tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33896992070057478952024-03-14T02:05:41.281-04:00WestTorontoJunctionModelling and railfanning CP operations in the west end of Canada's largest cityUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-2144093030716579472017-12-02T22:47:00.001-05:002017-12-02T22:47:57.009-05:00A layout I like: Seaboard Central<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gwtv-yzrJk8" width="480"></iframe><br />
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Nice room-sized, modern HO-scale layout.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-21572620480937659292017-10-03T00:01:00.004-04:002017-10-03T00:22:34.219-04:00<br />
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A Layout I like: Esteban Martinez's BNSF Transcon</h2>
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It's been a while and I've got some news, which I'll reveal in a while. In the meantime enjoy this layout tour. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-54803202178308372302017-03-26T07:51:00.001-04:002017-03-26T07:53:06.982-04:00CP en route to Versapet<div>
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Caught this short train on the Obico sub on its way to switch out hoppers at Versa pet (makers of kitty litter apparently). </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-64958721691681069832016-11-11T22:23:00.000-05:002016-11-11T22:25:16.739-05:00Cool video/layout: Port of Los Angeles in HO scaleI won't bother with a long description here, instead I'll let this great video speak for itself.<br />
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I'm adding it as a link to my list of favourite modern, room-sized layouts (listed down the right side of my blog landing page).<br />
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Enjoy<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-63685169243994965402016-09-24T17:22:00.004-04:002016-09-24T17:22:59.329-04:00Playing around with container images<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9CxjPaZ23MZslqb5mhpn9DLaS4xmkorLpLWnPyGAwoTAekeKt5jG-em29dd5hMNlh-x1enCuD0qtF8t_psFKBvSUh3iK7NHOLIHA5JJk0vAk3P2hNPMKJVM7UDVLAolVet378-RxlVew/s1600/IMG_3149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9CxjPaZ23MZslqb5mhpn9DLaS4xmkorLpLWnPyGAwoTAekeKt5jG-em29dd5hMNlh-x1enCuD0qtF8t_psFKBvSUh3iK7NHOLIHA5JJk0vAk3P2hNPMKJVM7UDVLAolVet378-RxlVew/s400/IMG_3149.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Greetings everyone,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They say slow progress is better than no progress, so I'll take some heart in that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am getting some modelling done this weekend, focusing on what I see as the two most urgent and glaring problems my layout has right now: </span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Too much bare blue-sky backdrop badly in need of photographic images to give the layout some depth.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Still too much pink insulation board showing. I mean ... it's been three years. You'd think by now I would have put some paint and ground cover over the bare spots (and yet they're still there). </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So it's these two things I'm trying to focus on this weekend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I decided to do something with what looks like a vacant lot between two industries: the warehouse (which I think I'm going to call Queensway Transfer), and Hymopak. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's the spot on the layout, empty and adorned by only my four pathetic shipping containers:</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TZ_Xx-nYsfe7ZBE1MlGeUR4oBxrHFLF0EM1EqSDRYKwZ7jduKy1ptZLDYi-OIIiwPNuakAUvE-x_7Maldqq0zi4ejYQBMZK4SEnmlGEvu8oMzTRkrt5z_Jo3ioVi-Edw6mhF-gp-PFk/s1600/20160924_110023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TZ_Xx-nYsfe7ZBE1MlGeUR4oBxrHFLF0EM1EqSDRYKwZ7jduKy1ptZLDYi-OIIiwPNuakAUvE-x_7Maldqq0zi4ejYQBMZK4SEnmlGEvu8oMzTRkrt5z_Jo3ioVi-Edw6mhF-gp-PFk/s400/20160924_110023.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Those four containers look lonely against the backdrop. But at $10 a piece now, filling the space with more would cost more then I'm willing to pay.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the prototype, across Medulla Road from Hymopak, there's a large industry that sells, rents and fixes shipping containers. I'm guessing the business is there due to its proximity to Obico container terminal, which <a href="https://www.thestar.com/business/2012/07/18/cp_rail_to_close_etobicoke_terminal_eliminating_30_jobs.html" target="_blank">CP shuttered </a>a few years ago. </span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8wmttu7qf9ugBN6zgggrQvvK-cACD5vVeFz_y7VSmBipD-w3roXJflaUck7yppd_k-15izBdszaTqvPTZadiMC5gMxIBric_rH0UqDHJxwYqpr6D-cIV6wxDXYvCSF3H54GNk95uKBc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-09-24+at+4.40.42+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8wmttu7qf9ugBN6zgggrQvvK-cACD5vVeFz_y7VSmBipD-w3roXJflaUck7yppd_k-15izBdszaTqvPTZadiMC5gMxIBric_rH0UqDHJxwYqpr6D-cIV6wxDXYvCSF3H54GNk95uKBc/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-09-24+at+4.40.42+PM.png" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This shot shows the industry I'm modelling. I like the multi-coloured stacks of shipping containers. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The place always has stacks of containers, in a multi-coloured mosaic that I think would make an interesting addition to my layout, while sticking to the prototype and not using a lot of space.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, I could just model it using HO scale plastic shipping containers, but they're surprisingly expensive. Even when bought in packs, they're in the range of $40 for three, which seems like a lot. I mean, they're just plastic boxes!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've managed to pick up a few cheap containers (four in total) at train hows. But it's not enough to create the kind of mass I need for this spot. So, I decided to try something that's quick and almost free: printing digital photos of real containers, printing them out to size and combining them to form a background image. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was an article about this in one of my older Model Railroader magazines that I now can't locate. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One challenge is that I no longer have layout programs or Photoshop on my computer. Those are expensive too (I know what you're thinking and you're right, I am cheap). I know they're are free photo editing and layout programs out there, but I wanted to know if I could get useable images uploading photo files and placing them in a Google doc (simple). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So I went to work this morning. The hardest part was finding images of containers shot directly from the side, and not off on an angle. I uploaded them onto the Google doc, moved and cropped the rectangular container images until they looked like stacks and printed them out on photo paper. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can see the results here. Sorry this pic is so blurry. </span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOrg9TA60DRI0O1lyNhQ0-OTLUR3WnGfuI7jrKAiNBraITAPM7vT1gCMFcFnlBUQIqSeAy8RNokWcUwpAyRMeVEfVZW1KOjeZoE8mbdOsqKv72vnS86vJjTP0ileTTifQ4SLptlDi9UU/s1600/20160924_105022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOrg9TA60DRI0O1lyNhQ0-OTLUR3WnGfuI7jrKAiNBraITAPM7vT1gCMFcFnlBUQIqSeAy8RNokWcUwpAyRMeVEfVZW1KOjeZoE8mbdOsqKv72vnS86vJjTP0ileTTifQ4SLptlDi9UU/s400/20160924_105022.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Camera shake made this photo come out blurry. Images of the actual containers are fairly sharp.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So I trimmed the containers and stuck them to the backdrop using double-sided tape. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can see the results here: </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfSWgUzFfJ2Ev8fYx8zoIDNWUZn8xBBWKZCL0YOX_wHqTkwMOhyphenhypheni2sDBlhWHfMHLSpqRx0c8YhN8RvMB4M0sPzjJ3zhXn5h9jr6MniJaVtxMSt22kPZ7Y3GYERhNp_ovh4MLJXPA__3I/s1600/IMG_3146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfSWgUzFfJ2Ev8fYx8zoIDNWUZn8xBBWKZCL0YOX_wHqTkwMOhyphenhypheni2sDBlhWHfMHLSpqRx0c8YhN8RvMB4M0sPzjJ3zhXn5h9jr6MniJaVtxMSt22kPZ7Y3GYERhNp_ovh4MLJXPA__3I/s400/IMG_3146.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The images don't look bad. But I think the effect would be much better in 3D, which will be more work.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Dr9aZJhhZruekFQjnxnBiBQx_1Zp7Z573OwSoM4h8MbHLtpArbdA6QQkIe3S_0YkdWWtLw9KHo9SGDCQ_9Pr_fYsR_Gc1uu0l7VMS0K1Fkqw6NaA0DV9X5jnBWewZPWDbTNWeWhizEE/s1600/IMG_3149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Dr9aZJhhZruekFQjnxnBiBQx_1Zp7Z573OwSoM4h8MbHLtpArbdA6QQkIe3S_0YkdWWtLw9KHo9SGDCQ_9Pr_fYsR_Gc1uu0l7VMS0K1Fkqw6NaA0DV9X5jnBWewZPWDbTNWeWhizEE/s400/IMG_3149.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's a wider view. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So how well did this work?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, I'm glad I to know I can use Google Docs to contain the images for printing. Though its function is very limited for layout tasks, I was able to crop and stack the containers. This is a good thing to know. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm happy with the image quality but I'm convinced the containers need to be "built out" and made 3D, not pressed flat against the backdrop. I think I'm going to go back and do this here, but it's going to be more work. I could photo laminate the images onto a wood or styrene blocks. Then of course, I would need shots of a few container ends, which means another hunting expedition on Google images. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I still think that for now, the containers add a bit of visual interest to what was a barren section of the layout. This is going to be one of those situations where it will have to be "good enough for now" until I can circle back and maybe improve the scene when I have more time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A chain link fence, maybe a small utility building and some scenery to blend the images in would help the scene out a lot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I once saw at a train show very cool N scale module of a large shipping container facility. The man who build it combined dozens of images like the ones below to create a convincing scene along the backdrop. He also had scores of actual shipping container models stacked between the loading tracks, which really helped give the scene the scale it needed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd be interested to hear your comments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also, if anyone out there is interested in trying something like this on their layout, I've included some downloadable image files below. You will need to re-size them. I'm no expert in posting downloads. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1aNqEbqDVyGiv-5rJxcUd_UlHxJ1dk9zpw1aIMoN-yc7DMAtpbgC_zSwmIgUOfZ1dlzBKPZRfQZwMQcee9d_XIE1VWnBW_ed9Qh8DntnbsRcjKMPdtPR5Qz8zKg9HoVdZXemcrpHAsA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-09-24+at+8.05.50+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1aNqEbqDVyGiv-5rJxcUd_UlHxJ1dk9zpw1aIMoN-yc7DMAtpbgC_zSwmIgUOfZ1dlzBKPZRfQZwMQcee9d_XIE1VWnBW_ed9Qh8DntnbsRcjKMPdtPR5Qz8zKg9HoVdZXemcrpHAsA/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-09-24+at+8.05.50+AM.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEHHxkW2mUqNtNUC9BopHVYCt_OGKTR7cxJDJqeyo8pIRujf9NRgipyRKSp2-oMsbUwNI_mraPy_Lwc1iTPEPQDRvp5Up8R34QUE1sh0MawBimw4vZxvBsuWNjkPzdIJQbG5tuqr4ijM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-09-24+at+7.59.15+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEHHxkW2mUqNtNUC9BopHVYCt_OGKTR7cxJDJqeyo8pIRujf9NRgipyRKSp2-oMsbUwNI_mraPy_Lwc1iTPEPQDRvp5Up8R34QUE1sh0MawBimw4vZxvBsuWNjkPzdIJQbG5tuqr4ijM/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-09-24+at+7.59.15+AM.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-46075884567146445442016-07-28T21:15:00.001-04:002016-07-29T14:26:35.734-04:00Very cool: Lego gears for a modern roll-up doorNo, I've not died or given up the hobby.<br />
<br />
With a full-time job and two young children, my modelling comes in fits and starts ... with long gaps in between, which is fine.<br />
<br />
I have been working on the layout and plan to post an update this weekend. In the meantime, I thought I'd share this cool idea I spotted on Thomas Klimoski's excellent Georgia Northeastern layout.<br />
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On his layout, there's a modern building with a roll-up door that allows freight cars to be delivered inside. The difference is, he's got a door you can roll up by twisting a knob disguised as a roofing vent.<br />
<br />
Best of all: it uses gears from a Lego Techniques set to drive the door mechanism. Very clever. A Model Railroader how-to article waiting to be written.<br />
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Check it out:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z_uJ9tmEdVk" width="460"></iframe>
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<br />
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Thomas's layout is my favourite kind to check out: a room-sided modern-era layout that features industrial switching.<br />
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Here's an embed of a video tour of his layout.<br />
<br />
