tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69076659057730404682024-03-13T09:50:50.827-07:00Pajaro Valley Consolidated RR<center> Modeling a Short Line Sugar Railroad in N Scale</center>Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-57228427353281088292023-03-02T08:41:00.006-08:002023-03-02T08:41:43.829-08:00<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.02em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The northern end of the PVCRR, Watsonville, was home to the original sugar beet factory and engine servicing facilities. By the 1920s, the sugar factory and engine house were gone. There was still a large freight house, used by both the Southern Pacific and the Pajaro Valley Consolidated RR (my prototype), as well as a turntable.</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="630" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLJTBDcrVWqCHVRB0AUxjijdkDUDB9Ck3oEw2sHWTcIc-oEwDJI7g--QQ-H21eqTKLkIkvrI1Cjbp4kNlRO8tWSCSUr9qiZP6LaZI7iqbI6JhBBH5isi1Z0rdJD52XzL4K-ghVcWtfrQkVEI8V3k7kIoHQqEXG5qZaFO5OGUATy9I-xWJ_cOUHlkkS=w443-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="443" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Watsonville, Ca, as it appeared on the 1908 Sanborn Insurance map</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; letter-spacing: 0.02em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLJTBDcrVWqCHVRB0AUxjijdkDUDB9Ck3oEw2sHWTcIc-oEwDJI7g--QQ-H21eqTKLkIkvrI1Cjbp4kNlRO8tWSCSUr9qiZP6LaZI7iqbI6JhBBH5isi1Z0rdJD52XzL4K-ghVcWtfrQkVEI8V3k7kIoHQqEXG5qZaFO5OGUATy9I-xWJ_cOUHlkkS" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.32px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.02em; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.02em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">As modeled in my basement, the railroad runs from the Spreckels Refinery north to Moss Landing. I had wanted to model the freight house and engine services in Watsonville, however, I ran out of space. In its place, I decided that a small bit of staging would suffice.</span></span></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.02em; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.02em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.02em; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.02em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The prototype track arrangement was simple enough to duplicate, a mainline, a passing siding with a large freight house, and a turntable, made up the bulk of the trackwork as it appeared in the 1920s.</span></span></div></div><p></p><p class="_04xlpA direction-ltr align-justify para-style-body" style="--font-size: 16px; --line-height: 1; letter-spacing: 0.02em; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span class="S1PPyQ white-space-prewrap"></span></span></p><p class="_04xlpA direction-ltr align-justify para-style-body" style="--font-size: 16px; --line-height: 1; letter-spacing: 0.02em; line-height: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span class="S1PPyQ"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRT1OOl9OFUhJMhe1psniGNxhOR4ilnougQin7x6d6t4kBFlyRHOvS3GS8snSO2oHsCOtXqGiLukgfY_lk4WTJzj5Vn4gkUNev-bn1EtviRfdZD_f8oxcgLo88u6t5_tDM53CP4X0f9-MsBTaQZR-aKu8VOzK4rMYRszM6ywZdmFqtvsDc4cstwhf5" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="1542" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRT1OOl9OFUhJMhe1psniGNxhOR4ilnougQin7x6d6t4kBFlyRHOvS3GS8snSO2oHsCOtXqGiLukgfY_lk4WTJzj5Vn4gkUNev-bn1EtviRfdZD_f8oxcgLo88u6t5_tDM53CP4X0f9-MsBTaQZR-aKu8VOzK4rMYRszM6ywZdmFqtvsDc4cstwhf5=w640-h218" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><span style="letter-spacing: 0.02em;">In planning my staging yard, I struggled to break away from the prototype layout (it worked then, it’d work now). Over the years, my designs ate up far too much space, always resulted in me wanting to add the structures and details to create a complete scene, and fluctuated from what actually existed in the 1920s (a turntable, no engine storage), and what would provide me with more operational tools (examples: engine storage tracks, a SP crossing). The only constant was that I never moved forward with the actual construction.</span></span><p></p><p class="_04xlpA direction-ltr align-justify para-style-body" style="--font-size: 16px; --line-height: 1; letter-spacing: 0.02em; line-height: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span class="S1PPyQ"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.02em;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqiu-TXCPWnXjmFSiJX-61918XawfDzq0fnOih_OjEbNf3QZOqBCYaeMbX1UplzUzDZC9LJpsudv5XHPSjliGgBaNKRF7nR0GyU-8_maagaQ9nJCOLEazurWJy9zgksReiIEJAUc66l3y_AL1o5epfLfUUvbYONbj3xRpYrRIiEfgWkWnJspbCgl6Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqiu-TXCPWnXjmFSiJX-61918XawfDzq0fnOih_OjEbNf3QZOqBCYaeMbX1UplzUzDZC9LJpsudv5XHPSjliGgBaNKRF7nR0GyU-8_maagaQ9nJCOLEazurWJy9zgksReiIEJAUc66l3y_AL1o5epfLfUUvbYONbj3xRpYrRIiEfgWkWnJspbCgl6Q=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><span style="letter-spacing: 0.02em;">I finally decided that having something up was better than nothing, so I built a small layout extension (6” x 36”), and began placing track and turnout templates on it to see what would fit. In the end, I settled on three simple yard tracks. It isn’t prototypical, however it works, and I can always change it in the future. The biggest sacrifice was the turntable. For one, I couldn't find one I liked that fit my space, and more importantly, I accepted that I could just as easily use the wye at Moss Landing to turn trains and engines.</span></span><p></p><p class="_04xlpA direction-ltr align-justify para-style-body" style="--font-size: 16px; --line-height: 1; letter-spacing: 0.02em; line-height: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span class="S1PPyQ"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.02em;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghRy6AOLkguXYWJBgKjkulXanB0dma3qO4GTyBKqjTHRw87PAsvkSlik_waBShZoaQQdVi3VRSTqvoeA_TZBQCHVhtOb9ji-SBzPYy_4-kU9oS4EJ9OIXX8TNEUIt0JLmA53R-YeMacDSt43bvKikbcdPanSQF_I-Jxo85AlPRh6auZPaU-1MFna9F" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghRy6AOLkguXYWJBgKjkulXanB0dma3qO4GTyBKqjTHRw87PAsvkSlik_waBShZoaQQdVi3VRSTqvoeA_TZBQCHVhtOb9ji-SBzPYy_4-kU9oS4EJ9OIXX8TNEUIt0JLmA53R-YeMacDSt43bvKikbcdPanSQF_I-Jxo85AlPRh6auZPaU-1MFna9F=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></span></div><p style="--font-size: 16px; --line-height: 1; letter-spacing: 0.02em; line-height: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span class="S1PPyQ"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.02em;">Until now, the layout ended at Moro Cojo Slough, which in reality, is much closer to the wye than the drawing below shows. This meant that there was only room for an engine and one car to turnaround. Now, not only can I store equipment for future operations, I can easily turn trains for their return trips to Spreckels on the other end of the layout.</span></span></span></p><p style="--font-size: 16px; --line-height: 1; letter-spacing: 0.02em; line-height: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span class="S1PPyQ"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.02em;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhY1qD3tfks5WOhHYf5mn1HY3Bru84PvcKtenOjeIv8A0__-dy72rWat0nuKbPmVFV7wjLUzDCGkOUuNGsNmZaNurtzytjtWh-kSIHn4GoYIMXGZ0y8PCjJc6PLJlmzJ1RAjvTE39KJZIrj0GzZ3suA3OppI5q9XR106BOmJPzQ2iLU0FB8lohYOCYQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhY1qD3tfks5WOhHYf5mn1HY3Bru84PvcKtenOjeIv8A0__-dy72rWat0nuKbPmVFV7wjLUzDCGkOUuNGsNmZaNurtzytjtWh-kSIHn4GoYIMXGZ0y8PCjJc6PLJlmzJ1RAjvTE39KJZIrj0GzZ3suA3OppI5q9XR106BOmJPzQ2iLU0FB8lohYOCYQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; letter-spacing: 0.02em;">Construction was simple, and the wiring was straight forward. I still need to finalize how I'll connect the staging yard to the layout, for now a clamp is in use. Otherwise, it's complete and doing exactly what I'd hoped.</span><p></p><p></p><div><span data-canva-clipboard="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"></span></div>Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-87364803871366111272022-04-19T12:33:00.010-07:002022-06-28T07:39:55.865-07:00Farm Fields<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCnr1E0A2c_WkcMtBpLn-rOA0C0GjQTI5Nr5yKTZkjyXFI_7GLLjpk30XR8mKjaXLds-QTHWEFoMJdLxkNSZr_BMcD6ZhORqSb_iSInQO51cPeX3DbDRsX6b-tnxozrV290vv1lwyqRXvOKsNsd8VXaCyr5H8OsIKydgRMId5dbwSDciFxeKl78K8/s3462/20220204_091711.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1874" data-original-width="3462" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCnr1E0A2c_WkcMtBpLn-rOA0C0GjQTI5Nr5yKTZkjyXFI_7GLLjpk30XR8mKjaXLds-QTHWEFoMJdLxkNSZr_BMcD6ZhORqSb_iSInQO51cPeX3DbDRsX6b-tnxozrV290vv1lwyqRXvOKsNsd8VXaCyr5H8OsIKydgRMId5dbwSDciFxeKl78K8/w640-h346/20220204_091711.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">A common site in the Salinas Valley during the 1910s, Pajaro Valley Consolidated cars parked alongside agriculture implements.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My layout is set in the fertile Salinas Valley, nestled between the Gabilan and Santa Lucia mountain ranges. The landscape is dominated by agriculture fields (primarily sugar beets in the time period I model), and I needed a way to effectively replicate those in miniature. After a few different attempts, I found that I could create a simple, effective scene, using styrene, spray paint, glue, and ground turf.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-UhgoHoMUs0WUnBQqnOVcjJbTSs9x6VurjFZVc5viWgNY4CP00VucAG_xeDU0G9JcOwpcCCHZGfwDaG3Tq8uBbUx_YjjF5CbK2DNYQmCUTX28Q1hyytyX5jan3ERYWiWuv1xO-reoma4AZiWE7K66jM8GjZvj1h_og0oiJd9TQZ5XpKNbE3SI85J/s800/6d2842ad24893e9e76ee563e2bc4c4af.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-UhgoHoMUs0WUnBQqnOVcjJbTSs9x6VurjFZVc5viWgNY4CP00VucAG_xeDU0G9JcOwpcCCHZGfwDaG3Tq8uBbUx_YjjF5CbK2DNYQmCUTX28Q1hyytyX5jan3ERYWiWuv1xO-reoma4AZiWE7K66jM8GjZvj1h_og0oiJd9TQZ5XpKNbE3SI85J/w640-h480/6d2842ad24893e9e76ee563e2bc4c4af.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The Salinas Valley<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The base is made with corrugated styrene, (from Plastruct), that convincingly replicates irrigation furrows approximately 12-15" in width, cut to the shape of my field. I then spray both sides of the piece a dark black or brown. This will be useful if/when the ground cover chips off in the future. Once dry, I coat one side with a spray adhesive, and cover it with a liberal coating of ground cover. This will act as the soil, so any dark color will work. I used Woodland Scenics fine turf "Earth" mixed with "Soil". Once this was dry, I shook off the extra turf and reapplied as necessary. After I was happy with the coverage, I glued the plastic field to the layout. At this point, it looks like a field in between plantings.<div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLPg1LArY5a_5HrA2D9GrntF3CfKymOTLI0XJ896VIFzpO27FY1cV8ExktPGjEvEvdg0IgaByRmH3r206X1ABosAEHQl3kQAnGw98g-SDd_o8GI2cG-nM8Lvn4MYE937NtORZ_MV95JKyndi9kr8zgib38yV32hEknUv0h9LonZ7TZ8bKT9lVU7Zf/s4032/20220203_150006.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLPg1LArY5a_5HrA2D9GrntF3CfKymOTLI0XJ896VIFzpO27FY1cV8ExktPGjEvEvdg0IgaByRmH3r206X1ABosAEHQl3kQAnGw98g-SDd_o8GI2cG-nM8Lvn4MYE937NtORZ_MV95JKyndi9kr8zgib38yV32hEknUv0h9LonZ7TZ8bKT9lVU7Zf/w640-h360/20220203_150006.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The furrows before crops are planted<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>I wanted to include crops, and I found the best way to do that would be tedious, but it works. I laid a thin line of white glue down each row in the field, then sprinkled on green ground cover. Ideally it lands in a nice row. Fortunately, real crops aren't perfectly straight, so gaps and a bit of randomness adds to the look. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3QverfLLPwrxUEUuizuefU5CPyCp9sQYmRUwAi7gm6PmodyxjxTRC50qRDCQt8ScnhsKcZBD3HibRw8uRn6j3dxWsAMsjT8oZTGePFc2cls5Ny2i4j9lg98OiZBZPeh4etFk3gfR4k-q8foWPceDDTfNNDfKkR07NFUT6ivFA0xUZ60GxXEDLnBz/s3683/20220425_142218.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2032" data-original-width="3683" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3QverfLLPwrxUEUuizuefU5CPyCp9sQYmRUwAi7gm6PmodyxjxTRC50qRDCQt8ScnhsKcZBD3HibRw8uRn6j3dxWsAMsjT8oZTGePFc2cls5Ny2i4j9lg98OiZBZPeh4etFk3gfR4k-q8foWPceDDTfNNDfKkR07NFUT6ivFA0xUZ60GxXEDLnBz/w640-h354/20220425_142218.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>In the future I'll clean up the edges with some black paint. For now, I'm pleased with the results. </p><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Products Used</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://www.plastruct.com/products/91511-ps-13?_pos=2&_sid=b524b6407&_ss=r" target="_blank">Plastruct</a> - PS-13 HO Scale Corrugated Siding</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/show/item/FT-E" target="_blank">Woodland Scenics</a> - Earth Turf (fine)<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/show/item/FT-S" target="_blank">Woodland Scenics</a> - Soil Turf (fine)<br /></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-12946027756562178852022-01-10T16:41:00.002-08:002022-01-11T14:16:09.151-08:00Adding History<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUcHI5boJUZ80B2aK0KALwUSdoEjslE_r5He-7i2suRySkyT4Dpsjmu_XFxymb6Use0iKOalpuZ86WpsdS4erQBIrYjtZFj5CQU9ElQQV60WELYlZi9xJUiQ4PYHNS4H6vQgEJfWPwvs-BlxlWkikQjga4lWrZxczq8o_8g4Le3i3vxmnnx0azIAYV=s2094" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1193" data-original-width="2094" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUcHI5boJUZ80B2aK0KALwUSdoEjslE_r5He-7i2suRySkyT4Dpsjmu_XFxymb6Use0iKOalpuZ86WpsdS4erQBIrYjtZFj5CQU9ElQQV60WELYlZi9xJUiQ4PYHNS4H6vQgEJfWPwvs-BlxlWkikQjga4lWrZxczq8o_8g4Le3i3vxmnnx0azIAYV=w640-h365" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In researching pictures of the old Pacific Steamship Co.'s warehouses at Moss Landing, I noticed what appeared to be an old barn. I decided it was worth modeling, even without knowing much, if anything, about it. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgssKXfTwAyR0mkgX1Umvlg5J_VudkAWKA06WN-DwMMJn1bbCnaluiALSH41sOO1bgMVd3R2zpVr4qlnvTFWS_5Mc-a9U82B9Kw0WIulPobQpZF6a_gXJOi24YqXeqKS2FZamEyS_VuON49nvxCQ_6hOe7eAT6bfwZ0ZPhdP05ZRJ1P8dpWRfqdT79P=s4350" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3548" data-original-width="4350" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgssKXfTwAyR0mkgX1Umvlg5J_VudkAWKA06WN-DwMMJn1bbCnaluiALSH41sOO1bgMVd3R2zpVr4qlnvTFWS_5Mc-a9U82B9Kw0WIulPobQpZF6a_gXJOi24YqXeqKS2FZamEyS_VuON49nvxCQ_6hOe7eAT6bfwZ0ZPhdP05ZRJ1P8dpWRfqdT79P=w640-h522" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">This image is from sometime between 1906 and the 1910s, the barn structure is to the right of the center.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLKYsVHDoIAUCFlPjK6LN1wGqPPXX1VWXCg6Vo3SwNUSZeHqoJgbnciE3Gl3OYvzA23GKWlJ4WEKsFlQDHFqDGJKjzjZCjPCM66nWsOCRc-Cx3ad-YANdzFgEvFOAoEalpTojX7L179mwyaq80jwZq3Ovdmb1JOwaRdw_XJqqLBl8RGpjxdSLIQB40=s327" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="327" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLKYsVHDoIAUCFlPjK6LN1wGqPPXX1VWXCg6Vo3SwNUSZeHqoJgbnciE3Gl3OYvzA23GKWlJ4WEKsFlQDHFqDGJKjzjZCjPCM66nWsOCRc-Cx3ad-YANdzFgEvFOAoEalpTojX7L179mwyaq80jwZq3Ovdmb1JOwaRdw_XJqqLBl8RGpjxdSLIQB40=w640-h594" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Zoom way in, and you see this.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Using some styrene sheet, I built a simple structure that more or less captures the look of what I see in this picture. It looks like sand was blown up against it, so I decided to model a long neglected structure. </span><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0c4hyDsghP00bXv_oGvK8_cQXxqDW-tcN12XidunZQ1tauGqL8nZeHW_KW2-IlkIz5R6HPCLerWMb3ujaaQyUqkeCugm4EhszGxejrolcd1lF8WTBQO3LlNyS28msQxs350wb1LXi8hEvUo1jGzbL_hxtd0G2kLNUpkIQI6M6ElAWwKqpYdhZIHgb=s2144" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1355" data-original-width="2144" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0c4hyDsghP00bXv_oGvK8_cQXxqDW-tcN12XidunZQ1tauGqL8nZeHW_KW2-IlkIz5R6HPCLerWMb3ujaaQyUqkeCugm4EhszGxejrolcd1lF8WTBQO3LlNyS28msQxs350wb1LXi8hEvUo1jGzbL_hxtd0G2kLNUpkIQI6M6ElAWwKqpYdhZIHgb=w640-h404" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCol9ZMGEI-y66_TraevQtoMMRi77ukdw3yjqGgYhHjew8HlRiimIUWBVhLiJNy5jgDExqS45dyz4DEVjVcAknP_XCXffwvcvb9-SeGnlxjEfTwvcbDoTtQGWBiSpzG7tn3H-avJq4lsWlg8dhoPui3nGa5QxJP5-klzIMlE3K3FDWL4A2Vpme3-wN=s2094" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1193" data-original-width="2094" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCol9ZMGEI-y66_TraevQtoMMRi77ukdw3yjqGgYhHjew8HlRiimIUWBVhLiJNy5jgDExqS45dyz4DEVjVcAknP_XCXffwvcvb9-SeGnlxjEfTwvcbDoTtQGWBiSpzG7tn3H-avJq4lsWlg8dhoPui3nGa5QxJP5-klzIMlE3K3FDWL4A2Vpme3-wN=w640-h364" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhADf7KjvwpQX6E16aU95NorYy3z8m70yOUvkGLt3P6iybFoO2-vveyL8K0vBjN43JBUb5rvOFvspjxjhz9c87m_hTFApRXAqBZtxrdJu1pKpaN7UmgVRhgTuCqC2jAj6t8Y7qPLSj3W4tJJnWyy05R6bo9ntx9zJVrCoA114dt4N2-rNJJOvI9Cfyv=s2417" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1425" data-original-width="2417" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhADf7KjvwpQX6E16aU95NorYy3z8m70yOUvkGLt3P6iybFoO2-vveyL8K0vBjN43JBUb5rvOFvspjxjhz9c87m_hTFApRXAqBZtxrdJu1pKpaN7UmgVRhgTuCqC2jAj6t8Y7qPLSj3W4tJJnWyy05R6bo9ntx9zJVrCoA114dt4N2-rNJJOvI9Cfyv=w640-h378" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEif-ZQDcma0YqW0txjM3z5NajpR_CvAoOq4Zpc3FMQIxs6bnY75cm4LQjx45oApK7JWbbwa6tysm-FWZEioVfelnPRmaZdr99GGlNLsbztGSzH5RQZxdoWEl0ow4Q1jif_gDtNJQMyNuPpCID3KMZsK-X8k-qlOxD-weyuzhbQJD79PHNcieS2T9jXT=s2486" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1874" data-original-width="2486" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEif-ZQDcma0YqW0txjM3z5NajpR_CvAoOq4Zpc3FMQIxs6bnY75cm4LQjx45oApK7JWbbwa6tysm-FWZEioVfelnPRmaZdr99GGlNLsbztGSzH5RQZxdoWEl0ow4Q1jif_gDtNJQMyNuPpCID3KMZsK-X8k-qlOxD-weyuzhbQJD79PHNcieS2T9jXT=w640-h482" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>In my version of history, the barn was one of many used by the Steamship Co. to house their horses required to move railcars around the warehouses located on piers not strong enough to support locomotives. After the San Francisco earthquake of 1906, the majority of the warehouses fell. In my re-telling, the barn shifted and became somewhat buried and un-usable. Including the model adds some history to the scene. <br /><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Products Used<br /></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://evergreenscalemodels.com/products/2040-040-opaque-white-polystrene-v-groove-siding" target="_blank">Evergreen Styrene</a> - V-Groove Siding #2040 - .040" Spacing</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://evergreenscalemodels.com/products/100" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Evergreen Strip Styrene</span></a><span style="background-color: white;"> -<span style="font-family: helvetica;"> #100 - .010" x .020" Strips (used to represent the barn's support structure through the cracks)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.builders-in-scale.com/bis/parts-shingles.html" style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica;" target="_blank">Builders In Scale</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica;"> - Shake Shingles</span></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><p></p></div></div>Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-61930524331539993612021-04-08T13:42:00.004-07:002021-04-08T13:47:51.415-07:00Moss Landing - On the Edge<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C0wowaj63EY/YG9k0pNm1aI/AAAAAAAAQRg/lAktLAIKMnkd1zQSSRPBf4PM05mPQYLrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210408_131050.