Jacques Lillie

Linggo, Nobyembre 22, 2015

in a, at, continues, good, Orange, pace

Orange continues at a good pace

I've used this holiday weekend to get as much as I can done on the lower level at Orange. It a weird setup, like a "L" shadow box, so I have to make sure I get everything done before I cannot reach certain areas. This includes soldering feeder wires, painting the background blue and other small tasks. The Norfolk Southern interchange can hold 4-5 cars and the VMID interchange can hold 3 cars. These car lengths are 50' based.

Here is the entrance to Orange. The spur to the left goes to the NS interchange and a untreated tie loading facility. The trackless turnout will lead to the edge of the layout and a cassette for the VMID interchange. The toggles on the right are for the signals at City Junction above.

The interchange track is the closest and the tie place has the gondola on it's track.

The track the gon is on is not glued down in case I need to move it.

Here is the hidden trackage that leads to Orange. Had to make sure that trackage was good to go before proceeding.

The good thing about working on this lower level is that I've done it in a chair. By the way, operating the lower level is strictly done in the chair!

The interchanges will be an easy reach for operators. This view is right by the door.

Did I mention my office is a total wreck! This items in the middle of the room were under the area I'm working in.

Future expansion? Might extend this area towards the me about 2-3 feet and take out the creek and bridge scene. This would make the aggregate area a lot bigger. But would require another crossing of the Midland. Stay tuned.

Huwebes, Oktubre 22, 2015

in a, Around, Christmas, Guide, Simple, the, to, Train, Tree

Guide to a Simple Train Around the Christmas Tree

Since the first model train came into existence (Lionel in Germany in the 1830's) , kids and adults alike have dreamed of a Train around the Christmas Tree. It has become a special Holiday Tradition in many homes.

Remember the simple track you used when you were a kid? Remember the train stopping or not running properly around the tree? This was most likely because of all the dust, pet fur and other nasty surprises that can get drawn into the wheels and gears of the Locomotive.
The train sets today have EZ Track (HO & N scale sets) or FasTrack (O scale sets) so you can put the track directly on the floor or on fabric and not have to worry too much about this problem. Although learning to maintain your locomotive is a good idea. Cleaning the wheels and gears weekly if you run it frequently, just to have that uninterrupted level of fun!

N & HO EZ-Track, O Lionel FasTrack

So let's get to why you are here: Setting up a Simple track and train around your Christmas Tree!
Things You'll Need:

Electric Train Set, with track and power pack (choose a scale suited for the area you have- the most popular are HO (1:87 scale), O (1:48 scale), and G (1:22.5 - 1:25)
piece of plywood (optional)
Christmas Tree with a stand

Your Train - After a year in storage, your trains may need a little cleaning. In addition to brushing off the dust, the track and wheels need to be thoroughly cleaned. Older, steel track is prone to rusting if stored in humid locations. If your track shows signs of rust, save your time and just replace it. Clean wheels with paper towels and cleaning fluids.
After extended periods in storage, it may be necessary to disassemble, clean and re-oil locomotive gearboxes. Do not over-lubricate. (If you bring in your Train, we can teach you how to do this. There is no cost unless replacement parts are needed) Check power supplies and wires for any signs of wear or distress. Replace if needed. There are many different sets with Steam and Diesel Locomotives, in different scales to choose from should you need to purchase one.
Track - See how much track you have (most sets for HO come with a minimum of a 36" circle or 36"x 48" oval- which is usually enough for a simple 'around the tree' layout). Most O scale sets come with a 40"x 60" oval- but check the box first!) When adding more track into your oval or circle, you MUST add two. Meaning, if you add a rerailer track that's 9" to one side, you must add an equal size to the opposite side so the layout doesn't bend and break. This is the same for curves. If your track does not have roadbed built into it, place down a piece of plywood first.
Measure the area from the base of the tree out to make sure you have enough track for around the base of the tree. Keep in mind where the presents will go. We usually have a space to either side of the track (on the outside) so we can run the train while opening gifts.
Keep It Simple - If you are only running the train for the Christmas Season, keep your track plan simple (to an oval or circle). If you want it a little more than just the traditional track plan, try these:
HO Oval with incline

HO or O plan

Twice Around The Tree plan

Twice Around The Tree Finished in O scale

For small tree - HO scale plan. For a larger tree- O or G scale plan
Assembling the Track and Testing the Train - Assemble the track, Make sure your electrical connector track is in an accessible position with the wire hookups facing the outer rim of the track circle.
Connect the power pack to the track as directed by the instructions and test the flow of current using the model engine. Make sure it can circle the track at half speed without hitting a bump or falling off.
Test the train one more time before putting the tree in place and decorating.
Make it Kid Friendly - Christmas trains are meant to be enjoyed by all ages, and they are a great introduction into the hobby for children. One easy way to make any model train display more kid-friendly is to make them part of the action. In addition to running the trains, kids will want to help build and decorate the layout. Incorporating kid's toys into the display is a great way to make it personal and still keep a holiday feel.
Cleaning - If your trains are running beneath a Christmas tree, you'll probably find yourself pulling needles off the tracks by the end of the season. There is no great secret to keeping needles off the tracks (even an artificial tree will probably lose a few.)
Make sure you can reach all the way around the tree to clean. Make sure vacuming needles won't result in losing other scenic material or details.
One additional concern for under-tree-trains is the power supply. Make sure your electrical circuit can handle the needs of both the trains and the tree lights. And make sure the cords for both don't interfere with the tracks.
Packing and Storing
©2010 Ryan C Kunkle, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Next year's display begins when you put this year's away.
- Before you pack, take the time to clean track and wheels again.
- Pack trains, tracks, power supplies and all accessories carefully. Use original boxes if possible.
- Store your trains in a dry place. Store fragile items where they will be safe.
- If possible, give your locomotive a brief break-in run periodically throughout the year.

