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  1. M

    Designing Layout #6 - I had an epiphany

    The new layout is a small branch line that has 5 turnouts, no runarounds, 1 major industry, and 2-3 minor ones. The footprint will be just about the same, 10'x2', with a 3'x15" extension on the end. It's set in the 1960's Oregon Willamette Valley, serviced by the SP, with the major source of...
  2. M

    Designing Layout #6 - I had an epiphany

    Demolition has begun:confused:. I'm a little sad, but it's time for a change. I saved the trees, structures, and detail parts, but I am trashing everything else including track. the current switches are #4 and I am going to #6 so it looks a little closer to prototype.
  3. DSCN2523.JPG

    DSCN2523.JPG

  4. M

    Designing Layout #6 - I had an epiphany

    UPDATE I really did some thinking about what I really wanted out of this next layout and it was "prototypical operation". This is going to be a 180 from what I have been doing all these years......basically building a highly detailed, operating, large shelf diorama....whimsical or freelanced...
  5. M

    I made it to the big time

    Much appreciated. Thank you!
  6. M

    I made it to the big time

    No, not that one. It's been over a month so mine is no longer at that spot. Scroll up about 5 spots in this thread and you will see the photo.
  7. M

    Techniques for Painting/weathering Wooden Loading Dock

    Use a file card or fine Zona saw blade, with the grain, to put some age on it. Even gouge some of the boards along the loading/unloading side. Hit it with washes of dark earth, neutral gray, and mud, then a thin black wash over everything to blend it. A hair dryer will speed up the process.
  8. M

    Northern Pacific Rocky Valley Branch Switching Layout Build

    Surprise! Surprise!😁 Walthers kits have the least user friendly instructions of any manufacturer. You will probably have extra pieces on the sprue that aren't even for your model. Just take your time and test fit, multiple times, before gluing.
  9. M

    Northern Pacific Rocky Valley Branch Switching Layout Build

    Looks great so far. Did you use fine or medium ballast?
  10. M

    Static Grass Applicators

    Anyone use the WWS Pro Grass GRAND static applicator? My WS is marginal at best.
  11. M

    Northern Pacific Rocky Valley Branch Switching Layout Build

    I believe this has been my problem with getting bored so quickly. Once it's built, what do I do with it. Looks great statically, but no functionality. No more delusions of grandeur. :oops:
  12. M

    Northern Pacific Rocky Valley Branch Switching Layout Build

    Not trying to hijack your thread. ;) Your progress is great!👍 I had a similar epiphany. I had been building "operating dioramas" where I stuffed every structure I had ever built into them and detailed down to the minutia. Almost completely nonsensical for operation. I watched this video...
  13. M

    DCC on DC

    Oooops, Mea Culpa. Senior moment.:(
  14. M

    DCC on DC

    Agree 100%. You're putting unnecessary stress on the motor and electronics. A test run is ok. Full time use could be an expensive experiment. Your engine won't even start moving until you are at least half throttle and even at full throttle it won't be that much better. You can always buy...
  15. M

    Smaller engines

    Ok, Rapido then.:cool: They have a great SW9 and the 44 ton center cab is in production. You could probably find one of their SW1200 on the used market also. https://rapidotrains.com/media/pdf/27%20SW9%202023%20WEB2.pdf https://rapidotrains.com/ho-scale/diesel-locomotives/44-tonner.html
  16. M

    Smaller engines

    Broadway Limited has some refurbished GP20's at a great price, with full warranty. (General Purpose) A GP20 would look just fine as a road engine or switcher. https://broadway-limited.com/collections/refurb-outlet-store?stock_status=in-stock&scale=Scale_HO&page=3
  17. M

    Smaller engines

    Like others have said, it's your layout, have fun. I just personally think that a big road engine looks better with a long string of cars behind it and a SW1200, S2, center cab, etc looks better switching short strings of cars. I always enjoyed the articles on the Moscow, Camden, and St...
  18. M

    Smaller engines

    A big road diesel doing local switching duties? Yes, that would look out of place.
  19. M

    Designing Layout #6 - I had an epiphany

    I learned a lot with this one, but I am bored with it. I have to admit that I did a poor job designing it for operation. Being honest with myself I built a 12' operating diorama, to display all my structures. That is the epiphany I had.....this is why I get bored so fast. I finish building...
  20. M

    Trains.com

    Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazette GREAT modeling inspiration, product reviews, layouts, etc on line. Browse the "features"section https://ngslgazette.com/current-issue/



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