Enjoy this and be sure to check out the rest of his videos.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/87SmyLY2bm8" width="460"></iframe>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-65869951026474697872016-02-26T02:58:00.000-05:002016-02-26T03:02:37.710-05:00If you're needing inspiration....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/j4i3Z622MeQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j4i3Z622MeQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<br />
The layout featured in the YouTube embed above is Per Laursen's amazing "UP/BNSF in Texas layout."<br />
<br />
This is a complete video overview of his layout, but he's also posted some more video embeds, photos and general information about the railroad on his website <a href="http://www.summit-customcuts.com/modernholayout.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The track plan is <a href="http://www.summit-customcuts.com/images/Layout_11-2013.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
He also runs his own company supplying modern model railroad structures. If you need a Denny's or Lowe's store on your layout, Per just might be your guy. The website for his company Summit Customcuts is <a href="http://www.summit-customcuts.com/homeproducts.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
With its modern equipment and simple track plan, Laursen's modelling reminds me right away of Pelle Soeborg, a contributing editor of Model Railroader whose well-known work you can see <a href="http://mrr.trains.com/tags/pelle-s%C3%B8eborg" target="_blank">here</a>. Apparently, these two Danes are friends.<br />
<br />
His layout is 44'x28' with loads of staging, cameras to monitor the hidden tracks, automated electronics, etc., etc. The layout presentation is also exceptional (lighting, backdrop, panels ... all first rate)<br />
<br />
Many modellers would run into some serious limitations trying to create a layout like this: space, time, money, skill ... or in my case, all four.<br />
<br />
And though I'll certainly never build a layout like this I find it a source of inspiration to look at layouts of this quality.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: start;">Modern buildings and outstanding layout presentation are hallmarks of Per Laursen's modern-day layout set in Texas. (Photo: Per Laursen/www.summit-customcuts.com)</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-62824232174928278202016-02-08T17:30:00.001-05:002016-02-26T02:59:04.411-05:00Want to save your modelling dollars? Buy Canadian<h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those gold coins don't hold chocolates. They are Loonies, each worth one Canadian dollar or, as of January 2016, about 72 cents U.S.</td></tr>
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Let's face it, this isn't the cheapest of hobbies, though there are more expensive ones out there (polo, boating and cocaine come immediately to mind).<br />
<br />
The Internet is full of good-sense tips to help modellers save a few bucks. There are, for example, YouTube videos about building static grass applicators from<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAEmcqc-yIc" target="_blank"> battery-powered fly zappers,</a> tips about using craft paint instead of the stuff on hobby shop shelves, there's even a YouTube channel called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQf9OKbpOMu0Ru_HI8WwaYw" target="_blank">The Frugal Modeller</a> devoted almost entirely to helping modellers stretch the old layout-building budget.<br />
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For example in the Frugal Modeller episode embedded above (URL is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q01ZZW7-G6I" target="_blank">here</a>), he tells of using old loading pallets to build benchwork for his N-scale layout.<br />
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Now scouring through construction sites and back alleys in an effort to find warped, wet, splinter-ridden wood shot through with 800 nails is not everyone's cup of tea, but you have to praise his ingenuity.<br />
<br />
Or maybe I just like his channel because he's a Canadian who models CP. The point is, money saved on lumber (or anything else) is cash you could better spend on custom locos or a DCC system.<br />
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I'd like to offer another another money-saving modelling tip, this one directed at my many friends and followers who reside in the United States.<br />
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The top-secret tip? Buy Canadian.<br />
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Though it's big news up here, my American neighbours may not know the Canadian dollar is trading particularly poorly against the U.S. dollar right now. To get specific, a U.S. dollar is worth about $1.40 Canadian at current exchange rates.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWWK7Hevmho16P3Os3ay_9B27hXoY4lym0vZRInzGTylbNn8biKss_EQVv4abxTMDRcEPmPJTmACsUriYwh8HE47VTMXqEYv57MNqsfE6jKDfKz9uaY7lWqKX0PAUZ7AgWHHuQe27XF8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-08+at+4.09.26+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWWK7Hevmho16P3Os3ay_9B27hXoY4lym0vZRInzGTylbNn8biKss_EQVv4abxTMDRcEPmPJTmACsUriYwh8HE47VTMXqEYv57MNqsfE6jKDfKz9uaY7lWqKX0PAUZ7AgWHHuQe27XF8/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-02-08+at+4.09.26+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Expressed another way, U.S. shoppers get a <b>40 per cent discount</b> when they buy Canadian, though that's before they pay shipping, taxes and duty. But even with that factored in, there are bargains to be had up here. It's at least worth a look.</div>
<br />
Now I'm a regular troller for deals on eBay but lately I only search Canadian sellers because the current exchange rate punishes me so severely. But what hinders me, can help my U.S. friends.<br />
<br />
I'm not suggesting my American friends and relatives (and I have many) stop buying in the USA, but before making your next MR purchase, why not run the numbers and check prices on the sites of a few Canadian retailers?<br />
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I've ordered model railroad goods -- everything from my DCC system to structures and locomotives -- from the following three retailers and have found them all to be top-rate vendors:<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.cvrco.com/" target="_blank">Credit Valley Railway</a> - A massive hobby store located in Mississauga (just west of Toronto). This place is 100 per cent devoted to model railroading and they have excellent customer service. If you're ever in the Toronto area, drop in (they have a great in-store HO-scale layout) but if you can't make it here and you live in the U.S., check them out, remembering all the while that one of your dollars is worth $1.40 to them.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ovrtrains.com/" target="_blank">Otter Valley Railway</a> - Another excellent retailer I can recommend with a very good online store. They're located in Aylmer, Ontario. I'd explain where that is but why bother? You're going to order from the comfort of your home in Wichita or wherever. Check out their site and knock 40 per cent off every price you see. (Note: 40 per cent discount does not apply to Canadians; try not to take it personally.)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.canadianexpressline.com/" target="_blank">Canadian Express Line </a>- A smaller operation but one I've used with great satisfaction. I purchased my NCE PowerCab there. Again, a reminder, prices are in (cheap) Canadian dollars.</li>
</ol>
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Other Canadian retailers I've not used but with excellent reputations are <a href="http://rapidotrains.com/" target="_blank">Rapido Trains</a>, <a href="http://www.handlaidtrack.com/" target="_blank">Fast Tracks</a> (they make supplies for hand-laying track) and <a href="http://www.pacific-western-rail.com/" target="_blank">Pacific Western Rail Systems</a> out in Vancouver. </div>
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There are other retailers I could mention in this post but I'm holding back until they agree to accept my Canadian dollars on par with the U.S. Greenback for my next purchase. I issued that request a while ago and am still awaiting their reply.<br />
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Also, I am accepting commission cheques (or MR supplies) from Canadian model railroading retailers who've sold goods to U.S. customers who've read this blog post. </div>
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And as good as this potentially is for U.S. residents who suffer from model train addiction, you can consider this a <b>limited time</b> offer. Note that the exchange rates between our respective currencies does bounce around. As recently as spring 2013 our dollar traded at par with the U.S. dollar.<br />
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So as they say in the ads for Shamwow and Flex Seal, act now. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-91649507548882796122016-02-07T10:08:00.002-05:002016-02-26T02:59:21.959-05:00February update<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8vomfSGulhWiHtBGtYiLvZUTABdlKSL2TWhP5DfhUpOMBoJ1qEFVX_-1cbPd0-YtfOzmJWMTPMtZNIUPiKgJgUe9kNYCFwihVNLjMzDxirpEM4xNRvMsC4LwgM93WwfHcY4h4fUTXmg/s1600/IMG_2924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8vomfSGulhWiHtBGtYiLvZUTABdlKSL2TWhP5DfhUpOMBoJ1qEFVX_-1cbPd0-YtfOzmJWMTPMtZNIUPiKgJgUe9kNYCFwihVNLjMzDxirpEM4xNRvMsC4LwgM93WwfHcY4h4fUTXmg/s400/IMG_2924.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A ground-level view of Hympoak, a new industry on my layout. The prototype takes deliveries of plastic pellets in hoppers and produces plastic merchandise shopping bags. </td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
Greetings everyone,<br />
<br />
I'll start with a tip: a full time job and two kids under four years old really cuts into your modelling time! This explains the long absence from posting anything other than prototype photos of Area H for the past few months.<br />
<br />
I have made slow progress sorting out all sorts of little things on the layout. Here's what I've been working on<br />
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<h3>
Hymopak</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In <a href="http://westtorontojunction.blogspot.ca/2015/03/building-hymopack-part-1.html" target="_blank">this post</a>, I shared research and photos about Hympopak, an industry I wanted to model. It takes rail deliveries of plastic pellet hoppers and turns them into shopping bags, like the kind you get at Home Depot and other large retail stores. </div>
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<br /></div>
<h4>
The build</h4>
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When I kitbashed Korex -- another plastic pellet factory on my layout (see <a href="http://westtorontojunction.blogspot.ca/2014/02/february-layout-update.html" target="_blank">here</a>) -- I had trouble keeping the styrene roof and walls from bowing. For this background building flat I wanted to use a more solid base so I wouldn't have this problem again. I built the base of the building out of scrap plywood then laminated styrene sheets to that. This seemed to work well as it kept the long walls arrow straight. The building is long, about 40 inches, so any bowing would really show up and spoil the effect.</div>
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I used some scrap MDF for the roof of the building. I set the roof slightly below the edge of the wall to create a little "lip" above the roof.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xkArjGv9R_J5Uvurmja2GnpIFWJBBV4AA0BVBcKzsDCzJwYZlZEKnCgYcOfbelTwgi3et93fHyr2UkKSWlHl783SI-IVPXYAKccq592ZFuiDwZ74h9oXU1t653QToOR7k5ayJ2VqxQ0/s1600/IMG_2724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xkArjGv9R_J5Uvurmja2GnpIFWJBBV4AA0BVBcKzsDCzJwYZlZEKnCgYcOfbelTwgi3et93fHyr2UkKSWlHl783SI-IVPXYAKccq592ZFuiDwZ74h9oXU1t653QToOR7k5ayJ2VqxQ0/s400/IMG_2724.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the wood base I used as the structure for the building. The walls are plywood, the roof is two pieces of MDF. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYk9D62uzff9UuMO4vFV7eDsDURMdRcfrxPDQapf6viGYjtRR5DIojOtMftGv8y-EB6wTt_SPYQ3pYhBOk5-c0gWYfjHhxypGWv8jgGy7cAxfsd0tr7RjOh0mrnI_1p2OHJ_22Ylr9phk/s1600/IMG_2730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYk9D62uzff9UuMO4vFV7eDsDURMdRcfrxPDQapf6viGYjtRR5DIojOtMftGv8y-EB6wTt_SPYQ3pYhBOk5-c0gWYfjHhxypGWv8jgGy7cAxfsd0tr7RjOh0mrnI_1p2OHJ_22Ylr9phk/s400/IMG_2730.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The worst part of the build was cutting the openings for the windows.</td></tr>
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<div>
I used brick styrene sheets for the walls, a strip of regular styrene painted a concrete colour for the foundation and corrugated styrene painted black for the cladding at the top. I used doors and windows from other kits for the window and door openings. </div>
