Author Topic: Reading & Exeter Mini Layout  (Read 2688 times)

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haasmarc

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Reading & Exeter Mini Layout
« on: May 02, 2022, 04:39:18 PM »
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Finally had some time to start a thread on the layout I am building for my dad.  He lost his layout when he had to move into assisted living. 

The layout is based on a Steve Train's layout that others here are working on their own versions.  I increased the minimum radius so I could run a mikado.  He never had DCC or sound and he's too old to learn DCC so I installed a BLI DCC Master module so he could run BLI sound locos and blow the horn and ring the bell.

Here is the initial concept:



I partially buried the Kato unitrack in the foam to help disguise it.

After a little more work, I got some basic foam work done:


Here I have basic ground cover down and track painted/ballasted:


I tried to make the country road look like broken up macadam:



« Last Edit: May 22, 2022, 10:08:02 PM by haasmarc »
Marc Haas
Keeping the Reading alive in N scale!

haasmarc

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Re: Reading and Exeter Mini Layout
« Reply #1 on: May 02, 2022, 04:46:24 PM »
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I scratch built 3 buildings for the layout:








Starting to put some greenery down:


And more greenery...


Installed some lighting:



Marc Haas
Keeping the Reading alive in N scale!

haasmarc

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Re: Reading and Exeter Mini Layout
« Reply #2 on: May 02, 2022, 04:53:12 PM »
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Here is the current state.  Base layout has been shipped to Pennsylvania.  I need to finish the structures.  Trees and details will be added when I give it to my dad in 2 weeks.









My attempt to disguise Kato unitrack:

Marc Haas
Keeping the Reading alive in N scale!

Pomperaugrr

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Re: Reading and Exeter Mini Layout
« Reply #3 on: May 02, 2022, 04:57:38 PM »
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He will love that!  That is an extremely thoughtful gift!  It looks great too! 

Ed Kapuscinski

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Re: Reading and Exeter Mini Layout
« Reply #4 on: May 02, 2022, 05:35:34 PM »
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Not only is that a gem of a layout, but I cannot think of a better reason to build it.

Awesome man, awesome.

haasmarc

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Re: Reading and Exeter Mini Layout
« Reply #5 on: May 02, 2022, 05:44:41 PM »
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Thanks guys.
Marc Haas
Keeping the Reading alive in N scale!

MVW

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Re: Reading and Exeter Mini Layout
« Reply #6 on: May 02, 2022, 06:02:01 PM »
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Beautifully done ... both the craftsmanship and the sentiment.  :)

Jim

MK

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Re: Reading and Exeter Mini Layout
« Reply #7 on: May 02, 2022, 06:14:58 PM »
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That is truly spectacular!  Can you be my son????  :D

wazzou

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Re: Reading and Exeter Mini Layout
« Reply #8 on: May 02, 2022, 06:25:39 PM »
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Marc -
Excellent job on this.
What's the origin of the single story "Smith Bros." building?

Bryan

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haasmarc

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Re: Reading and Exeter Mini Layout
« Reply #9 on: May 02, 2022, 06:47:29 PM »
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What's the origin of the single story "Smith Bros." building?

That is the latest building from Woodland Scenics.  I only had 4 months to build the whole thing so I used off the shelf when I could.  Plus it is a TV store and my dad worked for a TV repair business which I am going to rename it to reflect that.
Marc Haas
Keeping the Reading alive in N scale!

dem34

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Re: Reading and Exeter Mini Layout
« Reply #10 on: May 02, 2022, 08:51:57 PM »
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I gotta ask, how did you get the ballast between the ties so nicely? Even with a soft brush I always get little bare spots I need to cover with weathering.
-Al

haasmarc

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Re: Reading and Exeter Mini Layout
« Reply #11 on: May 02, 2022, 10:03:51 PM »
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I gotta ask, how did you get the ballast between the ties so nicely? Even with a soft brush I always get little bare spots I need to cover with weathering.

I just used a soft brush.  Takes a very light touch.
Marc Haas
Keeping the Reading alive in N scale!

fshbwl

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Re: Reading and Exeter Mini Layout
« Reply #12 on: May 03, 2022, 12:01:26 PM »
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Awesome layout and very inspirational! I already liked the original from Steve’s Trains, but this is just wonderful stuff.

I wish the the type of downtown houses you’ve been using were available in Z scale; Microstructures used to have buildings like that in Z, but obviously not anymore.

Cheers,

Chris

haasmarc

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Re: Reading and Exeter Mini Layout
« Reply #13 on: May 03, 2022, 04:46:44 PM »
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Chris,

Some of the buildings I used were 3D printed from Ebay based on actual buildings in Reading, PA.  He has Z scale versions of some of his designs.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234297151290?hash=item368d32cf3a:g:T0UAAOSwtIBhmZEs
Marc Haas
Keeping the Reading alive in N scale!

Ed Kapuscinski

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Re: Reading and Exeter Mini Layout
« Reply #14 on: May 04, 2022, 09:49:53 AM »
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Chris,

Some of the buildings I used were 3D printed from Ebay based on actual buildings in Reading, PA.  He has Z scale versions of some of his designs.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234297151290?hash=item368d32cf3a:g:T0UAAOSwtIBhmZEs


These are one of my favorite discoveries of the past two years.