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C0wowaj63EY/YG9k0pNm1aI/AAAAAAAAQRg/lAktLAIKMnkd1zQSSRPBf4PM05mPQYLrwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20210408_131050.jpg" title="PCSS Warehouse #1" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">PCSS Co. Warehouse #1. The PVCRR used the exterior siding, while the PCSS used horses to bring cars into the building for loading/unloading</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />I've been working on a handful of projects over the last few months, with the main focus being on the Moss Landing section of the layout. </span><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0k-XKxGd8qA/YG9k1RB9vzI/AAAAAAAAQR8/DUaSGt_9ZMc2i9IF5sDZRUy78yaSYg_GwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/20210408_131201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0k-XKxGd8qA/YG9k1RB9vzI/AAAAAAAAQR8/DUaSGt_9ZMc2i9IF5sDZRUy78yaSYg_GwCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/20210408_131201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">I drilled dozens of holes and used rounded strip wood (~1/8" diameter), cut to 1" in length. I then capped the piers with square stripwood, 1/8" x 1/8". The decking is scale stripwood 8" x 12"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A5rLZVNwZvw/YG9k0jQ3PlI/AAAAAAAAQR0/LTF0JDbTIPI5lLApCkL_KidnlrGO3ecxACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/20210408_131014.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A5rLZVNwZvw/YG9k0jQ3PlI/AAAAAAAAQR0/LTF0JDbTIPI5lLApCkL_KidnlrGO3ecxACPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/20210408_131014.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Clear acrylic track bumper. I saw something similar on a layout tour a few years ago, and really liked the idea</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In order to complete the trackwork on the wye, I needed to first build the pier that that the Pacific Coast Steamship Co.'s warehouse #1 sat on. The tail of the PVC's wye ran parallel to the warehouse, while the PCSS Co. had a length of track that ran through the warehouse. From what I can tell, both tracks were laid atop the pier that supported the warehouse, and extended out into the ocean. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Once the pier was complete, I needed to finish the PVC's trestle across the river. Once this was finally finished, I could lay the track. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n3D_EN__RG0/YG9k1rH-TWI/AAAAAAAAQR8/8VGoRowxYEY-84XEMItQKtn8Im3oO0YLwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/20210408_131233.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n3D_EN__RG0/YG9k1rH-TWI/AAAAAAAAQR8/8VGoRowxYEY-84XEMItQKtn8Im3oO0YLwCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/20210408_131233.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">The PVCRR trestle<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_z--ctOMWFw/X2EWKC35ELI/AAAAAAAAPbs/p4jOHOAF6AUY8QV-AtUYK7hUw2kD09TOgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/Flat%2Bcars%2Bat%2BMoss%2BLanding.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="2048" height="402" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_z--ctOMWFw/X2EWKC35ELI/AAAAAAAAPbs/p4jOHOAF6AUY8QV-AtUYK7hUw2kD09TOgCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h402/Flat%2Bcars%2Bat%2BMoss%2BLanding.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Postcard showing the PVCRR Trestle<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The pier and trestle were built from 1/8" diameter dowels, and 1/8" x 1/8" stripwood. Scale 8" x 12" ties with hand laid rail finished the bridge. The beach sand/scenery was installed after the pilings were placed, but before the wood decking. I am well aware that the sand and pilings under the warehouse will never be seen, but I decided to install them anyway. The decking is placed directly on top of the pilings, so there's some structural reason for them to be there. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I still need to finish the PCSS Co.'s trestle, and then I'll be able to lay their tracks through the warehouse. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">After completing the pier, things sat dormant for a bit, until I finally jumped in to build some backdrop structures representing the town of Moss Landing. I don't know what they all are, there's a hotel, saloon, and barn, as well as another building. Things are a bit compressed, but I believe I got their placement, and size, somewhat accurate to how things were. </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EeZ8bKZMS4/YG9k0gteYsI/AAAAAAAAQR4/5ZY9HL_ms0oaK-_BogwAt8WBiMGxBIeOgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/20210408_130744.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EeZ8bKZMS4/YG9k0gteYsI/AAAAAAAAQR4/5ZY9HL_ms0oaK-_BogwAt8WBiMGxBIeOgCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/20210408_130744.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The large building is the Moss Landing House (hotel), a saloon is to the left, and I'm unsure of the other building. The barn was part of the Moss Landing House, and occasionally was home to dances and parties. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--LP_ntB9FF0/YG9k2ItXxpI/AAAAAAAAQSA/F6GJGjjoYGcIq8LbaiEFcObcd7eT-jHCACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/20210408_131348.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--LP_ntB9FF0/YG9k2ItXxpI/AAAAAAAAQSA/F6GJGjjoYGcIq8LbaiEFcObcd7eT-jHCACPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/20210408_131348.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Products Used</span><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Piers and Dock:</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://midwestproducts.com/collections/basswood" style="background: transparent; color: #bf8b38; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Midwest Products</a> - Scale 8" x 12" stripwood #8017</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">1/8" diameter dowels</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">1/8" x 1/8" square stripwood</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Moss Landing Structures:</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Misc strip styrene and siding</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Misc windows (Grandt Line)</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://www.gclaser.com/n-shingles-ridge-caps/" style="background: transparent; color: #bf8b38; font-family: helvetica; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">GCLaser</a> - <span style="font-family: helvetica;">Shingles</span></div><span><a href="https://thenarch.com/products/wind-mill-water-pump-%E2%80%93-etched-brass-kit-n" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #bf8b38; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">The N Scale Architect</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px;"> - </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Windmill</span></span></span><div><a href="https://www.showcaseminiatures.net/n_scale/n_scale_structures/115.html" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #bf8b38; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Showcase Miniatures</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> - </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Barn</span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p></p><div><span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></span></div></div>Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-62662775282201362162020-09-15T12:35:00.002-07:002021-01-13T09:34:57.721-08:00PVC Flatcars<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NqnZ_FS9agY/X2EH0joMn-I/AAAAAAAAPbA/8oaKSZIOvjohJrW9OKmW4CVnZfyPL0-HQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200915_112021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1483" data-original-width="2048" height="464" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NqnZ_FS9agY/X2EH0joMn-I/AAAAAAAAPbA/8oaKSZIOvjohJrW9OKmW4CVnZfyPL0-HQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h464/20200915_112021.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">At its peak, the Pajaro Valley Consolidated had around 24 flatcars, plus 4 flatcars-turned-tankcars, and 1 flatcar turned MOW weedsprayer. These cars made up approximately 15% of the total fleet. To get the same ratio of cars on the layout, I would need to make 4 flatcars, 1 or 2 tankcars, and 1 MOW flatcar. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6d1pjT9TEFk/X2EJXS9XjLI/AAAAAAAAPbU/Iut15xNi6tMbdOabNGF7eofKhW1jtHSIACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200915_113123.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2048" height="468" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6d1pjT9TEFk/X2EJXS9XjLI/AAAAAAAAPbU/Iut15xNi6tMbdOabNGF7eofKhW1jtHSIACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h468/20200915_113123.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>To do this, I started with the Fine N-Scale 38' truss rod flatcar. I like the company's </span><a href="http://pvcrr.blogspot.com/2017/09/original-box-car-drawing-was-found-at.html" style="font-family: helvetica;">36' truss rod boxcar kits</a><span style="font-family: helvetica;">, and the flatcars go together just as nicely. </span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oQy5CY8pqNg/X2EB-Idl9BI/AAAAAAAAPaM/v7CUvy_a4qYPT542OWJGP5tJ5QqOFV0mwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200904_205659.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oQy5CY8pqNg/X2EB-Idl9BI/AAAAAAAAPaM/v7CUvy_a4qYPT542OWJGP5tJ5QqOFV0mwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20200904_205659.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9En-GFWYkm4/X2EB-AJjADI/AAAAAAAAPaQ/ivT3I573Rqc1tVo5ucL8bvjU_1wSZqHOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200904_205715.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9En-GFWYkm4/X2EB-AJjADI/AAAAAAAAPaQ/ivT3I573Rqc1tVo5ucL8bvjU_1wSZqHOgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20200904_205715.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The middle 8 scale feet bring removed</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I made some slight changes to the model during the assembly process. I removed approximately 8 scale feet from the center of the car, bringing the length to 30 scale feet. Doing this made the flatcars slightly shorter than the boxcars (36 scale feet long), which felt more appropriate for the railroad. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I added 15" grab irons from BLMA Models on each corner or the car, and sanded away the molded on ones. </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wIdLzuw7Fq8/X2ECjCUpskI/AAAAAAAAPaY/5bLKM9nHaPwDyYj1r4jmBDF16_xm13RlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200905_141830.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wIdLzuw7Fq8/X2ECjCUpskI/AAAAAAAAPaY/5bLKM9nHaPwDyYj1r4jmBDF16_xm13RlQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20200905_141830.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">I built new cross braces (?) from stripwood. I didn't worry too much about the underbody details. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I used EZ Line from Berkshire Junction to model the tension wires on the underside. I had used metal wire on the boxcars. The metal looks nice, however it continually gets bent. The EZ Line is flexible, and looks just as good. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">After joining the two halves of the deck together, I removed the seven stake pockets along the sides, and reinstalled six of them evenly spaced out. I didn't plan on doing this until it came time to </span><a href="http://pvcrr.blogspot.com/2017/10/adventures-in-decaling.html" style="font-family: helvetica;">apply the decals</a><span style="font-family: helvetica;">, and I realized that the numbers on the car fell right on one of the original stake pockets. Removing and reinstalling them allowed me to place the car numbers in the center, without worrying about the details getting in the way. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T5-6GdF4lZM/X2EC4-IWpHI/AAAAAAAAPag/TCgmNfnOBAUFunNCYz1g1nyDTkRIZ-ZKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200912_094255.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1452" data-original-width="2048" height="454" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T5-6GdF4lZM/X2EC4-IWpHI/AAAAAAAAPag/TCgmNfnOBAUFunNCYz1g1nyDTkRIZ-ZKQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h454/20200912_094255.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-urCv93BuPR0/X2EC44jEq_I/AAAAAAAAPak/xKVMzLjw3IIz_9oZF28HWNCnedtx5TdiACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200912_094359.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="2048" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-urCv93BuPR0/X2EC44jEq_I/AAAAAAAAPak/xKVMzLjw3IIz_9oZF28HWNCnedtx5TdiACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h358/20200912_094359.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The lettering on the prototype wasn't the straightest, which fortunately was easy to replicate </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The cars were painted with Tru-Color Paint - PRR 1948 Passenger Car Tuscan, and the decks were painted with various browns/tans. True Scale Couplers from Micro-Trains were installed, as were Micro-Trains Arch Bar trucks. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_z--ctOMWFw/X2EWKC35ELI/AAAAAAAAPbo/TTBeIOh1tf0AjZrNnepGfKz5O9vHdPnEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Flat%2Bcars%2Bat%2BMoss%2BLanding.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="2048" height="402" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_z--ctOMWFw/X2EWKC35ELI/AAAAAAAAPbo/TTBeIOh1tf0AjZrNnepGfKz5O9vHdPnEwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h402/Flat%2Bcars%2Bat%2BMoss%2BLanding.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">An old postcard showing the prototype grain loads<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />To keep the car on track, I've made a load of grain sacks to cover 1/2 oz. of added weight. The grain sacks are also from Fine N-Scale. </span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9VHaCxz7E1Q/X2EHhtOumOI/AAAAAAAAPa0/ucag41Zia_kIliVgb7_uH_h1A1l_WGt1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200915_112159.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1374" data-original-width="2048" height="430" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9VHaCxz7E1Q/X2EHhtOumOI/AAAAAAAAPa0/ucag41Zia_kIliVgb7_uH_h1A1l_WGt1gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h430/20200915_112159.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qU5i6CCMsME/X2EHhvmgSSI/AAAAAAAAPaw/-Zc5TX8RJFE3Iv1YYmMjTX37IKqUGBTSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200915_112220.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1411" data-original-width="2048" height="440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qU5i6CCMsME/X2EHhvmgSSI/AAAAAAAAPaw/-Zc5TX8RJFE3Iv1YYmMjTX37IKqUGBTSwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h440/20200915_112220.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I'm working on a tankcar load, and will need to make a few more grain loads. The cars are too light without a load, unfortunately, though understandably. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WI31SvfCJw/X2EJeWUgrjI/AAAAAAAAPbY/z9p1PP_iTLEWXSyrXiQRrg1QUCmsPWmsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200915_113201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1437" data-original-width="2048" height="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WI31SvfCJw/X2EJeWUgrjI/AAAAAAAAPbY/z9p1PP_iTLEWXSyrXiQRrg1QUCmsPWmsQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h450/20200915_113201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The start of a tankcar, made from 1/35 scale barrels<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In service, the cars will be used primarily to haul sacks of grain the </span><a href="http://pvcrr.blogspot.com/2020/01/a-place-for-grain.html" style="font-family: helvetica;">warehouse </a><span style="font-family: helvetica;">at Spreckels, to the Pacific Steamship Co.'s warehouse in Moss Landing. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The same models will be used as a base for the 20 or so sugar beet gondolas I'll need to model. They go together rather quickly with an assembly line, so the 20 models isn't as daunting as it could have been. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Products Used<br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="http://finenscale.com/rollingstock.html" target="_blank">Fine N-Scale</a> - 38' Truss Rod Flatcar</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="http://finenscale.com/index.html" target="_blank">Fine N-Scale</a> - Stacks O' Sacks O' Stuff</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BLMA-Models-147660362291/" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #bf8b38; outline: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">BLMA Models</a><span style="background-color: white;"> - </span><span style="background-color: white;">N scale grab irons </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="http://berkshirejunction.com/subdirectory/ez-line/" target="_blank">Berkshire Junction</a> - EZ Line - Rust Colored "Fine" (0.25 mm diameter)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://www.micro-trains.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=63_171" target="_blank">Micro-Trains</a> - </span>True Scale Couplers #1300 and Arch Bar trucks #1011-10</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://trucolorpaint.com/">Tru-Color Paint</a> </span>- </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">PRR 1948 Passenger Car Tuscan</span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /></div>Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-72992113355740314972020-09-04T13:23:00.000-07:002020-09-04T13:23:00.186-07:00Layout Updates<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFcrMpbGcac/X1KhHxQyfPI/AAAAAAAAPYI/GcYPrEU7bzAQwTyAraB0vXFRDQsvGW_RQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200904_114141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFcrMpbGcac/X1KhHxQyfPI/AAAAAAAAPYI/GcYPrEU7bzAQwTyAraB0vXFRDQsvGW_RQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20200904_114141.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The Spreckels Sugar Beet Refinery towers over the Southern Pacific beet train below<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rXIcez-Fx7M/X1JvhZ8EewI/AAAAAAAAPXI/aIUJ9nFzo8gprCRe4d8h9aJlIjXmIYSiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200901_214711.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1549" data-original-width="2048" height="484" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rXIcez-Fx7M/X1JvhZ8EewI/AAAAAAAAPXI/aIUJ9nFzo8gprCRe4d8h9aJlIjXmIYSiQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h484/20200901_214711.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">A coal merchant waits for the daily local to pass at Moss Landing<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">While I prepared to </span><a href="http://pvcrr.blogspot.com/2020/07/backdrop-redux.html" style="font-family: helvetica;">reinstall</a><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> the layout, I realized that a number of different activities were going to happen at once. I had installed the backdrop and given it a basecoat of paint, but before I could install the layout in front of it, I wanted to get the backdrop more-or-less finished. Doing this before the layout was up would give me more room to work, and make things easier in the long run. