I wasn’t even there but I know this to be “factual” from my experience when MODELING trains outside …prototypical probably not however it’s all about where you wanna draw the line on “prototypical” this is why I model by eye and just play with toy trains.
Rick,
Yes, I’ve been following your build progress as well. Did you build right up to the edge of the fence, or did you leave space?
Rooster,
Yes compromises have to be made in any modeling. Defining that line is the hard thing to do.
I might suggest using both methods for the grade - stair step level where there are visual levels, etc industries or towns, and sloped in between. Visually the fence following the grade does not leave much flexibility. As for the width of the ‘between’ sections, I would maintain the 24" for train safety. A 4 foot fall of a heavy locomotive could cause severe damage to the loco. I am sure that fall would not be kind to rolling stock either. Maintaining a distance that would most likely keep the trains on the shelf would be advisable.
Craig,
I’m stealing this method from Al Pomeroy to set my main line. My yard drops off to the rear about 18", so for the most part I’m going to follow that grade at an average of 37" off the ground. The adjustability of this method lets me smooth the grade out. I also built all of my mainline modules exactly the same to make it easier. Then just flop flopping them I laid out the mainline to get the layout I wanted.
After my mainline is built, I will build the rest of the bench work to get the terrain I want. That way I don’t just end up with a flat layout that is 3-4 foot wide.
Chris…I’m happy you checked in. I looked at the flood maps to see if our buddies here on LSC, including you especially, might be in any danger and was relieved to see you don’t seem to be near the flood waters.
Keep us posted on the layout progress. I’m following along with interest.
Chris,
How wide are you making your roadbed?
I’m still trying to determine if it is easier to create a 4 post base or 2 post base for the “non town” runs. I like the ease of using pier blocks, but my test bed is not very stable with 2 pier blocks. Making a bottom support piece might stabilize it better like Al did.
John Passaro said:
Chris…I’m happy you checked in. I looked at the flood maps to see if our buddies here on LSC, including you especially, might be in any danger and was relieved to see you don’t seem to be near the flood waters.
Keep us posted on the layout progress. I’m following along with interest.
The heavy flooding is up in Nebraska, which I’m just south of the state line. But the river is way up and reaching flood stage here from all of the water coming down. I’m safe, I am way up on a hill.
Craig Townsend said:
Chris,
How wide are you making your roadbed?
I’m still trying to determine if it is easier to create a 4 post base or 2 post base for the “non town” runs. I like the ease of using pier blocks, but my test bed is not very stable with 2 pier blocks. Making a bottom support piece might stabilize it better like Al did.
Craig.
Right now the roadbed pieces are just as wide on the inside as the piece of pvc pipe and will be 2 leg supports. Once I start adding in the bench for the scenery, more legs will be added.
https://www.largescalecentral.com/forums/topic/28679/leona-timber-company-build-part-1?page=1
Chris the weather is starting to help you and all us to be able to get outside some. Hopefully spring is longer than 2 Days like last year.
Dennis