Incorporating A Jack Post Column In The Layout

[montanan]

That photo from John Allens layout sure brings back some good MRR memories. I had the opportunity to have operated on the G&D while on temporary instructor duty at Mare Island, CA. Nice work on your Eagles Nest Restaurant. Well done.

 

[montanan]

I know the photo is from Johns layout, but you were able to capture the idea and will be able incorporate it into your layout.

 

[D&J RailRoad]

I used stealth paint from Woodland Scenics.

 

[KB02]

Still can't find that grain silo thread, but I did find this one with some good ideas (O Scale, but same situation).
https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/topic/how-to-disguise-basement-poles-in-layout
I like the refinery, myself.

 

[max diyer]

Update:

Welcome

To get everyone up to speed, about a year ago, I started rebuilding my layout. The plan was to double it's size.
I had a 4x8 and was going to build another 4x8 table and turn it 90° to form a "L". But I had a problem with a
jack post column. No matter which way I positioned the layout, the column was going to be in between the
two tables. So I needed to incorporate it in my layout. That led me to post this thread for ideas from other Forum
Members. All of the ideas were viable, except maybe Sherrel's Devils Tower and Tim Langs tornado. I really
appreciated the humor, but realistically a little out of place for my layout.

Before I could work on the column, I had to connect the two tables. There's a 18" gap between the them.
And here's the post column.

I'm making this gap into a creek.

I decided to make the post column into a grain bin. I have a grain elevator to the left of the column and
across the tracks. So it was logical to disguise the column as a bin.
The column is actually in the creek. So, I'm constructing a round "pier" for the grain bin to rest on.

My decision was a culmination of Forum Member suggestions and this prototype

This proto is 12 miles northeast of Pittsburgh on the Allegheny River. It was a barge transfer facility.
A clamshell bucket crane or long-arm excavator sat on the platform unloading barges.
Of course, my adaption is the post column disguised as a grain bin.

The next to last picture is my current construction. I plan on finishing the column/bin in 3 or 4 weeks and will
post updates every few days.
I hope you enjoy this continued thread and come back again.
Thanks . . . Jim

 

[JazzDad]

I would have gone with a smoke stack. A really large smoke stack.

 

[santafewillie]

Sorta wondering where this ended up heading. Nice idea and it looks like it is coming along well.

 

[max diyer]

JazzDad - I thought about that, but then I'd have to deal with the EPA and pollution regulations.
And when I'd go upstairs, the smoke would follow and I would have to deal with a more powerful agency -
my wife. She would then tell me what I could do with that smoke stack! lol

Willie - Thanks for the comment! The build is coming along, but not at the speed you work. I'd be happy at half
your speed -----► zoom ! lol

Ken - I have to get some of that stealth paint !

 

[flyboy2610]

That's a clever idea!

 

[wvg_ca]

i have a post on my layout .. it's in the wide open, part of a penninsula, so no backdrop ..
but i found painting it the same colour as the ground made it 'disappear', the ground cover was a sandy gray colour ..

 

[max diyer]

That's a clever idea!

Thanks for the comment!
I wanted something unique and think I did just that.

wvg_ca - thanks for the reply. Any chance you could post a picture of your post?

 

[wvg_ca]

wvg_ca - thanks for the reply. Any chance you could post a picture of your post?

This is -somewhat- a picture of the post ... added thin hardboard in a rectangle to it, floor to ceiling .. in a light gray colour, similar to the ground cover ..

 

[max diyer]

wvg-ca • the color does make it blend in. Not sticking out like a sore thumb. Looks real good!
I like how the post forces the tracks around it. It looks a lot better than running parallel to the wall.
You have a real nice layout! Thanks for the reply and posting the photo!

 

[wvg_ca]

actually the post is only by itself .. the wall goes on from the sky backdrop, as in the woodgrain wall runs straight along the sky backdrop.. this photo is about a third of the layout, you can see the switches for the power districts off to the left ..
this was taken maybe six years ago or so ..not today, lol ..
but thanks

 

[max diyer]

Here's a update photo . . .

Next - I'll start constructing the grain bin. It will be similar to this one.
I'll post another update photo/s tomorrow or the day after. Thanks for stopping by!

 

[max diyer]

actually the post is only by itself .. the wall goes on from the sky backdrop, as in the woodgrain wall runs straight along the sky backdrop.. this photo is about a third of the layout, you can see the switches for the power districts off to the left ..
this was taken maybe six years ago or so ..not today, lol ..
but thanks

Actually, I would like to see the other two-thirds!

 

[wvg_ca]

Actually, I would like to see the other two-thirds!

okay, just thumbnails though, you will have to click to enlarge them .. various photos over time ..

 

[max diyer]

wvg_ca - Very nice layout! I like the wide open country. Is that terrain modeled after your area?

 

[wvg_ca]

nope .. just what i assumed it would be up north, not much bush / trees

 

[Patrick]

nope .. just what i assumed it would be up north, not much bush / trees

I like it. I may rethink part of mine in the future.