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2eYuVZi9JJY/X1JtsN4sbnI/AAAAAAAAPWw/XivmoOQZEeUm95q3AUFmAOqbWqpwE24-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200904_093111.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2eYuVZi9JJY/X1JtsN4sbnI/AAAAAAAAPWw/XivmoOQZEeUm95q3AUFmAOqbWqpwE24-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20200904_093111.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The Spreckels yard is to the right<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mzwou8q5AQE/X1Jtr1h8hZI/AAAAAAAAPWs/eLvhkMi2xsoaXiTijsk-AYaPn7ANj1jCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200904_093154.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2048" height="416" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mzwou8q5AQE/X1Jtr1h8hZI/AAAAAAAAPWs/eLvhkMi2xsoaXiTijsk-AYaPn7ANj1jCgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h416/20200904_093154.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The Gabilan Mountain Range in the distance, with produce fields in the foreground. At least that was the intent. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">After roughing in the outline of the mountains, I went in and added shading and highlighting to add some dimension and depth. I included foreground elements like trees, fields, and a few workers to blend the foreground and background. I didn't worry about getting things just right, it was more about creating the look or feel of the Salinas Valley.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l6gRm0HNJ6Y/X1JwpN1aiWI/AAAAAAAAPXU/XZ7zAzd8fGwSpZlQ5tFxoboP1ISyaHOSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/6d2842ad24893e9e76ee563e2bc4c4af.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l6gRm0HNJ6Y/X1JwpN1aiWI/AAAAAAAAPXU/XZ7zAzd8fGwSpZlQ5tFxoboP1ISyaHOSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/6d2842ad24893e9e76ee563e2bc4c4af.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The real Salinas Valley with the Gabilan Range in the distance<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Once the backdrop was more or less complete, I could reinstall the layout. Before doing that, however, I decided that it would be wise to put a base layer of scenery down (plaster cloth and a coat of tan paint). This is the messiest phase of scenery, especially when covering large areas. By doing this while the layout was in sections, I could work outside and save myself a potential mess inside. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i38kzjiA6bQ/X1JuxJDyznI/AAAAAAAAPXA/YT1hdJjXTLEuIxR_6HULsVgpuCo2NV6tgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200904_093020.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i38kzjiA6bQ/X1JuxJDyznI/AAAAAAAAPXA/YT1hdJjXTLEuIxR_6HULsVgpuCo2NV6tgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20200904_093020.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">A layer of plaster cloth coated with tan paint forms the scenery base. This area will be farm fields with a dirt road paralleling the tracks.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Now I could begin to install the benchwork. Because I rearranged things (removing the Buena Vista Branch, pushing the Spreckels Sugar Factory into its place), and because the walls of the basement are now straight, and the dimensions of the room are slightly narrower, things took some finesse to reinstall.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I couldn't simply put layout sections back where they were and call it good. Starting at one end (Spreckels), I worked my way around the room until I got to Moss Landing. This involved filling in some gaps in the benchwork, and trimming things to fit the new space. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Once installed, I needed to reconnect the track and wiring. Trains can now travel from Spreckels to Moss Landing, and back again. I also added short staging tracks representing the Salinas and Alisal branch lines. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jEy2it14_9E/X1KexLSrEjI/AAAAAAAAPXk/Nzo6ZcZG2IkWWrMAuiREzgCRxwIIgqGlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200904_113933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jEy2it14_9E/X1KexLSrEjI/AAAAAAAAPXk/Nzo6ZcZG2IkWWrMAuiREzgCRxwIIgqGlgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20200904_113933.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The northern portion of the layout. Moss Landing is on the left, with temporary mock-ups of the Pacific Steamship Co.'s warehouses<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I0oqwECWfAQ/X1KexFIgP2I/AAAAAAAAPXo/VYKRVJCeRFYe2mIUWKiVzb51BMSks3I8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200904_114041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I0oqwECWfAQ/X1KexFIgP2I/AAAAAAAAPXo/VYKRVJCeRFYe2mIUWKiVzb51BMSks3I8ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20200904_114041.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The southern end of the layout. Spreckels yard is in the center, and a mock-up of the Spreckels Sugar Factory dominates the far end. The buildings are scale width and height, however I only had room to fit about half of the scale depth. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zf-HiuDbarE/X1KexN9xTqI/AAAAAAAAPXs/W32UqFm08vwgHmELG7WuVHEPU0HVC2sHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200904_114106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zf-HiuDbarE/X1KexN9xTqI/AAAAAAAAPXs/W32UqFm08vwgHmELG7WuVHEPU0HVC2sHgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20200904_114106.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">A close up of the Sugar Factory. Unfortunately I could only fit a portion (about 1/3) of the large sugar warehouse on the the left. I believe the full scale model would be over 3' long. The main factory building should be closer to 44" deep. I have room for about 24". <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Now that the trains were running, I needed somewhere for them to go. Using foam core, I created rough mock-ups of the Sugar Beet Factory in Spreckels, and the grain warehouses operated by the Pacific Steamship Co. in Moss Landing. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I also used this time to finish the installation of the fascia. It still needs to be stained in some areas. Having this fully installed, as well as a mostly painted layout surface makes a big difference in how things look down here. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K0hflX6ca1U/X1JtM67B3eI/AAAAAAAAPWk/kch9ZuWqDr0eLoKxYunxxpLfiUchgKgywCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200904_092534.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K0hflX6ca1U/X1JtM67B3eI/AAAAAAAAPWk/kch9ZuWqDr0eLoKxYunxxpLfiUchgKgywCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20200904_092534.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The fascia at Moss Landing. The turnout knobs need to be fixed, and the left end needs some stain.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">With things up and running again, I've come across some issues with the </span><a href="http://pvcrr.blogspot.com/2018/04/passenger-service-to-commence-shortly.html" style="font-family: helvetica;">passenger cars</a><span style="font-family: helvetica;">. For some reason, they have had trouble staying on the track on one curve while connected to one another. To date I've checked and adjusted and leveled the track, the wheels, the car weight. I think it's the </span><a href="http://pvcrr.blogspot.com/2017/11/like-onion_4.html" style="font-family: helvetica;">couplers</a><span style="font-family: helvetica;">, and their lack of lateral movement, combined with the abruptness of a curve following a straight turnout. The track radius isn't too sharp, and a slight adjustment to the straight of the turnout has lessened the problem. There are far too many variables to be confident at the moment. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">All in all, it's been a busy and productive month. Next up: finish the wiring, stain the fascia, lay the track for the Sugar Factory, finish the overhead lighting...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-31767099907419963482020-08-21T11:41:00.001-07:002020-08-21T11:41:19.388-07:00Night Lights<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-olCPm5BMfJ4/X0AQbAi660I/AAAAAAAAPTc/z6_CQENqvwMNdLFmkDiKpIMUDHPqqMIuACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200803_213642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-olCPm5BMfJ4/X0AQbAi660I/AAAAAAAAPTc/z6_CQENqvwMNdLFmkDiKpIMUDHPqqMIuACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200803_213642.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">A local pulls into the wye at Moss Landing as night falls<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">While reinstalling the <a href="http://pvcrr.blogspot.com/2020/07/backdrop-redux.html">backdrop</a> during my rebuild, I used a piece of 1x3 along the upper edge as reinforcement. Without meaning to, I created the perfect shelf to install some color change LEDs to help create night scenes. </span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6wIEFHcrBfY/Xxnx7SuGFZI/AAAAAAAAPPE/cGtJQksBYwIPu0VQywDVqw6TkjrnxD3aACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/20200721_165026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6wIEFHcrBfY/Xxnx7SuGFZI/AAAAAAAAPPE/cGtJQksBYwIPu0VQywDVqw6TkjrnxD3aACPcBGAYYCw/s640/20200721_165026.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">1x3" furring strip running along the upper portion of the backdrop. I painted it black in areas where it's visible<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I purchased a set of Govee LED RGD Strip Lights to try out. These are bluetooth enabled, and can be controlled through an app or a remote. The app allows for different modes, infinite color choices, and timers. The strips are backed with tape, so installation is just a matter of peel and stick. The only additional purchase I needed to get, was an extension cable to fit around the electrical panel. Now there aren't any visible lights or cables, just a soft glow emanating from behind the backdrop. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h9du1RCzI9U/X0ARma1FgRI/AAAAAAAAPTo/JaKldUl3uWwAgrRmZd3n3ShIBXYOu7mOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200821_111650%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h9du1RCzI9U/X0ARma1FgRI/AAAAAAAAPTo/JaKldUl3uWwAgrRmZd3n3ShIBXYOu7mOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200821_111650%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OfxKLiQ_8Bg/X0ARmc3AoJI/AAAAAAAAPTs/dxXYyDps7Vg-2ETJ5cakNX1-fNOQazhcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200821_111708%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OfxKLiQ_8Bg/X0ARmc3AoJI/AAAAAAAAPTs/dxXYyDps7Vg-2ETJ5cakNX1-fNOQazhcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200821_111708%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I'm pleased with the result. Here's a before and after illustrating the difference. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d38DbV17lOo/X0AR1A-WlVI/AAAAAAAAPUA/cohSLedUS08m012IIht-F7Gj3B89-3qlwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/20200803_213707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d38DbV17lOo/X0AR1A-WlVI/AAAAAAAAPUA/cohSLedUS08m012IIht-F7Gj3B89-3qlwCPcBGAYYCw/s640/20200803_213707.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXtny7rgA1U/X0AR1KayexI/AAAAAAAAPT8/U9yNJtFJFXotcyMEUVp9dEJ0rkEPkglxwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/20200803_213642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXtny7rgA1U/X0AR1KayexI/AAAAAAAAPT8/U9yNJtFJFXotcyMEUVp9dEJ0rkEPkglxwCPcBGAYYCw/s640/20200803_213642.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif;">Products used:</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XBSN3Y5/ref=pe_2640190_232748420_pd_te_o_gc_ti/132-6379052-6059330?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07XBSN3Y5&pd_rd_r=0TP10HKV936J2SGTFTFA&pd_rd_w=4tWSa&pd_rd_wg=Vd9pb" style="background: transparent; color: #bf8b38; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Govee LED Strip Lights</a> </div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/RGBZONE-Connector-Solderless-Connectors-Extension/dp/B088WCYCXP/ref=pd_cart_ci_mcx_mr_huc_d_2_1/131-6829735-1743060?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B088WCYCXP&pd_rd_r=461eef55-f935-489f-b7e2-2147ed4c4100&pd_rd_w=gQZI1&pd_rd_wg=K3aYO&pf_rd_p=6dc11404-7c75-4489-beeb-6061c4dfc9b6&pf_rd_r=DJC3ADRYM58HCVHZAD57&psc=1&refRID=DJC3ADRYM58HCVHZAD57" style="background: transparent; color: #bf8b38; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">LED Strip Light Accessory Kit</a> </div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p>Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-27534703810681656632020-07-23T13:47:00.000-07:002020-07-23T13:47:10.343-07:00Backdrop - Redux<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWVsieGP5bs/Xxn0isBToCI/AAAAAAAAPPM/G8rUpo2ILg0a3OAwP5muUeU4sF74acQfACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200723_133114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWVsieGP5bs/Xxn0isBToCI/AAAAAAAAPPM/G8rUpo2ILg0a3OAwP5muUeU4sF74acQfACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200723_133114.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The former site of Corey along the Buena Vista Branch Line will now house the Spreckels Sugar Factory. Fortunately, Corey was to the immediate south of the Factory, so the backdrop is accurate for each location.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />After the <a href="http://pvcrr.blogspot.com/2020/04/heckuva-time-to-find-wet-basement.html" target="_blank">recent events in the layout room</a>, I finally have the space put back together and ready for the layout to come back. The only downside is that in the time since the construction has finished, I've come to enjoy the open space down here - especially because it has to serve as an office until things get back to normal. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5WwNiCkt8pE/Xxnv4u84z5I/AAAAAAAAPOQ/TOuKg56qPyYp9-drqk4mBlmwsWfqbfHdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200629_091803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5WwNiCkt8pE/Xxnv4u84z5I/AAAAAAAAPOQ/TOuKg56qPyYp9-drqk4mBlmwsWfqbfHdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200629_091803.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">June, 2020</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07s-ZxVPwgc/Xxnw1kYGywI/AAAAAAAAPOc/KgSIIeIQnrId5mU48NCyvh_xMiggwFmJACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200417_155325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07s-ZxVPwgc/Xxnw1kYGywI/AAAAAAAAPOc/KgSIIeIQnrId5mU48NCyvh_xMiggwFmJACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200417_155325.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">April, 2020</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I decided that I wanted to keep some of the available floorspace, and elected to adjust the <a href="http://pvcrr.blogspot.com/p/track-plan.html" target="_blank">trackplan </a>to keep to the walls. I did this by moving the Spreckels Sugar Factory to the wall that previously held the Corey stop along the Buena Vista Branch Line. Well, that's the current plan at least. By my guess, the new Factory location will be about 4' x 2', allowing for larger buildings, and possibly an engine services facility. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ND0-HnrShYo/XMCCUQaS5II/AAAAAAAALSI/yztrV8wG2scILkO_Lhiv2w_H4BofiMfAACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20190412_145019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ND0-HnrShYo/XMCCUQaS5II/AAAAAAAALSI/yztrV8wG2scILkO_Lhiv2w_H4BofiMfAACPcBGAYYCw/s640/20190412_145019.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">An early construction image of the Sugar Factory peninsula jutting out into the middle of the room. The Buena Vista Branch is on the right of the image.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DaXpTHgXMFg/Xxnx64sBOUI/AAAAAAAAPO8/H7KWSNvU5Rcxqrn9-vCKOHWLi5fG0_ypgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20200718_132639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DaXpTHgXMFg/Xxnx64sBOUI/AAAAAAAAPO8/H7KWSNvU5Rcxqrn9-vCKOHWLi5fG0_ypgCPcBGAYYCw/s640/20200718_132639.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The Sugar Factory peninsula relocated to the wall<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eaqLxPlo4o0/Xxnx63YyH9I/AAAAAAAAPPA/-Hn63igf3G41IWY6Dv6_1gE9rq2wqJ5zQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/20200718_132650.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Additional benchwork will be needed here</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IvzfrIwI6oI/Wdmpoy3xzxI/AAAAAAAAAqY/f6DpMqLemkMugerkvtFs_Z3rH-tTUiZnwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Spreckels%2B1919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="551" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IvzfrIwI6oI/Wdmpoy3xzxI/AAAAAAAAAqY/f6DpMqLemkMugerkvtFs_Z3rH-tTUiZnwCPcBGAYYCw/s640/Spreckels%2B1919.jpg" width="539" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Sanborn Fire Insurance map from 1919</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Before committing to any of that, however, I wanted to reinstall the backdrop. <a href="http://pvcrr.blogspot.com/2018/10/backdrops-backdrops-backdrops-or-more.html" target="_blank">Originally</a>, this was done by attaching the MDF directly to the <a href="http://pvcrr.blogspot.com/2018/09/branch-line-construction.html" target="_blank">wall brackets</a> used to install the benchwork. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That worked fine, it was a hassle trying to get everything secure and straight though. To remedy this, I opted to install some 1x3 strips along the top of the wall brackets. These are to the brackets with scraps of wood pressure fit into the top. In theory, the whole construction can be removed by lifting it directly up. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ny4JBkmiNDE/Xxnx24FgbdI/AAAAAAAAPOk/j6_igRY773on95vDxO02ZHh0BlwtoQWeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200721_165019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ny4JBkmiNDE/Xxnx24FgbdI/AAAAAAAAPOk/j6_igRY773on95vDxO02ZHh0BlwtoQWeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200721_165019.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">It isn't the most clear, but there are scraps of wood connecting the 1x3 to the brackets </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The corners are joined together. Even without any connection to the wall, the backdrop framing is pretty secure<br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Currently, I've got the backdrop reinstalled. The next step is to repaint the majority of it, and then I can bring the layout sections back in. I've also ordered some LED strip lighting that I think may be useful for simulating night operations. I think that if I attach them along the 1x3 directly behind the backdrop, they will give off enough soft blue lighting to feel dark without making things too hard to see. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6V-qZwacEes/Xxn00PMB67I/AAAAAAAAPPU/O4CWsMpmKRk-cYp-wufV-uJRKq4XJspLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200723_133016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6V-qZwacEes/Xxn00PMB67I/AAAAAAAAPPU/O4CWsMpmKRk-cYp-wufV-uJRKq4XJspLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200723_133016.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The reinstalled backdrop ready for paint. The left side leads to Moss Landing, while Spreckels will begin on the right of the image</td></tr>