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Here's what the finished building looks like in place on the layout. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRCu2JH_eWO4xqoGoh3gLZ0AjQsUzGXO4cfOWo9Jq_mNwpMGTics4YtaCyK5n_T5nnfuYGFK9VItFlROeSeqg1LKsD0VtJziMBs_0gLpgDGoP6IbY22Q9FK_DZnCeWycRkFPWzhmmP-8/s1600/IMG_2920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRCu2JH_eWO4xqoGoh3gLZ0AjQsUzGXO4cfOWo9Jq_mNwpMGTics4YtaCyK5n_T5nnfuYGFK9VItFlROeSeqg1LKsD0VtJziMBs_0gLpgDGoP6IbY22Q9FK_DZnCeWycRkFPWzhmmP-8/s400/IMG_2920.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's an overall shot of Hymopak. The team track spur is in the foreground.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JxKEXIdnEqyCGIV5Gw0cU5Q0prgrS1KNplM2WrbiTvkgtJPP2I8r8toPq6mfpZhjUikRP673BSL6_3yliij-iGn76zLm7xJxJKJzH2050ShEs98eU0yZ65nh6b553pGNSAxrXjEucm4/s1600/IMG_2922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JxKEXIdnEqyCGIV5Gw0cU5Q0prgrS1KNplM2WrbiTvkgtJPP2I8r8toPq6mfpZhjUikRP673BSL6_3yliij-iGn76zLm7xJxJKJzH2050ShEs98eU0yZ65nh6b553pGNSAxrXjEucm4/s400/IMG_2922.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a track-level shot. I built the small loading dock out of styrene. The doors, windows and hand railings were left over from the Paper Mill kit, which was kit bashed into Korex. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTybmxe9aEfGfT2esQ6aitRTAOzv9Foos3b8CblG6r8FzInFQq7xX8I9B1M0fpsIz21Ku256VgsHYqL2VUf74aOfzYfiL9K_erc-9oIag3pOlwpD2zlkV9_FAaT5Hgb8LThpk_IuJ18Cs/s1600/IMG_2923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTybmxe9aEfGfT2esQ6aitRTAOzv9Foos3b8CblG6r8FzInFQq7xX8I9B1M0fpsIz21Ku256VgsHYqL2VUf74aOfzYfiL9K_erc-9oIag3pOlwpD2zlkV9_FAaT5Hgb8LThpk_IuJ18Cs/s400/IMG_2923.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The spur can hold three plastic-pellet hoppers. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DItQa-JX2B-pPk_n8zWmiTQ7eWROr_uryaoL6RUJQh_Fvd5ruz2uxTxU5w3WBCe69xmrttdr5bACz8GaXQjjGUKi7uPq_0i7PdbjatwDWzS_uEDC6DC48US58mvK02y-xNjT1AMPFrU/s1600/IMG_2927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DItQa-JX2B-pPk_n8zWmiTQ7eWROr_uryaoL6RUJQh_Fvd5ruz2uxTxU5w3WBCe69xmrttdr5bACz8GaXQjjGUKi7uPq_0i7PdbjatwDWzS_uEDC6DC48US58mvK02y-xNjT1AMPFrU/s400/IMG_2927.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are the storage silos, made from the Walthers plastic pellet silos kit. I made the sign with a photo I took of the prototype ... then printed it out on decal paper and stuck it to the silos. The building and silos still need weathering. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZNcpwa13et34O4F8kXSGe1Vj1R-9SNq9k_lcafRX9z3s5ot0VUT6Mn5MMKN54zXhV4IGwD7SnRgKFHwqZIDVc5-Xyc5H2wJJULKtreUUkbYst8bLN0ZiCEnNJN16lZ54Ux3lb8VAz0w/s1600/IMG_2924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZNcpwa13et34O4F8kXSGe1Vj1R-9SNq9k_lcafRX9z3s5ot0VUT6Mn5MMKN54zXhV4IGwD7SnRgKFHwqZIDVc5-Xyc5H2wJJULKtreUUkbYst8bLN0ZiCEnNJN16lZ54Ux3lb8VAz0w/s400/IMG_2924.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another track-level shot. The vertical piping was made from sprues from a kit. They add some detail but here's a secret: they're really there to hide the seams between the brick sheets!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now I realize that building doesn't capture many of the details and dimensions of the prototype. The real Hymopak is taller, less of a pure rectangle, has more details, nooks and crannies. I just don't have time to create a model that is that detailed. Because I'm always pressed for modelling time, I have to take a bit of a 'good enough' approach and move on to the next thing. I can always replace it with a more detailed building down the road but for now, there are just too many bare spots on my layout to linger too long on any one industry. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Despite this, I still plan to:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Weather the building and silos.</li>
<li>Enhance the windows, possibly using photos of real factory windows.</li>
<li>Ballast and weather the track (I need to cover that white styrene ramp below the track). </li>
<li>Add some safety signs, boxes, maybe a forklift, figures, etc. to add "life" to the structure and make it look busy. It's funny how just placing the truck near the building for these photos helped improve the look.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For now, I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Plastics industry: a great addition to any modern layout</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I would encourage anyone with a modern layout to consider a plastics facility like this.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was interested to see that just today, John Longhurst, who writes the excellent <a href="http://cprailmmsub.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">CP Rail & Minnesota Subdivision</a> blog, wrote about a somewhat similar industry in Mississauga (which is just west of Toronto). The industry is called <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px;">Katoen Natie and it also takes plastic hoppers. </span>You can read John's post about it <a href="http://cprailmmsub.blogspot.ca/2016/02/an-easy-and-busy-industry-to-model.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've visited this industry myself. Often there is a large boxcar spotted on the spur among the covered hoppers (though there wasn't one there the day John visited).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Modelling this industry (or one like it) would require a similar, simple approach. A building flat (though of steel walls, not brick) and a few storage tanks and you're essentially done.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I now have two plastics facilities on my layout (<a href="http://westtorontojunction.blogspot.ca/2014/02/february-layout-update.html" target="_blank">Korex</a> and Hymopak) and I could have had three. On the Area H spur there's also <a href="http://www.polytainersinc.com/" target="_blank">Polytainers</a>, which takes pellet hoppers and turns them into plastic containers, like the kind that ice cream and yogurt comes in. Again, modelling that would be as simple as a brick building flat with some silos, like the kind in the Walthers Plastic Pellet hoppers kit. I've never seen this industry without two hoppers on its spur.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some may say these simple industries are not as "eye-catching" as a sawmill, oil refinery or coal mine. Maybe not. But to me they say "modern suburban industry" which is what my layout models. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Other layout additions</h3>
<div>
<h4>
Rocking the hill</h4>
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<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKS-zxva1ewb2Rt2Rjd1x8-xWSszDeE7BFTFHOZuXl6y6mkj-y8EXXdLwB6fWH8a4r8POh6wKrSdYcUUZq-NgfKOUaUVgQX9ZFdZBw6-hGPhT5wZ08QZrnW4_PImjyYd3eHX-Nwv2mIzQ/s1600/IMG_2930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKS-zxva1ewb2Rt2Rjd1x8-xWSszDeE7BFTFHOZuXl6y6mkj-y8EXXdLwB6fWH8a4r8POh6wKrSdYcUUZq-NgfKOUaUVgQX9ZFdZBw6-hGPhT5wZ08QZrnW4_PImjyYd3eHX-Nwv2mIzQ/s400/IMG_2930.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added puffball trees and some rock castings to the area near the creek. I didn't like the look of the rolling hill so I cut out some of the foam and added the castings and foliage. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">I've managed to squeeze in a few other additions. Here I've added a rock face behind the creek. Though there isn't a prototype for this on the area I model, I wanted to try out making and painting plaster rocks. I think they turned out OK. I also added some puffball trees to the top of the hill (and still have to add more). </span></h4>
<div>
Before I added the rocks, the hill just seemed too bland. I think this adds some much-needed visual interest. I plan on adding a photo backdrop with a skyline here to enhance the scene's depth.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDDGJghmDOOkncacwV5W-lYrtNP_CgS44tYhjB8egimWSxJsLULromp6rpo1lNV92uTUnaX1akqAGH1kJ287fU_0pY7Eaz-ulBBcoIxdEHTjd7bJBUHf-yL3tFtEd14_-hySBJh8Uiwc/s1600/IMG_2929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDDGJghmDOOkncacwV5W-lYrtNP_CgS44tYhjB8egimWSxJsLULromp6rpo1lNV92uTUnaX1akqAGH1kJ287fU_0pY7Eaz-ulBBcoIxdEHTjd7bJBUHf-yL3tFtEd14_-hySBJh8Uiwc/s320/IMG_2929.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GMTX 125 is now in service. Adding all the little detailed parts nearly killed me. I don't think this is the kind of modelling I'm best at (or enjoy most).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
GMTX 125</h4>
<div>
For reasons I can't explain, I wanted a leased locomotive on my layout. GATX 102 started life as an undecorated Athearn SW1500. I painted it, added decals and details. I honestly struggled with getting some of the details on this model. Some did not survive my hammer hands. I may go back and fix these problems later. I'm not sure I would attempt a project like this again. The upside is the loco doesn't look too bad and is a good runner. It was DCC ready so I just had to lift the shell, pull out the jumper and plug in a Digitrax decoder. The ease of this has convinced me that I'm only buying DCC-ready locos from now on!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_vlq-GB2PS9mxQNsD6TvzDwvHkXLcczHIdx_c1026lc_ujjhz_YNHiBODx_fmIFP0C_AstddtJpet_b1M2yjjQ4WNBKMF5Z5I4FH6KJ08KqCzUe4AMFx21XwzK41y9W40QVqhxWsW9I/s1600/gmtx.102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_vlq-GB2PS9mxQNsD6TvzDwvHkXLcczHIdx_c1026lc_ujjhz_YNHiBODx_fmIFP0C_AstddtJpet_b1M2yjjQ4WNBKMF5Z5I4FH6KJ08KqCzUe4AMFx21XwzK41y9W40QVqhxWsW9I/s400/gmtx.102.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a prototype shot I was working from. Another problem? I didn't get the colour close to correct. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's it for now. As always I welcome your comments. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-12607605463819996252015-09-24T21:34:00.001-04:002015-09-24T21:35:02.746-04:00I'm back ... and great layout visit piece in MRH<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/124768892@N06/17074278765/in/album-72157645286735675/" title="IMG_0996"><img alt="IMG_0996" height="250" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7598/17074278765_3853ae75a2.jpg" width="400" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<br />
I think I may have mentioned in a previous post that model railroading is largely a seasonal hobby for me, a good way to pass those long winter nights. That's why I've been silent this summer.<br />
<br />
However with the cooler weather now on its way, I'm getting some work done on the layout and a few projects going on the workbench. I will be posting about them here in the next few weeks.<br />
<br />
In the meantime I'd light to point to a great layout visit story in Model Railroad Hobbyist, a free online magazine about this great hobby.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://mrhpub.com/2015-06-jun/port/files/162.html" target="_blank">In an article you can read here</a>, the magazine profiled Shaun Toman's HO scale Union Pacific Oregon Division. The layout itself is excellent. I was intrigued to read about this room-sized (10' x12') layout that models the modern era. Toman faced challenges squeezing it in, but he's managed to produce a nice-looking layout in not a massive space that's able to have large, modern diesels and longer rolling stock like auto-racks.<br />
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Using great backdrops and scenery, he was able to include some industries, stretches of mainline run and even a small yard and engine shop.<br />
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I found it interesting that he built his layout in a shed separate from his house. Of course, that's easier to do in Oregon's temperate climate than most other places in North America! Still, I think it proves you may not need a basement to have a layout.<br />
<br />
I must tip my hat to MHR here as well. The Q & A style article was very thorough, and it answered every question I had about the layout. The photos are excellent and it was nice to see a track plan in there.<br />
<br />
I found it interesting that like me, Toman regrets not building his layout higher off the ground.<br />
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I'm always on the lookout for room-sized layouts that depict the modern era. If you see a good website or blog about such a layout, please put a link in my comments and I will put it in the links on the right side of this blog.<br />
<br />
So to read more about Toman's layout, check it out on MRH <a href="http://mrhpub.com/2015-06-jun/port/files/162.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Also, Toman has a great flickr page <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/124768892@N06/albums/72157645286735675" target="_blank">with an album that has more than 300 photos of his layout.</a> I've embedded a few below to offer a taste of his work:<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/124768892@N06/16031952562/in/album-72157645286735675/" title="IMG_7487"><img alt="IMG_7487" height="306" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7488/16031952562_946d01a81f.jpg" width="450" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Large, modern diesels and auto-racks ... must be a massive basement or club layout, right? No it's 10' x 12'.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/124768892@N06/15846587329/in/album-72157645286735675/" title="IMG_7479"><img alt="IMG_7479" height="302" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7522/15846587329_c2d834f8a6.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Some nice mainline runs give the trains a bit of space.<br />
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<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/124768892@N06/14266981510/in/album-72157645286735675/" title="June 2014 Model Railroad Update"><img alt="June 2014 Model Railroad Update" height="220" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2914/14266981510_094b0f5de6.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Effective photo backdrops like this make a small layout seem much bigger.
