Obviously you haven't built many layouts. How many guys put their signals in before they do do any real scenic work ? Snag a signal tower with an air hose and get back to us !
I am sure I am NOT the only one who has change something in the background AFTER the layout is almost finished. It's part of modeling. A layout is never truly done !
I would recommend a long airbrush hose, draped from the airbrush, up over your shoulder and down your back. I suspect a model railroad is seldom, if ever, "done-done," unless it is a museum, etc. layout. And even then, it will eventually need updating and refreshing.
Andy ? Why did 'Ghostbusters' just pop into my head...LOL https://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/1a...cov-va-10.jpg?width=3200&height=1680&fit=crop
The layouts I have built have either been modular or island types with 360 access. Never had a problem. Also, I use acrylic paints applied with a brush for scenic items. Buildings are air brushed in a paint booth away from the layout. Also, no signals on the layout and the trolley/streetcar does not have an overhead. Tried it but it was too troublesome than it was worth especially when cleaning/vacuuming.
After running trains for a while I decided to put the horseshoe curve back. Having track around the perimeter of the layout did leave more open space inside for buildings and probably another industrial spur but I really like watching the trains run through the horseshoe curve. I have some ideas for scenery inside the curve so the only thing I’m losing is 1 industry. The black lines in the picture are a rough idea for a river that will run from the back to the front. Trains are running and I’m making progress so I’m a happy camper.
I like the horseshoe curve and would like to see trains running through it when done. I'm sure your ideas for industry in the curve are much better than I would place there. I would consider the following: 1. Park setting with horseshoe pits 2. Equestrian center 3. Throat Care Center (for when your voice has gone horse) 4. Fertilizer plant using organic horse... never mind that
Thanks, cbg. I got a good laugh. Woodland Scenics used to make a set of horses/riders. I hope they still do or I can find them used. They would be perfect for that area. I also like the idea of horseshoe pits. I wonder if there are any figures that can be adapted to pass for horseshoe players?
I think you just need a couple of minis slightly bent over [usually working types] for the horseshoe pitchers, the rest can be just folks standing around.
The horseshoe players show retired but probably on THAT SIGHT somewhere for sale. These riders came up as still available.
Thanks cbg. I knew about the horseback riders but not the horseshoe players. The riders are still made by WS. I hope the players are also.
I do not think the horseshow players are available through WS any longer, but there are some on E-Pay.
This is the layout as it is right now. I’m starting to get a feel for how it might look. That’s it for now.
I installed decoders in 2 of my FEC GEVOs and set up my Lenz DCC system. The decoder installs were super easy and both locomotives run great. The DCC system is on a rolling cart that I can store under the layout when not being used. I’m not sure if I will leave it this way or not.
Since installing the decoders and Lenz DCC a couple of days ago I’ve noticed that speed control of the locomotives is much more precise. That is reason enough for me to stick with DCC but another benefit is that, since my layout is fairly small, I have it wired as 1 block. Simplified wiring is another big advantage IMHO. I am thinking of adding a right hand switch to the interchange/intermodal yard. It will go between the LH switch off the main and the first LH switch in the yard as seen here. This will provide a switching lead/engine track so I can switch the yard while 2 trains are running on the main. I want to have a road go through this area. I was originally planning on having it run past the end of the yard tracks but instead will have to go up and over, a small price to pay for more operating options. I’ve decided where the river and bridges will go. I can start on this soon and plan the rest of the scenery around this major feature. The heavy black lines show the river’s path. That’s it for now.
Joe, You and I have very similar tastes in model structures: particularly, pre-assembled! I've purchased several Model Power structures, and a few Woodland Scenics ones. I got a couple more WS structures my local dealer was closing out (not pre-lit) at a discount.
