Most folks who visit the Photography Forum are familiar with my layout (some might say too familiar with ), and I've had several requests for a track plan. Since I finally got a scanner, but am too lazy to make a drawing, the trackplan will have to wait, but I thought that a tour of the layout room might help to put things in perspective.
The crude drawing below (which explains why you haven't seen a trackplan done using "Paint") will help you get your bearings as you scan through the photos.
The grey areas denote the parts of the layout that will eventually be double-decked. The drawing is not to scale, and the room size is approximately 560 sq. ft.

   

A view from the entrance to the room: Port Maitland is to the right, with stacked staging yards to the left. Freight car storage is in boxes below.

   

View to the right from the doorway: Port Maitland and GERN Industries in the foreground, with part of the Lowbanks shops in the background. In the extreme background, part of the peninsula with the line to the second level.

   

A view to the left of the doorway.The single track on the lowest level is the TH&B interchange track for Port Maitland, on the opposite side of the aisle. The other track, leading off the switch in the foreground, allows continuous operation, when desired, on this normally point-to-point railroad. It emerges on the lower level of Dunnville. Above these is a pair of long sidings (with the reefers visible near the post) which represent unmodelled industries in Dunnville. Above all of this is the main south end staging yard for the layout. Five tracks merge into two, then enter the layout through the backdrop in the distance, emerging on the upper level trackage in Dunnville. Yet to be built, above this, is the north end staging for the layout, which will cross the doorway on a single track lift-out, emerging in a city above Port Maitland. Below the layout, on shelves, interchange car storage.

   

View back to room entrance. To the left, part of Lowbanks in the foreground, with Port Maitland and GERN beyond that. To the right, a bit of Dunnville in the foreground, with staging beyond that.

   

Another view from the opposite end of the entrance aisle. Part of Dunnville can be seen at right: the structure sliced-off at the edge of the layout is the Evell Casket Co. Beyond that, the staging area, with excess car storage on shelves below.

   

Looking slightly left and back towards the door, the Lowbanks shop complex is in the centre, with Lowbanks stretching out to the left, on the Chippawa Creek aisle. The aisle on the right leads back to the entrance to the room. The gap in the backdrop is to allow for installation of a compound bracket, which will help support the proposed second level of the layout.

   

If you turn right at the end of the entry aisle, this is what you'll see: a view into the Chippawa Creek aisle. Lowbanks is to the right, Elfrida, partially visible, is to the left, with Chippawa Creek in the centre. The blank facia in the left foreground is for part of the peninsula with the grade to the second level.

   

Here's a closer view into the Chippawa Creek aisle. Lowbanks is to the right, Elfrida is to the left, with Chippawa Creek in the centre.

   

A view from the end of the Chippawa Creek aisle. Lowbanks is on the left, and Elfrida to the right. Dunnville is in the centre background. Above Elfrida, the opening in the backdrop is where the second level of the layout will begin.

   

Another view from the Chippawa Creek aisle. Dunnville is at centre, with a corner of Lowbanks visible in the left foreground. Beyond that, at the left edge, the staging area. The facia at the right side of the photo is part of the peninsula that allows trackage to gain altitude between South Cayuga and the second level of the layout.

   

View along the peninsula from near Elfrida. Dunnville is to the left.

   

Dunnville industrial area looking north, left, with part of the peninsula to the right.

   

Another view looking north....

   

A bit farther into the aisle, Dunnville, looking north, with Airline Junction in the centre, and the icehouse just visible at right.

   

And from the same spot as the previous picture, with the camera swung to the right, Dunnville, with the icehouse in the foreground and Mercury Mills behind it. To the right is more of the peninsula facia: you can just see the mainline to the upper level.

   

View at the end of the peninsula, at right, with the outskirts of Dunnville at left, and the southern limits of South Cayuga in the centre.

   

Looking back towards Dunnville, with part of the peninsula facia at left, Airline Junction to the right, and the icehouse visible at the extreme right.


   

This view was taken from approximately the same place as the previous picture, but with the camera swung around 90 degrees to the left. Viewed from the end of the peninsula, at right, with South Cayuga to the left and the Speed River bridges in the distance.

