Marmion Valley - HOn30 2 x 4 Layout

[Chris333]

It looks even bigger in the video:

/>The low backdrop separates the scenes.

[timgill]

While I await delivery of ties to start laying rail, and detail parts for my 0-4-0, decided I would start working on the depot.

Here's the inspiration: the Scale Model Masterpieces shortline depot. This has the perfect "look" for my little layout, and the train-order signal screams shortline railroad. However, I didn't want to spend $60 on the kit; and I wanted to change the stone construction to board and batten. Scratchbuild!



Using a scale ruler and some cardstock, I made a paper mockup to get the dimensions I wanted. I went through a few iterations to get the ratio just right.



Then, I started cutting and assembling the walls.




The final wall assembly, with primary rafter supports installed.



The walls, trim, and doors/windows were spray-bombed with cheap grey Krylon primer.



I realized after spray-bombing that I still need to cut pockets in the long walls for the 2x6 rafters that will support the eaves. I ordered a train-order signal kit and some shake-shingles today.

Now, to decide on a color scheme. I've always been partial to AT&SF style off-yellow and green, but I'm thinking of going in another direction with this one, maybe grey and maroon.

[timgill]

In other news- I have decided to stay 2x4 with this layout, and make it a true racetrack with no spurs. The idea is to keep it as simple as possible and treat it as a practice run, since this is a first foray into HOn30. In addition, it can be used as a break-in loop for my N scale equipment as well.

[Chris333]

My Toma kit showed up, but I'm not even sure my Minitrains set is even on the way yet...

So outside frame 0-4-0's a pretty rare so I've been trying to find photos, found this page:
http://www.thorsteamworld.com/photos/pv.asp?pid=1365

[timgill]

Detail parts came in for the 0-4-0. I have an Oil Headlight and an Arc-type.

GIANT oil headlight:



Arc Headlight:



For obvious reasons, I am leaning towards the arc headlight; though, in that instance, I'd need to install a generator somewhere on the boiler.

[Chris333]

Could be an oil burning lamp:
http://www.grandtline.com/products/images/quarter_inch/100's/124.jpg

[Chris333]

Do you know the number of that headlight? I just bought: Precision Scale HO #31289 Headlight.

Thanks

[timgill]

Yep. That's the same one I got as well. I think it's a good fit for this loco.

[timgill]

Ties arrived!



The new "copperhead" ties are stamped, so they are perfectly flat. They also match the thickness of the wood ties, and have been sanded on the top side to have a simulated wood grain.



So now a trip to the big box store is in order for materials for the layout frame. I'm considering framing with 1x3, since there will be very little "stuff" under the layout. No switch machines/etc. The roadbed will be jigsawed from 1/8" masonite, then sandwiched between layers of 2" pink foam.

[timgill]

In between projects today, found time to sketch out the centerlines on masonite and jigsawed it out:



If I feel the whim, I can start laying track "on the bench," then install this on the final framework when it is done.

[Chris333]

After checking my porch the last couple days I checked and my card wasn't charged yet. I e-mailed and they said it was special order and has been reserved.    I have no idea when I get to play 

[wazzou]

Could be an oil burning lamp:
http://www.grandtline.com/products/images/quarter_inch/100's/124.jpg

Is there a 55 gallon drum of the oil in the Headlight housing?   

[timgill]

Is there a 55 gallon drum of the oil in the Headlight housing?   

Wokka! 

After checking my porch the last couple days I checked and my card wasn't charged yet. I e-mailed and they said it was special order and has been reserved.    I have no idea when I get to play 

Chris, call The Original Whistle Stop in Pasadena. As far as I know they have them in stock; at least they did when I was there two weeks ago. There was one in the display case.

Also, for those interested; I have started a blog for the Marmion Valley: www.marmionvalley.blogspot.com . A lot of the posts will be mirrors of this thread, but I will also be working at making some extra content as well.

[timgill]

More progress on #2. Test fitted to the chassis; I can't get the silly little magnets that are supposed to hold it together to stick to the boiler assembly.





She still needs her smokebox, whistle, and the leaf-springs that fit above the drivers.

[Chris333]

Sweet progress 

I just now opened the baggie with the magnets and man I could barely get them apart 

I would just ACC them in or maybe some Goo and ACC. Or liquid nails 

I don't want to get too far ahead on the body without the chassis in hand. I did turn the exhaust muffler for the vacuum brakes on my lathe.