better feeling for what you are building in your basement and it is awesome. Looking marvelous. Keep posting more pictures of the overall room.

Frank / Erieman

Quote from: bparrish on April 08, 2014, 01:47:52 PM
John.....

I and a few others here in Boise have a pretty proven way to testing track work.........

Push 'em.

It's not prototype but testing is not operations....  We push strings of cars at various speeds for testing ....... 

Including all ahead flanktastic.

It shows stuff right now ! ! !

see ya
Bob

Quote from: John B on April 09, 2014, 01:09:48 PM
I bought the Proxxon Chop and Mitre Saw.  Don't use it very much; but when you need it, it is good to have on hand

Quote from: ACL1504 on April 09, 2014, 03:47:41 PM
John,

I've done all of the above to get my heavyweights to run smooth.

I use the "push" test forward and backward as well as using motive power, after all, I won't be pushing by hand when actually running the trains.

I also use the tool from Micro-Mart, well one like it anyway. It works on the passenger and freight car trucks. It does remove some very small flash and pieces of metal that sticks to some of the Walthers heavyweight trucks.

On the heavyweights I've even cut into the uinderframe rib so the trucks swing more freely!

Over the years I've found that it's just easier to fix the cars prior to putting them on the track. It takes more time but well worth the effort in the long run.

My 5 cents worth!

Tom

Quote from: deemery on April 09, 2014, 05:49:14 PM
The "6 wheel truck AS-backwards test" has me thinking:  What about a track test car made of acrylic, that's as long as my longest car, with some 6-wheel trucks?  Moving that back-and-forth (by hand and by loco) might be a very good way to inspect track.


dave

Quote from: deemery on April 09, 2014, 05:49:14 PM
The "6 wheel truck AS-backwards test" has me thinking:  What about a track test car made of acrylic, that's as long as my longest car, with some 6-wheel trucks?  Moving that back-and-forth (by hand and by loco) might be a very good way to inspect track.


dave

Quote from: ACL1504 on April 09, 2014, 07:14:49 PM

Quote from: deemery on April 09, 2014, 05:49:14 PM
The "6 wheel truck AS-backwards test" has me thinking:  What about a track test car made of acrylic, that's as long as my longest car, with some 6-wheel trucks?  Moving that back-and-forth (by hand and by loco) might be a very good way to inspect track.


dave

Dave,

That's a great idea but you still need the coupler pocket and the center sill in place to see if the trucks are being jambed by them as well.

I would show pictures of what I did to mine but they are still packed away!

Tom ;D

Quote from: S&S RR on April 09, 2014, 07:26:03 PM

Quote from: deemery on April 09, 2014, 05:49:14 PM
The "6 wheel truck AS-backwards test" has me thinking:  What about a track test car made of acrylic, that's as long as my longest car, with some 6-wheel trucks?  Moving that back-and-forth (by hand and by loco) might be a very good way to inspect track.


dave

Dave

Great minds think alike - I have one of the clear acrylic cars with 4 wheel trucks and earlier in the week I took the 6 wheel trucks off one of the passenger cars and mounted them on the clear acrylic car.  It works well for finding areas where there are bumps in the track that may bridge the 6 wheel trucks but the issue with my layout was long radii where the side thrust gets real high because of the length of the cars and then the 6 wheel trucks tend to ride up the flange and derail. This will not be an issue for short trains and since my layout is a mountain railroad I think I will be fine.

Quote from: deemery on April 10, 2014, 08:57:33 AM

Quote from: S&S RR on April 09, 2014, 07:26:03 PM

Quote from: deemery on April 09, 2014, 05:49:14 PM
The "6 wheel truck AS-backwards test" has me thinking:  What about a track test car made of acrylic, that's as long as my longest car, with some 6-wheel trucks?  Moving that back-and-forth (by hand and by loco) might be a very good way to inspect track.


dave

Dave

This would be a good thing to have - I would also make it wide enough with gauges to make sure there was enough clearance for the scenery along the rails. A prototype just might show up on the Superior & Seattle.

Great minds think alike - I have one of the clear acrylic cars with 4 wheel trucks and earlier in the week I took the 6 wheel trucks off one of the passenger cars and mounted them on the clear acrylic car.  It works well for finding areas where there are bumps in the track that may bridge the 6 wheel trucks but the issue with my layout was long radii where the side thrust gets real high because of the length of the cars and then the 6 wheel trucks tend to ride up the flange and derail. This will not be an issue for short trains and since my layout is a mountain railroad I think I will be fine.

My "contribution" is the idea to make the acrylic body as long as the longest car on the layout, e.g. 80' if that's what you run.  It's interesting that the combination of 6 wheel and 4 wheel cars cause problems. 


Thinking about this from a manufacturing perspective, the big thing is "ripping" acrylic to the appropriate width, so you can cut off appropriate lengths.  A kit for the "AS-backwards test cars" would need to include amounts of acrylic strip of the appropriate width and bolsters that are glued to the strip once it's cut to the length you need.  Modeler decides where to glue the bolsters (the truck pivot point is a key decision!), glues them on, then drills and taps for both truck screws and coupler mounting boxes.


dave

Quote from: Twist67 on April 10, 2014, 09:35:51 AM
Hi there,
nice progress on your layout.....the rockwork is fantastic...

Regards,Chris

Quote from: bparrish on April 11, 2014, 01:14:53 PM
John and Dave


Kadee makes a coupler extension box for long high end kick cars. 

I think it is number 459.  It's hard to find on their page. 

I have very tight radius turns in my trolley division, 10 - 11 inches and I need to watch for couplers at their limits for derailment issues.

