Alcanman Posted March 13, 2011 Author Share Posted March 13, 2011 Hi, Here we see a couple of 57' Mech Reefers at the food processor. On the left is an old Athearn 'blue box' car and for comparison a new Intermountain car with loads of superb seperate detail parts, most notably the fine mesh grills and fine ladders and stirrups. The latter car also comes equipped with a #78 scale coupler. However, I found that scale and normal couplers don't work particularly well together. They are just not as smooth coupling and uncoupling manually. I decided to replace the #78 with a good 'ol #5, which required a bit of minor surgery, but now works well. Another downside is that the detail parts on new models are very delicate and I lost both uncoupling levers and one the middle stirrups, although I managed to superglue it back on. As the Intermountain model is more that twice the price of a new RTR Athearn model, which looks like it has upgraded tooling, I think a might buy an Athearn. Happy modelling, Mal Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
signalmaintainer Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 More compelling evidence that when it comes to layouts, bigger is not always better -- better is better! Nicely done. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted March 14, 2011 Author Share Posted March 14, 2011 Hi, Here are some pics of Palmetto showing typical switching action. Firstly, GP40-2 #6351 arrives with an all CSX consist. Next, with switching completed #6351 is ready to depart Palmetto With the departure of the local, Palmeto returns to it's usual tranquility. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jonte Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 Hi, Here are some pics of Palmetto showing typical switching action. Firstly, GP40-2 #6351 arrives with an all CSX consist. Next, with switching completed #6351 is ready to depart Palmetto With the departure of the local, Palmeto returns to it's usual tranquility. Love to see this on video Mal Jonte Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 Very nice pics!!! I especially like the middle one - quite a sense of space! B) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted March 16, 2011 Author Share Posted March 16, 2011 Hi, Thanks to all for the encouraging comments, this is really appreciated. Despite the lack of suitable building kits, I have now started on the right hand side of the layout which represents the single track open storage/main line sandwiched between non-rail served buildings. I had one small Pikestuff kit and then I found some Wills corrugated box steel sheets which I've used to build another small warehouse - this is a very cheap way to build structures! This is how it looks so far, eventually the foreground will also have buildings. regards, Mal Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_long Posted March 16, 2011 Share Posted March 16, 2011 Hi Mal, What ballast did you use? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jonte Posted March 16, 2011 Share Posted March 16, 2011 This is how it looks so far, eventually the foreground will also have buildings. Looking good Mal, but if you place buildings in the foreground, won't that block the view of the structures already in place? I know from another forum that replicating alleyways and industrial spurs such as this are a real quandary for that reason. This is what I wanted to achieve http://www.bobsgardenpath.com/Patch2.html, but don't consider it possible as I want the layout raised to maximum height so I'm looking into it rather than down on it. Although the prospect of snapshots between buildings and open warehouse doors is an option, I still can't help feeling that in time, a restricted view as described would inevitably prove frustrating Jonte Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted March 16, 2011 Share Posted March 16, 2011 ... if you place buildings in the foreground, won't that block the view of the structures already in place?... Not trying to pre-empt the OP here, but I sort of got the impression that that's the idea here - to create a "Hidden Siding" without it actually being a Hidden Siding.. if I make sense... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jonte Posted March 16, 2011 Share Posted March 16, 2011 Not trying to pre-empt the OP here, but I sort of got the impression that that's the idea here - to create a "Hidden Siding" without it actually being a Hidden Siding.. if I make sense... Aah. I see. Need to read it again. Apologies Jonte Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted March 16, 2011 Author Share Posted March 16, 2011 Not trying to pre-empt the OP here, but I sort of got the impression that that's the idea here - to create a "Hidden Siding" without it actually being a Hidden Siding.. if I make sense... Yeah, that's the idea. The buildings in the foreground will be only 1 storey and probably no more than 3 ins tall. As the layout height is waist height I'm usually looking down, so no visual problems. With regard to the ballast, it's Woodlands Scenics fine light grey and buff mixed with a splash of brown. cheers, Mal Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortliner Posted March 17, 2011 Share Posted March 17, 2011 Jonte - a suggestion about the aisle-side buildings Add a clear plexiglass "wall" along the aisle, which will also prevent any accidental "gravity switching". Vist a motor accessories shop and buy a roll of window tint film. Cut out the shapes of the buildings, including any windows and doorways and stick the film to the inner surface. Iff the effect isn't pronounced enough, add a second layer You will then have see through "shadow" buildings with clear doors and windows and the eye will accept that there is a building there, whilst allowing you to see the position of the stock for positioning and uncoupling. It may help to outline the windoframes and doors, and possibly the window frames, with a permanent "Sharpie" marker, making it a little more obvious why they have been left clear. Hope it helps Jack Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted March 17, 2011 Author Share Posted March 17, 2011 Hi, Here is my first ever video. I hope it's OK. Having completed switching duties #6351 departs Palmetto http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHLyINGCNPE Enjoy, Mal Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted March 17, 2011 Author Share Posted March 17, 2011 Ooops, it's not working. Let's try again! