My latest build:
A Stamp mill in HO scale for my HOn3 layout.
I've made it from plans in the "Old wood and stone buildings​" book.
I CAD converted the drawn plans and as I have a 3D printer, I printed the timber frame, windows, doors, smoke stack and loading platform.
I then covered the frame with Northeastern wood and the roof with cardboard covered with surgical tape.
The stays for the smokestack are made of piano wire.
The painting is acrylics on mineral spirits soaked wood...It makes it so nicely weathered.
India​ ink washes to represent rotten wood and shadows etc.

I'm almost finished with the diorama, and will show more pics of the build later.

Shore River switching All State Paper at the Pinelands Industrial Park.

Bruce

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Hello Big Blue! This is my first time posting here although I've been a follower for a couple of years now. I'm starting on a layout based on the BNSF Ward Industrial Spur that runs from Midlothian to Dallas, TX and at the end of the line in Dallas there is (although it closed a few years ago) a Frito Lay plant. I know it takes covered hopper cars but I'm not sure which kinds. The plant produced Baked Lays, Rold Gold pretzels and a few kinds of Cheeto's products. I'm assuming the plant took in corn but I don't know if the hoppers it would receive were regular three or four bay hoppers or pressurade centerflows. Would anyone care to guess which kind this type of plant would take? Below are google map links to this plant and the operating one in Arlington that is served by UP.

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Frito-Lay/@32.7032939,-96.9032774,309a,35y,90h/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x864e900e82f56287:0xf6907230d8a56f08!8m2!3d32.7008642!4d-96.9049019">https://www.google.com/maps/place/Frito ... 96.9049019</a><!-- m -->

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Frito-...97.0509964

I have 94" x 17" space to build a layout and have decided to model a brewery/malting plant. The era is roughly 1980 and the setting is the PNW. Here is what I have come up with so far



At the far right is the elevator and malting facility, with daily hoppers in and out. The brewery itself is at center with occasional shipments by boxcar. Spotting spurs for corn syrup tanks and fuel for the power station. The space doesn't allow for extensions or cassettes off the end, so everything needs to fit on the board.

I want to build this into a shadow box that can later be incorporated into a layout. In the grand scheme of things, this would be the end of the line with the left lead becoming the track to town. Because of that, there will eventually be a hole in the side of the box that I would like to cover.

I would like any feedback on the track arrangement, as well as suggestions on what to do scenically to cover the future track exit at stage left. I'm leaning towards a river with a nice bridge leading into a tunnel.
Maybe that would balance all the buildings and track everywhere else.

Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm trying to find a way back issue of Model Railroader.I had a copy, but it seems to have been eaten by the Black hole (or the carpet monster) that lives in my room It contains an article and a diagram, with (I think) a cutting list, for a modellers working and tool tray - The tool tray has individual vertical compartments and holes to hold files, modelling knives, pliers, screwdrivers etc. I know for a fact that it ISN't in March 1962 which I have just bought at great expense from USA ( I'm in UK). If anyone has a copy, or could provide a scan or photocopy, or even an issue number, I'll be eternally grateful
TIA
Jack

There was a bit time so I started a small project for an future addition on a caboose which will be prepared for use with an SP loco model. This caboose should receive a switch man with an illuminated lantern who should receive his place on the platform steps of this caboose.



I built some small red and white lanterns – see also my description on my website http://us-modelsof1900.de/?p=12891 – and I have given one of the lanterns into the hand of this switchman.



Caution! Surgery on open backbone – new (electric) nerves are inserted!



And then the big fright! I have used a red lantern and not a white one! Maybe that the red color of the lantern is not well visible however this will be my camera where the shiny red is to see mere in a yellow color. Definitively it’s a red lantern where the switch man should held a white one! And now?
What can I do with this man and his red lantern? Is there an idea for a prudent use? I would be lucky to read your mean! Thanks!

Lately, old steamers are finding their way to me. To go along with my Big Boy, I just acquired this old Mantua Pacific:

   

The paint is peeling, the seams were never filed off, the pilot is missing, and it sounds like a blender, but it runs strong. A little cleaning and lube should help it out. It also came with a brass tender.

I also got this Bowser H-9 mechanism. I had an old junky shell, which I think is an IHC:

   

I modified the mounting areas, drilled holes for mounting, and put lead in the boiler. It's a little loud as well, but quieted down with just a few minutes of running.

Finally, I enjoyed building my Bowser Casey Jones so much, I've been looking for other Bowser kits at shows and on eBay. I finally won a Pennsy K4 on eBay, and it arrived today, along with my ladders and grabs from Intermountain (see Reefer Madness):

   

   

I'm also working on valve gear from Bowser with an MDC Harriman Connie. OK, I've got a few questions.

I looked for pilots for the Pacific. I don't really like the plastic kit pilot. I have a Cal-Scale brass pilot; I'd like to solder it to some sheet brass pieces and build a pilot. Anyone ever done that? Any advice? Also, the cab looks small--are there better cabs available?

The IHC shell has two sand domes. Is it from an 0-8-0? I want to cut the back one off and patch with styrene, to look more normal.

Finally, the K4 has a Belpaire firebox. I don't model PRR, so is it possible to grind off the square box? Does it resemble any other Pacifics without the Belpaire?

Some modules I've photographed through the years. I didn't do a good job on notes, so if you recognize a particular modeler or club's work, please speak up! Also, please share any photos of T-Trak modules you'd like to offer up for discussion.

DSC_5571 by Brian Schmidt, on Flickr

DSC_5519 by Brian Schmidt, on Flickr

DSC_5517 by Brian Schmidt, on Flickr

DSC_5506 by Brian Schmidt, on Flickr

DSC_5509 by Brian Schmidt, on Flickr

DSC_5512 by Brian Schmidt, on Flickr

BridgeTunnelTTrak by Brian Schmidt, on Flickr

ScienceCentral11 by Brian Schmidt, on Flickr

Some modules I've photographed through the years. I didn't do a good job on notes, so if you recognize a particular modeler or club's work, please speak up! Also, please share any photos of N-Trak modules you'd like to offer up for discussion.

BayBridgeModule by Brian Schmidt, on Flickr

CanalModule by Brian Schmidt, on Flickr

StoneLoaderModule by Brian Schmidt, on Flickr

DSC_5528 by Brian Schmidt, on Flickr

DSC_5529 by Brian Schmidt, on Flickr

DSC_5533 by Brian Schmidt, on Flickr

Downtown5 by Brian Schmidt, on Flickr

Trainfest 2015 modules by Brian Schmidt, on Flickr

Trainfest 2015 modules by Brian Schmidt, on Flickr