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benjy14

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Everything posted by benjy14

  1. Hello MrTea, If you're after snow powder, I would highly recommend the Deluxe Materials Scenic Snowflakes: https://deluxematerials.co.uk/products/scenic-snowflakes-500ml They also used to do a produce called Shovelled Snow but that sadly seems to be discontinued now. This is the snow scene from my layout, Dale Junction: Hope that helps! Ben
  2. About time for a long over-due on the layout, so here goes... As I think most modellers experience, I go through ups-and-downs of my enjoyment with my layout. It seemed recently that every time I got one problem resolved, another would crop up and I wondered (as I sometimes do) if I had bitten off more than I could chew constructing Dale Junction. But then I remembered how lucky I was to have the space that I do to build my dream layout and resolved to get the issues sorted out, so there has been some good progress of late. The first thing to report is that the cross-over in Helix A has gone. The trial with it disabled proved successful, so I ripped it out and replaced it with plain-track, and of course everything ran beautifully. I also updated the routing in iTrain to send eastbound trains down the outer track in Helix A if the inner track is occupied and that has really helped to keep the trains flowing. So until such time that Peco produce curved Code 100 points with a radius approaching 30" (the current options are 60" or 21", with nothing in-between!), it is a compromise I can live with as the layout is operating smoothly. The second thing is that I have made changes to the point-work in the End A ladder of the storage yard, which comprises almost entirely curved points. I had used Insulfrog points, which at the time I thought would be fine because I was not concerned with trying to run short wheelbase locomotives(!), so the dead part of the frog would simply not be an issue. And, of course, they are much simpler (and hence quicker!) to install compared to Electrofrog. However, that decision did come back to bite my on the backside... One of my favourite locomotives is my Broadway Limited Brass-Hybrid 9000-series #9082, which has a (frankly bonkers) 4-12-2 wheel arrangement (it was the longest rigid-framed steam locomotive ever constructed). As per the prototype, the two middle drivers are flangeless and have a lot of side-play to help them negiotiated tight curves. Unfortunately, when they run over these points, these drivers made contact with both rails at the frog and cause a short. The solution to this has been to install insulating rail joiners on both rails leading to the frog (which is what I would have had to do with Electrofrog points) and rely on the blades to conduct the power. Not ideal but it has fixed the short problem and I hope will prove reliable in the long term... There have also been some other wins as well but time for some photos! Above we see Big Boys #4017 and #4005 thundering over Monument Road. These are both Athearn Genesis models and have been giving me some grief... They were both making the most horrendous squealing noise when they were running. I thought I had lubricated them sufficiently but without success, and was seriously contemplating selling them. However, I decided to give it one more go and this time, I used Peco Electrolube on the axleboxes in conjunction with normal model oil on the motion and other bearings, and sure enough, this completely cured the problem and they now run beautifully. They are not quite up there with the Broadway Limited models but they still make a fine sight, and I think this is one of the best photos I have taken on the layout. We've now gone back in time to the 1940s and below, we see #4014 piloting #4002, first heading away from where Dale Junction will one day be located...(!) ...and a little later, heading over Monument Road... #4014 is the Rivarossi 60th Anniversary model, which has been fitted with an ESU Loksound decoder. As it is relatively light, it has to be double-headed (#4002 is another Athearn Genesis model, which has enough weight and power to push #4014 and pull a 22-car train!) but it is a nice runner and double-headed Big Boys were common over Sherman Hill in the 40s and early 50s before Track 3 opened. Before the untimely demise of Model Train Stuff earlier this month (brought down by the closure of Hattons, which makes me really quite angry, as they only purchased the firm in September!), I purchased five Rapido E9 A and B units to replace my ancient Walthers Proto 2000 units. Above we see an A-B-B lash-up leading an eastbound service. Whilst these are stunning models that run beautifully and sound amazing, as this photo shows, Rapido have got UP Armour Yellow badly wrong; it is much too light. The forums made a lot of comment about this but unfortunately, I only found out after I had ordered and paid for them. I am unsure what to do about this but it seems that Walthers are releasing a new range of their models of these stunning locomotives, so it might be that I will have to relegate these Rapido units to freight service, which did happen in real-life but on less steeply graded lines (i.e. quite a large chunk of modeller's licence for them to be pulling freight over Sherman Hill...). The last photo below sees another eastbound City train coming through Dale Junction being piloted by an FEF-3, whilst a westbound manifest freight headed by #4023 runs off Track 3. So that's it for this evening! For Christmas, my wife gave me a DJI gimbal, which I am slowly learning to use to get better, smoother videos of the layout; I hope to post the results in due course. Cheers, Ben
