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INRAIL
Crew Chief
USA
666 Posts |
 Posted - 06/19/2012 : 01:26:30 AM
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When will I ever learn that you never say "the last change." LOL!!! Never say never.
I did make a few more changes. One major and the others smaller cosmetic changes. So, here ya go.
Tom Johnson
I've replaced an entire shelf with a new one and a much larger Lucerne Elevator complex. I've shared bits and pieces of this before but have not "officially" announced the change. Why the change? I wanted something bigger for more covered hoppers. Plus, I wanted the tracks in front of the elevator and not behind like on the old shelf. It's easier to switch now. The shelf replaces the old one that had the Farm Bureau Coop that my friend Quintin now has on his layout. The old shelf also had the Hawk's garage and the fertilizer industry at the end. Here are several photos of the new elevator.
I had these two grain bins down at the end of this shelf. I did not like how this part turned out. So, I removed them and built a new large capacity grain shed and replaced the bins. Here is a photo of the bins followed by several photos of the new shed.
More to follow. :o)
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INRAIL
Crew Chief
USA
666 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2012 : 02:01:50 AM
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Next up is the move I made to the Delong Elevator. I moved it to the backdrop so again, the tracks are in front for easier operation and uncoupling of cars. I also increased the capacity of the elevator by adding four concrete silos. Again, I think it's a change for the better. It's not really a change but more of a move. I've shared some photos of this elevator on Sunday Photo Fun when it was on Atlas Forum I believe?
Tom Johnson
This is where Delong Elevator used to be. I moved the PRR station to this spot. I boarded up the windows and added various details. Yes, the portable johnny is prototypical. Many of these old stations no longer had working plumbing. I thought about adding an ice machine. They have one behind the depot in Plymouth, Indiana. I was talking to a good friend who works on a track gang for NS and he said they use that ice machine a lot in taking ice along with the crew in coolers on hot days.
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nhguy
Fireman
USA
3665 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2012 : 02:31:13 AM
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| Like the improvements for sure Tom. Those are great looking silos and scenes on the layout. It does make more sense to have the tracks in from of the elevators and not take the chance of bumping or hitting the structures during operations. The changes are for the better. |
Bill Shanaman
Superintendent, New Haven RR in the 1948 to 1952 era
PMRA President 2013-14, OpSIG Member
NCE User Since 1999
Sugar City, Colorado |
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INRAIL
Crew Chief
USA
666 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2012 : 02:33:54 AM
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I've also changed a few details based on observations of the prototype short lines in my area. One of the interesting things I've noticed are the old crossing flashers that were stripped of their flashing lamps and simply used as basic crossbucks. Some still had the bell in place on top of the mast. One in Rochester, Indiana still had part of the gate in place but not in operation (the bottom part was still there but the gate was missing). Anyway, the first photo shows a former crossing flasher now used as a crossbuck. Note the instrument case is still present but not in use which is another detail I've observed. I've also noticed that often times the telephone pole is still present. Usually, it's the only one left standing. I have vines growing on many of mine.
Again, an old flasher used for a crossbuck along with the instrument shed no longer in use and the vines on the telephone pole.
I've also put back my PRR style iron crossbucks at other crossings. I just felt that in the early to mid 80's, they'd still be in use and not replaced with the new crossbucks with the stop signs and all.
Along with the crossbuck changes, I also changed the road signs on the facia from black and white to the more appropriate green and white for the era I'm modeling.
Another old flasher with the instrument case and vine covered telephone pole.
How about a pole that was cut off. I've seen this a lot too.
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INRAIL
Crew Chief
USA
666 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2012 : 03:00:50 AM
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And now for the cosmetic changes to Logansport. I removed the tree growth at the edge of the benchwork in front of the engine track and office and replaced it with Scenic Express static grass mat. I used two different kinds. It opens this area up a lot more. I also added the iron PRR crossbucks. Notice though that unlike the others I shared with you above that are all white with black lettering, these are black with white lettering except for the no trespassing sign below the danger sign. PRR did use this color variation here in Indiana too for some reason. It make for a nice contrast.
How about some random photos to finish this session with.
Enough for tonight. I'll be adding more soon. :o) |
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andykins
Fireman
United Kingdom
3876 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2012 : 03:43:43 AM
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| wonderful work as always!so atmospheric! |
"Is it really "rivet counting" if it's regarding NBW castings?"
Unknown |
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brakie
Moderator
USA
6940 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2012 : 05:44:37 AM
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Tom,Like always excellent modeling.
I like the idea of having old flasher crossbucks reduce to plain crossbucks since most short lines would do that.
Does the L&IN crews flag the crossing or use a lot of horn?
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Larry
Engineman
Slate Creek Rail.