See ya
Bob

Quote from: S&S RR on April 11, 2014, 08:26:27 PM

  I decide to stick with wood after pricing the foam materials. The only advantage with the foam is the weight and with all the plaster I have to hold up what's a few pounds of plywood.  I will post some pictures tomorrow - I got my orders that I was taking the boss to dinner before I got a chance to take some new ones today.

Quote from: S&S RR on April 12, 2014, 07:16:49 PM
As I get further along with bench work and base boards for this area it will be easier to see my plan. I will post progress pictures as I go along.

Quote from: ACL1504 on April 12, 2014, 07:24:20 PM

Quote from: S&S RR on April 12, 2014, 07:16:49 PM
As I get further along with bench work and base boards for this area it will be easier to see my plan. I will post progress pictures as I go along.

John,

Wonderful stuff my friend. Isn't it great to be retired so you can do this full time or anytime you want? Well, unless the Boss has you taking her to dinner.

I'll be leaving the State Attorney's Office at the end of December. That will be my final retirement and then I'll be a full time empire builder.

Tom ;D

Quote from: ak-milw on April 12, 2014, 07:26:15 PM
John, you are making steady progress looks good.



8)

Quote from: GPdemayo on April 13, 2014, 10:52:12 AM
Hi John. I just caught up on your thread and was amazed at the scope of work you have taken on.

The mountains are awe inspiring and I hope that there won't be a shortage of plaster when I get around to doing that on my layout. ;D


Glad to see that you and Tom have got the passenger car pulling and pushing problem figured out.


Great work and I'll try to keep a closer watch in the future.

Quote from: EricQuebec on April 13, 2014, 11:12:56 AM
Very Impressive. Your rockies landscape are jsut awesome. In some way  It's like John Allen revisited. BRAVO.
Eric Québec city

Quote from: Erieman on April 13, 2014, 11:29:48 AM
Good Morning John.
Great pictures!!! I recall you kidding me about when do I sleep after seeing my layout and house projects. Well the same to you my friend. :) :) :) Your layout is looking absolutely marvelous. The rock work is fabulous. Can't wait to see all the track and structures in place. Retirement does help to speed up the railroad progress, except when the boss wants me to finish the backyard project. I'll be working on both my layout and Russ's layout today, so progress in the yard will have to wait. Have a wonderful day in the basement.

Frank / Erieman

Quote from: S&S RR on April 13, 2014, 04:50:38 PM

Quote from: GPdemayo on April 13, 2014, 10:52:12 AM
Hi John. I just caught up on your thread and was amazed at the scope of work you have taken on.

The mountains are awe inspiring and I hope that there won't be a shortage of plaster when I get around to doing that on my layout. ;D


Glad to see that you and Tom have got the passenger car pulling and pushing problem figured out.


Great work and I'll try to keep a closer watch in the future.

Thanks Greg


It is a very big project - just taking it a day at a time.  I am enjoying it .  If you have trouble getting plaster I know where to get it by the 100 lb bag.  I will try to keep this thread up-to-date.

Quote from: vikas chander on April 14, 2014, 02:50:12 AM
hi john

always great t o look at your rocwork ... the look fantastic and i must visit you one da to pick your brain on how-to's....

are those bragdon molds you are using


cheers

vikas

Quote from: GPdemayo on April 14, 2014, 08:28:33 AM

Quote from: S&S RR on April 13, 2014, 04:50:38 PM

Quote from: GPdemayo on April 13, 2014, 10:52:12 AM
Hi John. I just caught up on your thread and was amazed at the scope of work you have taken on.

The mountains are awe inspiring and I hope that there won't be a shortage of plaster when I get around to doing that on my layout. ;D


Glad to see that you and Tom have got the passenger car pulling and pushing problem figured out.


Great work and I'll try to keep a closer watch in the future.

Thanks Greg


It is a very big project - just taking it a day at a time.  I am enjoying it .  If you have trouble getting plaster I know where to get it by the 100 lb bag.  I will try to keep this thread up-to-date.

Thanks John.....I'll keep it in mind, but I think Pegi would definitly put me in the home if I came in with a 100 lb bag of plaster!  ;D

Quote from: ak-milw on April 14, 2014, 08:37:21 PM
Yep , you just can't beat drawing it out with a pencil!



8)

Quote from: ak-milw on April 17, 2014, 07:01:18 PM
It's just the opposite for me, trains run last.



8)

Quote from: jlgrove on April 17, 2014, 08:04:22 PM
....everytime I see your layout, I am more amazed than last time about your rockwork...beautiful!!

Quote from: ak-milw on April 17, 2014, 08:14:37 PM
John, It's not that I put the track in afterwards, The track goes in first then the buildings and scenery. It is just I am working a section at a time so the track is always a dead end, till the next section.

Quote from: gnatshop on April 22, 2014, 09:04:43 PM
Look at the good side - now you don't have to wait on the big-shots to decide when you designs
and ideas come to reality - now you're in control!  ;D ;D ;D

Oh, chit - that can be a big burden, too!   ::) ::) ::) ::) ::)

Quote from: bparrish on April 23, 2014, 11:14:15 PM
John.......

These are the things you don't want to rush into.

I had a building principal when I was in the school district that I called Heinrich Himmler.  Had him for five years.  He would get his nose out of joint and go after really good people and get them fired for reasons that only he understood.  Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't fire a tenured teacher.  This guy was a master at it.

Hope you can ride this guy that you like to retirement.

see ya
Bob

Quote from: bparrish on April 24, 2014, 06:41:28 PM
John........

