[igmuska]

Wal-Mart was all out of board stretchers, so I couldn't use the original plan calling for 48" X 96" (4'X8') plywood. The other major problem with this layout is that the upper leg is at the exact edge of the board which will make ballasting very difficult. When Wal-Mart restocks their board stretchers, I'll stretch the board out another 6 inches for ballasting.

 

[tjcruiser]

Just a heads up ...

For some strange reason, a standard sheet of MDF (medium density fiberboard) is 49"x97" ... an extra inch all around, if you need it.

TJ

 

[igmuska]

Before and After: Scenicking

Before:

After:

 

[tankist]

green changes everything, isn't it

 

[igmuska]

And to think, just a few weeks ago, I was running on bare board but really had no choice as we were planning on moving the layout down two stories to the basement.
Compared to the previous photo sequence, my layout is getting more colorful than it was a couple of weeks ago. I even have a hot pink covered hopper rolling around in there. Excellent.

Of course, my layout would be totally incomplete without a full supply of pot toppers (one topper equals three hours of conditioning, preparation, watching it vanish, then installation of few choice pieces.)

 

[Reckers]

I give up---what's a pot topper???

 

[igmuska]

I give up---what's a pot topper???

Pot toppers are a cheap alternative to Silflor grass scenery; originally they are used for seating fake flowers in decorative flower pots.

 

[igmuska]

A couple of days ago I just got the book Track Planning for Realistic Operation and now I really want to change my layout. I would like to have a yard along with larger radius curves and smoother turnouts.
I can widen the original board to 5 1/2 feet, keeping the original length 89 1/2 inches but add another 4 foot by 8 foot. This addition should be sized to make it so that I won't have to reach across the board. The main problem is that I don't have access to width only the length which will be adjacent to the furnace and water heater.
Anyone have any suggestions and has anyone else ran into similar requirement?

 

[tankist]

i sure wish i had that book when i was developing my layout.

without access on all 4 sides you will need to have access hole of sort, you really need that reach.
as for smoother turnout i will recommend getting away from atlas. i use peco and things are much smoother. turnouts are shorter, will allow for bit denser yard. even smallest setrack @17.5! radius allows for long 6axle euipment like SD40 without trouble (althoguh looking very funny at it). expencive however... so before you buy plan your layout with some sort of tool (ie anyrail)

 

[igmuska]

I was thinking about changing over to Peco. I was also thinking that in the near future I would like to invest in the Fast Track system for making my own turnouts and double slips. After reading Armstrong's book, I even changed my mind about trying to construct a double track layout, keeping instead to a single track with passing sidings here and there.
I guess it was a good thing though that I did take the time to build the Croxton Terminal as that was a great learning experience, teaching me about clogging the mainline, DC wiring, ballasting, scenery, Kadee #5 & #148 couplers, uncoupling ramps, soldering and now with the Armstrong book, the physics and mathematics that goes along with passing through that barrier from the roundy round to realistic operation.
As for the Croxton Terminal, during the time from the last sequence of photos, while I was thinking about improving the layout, I was also building trees and a few more houses. I'll post that shortly.
But thanks and if anyone can point me into the right direction cost effectively and design-wise (mainly links) you'll always have my gratitude.

 

[igmuska]

Future Croxton Boulevard

Ice Cream Shop donated by Mr. Robbie Raabe

Another perspective of Croxton Boulevard

 

[Reckers]

Igmuska, that's a fine looking layout---I love the swimming pool and the hot-pink car! You really have a lot of eye-catchers! Are pot-toppers those green foam blocks florists use? I'm still not clear on how you are using them.

 

[igmuska]

Igmuska, that's a fine looking layout---I love the swimming pool and the hot-pink car! You really have a lot of eye-catchers! Are pot-toppers those green foam blocks florists use? I'm still not clear on how you are using them.

A close view of Michael's Pot Toppers, an inexpensive alternative to Silflor grass mats, except that as the photo shows, they'll be good for small irregular areas as it is difficult cut them without losing their base (the brownish cork looking material under the grass).

And my wife's pink car, prevents or decreases the "Why did you buy another [fill in the blanks], don't you have enough already?" syndrome.

 

[tjcruiser]

Wow ... that pink is BRIGHT. Great thinking in the "dial down the wife department", though!

Where'd ya' get those greenhouses? I like 'em!

TJ

 

[igmuska]

Wow ... that pink is BRIGHT. Great thinking in the "dial down the wife department", though!

Where'd ya' get those greenhouses? I like 'em!

TJ

I still have to finish painting the window supports silver and add the foam and fake foam flower dust.

Faller 213, I think they still sell them on Walthers

 

[tjcruiser]

Thanks! Those are really, really nice!

 

[igmuska]

Slow rolling, track ballasting

Board Stretcher UPS mode
Just ordered a Wal-mart board stretcher, should be here in a couple of days so I can continue ballasting right hand side of layout.

When Grey Blend is not Gray Blend?
After applying some ballast, I noticed that there are some very distinct shades of grey blend ballast. For the first run, I used grey blend ballast from a bag; the current application comes from a shaker. Hopefully it fades but again the color variation is so minute, that I don't think anyone will notice while the trains are running.

BN drivers getting some pistachio soft serve

 

[igmuska]

90% Ballasting Complete

Featuring Rapido Caboose
That caboose sure brings out the highlights of the ballast project.

The Main Ballast Tool
1 1/2 inch sponge brush does magic, making this ballasting job so much more easier than using a regular 1 inch paint brush (the bristles kept scattering the ballast all over the place).

A Close-Up of a Ballast Job Well Done
Now to start working on the 8 turnouts and wiring.

Addendum
Now that I think I have the knack for this most awesome hobby, once I am finished with the scenery and structures, I am going to shred it and start on my next layout, bigger, foam foundation, improved freight yard and of course, more TREES and DCC!

 

[tankist]

hmm it is interesting idea to use that foam thingy instead of brush. will have to try it

 

[igmuska]

When I started my first attempt at ballasting my track, using a brush, I thought that it would never end. Then I looked at the rest of my layout and became slightly dismayed over the prospect of having to bristle brush the ballast.
But when I tried the foam brush, knocking out a yard of track in less time (15 minutes) than it took me to do three yards (nearly 4 hours).
Now I can't wait for the next layout. I know how much ballast, track and cork.
As for weathering the track, if you look closely at the last photo, you see some very fine gray dust which I feel might present a slight problem as it really doesn't go anywhere upon wet watering it. In a way, I feel that hand painting might be better in this because of the dust or brushing it off might work. As I don't have an airbrush, hand-painting is the only way right now.