  3. Hi J, Sorry it's taken me a while to reply! Those decals would probably work; you could simply leave off the "Automobile" bit and use the numbers individually to get a correct number, and interestingly (this is a new fact on me!), the white lettering actually dates those decals to the correct 1940s period for your #4014... According to this page: "Beginning in July 1947, and through 1956, for new cars and repaint cars, the white Gothic lettering was replaced with all Armour Yellow stencil paste lettering. Slogans were Armour Yellow. "Road of the Streamliners" was always on the right side, with "Serves All the West" on the left side. In November 1949, the "Be Specific" slogan in the original close separation replaced "Road of the Streamliners" on the right side. In January 1951, the "Be Specific" seperation changed to 18”. In November 1953, the "Be Specific" slogan replaced “Road of the Streamliners” on the right side." This is actually the most detailed description of UP's slogans I've managed to find, and will certainly help me with my formations, although given that the chanegs were made between 47 and 56, I can pretty much justify any combination of logos and colours on my freight cars 😉 As for the non-central cupola, I'm afraid that I don't know for certain. However, this article could be of use: https://utahrails.net/pdf/UP-CA-1-Cabooses_Railroad-Model-Craftsman_July-1983.pdf It would seem that the cupola could change position as and when the cabooses were rebuilt, so I think perhaps there is not a 100% correct answer unless you can find a dated, prototype photograph of a specific caboose you wish to model. That article about updating an older Athearn box car is very interesting and detailed, but likely beyond anything I'd attempt! However, if you have the skill to do it, I wish you luck and would love to the see the end result... No problem highjacking my thread, it has provided some useful information for me too! Cheers, Ben PS. I managed to get some photos of the layout taken this evening, so I hope to get a post written in the next couple of days...
  4. Hi J, No problem and sorry it's taken me a little while to reply... Indeed, that "Be Specific - Ship Union Pacific" slogan was introduced in 1950, so just slightly too late for the period of your 4014. The lettering also looks fairly heavy to me, which would indicate a later date. The best-known brand of US decals is Microscale but having looked on their website, they do not see to do a set for 1940s UP freight cars... I'd be interested to know what source you've found, as it's always useful to have alternatives! That does also look like quite an old model to me, with the model ladders and footsteps; newer models have much finer detailing and separately applied grab irons etc. Cabooses do come up every so often on eBay. Alternatively, InterMountain do UP cabooses: https://lombardhobby.com/intermountain-ho-centralia-car-shops-ccs1069-12-union-pacific-ca-4-caboose-up-3874/ I have also been fitting marker lights to my cabooses. There is a US firm called Tomar Industries who do a set; these are ones I've been using: https://tomarindustries.com/products/marker-h-807l Hope that helps! Cheers, Ben
  5. Hi J, Thanks for your lovely post! I am pleased to hear that you've enjoyed reading through my thread and it has provided some inspiration 🙂 Thanks also for the Dobwalls photos, which I've rotated and reproduced here: I am very lucky to have a model of both of these stunning locomotives running on Dale Junction. It was a magical place and, like you say, so very sad that it closed. What a great Christmas present 🙂 I also have the Rivarossi 60th Anniversary Big Boy model and I'd be happy to advise you on suitable liveries for an accurate train. The first thing to note is that the Rivarossi model depicts the locomotive as it was originally delievered by Alco to Union Pacific in 1941; you can tell this by the style of the water cooling equipment on the leading unit. More information here: http://www.trainweb.org/jlsrr/bigboy/information/radiator/radiator.htm All of the Big Boys had been upgraded to Wilson Aftercoolers by the end of the 1940s, so that gives you a timeframe in which to work. On that basis, I'm afraid that the freight car in your photo is of the wrong era, sorry! I have an excellent reference book, UP Color Guide to Feight and Passenger Equipment, which shows that the "Ship & Travel the Automated Rail Way" herald was not introduced until the early 1960s (which is why you won't see it on my layout...). Instead, you should be on the lookout for UP cars with the slogans "Road of the Streamliners" and "Serves All the West", which date from the 1940s and would be perfect behind your 4014: Of course, you can use freight cars from pretty much any railroad suitable for the 1940s. A huge amount of traffic went over Sherman Hill and you'd find examples from virtually all of the railroads of the era in UP's manifest freights. The main thing to avoid is bright colours; pretty much all railroad freight equipment was painted brown in the 1940s, as colourful paints were not widely available at that point. You should also concentrate on 40' box cars (and similar length gondolas etc); whilst there were some 50' box cars in the 1940s, they did not really become prevalent until the late 50s/early 60s. At the end of the train, you'll also need a suitable caboose. Ideally, you'd want an CA-3 or CA-4 caboose, both types of which date from the early 1940s. Finally, you will find this website an essential source of information for anything UP related: https://utahrails.net/up/uprr-index.php I hope that's of help! Keep us posted on your progress of putting your train together! In the meantime, I've not done a huge amount of the layout recently thanks to Christmas and the diversion of helping on the restoration of NG15 #134 at Dinas. However, before Christmas, I took delivery of 18 new 40' UP box cars, so I am now working my way through the layout, replacing older and/or slightly damaged cars (just small things like missing steps below the ladders), with the aim of putting together the final trains (I also have some kits that need completing in order to accomplish this goal). I'll try to get a photo update done in the next couple of weeks... Best wishes, Ben
