The Reading Central

[jpec]

I'll open this thread quoting a Neil Young lyric: "I sing this song because I love the man, I know that some of you won't understand...". Being a devoted fan of DKS's blog, especially enjoying the different layout concepts and past projects. One stood out in particular - The Reading Central, existing in a world where Conrail never happened consisting of the LV, CNJ and the Reading in a Chessie System-like triumvirate. David has some track plans for the concepts but having enjoyed the agony and ecstasy of building room size layouts for both myself and several friends and then seeing them come down I've decided no more layouts that I can't pick up and move with zero fuss. Try as I might, I couldn't do the idea justice. Then I found a video from a modeler (DJ's Trains) on the YouTubes. An interchange. So let's move this idea somewhere in NJ. A small town called Smithsboro where the RC interchanges with...PC? Chessie? I found a baseboard made of Gatorfoam I've used at least twice that's 27" x 15-3/4". I think the odd size was for testing the tight radius Unitrak. So we're ending up with a mini/micro/cameo since I'm building a "stage" for it. Often the problem with micros is you see the whole ball of wax and every other distraction. The hood makes you focus on the scene. Three off-stage tracks have the players pop in and out of the scene. First mock-up (and I re-mocked about 5 more times but I'll save you the time). Too linear and too much dead space...

[jpec]

Here's first draft with the cover on with LED strip lighting...battery powered...going to go into some uncharted modeling territory on this one too. Never hooked up so much as a grain of rice bulb before this...and kicking the tires with some CMR streets.

[jpec]

The "staging sticks" aren't going to cut it...sometimes I enjoy the relaxing activity of watching a train chasing its tail (why should  @wm3798 have all the fun?) so I built this out of some leftover gatorboard and foamcore and 11" R Unitrak. So now I have a whole 'nother scene to play with.  Bonus - both sections together fit nicely across a folding table.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

The "staging sticks" aren't going to cut it...sometimes I enjoy the relaxing activity of watching a train chasing its tail (why should  @wm3798 have all the fun?) so I built this out of some leftover gatorboard and foamcore and 11" R Unitrak. So now I have a whole 'nother scene to play with.  Bonus - both sections together fit nicely across a folding table.

I know you.

You should just make it a shitty post industrial wasteland. I'll let you know how my washer tires work out.

[DKS]

I found a baseboard made of Gatorfoam I've used at least twice that's 27" x 15-3/4". I think the odd size was for testing the tight radius Unitrak.

Curious. That's almost exactly the size of the Trenton Transportation Company (27 x 16)...

[jpec]

While I do enjoy that abandoned, clapped-out, ghost-signed post industrial look I also appreciate a serene, bucolic scene as well. Must be a Jungian thing...

I know you.

You should just make it a shitty post industrial wasteland. I'll let you know how my washer tires work out.

[DKS]

While I do enjoy that abandoned, clapped-out, ghost-signed post industrial look I also appreciate a serene, bucolic scene as well. Must be a Jungian thing...

Yes, that's a dichotomy with which I struggled as well. One reason I was going to go with the Black River & Western--lots of bucolic.

The thing is, bucolic is tough to pull off with a micro-layout (but perfectly suited for urban industrial), so Jeff is facing a challenge.

[DKS]

Here's a little something I whipped up on a 27 x 16.5 base that has some expansion possibilities. The inner track radius is absurd (6") but there's no getting past that for roundy-round layouts this size.

[jpec]

I think you're right. I remember being blown away seeing it at the Rail-B-Q. It really took the micro to another stratosphere.

Curious. That's almost exactly the size of the Trenton Transportation Company (27 x 16)...

[VonRyan]

I think you're right. I remember being blown away seeing it at the Rail-B-Q. It really took the micro to another stratosphere.

The TTC is honestly one of my top 3 favorite DKS layouts. I’ve contemplated doing a mirrored version, but with handlaid track like @Chris333 did so I can squeeze in a couple more industries. Of course that’d necessitate finally learning to handlay N-Scale track.

[davefoxx]

The TTC is honestly one of my top 3 favorite DKS layouts. I’ve contemplated doing a mirrored version, but with handlaid track like @Chris333 did so I can squeeze in a couple more industries. Of course that’d necessitate finally learning to handlay N-Scale track.

@VonRyan,

You've already proven that you have the skill with your O scale handlaid track.  Now, it's just practice makes perfect for you in N scale.

DFF

[DKS]

Here's another scribble, a little less absurd than the last one.

[dem34]

The TTC is honestly one of my top 3 favorite DKS layouts. I’ve contemplated doing a mirrored version, but with handlaid track like @Chris333 did so I can squeeze in a couple more industries. Of course that’d necessitate finally learning to handlay N-Scale track.

Its pretty easy once you get the hang of it. Just a tad tedious. Just make sure you have plenty of 3 point gauges and a 35w iron.

[CRL]

Just a tad? 

[dem34]

Just a tad? 

Apply flux, Apply heat, apply solder, firmly but gently press down 3 point, remove heat, roll truck. Repeat a couple dozen times in a session...

Hats off to anybody that do basement empires this way.