(HO) NW Ohio Freelance Layout

[pdx1955]

Looking good! One thought for your shopping area is to consider upgraded intersection traffic control especially with the adjacent crossing. Stores like Lowe's are high traffic generators along with gas stations, so conditions like this would likely warrant signalization along with an interconnect with a gated crossing. Multiple track crossings would most likely be gated especially in an urban area. You could take some of those Woodland Scenics traffic lights and put them on modern straight arm poles. One signal per direction would work as you only have one approach lane . Adding some operating gates would add a lot of interest to this scene especially if you could add the modern electronic bell sounds.

[flight2000]

Looking good! One thought for your shopping area is to consider upgraded intersection traffic control especially with the adjacent crossing. Stores like Lowe's are high traffic generators along with gas stations, so conditions like this would likely warrant signalization along with an interconnect with a gated crossing. Multiple track crossings would most likely be gated especially in an urban area. You could take some of those Woodland Scenics traffic lights and put them on modern straight arm poles. One signal per direction would work as you only have one approach lane . Adding some operating gates would add a lot of interest to this scene especially if you could add the modern electronic bell sounds.

I've been looking for good/modern stop lights for a while and it's kind of taking a back seat to the other scenery priorities....for now, but totally agree with where you're going.  I have the crossing lights as well (still need arms to go with them), just haven't installed them yet.  Electrical work for anything not track related hasn't been started yet, but that is planned for the future as well.  I built all of the buildings with removable roofs, so easy access to string lights in the future.  Parking lot lights are also planned for the shopping area once I figure out the best parking layout.  Will need to build the cart corrals at some point too.... 

Cheers,
Brian

[flight2000]

Some progress this week as I had the week off before starting my new job on Monday.   

- Started working again on the retail area starting with the parking lot.  Also finished painting the lawn mowers. 
- Started striping the road between the fire station and local market.  Still needs more bushes and trees, but the forefront scenery will be one of the last areas I tackle.
- Added the traffic light at the intersection coming out of the Lowes/O'Reilly Auto Parts commerce area.  If it bugs me enough, I will figure out how to shorten it.  Walthers made it way to long.   
- First layer of "water" went into the river. 
- And finally, the NS fleet got a few more colorful ponies in the stable.

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Cheers,
Brian

[flight2000]

One more photo, with the traffic light this time.   

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Cheers,
Brian

[flight2000]

Wow, I let this slide for a few months even though work has continued on the layout.  Hard to believe it's been one year since I started the new layout.     Seems like yesterday.

The changes since the last update:
- Fascia finally got painted after I finished putting in the rest of the plaster cloth to seal the gaps between the layout and fascia.
- Tunnel portal is coming along....   
- Initial scenery for the yard and engine facility is down.  Still lot's of details to add, but better than pink foam and plywood. 
- Building signage is being added to help crews identify what's what...
- All of the ballast has been done on the lower level and is at about 70% completion on the upper level.  Need to paint the tracks from the refinery to the return loop at the Anderson's facility and then can finish up the ballast.  Actually, I need to finish the plan for that area too since it will be a major focus point for inbound and outbound traffic (raw materials in, finished goods out). 

The photos:

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Cheers,
Brian

[John]

Wow .. good stuff .. love the level of detail

[Philip H]

Dunder Mifflin for the win.

[Tad_T]

You do nice work!

[flight2000]

Wow .. good stuff .. love the level of detail

Thanks John!

Dunder Mifflin for the win.

You do nice work!

Thanks, I appreciate that!

Cheers,
Brian

[OldEastRR]

Will you ever draw up a layout diagram? Especially with the transitions between levels.

[Leggy]

Yup, this looks awesome.

[mopacaustin]

Love the HEB warehouse

[flight2000]

Will you ever draw up a layout diagram? Especially with the transitions between levels.

I'd love too.  Does anyone know of a good way to draw a track diagram like you see in the magazines?  I'd like to do that, but freehand is probably not the best option for me at this point.   

Cheers,
Brian

[John]

I'd love too.  Does anyone know of a good way to draw a track diagram like you see in the magazines?  I'd like to do that, but freehand is probably not the best option for me at this point.   

Cheers,
Brian

Anyrail or one of the other layout design programs comes close (sometimes)

[DirtyD79]

Dunder Mifflin for the win.

I saw that too. I also like the Mopar warehouse even though I'm a Ford guy.