Finally got started

[davidstrains]

Of course I had to hook up the DCC just to give it a try. Here is an Atlas GP7 hauling a small freight through Teemer. I am hooked on DCC. Had 3 trains going at once on different tracks and different directions on one throttle. What a blast.

 

[davidstrains]

In another thread Shamus provided a plan for a "scratch-building" project to another 'Gauger". I, of course, had to try it as I have not done any scratchbuilding. My trial structure was just using cardboard and artist acrylics. I liked the result and have decided that I am going to build a "real" structure with the modifications that I have added and call this the "Shamus Meat Packing Plant.

 

[davidstrains]

Here is another view of the Shamus Plant with the cattle pens. I am using cardboard structures to look at positioning and clearances. Next week I will start putting the mountains and ground covering on. I think this is going to take a while as there is about 84+ linear feet of layout to cover and I want to do several unique scenes along the way. Now the fun begins.

 

[Clerk]

David
That is a great layout. I also have two main lines with a dual throttle transformer so I can run two trains at once. This is all DC as I can't afford DCC. I have another transformer for the yard so while the trains are running on the mains, I can do switching in the yard.
I have a Northern 4-8-4 and have no trouble with #4 switches. The tender has 4 axel trucks.

 

[jkristia]

That's a really nice looking layout, and I really like the way your background turned out. How did yoi get that hazy look of the distant mountains ?

This is how my background turnout, but I would still like something closer to the look you have

http://www.the-gauge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3675

Jesper

 

[davidstrains]

Originally posted by jkristia
......... How did yoi get that hazy look of the distant mountains ?

Jesper

Hi Jesper,

Thanks for the comments. I can't take credit for the backdrop. Gavin Miller has a thread in this forum that shows how to do it. It is very easy - just layering your mountains and "misting" them with a lightly sprayed white, add another layer, mist, etc. I did 4 layers before the final. Here is the link to his thread.

http://www.the-gauge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2906

 

[msh]

David I really like what you're doing there - most impressive and it looks to be a real interesting layout. Since the pics only show so much, and I'm interested in seeing more of the other end, you wouldn't happen to be able to show a trackplan would you? I'm always up for stealing someone else's great ideas!

 

[davidstrains]

Originally posted by msh
....... you wouldn't happen to be able to show a trackplan would you? I'm always up for stealing someone else's great ideas!

msh,

Here is the link to the track plan:
http://www.the-gauge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2931

Feel free to use whatever you want. I did that same thing when I started drawing my plan. I do have a change that is not on the plan however. In the lower left corner, I eliminated the crossover and connect the yard to the outer main by a 4 track ladder. The first switch of the ladder also has another switch to accomodate the 5th track.

Have fun

 

[marty w.]

Nice work. That backdrop really looks great!
Marty

 

[Matthyro]

Great progress David.

 

[Tyson Rayles]

David it's coming along really nice, please keep us posted! Nice work on the backdrop.