TheRailwire

General Discussion => Layout Engineering Reports => Topic started by: BCOL 747 on April 04, 2016, 08:19:58 PM

Title: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: BCOL 747 on April 04, 2016, 08:19:58 PM
Hello All

After several months of talking about it I was finally able to convince a friend of mine to put together a short layout video of a portion of my upper level.

It's not 100% complete but please take a look and let me know what you think?


Thanks,

Chris
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: Scottl on April 04, 2016, 08:32:25 PM
Chris,

It looks great- you have been holding out on us!  I really like the scenes and it reminds me of the territory a lot, especially the bridges.  The scenery has a nice natural feel to it, and I was especially impressed with the quarry.

Nice work, I hope we can see a track plan and progress more regularly.
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: davefoxx on April 04, 2016, 08:48:11 PM
Awesome!  That Highway 97 overpass scene came out really good, too!  Thanks for sharing.

DFF
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: GaryHinshaw on April 04, 2016, 10:31:54 PM
It's about time man!  It looks great, and sounds great.  I'd love to see your plan.
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: nuno81291 on April 04, 2016, 10:47:47 PM
excellent excellent excellent ground cover- some of the best I have seen in N- very natural feeling with the amount of variation displayed.
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: BCOL 747 on April 04, 2016, 11:39:48 PM
Thanks guys, I appreciate the kind compliments. It is good to know that at least I am in the same ballpark as some of you fine modelers.

Yes Scott, I have been hanging out in the weeds a little bit lately. I am working full time, in school at UBC, have an RCMP wife and a young family so as you can probably imagine I have been quite busy. Yes I realize I am wining. I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel as far as school goes so look for a few more updates in the fall after the summer semester.

You said it Gary, it is about time. I think I said I was going to do a video two years ago when we were at your place. I will post the track plan asap. I must have it on my work computer as I can’t find it at home.

Thanks again,
Chris
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: GaryHinshaw on April 05, 2016, 12:06:56 AM
Quote from: BCOL 747 on April 04, 2016, 11:39:48 PM
...in school at UBC,

UBC/Vancouver?

By the way, I loved the composite shots at the end of the video showing the prototype scenes next to the model scenes.  Very well done.

Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: BCOL 747 on April 05, 2016, 12:22:00 AM
UBC/Sauder School Of Business. I am working on my Diploma in Urban Land Economics. Distance leaning, I am still in Prince George.

You can bet if I was on going to school on campus I would be around to see guys like yourself and Mark weekly to have a little running session. Ha ha.

Chris
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: GaryHinshaw on April 05, 2016, 12:45:11 AM
Quote from: BCOL 747 on April 05, 2016, 12:22:00 AM
You can bet if I was on going to school on campus I would be around to see guys like yourself and Mark weekly to have a little running session. Ha ha.

You're d%mn right you would!  :D
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: Scottl on April 05, 2016, 06:42:59 AM
You probably get to drive past Cisco every few weeks...
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: mark dance on April 06, 2016, 08:48:14 AM
Wonderful video Chris!

I especially like the model video running on top of the prototype stills. Might I ask what video editting program you use?

Md
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: BCOL 747 on April 06, 2016, 07:50:40 PM
Hi Mark

My friend Ryan edited it with “I Movie”.  I think he did a great job!

Your compliments mean a great deal to me as your layout and subsequent videos have been great inspiration.

Thanks so much,

Chris
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: Ed Kapuscinski on April 07, 2016, 09:44:41 AM
Finally got to watch the video. Beautiful!

I also love the prototype overlay too. Great stuff.
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: BCOL 747 on April 08, 2016, 07:37:06 PM
Please ignore. I am trying to post the track plan but I am having PC issues. I will try again tonight.

Thanks,

Chris
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: Albert in N on April 08, 2016, 08:34:45 PM
Chris, that is amazing work!  I especially like the comparison at the end showing the actual location with the layout model.  The layout is breathtaking and the trains are works of art. The video quality with sound is excellent!  Did you paint and detail the BC Rail locomotives and cabooses?
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: BCOL 747 on April 09, 2016, 03:18:54 PM
Scott and Gary

As requested below is the track plan for the BC Rail Chetwynd Subdivision. I had to take a photo of my layout display board which I use for shows so the quality isn’t that great. Someday I will have to figure out how to post a PDF. If anyone would like a better copy I would certainly be open to emailing you one. 