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Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-3808851825067164152020-04-14T21:01:00.000-07:002020-04-14T21:03:39.304-07:00Heckuva Time to Find A Wet Basement<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While it had been a frustrating few days, I am glad I built the benchwork in sections. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3smPBgdtC8/XpaFJwyhuAI/AAAAAAAAOhg/hiDpFRodLAcQ1fJenn4TS8w9zdgnvqGVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200413_153436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3smPBgdtC8/XpaFJwyhuAI/AAAAAAAAOhg/hiDpFRodLAcQ1fJenn4TS8w9zdgnvqGVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200413_153436.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Moss Landing is to the left, with Spreckels on the right. At this point, the flooring had been removed, as well as some of the drywall.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Due to recent rains, I've had to disassemble the entire layout, as well as everything else in our basement, to address moisture, leaks, mold, and general wetness. I had hoped the occasional wet floor wasn't going to be a major issue, but this of course wasn't the case. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_IWFrz6FCI/XpaFKBF2-XI/AAAAAAAAOh8/lAfWf_zljCMhptMZ6YFFwMHLRGZSMuLcACEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoDpGUVXX2pbJ2YKWGKo2jUwo8b9earoixoEpWGYsp1mLJD79_IKkNyxUrZuZyM-ZdxdV9m4lqeeZJC19XnKDqmBBIneESfRZVHhfqtF-QkYdizvmU21oFKV5dlG0BY0S3mBQsORDOGTLTdYsHK8-1R3F8lDIZZaI6beEdtRBiurmzZ454vpvybS-RTnbevo4R9Dcj95XUnx9atXLzZ-P4VKuF9P8PghOreXIJkdarIdUKRtQtJbC9vA7h3IRrqp2ykc6gX-_LWRJoL11VOBXkXVFLl2YmDWYHbHuwfJSys-UdZz9sAdMNnJK-v2x13a2tN36wpGh3ziHWPIVJIPipGwMDzSGQbADhLm7_XFerTHuJUsXLk7HEhWGLybE3suCmqHrF2z3SZ98c8HIRRWdOEk6c5KAzkJupbpdLKh-PJvUrxm7zCItzHdIZuSZ0GBZPsTRCPemSB9nWbv8TmF_AN2MPlNSOmjiROfT9UCixniD_ep9lZO_Daq9BUwNdBVbWnKdR9-_y3GALCWlSVCLjDjxRTueniMdMjGVWN7k9llx4kdpMwQa1Lq88WW929wzNhbpmLILFDUmh9U7AUgTaz0iwOdCnfdf0l8MKaQ2vQF/s1600/20200413_153453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_IWFrz6FCI/XpaFKBF2-XI/AAAAAAAAOh8/lAfWf_zljCMhptMZ6YFFwMHLRGZSMuLcACEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoDpGUVXX2pbJ2YKWGKo2jUwo8b9earoixoEpWGYsp1mLJD79_IKkNyxUrZuZyM-ZdxdV9m4lqeeZJC19XnKDqmBBIneESfRZVHhfqtF-QkYdizvmU21oFKV5dlG0BY0S3mBQsORDOGTLTdYsHK8-1R3F8lDIZZaI6beEdtRBiurmzZ454vpvybS-RTnbevo4R9Dcj95XUnx9atXLzZ-P4VKuF9P8PghOreXIJkdarIdUKRtQtJbC9vA7h3IRrqp2ykc6gX-_LWRJoL11VOBXkXVFLl2YmDWYHbHuwfJSys-UdZz9sAdMNnJK-v2x13a2tN36wpGh3ziHWPIVJIPipGwMDzSGQbADhLm7_XFerTHuJUsXLk7HEhWGLybE3suCmqHrF2z3SZ98c8HIRRWdOEk6c5KAzkJupbpdLKh-PJvUrxm7zCItzHdIZuSZ0GBZPsTRCPemSB9nWbv8TmF_AN2MPlNSOmjiROfT9UCixniD_ep9lZO_Daq9BUwNdBVbWnKdR9-_y3GALCWlSVCLjDjxRTueniMdMjGVWN7k9llx4kdpMwQa1Lq88WW929wzNhbpmLILFDUmh9U7AUgTaz0iwOdCnfdf0l8MKaQ2vQF/s640/20200413_153453.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The basement was also my temporary office due to all of the shutdowns. I've since moved to the kitchen and backyard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was able to take the layout down in an afternoon, and temporarily store it in the shed. When constructing the benchwork, I worked in sections outside. Bringing in a section at a time, whenever a new one was built. This meant that removal was done the same way. Each piece was made to fit up and down the stairs, which saved a lot of potential problem solving. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The basement is now in the process of being dried, cleaned, and then rebuilt. I'm not sure how long it'll be until things are back up and running.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cI-aJMG0Y0A/XpaFK7mEVXI/AAAAAAAAOiA/KDhVtF19_cMwWO8ECOf8_evuI10xyBr0QCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoCOw2pekl77wIkGHRxjoS976ALaalqD0gvk8ICxQkQWnGU70H_16y_NaDCH4NS8OREtnu2JqAtkhATXRWbuPcpj6bEgWyAjwvfMaAfQexZ4Jleyql2N005y-23FYF3s6fHVVfxAuIGtOtOHUqug9bUL5gOgKgJzE4w68eUzPl3NJ2HfuXPlwb-jU0qutwVAfIgLTM6jRHN1koqRznaYHaCKqotVn26nayJop3VU7LVmYj7cKDwCAjMMUBxOTmFfVOVbWX8OgsTUDBWcfgk640vr53zqEUTgu7lHqH8vtOEQsXdgnOHTIvMzphBUPagMR6Y_GsjqapqNnmEqFZS42aK5chdbhxpNyU769l-16lmI2xH5AOdZaTXGLZQtkY8AaYla6m4bwJo58d2MSqgSX_ycsOoJ2eWNsoRCtA1Ptm1cKmZaEVEiVC1sPeQZC5c7aWRx_lk-SkZCZ23K4SgO_cDsaBX1wYhMJ9bkiO2gvSvzdXqnEejM_RiX7BQqcUMlOyzk8rDlQVEAjAX13YwfLN7yk2C3DKBYzMAXG1vRcmrHB-ekNqW7CV-Iizax6ChTQ8RbF96F05mqFOpPK85dHYxGXi77wiBeXgUNMOGQ2vQF/s1600/20200413_165946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cI-aJMG0Y0A/XpaFK7mEVXI/AAAAAAAAOiA/KDhVtF19_cMwWO8ECOf8_evuI10xyBr0QCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoCOw2pekl77wIkGHRxjoS976ALaalqD0gvk8ICxQkQWnGU70H_16y_NaDCH4NS8OREtnu2JqAtkhATXRWbuPcpj6bEgWyAjwvfMaAfQexZ4Jleyql2N005y-23FYF3s6fHVVfxAuIGtOtOHUqug9bUL5gOgKgJzE4w68eUzPl3NJ2HfuXPlwb-jU0qutwVAfIgLTM6jRHN1koqRznaYHaCKqotVn26nayJop3VU7LVmYj7cKDwCAjMMUBxOTmFfVOVbWX8OgsTUDBWcfgk640vr53zqEUTgu7lHqH8vtOEQsXdgnOHTIvMzphBUPagMR6Y_GsjqapqNnmEqFZS42aK5chdbhxpNyU769l-16lmI2xH5AOdZaTXGLZQtkY8AaYla6m4bwJo58d2MSqgSX_ycsOoJ2eWNsoRCtA1Ptm1cKmZaEVEiVC1sPeQZC5c7aWRx_lk-SkZCZ23K4SgO_cDsaBX1wYhMJ9bkiO2gvSvzdXqnEejM_RiX7BQqcUMlOyzk8rDlQVEAjAX13YwfLN7yk2C3DKBYzMAXG1vRcmrHB-ekNqW7CV-Iizax6ChTQ8RbF96F05mqFOpPK85dHYxGXi77wiBeXgUNMOGQ2vQF/s640/20200413_165946.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fortunately, I only had to cut three or four pieces of track. The wiring, like the benchwork, was more or less contained to individual sections, so not a whole lot of damage there. As of today, the backdrop is still attached to the wall, and there's a good chance that'll be damaged in the removal process. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7_LqDgFnfOU/XpaFKxA7oUI/AAAAAAAAOh4/rXj4-iO8lxkXGtyUDoID_9bS2jZS-pYTACEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoATLXobFJswfdVLU5PF6VV75BP12BroR1xszlBEavOVjm-D1hUcglh2nCogzlFyGIWcuLf-CXiET9rANpHBEbBZmGhjspropudWfWduEs36i9MWMrOHCNMR_0qfHd8NnxExlZaN6-Zz1FF-qh5Ic7gqfj8-UFTgd5TvxkHcNMVJ-Y23PJQPdejkxLcqHQgvt7OO7ejx-Go7MdupOJuruS34kLfH1Yaqz_iY0x_dI4ATkC-1AqkX6v_1jAyuwCO7G5aEbr4FhwJH0iCW7lP7uwpRsFtNq-EFPNWpB_ve7ym52bAtmkdqnMZupzRlT-oNclIRXzVmK14NvuqoZO8rnbeAhWBscUXvge3twdNfUZFwnhx-UXXCkExIDOSGQF9ndtzjEwmZ-RDjJtM1D6Qqe39ZyLX9JnsPcS2_BMWB8_axZZVKzXbgaeWu8v5yht0zzbqzbRPWK3taNF1DceJ8xsAdxdV_VF3ea0IXxzF8eb45cuj9wMIBRpWaZ5cFSfLhoFY2j7SWUS8JyC3mTA06K_f1ITdhf5DAARlZ2Oj25LqwKGjCmyyoTwp4Rvo4Bl7IPf1WgBrbkQ2yMJvsAeFu_yWrYF-dPrmWjloyMPWQ2vQF/s1600/20200413_165555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7_LqDgFnfOU/XpaFKxA7oUI/AAAAAAAAOh4/rXj4-iO8lxkXGtyUDoID_9bS2jZS-pYTACEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoATLXobFJswfdVLU5PF6VV75BP12BroR1xszlBEavOVjm-D1hUcglh2nCogzlFyGIWcuLf-CXiET9rANpHBEbBZmGhjspropudWfWduEs36i9MWMrOHCNMR_0qfHd8NnxExlZaN6-Zz1FF-qh5Ic7gqfj8-UFTgd5TvxkHcNMVJ-Y23PJQPdejkxLcqHQgvt7OO7ejx-Go7MdupOJuruS34kLfH1Yaqz_iY0x_dI4ATkC-1AqkX6v_1jAyuwCO7G5aEbr4FhwJH0iCW7lP7uwpRsFtNq-EFPNWpB_ve7ym52bAtmkdqnMZupzRlT-oNclIRXzVmK14NvuqoZO8rnbeAhWBscUXvge3twdNfUZFwnhx-UXXCkExIDOSGQF9ndtzjEwmZ-RDjJtM1D6Qqe39ZyLX9JnsPcS2_BMWB8_axZZVKzXbgaeWu8v5yht0zzbqzbRPWK3taNF1DceJ8xsAdxdV_VF3ea0IXxzF8eb45cuj9wMIBRpWaZ5cFSfLhoFY2j7SWUS8JyC3mTA06K_f1ITdhf5DAARlZ2Oj25LqwKGjCmyyoTwp4Rvo4Bl7IPf1WgBrbkQ2yMJvsAeFu_yWrYF-dPrmWjloyMPWQ2vQF/s640/20200413_165555.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Because of the somewhat urgent matter of finding mold, I had to act quickly. All of my supplies, tools, and projects, are all buried in the shed. Here's hoping I can move back in to the basement sooner than later...</span></div>
Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-33412659755521304982020-03-23T20:52:00.000-07:002020-03-23T20:57:05.271-07:00A Dispatcher's Desk for Moss Landing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CEQWnoP7rhY/XnmATbbY9cI/AAAAAAAAOZ0/lxtc5ruOEX4oD2MSSx-DpvZxuQuxyVK0ACEwYBhgL/s1600/20200323_193243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CEQWnoP7rhY/XnmATbbY9cI/AAAAAAAAOZ0/lxtc5ruOEX4oD2MSSx-DpvZxuQuxyVK0ACEwYBhgL/s640/20200323_193243.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><div style="text-align: left;">
The new dispatcher's desk at Moss Landing</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">The PVC RR had register stations at both Spreckels and Watsonville (the primary southern and northern terminals of the railroad). To add some authenticity to the layout, I decided that I'd try to operate my PVC RR the same way, and have designated work stations at both Watsonville and Spreckels. </span><br />
<br />
Last summer, I built a <a href="http://pvcrr.blogspot.com/2019/06/compact-dispatchers-desk.html">small dispatcher's desk</a> for use at the Spreckels end of the layout. It serves as a place to store the layout's control system, fill out paperwork (potentially), and keep various layout necessities - uncoupling sticks, track and wheel cleaners, etc.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c9cWfmIl87w/Xnj5CR73UcI/AAAAAAAAOYg/-aN9deauIG8MBRp7srOIXJttz-M12kLYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200217_145549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c9cWfmIl87w/Xnj5CR73UcI/AAAAAAAAOYg/-aN9deauIG8MBRp7srOIXJttz-M12kLYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200217_145549.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
The original dispatcher's desk at Spreckels, updated with a new front panel and handles</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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</tbody></table>
I decided that there wasn't room to model Watsonville, so the layout ends at Moss Landing. (I may add a small staging track to represent Watsonville in the future.) <a href="https://pvcrr.blogspot.com/2017/09/an-introduction.html">Moss Landing</a> was home to a handful of large Pacific Coast Steamship Co. warehouses, and saw a number of ships pass through each week. While the PVC RR's presence here was minimal, the coordination with the steamship company at this site justifies the addition of an operator's station, in my book. And should I add that bit of removable staging representing Watsonville, this desk will serve as the Watsonville register station.<br />
<br />
Construction was the same as the first go around - a simple box with a hinged writing surface. I decided to mix things up and add some dividers in the drawer, inspired by a filing system I recently saw inside of an old ATSF caboose.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EwPUNJPIw4o/Xnj3zv2fvFI/AAAAAAAAOYU/RQ3e6C0S8SMmcA8rzYwNQXkbe0qiUcEpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200112_115521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EwPUNJPIw4o/Xnj3zv2fvFI/AAAAAAAAOYU/RQ3e6C0S8SMmcA8rzYwNQXkbe0qiUcEpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200112_115521.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><div>
ATSF #999531 at the <a href="http://www.lomita-rr.org/" target="_blank">Lomita Railroad Museum</a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8N2EJnnrKc/XnmAUqqMHJI/AAAAAAAAOZs/0tG0YvuYZ5InSwf-LmYy36_whqHplWmwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200323_193420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8N2EJnnrKc/XnmAUqqMHJI/AAAAAAAAOZs/0tG0YvuYZ5InSwf-LmYy36_whqHplWmwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200323_193420.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The small dividers are about 1.5" x 5" </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ceyCDV8b0SQ/XnmATR_jjkI/AAAAAAAAOZg/waEwb0rPipEbC_PTSEA6vhipwOuf7jExACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200323_193223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ceyCDV8b0SQ/XnmATR_jjkI/AAAAAAAAOZg/waEwb0rPipEbC_PTSEA6vhipwOuf7jExACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200323_193223.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The contents in the drawer are largely for show. I like the idea of having some time-period appropriate checks, timetables, pens, and other miscellaneous items. The Pacific Coast Steamship Company pass is from 1910. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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At some point, I may add a fast clock to the left side of the drawer. For now, it's just a small space for additional storage.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-20D098qMh9A/XnmEyQEwZKI/AAAAAAAAOaU/X3W4kOeGRBo-G-0FwGPRfbDP6HJRKGkRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200323_193334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-20D098qMh9A/XnmEyQEwZKI/AAAAAAAAOaU/X3W4kOeGRBo-G-0FwGPRfbDP6HJRKGkRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200323_193334.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The drawer is 12" x 20" x 4" deep<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0WM0YJIoQ5Q/XnmAUiPIl1I/AAAAAAAAOZ8/1eAEBqYdGjU2D1hW7Ufee2wjwYHFSpvpgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20200323_193248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0WM0YJIoQ5Q/XnmAUiPIl1I/AAAAAAAAOZ8/1eAEBqYdGjU2D1hW7Ufee2wjwYHFSpvpgCEwYBhgL/s640/20200323_193248.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The front face of the drawer was made from red oak hobby wood, and matching trim. The drawer pulls are inexpensive ones, with an antique brass finish. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This new desk at Moss Landing is about three feet from the Spreckels dispatch desk, however when standing at it, it feels like its own unique area much further down the line.Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-74295753126819927472020-02-10T08:34:00.003-08:002020-02-10T08:35:34.638-08:00Fascia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-COqPbCYbASY/XkGD2uAQhPI/AAAAAAAANjQ/D8hFNqhuzfoC4QsPLZX9la7i42UjDQxJACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200209_155457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-COqPbCYbASY/XkGD2uAQhPI/AAAAAAAANjQ/D8hFNqhuzfoC4QsPLZX9la7i42UjDQxJACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200209_155457.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I applied some stain to the fascia this weekend. The original plan was to leave the wood unfinished, but I gave this a shot and am pleased with the result. The station markers tell you which stop/location you're at. One idea is to install larger ones at station stops, denoting the mile post, direction of travel, etc., and using the smaller ones to label river crossings, or other landmarks. I used inexpensive brass label holders, as well as brass screws to install the fascia, to create a uniform finished look.<br />
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Installing and staining the fascia adds a nice touch to parts of the layout that are still very much under construction. I've got a few more pieces to install, but for the most part, this step is complete.<br />
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Products Used:</div>
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Fascia - 1/8" plywood</div>
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Stain - <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Varathane-1-qt-Dark-Walnut-Classic-Wood-Interior-Stain-339720/305502000" target="_blank">Varathane Dark Walnut</a></div>
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Station Marker - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TXSGRL7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Brass 60mm x 17mm Label Holder</a></div>
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Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-24381815113716701642020-01-23T08:18:00.004-08:002020-01-23T08:20:19.625-08:00A Place for Grain<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-YlFCLpg-c/XhO1OaIvyAI/AAAAAAAANfk/MMrDLYesOmEtyCQ2jQFtsi3YK7NcKXCHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20191113_164647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-YlFCLpg-c/XhO1OaIvyAI/AAAAAAAANfk/MMrDLYesOmEtyCQ2jQFtsi3YK7NcKXCHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20191113_164647.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
Workers in the Spreckels Sugar Co. grain warehouse are busy reading the next shipment</div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">In 1916, a large storm hit the Salinas Valley, one newspaper
article noted that the “roof of the sugar company’s grain warehouse [was] blown
away.” While that was a bit of an exaggeration, I thought that the article
would be helpful on my recent scratch building project. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AsoCzaNNkNs/Xc2K-ti01pI/AAAAAAAANGQ/u1V62opun6EuQkl2M-wG9FlHOvIHHg9dwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Storm%2B01.28.1916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="599" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AsoCzaNNkNs/Xc2K-ti01pI/AAAAAAAANGQ/u1V62opun6EuQkl2M-wG9FlHOvIHHg9dwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Storm%2B01.28.1916.jpg" width="119" /></a></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Sanborn maps from 1914 and 1919 each have a warehouse located
just south of Spreckels, along the PVC RR yard, approximately 200’ x 50'. Other
maps, and aerials of the area all show a warehouse, even today there is a large
building in the same general area. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I
didn’t have a lot of information to go off of, but I was inspired by a
presentation at last year’s Pacific Southwest Division NMRA convention in
Phoenix. Frank Baker presented a clinic on scratchbuilding, and shared some of
his mock-up/placeholder buildings built of cardstock, so while I didn’t have a
lot of details sorted out, I knew the dimensions, so I put together a quick
mock-up. After a week, I decided to jump in a build the model. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaBjyoRamGs/XhOzF69X72I/AAAAAAAANfE/BOW1Fr5hVPMN12p7NDtwOwd_eP33tCWHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="776" height="344" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaBjyoRamGs/XhOzF69X72I/AAAAAAAANfE/BOW1Fr5hVPMN12p7NDtwOwd_eP33tCWHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/1914.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
Called out in the 1914 Sanborn map</div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_yI_RhM3EI/XhOyzKGo1JI/AAAAAAAANe4/iV8s84GhyGUtTC3knxmotdnEGc7fzfkMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="561" height="483" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_yI_RhM3EI/XhOyzKGo1JI/AAAAAAAANe4/iV8s84GhyGUtTC3knxmotdnEGc7fzfkMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/1919.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
Called out in the 1919 Sanborn map</div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Because of the limited depth along the backdrop, I could
only model about 1/3 of the width, while maintaining the scale length of the
structure. This allows for six boxcars to be spotted here. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqZLYoZRI7Y/XhO01JvqBBI/AAAAAAAANfY/j8waHMJnazYcvoU3KeAv3N4VCtm5huwqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20191113_164554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqZLYoZRI7Y/XhO01JvqBBI/AAAAAAAANfY/j8waHMJnazYcvoU3KeAv3N4VCtm5huwqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20191113_164554.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The construction was straightforward, I used Evergreen
styrene for the walls and trim, and Grandt Line and Tichy Train Group doors.
