Cisco Bridges: a new layout concept

[Scottl]

Thanks guys.  It's like any layout with some issues, but also lots of things I'm happy about.

The reach is fine to the entire canyon-tunnel section.  The real risk (knock on wood) is a tunnel derailment, one is quite long and it is nearly inaccessible in there.  Next layout, I'll put re-railers in hidden places like that.

The foam for the other river shore is roughed in and the caulk is curing.  It is amazing how quickly it can happen with few hours of work.  The next stage is the fascia and some Sculptamold.

[Bendtracker1]

I can't even imagine you tearing this layout down, after the hours and hours of work that have resulted in a beautiful layout.  I'm sure it has its drawbacks, as all layouts do, but I'm glad it survives.  I hope you now feel the same way.

DFF

I'll echo Dave's words.....

[Scottl]

I'm trying to sort out the CP track on the newly formed east shore of the river.  I have space to put in a nice broad curve, something like 18" radius, but test shots suggest it rarely shows up and I wonder if it is worth the effort and space.  I could use the space for more foreground filler scenery, which is always in short supply.

2017-10-01 09.03.19 by Scott L, on Flickr

2017-10-01 09.03.45 by Scott L, on Flickr

2017-10-01 09.04.32 by Scott L, on Flickr

2017-10-01 09.04.43 by Scott L, on Flickr

This view shows the CP line but I have to be careful to not catch the edge of the layout on the right.  The foam where the CP track is located will be tapered downwards more and the track on roadbed.

2017-10-01 09.06.24 by Scott L, on Flickr

[Scottl]

Still composing this scene.  For reference, this is the scene I'm working on, a shot taken in early winter.

2015-12-08 11.24.36 by Scott L, on Flickr

If I leave out the CP line (or somehow reduce it's footprint) I will have more room for the suspension bridge used to access the tunnels by maintenance.  I was going to do this in etched brass at some stage and it requires some gravel road access.  I'm compressing the scene quite a bit even if I leave out the CP line.

2015-12-08 11.36.15 by Scott L, on Flickr

2015-12-08 11.36.35 by Scott L, on Flickr

[Bendtracker1]

That's gonna be a killer scene Scott.
If it were I, I would leave the CP trackage out and focus on the footbridge.
If you wind up with enough room, then maybe add the track.

[davefoxx]

That's gonna be a killer scene Scott.
If it were I, I would leave the CP trackage out and focus on the footbridge.
If you wind up with enough room, then maybe add the track.

What Allen said.

DFF

[Scottl]

Thanks guys.  The bridge is really neat and unique and is a great railfan spot as well.  It is probably more recognizable than a short stretch of CP track.  I think I'll forego the extra track.  As they say, less is more!

[Angus Shops]

Having the opposite bank (CP side) in the composition really reinforces the idea that the scene is in the bottom of a steep river canyon. I'm not sure you need the CP track, but it helps set the stage if you can manage it, but so would the access road, or maybe the access road and a hint of the highway. I notice in a couple of your photos that you can't actually see the bank between the track and the river; if this is typical of the normal viewing position you might be able to get away with steepening the bank a bit to give you more space for the scenic features you want to emphasize.
Geoff

[GaryHinshaw]

I would omit the track.  The thing that strikes me about the mock-up you made is that the curve is too tight for this scene.  There is indeed a sweeping curve in the prototype line here, but your mock-up is almost a horseshoe.  Save those for Tehachapi. 

Excellent angle!

[mark dance]

One more vote or leaving out the CP track and the opposite bank.  I think this will give you more room for a camera and interesting viewing/photo angles.  (you could always put it in later if you change your mind I suppose...easier than ripping it out and redoing the river.)

beautiful scene...and execution

md

[Scottl]

I think everyone is right, I want to avoid trying to cram too much into the scene and the CP track would be of limited scenic value.  I can grade the slope on the east bank to be less  compressed and there should be ample room for the maintenance bridge.

[Santa Fe Guy]

Kinda tough call I reckon Scott.
I wanted to include both sides of the cliffs when we built our N Scale Thompson River Canyon layout way back, we tried to fit it in so folks could get the feel of the area however we could not pull it off.
To be able to see both sides even at one viewing angle would look stunning if it could be pulled off.
Rod.

[Scottl]

Your layout was very effective at giving the feel of the canyon.  Putting in the other bank is tricky, and I have not fully settled on how I will do it, but I think the location of the maintenance bridge will be one location I try it.

The prototype is a bit surreal in this regard, with the west bank composed of rock bluffs and sparse tree cover, while the east bank is more gentle sediment and grass cover.  There are no rock outcrops near the river at all, just some boulders and gravel in the shore area.  It will take some careful planning for it to not look mismatched in model form.  Unfortunately,  pictures of the east bank are rare, and I did not think to take many myself on numerous visits. 

[mark dance]

Your layout was very effective at giving the feel of the canyon.  Putting in the other bank is tricky, and I have not fully settled on how I will do it, but I think the location of the maintenance bridge will be one location I try it.

The prototype is a bit surreal in this regard, with the west bank composed of rock bluffs and sparse tree cover, while the east bank is more gentle sediment and grass cover.  There are no rock outcrops near the river at all, just some boulders and gravel in the shore area.  It will take some careful planning for it to not look mismatched in model form.  Unfortunately,  pictures of the east bank are rare, and I did not think to take many myself on numerous visits.

What about using a "temporary", gently-sloping foam block covered in ground cover and static grasses that can be clamped anywhere along the front of the layout to suit photos only?  If done right you could use HO figures or vehicles occasionally to force perspective.  (I use temporary scenery and backdrops for photos when I am trying to hide things)

md

[Scottl]

That is a great idea.  I was working on that idea with the Cisco scene but it could be used here to great advantage.