Funny stuff......... you blew that one right past me...........

I recall you having told me about working for Chrysler and such but I had forgotten if you were still working or not.

It's hard to believe that it will be 10 years in June that I've been out of it............

see ya
Bob

Quote from: ak-milw on April 29, 2014, 08:07:24 PM
You must be a little wild with those tools if you need a USS hard hat.



8)

Quote from: bparrish on April 29, 2014, 08:13:27 PM
John..........

This does not look like a OSHA approved site but .......... as shown.......... a guy can get a lot of stuff done.

Very cool
Thanx
Bob

Quote from: bparrish on April 30, 2014, 01:05:51 PM
David..........

I don't know if Candy would require a hard hat but she would at least spell it right and in correct word order.

see ya
Bob

Quote from: bparrish on April 30, 2014, 03:58:10 PM
John...

Here is a photo of my bench after completing the throttle stand for the Falk yesterday.

I don't think I'm even insured to let people into that room.

I don't know about OSHA either.

Am I the only one? ? ? ?  I can start with a clear work surface and before long I've worked my way off the edge bench with a trail of clutter behind.  So I'll push it all back where it belongs and hit it again.

And for the record.......... there were no survivors after the grenade went off ! ! ! ! !

see ya
Bob


Bob


It looks like my work bench. I know it's time to clean up for a restart when I open the drawers to get more table space. When I'm working on the back of the layout I hate having to crawl out to get something.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-300414155718.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-300414155718.jpeg)

Quote from: bparrish
.....there were no survivors after the grenade went off.....

Quote from: GPdemayo on May 01, 2014, 08:16:58 AM

Quote from: bparrish
.....there were no survivors after the grenade went off.....

BOOM

Quote from: S&S RR on May 09, 2014, 09:39:35 PM
I'm really enjoying this process but it is taking more time than I expected. I have made one conclusion - I have more kits planned for this area than will fit in the space.   /quote]
And, then the TRUTH rises again!
Many modelers, many plans!  But here it comes again - More Time & Less Space than visualized!   ??? ??? ??? ???

Quote from: gnatshop on May 09, 2014, 11:53:05 PM

Quote from: S&S RR on May 09, 2014, 09:39:35 PM
I'm really enjoying this process but it is taking more time than I expected. I have made one conclusion - I have more kits planned for this area than will fit in the space.   /quote]
And, then the TRUTH rises again!
Many modelers, many plans!  But here it comes again - More Time & Less Space than visualized!   ??? ??? ??? ???

Quote from: jlgrove on May 11, 2014, 06:10:30 PM
John, whenever I see pictures of your layout and progress, I am always amazed at the beautiful rockwork and the overall effect.....awesome....and by the way...you better get busy building FSM kits.... ::) ::)

Quote from: Erieman on May 18, 2014, 12:46:41 PM
John,
Just got back in the train room. Went to a swap meet yesterday, sold some stuff and bought some stuff and still came away with a few dollars. That will be spent on buying a Stanton Drive for my trolley. I'll be working on the station most of the day, or at least until the boss comes in to interrupt me. Progress on the station is slow but methodical. Once all the walls are complete and glued in place, the real fun begins - the roof. more later. Have a great weekend. Everything is looking great on your layout.

Frank / Erieman

Quote from: deemery on May 22, 2014, 04:14:59 PM
I like the bottom one. 


But here's a thought:  Could you use this logo to produce "stock certificates" to hand out (or even 'sell', I'd pay $1 for a share...)  Certainly you'll want some Corporate Letterhead and passes.


dave

Quote from: ak-milw on May 23, 2014, 09:14:38 PM
The new avatar looks great!!



8)

Quote from: GPdemayo on May 25, 2014, 10:44:17 AM
Looks like a fun place to work on models.....it looks like you are up north, but where?

Quote from: ACL1504 on May 25, 2014, 10:43:22 AM
John.

Great looking gazebo and I love the landscaped area. So green after such a hard winter.

The new avatar is wonderful!

Tom ;D

Quote from: Zephyrus52246 on May 25, 2014, 10:12:09 PM
Nice looking gazebo/landscaping.  I also like your new avatar.  You could hold the shingle with pliers for the last few hacks to save your fingers.   :D


Jeff

Quote from: gnatshop on May 25, 2014, 11:05:32 PM
Love the gazebo and even more so, the pictured thought of your wildlife visitors!  8) 8) 8)
I love seeing wildlife in the yard, but mine is mostly deer, fox, racoons, and squirrels, with the last
two being the most prevalent and sometimes possessive!

Quote from: Zephyrus52246 on May 26, 2014, 07:45:38 AM
Yes, John.  I plan to go to KC.  See you there.  I don't like deer in the yard as a certain small dog likes to eat their leavings.   :o


Jeff

Quote from: bparrish on May 27, 2014, 07:00:30 PM
John...

I started a thread called Trestle washers to attempt to answer your question.

see ya
Bob

Quote from: ACL1504 on May 29, 2014, 06:43:02 AM
John,

I thought I was the only person who had several projects going at one time. I keep telling myself I won't do it again but then I find I right back where I started.

Tom ;D

Quote from: jrmueller on May 31, 2014, 09:11:25 AM
I have five structure projects going on now plus redesigning my layout to accommodate past, present and future structure.  Sitting on the porch with my after walk coffee watching the hummingbirds on the feeder.  Jim

Quote from: bparrish on June 02, 2014, 02:05:23 AM
John.......

Quite an undertaking.......... There are very few vertical bent timbers that cross through the horizontal ties.  You got a lot of parts ahead of you.........

