Hey Reinhard,

I'm trying to find out if the Vogelsand (known as bird sand outside of Germany) has crushed oyster shells which have calcium in them. This added to a polystyrene glue like Ponal can make a joint compound - hence why it's waterproof and hard as concrete.

Reinhard,

I have been using aquarium sand and/or reptile sand and white glue. I have not experienced the issues you are talking about. I pull it up with a heavy dose of water and thin mudding/drywall knife. I spray or heavily water the area, let it set and then use the putty drywall knife to pull up large amounts of the mixture. I will normally go over it at least two times and then let it dry and hit it with a vacuum.

Larry

Not an Idea but same experience. Glue and sand is harder as beton (or better).

Bird sand helps birds to break down food for consumption since they don't have teeth and the oyster shell is the main ingredient in bird sand that allows them to do it. I'm not an expert with these brands, but I'm pretty sure by what's going on, that's what's involved.

Aquarium sand has different additives than bird sand and the silica content is usually lower in aquarium sand.

faraway Wrote:

Mike Kieran Wrote:If it's what I'm thinking of, it formed a waterproof seal.

Mike, thanks a lot. That is a very important information. I will avoid "Vogelsand/quartz sand" on my layout in the future.

This "Vogelsand" was so attractive because it is available in a lot of local shops and it is really cheep.

"Cheep" for bird sand. I just got it!

The cleanup phase is completed and I start the planning phase.

At the left hand (east side) is the old "yard" in the foreground with the new added cross. The cross will serve one foreground industry at the east side (brown boxcar). In the background is a long lead attaching background industries (black and yellow cable drum).

The right hand (west side) has the other foreground industry (covered hopper) and two more background industries (red and brown cable drum).

The west corner is made of the main track in the foreground, the connector to the background industry lead and last industry (black gondola, reuse of an old switch in the main linde far to the right) at a 90° angle.

The installation of the switch into the main line is a problem. The ground cover is "concrete" at that location. I am skeptical if the main track will survive the clean up.

I get a tiny yard in the foreground with a run around and a staging track (unchanged from previous track plan), two foreground industries via new cross, four background industries via a long lead track and a 7th industry at very west end.

The tracks of the background industries are only 3" from the backdrop. It will be tough to build extreme slim industries still looking realistic. I need to squeeze the background industries to gain the space for the foreground industries. The actual number of background industries may vary. Four is the natural result of using Atlas tracks of the rack. A standard Atlas track length is a good starting point for an industry.

The main line, the unchanged yard and the new cross is in operation at this time (power connected, switch motors installed etc.).

Remark early next morning:
The concrete was graceful and the switch in the main line is physically installed without any damage.

All tracks and switches done, all switch machines installed and all wiring completed.
Currently testing the new track plan of Corktown at the center of the cork desert with a six axis Athearn RTR SD40-2 and some cars




Did not completely cleanup the "concrete" at one spot located under a switch now. That switch is not perfect flat and the SD40 rocks running over it.

The rocking may add some authenticity to the less than perfectly maintained trackage often found on American Rails. If it bothers you though, maybe a little silicon injected under the turnout might help.

A possible scenery and theme I am thinking about for the upcoming layout. Have a happy Easter!

Reinhard,

That looks amazing.

Good Lord, Reinhard, that was quick!!

Where did you find the images of the buildings and how did you manage to produce them? I'm guessing some techno wizadry like 'Camera Shop' or whatever it's called; always amazes me how this stuff works as I'm afraid technology of this sort is beyond me

Anyway, I think it looks the business and you are very brave to disassemble all the fine work that went before. I shall follow with interest.

Happy Easter to you, too!!

jonte

Jonte, those are the backdrops of King Mill ( http://www.kingmill.com . You will find them on many US layouts. They ares very popular.
Ones you get a set you can make photocopies and kit bash larger, smaller, taller etc. buildings.

Looks like they restructured and expanded their product lines. I got all buildings in only two value packs similar to Commerce St. and Industrial Dr. The 4 meter (13') string you see on my layout is about 75% of the content of those two packs. May be 6 meters (19') in total.

That is not a new layout scenery. The ground is still a cork dessert. I did just put some backdrops with scotch tape to get an impression. I am in the process to make up my mind if that might be what I want t do. It is very different from the "white shoe boxes" with the older boxcars and the BN switcher and does not call for a Genset at all. I need some more time to finally make up my mind.

That's interesting to know, Reinhard.

Thank you.

Worthy of further consideration.

Regards,

jonte

This is another possible use of the King Mill background buildings.
The original image at the right and three photocopies glued on card stock and layered on the left. The cut out windows and the separate vertical pillars add a third dimension. It is the same technique I use with Google Streetview grabbed images.

Even in close up they bear scrutiny. They really are very good, Reinhard, although I suspect your 'layering' technique enhances them as per your excellent 'Street View' image style.

Perhaps if you've a spare moment or two some time, Reinhard, you could show me how you do it. I really am a numpty when it comes to computers, oh.....and woodwork, and wiring...... the list of things I can't do seems to burgeon by the day

jonte