East Branch Scenery Updates -- Part 4

Here at the eastern end of the East Branch staging yard, the first phase of scenery is complete. Yes, more details could be added such as crossbucks, static grass tufts, and more bushes or shrubs. However, for the first layer, it is complete enough to move on. This scene generates Pacific Northwest atmosphere which is one of my goals. This scene also brings to a successful close the fix or extension to the originally planned staging. The first layer of ground foam and other scenery materials disguises the abrupt foam hillside to some extent. Time to move on!

Here, another section of the East Branch staging module exhibits enough first layer of scenery for me to feel ready to move on. The track is ballasted, the original clearcut area has been expanded, and some texture is applied from the berm and gap in the rear to the front fascia. Another layer of scenery should be applied later, but a foundational level of atmosphere and realism goals are there. Now, I need to get up the gumption to add to the first layer of scenery between these two areas, at least make sure that some texture is applied everywhere beyond painted plywood before I return to the Nooksack module's buildings, scenery, and operations.

In my last post, I discussed long range plans and a desire to improve the surroundings in the basement. While I do want to connect the two first phase finished areas ASAP, my thoughts about the basement were reinforced  when our new cat sitter came by to meet Jane and Gracie yesterday. When we mentioned the trains, she wanted to see them. As the first phase of the 4th Subdivision is coming together and I can take some pride in it,  I fear that the surrounding basement is more than a distraction; it destroys the illusion. Some improvements to the surroundings must be fit into the schedule!

TOMA In the 4th Subdivision -- Long Range Plans

Sketch Plan/Design for the 4th Subdivision

I spent the past few weeks revising a presentation on planning a new model railroad after moving and writing the accompanying handout that I will be giving at the MER convention in October. The clinic discusses both general plans for designing a model railroad and how I designed this one. I break the presentation into three parts: To get what you want you have to know what you want, the actual steps I took in designing a model railroad, and using TOMA. 

Nooksack and Staging

For much of the past couple of years, I have slowly made progress on the first phase of TOMA, the town of Nooksack with staging on both ends. The east staging, now named East Branch, will be fully sceniced and is a new module that I have written about a lot here on the blog. While I am somewhat disappointed in the slow progress so far, I feel like what I have accomplished has been somewhat successful. I do need to make a commitment to picking up the speed here as we enter "model railroad season." One major issue is that I have used something like the TOMA approach to providing the space for my railroad. This has been what I see as my largest mistake so far. This piecemeal transition from unfinished basement to layout room has not been satisfying and may be a contributing factor to lack of progress.

TOMA Phases Color Coded

While working on my presentation and thinking about progress on the "train room," I have returned to thinking about the long term goals for the entire railroad. Phase 1 is the town of Nooksack, well under way. My plan for Phase 2 is for Ferndale, a major interchange and fiddle yard, in addition to a new section of mainly scenery including a fill and cut to be added left (to the west) of Nooksack. That area of the basement is very decrepit right now. Although I don't want to start building any benchwork, I think that I should move to room prep of the Phase 2 area of the basement before Nooksack is finished. It would make for more desirable surroundings for me and acceptable surroundings for visitors.  

Moving into even longer range plans, the color coded illustration shows what I am thinking of in future phases of TOMA construction. Phase 3 will replace the temporary East Branch staging with the permanent town of Chikamin and a totally new section with scenery and an interchange between Chikamin and the Nooksack section. At the same time, the East Branch sceniced staging will move to in front of the posts as seen in the illustration. Phase 4 will be the blob peninsula and Phase 5 will be the Port Gulick scene. Other than an existing module from Meadville that is planned as the core of the town of Chikamin, all these sections will be new construction. 

We will see how much of this long term planning comes to fruition, but for now work on the first phase and some improvement of the surroundings in the basement need to press forward.