SP&S Free-Mo 2012 Deschutes Canyon

[mountaingoatgreg]

With a new year, 6 motnhs into my new job and living in a semi-newish living arrangment I figured I would do something old...
I have retruned to my Free-Mo modules for some revamping and what not. The first project on the block was a 45 degree module, which actually is around 46.73 degrees (don't ask I didn't build it) originally I was going to use this as part of a large Free-Mo set but as the design got more bulky the idea went by the wayside. I then worked on a shelf layout at my old house for a year or so before getting a promotion and moving to Oklahoma City.

So, with what I have learned, and relearned I am going to go back to building in Free-Mo. The reasoning is as follows:
#1 I will move again...permament layouts only move well to landfills
#2 Free-Mo can be designed to be a free standing layout which you can share with your freinds in setups or in your house.
#3 Oklahoma does not have basements...having a layout you can "put away" is going to be a must
#4 I think I may be obsessed with research...but I will conduct more research to see if this is true.
#5 I need to complete a project so I can prove to myself I can complete a project.

With the stripped down "Redmond" 46.73 degree module I have started a project that will allow me to have a nice scenic backdrop for photos, have something to particiapte at with at Free-Mo events, and be able to complete in a realtively short amount of time. I was going to enter this in the New Years challenge but I have another project for that...

Basic Plan:
I would post a plan but it is pretty boring, 36" radius curve on a "standard" HO scale 45 degree Free-Mo module...

Concept:
Someplace between the Columbia River and South Junction Station on the Deschutes River, to model a specific place would not fit well on the limited amount of space. I am more going for the feeling of the area.

Construction:
Its all 5/8" plywood foam scenery base.

Track:
Micro Engineering Code 83, will be weathered and detailed with joint bars.

Scenery:
Sculptamold, Woodland Scenics sculpting plaster, rocks dirt, static grass, silflor tufts, other random materials

Details:
I will have a slide fence, some telegrpah lines and maybe a fisherman and a boat?

Here is what I have so far, I am using a Cheap-O digital so I apologize for the photo quality.

[mountaingoatgreg]

Some more progress...



everything is still moist so it will dry up a bit, crappy camera does not help much either...

[Tyson Rayles]

Looks good!

[jwb]

Heck, when did we all lose our sense of humor? "I think I may be obsessed with research, but I'll conduct more research to see if this is true." Hah! I look forward to more posts like this!!

[mountaingoatgreg]

Thanks for the comments guys...

I try never to take myself too seriously, especially on model train forums.

Well I was going to lay some track tonight and realized that I do not have any sections of ME flex track and I don't even have enough mainline CVMW tie Strips to get eh job done. So it looks like I will see what the local train store has tomorrow...I will keep my fingers crossed, but I am not expecting much.

In other news, I ran out of dirt, yes I know there is dirt outside but I want it to match the dirt I started with, so it looks like I will be making a field trip this weekend to collect some materials.

[mountaingoatgreg]

Well I had to order track from the Hobbyshop, but I was able to find two smaller pieces in my stuff that I was able to put togther to make the curve. Next I plan on doing to wiring which will take a whole two feeders. So if I am able I should have an operating layout by Friday, not much switching but at least I can get the lights to come on in my locomotives.

[mountaingoatgreg]

Nothing new in the picture department but I did make some progress.

I recieved a box of goodies from Scenic Express, which will make it debut later.
Although not that exciting I was able to get the track secured and the feeders dropped, I still have not done any soldering as I have been working very long days and have not been in the mood.
I also was able to get the rail cut back the required 1" pre Free-mo standards.
While doing this I was able to obtain some more dirt to complete the basic scenery and I have painted the river area of the module in anticipation of "water"

Next on the list will be to wire t he track and test the electrical part of the modue.
I will continue to work on the basic scenery getting ready for static grass and other goodies

[mountaingoatgreg]

Some progress on my module


I have the cork in place and have figured out how the track will sit. I still need to use a rasp on the cork to get it smooth them I can start on actually laying the track.

[mountaingoatgreg]

A little progress on my Deschutes module, I still have to wire it up, weather the track, finish the scenery and do the fascia. I am happy I took a little break and made this scene as it has motivated to do all the other stuff.

[Tyson Rayles]

Nice, great looking grass!

[Len Turner]

That is a very nice scene, Greg!
We'll be looking forward to some grilled salmon later...

[Ralph]

Love the fisherman scene!!!

[mountaingoatgreg]

Thanks guys!!

The green grass is Silflor Tufts and the dead grass is a mix of Woodland Scneics and Silflor Static Grass.



Here is a view looking the other way....

Random question, how long is a fly fishing rod? I think the one my guy is holding may be a bit long...

[sailormatlac]

Grerg, these are very nice scene shots! I love that caboose (design and color). Habitually, I find fishermen scenes a little bit overdone, but yours is just enough and creadible.

Matt

[mountaingoatgreg]

Matt,

Thanks a lot, I debated the adding the fisherman but since it is part of "the story" I figured I would go ahead and add it. One of the main attractions to the mixed train service that was offered on the line was that is stopped anywhere you wanted. The car was actually equipped with racks to hold fishing poles. and many people would take the train Friday and return on Sunday and enjoy a week of Fishing deep inside the Canyon.