Full Version: nkp_174's summer scratchin' 2009
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So, I think I've agreed to join up. I haven't been hanging out here often enough as of late, so now's a good time.

I basically have two projects that relate to my layout...but I have a hard time getting around to them...because they are related to my layout and not rolling stock. So perhaps I'll be able to knock one out with the moral support here.

Option 1 (less likely)
The DSP&P depot at Pitkin, CO. It was for sale a year ago, but I couldn't find it on the net (so it must have sold). It was a residence and they were asking $500k+. I purchased a plan for it from John Maxwell's son a year or two ago. I purchased plans for two stations...both of which will be on my layout. Pitkin's was in HO scale and will eventually be a part of my future DSP&P On3 empire. The other was the rustic depot at Almont, CO on the D&RG's Crested Butte branch...in 1/8"=1' scale...which will be specific to my current layout. I initially made the mistake of thinking that the Pitkin depot was in 1/8" scale, and so I made a few "cut-o"s. Wallbang Shortly afterwards, I realized it and fixed those parts. I paused as I waited for my LHS to order more siding...and I haven't resumed because: a) I'm thinking about starting over and b) I get more enjoyment out of building the rolling stock than structures.

[Image: IMG_3276.jpg]
Where I stopped.

Option 2 (probable)
Since I am slowly building a generic Colorado layout, I have an excuse to build something the DSP&P didn't have...a large, curved wooden trestle. I spent quite a bit of time learning how to do it right...generally following the RGS standards. I've learned that the majority of model railroaders do not build trestles that are anywhere close to correct in construction. The biggest errors are the the stringers are way too long and sometimes curved...plus the vertical members are way too tall (none should exceed a single story). These are simplifications, but many people adopt them just because they don't realize that they are simplifications. The research was fun...but in some respects, the simplifications make it more fun...but I'd be bothered if I used those now. I really don't enjoy all of the cutting and sanding of the 1/4" square members. I'd probably enjoy it if they were smaller (HO or N scale)...they'd also be fun if I had a band saw to cut the accurately the first time in seconds.

Staining the wood:
[Image: IMG_0131.jpg]
Most members are Pine...but a few are stained to similar colors. I'm using miniwax from a hardware store. The weathering is with india ink and alcohol.

A bunch of bent parts and jigs:
[Image: IMG_3269.jpg]

The tie spacing jig:
[Image: IMG_2458.jpg]

The bent member cutting/filing jig:
[Image: IMG_2459.jpg]

The stringer cut/file/assembly jig:
[Image: IMG_2461.jpg]

The prototype bent:
[Image: trestlebent1.jpg]

Where the deck will go on the layout:
[Image: IMG_3270.jpg]

A top view of the deck:
[Image: IMG_3275.jpg]

It is built to a 30"R IIRC...which has forced some compromises with the tie and stringer layout. 790_smiley_picking_a_fight
WoW....This is a great project...!!! I'll be keeping track of your efforts as I have a (possibly) curved trestle in my future.... Goldth
Nice start.
And cool idea going around the giraffes neck like that.
eightyeightfan1 Wrote:Nice start.
And cool idea going around the giraffes neck like that.

I must confess, I haven't touched the trestle since long before that giraffe, um, moved there. It was a project my wife made in college and has been stashed all over our house for the last few years.

Actually, it will span a canyon with a waterfall. I've on and off considered having 12" of On2 down in the canyon.