Author Topic: Western Carolina Somewhere  (Read 14007 times)

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jmarley76

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Western Carolina Somewhere
« on: February 03, 2016, 11:09:24 AM »
+1
So I thought I would put my layout out there for critique and feedback...

My current N scale layout started in August of 2014. I was inspired by the MR Mohawk Division article as well as Dave Vollmer's layout. It's modern era, no particular railroad, but I have included little details that point to western NC. The overall dimensions 36x72"; construction is 1x4 bench work, 1/4" plywood deck, 2" foam on top. I used folding banquet table legs so it could be portable if need be. The track and switches at all Kato Unitrack. I run DCC with a Digitrax Zephyr. I wanted to be able to shoot video and photos by December, so I focused on getting it to a reasonable state of completion over the next 3 months. During that time, I guess I was spending somewhere between 8 to 20 hours a week on it.

Just getting started in August:


Progress by September:
« Last Edit: March 22, 2016, 01:42:35 PM by jmarley76 »

jmarley76

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Re: Western Carolina Somewhere
« Reply #1 on: February 03, 2016, 11:22:51 AM »
+1
Here's some more shots as it developed:

Spetember 1, 2014:


Some retaining walls made by my friend TJ:


September 25, 2014:


« Last Edit: March 22, 2016, 01:48:29 PM by jmarley76 »

jmarley76

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Re: Western Carolina Somewhere
« Reply #2 on: February 03, 2016, 11:27:22 AM »
+1
Progress by October 2014:


Progress by Decemeber:
« Last Edit: March 22, 2016, 01:51:14 PM by jmarley76 »

jmarley76

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Re: Western Carolina Somewhere
« Reply #3 on: February 03, 2016, 11:31:04 AM »
+1
And a few more for now -

Running on the layout:


Super Trees for Christmas, installed in January:
« Last Edit: March 22, 2016, 01:50:56 PM by jmarley76 »

Philip H

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Re: Western Carolina Somewhere
« Reply #4 on: February 03, 2016, 11:39:42 AM »
+1
Nice start.  I can see hints of Carolina, though its a tad flat for the western part.  Are you planning to paint or ballast the unitrack?  There are some excellent tutorials on how to do so around these parts.
Philip H.
Chief Everything Officer
Baton Rouge Southern RR - Mount Rainier Division.


MVW

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Re: Western Carolina Somewhere
« Reply #5 on: February 03, 2016, 12:28:09 PM »
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Nicely done. Really shows the value of a small layout, being able to dive into several different aspects of the hobby in a compacted period and having a layout in an advanced stage of completion in a short time. Well done.

Jim

jmarley76

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Re: Western Carolina Somewhere
« Reply #6 on: February 03, 2016, 12:56:28 PM »
0
Are you planning to paint or ballast the unitrack?

I have painted most of the track, but haven't ventured into ballasting it. I have looked at one post about using sanded grout, just haven't gotten the nerve to head down that road yet.

jmarley76

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Re: Western Carolina Somewhere
« Reply #7 on: February 03, 2016, 01:02:31 PM »
+1
More progress photos from January 2015:

« Last Edit: March 22, 2016, 01:52:13 PM by jmarley76 »

jmarley76

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Re: Western Carolina Somewhere
« Reply #8 on: February 03, 2016, 01:06:56 PM »
+1
February 2015:

« Last Edit: March 22, 2016, 01:52:55 PM by jmarley76 »

jmarley76

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Re: Western Carolina Somewhere
« Reply #9 on: February 03, 2016, 01:10:29 PM »
+1
And finally, the current state since March 2015 (Still adding details, plus and extension is in the works):

« Last Edit: March 22, 2016, 01:55:16 PM by jmarley76 »

jpec

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Re: Western Carolina Somewhere
« Reply #10 on: February 03, 2016, 01:37:52 PM »
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I like it! Where did you get the claw attatchment on your excavator?

Jeff
"trees are non-judgmental, and they won't abuse or betray you."- DKS

jmarley76

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Re: Western Carolina Somewhere
« Reply #11 on: February 03, 2016, 01:59:46 PM »
0
Where did you get the claw attatchment on your excavator?

Railway Express Miniatures - Dragline Bucket/Wrecking Ball/Grapple #REM-2043

I split the other parts with friends who wanted the wrecking ball for a demolition scene and the dragline for a flat car load.

Rich_S

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Re: Western Carolina Somewhere
« Reply #12 on: February 03, 2016, 07:20:22 PM »
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Very nice HCD layout, Two Thumbs Up. The trees look very nice and compliment the layout very well. Looks like all you need now are some crossing signals for your highway grade crossings.

wm3798

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Re: Western Carolina Somewhere
« Reply #13 on: February 03, 2016, 08:29:19 PM »
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Reminds me of Galax, Virginia...  Big furniture plant, and lots of bars...
Rockin' It Old School

Lee Weldon www.wmrywesternlines.net

MichaelWinicki

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Re: Western Carolina Somewhere
« Reply #14 on: February 03, 2016, 08:36:53 PM »
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Props!

Well done!

Stunning how much of a difference painted track makes.