It will be.......... however......... very cool.

Thanx
Bob

Quote from: bparrish on June 02, 2014, 12:15:57 PM
John......

What are you using for stain on the wood parts ?

see ya
Bob

Quote from: ACL1504 on June 02, 2014, 12:36:01 PM
John,

I'm looking forward to the trestle build.

Tom ;D

Quote from: S&S RR on June 02, 2014, 02:14:55 PM

Quote from: ACL1504 on June 02, 2014, 12:36:01 PM
John,

I'm looking forward to the trestle build.

Tom ;D

I am too!  Thanks for following along Tom.  So how many projects does this make that I have going at once?

Quote from: GPdemayo on June 02, 2014, 02:29:54 PM
I'm a sucker for trestles, the bigger, the better. This looks to be a great on John.

Quote from: S&S RR on June 02, 2014, 04:04:55 PM

Quote from: GPdemayo on June 02, 2014, 02:29:54 PM
I'm a sucker for trestles, the bigger, the better. This looks to be a great on John.

Greg

I like the way you think.  I have some big trestles planned. Lots of cutting, staining and gluing between here and making it happen but that's the fun part. Stay tuned I will post pictures as I make progress.

Quote from: ACL1504 on June 02, 2014, 02:51:45 PM

Quote from: S&S RR on June 02, 2014, 02:14:55 PM

Quote from: ACL1504 on June 02, 2014, 12:36:01 PM
John,

I'm looking forward to the trestle build.

Tom ;D

I am too!  Thanks for following along Tom.  So how many projects does this make that I have going at once?

I'm not sure but is there such a thing as "there can't ever be enough"?

Tom ;D

Quote from: Twist67 on June 03, 2014, 08:07:54 AM
Hi there,

looking great. I´ll follow along...

Regards,Chris

Quote from: S&S RR on June 03, 2014, 09:00:45 PM
I looked at the tunnel and named the pass Elinore Pass in honor of Wayne's wife!

Quote from: bparrish on June 04, 2014, 01:07:37 PM
Pretty cool........

Thanx
Bob

Quote from: ak-milw on June 04, 2014, 07:56:00 PM
It's like a giant jigsaw puzzle.



8)

Quote from: Twist67 on June 05, 2014, 05:35:12 AM
Hi,

the puzzle is looking good so far...can´t wait to see some structures  ;)

Regards,Chris

Quote from: bparrish on June 05, 2014, 05:17:38 PM
John......

I have a good friend that often reminds me that.........." any job worth doing is worth doing twice ! ! !"

see ya
Bob

Quote from: S&S RR on June 05, 2014, 04:43:08 PM
Speaking of a little progress every day - I just came in from the train room to let the blue smoke clear.  I was drilling a hole for the drop wire on the last switch and I managed to get the drill bit tangled in one of the wires below the bench work that I had just soldiered.  Instead of just tearing the soldier joint loose it ripped the rail off the switch. Destructive testing of the soldier joints was not part of my quality control plan.
Sometimes you just have to walk away from it for a little while. >:(

Quote from: deemery on June 06, 2014, 09:17:55 AM

Quote from: S&S RR on June 05, 2014, 04:43:08 PM
Speaking of a little progress every day - I just came in from the train room to let the blue smoke clear.  I was drilling a hole for the drop wire on the last switch and I managed to get the drill bit tangled in one of the wires below the bench work that I had just soldiered.  Instead of just tearing the soldier joint loose it ripped the rail off the switch. Destructive testing of the soldier joints was not part of my quality control plan.
Sometimes you just have to walk away from it for a little while. >:(

The blue smoke was caused by blue language?  You're right about the need to just walk away sometimes.


dave

Quote from: deemery on June 06, 2014, 10:54:20 AM
One of my 'measures of complexity' for a project is cussing sessions, where one session consists of the use of 3 or more naughty words (to differentiate this from the occasional "damn.")   :P


dave

Quote from: bparrish on June 06, 2014, 11:21:38 AM
OK John...........

Here's a scene that drew a bit more than a "Damn!!!"

While building the bench work for my current railroad, I was cooking along putting up 1x4s and shooting it together with industrial screws.......... ie sheet rock type screws.....

In one place the screw was going to be way too long but went unnoticed.  I was gripping the two boards firmly to hold in place until the screw got to the second board............  well it went and I rolled the screw right into my finger.......

As in way into my finger ! ! ! !

I had the presence of mind not to jerk my finger away and turn it into a big mac.........

I stopped....... let out some blue.............. fumbled around to reverse the drill motor...... more blue....

And only then did I back the screw out of my finger.  Ohhhhhhhh  that felt way better.....

But........... more blue.

Moral of the story......... don't use your hand in place of a wood clamp.....

And also........... look around for who might be watching.

see ya
Bob

Quote from: deemery on June 06, 2014, 01:12:08 PM
I still have a 1/4" scar in my palm from "clamping" wood together to drill a hole about 25 years ago.  Somehow I managed to miss all of the bones in my hand,


dave

Quote from: S&S RR on June 06, 2014, 03:51:59 PM
...
You have talent - I have trouble missing the 2x4 cross braces in the bench work when I'm drilling the drop wire holes. Great War stories!  I'm headed under the layout with my hard hat on. ;D  I think I'll put a short drill bit in the power drill.

Quote from: S&S RR on June 07, 2014, 06:16:20 PM
I made a lot of progress today - soldiered the rest of the drop wires for the lower main line so tomorrow I think I can finish the wiring on the lower level of the layout.  Then it's time to make the switch to DCC. I have all the components for the, as designed system, so it's time to start putting it together.