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/124768892@N06/14266847278/in/album-72157645286735675/" title="photo 2-3"><img alt="photo 2-3" height="375" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3925/14266847278_60f5720fe4.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Here's what the space looked like before the track was put down. He built the layout in a shed separate from the house.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-42355960089100392662015-04-24T21:24:00.002-04:002015-04-24T21:25:39.379-04:00YouTuber NS Train fan is selling his layoutGreetings,<br />
<br />
Almost exactly a year ago, I wrote a post <a href="http://westtorontojunction.blogspot.ca/2014/04/5-excellent-model-railroad-youtubers.html" target="_blank">about 5 MR YouTubers I liked</a>.<br />
<br />
To this date it remains one of this blog's most viewed posts (List stories, known as listicles, have become a staple of online journalism because the restive online audience just can't seem to resist them).<br />
<br />
Anyway on my top 5 list was YouTuber <a href="http://westtorontojunction.blogspot.ca/2014/04/5-excellent-model-railroad-youtubers.html" target="_blank">NS Train fan</a> (Ben Earp). I recommended Ben's channel to other modellers because he produced a lot of great how-to videos that chronicled his construction of an N-scale layout based on the <a href="http://mrr.trains.com/-/media/import/files/pdf/9/c/7/mrr-c0110_a_plan.pdf" target="_blank">Salt Lake Route track plan</a> which was published in Model Railroader a while ago.<br />
<br />
I've always liked this track plan for a compact N-scale display layout with a lot of operating potential, even though I model HO.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
In addition to building his layout, Ben did a number of excellent videos about layout visits, trips to train shows, etc.<br />
<br />
His videos were set apart by their high production quality, and his happy, humble approach.<br />
<br />
But I knew something was up when last year, after months of weekly posts, his videos stopped appearing. The video silence was sudden and without explanation. Until yesterday.<br />
<br />
In a video embedded below, Ben reports with some sadness that he's selling his layout, but not getting out of the hobby. He says he needs the money for college, something this one-time broke student understands.<br />
<br />
His price is $500, which includes the track, some buildings and a Digitrax Zephyr system (locos and rolling stock not included). Not a bad price when you consider that the Kato Unitrack is probably worth a few hundred alone. The 4x9 foot layout is at the start of the scenery stage and fully operational. I believe Ben lives in North Carolina.<br />
<br />
This layout would be a good buy for someone in that area looking to get into the hobby. It might appeal to someone keen to get a running layout right away, maybe someone who wants to get into the hobby but who doesn't have the skills or tools needed to build benchwork.<br />
<br />
Ben won't ship the layout though; he's asking the buyer to come to him and pick it up.<br />
<br />
Ben says he plans to build another layout in the future. Here's hoping that he will not only do this, but will also chronicle it with another great series of YouTube Videos. <br />
<br />
In the meantime, Ben's past videos remain <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/NSTrainFan/videos" target="_blank">on his channel</a> for everyone to enjoy.<br />
<br />
Thanks Ben and good luck.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wAN12HCoVFM" width="400"></iframe>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-55514110451626272392015-04-17T15:51:00.001-04:002015-04-17T15:54:03.746-04:00Great video: Area H spur being workedHere's a great YouTube video showing the top end of Area H spur being worked by CP crew:<br />
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<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KUMYJJ-dpm8" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
The YouTuber here is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3Df6BABXikD5xvKZDAQ1RA" target="_blank">CitySlicker</a>.<br />
<br />
He shoots a lot of great Toronto-area railroad videos. He also has a very <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/92809076@N04" target="_blank">good flickr site</a>.<br />
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Chances are if there's a strong photo at the top of my blog showing Area H or Canpa switching, it's a photo link to his flickr!<br />
<br />
I realize there's been more prototype material than model material here lately.<br />
<br />
I've haven't been able to get to the layout. Progress there has very much been slow motion I'm afraid.<br />
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I've not given up on the project however. I'm hoping to post part II of the Hymopak structure build soon.<br />
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In the meantime, enjoy this video.<br />
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As always, I welcome your comments.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-75296323910866761272015-03-22T20:06:00.003-04:002015-03-28T09:48:58.934-04:00Building Hymopack (Part 1.)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpz02Uew5de2jXOMna0isjFWEGt3zkLvuJzqS1GShyqC42QYzgOBU-dxhpQFMzfwQ-v3cyuAuHoVsdS-p5_uc-gdQMdGckTjxDgbg55br4jGBVq8GcmuiBx84F9sNDZaOChYEOmZczumM/s1600/HymopakSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpz02Uew5de2jXOMna0isjFWEGt3zkLvuJzqS1GShyqC42QYzgOBU-dxhpQFMzfwQ-v3cyuAuHoVsdS-p5_uc-gdQMdGckTjxDgbg55br4jGBVq8GcmuiBx84F9sNDZaOChYEOmZczumM/s1600/HymopakSign.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lawn sign of Hymopack, an industry that manufactures plastic merchandise bags and will soon be represented on the West Toronto Junction.</td></tr>
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<h2>
The Prototype </h2>
In an earlier post, I'd mentioned <a href="http://westtorontojunction.blogspot.ca/2014/02/february-layout-update.html" target="_blank">the process of modelling Korex</a>, a large industry that takes rail deliveries of plastic pellets in covered hoppers. The industry I'm modelling now, Hymopack, also takes plastic pellet hoppers. Located on Medulla Avenue in Etobicoke, Hymopack makes merchandise bags for retail stores. According to their website, the company's clients include Home Depot, and other retail stores such as Canadian Tire and The Beer Store.<br />
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Interestingly, there's another rail-served plastics plant on the main spur I model: Polytainers. There they turn plastic pellets into containers you find at the grocery store, the kind that hold everything from Hummus to ice cream. I'm not modelling Polytainers but it's interesting that three rail-served plastics facilities are located fairly close together in one area of Etobicoke (West Toronto).<br />
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<h2>
The Building</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFx4crYsUMd6cuvwlulJKax2_Keg2sezIfSnHtebU6jMZyQ_TusiWpIAgSjNdBRgJqm4OUt92BCh0QUc-Vz9VTRk-WoSd5QmfjxRPflb1vUlbk2Wm86g94qfOP5ZUK5n6wrQn6mN7mqI/s1600/HymopakWide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFx4crYsUMd6cuvwlulJKax2_Keg2sezIfSnHtebU6jMZyQ_TusiWpIAgSjNdBRgJqm4OUt92BCh0QUc-Vz9VTRk-WoSd5QmfjxRPflb1vUlbk2Wm86g94qfOP5ZUK5n6wrQn6mN7mqI/s1600/HymopakWide.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the exterior of Hymopak. It's the brown brick building on the left with metal cladding. You can see the tops of the white tanks above the yellow brick building on the right.</td></tr>
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Hymopack operates out of a brick building with metal cladding, typical of modern industries. The spur that serves the building descends southward from the CP east-west mainline and curves west into the back of the building. The hoppers are unloaded into a series of at least 10 large storage tanks. The tanks are placed well back of the street.<br />
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You can see the aerial view below. Medulla Ave. is visible at the left:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEplZzKV1boZ_i9lth7UFoOHfVzDFPQefi9-_fERra6GFL0cO_udWL1qLBs1TlmPF3TZ2fmbFem7bLisv345cx3dtBsFcJTVtsmHw1nb8RwAsGbiiGvrqWaB4DrJ2Vxq5w5NGz225_Ps/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-02-17+at+7.48.38+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEplZzKV1boZ_i9lth7UFoOHfVzDFPQefi9-_fERra6GFL0cO_udWL1qLBs1TlmPF3TZ2fmbFem7bLisv345cx3dtBsFcJTVtsmHw1nb8RwAsGbiiGvrqWaB4DrJ2Vxq5w5NGz225_Ps/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-02-17+at+7.48.38+AM.png" height="165" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An aerial view of the industry. The road is at the left, the industry stretches a few hundred meters away from the road. You can see a cut of four covered hoppers used to deliver plastic pellets on the spur. There is no way to get near the spur track without trespassing, so I have to rely on this Bing maps image and what I can see from the road, which is more than enough. </td></tr>
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Obviously this industry is too big to model to scale. When I'm aiming for here is something that captures the look and feel of this industry. At a train show recently I picked up a preowned (but still unbuilt) <a href="https://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3081" target="_blank">Walthers Plastic Pellet Transfer ki</a>t.<br />
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Here's what image from the kit's box:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLUYnTe4LwoNlWW0ybg4fFb_WkLXwlkV_uZZyubcEXJTaWCPRajMdrrcfrXKODGG-O6tKhk8rM6t-YLNSafiWEkNglUhh2ZF8qoV0pAEyaeqCXGYcRsReN4p-j1Wf1ko_4IVhxUP4-3w/s1600/09330000003081.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLUYnTe4LwoNlWW0ybg4fFb_WkLXwlkV_uZZyubcEXJTaWCPRajMdrrcfrXKODGG-O6tKhk8rM6t-YLNSafiWEkNglUhh2ZF8qoV0pAEyaeqCXGYcRsReN4p-j1Wf1ko_4IVhxUP4-3w/s1600/09330000003081.gif" height="291" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tanks from this Walthers Plastic Pellet Transfer kit look almost identical to the ones in use at the industry I'm modelling.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6KczlI_ynvs5AG1Hzgpe5689lM5U_tQiw-Gly8f5gpZV70vGcqPRfVNx3txurJpN4iEACROYh1SZuIBGZ0eMp-F90kxsnvG0S4qglybu-2KaGFtW7o_9OKnzfvRBrOxB9GXlz7aLsdg/s1600/AllTanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6KczlI_ynvs5AG1Hzgpe5689lM5U_tQiw-Gly8f5gpZV70vGcqPRfVNx3txurJpN4iEACROYh1SZuIBGZ0eMp-F90kxsnvG0S4qglybu-2KaGFtW7o_9OKnzfvRBrOxB9GXlz7aLsdg/s1600/AllTanks.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a shot of the top of the tanks at Hymopack. This is as close as I could get to the tanks without trespassing!</td></tr>
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This kit features four silos almost identical to the ones in use at Hymopack. They are white, appear to have a similar proportions, are connected by overhead walkways and have cage ladders for access.<br />
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My plan is to combine these four silos with a brick building flat set against the backdrop. The spur that will serve this industry is located in the southwest corner of my basement. Now I realize that I'll have far fewer tanks thank the prototype industry. For anyone planning to play 'spot the differences" I'll just say that I'm trying to capture the general "look and feel" of the prototype, not build a flawless scale replica of it. If I ever come across a second Plastic Pellet Transfer kit maybe I'll add more tanks. Foor now, I'll just stick to an array of four tanks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSjAPXa7PLj6iW0_TDs4COnNDaOxwAKkfiRqIspK2ggkjrSTzK6pl_purbNfZ-_rV98wXLaWZhTj8S-PA7oMYJGvayJcx7omndbuxjs0iTGyY3GGXHgwtGO1VsBbwUeaAmiRZrNGNDuM/s1600/WhiteTanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSjAPXa7PLj6iW0_TDs4COnNDaOxwAKkfiRqIspK2ggkjrSTzK6pl_purbNfZ-_rV98wXLaWZhTj8S-PA7oMYJGvayJcx7omndbuxjs0iTGyY3GGXHgwtGO1VsBbwUeaAmiRZrNGNDuM/s1600/WhiteTanks.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like how the company logo appears on the two tanks closest to Medulla Ave. The logos are positioned at different viewing angles. I'm going to try to recreate that using an image of the logo from either the Internet or the lawn sign picture.</td></tr>
