I am working on the background behind the whole layout. This section is behind the sawmill insert from the last post
background behind sawmill
Will post the sawmill area with the insert back in place when I finish a few more details o the Sawmill
Starting to work on multiple structures for the layout using kit bashing and scratch building. I’ll be putting up various progress on building in the coming weeks. The first area is the passenger station area in the city.
Passenger station area test ideas
This second view in same area with some added wall ideas
Station area in the city
The longer shed part of the station is at a lower level and further along.
Almost finished train shed area
Will put up progress on this and other areas as I move along.
I have been concentrating on working on the branch line this week, so here are some photos of progress at the future site of the sawmill.
Getting the sidings in place for the log slide to the pond and a siding for finished product.
Next a series of Photographs showing creating the terrain around where the mill will be.
Adding slab of foam for base of mill area.
Adding slope down base.
Using some hydrocal rocks from rock molds and plaster cloth.
Then filling with more rocks and blending with sculptamold
Next will be determining the contours of the mill area (buildings, pond etc.
Working to finish up track work and bridges etc, on both main line passing sidings and on the lumber branch, and at the same time dealing with roughing in base scenery in those areas.
Passing sidings on two levels as well as logging branch at the top
Just added Queenpost bridge on the logging branch
Switching crew getting an early start on the days work
Switching crew passing the tower on the yard lead-in
Started to wire each section of track soldered to the rails and then connected to the DCC size14 buss wire with suitcase connectors. (insulation displacement connectors)
Wires at back of town passing siding ready to solder
Should make for good steady power
I have a concept of the walk-in aisle of my layout being a river or small bay, so I am making my scenery (rocky banks etc.) all come down to a common level as it would be meeting a bay.
Series of shots, showing rocky banks coming to a common level.
Bank by the concrete arch bridge
Continuation of banks at bay level
Further along the bank
This showing my suspended edge, not yet fully built up with scenery
This shot from a low level showing the way the edge is built
My thought is to build a rolling cart with an area of bay level water that can be raised into position anywhere along the walk in aisle, for photography of the layout, with extended water.
Continuing about my visit to the Vermont rail yard. It certainly has a nice view from Vermont rail Headquarters.
Lake Champlain
Right on the shores of Lake Champlain.
Turntable at the Yard
Was able to see the old turntable (still used), and then did get to ride along on a switching move.
Engineer of GP16 No 802
Going to pick up some rolling stock arriving.
Freight agent handing off paperwork
Russell snowplow ready to handle Vermont winters.
A very enjoyable and unexpected day in Vermont.
Getting track in place on the concrete bridge including ballast.
Concrete bridge with track
Still need to weather the track and the bridge.
Another view of the area from under the bridge.
Low angle looking up at some of the trestle bases
Back, finally, to casting the second side of my arch bridge, so to bring things up to date, here are a few shots of the mold and initial pour.
Wood & Sintra mold with steel wire re-enforcing rods
Starting pour
Pouring Hydrocal in a hurry – sets quick
and leveling off
Leveling Hydrocal
Then back to the present starting the second pour
original cast and second pour
Both casts with spacer cut from 3/4 inch Sintra (expanded closed cell PVC sheet)
I’ll continue detailing and assembly in the next post