There have been a few changes to the track plan since fellow Railwire member Greg Kennelly made these up for me but, most are minor and not worth mentioning.

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii505/gump4727/IMG_7526_zpsj0jftkz2.jpg) (http://s1257.photobucket.com/user/gump4727/media/IMG_7526_zpsj0jftkz2.jpg.html)

Have a good weekend,
Chris
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: Scottl on April 09, 2016, 04:57:32 PM
If you send the pdf to me I can convert to a jpeg or png file for posting.

It looks great- lots of room to work with, and you have already demonstrated that it is a long scenic run  :D
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: GaryHinshaw on April 09, 2016, 07:07:50 PM
I like it too, but I'm afraid I have to deduct a few point for stacking your yards in front of a narrow aisle.  :P  Has that worked out ok?  What happens at the bottom end of each yard? Do you have reversing loops where the helix is located?

But again, this is an extremely nice pike!
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: BCOL 747 on April 09, 2016, 10:21:54 PM
Yes Gary I understand why I lose some points here. Because I have only operated by myself it hasn’t been a huge problem having the yards stacked but I can certainly foresee some issues if there were two or three good sized operators in there.

When I designed the layout we didn’t think we would be in town for very long and I thought I would rebuild it properly in larger room somewhere down the road. Both my wife and I have taken better jobs within our respective companies here in Prince George so it looks like we will be here for a few more years anyway. The two yards will be the last place on the layout that will receive scenery so by the time I get around to it we may find ourselves in another city anyway.

The bottom of the lower level yard leads past the helix and into another room where I have my staging. The upper deck is just a dead end at the moment but will be a reversing loop at some point in the near future.

Chris  :)
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: coldriver on April 10, 2016, 11:07:13 AM
Really like your layout - lots of attention to detail that make the scenes completely believable.  I made it that far north following BC Rail once (in 2004) and you've done a great job capturing the area.  The talus, ground foliage, trees, rock outcrops, etc, are all nicely done.  And the trains look like BC Rail trains should look! 
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: BCOL 747 on April 10, 2016, 02:24:39 PM
Fellow RW member Scott was kind enough to convert the track plans to PNG files for me. This offers a better look with more detail. Thanks Scott.

(http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i461/scottl16/Chris%20Dittmar_lower%20deck%20electrical_zpssvkgalfb.png) (http://s1095.photobucket.com/user/scottl16/media/Chris%20Dittmar_lower%20deck%20electrical_zpssvkgalfb.png.html)

(http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i461/scottl16/Chetwynd%20Sub_Upper%20Deck_1-24_cd_zpsdb6538pt.png) (http://s1095.photobucket.com/user/scottl16/media/Chetwynd%20Sub_Upper%20Deck_1-24_cd_zpsdb6538pt.png.html)

Thanks for all the kind compliments.

Chris
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: BCOL 747 on April 10, 2016, 03:18:24 PM
Quote from: Albert in N on April 08, 2016, 08:34:45 PM
Chris, that is amazing work!  I especially like the comparison at the end showing the actual location with the layout model.  The layout is breathtaking and the trains are works of art. The video quality with sound is excellent!  Did you paint and detail the BC Rail locomotives and cabooses?

Hi Albert

Thanks for the kind compliments. Yes all the locomotives and a good portion of the rolling stock are custom painted. I did most of it but the M630 706 was purchased from a friend. I believe it was painted by Jeff Briggs from Briggs models. The cabeese are stock Atlas stand ins until I have the time to build several of the Kaslo Shops EV cabeese which are prototypical for BC Rail.

Chris
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: Ed Kapuscinski on April 10, 2016, 09:56:29 PM
Ok, I might've asked before, but what's up with BC Fall's light show up front?

Is it just that that run through the real wilds, or is there more to it.

How do the extra ditch lights function?
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: Missaberoad on April 10, 2016, 10:06:58 PM
Quote from: Ed Kapuscinski on April 10, 2016, 09:56:29 PM
Is it just that that run through the real wilds, or is there more to it.
How do the extra ditch lights function?

That's pretty much it, there was a series of pretty bad rock slide accidents in the 1970's in BC and ditch lights became common on all Canadian locomotives leading in the province. BC Rail being Provincial Government I imagine spared no expense :) both sets are at different angles lighting up the ROW pretty effectively..