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHLyINGCNPE Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jonte Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Jonte - a suggestion about the aisle-side buildings Add a clear plexiglass "wall" along the aisle, which will also prevent any accidental "gravity switching". Vist a motor accessories shop and buy a roll of window tint film. Cut out the shapes of the buildings, including any windows and doorways and stick the film to the inner surface. Iff the effect isn't pronounced enough, add a second layer You will then have see through "shadow" buildings with clear doors and windows and the eye will accept that there is a building there, whilst allowing you to see the position of the stock for positioning and uncoupling. It may help to outline the windoframes and doors, and possibly the window frames, with a permanent "Sharpie" marker, making it a little more obvious why they have been left clear. Hope it helps Jack Hi Jack This is a great idea I know you've proffered before and to which I've given much consideration. However, I think that with regard to the three crossings which are now laid, a location somewhere in the vicinity of the A1 Novelty building on Industrial Street would strike a better balance than the alley way, and using modellers licence I could open it up with some sort of yard on the viewing side (something like on the left of this picture or this plus it would present me with a wonderful opportunity to have a bash at making a fire escape or two (I have some offcuts of rail and thin brass wire in mind for the purpose ). I appreciate your input, Jack. Please feel free to keep them coming. Jonte Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted March 18, 2011 Author Share Posted March 18, 2011 The buildings in the foreground will be only 1 storey and probably no more than 3 ins tall. As the layout height is waist height I'm usually looking down, so no visual problems. Here's a pic to show how it will look : When completed the buildings will extend approx 3ft, thus 'hiding' the staged loco and 3 cars, when viewed at layout height. cheers, Mal Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jonte Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Oh Mal you tease, curiosity is already killing me See what I mean? Oh well, each to their own. By the way, this is like something from Lance's site - quality ! Jonte Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted March 18, 2011 Author Share Posted March 18, 2011 Thanks Jonte, The postie's has just arrived with some Athearn containers and an Atlas Ford F-150 pick up. Now we're into real Lance M territory! cheers, Mal Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
trisonic Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 I haven't checked recently but I think the Ford F150 is Ford's bestselling vehicle in the World (certainly seems so in New Jersey and North Carolina). No wonder they are so protective of the name (see row with Ferrari). Best, Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted March 18, 2011 Author Share Posted March 18, 2011 Pete, It's good to hear that I've made the right choice as clearly a Ford F150 won't look out of place in Palmetto. I'm off to the Pub now to impress my friends by telling them I've just bought an F150, but somehow at 1:87 scale, I don't think they will be impressed! At the price I paid for the F150 here in the UK, I could have bought a 1:1 scale motor a few years ago. One of my mates has just bought a Merc SLK drop-top 1:1 scale this week, so he'll be getting all the plaudits. cheers, Mal Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 At the price I paid for the F150 here in the UK, I could have bought a 1:1 scale motor a few years ago. One of my mates has just bought a Merc SLK drop-top 1:1 scale this week, so he'll be getting all the plaudits. I bet his depreciates rather faster & worse than yours, though..... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted March 20, 2011 Author Share Posted March 20, 2011 Hi, Today, with a lull in modeling activity, I thought I'd post a couple of pics to show how Palmetto fits against a small bedroom wall, 9ft in length. I think it's a good idea to have a nice tidy arrangement, so that the layout becomes 'part of the furniture', this has the added benefit of, hopefully, promoting domestic harmony. The layout sits on some IKEA units. The baseboard is conventional enough, being two 3ins x 1ins timber frames topped with 12mm MDF. However, a problem with this sort of arrangement is that the bedroom floor in unlikely to be level, and with today's free running rolling stock is likely to cause some runaway trains. The solution was for the timber frames to be screwed together but slightly out of alignment, being adjusted until everything was level. Unconventional, but it works. A good friend with much better carpentry skills solved this problem for me. Another idea is to simply paint the bedroom walls a very pale blue, as this produces a reasonably good backdrop. The black fascia boards add to the neatness. They are made from 9mm MDF and are removable, being held to the framework with small brackets. This system has served me well for over 10 years. Having built quite a few layouts, I simply remove the baseboards and start again cheers, Mal Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Gilbert Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 Mal I love it well done. Its got me thinking again and that hurts Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 Its got me thinking again and that hurts You'n'me both, mate.... this layout (like Jack Hill's Blog) is NOT helping me resist trying something similar in O scale.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
trisonic Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 Me freaking three................though I'm closely looking at Emrys Hopkins' "Kleine Zweinuck" from Carl's site (it's two sets of inglenook sidings back to back) but at 16' by 2'6" in O. Best, Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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