Some Final Tips to keep in mind:

The lower branches of your tree will need to be trimmed up to allow enough room for the train to circle as well.
The temptation may be to get a big train with lots of buildings, switches, figures and lights, but under a Christmas tree, limited space makes this impractical.
For the same reasons, a Christmas train should be limited to a single engine and four cars.
If your train set comes with securely locking tracks, you can avoid using plywood as long as the track will stay steady (for example, on a hard wood floor). Carpeting can create problems.
If your train wobbles or comes off the track easily, disassemble the rail cars and glue weights inside to keep pressure on the track.
Experiment with speed, but remember, a train flying around the track will also fly right off.
If children will be operating the train, very young kids may have more success with a larger train gauge like 0 or G. It will be easier for them to hook the cars and place them on the track.
While the voltage of a train power pack is not great enough to cause real damage, you should use a watering can with a long spout if you are using a live or cut tree. Water can damage the train and cause a short.

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Happy Hobbying!

Want to learn more:
First Model Railroad
Maintaining Your Locomotive
Replacing Model Train Wheels
Small Layout Holiday Ideas
Twice Around The Tree- Full Article

source 1
source 2

Martes, Pebrero 17, 2015

in a, and, for, lot, N, Not, now, scale, show, to

Not a lot to show for and now N scale

This Fall has been quite busy for me and the modeling and the layout has come to a standstill. This past week I was on the run it seems everyday after work. I squeezed a few minutes of decaling out this week and that's about it. That decaling would be on my Ex-KCS SD50. I put VMID reporting marks on it and patched the red KCS on the long hood. I wanted to cover up the entire KCS in red but it hard to do with white trim film. So I'm going with a faded KCS maybe with a stripe across it. This is common for short line units that I have seen. Here's a prototype: BB GP40-3 An example would be this model I did for the Buckingham Branch Railroad:

This was a loco I did for a customer back in 2011. Based on the prototype still running in this scheme.

I went to a train show last weekend and my sons talked me into a n scale layout. My oldest had been all over this for about a year now. I was not sure that he was ready, but I took the plunge and bought a huge lot of Kato Uni-track and loco and a couple of cars. This past Sunday, we build a "L" shaped layout in their room.

Simple construction and doesn't take up much space.

Definitely got the Detroit Tiger theme going on in here!

Here the GP38-2 the boys picked out. Good runner and right now we are sticking to DC. It can be converted to DCC if needed.

Here are the 2 cars the boys picked out. Nicely detailed and they run well.

The overall scene. Got to get some fascia for the background and a few more turnouts. Not bad for a few hours of work on Sunday afternoon.

Hear is the Ex-KCS SD50 that will be working on the Midland. The 6 axle power is a new trend on the VMID. A tsunami was installed in in and being a Proto 2000 loco, it runs and well and is very heavy.

Here's another 6 axle power loco. It's a Kato mid-production run. Picked it up at the RPM meet for a great price. It too will be patched for the VMID.

Huwebes, Disyembre 4, 2014

in a, Creating, Realistic, Waterfall

Creating a Realistic Waterfall

How are you doing today? Are you in a creative mood?
We came across this great YouTube video from Woodland Scenics showing how to use the Realistic Water & the Water Effects system to create great waterfalls and rapids on your diorama or layout. We do carry the Woodland Scenics line at both our North and South stores.

We can assist you in helping to create a great look to your diorama or layout with our traditional and creative ideas. Don't forget we also host Birthday Parties to teach kids this unique experiance.

Let us know what you think of our blog and what you would like to see. Please don't forget to 'Like' our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ChinookAndHobbyWest and our Twitter page www.twitter.com/HobbyandToy.
We have a FREE Collectors Club where we send you tips, updates on hobby news, info on sales and local events. http://www.chinookandhobbywest.com/collectors-club.html

Lunes, Hulyo 14, 2014

in 2014, a, and, by, guest, Last, of, post, special, stops

Last post of 2014 and a special guest stops by

Well, 2014 is just about done. I don't do much for New Years Eve these days, but did get to go out on a date with my wife to a movie this evening! We definitely don't do that enough. Looking back on 2014, It's been a good year for the Virginia Midland. All the track has been laid this year and the lower level is ready for some scenery. Probably the best improvement has been the restructured east end of the layout with the new peninsula. It really adds to the layout and captures you when you enter the room. I completed the sand unloading structure and added the support materials. I still need some more dump trucks, a maintenance shed and more details. It's good for now. You be the judge:

Here's a shot of hoppers being unloaded

Here's the scene as you walk into the room.

From the other side facing the door.

Another view of the unloader.

Yard office and parking area.

Road/crossing leading to the plant. Perfect backdrop for the road but lots of work to do with it.

Another view

Also, yesterday had friend of mine, Mike Millitelo stop by to see the layout. He's the owner of the Great Scale Model Train Show that runs the four big train shows up in Timonium Maryland. He actually lives about 10 minutes from me. Mike had never operated a layout before so I got him to switch out Fredericksburg Flats. He really enjoyed himself.

Mike Millitelo stop by for his first op. session yesterday. Think he's hooked!