<![CDATA[TrainBoard.com - The Internet's Original Railroad Forum - Blogs]]> http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/blog.php TrainBoard.com: Discussion forums and message boards for everything railroading. Featuring forums for specific railroads, all scales of model railroading, and anything related to trains and railroads. en Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:57:13 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/images/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[TrainBoard.com - The Internet's Original Railroad Forum - Blogs]]> http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/blog.php Viaduct insanity http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2653-Viaduct-insanity Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:39:21 GMT Part of my layout includes the mainline crossing over the yard elevated at about 3 inches. I decided to do a viaduct-to-tressle setup because I... Part of my layout includes the mainline crossing over the yard elevated at about 3 inches. I decided to do a viaduct-to-tressle setup because I imagined it would be aesthetically pleasing. I will be canting the yard about 25 degrees from its current angle to its (most-likely) permanent position. The viaduct will cross above it somewhere near the front, sort of visually dividing the layout. One thing I want to accomplish with this layout is to use landscape and other means to obscure parts of the track work to make the trackplan a bit more "visually confusing", that is to say, hide the fact that it is a figure-eight roundy round.

Anywho, I picked up Atlas' viaduct kit x2 (another cheap ebay find), and waited patiently for it arrive. Upon breaking it out, I compared it to the Starucca Viaduct in Pennsylvania.


Turns out Atlas must've used a similar design as a proto, becuase they are suprising similar. The only difference I could see is the Atlas kit uses a uniform brick construction while the Starucca used localled-quarried random ashlar bluestone (thanks wikipedia). Unsure how to replicate it, I just decided to hand paint random bricks to be the "oddball, whatever was left laying around from previous construction projects bricks". Yes, I said handpainted. It took forever, and was a pain on the eyes. Overall, I'm pretty happy with the results though. A little Bragdon weathering powder and I called it complete.





Overall, this a good quality kit. Everything matches up very well without leaving too many seams. The brick and masonry looks textured and realistic. My only gripe is the verticle seam near where each upper section meets. Unfortunately, they did not line up causing a bit of a "hump" where they meet. I hit them will 100 grit and it satisfactorily levelled everthing out. The seams are by no means "hidden" though. Ahh well.

So thats off the list... now I just have to work it into the layout, and acquire a single track tressle and I can continue laying track. Until next time... ]]> Primavw http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2653-Viaduct-insanity Using Gimp to Create Custom Decals http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2652-Using-Gimp-to-Create-Custom-Decals Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:09:34 GMT



I've been on the road as of late, so my modeing has been limited to developing some decals for SLR #2062, and some extras to be used on up coming projects.


http://myweatheredrailroad.com/tag/slr-2062/




]]> Gen http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2652-Using-Gimp-to-Create-Custom-Decals Roadbed and so on http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2651-Roadbed-and-so-on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:14:39 GMT I have had some time off and used some of it to plug along on my layout. I've spent some time laying down WS risers as well as foam roadbed. Nothing spectacular, but my goal of documenting the progress of this layout continues...




I have had to mentally change the plans of parts of my layout to accomodate the 2 1/2" risers to allow for the tipple and trackwork. If I do decide to incorporate a small town, it will have to go on the left side of the layout rather than the right. So I have to mull over the idea of making this more of a scenic rural Pennsylvania Anthracite region and skip the sleepy coal town... decisions, decisions.

I also wrapped up my kitbash of the Heljan sand and fuel kit, addind a bit of the UP Bailey Yard to the mix.



Bailey yard:


Read more about the kitbash here:
http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/...lity&highlight=

My next plans will be to finish laying track, build the viaduct, and wire to FINALLY see the trains run. Until next time... ]]> Primavw http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2651-Roadbed-and-so-on Container Shipment http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2649-Container-Shipment Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:24:17 GMT I took advantage of Walther’s container sale and bought a few dozen containers and a few chassis for use on the Industrial Lead layout. Twelve of the... I took advantage of Walther’s container sale and bought a few dozen containers and a few chassis for use on the Industrial Lead layout. Twelve of the containers are reefers and will be used at PCC Logistics. Twelve are older style 40′ containers that will be used at Terminal 115. The remaining are various 20′ and 40′ containers for use around the layout.