  6. That is brilliant modelling and a fabulous photo; I love the sweeeping flow of the track through the station and its environs, and it definitely does look much roomier.
  7. Another productive day at Dinas working on 134 ☺️ First of all, thanks again to everybody for their input. Whilst walking the dog at lunchtime, I reflected on what to do with the layout, based on the very useful feedback I've received. The conclusion I've reached is not to proceed with the return loop idea. In addition to my concerns about the physical construction and the issue of shunting at Granite blocking the mainline, the main issue that will inevitably arise is that I will lose the ability to have two trains passing at speed on the upper level. The reason for this is that it would be impossible to get a second train on to the upper level whilst the first (preceeding) train was coming back from the loop. I do not want to lose this spectacle, so I am going to have to find an alternative way to resolve these problems. And on that score, I came to two realisations: I can simulate removal of the cross-over in the helix by simply disabling the points in iTrain so that the software won't route trains over it. To help resolve the issue of trains getting stuck at Dale Junction, I could create an option to route them down the outer track of the helix as another train is climbing the inner track to acesss the upper level; whilst not ideal (I imagine it did happen on the prototype, I imagine it was very rare), I think it would be better than the trains waiting too long for no apparent reason at the Junction (which is really unprototypical). On that basis, I am going to trial running the layout as though the cross-over was not there and see how it goes before making any further decisions...
  8. Thank you Paul, I will look at all of these suggestions.
  9. Thank you everybody for your replies. I have been working at Dinas today on the restoration of NG15 134 and will be going back tomorrow for more of the same... Thank you Keith, that's very thought-provoking. To take your points: 1) Yes, I agree that it could well lead to disillusionment later on... If the GTEL derails, what else might? Indeed, I have already sold a coach as it could not cope with the sharper radius curves (which I am now regretting) and I have two cabooses with the same problem that I was also going to sell but am holding fire. So whilst viable, not really practical. 2) Indeed, I had considered this, although I have run the layout for more than a year in this configuration and it was not very satisfactory, even if prototypical. However, I completely agree that it would be the least disruptive/severe and some of the track is now better laid, which would open up more options. I should perhaps revert to this configuration and try it again. 3) Agreed, I think that is the general problem! It would be nice if Peco made a curved point with a radius somewhere between 21" (ST-244/5) and 60" (SL-86/7) so that I could test that theory further, as their Code 100 track is basically bullet-proof when laid correctly. 4) You have articulated what I think is my main underlying concern without actually realising it, thank you! I think perhaps this is why I am reluctant to proceed just yet. I also know exactly what you mean about not being a fan of turnbacks; indeed, layouts featuring multiple tracks with trains appearing multiple times are not really my bag (unless they're based on the RhB of course!). As for the current design, it would be envitable that the main line would be blocked by that it also what happened on the prototype as the head-end cars were swapped out... However, I do agree that I could improve the design here. The other thing that concerns me is that if I commit to this change and then I don't like it, I have destroyed what is essentially a finished part of the layout for no purpose. It is a real dilemma! I really appreciate your input on this, thank you! The GTEL runs perfectly through the same type point on the outer track in the opposite direction (so when climbing the helix; the derailure occurs when descending), so it is either an issue with the poinit itself (which I think is the case) or the track on the approach to it. As for a check rail, I don't think that would be possible as the derailure occurs where the blade meets the wing rail. That said, I will check the back-to-backs just to be 100% certain, thanks. Thanks Jamie, that is an intrguing suggestion but is well beyond my capabilities. Of course, I could approach a professional track builder to design and build such a point, but as Keith mentions above, the geometry in the helix (27"/30" radius on a 2.3%/2.1% gradient) could well mean that making a cross-over work reliably is effectively impossible. I guess I am reluctant to spend even more money trying to fix this problem when it might not be fixable... Thank you to everybody for your input and feedback to my post. I think I need to consider my options further before making any decision about what to do next. And of coure, I'd welcome any more input you may have.
