It’s been a while, but Rob’s been in touch with another update, this time he’s been working on his O scale tunnels.
I think the wonderful thing about this hobby is just how long they take – your layout is always there, ready for you when you have the inclination.
No time scales, targets or pressure.
And for me it’s one of the things that make it so relaxing.
“Hi Al,
Been a while since I sent anything your way.
As usual- life tends to get in the way of our train hobby.
I’ve been reading your daily emails with all of the great work from the others who submit to you.
I’ve had some time to get back on some train related projects.
I’m modeling O gauge with post-war Lionel up to modern equipment. Track is all older Lionel tubular 3-rail.
I was trying to decide what to do with a flat area over my tunnel entrance for a while.
I finally settled on continuing the terrain from the cliff in the corner to give some reason for the retaining wall to be there behind the tracks.
I started with another piece of 2” blue foam insulation and started carving until I was happy.
I scored the face with a pencil to simulate granite blocks.
I added a piece on the top of the O scale tunnels portal to blend it in with the new scene.
Finally I scratch-built a fence to place above the tunnel entrance as well.
Here are some photos of the build and the finished product.
A little detail on the fence build.
I used some heavy gauge wire for the poles, soldered together.
The fence fabric is nylon netting from a crate of oranges ( I like to scrounge for scenic pieces).
I painted the whole assembly with silver acrylic paint.
Bob in New York.”
“Hi AL,
I have been receiving your posts for a couple of years now, and have never posted.
So, here goes, this videos show the progress after 1 year of work on the layout.
I am modeling the South African Railways from 1980 to 1990.
Thanks for all your emails, it always helps to see what other people are doing.
Henry, from Sunny South Africa.”
Brank spanking new ebay cheat sheet here.
A huge thanks to Bob and Henry – two fine updates. Just goes to show, it’s all about making a start.
And if you want to join in on the fun, the Beginner’s Guide is here.
Best
Al
I am just getting into model railroading (after a brief stint as a kid in the ‘50s) at 64 years old and love the idea of “scrounging’ as well as using things from nature. Your fence creation is awesome-looking and inspiring. Thanks for sharing your work!
It is always really nice to see the work of those from all over the world. Really nice layouts, keep up the fine work. Cheers! NJ Mark
I love Henry’s idea of photographs depicting looking through a factory building, a good touch of realism. Thanks for that Henry, you certainly have some work ahead of you on your growing layout.
Thanks for sharing. It’s great to see the progress both of you are making on your layouts. Jack in PA
Nice work by both of you. I think Henry’s going to be very busy moving all that freight to and from all those industries. Thanks for sharing.
Jim AZ
Really like Henry’s idea of the photos in the windows! What a great way to add dementionality to a faulse front! Way inventive!
Thanks Jim, my layout is planned for operation, and when finished will be able to accommodate 6 engineers and a dispatcher. I am still trying to decide if each operator is going to be stationed at a station, or walk with their train from one station to the next.
Thank you Gentleman, great to see ideas from other modelers. the world is very small these days, and getting smaller still.Looking forward to see updates of your railroad in the future.
Henry
Great work looking forward to next video, perhaps it will show us where the dog kennels are! Great sound affects! lol
Peter
I wish I still had my 027 from back from Christmas of “55” that my Parents got me with a barrel loader than for “56” they got me a new large transformer that I ask for, but my 3 daughters help me out on not having it anymore by taking it out one Saturday when I was at work and took it out and played with it in the sand and of coarse I did not know and it rained that night and the next day in the sand hole were they were playing and I found it the following weekend when I cut the yard all nicely rusted up real good.
The fence looks great. what is nice about this hobby is the world wide appeal. While I will never have the opportunity to visit South Africa, your layout puts me in the heart of it. I was asked in my last post by Gregory how I did my water. I paint the base with tan, light green, and dark green and blend the transitions for depth. I dam the edge with caulk and plastic sheet. I used Deep Water Pour Clear with a little green tint. Finally I use Water Effects for the surface ripples. I used 40% off coupons over time at Hobby Lobby. It was still expensive, and they no longer carry the products.
Nice looking layout Rob, Great to see O scale layouts, Been in O / 027 since birth good luck with the layout and did you ever think of looking into OGR Forum nice site for ideas maintenance and scenery, God Speed!
Henry.
Lekker railway layout. Takes me back to my childhood.
I look forward to seeing your progress.
Tom. Now in the UK.
Bob,
Nice work on your O gauge layout. The chain-link fence looks great.
Henry,
Very nice video of your layout. I really like your diesel servicing facility and your tank farm. Were they from kits or scratch built? Looks like you’re well along in planning and building your shelf layout.
Looks great? i hope mine comes out that good.
This layout is O Kay!