I chose various names including OOCL, China Shipping, Maersk, Sea-Land, NYK, Hyundai, Hanjin, Triton, Capital, XTra, Cosco. These are all names I see around Seattle.

The order was fulfilled and shipped quickly. Thanks Walther’s.

Originally Posted on:
The Industrial Lead ]]> gpa http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2649-Container-Shipment 100 Years of the Mountain Quarries RR http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2648-100-Years-of-the-Mountain-Quarries-RR Sat, 28 Jan 2012 21:57:18 GMT 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Mountain Quarries RR near Auburn,CA. Several events are in the planning stages or being finalized. This... 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Mountain Quarries RR near Auburn,CA. Several events are in the planning stages or being finalized. This will hopefully culminate in having the single remaining locomotive posed on the "No Hands" Bridge in September. Alot of work is to still to be done to make this happen and eventually many volunteers may be needed to get'r done. I will be posting updates and event schedules as we go.

As for now, for starters, there is an Art Contest coming up featuring "No Hands" Bridge. Details can be found on my site at http://www.trainweb.org/foothill/mqartcontest.html . Check it out and enter! ]]> John Barnhill http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2648-100-Years-of-the-Mountain-Quarries-RR Scale Down to Scale Up http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2646-Scale-Down-to-Scale-Up Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:49:36 GMT It’s hard to let go of a dream. I abandoned my partially completed N Scale Halland Yard layout ... It’s hard to let go of a dream. I abandoned my partially completed N Scale Halland Yard layout in November 2010, but I’ve been hanging on to the remnants every since. Hundreds of cars and buildings and electronics that will probably never be used by me again.

I’ve told myself to clear away all the unused model train stuff before I get started building the new layout. I need to scale down to scale up.

So in the past two weeks I’ve completed 165 eBay auctions, mostly N-Scale or DCC items. I made about $1700. I have more items to list, but I want to wait for a free listing day or until next month when I can list another 50 items for free. In the interim I plan on listing more items on this site and other off-eBay sites.

As for N scale, I am still going to participate with my N-Scale club. For the foreseeable future that will be limited to my O’Brien oNeTrak module and the associated locos and rolling stock. I’m also keeping the pricey and rare N building kits I’ve acquired (in case I ever build my N-Trak module) but I’m completely liquidating everything else from any era before the current era. I’m also getting rid of all the mish-mash hodge-podge stuff I was going to someday transform in to this or that.

I’m also liquidating a few HO items I have that won’t fit with The Industrial Lead layout.

This process has been very liberating. I am no longer beholden to the stuff I bought years ago to suit a purpose I no longer desire. Now I can focus on Now.


Originally posted on The Industrial Lead ]]> gpa http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2646-Scale-Down-to-Scale-Up Bye Bye Old Layout http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2643-Bye-Bye-Old-Layout Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:48:35 GMT Well, As of Sunday, my old layout has been officially sold. I put it up on Ebay and after 7 days, it went for $260. Obviously I took a decent loss on... Well, As of Sunday, my old layout has been officially sold. I put it up on Ebay and after 7 days, it went for $260. Obviously I took a decent loss on this, but space is at a premium around the house and I'd rather see someone enjoy it than have it collect dust.

So farewell to the old portable layout. Hopefully the gentleman who bought it can enjoy it and build upon what I started.