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One interesting thing about the Hymopack tanks is that the two closest to the road have the company's logo painted on them. I plan to do the same on the model.<br />
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More on that process in the next post. I will also show how I'm scratch-building the structure itself.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-85642969962660150732015-02-07T22:23:00.004-05:002015-05-26T19:34:08.382-04:00Cool video of the SoundTraxx Soundcar<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BgrcbFctz5c" width="460"></iframe>
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No time for a layout update this weekend, but here's a cool video demonstrating the SoundTraxx <a href="http://www.soundtraxx.com/dsd/soundcar/soundcar.php" target="_blank">SoundCar decoder</a>.<br />
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From this video, it looks like a few of these would add a lot of atmosphere to any layout. I really like the flange squeal sound.<br />
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Thanks to YouTuber <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Ro7VC9vCyj6TL21zjScaw" target="_blank">TManN</a> for posting this video.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-59863556930268628992015-01-29T15:30:00.000-05:002015-01-29T15:41:20.467-05:00CP plays host to 7-year-old Toronto railfan and blogger<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR65eLSAVCdJSBy26cfgK7Twd7yTkv1NS390aDtxxGKJvId-om3G1d2o5kj8nS-ZCktdw78JHbqIUo2pkb-a_xQKiGsQS3yNgfxNWU49fewzqyCsLp5pAgoLP9qe432rKNcs_7Y-7-kkg/s1600/220297_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR65eLSAVCdJSBy26cfgK7Twd7yTkv1NS390aDtxxGKJvId-om3G1d2o5kj8nS-ZCktdw78JHbqIUo2pkb-a_xQKiGsQS3yNgfxNWU49fewzqyCsLp5pAgoLP9qe432rKNcs_7Y-7-kkg/s1600/220297_orig.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Railfan and blogger Nathan O'Neill, 7, meets with a CP crew member. The railway has regular visits from Nathan, who writes about what he's learned on his railway blog. (Photo credit: <a href="http://aboywholovestrains.com/">aboywholovestrains.com</a>)</td></tr>
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<h3>
' I don't want kids, I just want to drive trains'</h3>
An excellent <a href="http://www.thestar.com/life/2015/01/28/meet-a-boy-who-loves-trains.html" target="_blank">story</a> in today's Toronto Star about a 7-year-old railfan and blogger from Toronto, whose love of trains has been recognized by Canadian Pacific.<br /><br />
As the story by Rebecca Eckler tells, Nathan O'Neill is very into trains. But what sets him apart from his Grade 1 peers is that he <a href="http://www.aboywholovestrains.com/" target="_blank">started his own blog</a> about them. His work was noticed by CP and the railway has hosted him for regular visits to learn about how the railway works.<br />He's climbed into the cab of a locomotive and even been issued his own engineer's vest. His <a href="http://www.aboywholovestrains.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> is worth a visit, even if some of the photos are upside down!<br /><br />
In my favourite quote from the story, he tells Eckler: "I don't want kids, I just want to drive trains."<br />
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Nathan has had a ride on the CP Holiday Train and his grandparents bought him a share in CP (quite a gift considering the <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/markets/stocks/summary/?q=cp-T" target="_blank">share price!)</a><br />
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It's nice to see a kid so interested in railroading, but it's also great to see CP recognize this and give him behind-the scenes access to their operation.<br /><br />
Obviously they got a nice PR boost with the Star story and maybe down the line they'll get an enthusiastic engineer in training!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-46101010986613510482015-01-28T20:46:00.000-05:002015-02-17T07:54:46.537-05:00Late January layout update <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSL0_zwKsO1v63KsSXd5ZdbnbHjC-0Mx93fk1-XD-ev6_3WaZ9D3Wb1Qb9b2nMEJ4NKWLOfq0CBxxM-18r_BqrXMUEkdiPHfsXFlO5Gpp48Bj5al6iTJ0GObH-YBTrP4zu9I63NoomdQ/s1600/IMG_2648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSL0_zwKsO1v63KsSXd5ZdbnbHjC-0Mx93fk1-XD-ev6_3WaZ9D3Wb1Qb9b2nMEJ4NKWLOfq0CBxxM-18r_BqrXMUEkdiPHfsXFlO5Gpp48Bj5al6iTJ0GObH-YBTrP4zu9I63NoomdQ/s1600/IMG_2648.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basic level of ground cover is down here with many areas still needing ballast. I will go over all this ground cover again and fine-tune things. </td></tr>
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Greetings,<br />
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It's been a while since I've posted an update but I've been managing to get some work in on the layout. I've been doing a lot of ballasting, adding a few buildings and fixing some electric problems than have cropped up though regular running. I've also had to sort out problems with one pesky locomotive, the details of that problem I'll explain in another post.<br />
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<h3>
New warehouse background building</h3>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9moxm7S55PD1XuouC3eCRU4iBcRD-PVor0N57U6Y4YHf3iHeMVsoqx88YEq-EqEOD3lMYa8ZsTJ_PLN227e3pGvSyViEI4f3AU2TnJKlvyY_FASvT98lguJXlpHCGQcQadq2mm8bIrFw/s1600/IMG_2639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9moxm7S55PD1XuouC3eCRU4iBcRD-PVor0N57U6Y4YHf3iHeMVsoqx88YEq-EqEOD3lMYa8ZsTJ_PLN227e3pGvSyViEI4f3AU2TnJKlvyY_FASvT98lguJXlpHCGQcQadq2mm8bIrFw/s1600/IMG_2639.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a Walthers warehouse kit I tuned into a background structure. It's the longest spur on the layout. I may add tanks on the left side to make it more of a manufacturing plant that also takes plastic pellets as a way to add to the operating potential of this industry</td></tr>
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Above you can see a new background building. This is a Walthers <a href="https://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-2917" target="_blank">Lakeville Warehouse kit</a> turned into a background building. It came together quite well. I'm not sure about the colour but I've still got to weather it down. There are many rail-served warehouses like this in the west Toronto area that I model. I mainly wanted a destination for boxcars because other than this industry, only the team track (see below) will take boxcars.<br />
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I've got to add roof details and a few other bits yet.<br />
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<h3>
Quonset hut/maintenance area.</h3>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCK2KNJk0ZMzxiLpax1qBi_gj3rlcFMu29LuNydxl7C2KXZ20zPIzHIVmqjiZXOW1muAJiF8sHMfaozbEUJQpe77-c54-R4OsAp5U_0r98Mo8jsYa88e2N6kPQtJ2L1UMM2kFVuyFr-70/s1600/IMG_2637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCK2KNJk0ZMzxiLpax1qBi_gj3rlcFMu29LuNydxl7C2KXZ20zPIzHIVmqjiZXOW1muAJiF8sHMfaozbEUJQpe77-c54-R4OsAp5U_0r98Mo8jsYa88e2N6kPQtJ2L1UMM2kFVuyFr-70/s1600/IMG_2637.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little space will be a maintenance area. The quonset hut right next to the Lambton Yard office is similar to one on the prototype. </td></tr>
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This Quonset hut sits just to the left of the Lambton Yard office. It matches one on the prototype. I also stained a few wood pieces to represent tie piles. I plan to add extra rails, barrels, maintenance vehicles, dumpsters, etc. here.<br />
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<h3>
Team track/transloading area</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGu5kqsKfWVoOHRUWhCXN3wBNlr_OZZXUxzNZiTKw5nC0WXu_U4u4CG14DEAb7kTqbVLzPXtMDahdbP7gLLM0Y079D1v1s3poxQh6mHPq0M1rC_wE0IkJISgF_LDuvP8afBhiYtQvONdk/s1600/IMG_2641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGu5kqsKfWVoOHRUWhCXN3wBNlr_OZZXUxzNZiTKw5nC0WXu_U4u4CG14DEAb7kTqbVLzPXtMDahdbP7gLLM0Y079D1v1s3poxQh6mHPq0M1rC_wE0IkJISgF_LDuvP8afBhiYtQvONdk/s1600/IMG_2641.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the team track. The pavement needs some weathering. This spur will take any kind of rolling stock. </td></tr>
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<div>
Here you see the team track area. The pavement is plaster stained with grey acrylic paint. It needs some weathering to make the colour less monochrome and a bit more dirty. Here I will add some containers, forklifts, loading docks, trucks and a modern prefab steel office/warehouse. </div>
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<h2>
Hymopak</h2>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9wA5LhO-HJM6_iuo7Ci7bforP-Q4MCyVXiXytszjA7ROJu_J6BU8CoA8S8kUDKjRlt-uH8WU0cJWlXgqXhJm6SmgpMcIqDE6y3JDnrT20k1AZCVqSy3cZ_12Wdtv4G5Tnb82hANcT5Y/s1600/IMG_2642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9wA5LhO-HJM6_iuo7Ci7bforP-Q4MCyVXiXytszjA7ROJu_J6BU8CoA8S8kUDKjRlt-uH8WU0cJWlXgqXhJm6SmgpMcIqDE6y3JDnrT20k1AZCVqSy3cZ_12Wdtv4G5Tnb82hANcT5Y/s1600/IMG_2642.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The plywood block at the back will become Hymopak, which is a plastics plant that makes shopping bags.</td></tr>
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I'm going to write a full post about this industry in the future but that plywood block at the back corner will be Hymopak, a large plastics company that makes take-home shopping bags, like the kind you get after buying stuff at Home Depot. </div>
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The prototype is a large brick building (with black corrugated steel trim) that takes plastic pellet hoppers. I've got a <a href="https://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3081" target="_blank">Walthers plastic pellet transfer station</a> kit that I'm going to use for tanks here. I've also got some brick sheets to laminate to the wood.<br />
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Below is a bing screen shot image of Hymopak. I will be modelling one wall and four of the white tanks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsu_GHnfvltxHXWqwOe9Pc_u6OI3b5_JXengAlUJHxt1Mmtz-ZyPN_YGGTEcjzKMb_pDp4jrUP590KlWzvd3pxQBaL4HPNXsPKa-WCKnkVKYYqo3VbucG4ulyCia3kbDaErr2O8q7yUw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-02-17+at+7.48.38+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsu_GHnfvltxHXWqwOe9Pc_u6OI3b5_JXengAlUJHxt1Mmtz-ZyPN_YGGTEcjzKMb_pDp4jrUP590KlWzvd3pxQBaL4HPNXsPKa-WCKnkVKYYqo3VbucG4ulyCia3kbDaErr2O8q7yUw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-02-17+at+7.48.38+AM.png" height="264" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Bing maps aerial shot of Hymopak on Medulla Avenue in Etobicoke (West Toronto). This large industry takes rail delivery of plastic pellets (seen at the right) and turns them into shopping bags, like the kind you get at Home Depot. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h2>
Two final wide shots</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAewwvdPaVdhTkWSQK-4ZEG_ZKIDif3fVZRatkRXDLHpNHqkzjnh9H70yl9tCo2Y90kx-iFEjvm3ZMCy6olT3F1UjyAD1NNGRacFvSUs5ovcjXYzZ03B7eExhuXKrMLspBFHHNeQ09ALA/s1600/IMG_2643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAewwvdPaVdhTkWSQK-4ZEG_ZKIDif3fVZRatkRXDLHpNHqkzjnh9H70yl9tCo2Y90kx-iFEjvm3ZMCy6olT3F1UjyAD1NNGRacFvSUs5ovcjXYzZ03B7eExhuXKrMLspBFHHNeQ09ALA/s1600/IMG_2643.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's an overall view from near the window looking to the left. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkmCfVbMAtSw8pj-Dk1VG-qlkl33Psp4oAbw1zSTUtnTiVQslo_9h3Hh1omRCQEhwaN8irKKBnOfSdavSKEaiQHkOxxmAj5Bgzt2NxLJsEwbyeTKNk3TdhuOhfUazjB8nCE2YvUOcO0Q/s1600/IMG_2638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkmCfVbMAtSw8pj-Dk1VG-qlkl33Psp4oAbw1zSTUtnTiVQslo_9h3Hh1omRCQEhwaN8irKKBnOfSdavSKEaiQHkOxxmAj5Bgzt2NxLJsEwbyeTKNk3TdhuOhfUazjB8nCE2YvUOcO0Q/s1600/IMG_2638.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's another overall view. looking to the left. The LaFarge cement silos will go in the back corner. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This work is all happening on one leg of the peninsula. The other side still has plenty of exposed pink foam board. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My goal is to at least paint out all the pink before the end of winter. </div>