Quote from: deemery on June 08, 2014, 11:22:10 AM

Quote from: S&S RR on June 07, 2014, 06:16:20 PM
I made a lot of progress today - soldiered the rest of the drop wires for the lower main line so tomorrow I think I can finish the wiring on the lower level of the layout.  Then it's time to make the switch to DCC. I have all the components for the, as designed system, so it's time to start putting it together.

May all of your solder joints be shiny, and may the only shorts you have be those on your butt :-) :-)

dave

Quote from: gnatshop on June 15, 2014, 08:15:17 PM
Glad to see that you have a normal modeler's work bench!!  ;D ;D ;D

Quote from: S&S RR on June 16, 2014, 10:11:22 AM

Quote from: gnatshop on June 15, 2014, 08:15:17 PM
Glad to see that you have a normal modeler's work bench!!  ;D ;D ;D

Thanks Dave

Every new project starts with a big mess!

Quote from: deemery on June 16, 2014, 01:56:04 PM

Quote from: S&S RR on June 16, 2014, 10:11:22 AM

Quote from: gnatshop on June 15, 2014, 08:15:17 PM
Glad to see that you have a normal modeler's work bench!!  ;D ;D ;D

Thanks Dave

Every new project starts with a big mess!

For me, every project starts with a clean workbench, and -very rapidly devolves- into a big mess!


dave

Quote from: BandOGuy on June 17, 2014, 07:01:31 AM
Folks having DCC problems might want to check the Yahoo discussion groups. I know there are groups for DCC in general and specifically for NCE and Digitrax. The posters all seem to be knowledgeable and friendly.

Quote from: S&S RR on June 17, 2014, 09:59:45 AM

Quote from: BandOGuy on June 17, 2014, 07:01:31 AM
Folks having DCC problems might want to check the Yahoo discussion groups. I know there are groups for DCC in general and specifically for NCE and Digitrax. The posters all seem to be knowledgeable and friendly.

Bob

Thanks - I may need a support group - when I closed my eyes last night all I could see was wires, all different colors, going in every direction, and at the end of my dream Slim was standing there with a fire extinguisher. :'( :o

Quote from: ak-milw on June 17, 2014, 07:43:39 PM
Bob, I don't want to tie up Johns thread but it is some sort of mental block when it comes to new devices. I can sit with the instructions for hours and it won't work. My daughter walks up, hits a few buttons and away it goes. It took me forever just to make a computer work. and don't even ask about cell phones.



8)

Quote from: ACL1504 on June 19, 2014, 07:22:58 PM
John,

Wow, you and the layout need to move to Central Florida! Just kidding, no seriously!

Tom ;D

Quote from: S&S RR on June 19, 2014, 06:38:59 PM
Today, I finished wiring the first of three drawers full of computer boards for the DCC system. The boards in this drawer provide overload protection for 8 power districts and 2 reversing loops.


(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/18-190614183225.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/18-190614183225.jpeg)

Quote from: gnatshop on June 19, 2014, 09:39:11 PM

Quote from: S&S RR on June 19, 2014, 06:38:59 PM
Today, I finished wiring the first of three drawers full of computer boards for the DCC system. The boards in this drawer provide overload protection for 8 power districts and 2 reversing loops.


(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/18-190614183225.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/18-190614183225.jpeg)

Boy, I'm impressed!  The Ledbetter's house wirin' ain't near that complicated!   ::) ::) ::)

Quote from: GPdemayo on June 21, 2014, 09:34:08 AM
Great progress John, but the electrical stuff sure looks complicated.  ;D

Quote from: Zephyrus52246 on June 21, 2014, 11:37:49 AM
Great to hear you're running trains!


Jeff

Quote from: bparrish on June 24, 2014, 02:33:15 PM
John


You are now well into the 21st century. 

Looks good to me.

Thanx
Bob

Quote from: DACS on June 26, 2014, 05:23:41 PM
You are having a ball John!  Very impressive work on the electronics.  Mighty fine work. Mighty fine.  I do not know what else to say.  Great layout!

Dave HWCRR
Seattle

Quote from: bparrish on June 24, 2014, 04:20:39 PM
John

No smoke is good. 

If things work after that.....  So much the better.

See ya
Bob

Quote from: bparrish on June 24, 2014, 04:20:39 PM
John

No smoke is good. 

See ya
Bob

Quote from: BandOGuy on June 28, 2014, 04:53:14 PM

Quote from: bparrish on June 24, 2014, 04:20:39 PM
John

No smoke is good. 

See ya
Bob

Unless you're trying to select a Pope!


Good point! That's when the color of the smoke means something.

Quote from: S&S RR on June 28, 2014, 04:25:37 PM
I'm very happy with the DCC installation and it's time to take a few days off from the layout and get a few things off my to-do-list. This past winter was real hard on the outside stuff and I need to make some minor repairs to the house.

I think I'm going to finish the fascia painting and install a hard wood floor in the train room as my next project when I get back to the layout. Then it will be finish the track work time! 

Quote from: gnatshop on June 28, 2014, 06:45:39 PM

Quote from: S&S RR on June 28, 2014, 04:25:37 PM
I'm very happy with the DCC installation and it's time to take a few days off from the layout and get a few things off my to-do-list. This past winter was real hard on the outside stuff and I need to make some minor repairs to the house.

I think I'm going to finish the fascia painting and install a hard wood floor in the train room as my next project when I get back to the layout. Then it will be finish the track work time! 