  10. Thank you for your reply 🙂 Yes, I was also thinking I could put the snow scene around the return loop, although it would need a scenic break as it would be right next to Sherman station, which is the summit of the line (i.e. it would look odd if the return loop, below Sherman, had snow but Sherman itself did not!). But that in itself might actually work quite nicely, to isolate Granite from Sherman, which are miles apart in real life. As for the bottom of the helix, it would simply be plain track coming out of Dale Junction and going down into the helix. My idea would be to scenic the entire area, using hills to disguise the fact that it's disappearing on itself, and to make the track disappear into the Hermosa Tunnels in the helix; with a little care, I think it would actually make quite an effect scene...
  11. Once again, it's been quite a while since I last updated this thread. I'll come to the reason for this in a moment but first, there is a new motive power arrival on Dale Junction... This is a stunning Scale Trains Museum Quality 8,500HP GTEL #6, which being delivered in 1958, just fits into the time period for the layout. I have been considering buying one of these models for a while and when I got a 40% discount offer, I could not resist any longer. The details and features are simply unbelievable, as is the sound quality. Both the A unit, which is a "hostler" fitted with a diesel engine for shunting, and the B unit, which is the turbine, are fitted with ESU LokSound 5 decoders. The A unit features working marker lights, which can change colour according to the type of train the engine is pulling. The tender at the back also features working lights. As this photo shows, the A unit has see-thru grills and the B unit has sliding doors, making turbine details visible. Quite exquisite. So, why has it taken so long to update this thread? Well, I am at a bit of a cross-roads with the layout. Ever since I designed it, I knew I was taking a risk with having pointwork in the helix and so, it has proved... Despite my best efforts, I have not been able to find a way of making the cross-over and junction in Helix A 100% reliable, and it was taking delivery of the GTEL that finally proved it; the rear power bogie of the A unit consistently derails on the point on the inner track. I have therefore been considering my options, which I think are as follows: Do nothing. This is a viable option, as I could send the GTEL the other way down the helix but this would, of course, cause traffic jams but it would not always be in use, so the disruption would be limited. Take out the troublesome points and replace with plain track. This is how it was for about 12 months and it worked fine, but operation was limited as the inner track in the lower half of Helix A became bi-directional, causing traffic jams. It did mean that the layout operated more prototypically, with the majority of westbound trains using Track 3 (for which it was designed, of course!) and eastbound trains using Tracks 1 and 2. However, the real spectacle is trains passing at speed on the double track mainline. Try again with different pointwork, but I've tried this with three different types already and not sure I can face trying again. This is the nuclear option... I am considering completely removing the top-half of the helix, removing all of the pointwork, and constructing a return loop where the top of the helix currently is. What would option 4 look like? Well, something like this: The idea would be to create a freight destination on the layout, making a feature of the return loop. Granite Quarry is the Union Pacific's principal ballast pit and, as seen in previous posts, I currently run loaded and empty ballast cars at the head end of two of tge trains coming from and going to Granite. Geographically, it would be in the correct place, being east of Sherman. The return loop would have two tracks to simulate the double track main line past Granite as best possible, as well as providing an additional passive storage siding for a short train. By careful positioning of a long backscene, I believe it should be possible to disguise the loop such that it would not be possible to see both ends of a train, travelling in opposite directions, at the same time. Before committing to such a massive change, I have drawn up a list of advantages and disadvantages... Advantages The issues with pointwork in the helix will be eradicated. Trains will spend longer on the visible part of the layout. I have found that quite frequently, a westbound train will wait a very long time at Dale Junction waiting for other trains to clear the helix; this is not prototypical and would no longer happen. It would provide some operational interest, with a destination for a dedicated ballast train to visit, and to model ballast cars being dropped-off and collected on passing trains. Disadvantages The prototypical operation of eastbound and westbound trains would be lost; this would be particulary noticable for the City passenger trains. Constructing a framework for the return loop to be built on would be challenging. I would be very sad to lose my snow scene after the work that went into it. The finished scenery below the upper level, including very delicate signals, would have to be very carefully protected. I am admittedly starting to lean towards the return loop option, as I think the advantages will outweigh the disadvantages, and I could capture a lot of pictures and video footage before the destruction of what I have built thus far. I am concerned about building the benchwork but I am reasonably certain a way could be found to make it work. As a final note, I am taking inspiration from a stunning US layout modelling the Marias Pass. This layout features a well-disguised return loop at its summit (admittedly on a single track mainline) and the builder has completely changed the location of the layout since construction was started, necessitating ripping out a lot of finished scenery and trackwork. For those interested, some links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/railfan220 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@railfan220 I'd welcome any comments or feedback on my idea...
