“Hi Al,
No changes for 2 weeks now so decided to just run a few trains for a change.
Have a good Easter
Regards
Dave”
Now on to Greg:
“You guys have renewed my interest in working on my 20×10 L shaped N scale layout that I started years ago.
It models the Union Pacific Central Division Hub at Marysville, Kansas, about 1928.
I have a lot of work to do, as you can see from the pictures, but that’s the fun part!
Overview of the yards, which I simplified and shrunk to indoor size. That’s the “old” depot. A fancy Spanish style one was constructed in 1929.
Had to get in close to show my scratch built coaling crane and sand tower. The ash pit is dug in but not constructed yet.
I must have 40 more structures to build in the yards and industrial area nearby. More track to lay also.
Here’s the short leg of the L. You can see how I built the track base with three strips of 1/4” plywood curved and spaced apart.
I hand built the turnouts on the main line to a much gentler curve so my larger engines can take them easily.
I hope they come out with a 9000 series locomotive someday, I know they had trouble with the curves around here!
One turn around end is mostly done, needs weeds and finishing touches.
There are tracks! Everyone needs a tall bridge, even in Kansas!
The corn field lifts out for access.
The five story Pacific Hotel I built using DPM modular and scratch building techniques, it’s gone now so I had to do it from pictures.
Greg”
Now on over to Ray:
“Dear Al:
Like everyone else, I am thankful for all you do.
My day gets off to a good start with your post, my paper and a cup of coffee.
I am 87 years old, live in Ohio and have always fooled around with trains. My present layout is ho scale and 12 x 4 feet, and has 11 switches.
My talent level is very low and would not like some of the real pofessionals to see it.
That being said, however, i will share one item on the layout. I had a dead area between my freight yard and main line and came up with the idea of an abandoned siding, photos attached.
The caboose in the picture is from a kit that i built about 75 years ago. Might be an idea for someone with the same situation.
One other thing i found works well which some of your viewers may not have tried is using wallpaper paste instead of glue in applying landscape materials and paper to cardboard.
It is very easy to use and less expensive.
Thank you again for all you do for model railroading.
Ray”
A big thanks to Ray, Greg and Dave.
That’s all for today folks.
Please do keep ’em coming.
And if today is the day you get started on your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.
Best
Al
PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.
Greg,
That’s some great looking farmland! Nice rural landscaping.
WOW!
Dave:
Do you ever run freight trains?
Greg,
You’ll have to let us know your method for building the corn fields. I’d like to add one to my layout with that outstanding result. Great layout!
Bill
Greg you have a great bunch of detail. Keeps the eye looking. Love to see more later and some trains running. Ray don’t put yoursel down. What I see is very good. The dead siding is a good work around in your situation. Please send more pictures.
.
Dave. Thanks for the video.
Dave, where do you get the background art?
William, for “corn” I cut narrow strips of Scotch-Brite pads and glued various colors of ground foam to them. Roughen them up for row crops. Could be beans, I suppose. Bob, I was running trains like crazy until my unfamiliarity with my DCC controller led to me running a train off the end of an unfinished siding and four feet down to its demise. I took all my locomotives home, well out of temptations path! I have been working on installing my background scenery and finishing up the framing on the open end. I may be the slowest modeler here!
Greg: Question. Where did you get that church? Twin towers? Is that plastic or a paper print out that you put together?
Ronald my backscenes are from Gaugemaster but you can find them on Amazon also …as for do i run freight ..yes i do will post a video soon showing some freight trains …Dave
Ray, from the piece of your layout you have shown us I do not think you need to worry about your level of modelling skill. It looks really good! Cary on the good work and enjoying the hobby. All the best Kelvin.