Ain't home ownership a demandin' diversion?
I wish I could buy note paper on a roll for all my to-do-lists!

Oh, yeah - I tried that, but when I spilled my drink on them, my do-do-list (err, to-do-list) went away!  ;D ;D ;D

Quote from: bparrish on July 02, 2014, 08:18:36 PM
Tim...

Do you mean???

The hurrier I go...  The be hinder I get.

See ya
Bob

Quote from: S&S RR on July 06, 2014, 07:20:38 AM
I spent most of the day yesterday running trains and evaluating the track work on the layout. I found three areas where I need to do some work before we can start adding ballast to the track. In all three cases I tried to make straight turnouts work where the geometry really was calling for curved turnouts. The order for new curved turnouts was made and the adjustments to the budget was made. The price of track has gone through the roof!

Quote from: ACL1504 on July 06, 2014, 07:44:40 AM

Quote from: S&S RR on July 06, 2014, 07:20:38 AM
I spent most of the day yesterday running trains and evaluating the track work on the layout. I found three areas where I need to do some work before we can start adding ballast to the track. In all three cases I tried to make straight turnouts work where the geometry really was calling for curved turnouts. The order for new curved turnouts was made and the adjustments to the budget was made. The price of track has gone through the roof!

John,

I've done the same thing on the old layout. Tried to cram a straight when it really needed a curved one. I was at Howards on day and I asked him where her got the large radius curved turnout. He said it was a Walthers #10 straight turnout. He cut every other tie on the bottom of the turnout and gently curved it to meet his need. He said he never had a problem with it. It looked like a #10 curved turnout, he said the raidius was 40" outside and inside was 36"! I had a couple of #10's but was to chicken to try what he did. Last I looked Walthers stuff was close to $55+ for a large curved turnout.

Tom ;D 

Quote from: bparrish on July 06, 2014, 01:17:47 PM
I've fallen prey to needing to bend the rails coming away from the frog but overall I've managed too leave the switch point area alone.

Great tip.

thanx
Bob

Quote from: deemery on July 07, 2014, 10:11:54 AM
Peco track is expensive, but it's good quality.  I think it's still made in the UK (but I'm not sure about that.)


dave

Quote from: bparrish on July 07, 2014, 11:18:49 AM
Dave............

As far as I know Peco is still made in England. 

John....... If you are going short put out a call for all here to put in an under the bench search and destroy and see who comes up with how many.

I've got one Mark II riveted switch point #4 that doesn't have a lot of miles on it and a few new in the box Shinohara but all are code 100.

Let me know what you need.

see ya
Bob

Quote from: deemery on July 08, 2014, 09:13:41 AM
If you're ordering a quantity of PECO products, it's worth checking UK prices.  When I did my big PECO order, I ordered from here:  http://www.hattons.co.uk (http://www.hattons.co.uk)  The savings in VAT by shipping overseas paid for the shipping itself.  (But for some reason the hattons website isn't responding today.)   edit Helps if I get the URL right http://www.ehattons.com (http://www.ehattons.com)


dave

Quote from: gnatshop on July 08, 2014, 10:35:03 PM
Congratulations!!!  ;D ;D ;D

Quote from: bparrish on July 17, 2014, 12:48:57 AM
Very cool. 

Thanx
Bob

Quote from: GPdemayo on July 17, 2014, 09:11:31 AM
Neat.....that's a lot of rock!

Quote from: Cuse on July 17, 2014, 09:14:28 AM
Wow. Rock and now rollin' too!


Awesome effect!


John

Quote from: S&S RR on July 17, 2014, 06:15:54 PM

Quote from: Cuse on July 17, 2014, 09:14:28 AM
Wow. Rock and now rollin' too!


Awesome effect!


John

Yes John - we are rocking and rolling.  I have a box car setup that is real loose so it really rocks and rolls anywhere the track isn't perfect. It is starting to get there.  Thanks for stopping by.

Quote from: deemery on July 17, 2014, 06:36:21 PM

Quote from: S&S RR on July 17, 2014, 06:15:54 PM

Quote from: Cuse on July 17, 2014, 09:14:28 AM
Wow. Rock and now rollin' too!


Awesome effect!


John

Yes John - we are rocking and rolling.  I have a box car setup that is real loose so it really rocks and rolls anywhere the track isn't perfect. It is starting to get there.  Thanks for stopping by.

Runs in my mind John Allen rigged a boxcar with a ball inside that would light up if it were switched roughly.  Nowadays, with micro gyros, etc, you could do a lot more sophisticated 'hard running detector' car.


dave

Quote from: gnatshop on July 17, 2014, 06:51:27 PM
All them rock walls look like where Darnell Ledbetter go hit in the head with a fallin' rock.
He ain't been right since!!!  ::) ::) ::)

But the rest of the famly don't care - they're just glad to see the trains rollin' by again so
they can pump their arms and hear the Wooo-Hooo of the whistles or horns when the engineer
don't ignore them!!
Some of the newer engineers think that they're makin' obscene gestures!!  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Quote from: jlgrove on July 17, 2014, 07:15:20 PM
..very impressive!!

Quote from: bparrish on July 20, 2014, 03:18:19 PM
John............

Great scenicing.  The rock faces really dwarf the trains.  In most of the world that is the case and you have captured it.

thanx
Bob

Quote from: S&S RR on July 20, 2014, 08:37:19 PM
I'm going to take the next few days off from the layout and take my nephew up to Michigan's North country for a fishing trip. I need a vacation after hurting my brain tracing all those wires today. When we get back the yard is going to get a workout to test for any track work issues.