The roof was constructed from 6 panels of Grandt Line shingles. These were not
easy to find. I'm not sure why, but I could not locate any large sheets of
shingles in N scale. </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qL-nB0qzRSc/XhO1eDIOxlI/AAAAAAAANfw/Yoze8sc7h_siab8jnxDppeBCg3JNJdJKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20191113_164741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qL-nB0qzRSc/XhO1eDIOxlI/AAAAAAAANfw/Yoze8sc7h_siab8jnxDppeBCg3JNJdJKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20191113_164741.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
I only detailed sections visible through the two open freight doors. The grain sacks are from Fine N Scale Products</div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a02fqOnkX4k/XhO0NVmO_FI/AAAAAAAANfQ/4ZHTy8UTCng1qUm1ZgHc1Bfq2cKE5ADmACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20191113_164619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a02fqOnkX4k/XhO0NVmO_FI/AAAAAAAANfQ/4ZHTy8UTCng1qUm1ZgHc1Bfq2cKE5ADmACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20191113_164619.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
Weathering was toned down on a portion of the roof to model the area damaged in the storm. The seagulls are from American Archetype, on Shapeways</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px;">The article above
mentions that 50 feet of roofing was damaged during the store. My modeling is
set in the 1920s, so the major storm had come and passed, but I still wanted to
reference the roof damage. To do this, I masked off about 50 scale feet while
weathering. While I’m sure no one will notice, I wanted to add a little history
to the model. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zIbgNWTMsPw/XhO1GvMgShI/AAAAAAAANfg/aIvkmsOZm9Qn6Pju2K4UHDbniD4RECTBgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20191113_164908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zIbgNWTMsPw/XhO1GvMgShI/AAAAAAAANfg/aIvkmsOZm9Qn6Pju2K4UHDbniD4RECTBgCEwYBhgL/s640/20191113_164908.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
The two tracks in the front lead to the Spreckels Sugar Co. Refinery. The Spreckels yard extends to the left</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">The Sanborn map from 1914 labels this a
"Spreckels Sugar Co. Warehouse", and the one from 1919 names it a
"Grain Warehouse". Because I'll be modeling the large grain
warehouses owned by the Pacific Coast Steamship Company in Moss Landing, I
thought it'd be useful to have a grain warehouse on the other end of the
layout. </span>Boxcars will be spotted in Spreckels, loaded with grain,
and sent to Moss Landing for unloading. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">All in all, this was an
easy build. When the trackwork to Moss Landing is complete, this warehouse will
provide a lot of operating potential between the two towns. </span><br />
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Products Used:</div>
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Pigeons - <a href="https://www.shapeways.com/product/836AQ58X4/n-scale-1-160-pigeons-set-of-121?optionId=4015737&li=marketplace" target="_blank">American Archetype</a></div>
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Sacks of grain - <a href="https://www.ebay.com/itm/113964055457?ViewItem=&item=113964055457" target="_blank">Fine N Scale Products</a><br />
Walls - <a href="https://evergreenscalemodels.com/collections/040-1-0mm-clapboard-siding/products/4041-030-opaque-white-polystyrene-clapboard-siding-1" target="_blank">Evergreen Scale Models #4041</a> - Clapboard .040" Spacing<br />
Trim - <a href="https://evergreenscalemodels.com/collections/14-white-polystrene-strips/products/102-010-x-040-opaque-white-polystyrene-strip" target="_blank">Evergreen Scale Models #102</a> - Strip Styrene .010" x .040"<br />
Freight Dock & Floor - <a href="https://evergreenscalemodels.com/collections/040-1-0mm-opaque-white-polystyrene-v-groove-siding/products/copy-of-2030-030-opaque-white-polystyrene-v-groove-siding" target="_blank">Evergreen Scale Models #4030</a> - V-Groove .030" Spacing</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Doors - Tichy Train Group - <a href="https://www.tichytraingroup.com/Shop/tabid/91/c/n_doors/p/2513/Default.aspx" target="_blank">4 Panel Door #2513</a>, <a href="https://www.tichytraingroup.com/Shop/tabid/91/c/n_doors/p/2515/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Baggage Door #2515</a>; Grandt Line - <a href="https://www.grandtline.com/architectural-and-detail-parts/n-scale/" target="_blank">Victorian Baggage Door #8018</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Roofing - Grandt Line <a href="https://www.grandtline.com/architectural-and-detail-parts/n-scale/" target="_blank">Shingles #8030</a> (I believe Scalloped Shingles and Rectangular Shingles have the same item number, I used the rectangular shingles)</span><br />
Downspouts - .010" bronze wire<br />
Paint - Rustoleum Paint & Primer <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-249126-Painters-Purpose-12-Ounce/dp/B002BWOS7G/ref=asc_df_B002BWOS7G/?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=&hvpos=&hvnetw=o&hvrand=&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583795260424757&psc=1" target="_blank">Flat White spray</a> (walls); Craftsmart Acrylic '<a href="https://www.michaels.com/craft-smart-acrylic-paint/10402454.html" target="_blank">Suede</a>' (trim); the roof is flat black with various washes and dry brushing applied.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-10606940369893672162019-10-14T15:21:00.000-07:002019-10-15T08:54:51.294-07:00Spreckels Sugar I and II<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4z6SA8Qxg_U/XaTtgI4z2ZI/AAAAAAAAMvU/o-dFFl2-q1IZuIRmpWq964rbDqNDahwUACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1600" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4z6SA8Qxg_U/XaTtgI4z2ZI/AAAAAAAAMvU/o-dFFl2-q1IZuIRmpWq964rbDqNDahwUACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Spreckels Sugar No. II, as it appeared in the 1960s, switching cars on the <a href="https://pvcrr.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-buena-vista-branch.html">Buena Vista Branch</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I decided to mix things up, fast forward about fifty years, and build a few diesels for the railroad. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The base of each engine started as the Bachmann GE-44ton.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QhpfC63ICB8/XZ0USG_ei0I/AAAAAAAAMug/jqOUz06TGrUiE_VWFRL_kHM0xQ3TxFiUACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Spreckels%2BSugar%2BNo%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QhpfC63ICB8/XZ0USG_ei0I/AAAAAAAAMug/jqOUz06TGrUiE_VWFRL_kHM0xQ3TxFiUACK4BGAYYCw/s640/Spreckels%2BSugar%2BNo%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Spreckels Sugar I, 1947</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ruXiN4_awI/XaTtgKn57eI/AAAAAAAAMvM/BT1v_xB3PJEuNPtNHCqvTpoTihhteQ7ngCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1600" height="344" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ruXiN4_awI/XaTtgKn57eI/AAAAAAAAMvM/BT1v_xB3PJEuNPtNHCqvTpoTihhteQ7ngCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Spreckels Sugar No. 1 was primarily modeled through repainting and the addition of some detail parts</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://pvcrr.blogspot.com/p/spreckels-sugar-1.html">Spreckels Sugar 1</a> was, more or less, just a repaint. I moved the horn, and made some other minor changes. I decided to paint it to match the picture I have from 1947. I tried to duplicate the warning stripes on the body through decals, but they were too thin. I ended up doubling up the decals to create wider stripes. Doing this meant that I had to do each one individually. I didn't worry about the thickness on the sides of the shell. I didn't have a color image available from this time period, so I just guessed at the coloring. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lx61iDRpPqY/XZ0T-n_5BDI/AAAAAAAAMuU/jRcSDG3JQ8wi51X9MZc94EnU5iZ2e0pbwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/SSII%2B1970s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lx61iDRpPqY/XZ0T-n_5BDI/AAAAAAAAMuU/jRcSDG3JQ8wi51X9MZc94EnU5iZ2e0pbwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/SSII%2B1970s.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Spreckels Sugar II, c. 1970</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVRkq_UKBq4/XaTtg9dQ0KI/AAAAAAAAMvY/AgA7ziJVsgkYTSyBetwV-0ScLx5jTXORwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVRkq_UKBq4/XaTtg9dQ0KI/AAAAAAAAMvY/AgA7ziJVsgkYTSyBetwV-0ScLx5jTXORwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2c.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">It wasn't until I was finished that I realized the cab windows should have all been the same height</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I didn't realize it until I started, but No. 1 and No. 2 do not have the same body. In order to create a better version of <a href="https://pvcrr.blogspot.com/p/spreckels-sugar-2.html">Spreckels Sugar No. 2</a>, I had to extend the walkways around the shell, add additional body hatches, and remove the molded-on front grill. Because of the changes to the walk way, including the addition of steps from a Bachmann Old Time passenger coach, I needed to scratch build the handrails out of brass wire. I also added grille decals from Archer, scratch built signal flags, added scale couplers, and added sun screens and windshield wipers. Rather than mess with decals for the stripes, I painted them this time. The results are... ok. The nose stripes are off, mine are orange where they should be white.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wl846eaM8ow/XaTtgOU492I/AAAAAAAAMvQ/BgkeyBU53GAO_l_0sxw90QFixLXBcRt6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1600" height="352" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wl846eaM8ow/XaTtgOU492I/AAAAAAAAMvQ/BgkeyBU53GAO_l_0sxw90QFixLXBcRt6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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I like how the flags turned out, though they are supposed to be blowing the same direction</div>
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Spreckels Sugar No. 2 took first place (diesels) at the 2019 Pacific Southwest Regional convention held in Mesa, AZ, in September. Unfortunately, it fell short of the merit award (the weathering, window height, and size of the headlights all affected the point total.)<br />
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Products Used:<br />
Engines: <a href="https://www.brooklynlocomotiveworks.com/bachmann-44ton.htm" target="_blank">Bachmann N Scale GE 44-ton</a><br />
Figures: Misc. Bachmann and Preiser (both repainted)<br />
Windshield Wipers and Sun Shades: <a href="http://fiferhobbysu770.corecommerce.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=12478" target="_blank">Gold Medal Models Diesel Locomotive Detailing Set #1607</a><br />
Handrails (No. 2): <a href="https://www.tichytraingroup.com/Shop/tabid/91/c/ho_wire/p/1101/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Tichy Train Group Phosphor Bronze Wire .010"</a><br />
Louver Decals: <a href="http://www.archertransfers.com/AR88057.html" target="_blank">Archer Fine Transfers: Misc. Louvers</a><br />
Paint: <a href="https://www.testors.com/product-catalog/testors-brands/testors/enamel-paint/enamel-paints" target="_blank">Testors Gloss Orange #1127TT</a>; <a href="https://www.testors.com/product-catalog/testors-brands/model-master/acrylic-paint/bottles" target="_blank">Model Master International Orange #FS12197</a>; <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-Painter-s-Touch-2X-12-oz-Flat-White-General-Purpose-Spray-Paint-334021/307244842" target="_blank">Rust-Oleum Flat White Paint + Primer</a><br />
Decals - Striping (No. 1): <a href="http://www.microscale.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Session_ID=41c0fdaa9b82764479dc3a4d47f91d92&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=60-1349&Store_Code=MD&search=1349&offset=&filter_cat=&PowerSearch_Begin_Only=&sort=&range_low=&range_high=" target="_blank">Microscale Pacific Electric Locomotives Electric & Diesel Stripes w Gear Ration Data #60-1349</a><br />
Decals - Lettering: <a href="https://www.bedlamcreations.com/custom-waterslide-decals/" target="_blank">Bedlam Creations Custom Decals</a><br />
Misc. Scratchbuilt Parts (No. 2): Rooftop details, exhaust details, passenger car steps (Bachmann Old Time passenger car)<br />
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Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-45756537641389997272019-07-17T10:33:00.000-07:002019-07-17T14:04:20.119-07:00WagonsI recently finished the first of many sugar beet wagons for the layout.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHUNvgsNsuo/XQPH7DxO0KI/AAAAAAAALuM/CoBUT7VjD68y7AWlg-xJsoO5AoSWopMVQCLcBGAs/s1600/20190613_205347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHUNvgsNsuo/XQPH7DxO0KI/AAAAAAAALuM/CoBUT7VjD68y7AWlg-xJsoO5AoSWopMVQCLcBGAs/s640/20190613_205347.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This neat model was built from an N Scale Architect <a href="https://thenarch.com/products/ihc-farm-wagon-–-etched-brass-kit-n">IHC Farm Wagon</a> kit. This is an etched brass kit that goes together with superglue and some tweezers. Assembly is fairly straightforward. I primed the metal with some gray spray paint before beginning construction, and painted the various components along the way.<br />
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The figure is from Preiser, he was originally holding a fishing pole. The horses are from a Noch wagon set.<br />
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The sugar beets provided the biggest delay in the project. I wanted to capture the irregular look of sugar beets, and wasn't sure how to do that. I considered using ballast or other smashed rock products, but those looked too much like smashed rocks.<br />
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In the end, I settled on cork roadbed, broken and chipped to make irregular edges. I drybrushed the cork various shades of browns and grays.<br />
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I'll probably need at least 12 - 15 more of these to fill the layout, so.... that's a lot of tiny metal parts.<br />
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I also put together a few other wagons from N Scale Architect around the same time: <br />
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The first, was the <a href="https://thenarch.com/products/milk-bread-van-–-etched-brass-kit-n" target="_blank">Milk and Bread Van</a><br />
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I'll repaint that wheel at some point<br />
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This quickly became a test run. I'm pleased with how it turned out, but there were some lessons to be learned. I built this, then painted it. Which was a mistake, because it made painting the wheels very challenging. It also meant that I was applying dry transfer decals to the side of the finished model. It took some finessing to apply enough pressure to get the decal to sit, without mashing the delicate model. I also installed the roof, before attaching the reins to the figure (random Woodland Scenics guy).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSCcCJ9gdD8/XQPH60rkxpI/AAAAAAAALuU/iZ3w9mVpvkINJ-hp4sv8sEtkZvZ5M2DkQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190613_205436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSCcCJ9gdD8/XQPH60rkxpI/AAAAAAAALuU/iZ3w9mVpvkINJ-hp4sv8sEtkZvZ5M2DkQCEwYBhgL/s640/20190613_205436.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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The cow is from Preiser, with some scrap styrene to make the harness</div>
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The third, and by far simplest, new wagon I built was the Shire Scenes <span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://shirescenes.co.uk/" target="_blank">Tip Cart</a></span><span style="background-color: white;">.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">This went together fairly smoothly, in about an hour or so. The back is loaded with coal, as well as a supplied shovel, and two small buckets (taken from another Woodland Scenics figure set or roof workers).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">These were all pretty simple to build, assuming you pay attention to the instructions and take your time. I used various tweezers to help bend the tiny parts into place. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> I plan on purchasing an etched metal bending tool one of these days, which should help with the bends. </span><br />
<u><span style="color: #000120;"></span></u><span style="background-color: yellow;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Products Used:</span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wagons: <a href="https://thenarch.com/products/ihc-farm-wagon-–-etched-brass-kit-n" target="_blank">N Scale Architect - IHC Farm Wagon</a>, <a href="http://shirescenes.co.uk/" target="_blank">Tip Cart</a>, <a href="https://thenarch.com/products/milk-bread-van-–-etched-brass-kit-n" target="_blank">Milk and Bread Van</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Figures: <a href="https://www.hobbylinc.com/preiser-fishermen-model-railroad-figures-n-scale-79077" target="_blank">Preiser Fishermen Set 79077</a>, misc. Woodland Scenics guy</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Animals: </span><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.hobbylinc.com/dev/htm/noc/noc37701.htm" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">Noch Horse Drawn Brewery Wagon</a>, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">misc. Woodland Scenics horse, Preiser cow</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reins: <a href="http://berkshirejunction.com/subdirectory/ez-line/" target="_blank">Berkshire Junction EZ Line</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8oecC0LzL1U/W8VqeM-DppI/AAAAAAAABVo/ZvSsHl6NepopPzWIo95Y3CeF27lAp_RDACLcBGAs/s1600/WP_20180923_15_05_48_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-right: 16px; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-84456915479854504482019-06-17T21:13:00.001-07:002019-06-17T21:13:54.480-07:00Compact Dispatcher's Desk<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lArLe8nMox4/XQhdxAwOpyI/AAAAAAAALvk/uoI9mO3iFvQD9oplTt_hwnuctkJXmx4rgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190617_203756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lArLe8nMox4/XQhdxAwOpyI/AAAAAAAALvk/uoI9mO3iFvQD9oplTt_hwnuctkJXmx4rgCEwYBhgL/s640/20190617_203756.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The new dispatcher/operator work station at Spreckels.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "calibri";">A lot has happened in the basement over these past few
weeks. One of the earlier projects was the addition of a small work station under the
town of Spreckels. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">First and foremost, I needed a place to store the layout’s DCC station, a Digitrax
Zephyr. Because this does extra duty as an additional throttle, decoder
programmer, as well as general power for the layout, I couldn’t simply mount it
somewhere out of sight. I settled on the town of Spreckels as the location for a stationary throttle because it will be an area that sees a lot of operations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rNr_RoiMNOw/XQhdxOg2hLI/AAAAAAAALvo/MQRFN1ecKGEyHynFr2lihNzw6iK1YVpTgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190617_203843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rNr_RoiMNOw/XQhdxOg2hLI/AAAAAAAALvo/MQRFN1ecKGEyHynFr2lihNzw6iK1YVpTgCEwYBhgL/s640/20190617_203843.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
Green felt was installed in the storage compartment. The drawer is in its fully extended position.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">When trying to decide what to do, I did a lot of searching for other layouts online. I drew inspiration from both Trevor Marshall's <a href="http://themodelrailwayshow.com/cn1950s/" target="_blank">Port Rowan</a> and Bernard Kempinkski's <a href="https://usmrr.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">USMRR Aquia Line</a> layouts. Both of them convincingly combine functionality and aesthetics, in their layout design. The results are layout spaces that feel complete, intentional, and comfortable. <span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span>Inspired by their work, I decided that I wanted to build something that would provide a space to fill out work orders or time tables, while maintaining the feel of a 1900s desk, in a very limited capacity. I also wanted something simple, unobtrusive, and finished. I decided that a drawer would be useful: it would keep things out of sight when not in use, and provide a both a place to store things, as well as a desktop surface. I didn't work off any direct plans, sort of made it up as I went along. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The drawer is made from basswood, sold as "hobby wood" at Ace Hardware and Michaels. Arts and Crafts The dimensional lumber is sold in 3" wide strips, which I decided would be the perfect size because I didn't want to deal with a lot of cutting. The drawer glides are designed for keyboard trays. The challenge here was