<div>
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<div>
Sorry it took so long to post an update!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-12046244983217434172014-10-27T04:48:00.000-04:002015-01-28T20:49:05.633-05:00New Korex photos<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgybQCU5_P0x8Thgx33A9ibdn-gREbWZeu2wlXS8XuZa2HveS0XgpK8UEjWh_iAJsg7S_myvyNtBtCe-B0_mn_XsjjXGHxV3Rk96gpzF6TOGlHRAFrsKk6w4CjsvGpKwiUc8Q7Ugz7VA/s1600/IMG_2418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgybQCU5_P0x8Thgx33A9ibdn-gREbWZeu2wlXS8XuZa2HveS0XgpK8UEjWh_iAJsg7S_myvyNtBtCe-B0_mn_XsjjXGHxV3Rk96gpzF6TOGlHRAFrsKk6w4CjsvGpKwiUc8Q7Ugz7VA/s1600/IMG_2418.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here a trackmobile is coupled to a covered hopper. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I was in the neighbourhood over the weekend and using a long lens from a parking lot was able to snap some pictures of rolling stock on the spurs at Korex.<br />
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I wrote about modelling this industry <a href="http://westtorontojunction.blogspot.ca/2014/02/february-layout-update.html" target="_blank">in this post. </a> Some of the research about the industry I put <a href="http://westtorontojunction.blogspot.ca/2012/10/a-prototype-to-model.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCzK3ul7ywXZ1Mz-PiFyGTEcpGQ7eZCakmEM0o1lvqyX822biGVb4gCQ1z4bLrfHIfFXrF_HDmo9098cERO7svxpWjEFMEYlXrmuPLBQpuSEVQC5bHhCo33yurBPEWxZSJQt7LaY0ftk/s1600/IMG_2419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCzK3ul7ywXZ1Mz-PiFyGTEcpGQ7eZCakmEM0o1lvqyX822biGVb4gCQ1z4bLrfHIfFXrF_HDmo9098cERO7svxpWjEFMEYlXrmuPLBQpuSEVQC5bHhCo33yurBPEWxZSJQt7LaY0ftk/s1600/IMG_2419.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's a wide shot of the same hopper. Graffiti artists can't seem to resist the white canvas of these cars. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcMs0KU8Oq2b8UJlR7LAz7BAWftjiDX5WDmG7VXcgx6sAB4YZ3j-YJDHTvWsJCAYqscljIvUiQMqyna6Y-AecCsRATWYs9BFVjPtCvc2Rfksn8Nbs6I6xP5RxxBdIdrE7Cl1KejmcU5g/s1600/IMG_2420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcMs0KU8Oq2b8UJlR7LAz7BAWftjiDX5WDmG7VXcgx6sAB4YZ3j-YJDHTvWsJCAYqscljIvUiQMqyna6Y-AecCsRATWYs9BFVjPtCvc2Rfksn8Nbs6I6xP5RxxBdIdrE7Cl1KejmcU5g/s1600/IMG_2420.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Detail shot of a short hopper on one of the tracks</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMYBCem1bboo0PR8D_h-PYiJQE99MZq8-9Ha6KCp6SN-1H5KaLuC07ujfq9Qgfzoq6sEsxT5_G8dk-d2BeLynaRVTIYjL5nBBCUYozFayfxgGrjHcBrkHasn7kjK28UNN9sSrmxuY0os/s1600/IMG_2421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMYBCem1bboo0PR8D_h-PYiJQE99MZq8-9Ha6KCp6SN-1H5KaLuC07ujfq9Qgfzoq6sEsxT5_G8dk-d2BeLynaRVTIYjL5nBBCUYozFayfxgGrjHcBrkHasn7kjK28UNN9sSrmxuY0os/s1600/IMG_2421.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Wider shot of a line of short hoppers here</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOjQsnDaj2Iq-2Xp6UOin-DHXSeZDtOgOxY_2HY08b_Osag5FDf8LRzfv2tiEKITz2_C03tqWy7DVzocTACZ3E90WtazS57SbqlJJNUgz0lN49tAN6AR5lt8NwjBPiFEX2I7LdAJmJEw/s1600/IMG_2422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOjQsnDaj2Iq-2Xp6UOin-DHXSeZDtOgOxY_2HY08b_Osag5FDf8LRzfv2tiEKITz2_C03tqWy7DVzocTACZ3E90WtazS57SbqlJJNUgz0lN49tAN6AR5lt8NwjBPiFEX2I7LdAJmJEw/s1600/IMG_2422.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Another rusty hopper on one of four tracks that serve Korex. </div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-25302216657914895632014-09-20T23:05:00.000-04:002014-09-27T12:23:38.773-04:00A switch to Digitrax?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7W-j2FS-WNeV3_VYyewFf54oEKTgyLYx4SUe97MQhaLEJURt0dSptGB8eJVw0itAfRcwrtXu1-VbIj41Liwhs00nY2IYJlXdQe3fqEsYRApf2LOSARmSHoocjvSCOs2wfX5NeeCDvDOc/s1600/IMG_2408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7W-j2FS-WNeV3_VYyewFf54oEKTgyLYx4SUe97MQhaLEJURt0dSptGB8eJVw0itAfRcwrtXu1-VbIj41Liwhs00nY2IYJlXdQe3fqEsYRApf2LOSARmSHoocjvSCOs2wfX5NeeCDvDOc/s1600/IMG_2408.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Due to a sale price too good to pass up, wireless Digitrax has arrived at the West Toronto Junction. Will it replace the popular NCE system already in service? Stay tuned for future updates. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More than two years ago, shortly after I began construction
on my layout, I purchased an NCE PowerCab DCC system and I haven’t looked back. I
really like the system and I’ve since added three UTP panels and a Cab 04 so I
can walk around my room-sized switching layout and follow the train.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I started building the layout and making my return to this great hobby after a long time away, I knew I wanted to go DCC right off the bat. I began to research the different systems. As many do, I
narrowed it down to Digitrax vs. NCE. I worked through all the pros and cons of
each system (as I saw them) and made my choice. I won’t repeat the factors I
chewed over in deciding to go with NCE, but you can read my old post <a href="http://westtorontojunction.blogspot.ca/2012/10/with-dcc-youre-controlling-locomotive.html" target="_blank">about it here.</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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And although I like the NCE system very much, I always thought that if a reasonably priced used Digitrax
system came my way I might pick it up. Why? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>To have as a backup system.</li>
<li>As a way to become familiar with arguably the most popular train
control system out there.</li>
<li>I’m considering getting involved in modular model
railroading and it seems these groups almost always use Digitrax, though I’m
sure there are some exceptions.</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I figured the Digitrax starter set that would suit me best would be the Zephyr. But when I saw an ad in my area for a Super Empire Builder Xtra with Duplex (t<a href="http://www.digitrax.com/products/starter-sets/sebxd/" target="_blank">his one</a>) for
$150, I jumped at it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The deal also included a <a href="http://www.digitrax.com/products/power-management/pm42/" target="_blank">Digitrax PM42</a>, which is a circuit breaker than can separately protect four different sections of a layout. It's an $80 value.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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The system I bought had never been out of its box. The previous owner had decided
to get out of the hobby before they could execute a planned switch from DC to DCC. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Those of you familiar with Digitrax will know this was a
great deal. Digitrax lists the system’s MSRP at $575. The booster/command
station alone is worth at least $150. The Duplex equipped DT400 is more than $200. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Buying this system allows me to try out a Digitrax
system and operate my layout completely wireless instead of walking around, plugging and unplugging (though to be honest, I don't much mind this). Moving my NCE
system to wireless would require buying an RB02 (they’re about $140) plus buying
a radio equipped throttle or converting the ones I’ve got now to wireless.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ULL7akj4wbce1sPOMRnT3N2pndSClK9ISA7J2nXmqyxJ5MnfLj3yeUays5TXKrEmTWyN6p_PnxUonyF_s4vmhgFTEJDVubeMX_7njsFQBuk9QvqY1dsd5VGKK9uD6_ix3SAGiXYNnGo/s1600/IMG_2404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ULL7akj4wbce1sPOMRnT3N2pndSClK9ISA7J2nXmqyxJ5MnfLj3yeUays5TXKrEmTWyN6p_PnxUonyF_s4vmhgFTEJDVubeMX_7njsFQBuk9QvqY1dsd5VGKK9uD6_ix3SAGiXYNnGo/s1600/IMG_2404.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I picked up this used Digitrax Super Empire Builder Xtra equipped with Duplex for $150. I plan to run the layout with this system for a while, then compare it with the NCE system in a future post. For now it's fun to operate wirelessly and become familiar with this popular train control system.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
Discovering the Digitrax</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before I could try
out the Digitrax, I had to buy an AC adapter to power it. One complaint I've heard about Digitrax is that some of their starter sets, including the pricier ones,
don’t come with a power cable. This was no big deal for me, I picked up one for $9 at
a surplus electronics store near my work. It's essentially the same one I once had for an IBM laptop. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I got home, I unplugged the feeders from my PowerCab
because I didn’t want the two systems both trying to run my layout at the same
time, for obvious reasons! I powered up the Digitrax system, connected it to
the layout’s power bus and after a few minutes working through the startup
guide, I was running trains wirelessly from the DT400D. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I plan to write a future post that offers some detailed observations about how these two systems compare, so I’ll stay away from any “review type” comments for now.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUT-v9mWE1ylDhGyeE8n8hah5VH9jqo8cuK0AhH1fIgNauuXiX0vNZfHgh6EmOp7s8QPOMHM1uGTsFyqmpEZcMLHw_RZfcZZi0EA95GVjDEp1nv2ck_bhMkXmztB31REt8xu-hvPHEux0/s1600/IMG_2406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUT-v9mWE1ylDhGyeE8n8hah5VH9jqo8cuK0AhH1fIgNauuXiX0vNZfHgh6EmOp7s8QPOMHM1uGTsFyqmpEZcMLHw_RZfcZZi0EA95GVjDEp1nv2ck_bhMkXmztB31REt8xu-hvPHEux0/s1600/IMG_2406.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For now the Digitrax will operate while sitting loose my workbench. Should I decide to keep it and sell the NCE stuff, I will install the DB 150 and the UR92 panel inside the layout fascia.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
So am I selling my NCE system?</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I now have the option of keeping the system I like best
and selling the other. Each would make an attractive package to a modeller. I’m
certain I could get more for the Digitrax system than I paid for it, if I opted
to sell it and stick with NCE. My NCE stuff is in great shape and I have all the boxes, manuals, etc.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For now at least, I’ll likely keep the Digitrax even though I do acknowledge the silliness of owning two very
robust DCC systems for what is a rather small HO scale layout. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have heard other modellers who possess both Digitrax and NCE products, even if only a throttle, so they can bring their throttles while operating at another layout. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So stay tuned for future updates as I discover the Digitrax and compare and contrast it with the NCE. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I welcome your comments on all this.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-84321120906914176242014-09-11T21:16:00.003-04:002014-09-15T14:41:33.287-04:00September Layout update<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KGgpF4Zlr1DyKJpyyKLwrJ5F1WABtOJlqzatnUMJAzpICt8X5p4ET08a5s1s0L-GRmpCc9Y6nGfaDv5k5hnrOHu_FZ5JoNITmkDngRqVUsh_wsDcJ9avKe-947O1O7lUkPdFflPCkKI/s1600/1..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KGgpF4Zlr1DyKJpyyKLwrJ5F1WABtOJlqzatnUMJAzpICt8X5p4ET08a5s1s0L-GRmpCc9Y6nGfaDv5k5hnrOHu_FZ5JoNITmkDngRqVUsh_wsDcJ9avKe-947O1O7lUkPdFflPCkKI/s400/1..jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of this still needs work, but here are the beginnings of the underpass beneath the tracks at Runnymede.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<br />