Parting shots:




:thumbs_up: ]]> Primavw http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2643-Bye-Bye-Old-Layout Espee Papers (Southern Pacific)- Slowly getting started http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2642-Espee-Papers-(Southern-Pacific)-Slowly-getting-started Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:45:26 GMT Earlier this past week, I had a former Southern Pacific operator contact me about train orders. He and several other family members had at one time... Earlier this past week, I had a former Southern Pacific operator contact me about train orders. He and several other family members had at one time been employed as agents and or operators on the Los Angeles Division. After scouring through my collection, I came up with some of interest, including a few he and family had copied. It's always a lot of of fun exchanging emails and learning employment history. Sometimes they can have somequite fascinating tales to tell.

Anyhow, I've created a page of those found. I hope to slowly start adding more from California, as well as other states on the SP system. So keep checking back.

http://www.train-orders.com/TDX.html and click on "Southern Pacific Lines."

:D ]]> BoxcabE50 http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2642-Espee-Papers-(Southern-Pacific)-Slowly-getting-started Latest addition http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2641-Latest-addition Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:48:07 GMT When meddling with the trackplan for this layout, I decided I wanted a small yard. Off to the side of said yard would be a small facility for sand... When meddling with the trackplan for this layout, I decided I wanted a small yard. Off to the side of said yard would be a small facility for sand and fuel for my diesels.

Well, $110 worth of turnouts and this is what I same up with



Its not the world's largest yard thats for sure, but it should be sufficient for storage of rolling stock.

I will need more sidings for coalgons, but since they will taken from the tipple to the distrubutors and power plant, they probably will never see the yard.

Thanks for looking ]]> Primavw http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2641-Latest-addition 38th Annual Train Show Pacific Science Center Seattle http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2640-38th-Annual-Train-Show-Pacific-Science-Center-Seattle Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:39:25 GMT I’ll be working the 4th Division Pacific Northwest Rail NTrak layout this weekend Jan. 14 – Jan. 16. I’ll be exhibiting my oNeTrak O’Brien... I’ll be working the 4th Division Pacific Northwest Rail NTrak layout this weekend Jan. 14 – Jan. 16.

I’ll be exhibiting my oNeTrak O’Brien module.




The N-Trak/oNeTrak layout will be our biggest ever at this show. The show is put on by our club and is our main source of revenue.

More Info: http://www.4dpnr.org/PSCshow.htm ]]> gpa http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2640-38th-Annual-Train-Show-Pacific-Science-Center-Seattle First Time Loco Detailing http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2639-First-Time-Loco-Detailing Wed, 11 Jan 2012 01:06:45 GMT I decided I wanted to expand on my modeling skills by tackling a Loco Detailing project. I recently purchased a trio of Kato SD70M's (2596, 2599, 2608). I went out and purchased a few BLMA parts and accesories and had at it.

I started with #2596. The trio before:


I began by painting the handrails and step sills. Then installed an Atlas MU hose, wipers, sunshades, and a cut lever.

#2596 after:



The proto:


I'll admit I made some errors. As per the instructions, I attempted to scrape off the molded wipers with an exacto, and managed to scrape up the windshield. Also when installing the cut lever, I attempted to install it with the mounting rings, but just could not fathom how a person with normal sized hands could manage it. So, with tail between my legs, I put the lever in place and glued it down. Maybe on the next one I will find a strategy that will make this possible. Lastly, because of the size of the coupler, I was forced to mount the Atlas MU hose higher than the proto to allow for the manueverability of the coupler. I also decided to stick with the stock MU Hoses and just paint the ends, as they looked fairly decent on their own.

Also, as per the proto, there should not really be a "whiteface" but rather a "uni-brow". I kind of like the whiteface and am trying to decide if I want to paint over most of it. I guess I'll make a decision sooner or later....