  12. Thank you! Suffice to say I am thrilled with the whole effect and seeing a caboose with its lights on bringing up the rear of a train in the gloom is pretty special. A side (and very useful!) benefit is that it means iTrain now detects both ends of the train; this is especially useful if a train becomes divided (which still very occasionally happens), as it tells iTrain the block is still occupied and prevents it driving another train into the rear of the stricken rear half. That did happen a couple of months ago in the rear-most siding of the storage yard and it was a PITA to get everything back on (although it could have been worse as there was no significant damage to the stock).
  13. Work has been continuing on the project to equip all of my cabooses with marker lights, with some proving harder than others! I have now started to use TCS FL4 decoders to allow the lighting to be controlled by DCC and to add internal lights, and it makes quite a difference. This is not much else to report in terms of progress but I have put together a short video of some trains passing over Monument Road at night-time that hopefully demonstrates the lighting effects. Enjoy!
  14. One of the things I've wanted to have a go at is fitting marker lights to my cabooses. There are two reasons... The first is for the obvious visual improvement, especially when the layout is running in nighttime mode. The second is that with electrical pickup, iTrain will be able to detect the rear of the train, affording protection if the train separates (fortunately, a very rare occurence now). During my trip to the US, I visited a model shop in Los Angeles where I picked up the most expensive item of rolling stock (as opposed to a locomotive) I think I've ever purchased, in the form of a caboose featuring lights and sound... Above shows two images of the caboose running through the snow scene. It is really a little late for my period, as it is a pool caboose and dates from the late 1960s. I also discovered that the sounds are pretty pointless, as you can't really hear them over the noise of the trains running. However, it is a beautiful model and is on the rear of my "modern" train, comprising 50' box cars and hauled exclusively by diesels. Separately, last year I bought a set of marker lights but had not figured out how to get power to them. Again, whilst in the States, I visited a huge model railway and the layout's owner showed me his solution... Kadee produce ready-made trucks with electrical pick-up built-in. I then found, with the help of my brother, some clever little circuit boards to convert DCC track power to the 1.5V DC required by the marker lights. It took a bit of courage to open up a caboose and start drilling holes in it, but I'm very pleased with the results... Above shows two views of the caboose with its marker lights showing; green to the front and side, red to the rear. And below, we see the caboose passing over the Monument Road grade crossing, with another new feature of the layout... On a visit to another shop in the US, I found that it is now possible to purchase HO scale cars pre-fitted with lights! On top of that, one of my friends on the trip was kind enough to purchase the van on the far side of the crossing, as it is an exact model of the real-life truck that he intends to one day purchase. It was an incredibly kind gift and I'm proud to have it on the layout. Which rather neatly brings me on to the last thing to report from the trip. I had been due to take the Amtrak service back to LA but another friend from the FfWHR, who is an American from LA, offered me a lift back to LA and arrange the visit to the large model railway I mentioned earlier. However, we also visited his house and, whilst we were there, he gave me a gift that completely took me by surprise; two Westside brass HO scale steam engines! Above is a Mountain 4-8-2 as an oil burner, which is very handy given my discovery about oil burning engines helping diesels. Below we see a 2-10-2, also known as a TTT (Two-Ten-Two), and a very useful class of locomotive that fills a gap in my roster... As you can imagine, I was absolutely blown away by this gift; they are beautiful models and are wonderful additions to my roster. In due course, they will be professionally painted and DCC sound fitted; I can't wait to get them into service!
