T O P I C R E V I E W |
Graffen |
Posted - 05/18/2017 : 10:22:37 AM Hi all. I'm currently renovating a room for my layout. It's 22' x 16' and will have coved corners. My layout will be a freelancer Colorado narrow gauge in HOn3. I've drawn the track plans for it, and I can't wait to start building it. To prepare, I've been doing some city planning for one of the towns, called Twin Peaks (work name, yet to be decided) [url=https://flic.kr/p/UEMzsu] [/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/UEMzsu]IMG_20170518_110214[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/graffas/]Michael Graff[/url], on Flickr Main Street, the town will be 8' long. The station will be regauged to HOn3.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/UEMzcj] [/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/UEMzcj]IMG_20170518_110240[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/graffas/]Michael Graff[/url], on Flickr
[url=https://flic.kr/p/TCEA69] [/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/TCEA69]IMG_20170518_104830[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/graffas/]Michael Graff[/url], on Flickr
[url=https://flic.kr/p/UHv2Rg] [/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/UHv2Rg]IMG_20170518_110137[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/graffas/]Michael Graff[/url], on Flickr The street will go upwards in the back and turn into suburbs. |
15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
deemery |
Posted - 11/03/2019 : 08:08:06 AM That's an interesting idea for the turntable pit!
dave |
Graffen |
Posted - 11/02/2019 : 9:06:30 PM The town of Holy Cross needed a turntable at the engine terminal. So I decided to build my own 75 foot turntable from plans. I haven't followed the plans 100%, but almost... I designed the pit in CAD and 3D printed it in three interlocking parts. The track around it is in a small trench in the print. I haven't even glued it yet as it fits so good. The bridge is all wood. There's some details left to do as the stay wires and the drive system.


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jbvb |
Posted - 11/01/2019 : 06:57:24 AM That is a great improvement. |
Michael Hohn |
Posted - 10/31/2019 : 11:16:22 PM Decoder, coal facility and conifers: quite a range of activities. |
Graffen |
Posted - 10/31/2019 : 8:32:45 PM Spruce/fir trees 2.0 Faller's fir trees are really not at all good looking, but with a few minutes of work their appearance can be much improved. I use Polak model turf and some spray adhesive for this project.
 They are very coarse as they are...
 I trim the armatures to avoid the cone shape.
 Less is more...
 I applied some spray glue and two layers of turf.
 This group of five trees took me 10 minutes to do, a time that can be reduced severely if made in a series. I have over 1000 trees to do, so any savings of time and money are very welcome. |
Graffen |
Posted - 10/31/2019 : 2:40:07 PM I set it on the layout.

 Can look good when scenery and detailing is done. |
Graffen |
Posted - 10/31/2019 : 09:14:51 AM I just finished a coal bridge for my layout.
 As it's a laser cut kit, I decided not to use a wash to color the wood, instead I painted it.
 I used Vallejo IDF gray primer.
 I then applied an oil based wash from AK.
 The crane got weathered by various rust colors and powders. Then some gloss oil spill.

This will be a nice addition to the engine service facilities.
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Graffen |
Posted - 10/28/2019 : 3:31:18 PM You take what you have on hand... #128521;#128512; I needed to install DCC and sound in a K-27. So I found a sound decoder in an old locomotive.
 A 21-pin ESU V4.
 I took out the circuit board to avoid having to solder new contacts on the decoder. I manufactured phosphor bronze pickups for the locomotive.
 I also replaced the gearbox cover with a piece of circuit board laminate.

 The decoder did not fit straight into the tender, so I 3D printed an angled holder.

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Tyson Rayles |
Posted - 10/28/2019 : 08:03:53 AM
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Pennman |
Posted - 10/28/2019 : 06:17:47 AM Wow, Michael, how did I miss this thread? Probably due to many 1:1 projects this year. Your planned layout is fabulous, as are all of your building projects. I enjoy looking at your structure builds to pick up tips on coloring and various shades of wood you utilize. I like the tunnel and portal coloring and design. Your track plan is perfect and I am envious of the space you have for the layout. There are so many different aspects going on, throughout your progress, that it is hard to make comments on which section first. Your painting skills are second to none. Keep the pictures coming. Great work.
Rich |
Graffen |
Posted - 10/27/2019 : 5:55:35 PM Bought a horse and wagon kit yesterday.

Really nice metal kit.

I've also started on the DCC and sound install on my K-27 #455.

I make ports in the tender for the wiring between loco and tender so they don't get tangled. |
Michael Hohn |
Posted - 10/25/2019 : 2:46:55 PM I agree with George. It’s interesting to see an in-progress glimpse.
Mike |
George D |
Posted - 10/25/2019 : 11:43:24 AM Nice overview of your layout, Michael.
George |
Graffen |
Posted - 10/25/2019 : 10:54:48 AM https://youtu.be/DjCuqFbYRbc |
Graffen |
Posted - 10/25/2019 : 09:38:39 AM Made some more on the town of Holy Cross on my layout.

 Made a road tunnel.
 The tunnel to the staging.
 My rendition of the Silver spur mine.
 The church.
 I'm slowly getting there. |