finding sturdy drawer glides that would allow the entire drawer to extend from
under the layout. I couldn’t find something that fit those requirements, so I
settled for 12” slides that extend about ¾ of the way. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The fully extended drawer allows for easy access to the
throttle, as well as enough room to fill out operations paperwork should that
need come up. I'm trying to decide how to include a fast clock. The easiest way would be to slide the Zephyr back, and put a clock in its place. I could pull the Zephyr back out when needing to program or troubleshoot. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_W1lx0iGaVI/XQhdxHFFTEI/AAAAAAAALvs/tkUffBc76EQs3TuNV096qAbH1emzgrsFgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190617_203813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_W1lx0iGaVI/XQhdxHFFTEI/AAAAAAAALvs/tkUffBc76EQs3TuNV096qAbH1emzgrsFgCEwYBhgL/s640/20190617_203813.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
I wanted something that felt like a desktop writing pad, and landed on a green leather mousepad. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As an added touch, I ordered a small leather mousepad with “PVC”
monogrammed in the corner. The goal here was to create the look of a desk with
a writing pad on it. The leather is considerably more comfortable to write on
than the thin wood surface. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Eventually I'll add a drawer facing that matches the yet to be installed fascia in this area. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">This was a rewarding project that brought some design to a relatively simple, and very useful, element. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Products Used:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="https://www.acehardware.com/departments/building-supplies/lumber-and-trim/lumber/5419791" target="_blank">Basswood</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="https://www.acehardware.com/departments/hardware/cabinet-and-furniture-hardware/cabinet-hinges/5300025" target="_blank">Decorative Hinges</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pencil-Drawer-Variable-Height-Anachrome/dp/B0006FKVOY/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Kv+Pencil+Drawer+Slide+Variable+Height+12%22+75lb+Load+Rating+Anachrome&qid=1560829897&s=hi&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Drawer Slides</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/645387672/personalized-mousepad-leather-mouse-pad?ref=shop_home_active_25&pro=1&frs=1" target="_blank">Mousepad</a></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span>Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-28532865288216534352019-04-25T07:49:00.003-07:002019-10-18T11:02:47.420-07:00Preventable Problems<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ND0-HnrShYo/XMCCUQaS5II/AAAAAAAALSE/8ywreUwWNX83A_HSNw94FKQslNHSwEc5QCLcBGAs/s1600/20190412_145019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ND0-HnrShYo/XMCCUQaS5II/AAAAAAAALSE/8ywreUwWNX83A_HSNw94FKQslNHSwEc5QCLcBGAs/s640/20190412_145019.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
The new benchwork includes the town of Spreckels along the wall, and the Spreckels Sugar Refinery on the peninsula. The clutter is below and all around. (Eventually additional lighting fixtures will be added for the new section.)<br />
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The last two weeks saw the construction and installation of
the benchwork for both the Spreckels Sugar Refinery, and the town of Spreckels,
on my PVCRR. Construction of the benchwork was straightforward, and followed
the same design standards I used during the construction of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://pvcrr.blogspot.com/2018/09/branch-line-construction.html">Buena Vista Branch</a>. </b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PGDzg6UOeAY/XME3AsT5OCI/AAAAAAAALSs/zZB7GyYNh30JovFFMOm0AHf2PJ0E8Mh0gCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190424_211805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PGDzg6UOeAY/XME3AsT5OCI/AAAAAAAALSs/zZB7GyYNh30JovFFMOm0AHf2PJ0E8Mh0gCEwYBhgL/s640/20190424_211805.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
Mock-ups in place to see how the factory scene would appear with the backdrop in the background. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After the initial design was done (final measurements taken,
and wood purchased), I became complacent. The construction itself is sound, the
corners are more or less square, and the joints are tight. I knew what I was
planning on building, the new benchwork construction is divided into two
segments. The factory peninsula is 4’ x 1’, and the town of Spreckels is on a
frame that is 4' x 1' (the last 12" are 8" deep). I built them
independent of one another and bolted them together once they were in place on
the preinstalled shelf brackets. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here’s where I ran into trouble. The factory peninsula is
four feet long, jutting out into the layout room. I had planned on securely
attaching it to two 24” brackets, ensuring that it was sturdy should anyone
lean on it or bump into it.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>To do this,
I mounted the brackets to the wall, 12” apart to align with the frames of the
layout. Unfortunately, the wall studs are 16” apart, and while this shouldn’t
have been an issue, for some reason every wall anchor I tried simply ripped
through the drywall, resulting in the situation below.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJjtLtdnU30/XL_svRBgPZI/AAAAAAAALRw/K5WaStUUpjgxt87zOq55XnovN4H91bQ2ACLcBGAs/s1600/20190411_065222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJjtLtdnU30/XL_svRBgPZI/AAAAAAAALRw/K5WaStUUpjgxt87zOq55XnovN4H91bQ2ACLcBGAs/s640/20190411_065222.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The more anchors I tried, the more holes I created...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fortunately, this mess is hidden behind the backdrop, but it
was still a challenge to deal with. Had I thought through the plan a bit more,
I could have made the layout section wider where it connects to the wall,
lining the framing up with the wall studs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I ran into the issue again when I went to install the
Spreckels section. The wall brackets were spaced 16” apart to line up with the
wall studs, and the layout braces were 12” apart because it seemed like a good
idea. This isn't a major issue, just a small oversight. I don't think the layout would be any sturdier had things lined up the way I had wanted initially, but the underside would have been less cluttered. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wxWFM6krhe4/XME3AuhjzPI/AAAAAAAALSc/VulzbbIVwUUZ5zCGlkW79MwobNa9Ipn4ACEwYBhgL/s1600/20190424_211437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wxWFM6krhe4/XME3AuhjzPI/AAAAAAAALSc/VulzbbIVwUUZ5zCGlkW79MwobNa9Ipn4ACEwYBhgL/s640/20190424_211437.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
My hope had been to set the framing pieces directly on the brackets, and to have the brackets attach directly to the wall studs. Forgetting about this while building the layout frame, resulted in misalignment.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fr-lpUU_Je4/XMHHwxTnIqI/AAAAAAAALTI/foaCkfRvFp0-mvft9HblqHpUmFBJzgDtACLcBGAs/s1600/benchwork%2Bgrid.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="556" height="401" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fr-lpUU_Je4/XMHHwxTnIqI/AAAAAAAALTI/foaCkfRvFp0-mvft9HblqHpUmFBJzgDtACLcBGAs/s640/benchwork%2Bgrid.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The red lines show where the shelf brackets are, due to the wall studs. The black lines are the 1x2 layout frame</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was able to work through the issues, but not without
frustration. All of this could have been avoided had I focused on both the
layout, and how it would attach to the walls. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SuXDX0QjDP0/XME3AxCsj8I/AAAAAAAALSk/HTBWkXJH6ao5uMcA-hQQYhdGav6ArdNKgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190424_211558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SuXDX0QjDP0/XME3AxCsj8I/AAAAAAAALSk/HTBWkXJH6ao5uMcA-hQQYhdGav6ArdNKgCEwYBhgL/s640/20190424_211558.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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This gap is a result of the square frame of the layout and the unsquared basement walls. Plaster or foam will fill the gap.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">All of this is minor when you consider how unsquared the
basement walls are. I’m at the point where I can either line the next layout
section up with the one preceding it, increasing that massive gap, or change
the widths of the layout to fill the gaps, which sounds like it will be an uphill battle. I'll probably just begin filling the gaps with foam or plaster. Time will tell…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Products used:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1" x 2" Poplar Dimensional Lumber</span></div>
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<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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1/8" Plywood </div>
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1" Insulation Foam</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="https://www.lowes.com/pl/Wire-closet-hardware-Wire-closet-organizers-Closet-organization-Storage-organization/1926583984" target="_blank">Rubbermaid FastTrack</a> Upright - 13.75"</div>
</div>
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12" Double Track Shelf Brackets (Spreckels)</div>
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24" Double Track Shelf Brackets (Factory)</div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span>Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-59388336968370605322019-02-28T14:20:00.001-08:002019-03-01T22:37:01.395-08:00Rural Fences<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8N5wHXm4NFg/XHhYOW4Zg2I/AAAAAAAALK8/RJdN9Yr2YGM4lsGggFi4sDEMxS-I8QFagCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190228_134445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8N5wHXm4NFg/XHhYOW4Zg2I/AAAAAAAALK8/RJdN9Yr2YGM4lsGggFi4sDEMxS-I8QFagCEwYBhgL/s640/20190228_134445.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The <a href="http://pvcrr.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-buena-vista-branch.html" target="_blank">Buena Vista Branch</a> is a relatively simple scene, a few tracks, a mostly dry river, and some hills. There aren't any major structures, no industries, and very little traffic. As a result, I felt it was important to add variety and interest through the detailing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As part of this process, I focused on the fences that line </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Buena Vista Road (now called River Road)</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. I had a few images to work off, including this postcard from</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1928</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U7vc98b_k8A/XHhbbfb6fNI/AAAAAAAALLQ/W-yycccOb4w6OLNwe7mwDQWe5snTZaaAgCLcBGAs/s1600/1928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="560" height="402" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U7vc98b_k8A/XHhbbfb6fNI/AAAAAAAALLQ/W-yycccOb4w6OLNwe7mwDQWe5snTZaaAgCLcBGAs/s640/1928.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
Postcard showing Buena Vista Rd as it crosses that PVC RR south of the Spreckels Refinery</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Using Berkshire Valley's EZ-Line and some wooden fence posts (scale 4"x8" that I split in half to make 4"x4" posts), I made these barbed wire fences. Slightly tedious, but otherwise fairly easy to build. I varied the number of wires on some of the fences to show some history and variety in construction preferences.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DvAqx_6_f98/XHgpk8eIkGI/AAAAAAAALKw/x7dKxJvE1D4c4RE20ceh1DcmEkqbk02aACLcBGAs/s1600/fences.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="1600" height="468" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DvAqx_6_f98/XHgpk8eIkGI/AAAAAAAALKw/x7dKxJvE1D4c4RE20ceh1DcmEkqbk02aACLcBGAs/s640/fences.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
The closer fence has two wires, while the background one has three.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I then built this wooden fence to keep the traffic (horse, buggy, car), on the road and out of the river. It was built with the same strips of wood, individually cut and placed. This was very tedious. I've been slowly adding more India Ink/alcohol stain to the boards, I don't like how light they are. </span><br />
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgXX8rE4BSI/XHhYzQU6HaI/AAAAAAAALLE/RHwQ8SqEHusYB_WIsv3CR5Lk0spWgLQSwCLcBGAs/s1600/20190228_134359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgXX8rE4BSI/XHhYzQU6HaI/AAAAAAAALLE/RHwQ8SqEHusYB_WIsv3CR5Lk0spWgLQSwCLcBGAs/s640/20190228_134359.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">All in, this has been a simple project. While I spaced the work out over a number of evenings, this could easily have been done in an afternoon. These small details add another layer to the story, creating a unique scene with a number of elements to discover.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Products used:</span></div>
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<a href="http://berkshirejunction.com/subdirectory/ez-line/" target="_blank">Berkshire Junction</a>- EZ Line - Rust Colored "Fine" (0.25 mm diameter)</div>
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<a href="https://midwestproducts.com/" target="_blank">MIdwest Products</a> - Various strip wood, cut to fit the scene (approx. 4"x4" posts)</div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></span>Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-21243523265332028652019-01-16T10:44:00.001-08:002019-01-16T10:44:16.859-08:00Hidden Treasures<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PsdM2yHK7yw/XD93Y6k0QoI/AAAAAAAAIXQ/2ZdLa9643V0pMB6OJrjKli3siqOSFCllgCLcBGAs/s1600/PVC%2BRR%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1269" height="388" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PsdM2yHK7yw/XD93Y6k0QoI/AAAAAAAAIXQ/2ZdLa9643V0pMB6OJrjKli3siqOSFCllgCLcBGAs/s640/PVC%2BRR%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
PVC RR #7, scan of original photograph taken between 1930 and 1932. I don't know who took this picture. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As noted before, I’ve begun to enjoy the historical research
side of the hobby. Whenever I find something new (or new to me), I feel like I’ve
found a hidden treasure that’s been lost for the last 100 or so years. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Recently, I found a handful of original photographs taken of
the last remaining engines on the PVCRR taken between 1930 and 1932, as they sat abandoned
just outside of Spreckels. Prior to abandonment, there were nine engines still
in service. After the railroad was sold to the Southern Pacific in 1929, all
nine engines were parked on a siding to await their fate (the scrap torch, in 1935). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The photographs came in two batches. The first I found included three pictures (locomotives #5, #7, and #8). These photographs include details about the locomotive in each picture written on the back.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ji31269eZG4/XD94tJDbtKI/AAAAAAAAIXg/D_36w5TNzPsjT2plYv4hqRRG-jd4prTFQCLcBGAs/s1600/PVC%2BRR%2B7%2BBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1248" height="392" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ji31269eZG4/XD94tJDbtKI/AAAAAAAAIXg/D_36w5TNzPsjT2plYv4hqRRG-jd4prTFQCLcBGAs/s640/PVC%2BRR%2B7%2BBack.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
The back of the picture of #7 above</div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
Included in the notes are the locomotive number, wheel arrangement, manufacturer, date of production, build number, wheel diameter, engine type (?), weight, and something called "T.F.", traction force? I don't know. That's a lot of useful information on a locomotive that was scrapped almost 100 years ago.<br />
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The second batch of photographs didn't have the same amount of detailed information, however, I did end up with a picture of each of the locomotives that had been abandoned. I now have photographs of #2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, all taken in 1932. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'd like to create a page devoted to the motive power of the PVC RR, and will likely store the pictures there, and include information on each locomotive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Another recent find came after a deep internet search, where </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I saw one
or two images of what looked like a pay check from the PVCRR, written in 1900. Try
as I might, I couldn’t find out where they were or if they were available for
sale. Amazingly enough, about two weeks ago, someone decided to sell three similar
checks on ebay. Fortunately, I was able to add them to my collection. I’m
amazed they’ve lasted this long, in relatively decent condition. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j2_BoD8GJk0/XD5ahU7HAAI/AAAAAAAAFD4/bBJgwdP1dXkzBSKdT1smKSmrotHnEpUDgCLcBGAs/s1600/Pajaro%2BValley%2BConsolidated%2BChecks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="999" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j2_BoD8GJk0/XD5ahU7HAAI/AAAAAAAAFD4/bBJgwdP1dXkzBSKdT1smKSmrotHnEpUDgCLcBGAs/s640/Pajaro%2BValley%2BConsolidated%2BChecks.jpg" width="598" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
Three checks from 1900 that I recently found</div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">’ve always enjoyed researching the railroads and finding
old pictures to study. It wasn’t until this recent venture, however, that I’ve
decidedly added that element to my enjoyment of the hobby. Finding old pictures
and documents provides a glimpse into a lost past. They also provide additional
information for modeling. I hadn’t seen these pictures of the locomotives
before now, and they all provide insight into the equipment I’m trying to
replicate, that disappeared more than 80 years ago. </span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span>Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-41181708804786809862018-11-21T11:29:00.001-08:002018-11-21T13:26:32.548-08:00Backdrops pt. 2<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I visited the Salinas Valley recently, and took the opportunity to take a lot of research pictures of the hills and plants surrounding the Salinas River / former Pajaro Valley Consolidated right-of-way. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately, it was a bit foggy/hazy-because-California-is-on-fire-again, so I was unable to get clear shots of the hills to use as reference for the backdrop along the <a href="http://pvcrr.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-buena-vista-branch.html" target="_blank">Buena Vista Branch</a>. However, I did get a chance to see the mountains as I drove around, and found a location that I could later pull up on Google Earth. The clear imagery that Google captured was taken in November 2017, and I visited in November 2018, so I felt comfortable using both sets of images as my starting point. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The following two images were captured from Google Earth. They were taken approximately one mile to the north of Spreckels. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OkbTQw59NjY/W-8z0cDldCI/AAAAAAAABZU/zMXeGKOr0JgoeGnJIRe7sk7M9TXButyWgCEwYBhgL/s1600/east.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="1392" height="144" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OkbTQw59NjY/W-8z0cDldCI/AAAAAAAABZU/zMXeGKOr0JgoeGnJIRe7sk7M9TXButyWgCEwYBhgL/s640/east.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">