Thanks for looking. ]]> Primavw http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2639-First-Time-Loco-Detailing Atlas Code 83 Flex Track http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2637-Atlas-Code-83-Flex-Track Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:31:03 GMT ---Quote (Originally by MarkInLA)--- I have a layout with mostly Atlas 83 on the main and ME code 70 in yard and spurs. My beef is the spike heads...
Quote Originally Posted by MarkInLA View Post
I have a layout with mostly Atlas 83 on the main and ME code 70 in yard and spurs. My beef is the spike heads on the Atlas are too large and should be 3 or 4 into each tie plate ( 2 on each side of each rail ). The tie size seems fine though. This is one thing you don't find out 'til it's too late : When making long curves, take 2 or three 3 ft lengths of flex and while they're straight ( tangent ) solder them all into one 6 or 9 footer . You cut off 2-3 ties on the new ends to take on the rail-joiners (fish plates). An Exacto knife slices these real easily.. But be careful that the ties on all 3 sections have their staggered splits on the same side.. I.E. from the underside of each section you will notice the way the ties are all connecting under one rail but under other rail they are not all connecting. This is to enable the ties to spread apart prototypically on the curve. And, the staggered ( ones not all connecting ) go to the outside of the curve so they may widen (fan)out slightly and remain tighter together, tie to tie, on the inside of the curve..
]]> MarkInLA http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2637-Atlas-Code-83-Flex-Track SP in the eighties http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2636-SP-in-the-eighties Mon, 09 Jan 2012 02:02:07 GMT Random photos from the Golden Empire, in the 1980's.

Woodford.








SD40T-2 8276


SD40T-2


SPMW 5140 side dump ]]> SP 9811 http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2636-SP-in-the-eighties <![CDATA[N scale – Alaska Railroad, ARR #8019, Micro-trains 50′ boxcar]]> http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2553-N-scale-–-Alaska-Railroad-ARR-8019-Micro-trains-50′-boxcar Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:34:00 GMT http://myweatheredrailroad.com/tag/arr-8019/ (http://myweatheredrailroad.com/tag/arr-8019/) Image:...


http://myweatheredrailroad.com/tag/arr-8019/


]]> Gen The Industrial Lead - Track Plan 13 – Skipping Ahead http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2634-The-Industrial-Lead-Track-Plan-13-–-Skipping-Ahead Sun, 08 Jan 2012 08:49:26 GMT View As Orginially Posted on The Industrial Lead (http://www.gregamer.com/index.php/2012/01/08/track-plan-13-skipping-ahead/) Image:... View As Orginially Posted on The Industrial Lead



Track Plan Updates
•Moved Franz Bakery to the west side.
•Moved the yard to the west side.
•Rearranged Cargill turnout.
•Rerranged PCC turnout.
•Added a smll runaround.
•Added industry Seaport Steel.
•Added industry Terinal 115
•Moved all shelves in to 18" or 16".
•Eliminated Seattle Pottery.


Instead of detailing each iteration of the track plan, I've skipped ahead to Track Plan #13. This does stray some from the prototype track arrangements, but I think it's as honest as can be given the space and desired industries.

I've added a runaround and two additional industries to make it more challenging. Seaport Steel is located on the South Leg of the West Seattle WYE. It takes falt cars with steel plates and shapes. Terminal 115 is located in West Seattle, at the end of the Avenue. It takes a lot of random specialty loads; including flat cars with machinery, flat cars with pipes.

I've decided it'd be best to keep the shelves under 18". I had planned on modelling Seattle Pottery on the North side of the Hole tracks, but I decided it would be difficult to couple and uncouple cars with this building in the way. I still have PCC logistics in front of the tracks, but I think I'm willing to live with the difficulty of coupling and uncoupling here, because I 'll be mostly pulling and spotting the entire track at once.

I've moved the yard so it is next to Seattle lighting and moved the Odom Lead to function as an actual lead track. I think this arrangement gives me the optimum storage space and switching realism. In real life there is no yard and the Odom Lead is adjacent to Seattle Lighting and stubs out at Hanford Street.

View As Orginially Posted on The Industrial Lead ]]> gpa http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/entry.php?2634-The-Industrial-Lead-Track-Plan-13-–-Skipping-Ahead