Horseshoe Curve

[Bob Bufkin]

And to think that back in the day PRR also had Muleshoe Curve to bypass Horseshoe when traffic was heavy.  Now that's heavy mainline railroading?

[wazzou]

And to think that back in the day PRR also had Muleshoe Curve to bypass Horseshoe when traffic was heavy.  Now that's heavy mainline railroading?

I wonder if the Chinese construction workers named Muleshoe Curve after that pork dish.

[Chris333]

So on the map there is an old incline RR by the Muleshoe. Is this where there is a museum at?  

When I was a kid my Dad took me to Horseshoe curve and on the way back we stopped at a display for an incline RR. They used clogged wheels. I have no idea where we were though.

Edit: I must be thinking of the Portage RR.

[rswinnerton]

So on the map there is an old incline RR by the Muleshoe. Is this where there is a museum at? 

When I was a kid my Dad took me to Horseshoe curve and on the way back we stopped at a display for an incline RR. They used clogged wheels. I have no idea where we were though.

You're thinking about the Allegheny Portage RR site. They have a plane, the Lemon House (quiet Ed!) etc. Unfortunately most of the old roadbed around the muleshoe was obliterated when they rebuilt Rt 22. Some of the highway grade is actually on the old line. If the goon squad wants to do that area up, I could get y'all to those places.
Russ

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I wonder what the parties there were like...

[Dave V]

I wonder what the parties there were like...

[AlkemScaleModels]

I think one of the problems with JD's, is the size of the clumps.  They're scaled to look like the trees painted on the back drop.  They should be larger being in the foreground, and I agree with Ed, they need some trunks, even if they're smallish to maintain the illusion of height and distance.

Also, the unfinished paper rocks are killing the whole effect (much like the giant hole in the scene above!).  Therefore, I'm hesitant to pass judgment without seeing the work closer to completion.
Lee

I believe that is JD's plan w/re to the trees. Branch detail along the periphery. Random branches here and there to show some detail in the main canopy. The tree clusters get smaller as they go further back to convey distance. There is an art to placing the clusters to make them look more like trees and not a foam carpet.


The rock carving in under way. A WIP shot is here. He has delegated the rock carving to me, so it is going slow as I find time to get over there.




One thing I tried to talk him out of was the choice of a cloudy day. Thus the backdrop doesn't grab you like it could.

Here is another layout using foam clusters and blue sky backdrop. This is Brian Brendel's home layout.


I've used clusters with some branch detail on the periphery to good effect on my Afton module. Clusters are good for modules that get beat up in transport.

[GaryHinshaw]

As much as I love this shot, I have to wonder how well it will play with the rest of the layout. Horseshoe is a very sharp curve by prototype standards, and I'd be worried that this scene gives the opposite effect in context.  Maybe it's isolated enough in that alcove that it won't matter though.  If it were me, I'd be tempted to pull the curve in a bit and let the scenery stretch its legs.

Either way, it's going to be cool.

Gary

[inkaneer]

I wonder if the Chinese construction workers named Muleshoe Curve after that pork dish.

There were no Chinese construction workers.  Horseshoe Curve was built by 450 Irish immigrants using mules, carts wheelbarrows, picks, shovels and black powder.  All probably lubricated with ample amounts of Irish whiskey but that's another story. 

I researched the Curve for a series of Ntrak modules.  The curve would be scale with the only concession to Ntrak being there would be no grade.  Using maps with elevation contour lines I plotted the track on a grid which I then transferred to the modules.  I determined that five modules would do a good rendering.  There would be a four foot straight module in the middle.  On either side there would be "L" shaped modules each 6 feet long.  These three modules would form a "U" shape and constitute the actual curve.  The last two modules would also be "L" shape and 6 feet in length.  These would turn the track 90 degrees to connect with adjoining Ntrak modules.  All of the "L" shaped modules would be the same dimensions having the vertical leg 6 feet long and the horizontal part of the "L" three feet long.  Width would be 2 feet.  I got the modules all built but never proceeded any further as I became beset with the idea that not including the grade was tantamount to committing the unpardonable sin.  So the project never went any further.   Now however, with the purchase of a new house with a big basement, the project will go forward with the grade included.

[seusscaboose]

the Curve needs some staging
http://cgi.ebay.com/N-Scale-Helix-BUILT-KATO-Track-/110663912611?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item19c4154ca3#ht_500wt_1156

[delamaize]

I wonder what the parties there were like...

wow, really?

[rswinnerton]

wow, really?

Yeah, Ed always goes there.

[eric220]

Well, I wasn't going to bump the thread again, but since it's already been done.

I think I've settled on reducing the geometry down to 1:200.  That gives about 8" between the outer rail and the wall at its closest clearance.  That should be enough for a decent amount of scenery while still preserving the look of the curve.

[sirenwerks]

There were no Chinese construction workers.  Horseshoe Curve was built by 450 Irish immigrants using mules, carts wheelbarrows, picks, shovels and black powder.  All probably lubricated with ample amounts of Irish whiskey but that's another story....

To add to what Inkaneer mentioned... There was very little to no Chinese involvement in building any of the eastern roads. Simple geography should remind everyone that the vast number of the Chinese immigrated through the Pacific Rim, America's west coast. They worked to link the transcontinentals, labored to develop lumber and mining fortunes of the west, and then most were summarily swept out of the US in an anti-Chinese fervor. Not one of the prouder moments in US history, but one being repeated even now.

[jmlaboda]

"Those signals are unique also.  Don't think I've ever seen them before."

I believe that what you are seeing is a special form of a water tower capable of watering steam on any of the tracks that they may be on.