My rules instructor was a former CN engineer had a story he liked to share about paralleling a highway with a BC Rail leader. A Truck driver decided to flash all his lights including the bar on the roof at him (taking offense to his headlights I assume). Being a bit of a :ashat: He flips on all the locos ditchlights turning night into day, and causing the Trucker to turn off his lights pretty quick...
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: bdennis on April 10, 2016, 10:25:17 PM
Chris,
Nice looking plan.. Where is the entry into the room and are you doing a lift bridge / swing bridge or a duck under.
Also what are your deck heights?
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: Ed Kapuscinski on April 11, 2016, 09:55:00 AM
Quote from: Missaberoad on April 10, 2016, 10:06:58 PM
That's pretty much it, there was a series of pretty bad rock slide accidents in the 1970's in BC and ditch lights became common on all Canadian locomotives leading in the province. BC Rail being Provincial Government I imagine spared no expense :) both sets are at different angles lighting up the ROW pretty effectively..

My rules instructor was a former CN engineer had a story he liked to share about paralleling a highway with a BC Rail leader. A Truck driver decided to flash all his lights including the bar on the roof at him (taking offense to his headlights I assume). Being a bit of a :ashat: He flips on all the locos ditchlights turning night into day, and causing the Trucker to turn off his lights pretty quick...

Ah, makes sense. I thought there was some rock slide component to it. I was curious about the aiming too. Sounds like they were pretty impressive to see. I'd love to see some photos of them all on at night.
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: BCOL 747 on April 11, 2016, 11:02:10 PM
Quote from: Ed Kapuscinski on April 11, 2016, 09:55:00 AM
Ah, makes sense. I thought there was some rock slide component to it. I was curious about the aiming too. Sounds like they were pretty impressive to see. I'd love to see some photos of them all on at night.

Ed, Ryan hit the nail on the head with his answer. Maybe BC Rail had more money than CN or CP as they added a third set of ditch lights to most of their locomotive roster in the early eighties. Most of the other two RRs just had one set of ditch lights if I recall correctly.

I will see if I can find a night shot in my collection with a BC Rail locomotive with all the lights on. It is pretty impressive.

Chris
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: Missaberoad on April 11, 2016, 11:25:36 PM
Quote from: BCOL 747 on April 11, 2016, 11:02:10 PM
Most of the other two RRs just had one set of ditch lights if I recall correctly.
I will see if I can find a night shot in my collection with a BC Rail locomotive with all the lights on. It is pretty impressive.
Chris

You remember correctly... Both CP and CN chose to go with a more traditional setup, although for a while CN had removable ditchlights that looked like photo floods :)

as for the lightshow not my video but shows it pretty good! :)
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: BCOL 747 on April 11, 2016, 11:50:04 PM
Quote from: bdennis on April 10, 2016, 10:25:17 PM
Chris,
Nice looking plan.. Where is the entry into the room and are you doing a lift bridge / swing bridge or a duck under.
Also what are your deck heights?

Brendan, entrance to the room consists of a swing bridge between Wakely and the helix on the lower level. I am six feet so it is a little bit of a duck under the second level as well.

I have added some layout statistics below that should answer most questions.

Chris

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii505/gump4727/Chetwynd%20Sub_layout%20statistics%205x8%20Arial_zpsibljjrxr.png) (http://s1257.photobucket.com/user/gump4727/media/Chetwynd%20Sub_layout%20statistics%205x8%20Arial_zpsibljjrxr.png.html)
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: bdennis on April 12, 2016, 01:02:53 AM
Chris.
Thanks for the update. Am following along with interest.
Have you measured your passing sidings as some look to be a bit short to cater for a 28 car train? Especially the ones on the area of Pinesul on both decks.
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: BCOL 747 on April 12, 2016, 11:36:27 AM
Hi Brendan

The siding at Pinesul is not a siding at all. It will be a sulphur plant which is served by two spur tracks. It will be somewhat compressed from the prototype.

The track below Pinesul on level one is a spur that services the PG sawmill. This is where they load centerbeam cars with lumber.

I have a few prototype photos at home that I will post tonight to give some idea of what I am talking about.

Chris
Title: Re: BC Rail Chetwynd Sub
Post by: bdennis on April 12, 2016, 05:47:49 PM
Chris,
Ah ok cool.. Just checking.. Looking good..