The eastern edge of the hills. The PVCRR (later SP) ROW is the dirt farm road heading to the left, southbound to the old Spreckels Sugar Refinery (the white silos on the right in the distance.)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L1fTg2gF0Hc/W-8z0UNF4kI/AAAAAAAABZY/a9asIzVvcvcppuHRrwsuNhTQGduMJDNugCEwYBhgL/s1600/west.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="1226" height="148" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L1fTg2gF0Hc/W-8z0UNF4kI/AAAAAAAABZY/a9asIzVvcvcppuHRrwsuNhTQGduMJDNugCEwYBhgL/s640/west.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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The western side of the hills. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I began by creating a panorama of the entire length of the hills that I wanted to capture in the backdrop. These images were printed on two sheets of 11" x 17" paper, when combined, these were approximately 25% of the size of the backdrop. This was a happy accident, allowing me to easily transfer measurements from the print out to the backdrop.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To begin, I sketched the outline of the hills on the previously primed and painted masonite. Once I was happy with the final shape, I stepped away for the night, to avoid overworking things. The next evening I applied the lighter shade of acrylic paint, depicting the more barren western hills. I then mixed up a darker shade for the tree covered hills on the east.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Du7bJ33Z86c/W-87cXu0POI/AAAAAAAABZw/TLRd8sVkt6EbCIh3Ir9Fh8sbbfPk_QSwQCLcBGAs/s1600/WP_20181115_21_49_52_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Du7bJ33Z86c/W-87cXu0POI/AAAAAAAABZw/TLRd8sVkt6EbCIh3Ir9Fh8sbbfPk_QSwQCLcBGAs/s640/WP_20181115_21_49_52_Pro.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">First coat of paint along the backdrop. The central peak is a bit too pointy, I plan to smooth that out next.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The most important thing to consider when painting scenes like this, is to decide where the light is coming from, and keep that constant. In this case, the sun is to the east (to the left when looking at the backdrop). I tried to shadow and highlight the hills according to this. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1cvsGsGMT2Y/W_Wvc_Km7aI/AAAAAAAABaI/EX1Ve7S2fgItquPbNOy1VDPbZRROO6XmACLcBGAs/s1600/light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1cvsGsGMT2Y/W_Wvc_Km7aI/AAAAAAAABaI/EX1Ve7S2fgItquPbNOy1VDPbZRROO6XmACLcBGAs/s640/light.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Highlights and shadows were used to add dimension<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I referred to pictures of the area to help with the trees and bushes, which were all quickly dabbed into place. I wanted to create the look of distant trees and plants, without painting every branch and leaf. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pGin9cGpUBU/W_WvwWBlbJI/AAAAAAAABaQ/0DamAL8-WUEyeiOHQ3AduV_Q4B8RQ0lRQCLcBGAs/s1600/WP_20181117_14_53_47_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pGin9cGpUBU/W_WvwWBlbJI/AAAAAAAABaQ/0DamAL8-WUEyeiOHQ3AduV_Q4B8RQ0lRQCLcBGAs/s640/WP_20181117_14_53_47_Pro.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The bushes and trees are dabbed into place. I tried to avoid solid edges and even coverage. I may still go back and touch up some areas, however, by adding some highlights.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The primary goal for me was to create the look of the Salinas Valley, without getting caught in capturing every single individual element. I also didn't want to (try to) paint photo-realistic trees on an impressionistic hillside, or vice versa. Maintaining the styles throughout the process is key to creating a uniform look. The stylized trees don't stand out when the hills are rendered in the same manner. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Next up: Some clouds, probably.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Products Used:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.michaels.com/craft-paint/acrylic-craft-paints/926203319" target="_blank">Craft Smart Acrylics</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.liquitex.com/basics-acrylic/" target="_blank">Liquitex Basics Acrylics</a><br />
<br /></div>
Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-55687982399547884252018-11-16T10:42:00.003-08:002018-11-16T10:42:41.218-08:00On Rocks<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-infnNcPJ9qM/W-8NFEtl-hI/AAAAAAAABY0/nlQXqj9wZcUoHSvnCpaY-qFrAf8jWB-zgCLcBGAs/s1600/Rock%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-infnNcPJ9qM/W-8NFEtl-hI/AAAAAAAABY0/nlQXqj9wZcUoHSvnCpaY-qFrAf8jWB-zgCLcBGAs/s640/Rock%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This plaster rock is roughly 2" x 1". I wanted to capture some of the ground cover tones in the rock to create a cohesive look to the scenery.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I recently colored a few plaster rocks, and wanted to share the process. The initial rocks were made with a plastic rock mold (I believe Woodland Scenics sold it). Whenever I had some leftover plaster, I would fill the mold and leave the rocks for a future project. This being one of those projects, I don't remember exactly what plaster or ratio of water to plaster I used.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I completely finished the rocks prior to attaching any ground cover. This does two things. First, it provides a solid foundation for the rock to attach, and secondly, it allows the ground cover to completely cover the seams between the rock and the ground, adding to the look of a rock that is jutting out of the dirt.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rma1z_nmFlA/W-8NEgxLc6I/AAAAAAAABYw/kn8rPXvz1LUe8QMIEGCNfMsuGVPIJr-nQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Rock%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rma1z_nmFlA/W-8NEgxLc6I/AAAAAAAABYw/kn8rPXvz1LUe8QMIEGCNfMsuGVPIJr-nQCEwYBhgL/s640/Rock%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This one is roughly 1" x .5"</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The rocks are attached to the plaster/sculpt-a-mold scenery base with normal white glue, and left to dry.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After they are locked in place, I begin the coloring process. The colors below are what I used to achieve the coloring appropriate for rocks in my area. To me, what is more important than the exact coloring is the layers and variety of colors used. Rocks are rarely one solid, smooth, color. Varying the colors adds to the depth and texture of each rock. In the end, as with any element on a railroad or diorama, one rock may not be that impressive, but when viewed within the composition of the scene, they can add to the realism.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On that note, below are the colors and order used on these rocks -</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Starting with a white plaster rock, I drybrush the following:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. <span id="goog_1542872253"></span>Craft Smart Acrylic<span id="goog_1542872254"></span> - Suede</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. Craft Smart Acrylic - Tan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3. Model Master Acrylic - Railroad Tie Brown Flat</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4. Model Master Acrylic - Grimy Black Flat</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5. A wash of alcohol + India Ink, allowing the liquid to puddle in the various cracks</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">6. When this is dry, I lightly highlight the rocks with Liquitext Basics Acrylic - Titanium White</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Those colors provide the base of each rock. They were then lightly reworked with the same colors as needed to get them to look how I wanted. Starting with the same base for each one provides a uniform look, suggesting they all came from the same mountain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Products Used:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.michaels.com/craft-paint/acrylic-craft-paints/926203319" target="_blank">Craft Smart Acrylics</a></span><br />
<a href="https://www.testors.com/product-catalog/testors-brands/model-master/acrylic-paint/bottles" target="_blank">Model Master Acrylics</a><br />
<a href="http://www.liquitex.com/basics-acrylic/" target="_blank">Liquitex Basics Acrylics</a><br />
<a href="https://www.michaels.com/higgins-india-ink/10015491.html" target="_blank">India Ink</a><br />
<a href="https://www.riteaid.com/shop/ra-alcohol-iso-70-32z-0351222?ra_group=gPLA30pct16&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2_-v6cfZ3gIVi42zCh2MaAn6EAQYAyABEgI3rfD_BwE" target="_blank">Rubbing Alcohol (70% I think..?)</a>Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-46219229045827328812018-10-22T20:24:00.001-07:002018-10-22T20:29:07.185-07:00Layout Update 1.0<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e_VZgIf2XRs/W86VdnV3zjI/AAAAAAAABXY/q9zjKcoHybQNWjMH6eHaHe6AVHOlv4MAwCLcBGAs/s1600/WP_20181022_20_25_44_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e_VZgIf2XRs/W86VdnV3zjI/AAAAAAAABXY/q9zjKcoHybQNWjMH6eHaHe6AVHOlv4MAwCLcBGAs/s640/WP_20181022_20_25_44_Pro.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A lot has happened over the past few weeks, and rather than break it up into small manageable chunks, I thought it'd be best to lump it all together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Backdrop</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F42QVO9Ag2w/W848REbmslI/AAAAAAAABWY/KAb7Xov5bsQEB77UieiqhteI_8J6c8OYwCLcBGAs/s1600/backdrop%2Bblue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1263" height="363" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F42QVO9Ag2w/W848REbmslI/AAAAAAAABWY/KAb7Xov5bsQEB77UieiqhteI_8J6c8OYwCLcBGAs/s640/backdrop%2Bblue.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Zooming in affected the image quality, but I wanted to showcase the blue and white transition</div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The backdrop received some paint. I began by rolling the upper two-thirds with a sky blue color, I then used white paint blended in along the lower third to create the look of a horizon. It took a bit of work to get the colors to blend in a way that looked good to me. It's subtle, but if you're looking for it, you can still detect a change from the top to the bottom. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8T1_H0NXV1c/W86NkiQOlCI/AAAAAAAABW4/HwzaRJA5o0EK8G9JyVdw-ZPwn39OpwOQQCLcBGAs/s1600/WP_20181022_19_46_32_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8T1_H0NXV1c/W86NkiQOlCI/AAAAAAAABW4/HwzaRJA5o0EK8G9JyVdw-ZPwn39OpwOQQCLcBGAs/s640/WP_20181022_19_46_32_Pro.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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The wax paper from above was used to rough in backdrop ideas. The numbers on the hills refer to a sketch I had done that I was working off of.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm finalizing the layout of the painted hills, I want to be somewhat confident with the final placement of the various hills before starting. I've attached paper to the backdrop and sketched the hills directly on those to get a feel for how things will look. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Scenery</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What had been roughed in hills were then glued in place. I waited until after I painted the blue and white on the backdrop before attaching the hillsides. I knew that I would be rolling the paint on, and having hills butt up against the backdrop would make that much more challenging. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cy0S8o02tI/W848t2Z505I/AAAAAAAABWg/d4_WEIx7xjo2OL_ow9keuIeWkf4LBZFygCLcBGAs/s1600/WP_20181018_21_52_13_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cy0S8o02tI/W848t2Z505I/AAAAAAAABWg/d4_WEIx7xjo2OL_ow9keuIeWkf4LBZFygCLcBGAs/s640/WP_20181018_21_52_13_Pro.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
I was able to slip a piece of wax paper between the hills and the backdrop, which helped protect the finished paint from getting damaged by the plaster. I placed painter's tape along the edge to help keep things contained. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After the foam was firmly attached, I used Woodland Scenics plaster cloth as a scenery base. This is fairly straightforward: wet, apply, repeat. I avoid placing it in places where track would be attached. History has shown me that despite how smooth the plaster cloth appears, it isn't, and will take a lot of effort to get the track to operate smoothly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My next step will be to add Sculptamold to the base. Traditionally, I've used other forms of plaster to build up my scenery layers, but I thought I'd try something different this time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b></b><b></b><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Track Laying & Wiring</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've laid some track. Code 55, Atlas, to be exact. I used flex track and #5 switches. Because this is a little used <a href="http://pvcrr.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-buena-vista-branch.html" target="_blank">branch line</a>, I attached the track directly to the scenery with white glue. I also began wiring at this time. I learned a while ago that keeping certain elements uniform will save headaches in the long run, and wiring falls into that category. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(Most, if not) Every length of rail received a feeder wire. I used color coordinated (black and red), 20 gauge, solid wire for feeders. The feeder wires were connected (using Scotchlok connectors / suitcase connectors) to a 14 gauge solid bus wire. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1czaZKRKQQ/W86Nkv-ierI/AAAAAAAABXA/Zx2jkUdn5Bs1rp_fxnp71adAIymz98XBwCEwYBhgL/s1600/WP_20181022_19_46_42_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1czaZKRKQQ/W86Nkv-ierI/AAAAAAAABXA/Zx2jkUdn5Bs1rp_fxnp71adAIymz98XBwCEwYBhgL/s640/WP_20181022_19_46_42_Pro.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
20 gauge solid feeders, and 14 gauge stranded bus wires</div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Switch Machines</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Years ago I discovered Blue Point Switch Machines, and have been using them exclusively ever since. They are easy to install, stand up to a lot of use, and appropriately route power to the turnout frog. I took two of these from my old layout, and within half an hour or so, had them installed on the Buena Vista Branch.</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Each machine was hard wired to the main bus using the same wire as the track. The frogs were wired with a 20 gauge, stranded, feeder wire (which is green, like a frog.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b></b><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Next Steps</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In the coming weeks, I will try to paint the hills, continue the scenery, and paint and ballast the track. I haven't attached the DCC system yet, as it's still being used on the old layout, but I'm sure that'll make the move soon. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b></b><b></b><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Products Used:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Blue Paint - <a href="https://www.glidden.com/products?location_list=1&store_list=2&sheen_list=1&features_list=" target="_blank">Glidden Paint + Primer Interior Flat</a> 'Clear Blue Sky' - (And for my own future reference: 70BG 70/131 - CLRNT: 0z 384th/BL: 0 8/EL 0 24)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">White Paint - <a href="https://www.glidden.com/products?location_list=1&store_list=2&sheen_list=1&features_list=" target="_blank">Glidden Paint + Primer Interior Flat</a> White Tine Base</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Layout Base - <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Project-Panels-FOAMULAR-1-in-x-2-ft-x-2-ft-R-5-Small-Projects-Rigid-Pink-Foam-Board-Insulation-Sheathing-PP1/203553730" target="_blank">1" Pink Foam Board Insulation</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Plaster Cloth - <a href="https://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/show/Item/PLSTRCLOTH/page/1" target="_blank">Woodland Scenics Plaster Cloth</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Track - <a href="https://shop.atlasrr.com/c-1042-n-code-55-track.aspx" target="_blank">Atlas Code 55 Flex Track and #5 Switches</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Switch Machines - <a href="https://www.traintekllc.com/new-rail-models-40018-blue-point-manual-turnout-controller/" target="_blank">New Rail Models Blue Point Manual Turnout Controller</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wire - Feeders - 20AWG Solid, Bus - 14AWG Stranded</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">S<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">uitcase Connectors - <a href="https://www.parts-express.com/3m-scotchlok-red-(22-14)-50-pcs--082-100" target="_blank">3m Scotchlok Red - 22-14AWG</a></span></span>Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-90857221454419419202018-10-15T21:52:00.002-07:002018-10-15T21:57:52.701-07:00Lights<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I refinished the basement a few years ago (which still isn't totally finished, but close enough), I installed two overhead light fixtures in the main layout area (approximately 9'x15'). A single bulb was placed in each fixture, and that was sufficient to light the space. I knew that when the time came, I would replace these fixtures with a track lighting system, in order to more effectively light whatever layout came to fruition in that space. That day has come, and now I have the beginnings of a system of track lights installed.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jkSpMenSzxM/W8VqVTU2ntI/AAAAAAAABVg/1LeIYxlrbbwqgXMlUG_rdmf4kau3BhtagCLcBGAs/s1600/WP_20181013_12_20_41_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jkSpMenSzxM/W8VqVTU2ntI/AAAAAAAABVg/1LeIYxlrbbwqgXMlUG_rdmf4kau3BhtagCLcBGAs/s640/WP_20181013_12_20_41_Pro.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I went with a track and power supply from Lithonia, and three halogen light fixtures. I chose these almost exclusively because of their small profile. The ceiling is around seven feet tall, and I didn't want to have large intrusive lights in the middle of the room</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m56We7s17ws/W7zlJst_OKI/AAAAAAAABU8/6ZqpOi2rhlYoSMBoOplKEOGnOc4eHtG3ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/WP_20181008_20_44_43_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m56We7s17ws/W7zlJst_OKI/AAAAAAAABU8/6ZqpOi2rhlYoSMBoOplKEOGnOc4eHtG3ACPcBGAYYCw/s640/WP_20181008_20_44_43_Pro.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Before. The light source was about 8' from the benchwork, casting long shadows, particularly when I stood between the light and the layout.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ib8AC-VqBM4/W8VqYC02sPI/AAAAAAAABVw/Z-mt-XxDERM22UE4dUxx9P9S7XOEQXeiACEwYBhgL/s1600/WP_20181013_12_20_50_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ib8AC-VqBM4/W8VqYC02sPI/AAAAAAAABVw/Z-mt-XxDERM22UE4dUxx9P9S7XOEQXeiACEwYBhgL/s640/WP_20181013_12_20_50_Pro.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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After. The difference may not be immediately noticeable, but if you compare the foam in each picture, you can see how much brighter the 'After' is. The lights are now almost directly above the layout, approximately 4' away.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wasn't happy with the halogen bulbs, the light they put out had a halo effect on the layout, so I replaced them with LED bulbs. I went with "Bright White LEDs." These produce an even field of light over the layout, that I am pleased with. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The track lighting is expandable, which allows it to grow with the layout, and installation took less than an hour. More importantly, because it can be built in stages, the upfront costs aren't prohibitive.</span><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Products Used:</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lithonia Lighting: <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia-Lighting-4-ft-White-Linear-Track-Lighting-Section-LTS4-MW-M6/204323317" target="_blank">4' linear track section</a>, <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia-Lighting-Floating-Feed-White-Track-Lighting-Kit-with-Black-Cover-LTFC-M6/204323323?MERCH=REC-_-PIPHorizontal1_rr-_-204323317-_-204323323-_-N" target="_blank">floating feed power supply</a>, <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia-Lighting-1-Light-White-Track-Lighting-LTHFLT-MR16GU10-MW-M4/204303318" target="_blank">halogen track heads</a></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Feit Electric: <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Feit-Electric-50-Watt-Equivalent-MR16-GU10-Dimmable-LED-90-CRI-Flood-Light-Bulb-Bright-White-3-Pack-BPMR16GU10500930CA-3/304122948" target="_blank">450 Lumens, 6w GU10 3000K Bright White LEDs</a></span></div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8oecC0LzL1U/W8VqeM-DppI/AAAAAAAABVo/ZvSsHl6NepopPzWIo95Y3CeF27lAp_RDACLcBGAs/s1600/WP_20180923_15_05_48_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><br />
