Hey, how about a Z scale weekend update? 8/12/07

[DKS]

It's been far too long since I've done any real modeling, but in an amazing stroke of luck, I actually got to do some last week. I've been wanting to make an old-fahsioned five-and-dime store forever, and now I've got one going. I started with two Miller Engineering K.C.'s Hardware kits, and grafted them together to make one nice-sized building. The hardest part was figuring out how to seamlessly merge the two building fronts. After I determined where to make the cut, I did it with an unusual tool: a big old paper cutter (which happened to still have a really sharp blade). Whack! Done!



The rest of the building was made up from various pieces of leftover wall chopped up and soldered together to make a wide two-story building with a single-story extension on the back.



The first detail part I made was the sign. After doing some online research for Woolworth store signs, I decided to use Scale Link etched brass letters, which I CAed to a long strip of brass.



After spraying the sign red, I sanded the paint off the letters. A shot of Dull Cote made the shiny brass look more like gold paint.

[DKS]

Quick test of new ballast on handlaid code 25 track. Lousy photo, great ballast.



minitec 50-0321-01 Standard-Schotter Grauwacke Z

[tom mann]

nice building, nice track.

[3rdrail]

Is that really Z scale code 25 track with tieplates? Ay Caramba!! I bow in supplication like a Moslem toward Mecca (or will that get a fatwa authorizing my murder for saying that?).

[DKS]

Is that really Z scale code 25 track with tieplates? Ay Caramba!! I bow in supplication like a Moslem toward Mecca (or will that get a fatwa authorizing my murder for saying that?).

LOL! Yes, it really is Z scale code 25 track with tieplates.

Here's how it was done: http://jamesriverbranch.net/diorama_2.htm

[Pray59]

That track looks great David. Have you tried to run any cars over it yet? I think I measured Marklin flanges at .027", but I never checked MRL or AZL. Fortunately, a dremel can turn a flange down in short order.

Are you handlaying the track on you Z layout now?

-Robert

[DKS]

That track looks great David. Have you tried to run any cars over it yet? I think I measured Marklin flanges at .027", but I never checked MRL or AZL. Fortunately, a dremel can turn a flange down in short order.

Are you handlaying the track on you Z layout now?

-Robert

Robert, yes, I've run M-T freight cars and an AZL GP7 on the track with no trouble at all. I have no Marklin equipment to worry about. And yes, I am handlaying the track on my layout. I just got sick of looking at the super-bulky M-T flex. I'm also working on two turnouts and a crossing, which should provide me with some good challenges.

[cv_acr]

I really don't know how anyone can actually work in this scale, much less make it look that outstanding.
Simply amazing.

[Chris333]

David, The whole layout handlaid will look amazing! You say Turnouts and crossing, did you change your track plan?

[DKS]

David, The whole layout handlaid will look amazing!

It won't be the whole layout. Just the visible parts. (Well, I guess that it will still look like the whole layout, then.)

You say Turnouts and crossing, did you change your track plan?

I'm not ready to reveal all just yet. It will come soon, though.

[Chris333]

It will come soon, though.

Hurry, I need my fix man 

[DKS]

It will come soon, though.

Hurry, I need my fix man 

OK, it's premature, but here it is: http://jamesriverbranch.net/

Be sure to hit refresh when you land on the homepage.

[RockandRail]

wonderful project, thanks for the peek.
dave f.

[Chris333]

WOW a total re-build! and road change? 

Didn't mean to sound pushy, I just love visiting your site. And for a while there it was constant building, almost like I was watching though a web cam.

I like the new layout.

[DKS]

WOW a total re-build! and road change? 

Didn't mean to sound pushy, I just love visiting your site. And for a while there it was constant building, almost like I was watching though a web cam.

I like the new layout.

Thanks, glad you like it. Hopefully it will return to "web cam" mode.