N Scale Hi Rail - Retro Hollow Core Door Layout

[wm3798]

Roughed in the rest of the platform lights at PawPaw


I need to tidy up the wiring next, but the beta test was successful!



Running the night train has always been a big part of the magic of model railroading for me. 


And soon the Cleveland Night Express can actually run at night!


This is a good thing, because I'm back into the busiest season for my work, so I have lots of time to watch the lights flashing by while I finish up those permit drawings!

Lee

[wm3798]

Gone fishing.

[CRL]

Insert Dueling Banjos soundtrack here ☝️☝️☝️

[nscalbitz]

Insert Dueling Banjos soundtrack here ☝️☝️☝️

[/i]
Also- beware of whirlpools!
And shouldn't that guy on the platform be in plaid????
-d 

[wm3798]

I don't know what you guys have been up to, but I ballasted six inches of track, then realized I hadn't painted the track!

[wm3798]

Another necessity resolved by invention.  Just in time for Mother's Day!
As scenery begins to close in around the PawPaw end of the layout, the light switch situation has become the center of some controversy.
I came up with this contraption to reduce the risk to trains in the station, as well as allow me to install a more complete scene to mask the switch plate.


I simply dremelled a slot into the nose of the switches and installed a stiff wire between them, with a properly shaped throw bar to pull the assembly up and down.
I used a scrap of brass as a keeper, attached to the switch plate with the mounting screws.  A nub of wire insulation protects the operator's digits from the pointy bit of wire.



I'll add a few roof details to provide further deception to the eye of the beholder, but more importantly, it works!

Lee

[DKS]

I don't know what you guys have been up to, but I ballasted six inches of track, then realized I hadn't painted the track!

I thought that was a stylistic choice, since the lower track to the left is also ballasted and not painted...

[davefoxx]

I thought that was a stylistic choice, since the lower track to the left is also ballasted and not painted...

Oh, sh!t, DKS is right!  Run for cover, boys!

DFF

[CRL]

Maybe he shot it from the outside of the curve. Or… not.

[wm3798]

The lower track is painted, but used acrylics so it does flake off.

[OldEastRR]

The lower track is painted, but used acrylics so it does flake off.

Nice save!

[wm3798]

Further refinements on the light switch camouflage.

Foam core spacers added, Magners installed to secure the flat to the switch plate, and test placement of a rooftop tank to see how it might look and work with details on the roof.

I'd say the subterfuge is nearly complete!

Even better when the two feet away rule is applied!


Lee

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Brilliant. This is an excellent example of Weldon Engineering that I miss!

[N_DaveS]

Could you use a longer piece of rod and bend it 90 degrees so it fits into the top of the water tank? Maybe run a brass tube down the middle of the tank into the building for additional strength?

Just spitballing here; this is amazing work you are doing and I love following along with it!

[peteski]

How about illuminating the end of the switch rod? That nobody will accidentally hit the model building with their hand when feeling around for the switch rod in the dark.