  15. Once again, it's been a little while since my last post. There have been a few distractions, not least of which was an amazing trip to California to help operate the fabulous Norgrove Railway, which has been created by a former Ffestiniog driver in a vineyard. It is an astonishing place, with a 2 mile circuit of 2' gauge track with gradients as steep as 1-in-30 and it features a spiral, which is very reminiscient of the Batasia Loop on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The photo below shows the restored Davenport 2-6-2T climbing towards the tunnel and summit of the line: However, work has not come to a complete halt on Dale Junction and, as you might expect, I returned with some model trains in my luggage. I have also been doing more research, as recreating prototype photographs is one of my favourite things to do with the layout. To that end, this will be the first of a few posts covering recent activity. The first sets of photos were inspired by a wonderful photograph of an FEF-3 leading a lash-up of four GP7 units (A-B-B-A) leaving Cheyenne with a heavy westbound freight. What was interesting about this was that I was under the impression that steam engines were always placed inside diesels but, it turns out, this was not the case if the steam engine was oil-fired, and this opens up a whole range of possibilities as I have a number of oil-fired engines on my roster. So, below we see FEF-3 #838 leading GP7s #103 and #105 (I don't have any B units) near Monument Road: A little further west, we see the trio heading through Dale Junction: And so, on to my first purchase. If you refer to the previous post, the first photo shows a GP7 unit leading a Big Boy, which was based on a prototype photo but it was not accurate as it should have been an SD9 on the point. Well, we visited a model shop in San Luis Obispo on a very unseasonably wet day and what should be in the counter but a brand-new Broadway Limited Imports SD9; I simply could not resist and so it is now in service on the layout, allowing me to recreate the prototype photo perfectly (which is sadly in a book, so I understand that I cannot reproduce the original here). So, below are three views of SD9 #456 leading Big Boy eastbound on Track 1 (unusually, the train remained on Track 1 at Dale Junction). More to follow in due course...
  16. I have been putting the standard trains for Dale Junction back together and have tweaked some of the formations. As far as possible, I am using photographs of the prototype to inform my decisions. The following photographs show what I've knocked together. First of below we see a lone GP7 piloting Big Boy class pioneer #4000 with an eastbound manifest freight: The locomotives are heading what I refer to as my "modern" manifest freight, which comprises 50' freight cars (the two head-end cars are mechanical reefers), and now two 50' Gondolas and a TOFC (Trailer-on-Flat-Car) car. This train will eventually be hauled by 5 diesels but there is a prototype photo of this cobination (admittedly with an SD9 on the front), although it is an interesting combination and I'll certainly reuse it. In the background is a westbound manifest freight that has picked up 8 loaded ballast hoppers at Granite. And speaking of ballast hoppers, we see below a new formation... I speculated that if trains picked up loaded ballast hoppers from Granite, then it would be logical that they would return them to Granite. After flicking though my reference books, I sure enough found a photograph that proves it, so instead of an empty ballast train, the empty hoppers are now at the head-end of a manifest. Hauling this train is a new combination of motive power, with FEF-3 #835 (BLI Paragon4) leading 4-12-2 #9082 (BLI Paragon4 Hybrid Brass). These two models pull the 29-car train with ease (indeed, #835 pulled the lot on its own!) but I have found a small issue with the #9082 locomotive uncoupling from the tender... I think this should be simply resolved by placing a shim on the drawbar from the tender, as it seems to flex upwards. Above is a view looking the other way with FEF-3 #844 and Big Boy #4024 waiting for the road, and below a view of the same train a little further on Track 2. The train is heading in the correct direction here (i.e. eastbound towards Granite) but I also ran it westbound to take measurements of its length (I have length markers installed on the facia on westboun Track 1 on the upper level), so a couple of shots of it... Above we see the train in the snow and below, passing through Sherman: The next major job is to install some conducting rail joiners in a few places where I installed insulated joiners in a misguided effort to resolve some running issues which I thought were shorts but turned out to be pick-up issues with a Challenger (in hindsight, the fact that the Alpha Meters did not pick up a short should have told me this was the case, but I could not see how a 4-6-6-4 would suffer from pick-up issues!). I also now have 5 reefers that were at the head-end of a train but which have been displaced by the empty ballast hoppers, so a final short (24 cars for single heading) train is on the cards. Finally, I'm going to install front couplers on to some of my Big Boys and a Challenger to give more options for double-headed combinations... Reviewing prototype photographs shows that the Big Boy was nearly always the insisde engine, which were double-headed with just about anything, but there are also examples of double-headed Challengers and other interesting combinations.