Quote from: gnatshop on July 20, 2014, 09:24:15 PM

Quote from: S&S RR on July 20, 2014, 08:37:19 PM
I'm going to take the next few days off from the layout and take my nephew up to Michigan's North country for a fishing trip. I need a vacation after hurting my brain tracing all those wires today. When we get back the yard is going to get a workout to test for any track work issues.

Glad you planned ahead for them Ledbetter glitches!

But fishin' is a great brain reliever for next steps!!!!   Actually, Mary Sue (my wife) is the one in the family that
loves fishin'!  Although she's one of them 'sit her butt on the bank and watch'er cork' types!

Quote from: ACL1504 on July 25, 2014, 10:22:27 AM
Welcome back John! Looking forward to some pictures.

I should have an update on the ovalix this weekend. Gee, so much to do, Cliff Powers, Howard Zane and my own! Where does the time go? And, I'm semi-retired.

Tom ;D

Quote from: bparrish on July 25, 2014, 05:17:36 PM
John............

What ? ? ? ?  I don't want to wait that long.

Instant gratification takes too long...........

see ya
Bob

Quote from: S&S RR on July 27, 2014, 08:33:46 PM
Sorry Bob but you are going to have to wait - need to let the smoke clear before I can take any pictures. After making 100's of soldier joints top side I decided to start making the connections under the layout. Well, to make a long story short the soldiering iron fell in the waste basket when I pulled on the wrong wire.  The smoke alarm alerted me to the problem.  No fire just smoke. The basket was full of cork trimmings so now the layout room smells like burnt cork. We know the smoke alarm works! ;) :-[

Quote from: gnatshop on July 27, 2014, 11:36:15 PM

Quote from: S&S RR on July 27, 2014, 08:33:46 PM
Sorry Bob but you are going to have to wait - need to let the smoke clear before I can take any pictures. After making 100's of soldier joints top side I decided to start making the connections under the layout. Well, to make a long story short the soldiering iron fell in the waste basket when I pulled on the wrong wire.  The smoke alarm alerted me to the problem.  No fire just smoke. The basket was full of cork trimmings so now the layout room smells like burnt cork. We know the smoke alarm works! ;) :-[

And this if the feller that helped design my favorite GM car!!   :o :o :o

Sorry, John - just had to gig you a little!   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Quote from: ACL1504 on July 28, 2014, 06:37:06 PM
John,

Hey, I forgot all about the roundhouse! The doors look great!

Tom ;D

Quote from: jlgrove on July 28, 2014, 06:51:48 PM
....wow, nice work on the doors....seeing this really makes me love my laser(s).......

Quote from: ACL1504 on July 29, 2014, 05:10:20 PM
John,

Looking very good my friend, very good! Love the saw mill on the upper level! Are you pulling all Kadee 40' cars?

Tom ;D

Quote from: ACL1504 on July 29, 2014, 05:44:14 PM.... Seems like building a railroad model never stops!

Quote from: ACL1504 on July 29, 2014, 05:44:14 PM
John,

At one time I was collecting the Kadee cars and I think about 200+! I compared the Kadee to the Accurail and Blueprint series and decided to go that route.

By then the Out of Production Kadee's were selling like hot cakes on Ebay. I sold 150 of them and pretty much doubled my original investment. I did keep many of the favorites but still need to weather another 25 or so. Seems like building a railroad model never stops!

Tom ;D

Quote from: ReadingBob on July 29, 2014, 06:02:37 PM
Looking good John.  Great idea to use sand as a filler to save on ballast.   :D 

Quote from: ACL1504 on July 29, 2014, 05:44:14 PM.... Seems like building a railroad model never stops!

Well let's hope it doesn't.  What fun would that be.   :D

Quote from: S&S RR on July 29, 2014, 05:18:54 PM

Quote from: ACL1504 on July 29, 2014, 05:10:20 PM
John,

Looking very good my friend, very good! Love the saw mill on the upper level! Are you pulling all Kadee 40' cars?

Tom ;D

Hi Tom - thanks for the kind words.

Yes, the cars are all 40" Kadee's that I have been collecting for years.  First time they have been out of the box.  Lots of weathering to do at some point.  Another project for another day.

I have a narrow gauge wood trestle planned for the center of the upper level scene.  I also have the FSM sand house kit about 60 percent completed on my workbench that will go to the right of the saw mill on the upper level.

Quote from: Twist67 on July 31, 2014, 08:09:06 AM
Hi,

great looking rockwork.....while I was looking at the pictures I haven´t scrolled down to the bottom and I could only see the upper portion of them leaning to the rocks and I thought it´s a picture from original rocks with trees....great.

Keep it going,regards,Chris

Quote from: Bntrainmaster on July 31, 2014, 08:34:55 AM

Quote from: S&S RR on July 29, 2014, 05:18:54 PM

Quote from: ACL1504 on July 29, 2014, 05:10:20 PM
John,

Looking very good my friend, very good! Love the saw mill on the upper level! Are you pulling all Kadee 40' cars?

Tom ;D

Hi Tom - thanks for the kind words.

Hi Bart

You do have a big investment in Kadee cars. I have not counted mine yet but I think the number will be between 50 and 100. I have a string of 20 out on the layout right now that I'm using to test the track work.  Thanks for stopping by the thread and for the words of encouragement.

Yes, the cars are all 40" Kadee's that I have been collecting for years.  First time they have been out of the box.  Lots of weathering to do at some point.  Another project for another day.

