Model Railroading > Southern Transcon - Things Are Looking UP

It was pointed out at yesterdays work session that it's been a while since I did an update. So it's time to correct that.

1. Bench work for the coal yard was started and is currently completed past the power station. We're doing enough of this line so a coal train can pull past the coal plant and shove back in the yard. However, this move shouldn't be required.

2. Track and cork has been glued down. Hopefully, we'll have this 100% done and be able to use it in the next running session.

3. You may have noticed that the mainline track looks different in the last photo. Everything short of NR Junction was weathered using Rustoleum Camo Brown and the rails were painted rusty brown. We're very pleased with the results and can't wait to see how it looks with ballast.

More to come...

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Looks great!  How did you go about painting the rails and ties separately?  

Cheers,
Harry

4. You may have asked "what's looking up in this post?" Well, that would be the bench work for the next level. This is where the 2nd level climbs to become the 3rd level. This is the duck under where it cuts back across the aisle. Before anybody asks, yes it tall enough to walk under without ducking and yes, there will be risers to stand on to follow your train.

5. On the back wall, this is Curtis Hill and the only level spot is the crossovers. It's about 1.5% and this is how the 2nd level becomes the 3rd.

6. At this time, we stopped short of NR Junction.

More to come...

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7. With the 2nd level in place, we were able to install the backdrop. It's laminated board painted Autumn sky blue.

8. More backdrop that follows the track curve.

9. Overall look.

More to come...

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10. More bench work. Merrick is on the right, Matfield Green is on the left. We're stopping here till after the next running session.

11. Bench work continues at NR Junction. You can see how close it is to the staging yard track, but it will clear a double stack with a little room to spare.

12. The bench work for the rest of NR junction. Past this, it opens up to Emporia yard.

More to come...

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13. Some trains from the last running session.

14. BN doing some switching.

15. Uggg... Santa Fe!   *shivers in BNSF*

Thanks for looking. Comments, questions, and complaints are welcome.

Enjoy,
-Dave

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tracktime Wrote:
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> Looks great!  How did you go about painting the
> rails and ties separately?  
>
> Cheers,
> Harry

I cut a strip of track cork down so it fit between the rails while keeping them exposed then air brushed it. The cork is flexible enough to follow the curves.

-Dave

I have one complaint:   IT IS NOT MINE.

Excellent tip!  Your layout is really beginning to take shape. Awesome progress!

Thanks Dave!

Cheers,
Harry

djh4d Wrote:
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> tracktime Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Looks great!  How did you go about painting
> the
> > rails and ties separately?  
> >
> > Cheers,
> > Harry
>
> I cut a strip of track cork down so it fit between
> the rails while keeping them exposed then air
> brushed it. The cork is flexible enough to follow
> the curves.
>
> -Dave

Its HUGE!  wow.

Fantastic layout , but I feel sorry for whoever derails in staging ! Lol

Posted from Android

Wow, super impresive!

Nathan

Thats one heck of a room-well done!

Impressive indeed.....