Light fixtures and valance are installed and trimmed underneath the return duct in the basement. The entire layout is now evenly lit with a full valance. By: James McNab
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The spines for the liftout sections are in place. The 2x4s will be skinned and trimmed to go with the rest of the benchwork By: James McNab
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To make the supports for the liftouts I cut 2x4 stock into strips and covered them with masonite, routing the face to provide a finished look. The support provide a rock solid alignment for the liftouts. By: James McNab
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The liftout in place in front of the electrical panel. I ensured a consistent 30 inch space in all directions to comply with code. Reaching the breakers is simple even with the liftout in place. By: James McNab
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After my last progress report, Jared Harper commented that the bridge shoes on the Hickman underpass were installed incorrectly. After reviewing photos of the prototype I decided to rotate them 90 degrees. Thanks Jared! By: James McNab
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One of the biggest misconceptions people have of the Hawkeye State is that there are no hills in Iowa. I needed to improve the scenic variation on my layout. My first attempt involved joint compound slathered on the foam. Result... meh. By: James McNab
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Better results came from using foam "fillets". I picked up a sheet of 1/2 inch foam and carved out some rolling hills. I had some leftover 2 inch foam used on the benchwork/roadbed but carving it down to an appropriate elevation was taking forever. By: James McNab
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The 1/2 foam also worked well to model the raised platform at Millard Lumber. Instead of lower the track by carving into the roadbed, and possibly causing grade issues, I raised the ground. The sides and top of the loading platform will be covered with styrene or hardboard to simulate concrete, then the edges will be contoured down to the ground level. Millard will be nothing more than a photographic flat against the backdrop. By: James McNab
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Light fixtures and valance are installed and trimmed underneath the return duct in the basement. The entire layout is now evenly lit with a full valance.
The spines for the liftout sections are in place. The 2x4s will be skinned and trimmed to go with the rest of the benchwork
To make the supports for the liftouts I cut 2x4 stock into strips and covered them with masonite, routing the face to provide a finished look. The support provide a rock solid alignment for the liftouts.
The liftout in place in front of the electrical panel. I ensured a consistent 30 inch space in all directions to comply with code. Reaching the breakers is simple even with the liftout in place.
After my last progress report, Jared Harper commented that the bridge shoes on the Hickman underpass were installed incorrectly. After reviewing photos of the prototype I decided to rotate them 90 degrees. Thanks Jared!
One of the biggest misconceptions people have of the Hawkeye State is that there are no hills in Iowa. I needed to improve the scenic variation on my layout. My first attempt involved joint compound slathered on the foam. Result... meh.
Better results came from using foam "fillets". I picked up a sheet of 1/2 inch foam and carved out some rolling hills. I had some leftover 2 inch foam used on the benchwork/roadbed but carving it down to an appropriate elevation was taking forever.
The 1/2 foam also worked well to model the raised platform at Millard Lumber. Instead of lower the track by carving into the roadbed, and possibly causing grade issues, I raised the ground. The sides and top of the loading platform will be covered with styrene or hardboard to simulate concrete, then the edges will be contoured down to the ground level. Millard will be nothing more than a photographic flat against the backdrop.
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