Robatron86 Posted July 24, 2013 Author Share Posted July 24, 2013 After JWB's very valid point regarding my back scene, and doing some actual research, I realised that the scenery in place on the layout looked nothing like New Mexico. Bit obvious really with hindsight. So i have researched numerous locations throughout the ATSF network and i think i have found the perfect candidate. St Joseph, MO. Small branch line, perfect for the size and GP30's, 35's, 38-2's etc, and was abandoned in 1984. It means i will not be able to use BNSF, but my preference is SF. So i thank you JWB. You made me see sense! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted July 24, 2013 Share Posted July 24, 2013 .... At the end of the day, this layout was only supposed to be an experiment, to see if i enjoyed US modelling and it turns out, i have got further on this test board than i have ever got to on previous layouts and i have enjoyed myself immensely in the process. I know i will definitely be staying with US railroads. I know it sounds like i am trying to justify myself, but i think i am more justifying the layouts existence.... and I'd say it's succeeded admirably; it has done/is doing what it was built for - as a 'taster' for something more serious (and still American!!) later on. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robatron86 Posted July 24, 2013 Author Share Posted July 24, 2013 Thanks F-Unit. Already have the bigger brother in the pipeline. And SWMBO has agreed not only on it being made but she wants to learn how to run it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robatron86 Posted September 4, 2013 Author Share Posted September 4, 2013 Hello all, Long time no post. Nothing to report physically on the layout, i have just collecting appropriate stock. Which brings me to my latest rant. The Bachmann 36ft wide vision caboose. Which i recently purchased. It is so toy like it beggars belief. I have had to do much work to improve it, to the point that all thats left is the body and the wheels! Deep breath And relax. Rob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robatron86 Posted September 4, 2013 Author Share Posted September 4, 2013 This is the finish article, bar weathering. The original chassis was ditched as the detail was poor and the bogie spacing was incorrect. I had a spare caboose chassis from an Athern BNSF caboose which i repainted. Surprisingly, no modification was needed to either body or chassis to fit. Athern bogies with Bachmann wheels and Ez mate mark 2's. I swapped the stove pipe as well. The body was modified slightly for detail reasons. The roof walkways were painted and added, again Athern. Last but not least it needed glazing, some parts from the Athern caboose, others from clear packaging plastic. Overall i am pretty happy with the end result. Rob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Thanks F-Unit. Already have the bigger brother in the pipeline. And SWMBO has agreed not only on it being made but she wants to learn how to run it! Steady on old chap!! She'll be wanting to know how much it all costs, next... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robatron86 Posted September 11, 2013 Author Share Posted September 11, 2013 It's ok, railway spend is index linked with the handbag/shoe budget... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robatron86 Posted September 28, 2013 Author Share Posted September 28, 2013 Just a couple of pics of some weathering. I found some lovely vids on Youtube of SF in the 80s and some of the units were disgustingly filthy! I haven't gone that far I don't think. Enjoy! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robatron86 Posted September 30, 2013 Author Share Posted September 30, 2013 Hi again all, Small detail update. AC Unit and Electrical wall box on the office. Cruel close up. It passes the 3 foot rule so i'm happy. Thanks for looking, Rob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robatron86 Posted November 5, 2013 Author Share Posted November 5, 2013 Hi all, Long time no post! Just a few pics for you now, as i have a new camera. This chap was holding a crowbar, which i removed. Then i removed a section of the support beam on the caboose to make it look like he is holding onto the beam. Thanks for looking. Rob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWB Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 Here's a grab shot I had to take right into the sun, but it shows a BNSF shoving platform in Albuquerque. Blank out the lower windows and add some Blair Line graffiti decals, and you're getting close. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielB Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 I'm sure one of those cars on that parking lot belongs to Walter White! Excellent shot, fantastically atmospheric. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWB Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 Actually, I was saying arrghhh, barely useful, but might help the guy with his model. . . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robatron86 Posted November 6, 2013 Author Share Posted November 6, 2013 Thank you for the photo JWB, it will be very helpful for research, but i'm going to be using the caboose as an actual caboose, as i have shifted the time period to the early '80's. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
switcher 1 Posted November 21, 2013 Share Posted November 21, 2013 Nice first time layout, I'm still to glue any track down, but you have given me another possible solution to my general lack of space, thanks for posting. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robatron86 Posted November 21, 2013 Author Share Posted November 21, 2013 No problem fatmac, i'm glad you have enjoyed it. They layout is due to be put into storage or selling it if i have any interest as it has reached it's potential and i now have more space to utilise. Rob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave1905 Posted November 21, 2013 Share Posted November 21, 2013 After JWB's very valid point regarding my back scene, and doing some actual research, I realised that the scenery in place on the layout looked nothing like New Mexico. Bit obvious really with hindsight. So i have researched numerous locations throughout the ATSF network and i think i have found the perfect candidate. St Joseph, MO. Small branch line, perfect for the size and GP30's, 35's, 38-2's etc, and was abandoned in 1984. It means i will not be able to use BNSF, but my preference is SF. So i thank you JWB. You made me see sense! You probably need to send a message to the BNSF since they seem to think that their main line from Lincoln, NE and Omaha, NE to Kansas City goes through St. Joseph. Come to think of it I better alert the UP since they were detouring trains between Omaha and Kansas City over the BNSF via St Joe when the Missouri flooded last year. If there is no railroad there then they will be curious how the trains got from Kansas City to Omaha. 8-) Here's a link to the BNSF system map. http://www.bnsf.com/customers/pdf/maps/carload_map.pdf Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWB Posted November 21, 2013 Share Posted November 21, 2013 Moot point now, of course -- as Dave has observed, UK layouts seem to have short lives. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robatron86 Posted November 21, 2013 Author Share Posted November 21, 2013 Haha JWB.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robatron86 Posted November 22, 2013 Author Share Posted November 22, 2013 Sorry JWB... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWB Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 Does this mean it's gotten a reprieve? Happy if it has! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robatron86 Posted November 22, 2013 Author Share Posted November 22, 2013 Is this little slab o' wood really that popular? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWB Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 I just hate to see something go out of use after 6 months. A beginner, of course, might decide to tear out a bad start and try again, but if you've been in the hobby for a while and something is unsatisfying enough that you want to do something else after 6 months, I'm wondering if some other recalibration might be in order. That's just my view from the other side, of course. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robatron86 Posted November 22, 2013 Author Share Posted November 22, 2013 I see what you are saying. I have put a fair amount of work in on this layout and I am very proud of my work. The only thing letting it down is operational interest. It's a great photo backdrop/moving diorama, but due to the lack of space in my flat, I had to go with this small size and limited trackwork. Also I didn't really plan the fiddle yard particularly well and I am not sure how well it would have worked in an exhibition scenario. I personally think it looks lovely, and obviously it has a small following on here and other forums. And I have to thank all the people on here who have offered advice and kind words of encouragement to this first time "darksider". Because of you kind people, it has inspired me to go bigger and bolder, but i will always cherish my first work. It will still be used and improved. I'm looking at adding lighting and some other animation as this still is a testbed for new ideas. Oh dear...I appear to have waffled on for sometime there... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DelawareAndHudson Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 So.......how much more space? Pick a prototype yet? I've enjoyed following your work on this project. Take care, Jason Cook New Haven, IN Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.