Rockport Junction: A Refurbished Micro-Layout

[DKS]

Work continues on the Rockport Junction. Since the last post, a number of things have happened. Owing mostly to health issues--which included a trip to the hospital--I've ended my participation with the project (but not the organization) and returned home.

Just prior to the trip home, progress on the layout included all new switch machines and replacement controllers, plus a few more buildings.





Since my return, I've replaced the throttle with a new DIY PWM unit (the only non-period item on the layout) for decent train control. I also added streetlights, lighted signs, and lighting to all of the buildings.





The latest addition is the coal mine, which is fairly faithful to what the original builder had done: convert the old Pola gravel facility to a coal mine--quite the clever bit of kitbashing. Additionally, I'd built and installed a Pola chemical factory, but changed my mind and switched to the Heljan grain facility, to which I will graft the Heljan meat packing plant when one becomes available. The latter is what the original builder had used, and it's much more American-looking than the chemical plant.





The meat packing plant will be the last building needed to finish the layout from a structures standpoint, leaving only the roads and vegetation to go.

[DKS]

Captain's log, supplemental. The road is finished--done the same way as the original, tinted plaster--and a terrain texture has been applied in preparation for greenery. Also, the houses under construction scene is done (one of my favorite vintage kits, for reasons unknown), and a Heljan meat packing plant has been located and should arrive in about a week, at which point the project should be complete.

[pwnj]

Sorry to hear about the hospital stay and getting out of the project, but glad you're taking care of yourself.  Meanwhile, this is really coming out great! And same here, the houses under construction was always on my "gonna get that for my layout some day" list when I'd plow through the pages of my well-worn Walthers' catalogs.  Now I wish I hadn't lost my chemical factory, lumber mill, and brewery kits. This has also helped inspire my kids (even the girl) in their N-scale endeavors, so double-bonus points! 

[DKS]

8 ounces of Elmer's later, the layout is transformed into the verdant countryside envisioned at the outset. Next to come will be the lichen bulk trees and shrubbery.

[Chris333]

Have any older locos & rolling stock planned?

[DKS]

Have any older locos & rolling stock planned?

As a matter of fact, yes. For locos I have an Aurora/Trix 0-6-0 and an Aurora/Trix FM. I've already tweaked the 0-6-0 by replacing the tender with a Bachmann Spectrum job for better electrical pickup. Runs beautifully, especially on a PWM throttle. For rolling stock I have probably over a hundred first-gen items from which to choose.

[glakedylan]

the work you do is truly amazing
you have turned this into not only a respectable model
but one that is finely planned and detailed
I appreciate what you do and the skill you share
sincerely
Gary

[Rich_S]

David, It has been fun watching you bring this layout back to life. Although my first layout did not look like this one, for me this thread has been a virtual walk down memory lane. Thank you.

[peteski]

[DKS]

Three dozen lichen trees barely put a dent in the corner of the layout. But, I figure if I make a few each night, I'll be done in no time...



At least there's a nice assortment of Wiking vehicles populating the freshly-paved streets.

[pwnj]

I'm "lichen" that! 

[glakedylan]

sorry, somehow missed the post about health issues and the hospital stay
I hope healing is timely and complete
thoughts and prayers
best wishes
take good care

Gary

[eric220]

DKS - Hope you're on track toward fully restored health, and may the loco not split any switches on the way.

This little project has been a lot of fun to follow along with!

[jpec]

+1...did the lichen get some added texture?

Jeff

[DKS]

did the lichen get some added texture?

Yes, a layer of ground foam has been applied.