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HVF City
New Hire
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2012 : 06:46:19 AM
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I was looking at the grass mats and wonder how you blended them so well into other scenery (and together, as you noted you used multiple styles). It looks great and I have an area screaming for similar treatment. I've held off, waiting to do some testing before I hit the layout.
Bill |
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BBLmber
Fireman
USA
4228 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2012 : 08:02:41 AM
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Hey Tom, the new scene changes are great, I like the new larger elevators. What did you use for the concrete silos? I am still trying to get parts togetther for some o my elevators. Walthers doesn't have the metal silos like what you used in stock right now and they are the ones I need for the South Milford elevator. Thanks.
Mark |
W,L,&E |
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George D
Moderator
USA
9909 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2012 : 09:02:09 AM
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Very impressive looking elevator complex. I'm always impressed with the pictures of your layout, Tom.
George |
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Tabooma County Rwy
Fireman
USA
4193 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2012 : 11:30:10 AM
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Nice changes, Tom, all for the better, I think.
If I'm not mistaken, are those the new Neo vehicles (Jeep Wagoneer and 68 Ford P/U)? Nice vehicles, but pricey!
Al Carter |
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reklein
Engine Wiper
USA
233 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2012 : 1:49:28 PM
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| Very nice elevators. I guess I am to believe the truck dumping facilities are on the side away from the track.Which would be correct.Also nice backdrop work specially like how the roads go into the backdrop. Very believable. BILL in Idaho |
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INRAIL
Crew Chief
USA
666 Posts |
Posted - 06/20/2012 : 01:25:02 AM
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Thanks guys for all of your comments. I'll try to answer the specific questions.
Bill. Yes, the dump facilities, dryer and all are in the back out of view. One good reason to model trackside. You don't have to deal with those extra details. :o)
Al. Yes! The 1968 Ford pickup and the 1986 Jeep Wagoneer are the new imports from Neo Models. You can only purchase them from Truck Stop Models. Both vehicles are the best I've ever seen with etched detail parts and all. We finally have another pickup that works for us 80's modelers as well as the 70's and late 60's. We still need more releases from the 70's. Yes, they are pricey but worth every penny. I'd rather pay the price for high quality vehicle models than settle on cheaper models that don't look as good.
Mark. The silos for Delong Elevator are PVC pipe. The large concrete silos for Lucerne Elevator are from the Walther's Ethanol series kits. It's their corn storage silos. You can still find those metal silos. Check MBKlein. Check other online stores. I found mine on ebay and MBKlein.
Bill (HVF City). Those static grass mats have virtually invisible backing to them. You can pull them apart in all directions. I simply just applied white glue right over my old scenery and spread the glue out with a stiff brush. I then laid the static grass mat into the white glue and pushed it down. That simple! You can leave it as is or take the next step. Next, I sprayed the static grass with my water and dish soap mix and added some white diluted glue and water to the grass and then sprinkled on some Woodland Scenics fine mixed blended grass turf and some earth turf for dead leaves. If you look around outside along roads, fence rows, and wooded areas, weeds are not just static grass like you see on some layouts. Most weeds are "leafy" types of weeds with some blades of grass types of weeds mixed in. The fine turf gives the illusion of leaves on the static grass. That's why I still think that ground foams are still OK to use. Again, most weeds are "leafy" types and the fine turf and ground foam mixed in with static grass best copies nature.
Larry. We use a lot of horn quite a bit for crossings. We do however flag the crossings when backing cars through them.
OK. I think that covers the questions. Sorry if I missed someone. Just let me know if I did. |
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BBLmber
Fireman
USA
4228 Posts |
Posted - 06/20/2012 : 07:03:49 AM
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Thanks Tom, we always apreciate your answers and the work you do on your RR.
Mark |
W,L,&E |
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ibflattop
Engine Wiper
USA
410 Posts |
Posted - 06/20/2012 : 5:00:04 PM
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Tom.
I have a suggestion, why dont you get one of the instrament cases from Details West that open up. Then ya can have a doos adjar to look as if someone peeked in or maybe a lineman was by and didnt lock it back up. I like the new scienes that have been added. Looks Good, Kevin |
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erielackawannaman
New Hire
5 Posts |
Posted - 06/20/2012 : 6:12:12 PM
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| Tom, great work as always, I just devour your photos to see how you detailed or weathered something that catches my eye. In this case it was the Erie Lackawanna hopper spotted at the mill, even tho it was a patch out. The Erie Western hoppers are superb too. Since you aren't really going to make any more changes (lol), I will wait a few months and then perhaps I can see the layout again. (lol) Thanks for posting your work Tom, it is an inspiration to a lot of us out here....Thanks again..Dan Groninger |
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A few more changes to the L&IN.
