Ohio & Penna Coal Co. HOn30

[Chris333]

I didn't want to put this with the other layout thread so I'll start it's own.

I did a thing and built a 16x48" figure 8 over and under layout in HOn30. After doing just enough to get trains running and then doing some testing the layout is a go. This is the first photo of the thing:


Not much to see yet.

I got the idea from a few On30 layouts I liked. First this one:

/>Built on a door in O scale is close to the size of my layout in HO scale.

Then this layout using the same plan, but different scenery:

/>I got the idea to have the stream cross the center of the layout from this one.

This one is a little bigger, but same idea:

/>
As for my layout. The curves are about 7" radius. The grade going up hill is 4%, going down is 4.5%. The only flat spot on the main is the upper bridge that has a turnout on it. The lower bridge is lower in the center and where the grade transitions.

So there you go I started a new layout this year 

[dem34]

Saw that in you're video yesterday, was wondering when you'd spill the beans to us.

[Chris333]

Oh yes here is a quick test run on the layout:

[Hawghead]

Chris,

Is there a reason you didn't start the grade to cross over the track sooner so as not to have such a steep grade for the one track to go over the other?  I would think if you started the grade where the red circle is you could reduce overall grade significantly.  That climax is a nice piece of work.  BZ.




Scott

[Chris333]

Not sure I follow.



The grade starts (and finishes) right under the bridge at the red mark. The only flat spot on the main loop is the yellow area.

And to add photos here is the climax I'm working on. I stretched LifeLike SW parts on a new frame.

[Chris333]

Got a bunch of the foam filled in and started gluing Cripplebush rubber rocks in place.

[Chris333]

So where could I look for Sculptamold?  I checked Hobby Lobby, Micheals, and JoAnn Fabrics. None have it and I'm almost out. I can't believe I gotta mail order this stuff 

[davefoxx]

So where could I look for Sculptamold?  I checked Hobby Lobby, Micheals, and JoAnn Fabrics. None have it and I'm almost out. I can't believe I gotta mail order this stuff 

Lightweight spackling is at the home centers.  Just sayin'. 

DFF

[DKS]

Yep, probably gotta mail order it. (Michael's used to have it, but I haven't seen it there for ages.)

https://www.dickblick.com/products/amaco-sculptamold/

https://www.sceneryexpress.com/SCULPTAMOLD-4lb-ECO-PAK/productinfo/EX0093/

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sculptamold-Modeling-Compound-3-lb/24419083

[Dave V]

So where could I look for Sculptamold?  I checked Hobby Lobby, Micheals, and JoAnn Fabrics. None have it and I'm almost out. I can't believe I gotta mail order this stuff 

HobbyTown USA carries it.

[Chris333]

HobbyTown USA carries it.

In Cleveland an hour away.

Thought about making my own, but I get such good results that I don't want to mess with the recipe. It is just ground up toilet paper mixed with plaster so when you mix it with water it hardens.

[Chris333]

I bought some Celluclay and think I'll try mixing it with some plaster.

Problem with Celluclay and Sculptamold is that you cannot find the exact ingredients. They both have paper pulp, but if the powder is plaster then why doesn't it dry instantly like plaster?

[DKS]

Problem with Celluclay and Sculptamold is that you cannot find the exact ingredients. They both have paper pulp, but if the powder is plaster then why doesn't it dry instantly like plaster?

The pulp retains moisture, which is slowly released into the plaster. This keeps it from curing at its normal rate. It's also responsible for reducing shrinkage.

[Chris333]

I put a hand full of each side by side and couldn't tell the difference. So I'm trying Celluclay straight as is in an area that really doesn't matter. And I have the fan blowing on it to hurry the F up. If it works I'll just use it as is.

[pdx1955]

I got my last bag recently from N Scale Supply. They carry multiple sizes. Before that it was in my local hobby shop.