  17. A friend of mine on Facebook asked the same question, so I thought I would find out over the holidays and now I have answer... Double-headed with 45 freight cars plus a caboose. I have uploaded a video to YouTube that shows it running: Sadly, I found this out the hard way... My first attempt included my 8 brand new ballast hoppers on the front and as the train ascended the 27" inner radius track, the dynamic forces became too much and the first 5 hoppers tipped over, with three ending up on the floor 😔 In addition, even reducing the load down to 45 cars, it was noticable that the leading driving wheels of the Big Boy were not in contact with the railhead because of the twist force behind of the train. This is therefore something I'm not going to repeat but I'm glad I gave it a go and caught it on camera. To finish off, I captured a couple of still images of the train. First, we see below the train, this time headed westbound having just past Sherman: And finally for 2022, a photo of the engines in the snow below: This photograph was created by using stacking software to combine three images, taken at different exposures, to generate the final image with correct exposure of the locomotives and surrounding snow-covered scenery. Happy New Year 🥳
  18. I am very lucky to have the space that I do ☺️ I would love to visit myself one day, although of course the track layout is now significantly different to how it was in the era I model.
  19. With work on the scenery on the upper level largely completed, I have returned to working on the middle level and, in particular, reinstating the signals around Dale Junction. The first photograph below shows Big Boys #4004 and #4005 running on Track 1 under a clear signal at dusk. Above, we see FEF-3 #844 leading Big Boy #4024 off Track 1 onto Track 2 leading a westbound manifest freight past the eastbound signals. An order arrived from the US recently that, in addition to the next Big Boy (a Paragon4 #4021), included two packs of 4 Athearn loaded UP ballast hoppers. As mentioned in a previous post, UP had their ballast pit at Granite, which is a few miles west of Cheyenne, and westbound trains would stop and picked up loaded hoppers that were attached to the head-end. These eight hoppers are now at the front of a train... Above shows #4004 and #4005 again, this time in the daytime, with the hoppers in their train. Another thing I have been working on is the train formations. I have now settled on 29 cars for double-headed trains and 24 cars for single-headed trains. This makes the most efficient use of the storage yard, as the longest track (#1) can hold the double-headed trains and the next two tracks (#2 and #3) can hold the single-headed trains. The layout hosts two double-headed and four single-headed steam-hauled trains, meaning that at any time, there is always a double- and single-headed train on the live part of the layout (which is fine, what I've referred to before as "active staging"). There is also what I term the "modern" diesel-hauled train, which is comprised 50' box cars and headed by three diesels (soon to become five), which lives in the storage track inside Track 3 in Helix B... My plan with this train is to make it as long as I can, limited really to the haulage and adhesion qualities of the locomotives pulling it. Finally, It was nice to return to Warley this year for the first time in 3 years and, rather unexpectedly, I found a surprising large number of 1950s US stock on one of the retailer's stands, so snapped up some bargains. I purchased the obligatory 40' (x3) and 50' (x1) box cars but also a number of UP ballast hoppers... Having not really seen any before in this country, it was amazing to find so many in one place, especially having just bought some from the States! So this has led on to what is going to have to be the final freight train for the layout and that is an empty hopper train working back to Granite: Above shows the consist as it currently stands. There are a couple of duplicate numbers... I had hoped to use some of the loaded Athearn hoppers mentioned previously but annoyingly, they do not model the interiors; take the load out and they are just plain (which is why all 8 are in the train). This will likely be hauled by the 9000-class 4-12-2 #9082 and could do with being longer (I could supplement it with empty coal hoppers, which can be going back somewhere else!) but it will be interesting to have a contrasting train running around the layout...
  20. Thanks for asking and funny you should suggest that, as I took a video the other night and your comment prompted me to upload it!
