Category Archives: Trackwork

Kit bashing and Scratch building

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.

Continuing work on the Lumbering branch line

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 on my layout aisle being a river or bay

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.

Burlington Vermont Yard- Vermont Rail System

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.

 

Completing my cast hydrocal Cement arch bridge

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