Coastal Themed Shelf Layout

[jmarley76]

I have decided to start another layout project (like I really need to ).
I have received a 4' portion of a shelf layout from a friend and want to transform it into something like this:
 


This is what the peice of the shelf layout currently looks like:



Everything is Atlas Code 80 with Cabosse Industries groudn throws. I already have some other  code 80 pieces and switches laying around, so might use that for now so I am using things I have already payed for instead of buying new. Some other things I am looking at:

• Low releif buildings made from paper or styrene
• Photo backdrop or photo elements attached to the back drop
• Low tech - DC (for now)
• Utilizing freight cars I already have but rarley use (gons, reefers, grain, 60' & ext. height boxes)

My first step will be to add a foot or so to create more of a lead for the run-around track and maybe add a short siding.

[jmarley76]

The more I ponder on it, the more I think Savannah would be a good setting for this little layout. The biggest challenge would be creating something to reseaonably represent the Talmadge Memorial Bridge, or at least one of the piers. Here's a couple of shots I snagged off of Google Maps for inspiration:

[kc9jts]

The more I ponder on it, the more I think Savannah would be a good setting for this little layout. The biggest challenge would be creating something to reseaonably represent the Talmadge Memorial Bridge, or at least one of the piers. Here's a couple of shots I snagged off of Google Maps for inspiration:

I think it was a much smaller port and am not sure if it had any gantry cranes for containers but take a look at the Port Royal Railroad in south Carolina.  I believe it is abandoned now but it just had a switcher and a pair of geeps for power.

[jmarley76]

Yes, I was also thinking Port Royal. I was there last summer on vacation which is where all this started from. I had thought about running troop trains for the ferry to Parris Island. However, I have a plethora of modern equipment, nothing for the 1940's or 50's. The line is now the "Spanish Moss" trail, but still lots of potential:



My goal is to make something to run cars I already own that currently don't get much use on the existing layout. I have grain hoppers, 57' & 64' reefers, gons, coil cars, even some flats that need to see more action. Not to say that it couldn't be freelanced a little...

[jmarley76]

I'm a little behind in my posts, so let's get down to it...

Added 12x13.5 inch section to the frame. I had the pieces in the scrap box from another project, so no cutting required. Added 1" foam on top of that and then set in to adding an Atlas #6 Code 80 switch, rerailer, and peice of track (also all on hand in the left over box).



Here's a few shots of the siding installed, then with cars a & some scenic details:



Finally, a shot of the whole layout after I removed the mountain from the background. a couple of warehouses will take it's place.

[jmarley76]

Another update...

The family has been enjoying some summer activities with friends, which means I get some time after work to hit the layout! Here's progress from Monday through this evening:



Cleaned up the front side of the siding to receive some masintie panels to represent a concrete paid for the transfer area. Used lightweight spackle (thanks @chuck geiger) to create a grade crossing and smooth out the area where the hillside used to be.



Work this evening consisted of sanding the spackle and then applying a coat of paint to everything. I am working up a large warehouse in photoshop that I hope to print out soon. I also hope to build a frozen/refrigerated food distributor out of styrene (but it could be another paper building, too).

[jmarley76]

Decided a tidal marsh would really set the theme and locations, so went to work on portion of the layout were the track ends. Added some rock to make it appear there's been recent MOW work to re-enforce the effects of the tide. I applied gloss medium to give it the wet look, it was still in the process of drying when I took pictures. Here's some pics:



Also took some of my weathering powders and worked over the area where the scrap yard will be:

[MichaelWinicki]

Also took some of my weathering powders and worked over the area where the scrap yard will be:

Nice use of the weathering powders.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I really like the marsh! It's a seldom seen thing that will really go far for establishing the locale.

[jmarley76]

I really like the marsh! It's a seldom seen thing that will really go far for establishing the locale.

Thanks! Besides some palms, I was hoping the marsh would set it off.

[jmarley76]

Posted this over in the Palm Trees for N scale thread, but thought it should go here too:

I received my eBay purchase Wednesday. Of course, a picture on the listing doesn't tell much. That said, I think the first group is more toy-like and will need some work. The second group is much better, maybe just a little paint or maybe just flat coat. I went ahead an stuck one of the smaller ones on the layout just to see how the size looked in comparison to everything else. Overall, I think the size is good, now if an can just get these palm trees to not look like something from an aquarium!

[Philip H]

Paint the first batch with a flat clear finish, snip the palm fronds a bit, and sacrifice a couple to ge t extra frond to paint tan for dead, and glue the dead to the bottom. Then you will be done.

[jmarley76]

I've been working on the big layout while pondering the two warehouses that go on the back spur. In my moments of pondering, I have gotten caught up thinking about T-Trak and some of these modules. So the thought hit me, why not make the shelf layout T-Trak compatible?

I think the wiring would just need to have the correct connection on the end, making sure I match up the blue/white. I should also be able to easily get the layout to the right height, with new braces or legs with the adjustable feet...

The obvious benefit would be that future additions to the layout could be T-Trak modules. Not sure how far down this rabbit hole I should go...

[jmarley76]

Finally working on the refrigerated warehouse this weekend. Started with a mock-up built from foam core and the moved on to using some Evergreen Styrene 4543 .100 board and batten for the sides. The wall is 2.875 inches, so a scale 38+/- feet tall. Used a scrap piece of masonite for the roof. the AC/condensor on the roof is left over from a Kato building I modified. Still tinkering with the loading dock. not sure if i want it full or half of the wall height. Either way, looks pretty sweet with a reefer sitting in front of it.

[johnb]

I really like that warehouse, I can't wait to see more