   

Looking left, we see part of South Cayuga.

   

Looking right, more of the peninsula. With the scenic landforms not yet finished in the centre, it's a great place to collect junk.

   

Again looking left, but a bit farther into the aisle, the view towards end of Speed River aisle, with South Cayuga at left.

   

And looking right again, another view towards end of Speed River aisle, with the grade on the peninsula heading to the second level at right .

   

Another view left at end of Speed river aisle: Erie Northshore tracks are in the foreground - this is the east end of their Speed River bridge. Grand Valley tracks are in the background - this is the south end of their Speed River bridge.

   

And another view right at the end of the Speed River aisle: the lower track, heading west into the tunnel, belongs to the Erie Northshore and is bound for Elfrida. The upper track, belonging to the Grand Valley, is headed northbound towards Park Head and the second level.

   

South Cayuga, as viewed from the blind end of the Speed River aisle.

   

Grade to upper level at left, with South Cayuga just visible at right, as viewed from the blind end of the Speed River aisle.

   

View at Elfrida (lower level) looking east, and above, where the upper level will begin. You can see the end of the subroadbed hanging out over the trees. The gap in the backdrop is to facilitate fastening the second level benchwork to the wall.

      

View at Elfrida (lower level) looking east, with view of grade to upper level above (looking south). The track, Erie Northshore, entering the tunnel leads uphill to the Speed River bridge.

   

A birdseye view of the grade from lower level to beginning of upper level - as seen from upper level looking south. Dunnville is to the left, with Mercury Mills in the centre distance.

     

If you've made it this far, I hope that you've enjoyed this photo expedition into my layout room, and that it makes for a clearer understanding of the layout. Please feel free to ask any questions that come to mind.

For a different view of the layout, check HERE


Wayne

I know that some of you swear by this and others swear at it.

I currently clean my track with alcohol, followed by contact cleaner.

I would like to try a light application of Wahl Oil, but I wonder about an adverse reaction with traction tires.

Does anyone have any experience with this to shed a little more light on the subject?

I believe that the National Railway Museum in York, England is the world's largest rail museum...and possesses the largest collection of steam locomotives. They have everything from 1830s locomotives to the Evening Star (last new British Steam locomotive)...as well as diesels and famous locomotives.

Twice I've had the pleasure of visiting there, and I plan to return a few more times. If you ever find yourself in England, I highly encourage stopping by.

When you walk in, you are greeted by a turntable...and they have demonstrations all over the museum throughout the day.




This locomotive is very fortunate to have been preserved. She operated on the London, Brighton, & South Coast. I've traveled the entire length of the Brighton Line (but starting a Victoria instead of London Bridge), and really enjoyed it. The colour was probably a bit brighter when new...


My least favorite British steam...Southern 0-6-0s...




This sure looks like Midland maroon to me...


There are many of these pacifics which have survived...and this is the best description I've ever seen of a steam locomotive...plus the drivers revolve so that you can see how the valve gear functions...














This is the most beautiful dynamometer car I've ever seen


The British did build 4-8-4s...they just didn't have any until the Chinese donated this British product to the NRM.


This decapod was built in the same year that the N&W became the last class 1 to end major steam operations. The BR pulled the plug (or perhaps dropped the fires) on its steam in 1967. I had the good fortune of seeing one of her sisters under steam later in the trip.


The Japanese donated one the 1st generation Shinkansens to the NRM


It sits next to the 126mph Mallard


and it is next to their replica of the Rocket. What's left of the original Rocket is in the London Science Museum...alongside the oldest steam locomotive in the world.




The classic V2, the Green Arrow. I love the LNER green.


The Flying Scotsman was torn apart alongside the Green Arrow


And a predecessor to the Flying Scotsman was near bye...a Stirling Single...


Not certain, but I believe the engine on the right is from the SECR...very pretty...and pulling a Pullman. The SECR, LBSC, and L&SWR became the Southern when the national groupings occurred.