Greetings everyone. As I said in an earlier post, I've not worked on the layout too much over the summer. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I did manage to paint the track, get some scenery done and get the framework started on the underpass at Runnymede Road. I've also started on the parking lot where the Lambton yard office is. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was dithering about what colour of materials to use, where to start etc. I found that between magazines and online material I was reading more about model railroading that actually doing any of it!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I won't go into a blow-by-blow description of how I did everything to get the layout to this point. Here's the basics:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIyKijKRifub-xnUVT-seRluPOQ_pYPatReF6i6N69t3wENfh_sNqD5G0UowQghQdTeW_GEBuX4kQEqqr9oRj1WJD22iD5_toKM73yKNu_TxnHmeIn5WPGI3Vl3nTQDMwfpV9wsxGhFmA/s1600/4..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIyKijKRifub-xnUVT-seRluPOQ_pYPatReF6i6N69t3wENfh_sNqD5G0UowQghQdTeW_GEBuX4kQEqqr9oRj1WJD22iD5_toKM73yKNu_TxnHmeIn5WPGI3Vl3nTQDMwfpV9wsxGhFmA/s1600/4..jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of the scenery and access road. The cardboard shimming the track will be covered with ballast. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b>Scenery</b>: I draped plaster gauze over balled up plastic bags to form the hills on either side of the underpass. I then pulled the bags out after everything was dry. I painted the scenery brown with a cheap acrylic paint and used ground foam for the grass. The gravel road is a mix of four different ballast colours (two greys, a brown and a black). There's still plenty more layers of scenery material to apply here (grass tufts, foliage clusters, etc. etc.)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Parking lot</b>: This is done pretty much exactly how Lance Mindheim describes <a href="http://www.lancemindheim.com/roads.htm" target="_blank">here</a>. It's Rustoleum grey primer paint, followed with an India ink wash applied with an airbrush. The road paint (parking lots lines) also follows the Mindheim technique described here in the Aug. 24 <a href="http://www.lancemindheim.com/blog.htm" target="_blank">post on his blo</a>g. I'm going to redo the road markings on the street that runs along the underpass. I made a failed attempt at that before reading Mindheim's technique. </li>
<li><br /></li>
<li><b>Track paint:</b> here I used Brown camo paint from Home Depot. Looks oK but it's a bit too uniform, I want to go back and weather up the rail and certain ties. </li>
</ul>
<div>
What's next?</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've got to finish the scenery here in the yard, including the ballast, which I'm not looking forward to. It's a tedious job. I'm also going to a train show in a few weeks that will give me a chance to pick up some of the background structures I need. I'm also preparing some rail photos I shot over the summer around the area to laminate buildings and use for the photo backdrop.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sorry this isn't more detailed. I will include more pics in my next post. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9vIXQ4oXfOUbC98w5fNom-Q_lCDPtZN0JZOzak6jqgN7HjKNPrgRweDpZUlquSBXRRdHAabjP3em9Id6IjpjT2yFlRkGRsyWz-yYyCf_v_OTGtpzBGKp4Wp9iPwTBwAcggH_F8YEj1w/s1600/2..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9vIXQ4oXfOUbC98w5fNom-Q_lCDPtZN0JZOzak6jqgN7HjKNPrgRweDpZUlquSBXRRdHAabjP3em9Id6IjpjT2yFlRkGRsyWz-yYyCf_v_OTGtpzBGKp4Wp9iPwTBwAcggH_F8YEj1w/s1600/2..jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a look to the right of the bridge. The cardboard rectangle in the background is a mockup of where a warehouse building will go for the spur that runs there. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-74015787228463485082014-07-28T15:30:00.002-04:002014-07-28T15:32:28.034-04:00Great "finished" switching layout<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/DncgWgeaHVM?list=UUaEFhCRcXFRt947hDWtiY-Q" width="460"></iframe>
<br />
Modeller James McNabb has built an excellent modern-day HO-scale layout with his Grimes Line, which you can check <a href="http://www.iaisrailfans.org/gallery/MJMGrimesLine" target="_blank">out here</a> or in videos posted on his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaEFhCRcXFRt947hDWtiY-Q" target="_blank">YouTube channel.</a> The layout models a section of the Iowa Interstate Railway.<br />
<br />
James's layout features simple, great scenery and <a href="http://www.iaisrailfans.org/gallery/MJMGrimesLine/grimesplan" target="_blank">a track plan</a> that adheres to the prototype and resists the temptation to fill every square inch of layout surface area with track. I love his photo backdrops and how the layout is presented with the clean fascia, nice overhead lighting, etc.<br />
<br />
Perhaps most impressive is that his layout is now "finished," a stage few layouts ever reach (though in a recent <a href="http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/18677" target="_blank">post on Model Railway Hobbyist blog</a> he admits there are likely other details to add). Still the layout is at enough of a developed stage that he feels comfortable calling it complete, which is an achievement for any modeller.<br />
<br />
A great source of inspiration, be sure to check out his online material which is always presented as well as the layout itself.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-19713796442019403612014-06-14T12:48:00.000-04:002014-06-14T12:48:58.281-04:00RailBox and spare rails at Lambton Yard<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoD5bcsrwzhTXCG-Cq4nJzmaCLD0BApaK-NawIM4F1m8ShpbGJzMXcbejRNdRNH7S7qynqtliHR89Erb_529Sy-2juj8t4haJ-rPrTb1CT-EbGdowp3PEMwD1hSP_jqF6k6SIDyp0HaHY/s1600/Railbox.Lambton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoD5bcsrwzhTXCG-Cq4nJzmaCLD0BApaK-NawIM4F1m8ShpbGJzMXcbejRNdRNH7S7qynqtliHR89Erb_529Sy-2juj8t4haJ-rPrTb1CT-EbGdowp3PEMwD1hSP_jqF6k6SIDyp0HaHY/s1600/Railbox.Lambton.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rail Box boxcar and some rails at Toronto's Lambton Yard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-68265812621652774892014-06-04T15:13:00.002-04:002014-06-04T15:14:44.320-04:00Some more Area-H photos<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="331" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/92809076@N04/13651400414/in/set-72157644589724286/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
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A few more shots of the Area-H industrial spur from flick user CitySlicker95.<br />
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His photostream has many great shots of railfanning around Toronto.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-54618731040031449372014-05-22T21:34:00.003-04:002014-05-26T16:26:35.325-04:00What's up with no updates?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQI1voZtGaNgOLa1k43YmJrphPxKea3RI3KLh1oyu6wVhcWzmcTWbHFHia_lfiwTJWj9OI_YHE2iF6JmekMGMYwGN0-FY4oEKJFuVizpjdvXIsC9dlR3_4eP6Cw_C8Bn6J0S09zFd9PGA/s1600/IMG_2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQI1voZtGaNgOLa1k43YmJrphPxKea3RI3KLh1oyu6wVhcWzmcTWbHFHia_lfiwTJWj9OI_YHE2iF6JmekMGMYwGN0-FY4oEKJFuVizpjdvXIsC9dlR3_4eP6Cw_C8Bn6J0S09zFd9PGA/s1600/IMG_2020.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When winter recedes, I'm more likely to spend my days railfanning on my bike than layout-building in the basement. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
With the last layout update stretching back a ways now, I wanted to post and explain why I've not posted in recent weeks.<br />
<br />
I've not lost interest in the project. In fact, I'm feeling pretty good about the progress made and lessons learned so far. I wanted to get back into the hobby by building a simple, small switching layout that is prototype-based and enjoyable to operate and I'm well on my way to doing that.<br />
<br />
But after a long, unrelenting winter, the good weather has arrived here in Ontario and when that happens, I turn my attention to outdoor activities with my family.<br />
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The following statement may be blasphemy to many of you, but here it is: For me model railroading is <i>largely</i> a seasonal pursuit, a way to spend the winter hours that doesn't involve looking into some kind of screen.<br />
<br />
I do expect to do an update in a few weeks, one that wraps the progress made over the winter months and outlines the goals for the next year. But after that, expect the posts to tail off a bit, at least until the cold weather returns. And that will surely happen before I'm ready for it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-14787246531996887632014-04-04T23:08:00.002-04:002014-04-29T19:14:34.101-04:005 excellent model railroad YouTubersAs it has with almost everything, the Internet age has transformed this hobby.<br />
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I started this blog to connect with other model railroad enthusiasts and found it's been a great tool for keeping me motived to push forward and make progress on the layout. </div>
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YouTube is an incredible resource for model railroaders. It's one thing to read descriptions of a layout or technique in a magazine, quite another to have it demonstrated and presented to you in free video you can stop, watch, rewind and watch again.. </div>
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To fill the time before my next layout update (soon), here's a list of 5 YouTubers whose posts I enjoy. The subheads are links to their YouTube landing page. The embeds are specific posts that I enjoyed.</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/djstrains/featured" target="_blank">1) DJ's Trains</a></h2>
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An N scaler and real-life CSX engineer, DJ's posts are speckled with money-saving tips, first-hand insight into how real railroads operate and, something I always appreciate, a self-depricating sense of humour.<br />
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In the video embedded above, he walks his viewers through a simple scratch build of a modern, rail-served warehouse.<br />
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2) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/NSTrainFan/featured" target="_blank">NSTrainfan</a></h2>
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This guy, another N-scaler, posts videos weekly, including how-tos, layout tours and train show visits. What I think sets him apart is the broadcast-level production quality of his videos. He uses plenty of graphics, cool links inside the videos. multiple cuts. He also has a sense of humour, which comes through in the presentation. His layout uses the track plan from the Salt Lake Route project layout that ran a few years back in Model Railroader.<br />
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3) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6xOezaYqdayivNMLRC1CqQ" target="_blank">Monster Railroad</a></h2>
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Big Al Mayo is a bit of a MR YouTube legend. His weathering videos in particular are very popular. He can be a bit brash, which may turn some people off. In <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg_RLJ7Ggg0&list=UU6xOezaYqdayivNMLRC1CqQ" target="_blank">one recent video he got into a tangle with some people at a train show</a>. A black man, Al didn't like that their booth sign featured the confederate flag. </div>
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I don't at all mind his outspoken nature, and enjoy his fearless approach to trying new modelling techniques (and the hip-hop soundtrack he lays over his videos is always cool). He conveys a very strong sense of "You can do it too," which I think is empowering for armchair modellers who might be otherwise inclined to sit on the sidelines.<br />
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4) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCExmXPUzMVZnEu9b4sfDxFg" target="_blank">NS Modeller 24</a></h2>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/01vdKDrkNuc?list=UUExmXPUzMVZnEu9b4sfDxFg" width="560"></iframe>