  21. And so the second of my posts... I have been working on the scenery on top of Helix A. I wanted to do someting a little different, so I decided to model a snow scene... It is something quite unusual but completely prototypical, as Sherman Hill rises to over 8,000’ above sea level and sees epic snow storms. It also rather handily hides the Code 100 track! So first of all, below is an overview of the scene: It’s quite hard to take a good photo due to the contrasting level of the white snow and dark locomotives, so I might try photo stacking software to see if I can get an improved picture. Next, we see below FEF-3 #838 leading Big Boy #4012 eastbound: This photo shows another challenge with taking photos on the helix and that is framing the photo so that only the snow scene is visible. I may see if I can paint up a flexible backscene in sky blue to attach to the front fascia. And finally... ...we see above caboose #3723 bringing up the rear of the manifest freight passing MP536. I am really pleased with how these scene has turned out. Thoughts are now turning to completing the upper level and then returning to the main outstanding scenery work, which is the infrastructure around Dale Junction. I'd like to start by reinstating the signals, as they really being the layout to life, especially with the layout lighting set to night-time mode...
  22. Well, it's been nearly three months since my last post! Work has been progressing steadily on the layout, so though it about time to share some photos. First of all, I have completed the storage cassette system and it's working really well, and I now have capacity for 20 locomotives off the layout. The photos below show the finished shelves and a cassette with a Big Boy in... Next up are some photos of trains over Sherman Hill, including some recent purchases, but first we see below Big Boy #4023 heading east through Sherman. Next are two shots of two new locomotives, both of which are Broadway Limited Imports Paragon4 models. FEF-3 #838 leads Big Boy #4012 on a westbound freight, seen below just past Sherman... ...and above, crossing Monument Road. As I have reached my upload limit for tihs post, I will continue in the next!
  23. Nice layout there @Hunslet 😀 Do you no longer have the car or the layout...? Work has been progressing with my version of Dale Junction, although rather slowly since June. With work progressing so well on the scenery, I have returned to the running qualities of the layout. An issue that I have had for several years is the small, 2mm screws that hold the bogies on to some of the freight cars working loose and eventually falling out; this inevitably led to running problems. I therefore embarked on a programme to replace all of them with M2 bolts, secured with a nut to ensure that they do work free, and this now complete; below shows what an updated chassis looks like: As can be seen, I have also weighted each car appropriately and these changes will hopefully be the end of the running problems. Next, I tackled a seemingly very small but very important job; changing a conducting fishplate for an insulated one, as shown below: With this change, the points shown in green are now detected separately to those in blue, which means that a light engine moving into the sidings [over the green points] will not get confused with a train exiting the storage yard [over the blue points]. This has made a big difference to automatic operation and, to be honest, it should have been like this in the first place... Finally, there have been some locomotive updates... My PCM Big Boy #4024 and MTH FEF-3 #844 have been fitted with ESU LokSound 5 decoders by SH Modelmaking, and Simon has also sorted out the lighting in the FEF-3. As #4024 does not have illuminated number boards or marker lights, but has outstanding pulling capability, it makes sense to double-head it with the #844 which does. Whilst both models are now over 15 years old, they stand up really well to modern standards and run beautifully with the LokSound decoders. Below shows the pair leading a westbound manifest freight over Monument Road: Finally, there is some not quite such good news... I recently purchased two brand-new BLI Paragon4 Big Boys froom the US but disappointingly, both have developed serious faults and will have to be returned. I love BLI models (they really are of exceptionally high quality) but they are sadly also well known for coming with teething issues and have to be returned, so I hope the Technical Support people (who are generally very good) will get the issues resolved.
  24. And now the last post for this evening. First, we follow Challenger #3905 on a westbound empty reefer train, first below shattering the peace at Sherman. Then, above passing milepost 541 and below, crossing Monument Road. Next, below shows a complete view of the upper level: You can see where I ran out of scatter materal just this side of the Monument grade crossing. In addition, the hillside and initial ground work on top of Helix A is visible. I have something unusual planned for this part of the layout, which I hope to progress this coming week, so to close, we see below Challenger #3905 rounding the new hillside. Watch this space...
  25. Next up, we see Big Boy #4023 on an eastbound manifest freight below. Above, we see #4023 at milepost 541 and below, passing Sherman station. Above shows Sherman station with #4023 and, finally, below shows #4023 heading into the top of Helix A to show that the ballasting really is complete around the whole of the upper level :)
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