A brake van (caboose)




A GWR 2-8-0





2'






1840ish


These are Royal trains


Queen Victoria rode in there




Yours truly


Michael

Would it be possible to add a "mark forum read" link at the bottom as well as at the top of the page? After reading through all the topics it would be nice to simply click at the bottom rather than scroll back to the top.

Tom

I don't mean to whine on the collective shoulders of the general membership, but I have nobody else I can communicate this with.

Since being injured (October 2007), I feel as though I have lost part of my purpose. I frequently find myself pushing through pain to interact with my kids. However, as the damage progresses, the pain has become more intense. My interaction with my children has fallen off. I have began obsiessing over my model railroad as a means of escape.
I feel as though I have become another voice, among millions of others, crying out in an un-heard mass. Lost, and without direction is the best way to put it.

I have a doctgor who is very good at what he does, but does not like to tell me what he is doing. I am not opposed to getting in his face to get answers though. The insurance company is playing games, which is why I sought out a lawyer. Having been a cop, I have an instinctive disdain for lawyers, and this one is no exception. He is supposed to be on my side, but he does not return calls. It seems as though my case means nothing to him.

With my particular set of problems (physical) I am in a bit of a catch 22. If I do not go ahead with the corrective surgery I face the eventual loss of use of my hands. If I go ahead with the surgery I face the loss of use of my hands. In the best case scenario I face a partial loss of use as it stands. I am tired of doctors, lawyers, insurance nurses, and physical therapy. It has affected my sleep. I sleep about 2 hours a day now.

I have tried to stay strong, but my strength is waining. However, before folks read too much into this, I am a fighter. I always have been, and I always will be. I will fight until there is no longer air in my lungs. I will get through this.

I didn't want to trash the mood here, but I needed to vent. My family means alot to me, and even though I have not met any of you, to me you are all family.
Thank you for providing a safe haven to share this information. Thank you for always having a response. I know I am not the easiest person to put up with. I have been informed that I am a bit too intense and abrasive. I personally think I am a softy, with a sweet disposition

Anyhow, thank you for letting me vent.

Matt

Frequently I've seen ugly, odd conversions. These aren't like the nice On18 or On30 ones here...which are well done and believable. They are conversions such as using an HO Heisler for On30 (The smallest drivers Heisler used were 30"...which makes an HO mechanism look way too small)...or odd mason bogie type things which are really just ugly tank engines (a mason bogie's drivers pivot like a truck...hence the "bogie" in the name). And there are the HO GP-9s converted to HOn3 These aren't really free-lance to me, they are cartoon world creations. I'm sure their builders love them, much like the NPC shops whom built that hideous cab forward 4-4-0 (or is it 0-4-4?). It reminds me of a Dilbert cartoon in which a worker tells the boss that he's working them too hard. He'd like to be able to go home and kiss his daughter goodnight...and that he doubts he's the only person that feels that way. The boss then replies that he's seen that worker's daughter and can assure him that he's the only one whom feels that way.

Anyways, there currently is an On3 4-6-2 on ebay. At first I expected it to be an ill-conceived, ugly thing. It isn't...instead it's both well done and creative. There was a narrow gauge market for the fireboxes permitted by trailing trucks (EBT power, , and a market for the ride produced by a 4-wheel lead truck. The model was converted from a brass D&RGW 2-8-2. The builder altered the details so that it doesn't scream D&RGW (actually, it looks more like the ALCO 2-8-2s of the OR&L). It is not worth anywhere close to the asking price for me...but it is one of the best un-prototypical conversions I've seen in some time. A shame the the creator is not a member of our forum and posting pictures of his work.

I have the following diesel detail parts for sale. They are left over my my diesel building days. Most are new in the package. Some have been opened at one time and part removed from the package and replaced and the package resealed. All packages contain the proper number of parts. There are more than one package of a few items. I have priced them all at 50% off ( well real close ) the Walthers web prices.

There is a little over $130 US worth of parts total at full price. At the 50% off prices I have listed next to them they total $71.00. I would prefer to sell them as a lot so if someone buys the whole lot I will let them go for $60. The prices listed are in US dollars. Canadian buyers can multiply them by 1.10 ( lower than the actual exchange rate ). Shipping for the whole lot will be $10.00.