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This young man and his father have a great double-deck HO layout modelling Norfolk Southern. There's a very high level of modelling here. The channel features plenty of great how-to videos, everything from signalling and JMRI to installing decoders, soldering handrails, etc.<br />
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5) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/TNShortlineFan/videos" target="_blank">TNSortlineFan</a></h2>
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A nice guy with an excellent modern, HO scale shortline modelled in an around-the-walls configuration. Lots of tips and prototype information. The video above is a few years old (he's done quite a bit of work on the layout since) but it provides a good "aerial" overview of his layout. Like a lot of the YouTubers I mention here, my only quibble is that he doesn't post more frequently.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZdoTCKXDTfg" width="560"></iframe>
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</h3>
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And finally....</h3>
<div>
I would like to thank John at CP Manitoba & Minnesota Subdivision for <a href="http://cprailmmsub.blogspot.ca/2014/03/great-canadian-model-railroad-west.html" target="_blank">his very kind mention</a> of my layout last week. If you haven't already, <a href="http://cprailmmsub.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">check out his excellent blog</a>.</div>
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I didn't think my in-progress switching layout ranked with some of the great ones he's highlighted but I do appreciate the mention. It certainly has helped provide some new motivation as I work to push forward my modelling. </div>
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He also has <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/jdl562000" target="_blank">an excellent YouTube channel</a>.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3389699207005747895.post-15866960226208181542014-03-23T06:52:00.002-04:002014-03-23T07:48:47.680-04:00March Layout update<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<h2>
</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNAbyTjJsKHppR5S7lw-hSpnagTHpc-tiB_x6QdrjuK2ejCniMVjvXsAspoym5nLnrlA801ck9aunfD_qZxIGg7fYl2WWl4XjJ96HvZp7JC7ZSk_bqS-v4wnDHdvf6uPomVoEAonQ99s/s1600/fasciawide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNAbyTjJsKHppR5S7lw-hSpnagTHpc-tiB_x6QdrjuK2ejCniMVjvXsAspoym5nLnrlA801ck9aunfD_qZxIGg7fYl2WWl4XjJ96HvZp7JC7ZSk_bqS-v4wnDHdvf6uPomVoEAonQ99s/s1600/fasciawide.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fascia has given my in-progess layout a more finished look. The paint cost $5 from the return shelf at my local paint store.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With this winter refusing to fully retreat, I’ve managed to
get quite a bit done on the layout this March. Here’s an update. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Fascia (partially) installed</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgxcn5fO-jirXVDmnYAEkoUdqjQz64H4S1vOteamHw-Yg5TswCiIdv8rme08DRV2Kqn9CCRavcYSzSTXZGcvDHz1F6DqZbdW7FHYFi8EUZ2p-t43aunGgZ_ehKso-lp3Dn9a4Oe003CM/s1600/fascia3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgxcn5fO-jirXVDmnYAEkoUdqjQz64H4S1vOteamHw-Yg5TswCiIdv8rme08DRV2Kqn9CCRavcYSzSTXZGcvDHz1F6DqZbdW7FHYFi8EUZ2p-t43aunGgZ_ehKso-lp3Dn9a4Oe003CM/s1600/fascia3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fascia installed. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I must have read it dozens of times: layout builders
impressed by what a big step forward the layout takes visually after the fascia
is installed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After humming and hawing (mostly hawing) about the depth and colour of the
fascia, I let finances decide. I found a half gallon of forest green paint in
the discount shelf at the local paint store and got started. As an aside, this
a great money-saving tip for model railroaders: You rarely need to spend top
dollar on of-the-shelf paint! Most paint stores have a shelf of paint that people
have bought, taken home, decided that they hated and returned. It’s often heavily discounted (but almost
never returnable). The paint I bought was a very high-quality Benjamin Moore
interior latex with a flat finish. The price: $5.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway the fascia was straightforward to install. I ran out
of hardboard to do the peninsula, but I want to shore up the shelving under
that section anyway, so it makes more sense to wait until that work is done. It does give the layout more of a finished look, less like a construction site.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Homemade throttle pockets</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Th5ZriqBXvrm7iSpF3QsTJxS2OztwjPkgXyuhdEpasvzdVggZwrirRhmS_Z1c8uvyuppePaLJwBjrNLTihnEgvTtSm4iPvRuJTmrkRznymbskI6gnq8pmXvwMwPSnJEMer6L7IcxcaE/s1600/throttle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Th5ZriqBXvrm7iSpF3QsTJxS2OztwjPkgXyuhdEpasvzdVggZwrirRhmS_Z1c8uvyuppePaLJwBjrNLTihnEgvTtSm4iPvRuJTmrkRznymbskI6gnq8pmXvwMwPSnJEMer6L7IcxcaE/s1600/throttle1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now there's no excuse for leaving the throttle on the layout! Just realized the red light on the plug-in panel looks like Hal 9000 from <i>2001: A Space Odyssey.</i> Should I be worried it's going to turn on me unexpectedly?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As scenery progresses, there’s less and less empty layout
space to set the throttles, but it’s time I start breaking that bad habit
anyway! Commercial throttle pockets <a href="http://www.ppw-aline.com/Universal_Throttle_Pocket.htm" target="_blank">are $10 a piece</a> and Al Mayo has a <a href="http://start.westnet.ca/video.php?v=XWEdysFs7Sk" target="_blank">YouTube video</a> where he makes his own using 50 cent electrical boxes. Neither option appealed
to me so I made my own from bits from my scrap box. They work fine and look OK.
I can always replace them down the road if I want something more elegant. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJXCfpSuzpJyB9kJ-sacv_045s-oyCkYTlmi8-uupc7-J8vFgF4Vp5GHHkGoZmVSOkaSKPKdTOunl8uBG5togcziJ1xvkNrWvMMS0gqaTwX6ewdwNxtscb0hhQVqa-sUT3PdogA5adGk/s1600/powercab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJXCfpSuzpJyB9kJ-sacv_045s-oyCkYTlmi8-uupc7-J8vFgF4Vp5GHHkGoZmVSOkaSKPKdTOunl8uBG5togcziJ1xvkNrWvMMS0gqaTwX6ewdwNxtscb0hhQVqa-sUT3PdogA5adGk/s1600/powercab.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the throttle pocket for the NCE PowerCab.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ccL0uQ_GgHj0lFfJoCqf_BKpQG562aQBZ6gJl7U_ww3Eamfx7Fa0_DBcXkvnc7i2onJfb2U9I1yNymloh-WNwkE2ZNpEksAcyoQG99Ou31cDa722w536Tu9BetnYR4Z814VnLiswZjc/s1600/powercabchair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ccL0uQ_GgHj0lFfJoCqf_BKpQG562aQBZ6gJl7U_ww3Eamfx7Fa0_DBcXkvnc7i2onJfb2U9I1yNymloh-WNwkE2ZNpEksAcyoQG99Ou31cDa722w536Tu9BetnYR4Z814VnLiswZjc/s1600/powercabchair.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Without the cab in it, the throttle cradle looks like a La-Z-Boy for my PowerCab.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Area – H scenery/roads started </h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXHKaQQodaxtTgSHc_3Sb7-KknwPq3qI-6AUfPtfoUtLPHbZ0hZj__3WXeZJt6liaaUggPtl0ZWouuSsmmHXAHPiKcOTWQGJHgEVptub9ucgdNirWjXyXyB2S-2tT0ta_0MkQjLbePLw/s1600/roads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXHKaQQodaxtTgSHc_3Sb7-KknwPq3qI-6AUfPtfoUtLPHbZ0hZj__3WXeZJt6liaaUggPtl0ZWouuSsmmHXAHPiKcOTWQGJHgEVptub9ucgdNirWjXyXyB2S-2tT0ta_0MkQjLbePLw/s1600/roads.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roads/scenery started near Korex. With each passing week, the pink insulation board loses precious ground.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve tried two ways to do the roads: drywall compound and
styrene. I have to say I prefer styrene because the process is cleaner and the
results are easier to control. I generally am following the road technique
outlined <a href="http://www.lancemindheim.com/roads.htm" target="_blank">here</a> by Lance Mindheim: A spray with Rustoleum primer, which I will
follow with an India ink wash. I’m also hitting the roads with washes of
lighter greys using my airbrush so they’re not too uniform in colour. I may also try
using decals of road details like manhole covers and storm grates. So far I’m
happy with how the road surface looks. I’ve poured Hydrocal between the tracks
at the crossings. I’ll sand it down and clean out the rail flanges with my
Dremel tool and paint it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Pond scene progress</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve got mixed feelings about how this scene is turning out.
Here’s the steps:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Mark and carve out stream bed from foam layout base.</li>
<li>Cut and glue foam piece beneath layout to provide a bottom
for the stream.</li>
<li>Filled stream bed with Hyrocal to seal it (this worked well).</li>
<li>Painted the stream bed black in the middle with airbrush
sprays of tan at the edges to simulate depth. Here I followed the technique David Popp
outlines in his book Building A Model Railroad Step by Step.</li>
<li>Poured the stream using Woodland Scenics Realistic Water.</li>
<li>Added ripple effects using Woodlanc Scenics Water Effects</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So how does it look?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKr7XJ5iEE_SS5_85sG6gvaWVmr5m4o-JuVwqj6ZUMkhQS45uRNuM9dAerr8FHWCnRxr3mqoH0s3cng2-__Fa6da65mQ-wtjLsOZ-2NHhssKyRSV8Qa72l3rjoGsHKoJhgnlFwW0td3Q/s1600/Water1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKr7XJ5iEE_SS5_85sG6gvaWVmr5m4o-JuVwqj6ZUMkhQS45uRNuM9dAerr8FHWCnRxr3mqoH0s3cng2-__Fa6da65mQ-wtjLsOZ-2NHhssKyRSV8Qa72l3rjoGsHKoJhgnlFwW0td3Q/s1600/Water1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water looks ok like this, when the camera lens is dropped to the layout level. Looking down from a standing position, the water looks almost invisible. I've added ripple effects since this shot was taken.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Look at this photo and
it doesn’t look too bad. It looks like water, though I wish I’d put more rocks <i>inside</i> the water. But standing up and
looking down at it, the water is invisible. I think this is a layout height
problem (in other words the layout is too low).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If I did it again I’d add more pours for greater depth and
put more material inside the stream. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3>
Runnymede Road underpass</h3>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbeLFUlUdhpmiB5uYfYCCf6J1a1m6rxGw2vICUsl08KUS1uHyjYDU2kLn9ZMLDGJpefer4PnL56qyNK6Gm1v26U6Nf9wfJSHfynUbxTf_8y2x6pZfb9CAi32DQxzlpnAnOwTDyJnu8z0/s1600/underpass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbeLFUlUdhpmiB5uYfYCCf6J1a1m6rxGw2vICUsl08KUS1uHyjYDU2kLn9ZMLDGJpefer4PnL56qyNK6Gm1v26U6Nf9wfJSHfynUbxTf_8y2x6pZfb9CAi32DQxzlpnAnOwTDyJnu8z0/s1600/underpass.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm staring work now on the underpass at Runnymede, with a print out photo showing the prototype. The bridge parts will be Hydrocal castings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve pulled out the wood abutments and I’m pouring Hydrocal
ones to take their place. I just can’t make the wood look like concrete! I’ve
also got the styrene painted for the road surface. I will provide an update on
this later!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaovChWUYecAAz-QRbvOd3VMD1fnBA3Q2nPlrm-fU78etQan-CNy5YcbmS2hqpSqTHCBacu22OyPw1smk5_R-k7pM9feZ4WzkGFRkTkjbAskCksN9BBCR0ZiQz9wC81BK0ZSXc3LdEW8/s1600/foamindustry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaovChWUYecAAz-QRbvOd3VMD1fnBA3Q2nPlrm-fU78etQan-CNy5YcbmS2hqpSqTHCBacu22OyPw1smk5_R-k7pM9feZ4WzkGFRkTkjbAskCksN9BBCR0ZiQz9wC81BK0ZSXc3LdEW8/s1600/foamindustry.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This spur in the corner will one day serve Polytainers. For now, it serves a distributor of model railroad scenery supplies, mainly ground foam.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2