I have a narrow gauge wood trestle planned for the center of the upper level scene.  I also have the FSM sand house kit about 60 percent completed on my workbench that will go to the right of the saw mill on the upper level.

Good Morning John,
You are doing a superb job on this and I have to give you kudos on your rock work that looks phenomenal!!!!!!  As for the picture with the 'Kadee' car's that Tom had mentioned, I have been collecting 'Kadee' cars over the past 10+ years and have approx. 400+ of them and this looks like it may be my one form of retirement due to that the rest of the economy has gone into the dump, but they seam to still be holding there value. Lot of work ahead to get these all weathered. Thanks for sharing you post.. Looking GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!  :)

Quote from: Cuse on July 31, 2014, 04:12:32 PM
Great looking Aspen trees. Those will really "Pop" in front of those huge rock walls. The layout is really coming along.


Nice job...John

Quote from: deemery on July 31, 2014, 05:42:06 PM
The color change for higher elevations will be a nice touch.  Are you also going to go for some forced perspective?


dave

Quote from: BandOGuy on August 01, 2014, 06:13:05 PM
John,
A list of your ballasting materials would be greatly appreciated. Also, your techniques for putting them down.
Thanks,
Chip Stevens

Quote from: gfoyle01 on August 01, 2014, 08:13:37 PM
Love your attention to detail John - looks like it's really coming together.  Those aspens are very nice.  I really appreciate the extra explanations and detailed methods.

Quote from: BandOGuy on August 01, 2014, 08:47:11 PM
John,
Much appreciated. Now I have to figure out how to bookmark this thread so my old memory will remember where to find the info.
Thanks again.

Quote from: bparrish on August 08, 2014, 06:02:27 PM
John....

I'm ready to see some progress........

And more great photos

Thanx
Bob

Quote from: bparrish on August 09, 2014, 08:30:36 PM
John...

Did you study to be a geologist in a previous life time?

You sure have rock debris and talus figured out.

Thanx
Bob

Quote from: GPdemayo on August 12, 2014, 08:44:27 AM
Man, that's a bunch of rock.....the aspens look great John, the'll really bring the scene together.

Quote from: ACL1504 on August 12, 2014, 02:55:06 PM
John,

I also agree with Greg, the Aspens look great!

Tom ;D

Quote from: S&S RR on August 12, 2014, 03:52:31 PM

Quote from: ACL1504 on August 12, 2014, 02:55:06 PM
John,

I also agree with Greg, the Aspens look great!

Tom ;D

Thanks Tom


Now all I need is few thousand more - all in good time.

Quote from: ACL1504 on August 12, 2014, 04:26:01 PM

Quote from: S&S RR on August 12, 2014, 03:52:31 PM

Quote from: ACL1504 on August 12, 2014, 02:55:06 PM
John,
I also agree with Greg, the Aspens look great!
Tom ;D

Thanks Tom
Now all I need is few thousand more - all in good time.

You and me both, I need several hundred if not more Florida Pine trees not to mention a few hundred Cabbage Palms. 8)  8) 8) Oh, the pressure of it all! ;D

Tom ;D

Quote from: BandOGuy on August 12, 2014, 06:46:43 PM

Quote from: ACL1504 on August 12, 2014, 04:26:01 PM

Quote from: S&S RR on August 12, 2014, 03:52:31 PM

Quote from: ACL1504 on August 12, 2014, 02:55:06 PM
John,
I also agree with Greg, the Aspens look great!
Tom ;D

Thanks Tom
Now all I need is few thousand more - all in good time.

You and me both, I need several hundred if not more Florida Pine trees not to mention a few hundred Cabbage Palms. 8)  8) 8) Oh, the pressure of it all! ;D

Tom ;D

By 2017  ;D

Quote from: S&S RR on August 14, 2014, 03:55:05 PM
So we are all going to meet at Tom's place in 2017?

Quote from: ACL1504 on August 14, 2014, 04:23:01 PM

Quote from: S&S RR on August 14, 2014, 03:55:05 PM
So we are all going to meet at Tom's place in 2017?

Here's what I have to say about that! YEPPER!

Tom ;D

Quote from: ReadingBob on August 14, 2014, 05:04:58 PM

Quote from: ACL1504 on August 14, 2014, 04:23:01 PM

Quote from: S&S RR on August 14, 2014, 03:55:05 PM
So we are all going to meet at Tom's place in 2017?

Here's what I have to say about that! YEPPER!

Tom ;D

Does this mean I have to build something for you before 2017?   :P

Quote from: ReadingBob on August 14, 2014, 05:04:58 PM

Quote from: ACL1504 on August 14, 2014, 04:23:01 PM

Quote from: S&S RR on August 14, 2014, 03:55:05 PM
So we are all going to meet at Tom's place in 2017?

Here's what I have to say about that! YEPPER!

Tom ;D

Does this mean I have to build something for you before 2017?   :P

Quote from: gnatshop on August 17, 2014, 10:42:15 PM
Looks like you've got a good start on the sandin' dust for the old-time scenery methods!!
OOPS! Told my age, didn' I?  ;D ;D ;D

Quote from: bparrish on August 18, 2014, 01:30:06 AM
John........

I hadn't paid attention to the door openings...... Round !

The doors are great...

thanx
Bob

Quote from: bparrish on August 18, 2014, 04:02:31 PM
John......

You're not going to park a bunch of dismals in there are you ? ? ? ?

see ya
Bob

Quote from: GPdemayo on August 18, 2014, 02:22:20 PM
Great build John.....that is a great structure and could be the focal point of a very impressive scene.....can't wait to see what you're going to do with it.  8)