Erie Canal Branch Mini Layout N scale

[Chris333]

I drew up several plans for a bigger HOn30 layout that would let me keep the Erie door layout and a few without it.   

I wanted to first build up more HOn30 steam locos and rolling stock so in the mean time just doing little stuff to keep me busy. Building those boxcabs got me wanting this little layout.

I have layouts that are nothing more than marks drawn on large sheets of paper and rolled up sitting in the corner. 

Little layouts let me keep changing my mind every time I have a new theme.

[Dwight in Toronto]

In that last photo. The billboard on the right. Look what it says now:
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.106833,-80.6600329,3a,15y,294.2h,93.1t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s5p_DQDgYnVEV_buMtCxGlQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

lol 

I was just browsing through, admiring all the wonderful work, and had to comment on the billboard message “Vegetation at crossings kills”.  After retirement, I picked up a little part-time job at a golf course just down the street from my house … I walk down two or three times a week during the golf season, and keep their fleet of 120 gasoline carts in good order.

One of Canadian National’s major freight mainlines runs right through the golf course (including a spectacularly long, scenic, high-level bridge over the Rouge River). There is one level crossing on the property - no flashing lights, no automated gates - just a few big signs warning that “Train Time Is Anytime”.  It’s a simple gravel approach so golfers can continue their game on the other side of the tracks.

Unfortunately, CN had neglected to trim back the bushes and brush all along this section of right-of-way for a good number of years, and some of the undergrowth had become sizeable indeed. One of our young groundskeeping employees was taking his mower across the tracks last summer. His ear protection headphones had his favourite music playing. He slowed down, stretched his neck to glance left past the trees, turned his head to glance right, and got clipped by the fast-approaching lead locomotive. 

Spun his mower full circle into the ditch. Fortunately, no injuries, but some major mower damage, and a young guy with a scary “close call” story to tell. CN police were on the scene for two days, and a big work crew showed up the next day and spent a week cutting back all the overgrowth. So, yes, Vegetation at crossings can kill!

[timwatson]

Didn’t  I help photoshop some backdrops for this layout a very very long time ago!?

[Chris333]

Didn’t  I help photoshop some backdrops for this layout a very very long time ago!?

This layout was started in December 

[Chris333]

Oh here is another photo of that gate tower I'm modeling:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/barrigerlibrary/49066507533/in/album-72157640479663145/

[timwatson]

This layout was started in December 

The usual jokes about your layout to time ratio just don’t seem to be appropriate! So that tracks!

[Chris333]

Ha ha    2 years ago it was too cold to go outside and cut a backdrop board for this layout. It's 50 degrees right now and I'm leaving now to go get some hard board 

I took all the buildings off the layout and dusted them all off. Also dusted off the layout itself. Before I start any scenery I need to try and run a train first. I did everything you see on this layout without ever running a train on it. It is all wired up and should work, but we'll see.

[Chris333]

See that wasn't so hard:


I'm wondering if any of the AI folks here could possibly whip up a backdrop image? The visible part is 36x10". I'd like some sort of backdrop that matches just about anything in this video and looks like the 1940's in color.

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And extra points if you can make something line up with this road.



I'd be happy to pay for time if someone can do this. I know nothing about AI.

[MK]

What method did you use to cut the corners of those buildings?

I was thinking table saw but getter the angle right on a table saw would be a nightmare let alone having a blade that high up.  Scary!   

Doing it by hand with a razor or jeweler's saw would take some amazing hand control skills!

[Chris333]

I just used a square to draw a pencil line and then the old cut off wheel in a Dremel. Only real trick is to not chop on the line cause it melts. I chop like 1/16" away from the line and then use the cut off wheel as a disc sander to get right up to the line.

[OldEastRR]

Glad to see you doing a small layout. Just like old times. Always a joy to watch you work your magic. I feel like you are the successor to DKS. I loved that Erie layout w/ the interchange a lot.

[Sokramiketes]

Oh THIS is where you were using those 3D printed buildings (shared on Thingaverse).

I had forgotten about this thread, and guessed wrong on the roof style for the machine shop.  LOL.  Or just found another version that worked with the tall facades. 

Looking good, Billy Ray. 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I'm wondering if any of the AI folks here could possibly whip up a backdrop image? The visible part is 36x10". I'd like some sort of backdrop that matches just about anything in this video and looks like the 1940's in color.

Challenge accepted.

[Chris333]

Feeling good Lewis.

There is a pic right on the site 
https://www.printables.com/model/528935-n-scale-garage

But it was a made up building anyways. Made to look like a DPM HO garage kit.

I can still remember back when folks had to kitbash buildings to get what you wanted...
https://photos.app.goo.gl/DCqaey31rsJewTrS7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/zhEi5w3oQU6AWsu3A
https://photos.app.goo.gl/hWVLtFtX7NJvTJFH8

[Chris333]

I painted the hardboard  and cleaned the track, then applied power for the very first time: