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mlvarley
Crew Chief
USA
799 Posts |
 Posted - 11/08/2008 : 6:15:33 PM
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I thought I show where I'm at with my layout. I began construction in May 2007. When I started I had set an (unrealistic) goal of completing it within 2 years. I enjoy building but I also enjoy operating. My prior layout occupied a 10'x10' bedroom. It lanquished unfinished for 10+ years. This one is 23'x19'. Its a walk-in, point to point with an option for continuous run. This will entail a removable duckunder the design of which is not yet finished. In an effort to speed completion and because I liked what I had seen of his work I've had Scott Mason construct several buildings including the base scenery/diorama for a section. What you will see lacks most of the planned scenic contours and hills at this time. I freelance model the B&M so believe me hills are planned. So here goes. Questions, comments, input are all appreicated.
Mike
The first photo shows the north end of the engine terminal. The white paper template beyond the turntable is the future location of a 10-stall SRM brick roundhouse being constructed for me by Scott Mason.
The second photo shows service structures located right of the prior photo.
Third photo looks south from the prior photo to a small yard.The track at the left rear along the backdrop will be behind building flats. In this hidden track I will install a 4' long train elevator for staging. There will be buildings in front the far backdrop with the two holes in it. The hole on the right will be a scene similar to the tunnel in Bellows Falls. A side note- all of the low and high ramapo switch stands in the photos work and are used to throw the turnouts manually. The only exceptions will be for two hidden turnouts.
The next photo is south (right of in photo) of prior photo. It show a rock cut used to disguise two holes where the track enters the backdrop.
Closer view of the cut.
View looking west from prior photo.
I'll post more photos shortly. |
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mlvarley
Crew Chief
USA
799 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2008 : 6:29:51 PM
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Some more photos. These are on a center peninsula divided into 2 sided by a backdrop. Several of the small buildings such as thouse near the SRM diesel shop are not in their intended locations. Many trees locations are mockups as I work through ideas to separate scenses, etc. Also, virtually all backdrop areas will have photo backdrops installed.
Again any ideas, suggestions, etc. are welcome.
Mike
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mlvarley
Crew Chief
USA
799 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2008 : 6:48:45 PM
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Here are a few more. These are from a 2 sided peninsula north of the peninsula in the prior photos. I'll retake and post some better photos the FSM buildings in this area.
This photo shows a diorama Scott Mason did for me. It included Martin machine and Delabarre. Since getting it I've installed more blueboard for hills to left, the bridge abutments, track, bridge crossing the gorge to Martin Machine and began cutting the gorge walls for installation of rock outcrops. Water will be added last. To the right of this is Millett Creamery (also by Scott). These are at the end of a branch line. I'm installing Whitinsville to the west of this area . The abutments for the bridge were a lesson in patience- the stones are individually colored. Given the height they will be viewed at this might have been overkill. The Whitinsville was my first SRM build from start to finish. had a lot of fun with it. Still working on the secenery contours around it.
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belg
Fireman
USA
4380 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2008 : 6:52:24 PM
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Mike, i really like all your ideas and layout except that super long retaining wall it looks out of place.
Maybe break it up with some more of the rockwork behind it, so it represents a cut in the rock, just a thought.
Will you have a water source for the Wrisley Mill? Look forward to more progress, Pat |
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Peterpools
Engineer
USA
12335 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2008 : 7:10:20 PM
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Mike
Wonderful progress and dynamite layout in the makings. Love the Ball Signal by the cut - truly a New England touch.
Peter [:-kitty] |
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Selector
Engine Wiper
Canada
171 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2008 : 7:26:27 PM
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I am envious! It looks like it will be something that should last a lifetime, and is nicely done to this point. Congratulations!
If you will permit an observation, and I make it only on the basis of how my brain interprets your images, it seems to me that several of the curves you show are quite sharp...notably those just after a diversion at a turnout. Can I assume that your tracks are largely temporarily set as you show them, and that you will refine their orientation as you go along and finish each area?
It will be a pleasure to keep track of your progress. Great to see a layout such as this taking shape....I wish!!!
-Crandell |
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mlvarley
Crew Chief
USA
799 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2008 : 9:02:12 PM
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First thank you all for your inputs and comments. I appreicate it.
Belg,
You're rigt it is a long wall (7'). I had planned on it being all stone but you have got me to thinking about breaking it up with some rock/outcrops. I'll play around with it and see how it looks. Thanks for the suggestion!!
Hi Crandell,
Except for a couple photos track is permanent. I think the camera lens is making the curves look tighter than they are(and you're right- in the photos they look tight).The minimum radius on the layout is 30". I have test run all locomotives, largest being a 4-8-2 with rigid drivers and have worked out any kinks.
Mike |
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hunter48820
Fireman
6024 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2008 : 10:14:23 PM
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Hi Mike,
That is one quality layout that you are building. Every time I see a New England layout, I think I modeled the wrong area. I just love NE!!!
Can't wait to see future pics!!
Great job!!
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Best, Andy Keeney
Look out for #1, but don't step in #2! |
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Red P
Crew Chief
USA
886 Posts |
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mainetrains
Fireman
USA
1373 Posts |
Posted - 11/09/2008 : 06:07:04 AM
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WOW!!! Looks fantastic. Are those Caboose Industries manual ground throws you are using. I'm planning a new layout and I'm leaning in that direction.
Mainetrains [:-banghead] |
"there's something happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear"
Check out the Hard Knox Valley Railroad at -
http://www.mainetrains.webs.com/ |
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mlvarley
Crew Chief
USA
799 Posts |
Posted - 11/09/2008 : 08:20:48 AM
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Andy, Red, and Mainetrains,
Thanks for the nice comments.
Mainetrains,
The groundthrows are operating low and high ramapo switch stands from NJ International. I cut, bent and painted pins from Michaels or Joanns to use as the connencting rod. The handle that throws the switch on the switchstand was cut down some to make it less noticeable. The headblocks are glued to the foam roadbed or directly onto blueboard with canopy glue. After that is dry the wire is connected and the switchstand is glued to the headblocks with a couple of drops of super glue. Even though the layout is under construction I run trains and make it a point to use the switchstands to see how they hold up. They have been in place for about 8 months with no problems.
Mike |
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mainetrains
Fireman
USA
1373 Posts |
Posted - 11/09/2008 : 08:38:04 AM
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Hey Mike,
Thanks. I've used NJ International products before - dwarf signals, etc. Didn't realize they made switch stands. Checked out the web site and they look nice.
Mainetrains [:-banghead] |
"there's something happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear"
Check out the Hard Knox Valley Railroad at -
http://www.mainetrains.webs.com/ |
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mlvarley
Crew Chief
USA
799 Posts |
Posted - 11/09/2008 : 10:27:06 AM
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Here are some better photos of several FSM structures.
These two photos show a removeable building that is used to hide a track penetration of the backdrop.
The last photo is an abutment from NE Brownstone I'm installing near Wrisley Paper.
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MLW
Crew Chief
653 Posts |
Posted - 11/09/2008 : 12:15:22 PM
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Simply awesome
The quality of your benchwork, track work, buildings, weathering, detaisl, overall layout and scenery is stunning. Well done
Highly motivating post.
I will check often. Thank you for sharing. |
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Frederic Testard
Engineer
France
16452 Posts |
Posted - 11/09/2008 : 6:19:58 PM
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| Mike, this is a very nicely started layout. The pictures with the fine FSM structures are very attractive. |
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Mike Hamer
Engineer
9345 Posts |
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My B&M Layout- A Work In Process
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