What's New on the PRR Panhandle Division?

[G3750]

George, the B6 is sweet.

Thanks! I love that little engine. It looks good, sounds good, and moves really nicely.

B6sb_02_.JPG (37.73 KiB) Viewed 3189 times

George

[G3750]

Updated 12/10/2015:

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. I’ve been churning the calculation for the height of the river module over in my head and I can’t seem to get it right. I've measured it at least 8 times and just can't seem to get everything to play out. So, I am changing tactics. I think the easiest thing to do:

1) Build the ribbing for the river module (2 long 1”x4” with 4-6 ribs between them) on a flat, level surface. Do not install.
2) Determine the correct positions for the tracks as they exit the bridge (4.5” center rail to center rail).
3) Install the cleats for the bridge supports.
4) Install the backdrop.
5) Install the poplar bridge supports on the cleats and hang the bridge in place. Support it for awhile until we are confident.
6) Support the ribbing from the floor and install the river surface, glass river top, piers, pedestals, and bridge shoes.
7) Lift the now nearly complete river module into place, visually inspect fit (add shims if necessary), support, and screw into place.

That's the current state of confusion.

George

[Rufus T. Firefly]

That's the current state of confusion.

Not to worry; you're probably ahead of the curve. Just remember that the full area of ignorance is not mapped. We are at present only exploring the fringes.

[rogruth]

"Sounds like a plan".

Who said that?

[Rufus T. Firefly]

"Sounds like a plan".

Who said that?

Old phrase; "Sounds like a plan, Stan".

"I love it when a plan comes together" -->Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith

[rogruth]

I remember "I love it when a plan comes together".
I have no idea why I remember that.
I do remember on that show that made that phrase famous that
a gazillion bullets would be fired and no one hit, a large number
of vehicles of various types destroyed and the good guys like
the Mounties always got the bad guys and disappeared just
like the Lone Ranger and Tonto riding off the set.

Just like Dolly Parton, how could you not like that?

[G3750]

Couple of thoughts.

Yes, the TV program was "The 'A' Team". I pity the fool that doesn't remember Mr. T!

And the pertinent quote from Helmuth von Moltke the Elder (Prussian Field Marshal):
"No battle plan survives first contact with the enemy".

George

[G3750]

Updated 12/12/2015:

The artist did some more work yesterday. She finished Backdrop #1, shown below. This will go against the western wall of the layout and be the backdrop for Steubenville, OH. The unpainted area on the right goes into the corner and will be covered by the styrofoam mountain.

Rebuild_20_.JPG (32.42 KiB) Viewed 3092 times

She also started on Backdrop #2. The leftmost side of #2 is also covered by the mountain. It stretches to the right towards the river and Backdrop #3, which you've already seen.

Rebuild_21_.JPG (33.41 KiB) Viewed 3092 times

I'm hoping she can finish Backdrop #2 before the end of next week. That will permit the installation of all three backdrops, immediately followed by restoration of the western mainline track, and bridge work.

George

[healey36]

Looking good George. Are you attaching these to the wall behind the layout, or to the backside of the layout on some sort of backer? Regardless, they'll be neat.

Healey

[G3750]

Looking good George. Are you attaching these to the wall behind the layout, or to the backside of the layout on some sort of backer? Regardless, they'll be neat.

Healey

Thanks, Healey. I think they look pretty good as well. The artist did a nice job.

The plan is to attach them to the wall will double-stick Velcro or that white, releasable gummy stuff. They will be supported by the ribbing at the edge of the layout as well.

We will be installing them in order (#1 and #2). Backdrop #3 will sit on the river module and against a support that protrudes out from the wall about 6".

That's the plan, anyway.

George

[healey36]

Velcro or those "Command" strips - that's a great idea. That way there's a reasonable chance of recovery for further use down the road. I have a few spots that would be great for a backdrop but was unsure how to handle...thanks for the idea.

I was also thinking of possibly using a mirror(s) about eighteen inches high, maybe like one that would hang upright on a closet door, but mount horizontally. It would provide a backdrop that would add an illusion of depth. Might be neat for a tinplate layout, but not appropriate for a scale look such as yours.

Healey

[rogruth]

Many scale modelers have used mirrors. John Allen had several on the G&D for instance.

[healey36]

I think John Potter used a low-profile mirror backdrop on one of his early layouts. It made the layout look bigger, and reflected some light which brightened things up a bit. That's a problem I have...I'm down in the basement with lousy lighting.

[G3750]

I think John Potter used a low-profile mirror backdrop on one of his early layouts. It made the layout look bigger, and reflected some light which brightened things up a bit. That's a problem I have...I'm down in the basement with lousy lighting.

Healey, I've seen a few places like recessed, factory courtyards where mirrors have been used to make the scene bigger. I'm trying to remember what book that's in.

George

[G3750]

Updated 12/17/2015:

• Last night the artist made more progress on Backdrop #2. She is almost done with that - maybe Saturday.
  
• I managed to assemble the ribbing for the River Module and prop it up under the site of the bridge.

Going to try to get the backdrops mounted over the weekend.

George