WM Western Lines Engineering Report

[Ed Kapuscinski]

What's the story with the far back corner? Has that been finished? Looks like that'll be a pain in the butt, otherwise, this is looking awesome.

Can I recommend some unsanded grout on top of the black cinder ballast to give it that "dirt" look that's so prevalent in areas like this? I really love the stuff...

[wm3798]

The back corner is unfinished.  My plan is take a chunk of foam, cut it to fit, build some scenery on it, then throw it back there with a piece of chewing gum.  Once I get the track down in the yard, I'll be experimenting with some textures.
Lee

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Ah, cool, I didn't realize that stuff in there wasn't currently down for good.

I'll tell ya, I LOVE the unsanded black grout for use as that "grimy dirt" that seemed to be everywhere in yard and engine terminals. It's got a really fine texture that just looks awesome.

The sanded stuff is good for gravel, but the unsanded is the shiz-night when it comes to dirt.

[wm3798]

Gee, I wonder where I can find a half a bag of unsanded grout?  Oh yeah, on the shelf behind my office!  Yay ReStore!

Lee

[Philip H]

I've got a 25LB bag of the sanded reddish-brown stuff that I'm using as a ground cover base layer - looks really good for that.

Now back to Lee's regular program.

[wm3798]

Words to accompany the pictures:
http://wmrywesternlines.blogspot.com/2011/04/nerve-center.html

Lee

[wm3798]

Good lord what was I thinking?  I have a lot of hidden trackage, and as the scenery gets filled in, it's going to be even more hidden.  I spent the better part of the evening clearing two underground wrecks, both due to human error.  (Those damn humans... the house is infested with them!)

I'm thinking a security camera system is going to be required, not just a nice idea.  I'm thinking at the staging yard throats, the mid point of East Staging under Cumberland, the back of the two helixes, and somewhere inside the long siding on the Connellsville line. So that's what, 6 cameras?

Yikes.  Any suggestions from the peanut gallery?  Better start stacking up nickels and dimes again!

Lee

[John]

Maybe something like this ..

http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-30-0M-6-LED-WEBCAM-CAMERA-WEB-CAM-MIC-PC-LAPTOP-/120701758006?pt=PCA_Video_Conferencing_Webcams&hash=item1c1a62aa36

[Philip H]

John went the way I was thinking. But do you really need cameras or just occupancy detection with a panel repeat?

[wm3798]

I was thinking more like a cheap security cam system with a couple of displays at the dispatcher's desk.

Adding detection and repeaters would probably require a lot more wiring.

Lee

[wm3798]

Got a package of modular remnants in the mail yesterday from Phil... (Thanks, Phil!) so now the city of Hagerstown has a Department of Public Works!



Lee

[Philip H]

 : : :

[sizemore]

Got a package of modular remnants in the mail yesterday from Phil... (Thanks, Phil!) so now the city of Hagerstown has a Department of Public Works!



Lee

I like it!

The S.

[mcjaco]

Great read Lee.  Love seeing the updates.

I'm in the midst of pre-planning a HO scale layout for the local club that may or may not be moving if they decide to non-renew their lease. 

Unbeknownst to me, until I saw took another gander at your photos of the "Nerve Center" I created almost the exact same track plan for their facilities......weird.   

[wm3798]

A little more progress last night.  Need to do a little sanding and puttying I see.  Maybe I'll buy a trash truck or two. 



I'm thinking about adding a spur to receive road salt.

Lee