CSX Palmetto Spur

[Justinmiller171]

WOW! Those are great!

What scenery products do you use?

[alcanman]

Thanks Justin,

I use Woodland Scenics fine ballast, gray and buff mixed, for the rough gravel road areas. For ground cover, I start with a covering of Woodland Scenics Earth Blend turf, adding 'course turf' and a little 'fine leaf foliage'. The grass tufts are from the Silflor/Mini Nature range. For hedging/shrubs I use Woodland Scenics polyfber covered with course turf.


regards,

Mal

[faraway]

That looks really good but the photo with the beach in the background is outstanding. It gives the perfect illusion of Florida.

[alcanman]

Thanks Reinhard,

It's amazing how much a local beach in Northumberland, UK, looks like the Gulf Coast, Florida


regards,

Malcolm

[fast car]

Wow, the UK has changed significantly. However,I do believe I saw Stonehenge among the palm trees.


Larry

[alcanman]

Hi Larry,

That's actually the local Alcan smelter, however,it's about as old as Stonehenge.

Here's a couple of 'real' pics of the layout .


   


   


regards,

Mal

[Brakie]

Nice pictures.

I always like the brute force look of the MP switchers.

[alcanman]

Hi,

I've had a few requests to film a full operating session on Palmetto and I've finally got around to completing a video.

As op sessions normally last a leisurely 20-30 mins, I've had to reduce switching moves and with some judicious editing

the running length is just under 9 mins.

I hope this little film demonstrates just how much fun a small layout can be to operate.

Here's the link <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://youtu.be/RI4d77zMG-c">http://youtu.be/RI4d77zMG-c</a><!-- m -->


Enjoy,

Mal

[Harry]

nice Video, Mal

[FCIN]

Mal;

Really enjoyed the video! It DOES clearly demonstrate just how much interesting and prototypical operation can be had on what, at first glance, would appear to be a very simple layout. I think that Lance should put a link on his web site to your videos, showing just what a person can accomplish by building his Palmetto Spur layout and how then how you can realistically operate it.

Watching this video, sort of makes me wonder if I'm trying to include too much or perhaps build too large of an ISL, but I do need valid destinations for all my freight cars; so will forge ahead.

Great job! And very inspiring.

[Tyson Rayles]

I'm on dial-up so the video's not viewable but the stills look great!

[Justinmiller171]

Nice video, I plan on doing one once I get started on scenery for my layout.

Did you use any extruded foam on your layout? or did you just lay the track right on the benchwork?

[alcanman]

Thanks to all for all the kind remarks, much appreciated.

Justin : I don't use extruded foam. It's not easily available in the UK, although some UK modellers have now started using it. Ed has stated it's main
advantages in your Liberty thread.

Palmetto has a 3ins x 1ins timber frame, topped with 1/2 inch MDF (medium density fibreboard). This provides a very solid level structure, however, it does
not accept track pins, so I glue 1/4 ins cork floor tiles to allow track pins until track is finally positioned and can be glued in place.

The other main disadvantage with MDF, as Ed mentions, is that it does not allow scenery undulations below track level.


regards,

Mal

[alcanman]

Hi,

Having admired Ed's (FCIN) track plans using AnyRail, I thought I'd have a go and create a track plan of Palmetto, as my earlier effort
was a bit crude.

I've found AnyRail easy to use and looks good. Here is the track plan using Peco Code 100 and medium radius (electrofrog) turnouts.
Layout measures 9ft x 15ins.

   


and a couple of recent pics

   


   


regards,

Mal

[Herc Driver]

Really nice work! I love the attention to detail.