What's New on the PRR Panhandle Division?

[G3750]

Wow, talk about a centerpiece!

PRR Panhandle Division 2.0 is going to need to be three times bigger to scale that monster.

Looks great. Feels like a downhill run now, right?

Healey

Downhill run? Maybe, Healey, maybe.

But I'm not sure there is such a thing on this layout.

Seriously, though, while it's been a real challenge, I do feel pretty good about the state of things.

As for PRR Panhandle Division 2.0, the goal is a bigger layout. Ideally, I'd like a 25' x 15' sized layout. I think the bridge would look even better with two 1' deck girder approaches. Would it surprise anyone to learn that I've already upsized the RR-Track plan just to see what would be needed?

Nope, I didn't think so.

Thanks for the kind words.

George

[G3750]

Wow, talk about a centerpiece!...
Healey

Good point. That handsome bridge sure does draw the eye. Plus, it sets up great expectations for the real-estate left, right, forward, and aft of that beauty, doesn't it.
You're going to have such fun, George, making the whole panorama say what you want it all to say. That's a wonderful adventure you are on,and I am glad you are sharing it with us here.

You'll be disappointed (you likely will not feel that for a while but..) when the whole creative effort is brought to full fruition, I predict, because despite the work that such endeavors can become, they sure are satisfying, in so many ways to us, and we miss the excitement and challenge of it all. I'll theorize that you will continue to sharpen and re-interpret various areas and details for a whole long time ahead, even long after it is (allegedly) "completed."
Murph

Frank,

Not to worry about the expectations around the bridge - I have equally vivid delusions of grandeur for the surrounding areas as well!

Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. And I have already reworked a number of areas as fantasy met reality. I'm sure that will continue.

By the way, will you be at Fall York - either as a vendor or as a "civilian"?

George

[G3750]

You'll be disappointed (you likely will not feel that for a while but..) when the whole creative effort is brought to full fruition, I predict, because despite the work that such endeavors can become, they sure are satisfying, in so many ways to us, and we miss the excitement and challenge of it all.

It's the journey, not the final destination?

I think it's both; at least, it has been for me. The adventure of initiating and re-doing my layout from 1995 - 200? has been fun, and having the layout as a personal treasure to run for myself, for guests, or to simply walk past and smile with self-satisfaction, on the way out the cellar door, all of it is enjoyable. In fact, in my case, I enjoyed the creative adventure so much I have been going to other hobbyists' homes to work on their layouts, too,in addition to offering, for a time now past, portable vignettes (which I call my "Insta-Ramas") for purchase and emplacement by other layout owners on their 1/48 worlds.

I agree that it is both the journey and the destination, but I've been on this trip a little too long!

This layout has taught me much, mostly about what not to do. My plan is to take those lessons learned (all written down) and apply them for PRR Panhandle 2.0. In the process, I hope to greatly shorten that journey. Once trains are up and running, the creation of structures, scenery, and details can continue at a more leisurely pace. I just don't want to repeat the Odyssey.

George

[G3750]

OH! OH! OH!
LOOK! LOOK! LOOK!
The PRR bridge at Steubenville!

Soon, I hope to be running trains on it, with a video to follow.

George

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Soon, I hope to be running trains on it, with a video to follow.

Let me help a bit.............

TURN OFF THE COMPUTER AND GET TO WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rogruth]

Murph,
Thank you. As always, I find your stuff inspiring.

[G3750]

Murph,
Thank you. As always, I find your stuff inspiring.

Ditto.

And thank you, Daffy for that bit of inspiration.

George

[Steamfan77]

George,

I'm glad you're having some good forward progress! It looks great, and I'm happy for you. Can't wait to see some trains running, and I'm sure you feel the same. I agree with the others that it's the journey. You've gained some very valuable experience. 2.0 will be a snap
Keep it going!

Andy

[G3750]

All:

Please direct your attention to the video in the last post on the last page.

Roger - this one's for you!!!

http://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/topic/prr- ... 8794439814



George

[Steamfan77]

Outstanding George! Nice to see the engines rolling!! The bridge looks terrific.

Andy

[rogruth]

Well alright!!! I don't think I ever saw an 0-4-0 move that fast in real life but this aint real,it's just fun.

[G3750]

Well alright!!! I don't think I ever saw an 0-4-0 move that fast in real life but this aint real,it's just fun.

Yeah, I had to catch up with the L1s so they could both cross at the same time.

Piers, abutments, and river surface next.

George

[gregj410]

That is excellent work! I had know idea that bridge was so massive and if it ain't scale, it sure looks it. It's really coming together nicely George.

[G3750]

That is excellent work! I had know idea that bridge was so massive and if it ain't scale, it sure looks it. It's really coming together nicely George.

Thanks, Greg! East Coast Enterprises designed and built the bridge, but I submitted a number of photos and Visio diagrams to them. Ultimately, I think they used my scaling. I tried very hard to keep the proportions correct. Obviously, there's no way to scale down 1902' feet into 7'. I eliminated the approaches and then just tried to respect the proportions of the real thing. East Coast Enterprises did a spectacular job, in my opinion.

By the way, they have sold 3 copies of the bridge to date as far as I know. It's part of their product line now.

George

[jlong]

All:

Please direct your attention to the video in the last post on the last page.

Roger - this one's for you!!!

http://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/topic/prr- ... 8794439814



George

Holy crap. Is that a Williams B6 I see working its *** off? Spectacular George! Spectacular.