“It was nice to see my kit bashing of trestles. Here are two more.
I made a coal dump. That is real coal off Ebay.
The second is short curved trestle at Harpers Ferry with the Susquehanna River. It meets the Potomac River here.
I had a problem with my scenery as shown by the open hole. The Harpers Ferry Station did not cover it. I added a canopy and trees. This is where the B&O crossed the Potomac River
The truss bridges are cut down Atlas kits. The supports for twin track girder bridge are Atlas bridge piers #81.
They are cut horizontally at the slots and then vertically. They are glued and .080 styrene added. Then weathered.
Don”
Now on to Bob.
You may remember he recently sent in this wiring ‘how-to’.
Now he’s helping with something I get mailed a lot on – lihts and LEDs:
“Alastair,
I picked up some dwarf signals at Aliexpress. I got 1o I a pack for $11.04 USD. You get 10 dwarf signals, 10 red LEDs, 10 Green LEDs, and 10 resistors.
Even though you must assemble them, to me they are a good buy. The only problem is that the dwarf signals have no backs. So once I position the LEDs, I use hot glue on the back to secure them.
To finish them I apply liquid tape to the back.
They look good when installed. If any light shines through the backs, a touch of liquid tape solves the problem.
Thanks for hosting this great site.
Bob in Virginia”
A huge thanks to Don and Bob.
Please do keep ’em coming, folks, it’s all getting a bit thin on the ground this end.
And don’t forget the Beginner’s Guide is here if you want to take that magical first step.
Best
Al
PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.
PPS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.
The Shenandoah River flows into the Potomac at Harper’s Ferry. The Susquehanna is further north and flows directly into Chesapeake Bay.
Very nice looks real nice art work.
Don, All you water scenes are superb.I can see your layout is a work in progress.
The Critic
Nice details Don, you have done a great job on the rivers junction at Harpers Ferry.
Been to that station to rail fan and chat with waiting Amtrak passengers.
The whole area is interesting, my wife and I live about 30 minutes away. Thanks for sharing
Cary B New Market MD
PS. Maryland Midland RR fan
I agree with Robert and Cary. The water looks great. Can you share your technique with us please?
I use the same dwarf signals from Evemodel but I use Plastidip liquid plastic, black, to coat the backs.
Lowes carries it.
Bob in Va- I used a similar dwarf signal on my layout (O scale). I used polystyrene tubing cut in half to cover the backs. I also cut a small piece of flat stock to make a top. Painted the whole thing flat black when I was done.
Sincerely
Bob in NY
Great idee and beutiful layout, made make a video from yor layout and put him online for al.
Regards,
HC Treintje Belgium Herman C.
THANKS Al. For the great web site. Great stuff Don and Bob, learning so much good and new ideas.
Lovely detail and finishing touches, thanks for sharing
What size resistor did you use. I have a bunch of lights that needs a resistors.
Don, great work. I enjoyed the pictures very much. The scenery is beautiful. Also, you did a great job on the coal dump.
Bob, thanks for all the wiring tips.
Jim, that is correct. It is the Shenandoah River at Harpers Ferry.
great layout don I love the paasenger trains
thanks for the heads up on the signals bob
Out standing Job!! Well done!
Gregory. first I paint the bottom with tan , lite and dark greens. i bland the transitions to make different water depths. It also seals the bottom. i damn the edge and used woodland scenic deep water pour clear. I add their green tint to make it a little opaque. Finally ,I use their water effects for the waves. Hobby lobby carried this and I bought it over time with the 40% off coupons. otherwise it is too expensive. Unfortunately they no longer carry it here.
look great when i am in newport news i vist the club in yourktown,a great layout
Some of the best and one reason are notes that go with the views.
Just can’t help adding some “attaboys” for the terrific scenery work, bridges and tunnel portals. Realistic scenery makes a HUGE difference in a layout’s overall appearance!!
Lots of history at Harper’s Ferry. 12000 Union troops were captured there in the largest capture of the war.
Love the water effects and tunnel portals.
I have those same signals yet to install, thanks for the tips!
Mn Dan
Don
Great work and super layout. Coal dump is very well done as are the bridges.
Bob
Thanks for that lighting info. Are they wired to a tortoise switch or other circuitry?