If by January 15th I have not sold them as a lot I will then consider selling them separately at the price listed beside each one.
Pictures can be provided if needed.

Send me a PM if interested. ** I may also consider a trade for steam era freight cars 1930's to 1958. **


Wayne Reid


Cannon & Company:
1 package-- #1853 Thinwall EMD dynamic fans ( late 40 series, pre 1980 dash 2s ) $4.50
1 package--#2153 SD jacking pads $1.50
1 package--#2103 EMD Standard anticlimber $1.50
1 package-- #2102 EMD wide anticlimber $1.50
1 package--#2017 Anticlimber etched brass safety thread for #2102 $2.50
1 package--#1751 EMD blank roof stock $2.00
1 package--#1704 EMD radiator fans, late GP/SD38, GP/SD38-2, GP/SD40-2 $7.00
1 package--#1154 EMD blank hood ends, some dash 2's, 50,60,70 series GP & SD's $1.75
1 package--#1304 Inertial filter screens, SD38, SD40, SD45 & early dash 2, SD40-2/SD45-2 $1.25
1 package--#1017 EMD hood unit doors, 16"x17"x65", plain + latched (8 doors) $1.50
1 package--#1011 EMD hood unit doors,18"x78", 3 hinges/no latches (8 doors) $1.50
1 package--#1013 EMD hood unit doors, 22"x65", 3 hinges and sight glass (8 doors) $1.50
1 package--#1019 EMD hood unit doors, Alt. comp. door & plate, Dash 2 to 70s, ( 4 doors/4 plates) $1.50
2 packages--#1012 EMD hood unit doors, 18"x78", 3 hinges/2 latches (16 doors total) $1.50 each
2 packages--#1014 EMD hood unit doors, 22"x65", 3 hinges/2 latches (16 doors total) $1.50 each

Detail Associates:
1 package--#3604 Wide cab kit, Canadian safety type $6.50
1 package--#1505 MU stand EMD late single type $1.00
1 package--#2215 Grab Irons, 28" ladder type, F/E units $1.00
1 package--#1508 MU air hoses $1.25

Details West:
2 packages--#294 MU hoses, 3 cluster, pre 1980 locos $1.75 each
1 package--#204 air tanks,early to late EMD hood units $1.00
1 package--#114 Pyle twin sealed-beam headlight, early type .50 cents
1 package--#274 radio antenna, sinclair long type. .50 cents

Smokey Valley:
2 packages--#140 EMD Dynamic fans, 48" with rotating blades, GP50, GP60, GP60M, F45, FP45, SDP40F, SD40-2, SD40-2T, 3 fans per package. $4.50 each

Plano:
1 package--#185 SD40-2 fan hatch, stainless steel $1.75

Railflyer Model Prototypes:
1 package--#DP1012 CN GMD Wide cab anticlimber, $5.00

A-Line:
1 package--#29210 Sunshades, EMD, etched brass, 3 pair $2.00

Atlas:
1 package--#190000 caboose trucks, 1 pair $2.75

Nooooo, not a yellow polka dot bikini.... drill bits. I just cracked open the box for an HOn3 boxcar and the instructions are calling for #'s 51, 65, 77, 78, 79 and 80. Any advice on where I can go to finding them? Jewelry store? Rock shop? Arts and crafts store? I got the big "I dunno" shrug from the three tool stores I went to today.

Tell us how big your train room is... Im curious to see what most of us have in the way of train room sizes

**EDIT** I forgot to mention, tell us what you vote for

I know that this is a common practice, but I am wondering if anyone has tried it with grape stems? No, not the vines, but the stems where the grapes are.
How about spirea? I have several spirea in my yard, and I was looking at their winter husks and thinking that they might make for some great trees.
Also, I was thinking that a few spots of a color similar to the foliage sprayed onto the "branches" would help make for a fuller looking tree. Has anyone ever tried this? I would love to see the results.
I might try it tomorrow with some spirea. If I do, you can count on seeing some examples, good or bad, in this thread. (I would do it today, but my wife didn't go to work today and I don't want her to see me hacking up our landscaping)

Matt