<div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8oecC0LzL1U/W8VqeM-DppI/AAAAAAAABVo/ZvSsHl6NepopPzWIo95Y3CeF27lAp_RDACLcBGAs/s1600/WP_20180923_15_05_48_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b></b><i></i><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></a></div>
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<br />Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-17436574247416359852018-10-09T10:40:00.001-07:002018-10-09T10:40:15.260-07:00Backdrops, Backdrops, Backdrops (or, more accurately, backdrop)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m56We7s17ws/W7zlJst_OKI/AAAAAAAABU0/QbXvt8B_KI82GkYjmYGrkjrBCL264oFbQCLcBGAs/s1600/WP_20181008_20_44_43_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m56We7s17ws/W7zlJst_OKI/AAAAAAAABU0/QbXvt8B_KI82GkYjmYGrkjrBCL264oFbQCLcBGAs/s640/WP_20181008_20_44_43_Pro.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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In all its proud glory. The layout continues about 18" to the left, the backdrop does not.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've recently completed the initial backdrop installation, and while things went relatively simply, it was not without some challenges. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I used a 12" wide strip of 1/8" Masonite, 8' long. The 8' length doesn't cover the entire layout section, leaving about 18" unfinished along the east wall of the basement. I decided that it would be better to wait until additional benchwork was built, and to install another 8' section, rather than install a short piece right now. I attached the Masonite to the <a href="http://pvcrr.blogspot.com/2018/09/branch-line-construction.html" target="_blank">previously installed shelving brackets</a>, with simple wood screws. It took some trial and error to get things to lock in securely. This left me with a number of holes to patch over the last few days. Once things were secured, I needed to install some leftover 1" x 2" framing poplar along the top of the backdrop to prevent warping. The end result is a secure continuous backdrop, covering the entirety of the <a href="https://pvcrr.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-buena-vista-branch.html" target="_blank">branch line</a>. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ozf0jngizhc/W7zlJlYcjQI/AAAAAAAABVA/Ou_xeyQGWdg7yCHQe6oITE1WVMOubR1dACEwYBhgL/s1600/WP_20181008_20_44_59_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ozf0jngizhc/W7zlJlYcjQI/AAAAAAAABVA/Ou_xeyQGWdg7yCHQe6oITE1WVMOubR1dACEwYBhgL/s640/WP_20181008_20_44_59_Pro.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
There's a 1" x 2" attached to the top edge of the backdrop, providing some rigidity. It does not sit flush with the wall, because the wall is not flat.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue","arial","helvetica",sans-serif;">Because of the shelf brackets, the backdrop sits about 1.5" away from the basement walls. I'm hoping that once the fascia is installed, and the brackets supporting the benchwork are no longer visible, that the layout will appear to be almost floating in front of the walls, rather than extending out from them. Ideally, this will create the feel of airy space around the layout, rather than heavy wall mounted furniture.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue","arial","helvetica",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue","arial","helvetica",sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Coving the Corner</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My initial plan had been to install a 12" wide strip along each leg of the layout, and use styrene (cheap "For Sale" sign) to cove the corner. I'd used this method in the past, and aside from poor job I did transitioning the edges, the end result looked good. I decided against that method this time around, because I knew I would never be satisfied with any job I did trying to blend the styrene and Masonite together smoothly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I decided, instead, to try to bend the Masonite. To do this, I first attached one edge, and then used a wet towel to soak the portion of the wood where I wanted the bend to be (wet the rough side). When I was happy with the bend, I securely attached the Masonite to the remaining shelf brackets. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YaYIdh8Ga9o/W7vJ1fKNKiI/AAAAAAAABUU/3Uy2ORGfkYkLso1Y_tuyEipXW2NmV-4EACLcBGAs/s1600/WIN_20181005_22_50_47_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YaYIdh8Ga9o/W7vJ1fKNKiI/AAAAAAAABUU/3Uy2ORGfkYkLso1Y_tuyEipXW2NmV-4EACLcBGAs/s640/WIN_20181005_22_50_47_Pro.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Poor quality picture...</div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next, I used joint compound to file and smooth all of the screw holes. There were a couple that I could not blend in, so I took a Dremel tool to them, and that helped. The final step was a coat of primer. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZUjcgERtn4/W7vJ1YOaxmI/AAAAAAAABUQ/65g0FHp2aDYMZL2XMMH2hhGD6zzifeX2QCEwYBhgL/s1600/WIN_20181006_20_24_47_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZUjcgERtn4/W7vJ1YOaxmI/AAAAAAAABUQ/65g0FHp2aDYMZL2XMMH2hhGD6zzifeX2QCEwYBhgL/s640/WIN_20181006_20_24_47_Pro.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Proper masking is key to achieving a nice paint job. Even if that masking involves cardboard, wood, plastic, paper, and foam.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the coming week or so, I aim to begin painting the whites and blues of the skies, followed by the golden hills of the Salinas Valley. </span><br />
<b><br /></b>Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-62727075925514089312018-09-26T15:29:00.000-07:002018-09-26T15:29:03.280-07:00Branch Line Construction<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V5eeNZh42ss/W6qPJ2zVuWI/AAAAAAAABRE/d5Lq0Mgo9YsqHb06iRJ8N1ydvN4877mjgCLcBGAs/s1600/WP_20180923_15_05_48_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V5eeNZh42ss/W6qPJ2zVuWI/AAAAAAAABRE/d5Lq0Mgo9YsqHb06iRJ8N1ydvN4877mjgCLcBGAs/s640/WP_20180923_15_05_48_Pro.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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The Buena Vista Branch, looking south east. Spreckels will be located to the immediate left, along the back wall.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Construction on the layout has officially begun.
It’s been a year since I first began documenting this project, though I had
been dreaming it up for some time prior to that. It’s exciting to finally get
to this stage. While I had more or less locked in a track plan a while back, I
had to wait for some other things to finish before beginning construction. Most
recently, that’s included purging the </span><a href="http://pvcrr.blogspot.com/2018/08/creating-space.html" style="font-family: calibri;" target="_blank">basement</a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">, and finishing up a project for
this year’s Pacific Southwest Region NMRA Convention. With those tasks behind me, I decided to jump headfirst into benchwork. </span><b></b><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Before doing that, I needed to decide where to start. I have
been rethinking a portion of the </span><a href="http://pvcrr.blogspot.com/p/track-plan.html" style="font-family: calibri;" target="_blank">track plan</a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">, unsure if I’m completely
comfortable with the proximity of Watsonville and Moss Landing. As it is now, a
train would leave one town and enter the other almost instantly. So much for
trying to recreate a sparse, low key, narrow gauge railroad. With the northern
end of the railroad still up in the air, I decided to focus my attention on the
southern end – <a href="https://pvcrr.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-buena-vista-branch.html" target="_blank">the Buena Vista Branch</a>.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My version of the Buena Vista Branch aims to replicate the feel of
the prototype, even if it doesn’t mirror the track route perfectly. The railroad will cross the Salinas River, and head west along the south bank. I’ll add a
switch, per the prototype, after the river crossing where the track will begin
its journey eastward. It won’t get far, as there’s a wall in the way. I don’t believe there were any stops along the western leg of the branch, though I may relocate
one from the east to create some interest. The branch was primarily used to
haul sugar beets, however, it included two "gravel pits" (initially a source of ballast, later they provided rocks for the Salinas River levee protecting the sugar factory). The line also brought beet pulp to farmers, who fed it to livestock. Either of these stops would add visual interest to the line, as well as provide for additional operations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>Construction</b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xY-sPgbns34/W6qPHTCdVNI/AAAAAAAABRA/07KRqysaazkozhTG6y7s2Knzg7Ev1ySXgCLcBGAs/s1600/WP_20180923_14_03_46_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xY-sPgbns34/W6qPHTCdVNI/AAAAAAAABRA/07KRqysaazkozhTG6y7s2Knzg7Ev1ySXgCLcBGAs/s640/WP_20180923_14_03_46_Pro.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
Poplar frames, wall mounted shelf brackets, and plywood construction. A fascia will be added to hide the brackets, as will a backdrop.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The benchwork is made of 1" x 2" (actual: 1 </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">½</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">” x 1”) poplar frames, with 1/8”
plywood and 1” insulating foam for the scenery base. I made two frames, one for
each leg of the ‘L’ shape, though they do share some lumber for rigidity. I
attached these to the wall with track shelving brackets. The end result is
fairly sturdy.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">One leg is approximately
4’ x 1’, and the other is 5’ x 7”. I had to do some tweaks during
construction, so that the brackets lined up with the wall studs. Each bracket
is attached to a cross beam in the benchwork with two screws, forming a solid base. Before attaching the plywood to the frame, I drilled two small holes through each cross beam. In the future I'll use these holes to string the wiring through. Doing this before installing the plywood saved me the headache of trying to maneuver the drill with a piece of plywood a half inch away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">All in all, getting the shelving tracks installed and
building the bench work took about a day. It would have been faster, however I
had to go to the hardware store about 5 times over the course of two days to
get everything I needed. All said, I think that the lumber and number of supports are probably overkill for the size of the two shelves (one could easily build a solid shelf 7" deep with a piece of plywood attached to the shelf brackets.) I wanted to create a standard for construction across the layout, so while the lumber may seem too large for a 7" deep shelf, they should be just right for areas closer to 24" deep. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7m4eCidDn5k/W6qPPGJKmRI/AAAAAAAABRI/lx2qi3FCDtE7buw7NC_oXQr-uKBGDdEaACLcBGAs/s1600/WP_20180923_15_06_04_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7m4eCidDn5k/W6qPPGJKmRI/AAAAAAAABRI/lx2qi3FCDtE7buw7NC_oXQr-uKBGDdEaACLcBGAs/s640/WP_20180923_15_06_04_Pro.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
Roughed in scenery. The Salinas River is in the foreground. A painted backdrop will probably be the next step.<br />
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By the end of the weekend, I was able to begin roughing in
the scenery foam. I’ll discuss that at another date, though it’s fairly
straight forward: cut foam with a knife. As it is now, it’s exciting to see
things begin to fall into place.</div>
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Products used:</div>
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1" x 2" Poplar Dimensional Lumber</div>
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1/8" Plywood</div>
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1" Insulation Foam</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="https://www.lowes.com/pl/Wire-closet-hardware-Wire-closet-organizers-Closet-organization-Storage-organization/1926583984" target="_blank">Rubbermaid FastTrack</a> Upright - 13.75"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
7" Double Track Shelf Brackets</div>
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12" Double Track Shelf Brackets</div>
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Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907665905773040468.post-137174862582635182018-09-26T15:28:00.003-07:002018-09-26T20:21:14.503-07:00The Buena Vista Branch<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Buena Vista Branch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FP1ALsZUJZQ/W6q68OOYKPI/AAAAAAAABR8/geidjeh3E74XGETXz9xHRlQ0OA4w0qnHQCLcBGAs/s1600/BV%2BBranch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="618" height="414" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FP1ALsZUJZQ/W6q68OOYKPI/AAAAAAAABR8/geidjeh3E74XGETXz9xHRlQ0OA4w0qnHQCLcBGAs/s640/BV%2BBranch.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bItcSL1Xn-E/W6q2pMRtDWI/AAAAAAAABRk/IXSDqMmYoVUO3Fq2rg-zBsmuhyOHpC0OgCLcBGAs/s1600/BV%2BBranch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I understand it, the PVCRR’s relationship with the south
bank of the Salinas River owes its existence to the Spreckels Sugar Refinery’s
need for water during the refining process. The Salinas River, located to the
south of the refinery, is dry during the majority of the year. During the
winter months, however, it flows fairly deep. On occasion, it flows too deep
and floods the area. Most notably for our story during the winter of 1914.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d5YUs_XXA0w/W6vyZBrYnqI/AAAAAAAABSg/CqBdXOahNo8kRLq6sQjMd7wp2Xh2F_9DQCLcBGAs/s1600/flooding-of-salinas-rive-at-the-spreckels-sugar-factory-at-salin-california-views-mr-pat-hathaway-archives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="599" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d5YUs_XXA0w/W6vyZBrYnqI/AAAAAAAABSg/CqBdXOahNo8kRLq6sQjMd7wp2Xh2F_9DQCLcBGAs/s640/flooding-of-salinas-rive-at-the-spreckels-sugar-factory-at-salin-california-views-mr-pat-hathaway-archives.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Flooding of the Salinas River, 1911. Courtesy CA Views Archives, Mr. Pat Hathaway Archives</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The sugar factory required a lot of water, and needed a way
to store it during the dry months. To solve this problem, a reservoir was dug
in the hills above the Salinas River. A water pump, placed in the center of the
river, was used to pump water into the reservoir. A water tank was installed at
the reservoir to provide head pressure for the water pipes that lead from the
reservoir to the factory. These pipes were strung underneath a six-span truss
bridge crossing the river. The bridge was built so that it curved slightly
westward.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMsfMm4tpd8/W6q7cngxYaI/AAAAAAAABSE/QUJyJcfH118OzD8LWDDdET31X06L0JW4wCLcBGAs/s1600/IBSU5JVSA93RBBBPH3TS9552SFEX8M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="800" height="504" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMsfMm4tpd8/W6q7cngxYaI/AAAAAAAABSE/QUJyJcfH118OzD8LWDDdET31X06L0JW4wCLcBGAs/s640/IBSU5JVSA93RBBBPH3TS9552SFEX8M.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The bridge provided farmers with a way to bring their wagon
loads of sugar beets to the factory. It also included both standard and narrow gauge
rails. The company’s narrow gauge engines pulled the standard gauge steam donkey,
which was used to lift the water pump out of the water during inclement weather.
The standard gauge track stopped in the center of the bridge, while the narrow gauge
rails continued across the river, and approximately 100 yds to the west along
the river bank. It is my understanding that this may have been used as a freight loading stop for farmers along the south bank of the river.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZbOKUKuus4/W6v0XM9fRpI/AAAAAAAABSw/GQdl2ElEHMoneOsOW6v1h0hP8rO3yh6kwCLcBGAs/s1600/BV%2BCrossing%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="936" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZbOKUKuus4/W6v0XM9fRpI/AAAAAAAABSw/GQdl2ElEHMoneOsOW6v1h0hP8rO3yh6kwCLcBGAs/s640/BV%2BCrossing%2B1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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The line as it appeared between 1898 and 1905</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In 1905, after a few years of negotiations with local farmers, the PVCRR officially created the Buena Vista
Branch, which began at a switch just beyond the river crossing. The branch was initially 3 miles long, and provided a much more efficient way for farmers to
get their produce to the factory. Before too long, the branch line reached its final length of 6 miles. In order for trains to reach the sugar beet
fields, they crossed the river, proceeded westward, then reversed direction,
heading to the east through the newly installed switch.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uj0mqOJ3pHg/W6v0XKqs6ZI/AAAAAAAABS0/9k0mxnvtOr4GgbW3_Gw7vO_8cOiB1PxVgCLcBGAs/s1600/BV%2BCrossing%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="934" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uj0mqOJ3pHg/W6v0XKqs6ZI/AAAAAAAABS0/9k0mxnvtOr4GgbW3_Gw7vO_8cOiB1PxVgCLcBGAs/s640/BV%2BCrossing%2B2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">In 1905 the Buena Vista Branch became official. It begins at the switch shown above</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />In 1914, a flood washed out the southern half of the bridge. However inconvenient this event may have been, this did allow the company to adjust the route of
the new bridge, which could now head east. This revamping created a slight ‘S’ shape to
the bridge.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M-iO2iyo3bE/W6v0XCRLTvI/AAAAAAAABS4/HEgMIJzOBcYjhINL5hF6_uOMAQggZSu6gCEwYBhgL/s1600/BV%2BCrossing%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="934" height="214" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M-iO2iyo3bE/W6v0XCRLTvI/AAAAAAAABS4/HEgMIJzOBcYjhINL5hF6_uOMAQggZSu6gCEwYBhgL/s640/BV%2BCrossing%2B3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Post flood of 1914, the western leg has been abandoned at this point<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Upon completion of the new bridge, the original western leg
of the line was abandoned. The Buena Vista Branch saw sporadic service for the
next 10 or so years, servicing a handful of beet farms, and one or two quarries, which were initially a source of ballast for the track, later they provided stone used to build levees to protect the factory from flood waters.</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PYUJpoq3cxs/W6xIZXftI6I/AAAAAAAABTg/lWQFD2GnYckMRGjD760hlajWgmbzS8dAQCEwYBhgL/s1600/WIN_20180926_20_00_51_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="1600" height="362" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PYUJpoq3cxs/W6xIZXftI6I/AAAAAAAABTg/lWQFD2GnYckMRGjD760hlajWgmbzS8dAQCEwYBhgL/s640/WIN_20180926_20_00_51_Pro.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gravel Pit No. 2. Photo Courtesy <u>Steinbeck Country Narrow Gauge</u>, Amstar Spreckels Collection</div>
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Today the line has all but disappeared. One or two bridge abutments remain, and there's still a small reservoir and water tank on the hills (I'm not sure if these are connected to the original ones or not). The land surrounding the former right-of-way is a mix of housing developments and farm land. This brief overview comes largely from information gathered in <u>Steinbeck Country Narrow Gauge</u>.</div>
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Nick Lisicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502834434111673197noreply@blogger.com0