Large Scale Central

The new L&IRR takes shape

General Discussion
#21

Finally a little “down time” and a chance to lay some track. I’m trying something a little different this time around…Free floating track. Inner “loop” is all LGB 8’ dia curves and straight sectional track, outer is all AML 9/10’ and AML flex. All sections are joineed with AML rail clamps and “filled” with USA conductive grease. I hope to get to ballasting and some more planting this weekend.

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/Noble_Dreg/DSCF4080.jpg)

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/Noble_Dreg/DSCF4072.jpg)

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/Noble_Dreg/DSCF4073.jpg)

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/Noble_Dreg/DSCF4074.jpg)

#22

Looks good. Did you fill in your pond?

#23

No, the pond is still there but I had to drain it to put a filter box in. The dog likes to bathe in it and she can get dirty!

#24

Still a LONG way to go yet but I hooked up temporary power to both the pond and the track. Water’s running and so are the trains!

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/Noble_Dreg/DSCF4081.jpg)

No ballast yet. I deliberately ran the outside loop parallel to this window. I now have a “raised platform” layout without the platform! Placing trains on the track through the window can be done at a very comfortable standing position!

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/Noble_Dreg/DSCF4091.jpg)

Still have to run plumbing to the spitting frog!

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/Noble_Dreg/DSCF4089.jpg)

#25

Looking good. I like your window idea. Makes it so much easier to get the trains out and put away.
I like the number you choose for your K. Who did you decals???

#26

Mark, One suggestion if I might, If you find that the rail start coming loose from the clamps remove the clamps
and grind about a 1/16th of a inch off the lower inside of the clamp to allow it to clamp tighter.

I used these AML clamps on a club members layout and when they heated up and cooled down a couple
of times they started to loose there clamping power other than that your layout looks cool.

Nick

#27

That would royally “vacuum” Nick!

:smiley:

#28
Rodney Edington said:
Looking good. I like your window idea. Makes it so much easier to get the trains out and put away. I like the number you choose for your K. Who did you decals???
I had them done by Pro-Mark Graphics. They are well known in the R/C aircraft world as a supplier of dry-transfer markings. A warning, if you send a word file to them and they do not have the requested font set you won't get what you expected! Send a pdf. I love the dry-transfers but they are not cheap. I also need to find a high-res. D&RGW herald so I can have a set made up for the tender.
#29

Oh, I should add…I know it’s not “scale” but I also added “brass” bands to the boiler and domes. Added numbering to the sand dome as well. I just think it looks better.

#30
Mark V said:
Oh, I should add...I know it's not "scale" but I also added "brass" bands to the boiler and domes. Added numbering to the sand dome as well. I just think it looks better.
I did notice that and the bands does make the green boiler stand out.
#31

Looking good Mark. Good idea with the window.

#32

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/Noble_Dreg/DSCF4073.jpg)

Nice…you grow that in with some proper plantins I bet that pic will be wicked cool 2 or 3 yrs from now. …:)…Only my opinion

#33

Just wait 'til I finish the trestle from “mountain to mountain”. :slight_smile:

Tunnel portals and ballast next.

And you’re right, I need the plants. Wish they could fill in as quick as the track!!!

#34

Waterfall is in and the frog is spitting!

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/Noble_Dreg/Pond1.jpg)

A view from the deck above…

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/Noble_Dreg/DSCF4103.jpg)

Finally a house where I like what’s happening under the deck!

#35

Both loops are now fully ballasted and permanently wired (Revolution DC). For ballast I used the same stuff they’ve been sealcoating our streets will. A trip to the local gravel supplier for the city and I could shovel away as much recycled road gravel as I needed. It’s “sharp edged” and looks like it will work. Down-side is the dust turned the ties kinda white. Looks like it will wash off but it’s going to take a while. I’ve done some minor planting. Next comes the Tresstle and tunnel portals. We’re running again!

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/Noble_Dreg/Ballast1.jpg)

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/Noble_Dreg/Ballast2.jpg)

#36

Railroad looks good Mark. Did you do the wall yourself or hire a contractor? It looks really nice.

#37

The wall was pro-built…I pretty much limited myself to moving rocks and laying track. :slight_smile:

#38

Just about done with the track portion of the layout… . .

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/Noble_Dreg/Trestle7.jpg)

#39

Added a Trestle…Still under construction. . .

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/Noble_Dreg/Trestle5.jpg)

. .

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/Noble_Dreg/Trestle1.jpg)

. . Added a few portals too… . .

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/Noble_Dreg/Trestle2.jpg)

#40

Just about ready for the local club open house this weekend… . . BEFORE:

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/Noble_Dreg/Before.jpg)

. . AFTER:

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/Noble_Dreg/Trestle4.jpg)