See my blog here: http://timmysamericanflyertrains.blogspot.com/
Building a Large Retro-style American Flyer Layout
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16,705 Posts
Timboy,
Had a quick look at your link. You're one of the guys with those neat "floating" dogbone supports. Very cool.
Question #1 -- How does one going about acquiring a 20x40 trainroom? Oh, I'm sure there's cost, property, contractors, and construction details involved. Logistics -- schmistics. All doable. But, more importantly, how does one convince one's "better half" that it's OK to venture down said path? Now in THAT lies one of life's true mysteries!
Question #2 -- I'm a novice old-school HO and Lionel O guy, but have enjoyed learning a bit about AF S from other guys here on the forum. I've been tempted from the "dark forces" to consider delving into DCC and the like, but have thusfar beaten off those modern-day sirens and nymphs. There's something about the simplicity of old-school technology that really delights me, whether it's the easy-to-follow windings in a motor's armature, or the wiring circuitry trace around a simple layout. That all said, I enjoyed reading in your blog that you've decided / opted to go "old school" with your large layout, and resort to simple toggled hot-spots and zones in your layout. Might you discuss some of that thinking here, as I'm sure it'll entice others (and send a few DCC sirens and nymphs screaming in dismay)?!?
Question #3 -- I hope you'll keep us posted with your layout's progress. Photos, plans, discussion, etc.
And, most importantly, a huge welcome to the forum. Enjoy the ride, and I hope that we'll all learn a bit while peeking over your shoulders.
TJ
Had a quick look at your link. You're one of the guys with those neat "floating" dogbone supports. Very cool.
Question #1 -- How does one going about acquiring a 20x40 trainroom? Oh, I'm sure there's cost, property, contractors, and construction details involved. Logistics -- schmistics. All doable. But, more importantly, how does one convince one's "better half" that it's OK to venture down said path? Now in THAT lies one of life's true mysteries!
Question #2 -- I'm a novice old-school HO and Lionel O guy, but have enjoyed learning a bit about AF S from other guys here on the forum. I've been tempted from the "dark forces" to consider delving into DCC and the like, but have thusfar beaten off those modern-day sirens and nymphs. There's something about the simplicity of old-school technology that really delights me, whether it's the easy-to-follow windings in a motor's armature, or the wiring circuitry trace around a simple layout. That all said, I enjoyed reading in your blog that you've decided / opted to go "old school" with your large layout, and resort to simple toggled hot-spots and zones in your layout. Might you discuss some of that thinking here, as I'm sure it'll entice others (and send a few DCC sirens and nymphs screaming in dismay)?!?
Question #3 -- I hope you'll keep us posted with your layout's progress. Photos, plans, discussion, etc.
And, most importantly, a huge welcome to the forum. Enjoy the ride, and I hope that we'll all learn a bit while peeking over your shoulders.
TJ
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104 Posts
Tim, Welcome to the forum. I've read many of your posts at the OGR forum. This is a very friendly group. I see you have already met Reckers, another S gauge guy. I'm sure others will chime in to say hi soon.
Rich
Rich
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1,115 Posts
Welcome Tim!
Tim, I've been following your re-build and have enjoyed your detailed descriptons of your, "Work-In-Progress!" :thumbsup:
I also had the "Pleasure", of reading your posts where you gave all the, "3-Railers" your wonderful insights on their scale:laugh::laugh::laugh:
Hope you like it here and stick around!
Jim
Tim, I've been following your re-build and have enjoyed your detailed descriptons of your, "Work-In-Progress!" :thumbsup:
I also had the "Pleasure", of reading your posts where you gave all the, "3-Railers" your wonderful insights on their scale:laugh::laugh::laugh:
Hope you like it here and stick around!
Jim
Joined
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1,115 Posts
Rock Face
As I get closer to finally putting a layout together, I want to make sure that I'll be able to fabricate some rock/stone walls. I have a piece of 4x4 moisture resistant drywall, left over from a bathroom re-model.
I know I'll need to keep the pieces shallow, and more than likely, have a straight back edge. I'll also have to use some plaster to fill the seams, and do some coloration.
What do you think about the overall appearence?
Jim
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As I get closer to finally putting a layout together, I want to make sure that I'll be able to fabricate some rock/stone walls. I have a piece of 4x4 moisture resistant drywall, left over from a bathroom re-model.
I know I'll need to keep the pieces shallow, and more than likely, have a straight back edge. I'll also have to use some plaster to fill the seams, and do some coloration.
What do you think about the overall appearence?
Jim
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View attachment 3931
Joined
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5,173 Posts
Jim,
I thnk your plaster will work fine. There's nothing like a good paint job and some landscaping to take a dubious "I don't know..." to "Wow---that's really starting to look good!"
As for Timboy's comedic venture.....*drum roll*....he needs more training. *rimshot!*
I thnk your plaster will work fine. There's nothing like a good paint job and some landscaping to take a dubious "I don't know..." to "Wow---that's really starting to look good!"
As for Timboy's comedic venture.....*drum roll*....he needs more training. *rimshot!*
Joined
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16,705 Posts
Jim,
I like the look ... sort of a sedimentary natural formation.
However, before you go too far, do check to see whether you'll be able to paint the drywall core (gypsum) material. A voice in the back of my head is saying that it may be difficult to get paint to stick to its chalky / flaky surface.
Cheers,
TJ
I like the look ... sort of a sedimentary natural formation.
However, before you go too far, do check to see whether you'll be able to paint the drywall core (gypsum) material. A voice in the back of my head is saying that it may be difficult to get paint to stick to its chalky / flaky surface.
Cheers,
TJ
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5,173 Posts
T-Man, I couldn't agree with you more. *L* At the rate I'm going, it will be 6 months before you see one running----it's a good thing Timboy wandered in!
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26,386 Posts
Well at least the Misses is going down more! When the kids are not there that is.:laugh:
Going downstairs cough cough of coarse.
Welcome Timboy....now I know what reckers was talking about once here on the site.
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26,386 Posts
I just watched your video. (but without the sound) the queen is watching TV and yelled when the horn blew, so I had to turn off the sound.
:thumbsup:WOW excellent layout Timboy!
Do you have more rolling stock? If so whats the longest train you ran around it?
I love the trestle homemade?:thumbsup:
Do they sell those erector bridges somewhere?:thumbsup::thumbsup:
Did you freehand all the clouds?:thumbsup:
NICE WORK!:thumbsup:
:thumbsup:WOW excellent layout Timboy!
Do you have more rolling stock? If so whats the longest train you ran around it?
I love the trestle homemade?:thumbsup:
Do they sell those erector bridges somewhere?
:thumbsup::thumbsup:Did you freehand all the clouds?:thumbsup:
NICE WORK!:thumbsup:
Joined
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1,115 Posts
Timboy, thanks for the insight into how to finish the coloration. That's a helluva mountain!!!!!
BTW, I did spray some Rustoleum on the wallboard and it held and dried okay, but I think that it would be to much to use it for several colors. I'm thinking you'd lose all the definition!
BTW, I did spray some Rustoleum on the wallboard and it held and dried okay, but I think that it would be to much to use it for several colors. I'm thinking you'd lose all the definition!
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16,705 Posts
Jim, you said "watercolor" paint earlier ... I guess you meant craft-type paint. But then Tim started talking about latex paint, so I'm
TJ
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