Updating the Layout

Displaying the layout at a train show has been a bust for 2020 and quite possibly for 2021 as well due to COVID-19.

I pulled the layout out of storage earlier this week and set it up to run some trains. The layout had been in storage for 16 months. I am using this time to update the layout.

My newest locomotive is too long to operate on the tail track when coupled to rolling stock longer than 40'.  I never planned on using longer wheelbase locos, but I could not resist with the Mopac Gp15-1 loco. The prototype loco actually operated on the rail line that served the Wetterau Food Services warehouse. It more than likely switched the warehouse too. I'm going to extend the tail track by 2" to accommodate the new loco. This is an easy change with the foamcore baseboard. I will need to build a new tail track section.

I am also adding crossbucks to the road that crosses the track.  This is something I wanted to do for a long time, but never got around to doing it. I purchased a sign kit from Blair Line LLC off of eBay. These are simple to build. The posts are wood and the crossbucks are printed on thin styrene. 

I'm hoping things will improve with the COVID-19 situation, and I can get the layout back on the road in 2021!

Tom

Building the WFS Part 8

The Final Stage 

(Originally published on the Micro Model Railroad Cartel Blog) 

Track ballast is in place and final scenery work begins.

A few more finishing touches are needed on the warehouse structure.  I did not copy the prototype structure exactly and used plastic detail parts to hide seams and flaws in the cardstock/foam core building flat.  

Disaster... 

I didn't realize I had placed the building flat directly under a seam on my folding table. Isopropyl alcohol and scenic cement leaked through the seam and dropped down on the building flat. My carelessness ended up damaging the photo front on the building flat. I also discovered my ink jet printer was low on ink and the replacement brick front didn't match the undamaged portion of the brick on the building flat. Ugh! 

Disaster fixed... 

I went ahead and pulled off all of the brick facing on the building flat and replaced the whole front. This ended up being an easy fix, and I was even able to adjust the seams and get rid of the vent pipe that was used on the previous version of the building flat. I like this version better than the previous one, so it turned out to be a blessing in disguise! 

The connecting track section pieces were ballasted using a piece of .010 styrene glued to the bottom of the ties/sleepers and ballast applied to the topside of the track section. This technique worked well and I am happy with the results. 

IMPORTANT OBSERVATION:

Despite all of the isopropyl alcohol and scenery cement poured onto the foam core baseboard, warping has been slight.  This warping has not created any issues with connections or any vertical deflections to the track. Overall it has been a pleasant experience.  Proper bracing of the baseboard is key to minimize warping of the baseboard. 

Tom 

Building the WFS Part 6

(Originally published on the Micro Model Railroad Cartel Blog) 

Painting and Ballasting Track

I like to paint and weather the rails and the individual ties/sleepers before applying ballast.  I use acrylic paints (Raw Sienna, Raw Umber, Payne's Gray, and Unbleached Titanium) and paint the individual ties/sleepers in a random fashion.  The rails are painted with a Floquil Paint Pen (Rail Brown).

I like to use a blend of Monster Modelworks Diorama Dirt (sifted) and Woodland Scenics Fine Gray Ballast to ballast the track.  I carefully apply the ballast material being sure to keep ballast grains clear of frogs, guardrails, and turnout throwbars.   I like to use 70% Isopropyl Alcohol as a wetting agent, and Woodland Scenics Scenic Cement to fasten the ballast into place.  The alcohol and scenic cement are applied with a pipette.  The photos below show the various stages of painting ties/sleepers and ballasting track.

Building the WFS Part 5

(Originally published on the Micro Model Railroad Cartel Blog) 

Scenery Work 

I have applied a base coat of paint to the ground and track.   I also filled in the foam core roadbed sides with Sculptamold.  I like to add some earth-colored latex paint to the water before I add the dry Sculptamold.  Adding this color tones down the stark white of the Sculptamold.   I used a palette knife to mix, apply, and smooth the Sculptamold.

The road through the scene was made with a foam core base and Woodland Scenics' Smooth-It applied over it.  I applied the Smooth-It with a palette knife. I used an old freight truck, screwdriver, and Bright Boy track cleaner to keep the flangeways and rail tops clear of the plaster.

Tom