Free-moNebraska

[Mark W]

I don't see a problem there. Yes, only the ends of the cross-members are visible with everything in place, but to me there would be twice as much work trying to evenly space smaller bits on each side if you made the center solid and only modeled what showed. Good technique with a good result.

Agreed, and they add structural support as well.  But, that was just the shorter bridge with the cross-members at least somewhat visible.  Here's the longer bridge where the cross-members will be visible only at one specific angle below the module surface. 


https://i.imgur.com/H6xTrpK.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/ahiCmmA.jpg

Next up, the piers and abutments.  Deadline is just 2 weeks until the Lincoln Train Show!

[Mark W]

Almost done!  The bridges have been test fit to the module and the terrain carved out for the piers. More pics on the way.


https://i.imgur.com/zBOBWaa.jpg

[Mark W]

And here's the rough fits. Just a few more finishing touches on the bridges, then I hope to get a base coat over the pink and really start bringing the scene to life!


https://i.imgur.com/BRRfN4L.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/eJvhTf3.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/QmSTGQH.jpg

[Lemosteam]

@Mark W , your styrene work is damn impeccable.

[Mark W]

Thanks John.  Styrenes the easy part for me, let's hope I don't mess it up when it comes time to paint. 


https://i.imgur.com/s6CUzTi.jpg

[unittrain]

Excellent bridges what strip dimensions did you use for the stiffeners and also what's the thickness of the web?  I like how yours turned out.

[Mark W]

Just wrapped up our first run of 2018 at our home town Train Show here in Lincoln!  Good thing it was here at home; I think we forgot half the equipment for set-up on Friday.  Now we know what not to forget when we head West to the Rocky Mountain Train Show in Denver in two weeks.


For the first time in a long time I was able to get some video!  Follow a trio of Boeing Fuselages heading West.  I'd love to hear what you think!

[Mark W]

While finishing up last minute work for the National Train Show this weekend and waiting for glue to dry, thought I'd share some from the N Scale Convention back in June .   

@RBrodzinsky 's Pacific Fruit Express makes a run through Marsland.

https://i.imgur.com/HTI14fQ.jpg

Here's a video of the PFE around most of the layout.

We gave the new Scale Trains C39-8 some work to do.

https://i.imgur.com/3uIe4Sr.jpg

After work, we posed a family shot.

https://i.imgur.com/PVaBrJK.jpg

[Mark W]

Back to work on the West O Street bridge modules. 

Just off module there's a small ballroom. The ballroom itself is too big (and, off module) to model, but has this small trailer/office sitting out back in the small thicket by the tracks. 

https://i.imgur.com/WEWf2Wh.jpg

Nice simple building to scratch build.

https://i.imgur.com/0mQfzpc.jpg

I added a shed, just because.  And finally we have scenery (minus trees, see below).

https://i.imgur.com/EmywO7v.jpg

Here's the greater module set, the remaining two modules getting scenery after lunch.

https://i.imgur.com/L14vpW7.jpg'


And here are the trees.

https://i.imgur.com/VpIi1Ui.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/FpTLmqj.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/rSopYwE.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/05ZwTjk.jpg

[tefsom85]

Those trees are fantastic.   What are you using for the base tree?

[Mark W]

These are

Those trees are fantastic.   What are you using for the base tree?

They're Super Trees.




I was able to finish the three modules.  Some glue was still wet when we loaded the trailer, but everything dried great. 
We're joined by 4 other operators from 3 groups, and built a layout with 87 modules! 

This is going to be a great show!  If you're here, stop by and say hi!



https://i.imgur.com/N5e338g.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/8y7LlH8.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/pP8SN1S.jpg

[MK]

Now that's what I call....Space!

[C855B]

Now that's what I call....Space!

I am in awe. What would it take to run the whole layout? 45 minutes? An hour? The mind boggles.

[RBrodzinsky]

I am in awe. What would it take to run the whole layout? 45 minutes? An hour? The mind boggles.

This one is a bit larger than what we had in SLC in June - so maybe 30 minutes around.  At the NTS in Portand (2015) it took about 45 minutes (that was 100x80).  Wait until next year's NTS in SLC, we're looking at ~12K sqft (110x110)!

[Mark W]

Using my prized Boulder Creek Engineering Onboard Speedometer Car, I measured 17.49 scale miles!

Factoring in "fuel stops" and "crew changes", it took 52 minutes 5 seconds to complete the circuit, under a speed limit of 35smph when in motion.  With just 6 of us, we should have plenty of open rails and keep traffic moving smoothly.