Ingleton: Update and Next Steps

In addition to ongoing planning for the 4th Subdivision and a few, first, small steps towards "finishing" the basement layout space, I have continued to work on the Ingleton track since my last post. 

After scrubbing the areas where the track had been soldered with denatured alcohol and a toothbrush as well as replacing missing ties, I prepped to paint the ties and rails with my airbrush. I explained this process in detail in an earlier post from my former layout. I did make two changes to my technique here on the Ingleton shelf: I thinned the Microlux paint with Vallejo thinner instead of 70% isopropyl alcohol and I used a paint stick to initially clean the rail surface instead of a Bright Boy.  

A few weeks later, I went back and handpainted the ties with a random mix of railroad tie brown and a medium grey craft paint. This process is much faster than one might think, as only the tops of the rail need to be painted. At this point, ballasting and track bumpers are the last two steps I need to complete to finish up the track. Having decided to use a real rock ballast rather than Woodland Scenics' crushed walnut shell product, I ordered  several packets  of "Empire Builder Basalt" from Arizona Rock and Mineral. When I go to work on my larger railroad, I will want to do a better job of identifying mainline and non-mainline track with different size cork, spacing of ties, and ballast colors. At that point I may decide to mix several colors of ballast to a custom mix based on the look of some prototype photographs. For the Ingleton shelf I plan to use the new ballast straight. 

As a part of double checking the track spacing, I unpacked some of my truss rod rolling stock to make sure that the numbers of cars fit the way I had planned on the sidings. While I was at it, I checked a few for weight, wheel gauge, and coupler height. Later when I had the airbrush out for painting the track, I gave two or three a dusting of the same thinned brown along the bottom, ends, and the trucks. Ultimately I will want to start with a minimum of eight cars that meet my rolling stock standards including weathering. 

In addition to fleshing out a collection of rolling stock and ballasting the track, several other next steps are in line:

• While the first phase of scenery may just be Heki Wild Grass Fiber spread over the painted plank, I do intend to use the shelf to develop skills. I may want to add some three dimensionality to the flat board and continue to build on my repertoire of techniques to hide the seam between the 3D terrain and the backdrop. Also, I may try another technique for modeling roads and finally actually use my static gun!

• Along with developing scenery, I also intend to create some structures for Ingleton. While operating Ingleton as a switching puzzle does not require structures, a more realistic approach to operations on the shelf layout would be facilitated by having some structures to suggest purpose. Also, one purpose of the Ingleton shelf is to develop skills. I have a propensity to start structures and then not finish them. Having this small shelf may provide some focus and experience. I intend to kitbash a background warehouse type structure starting from a Walthers grocery distributor kit providing a couple of sure spots along the back siding. A loading ramp, a conveyor, or some sort of piping are possibilities for additions to a plain team track approach to the other two sidings.  Another possibility would be the addition of a trackside railroad structure.

• As I work towards a more finished look to Ingleton, I want to incorporate some kind of lighting specific to the shelf, a valance to hide the lighting, and a fascia on the shelf. 

• The unpacking of materials and setting up my workspace has become a bit of a gumption trap, I need to resolve that issue. This will help with making the work more efficient and with the look or presentation of the larger train environment.

• Finally,  fine tuning the operations plan will need to work in conjunction with my work on rolling stock and structures. Also, I hope to devise some kind of paperwork appropriate for the developing operations plan.

Learning Points:

• Using an airbrush ends up having better results and being easier than other track painting techniques for initial painting.

• I should follow the advice of Dick Bradley and develop the habit of washing all plastic components before painting. It is a step that I have often skipped in the past. 

• A well organized work space is a critical first step. 

Ingleton: Track and Wiring

While working on the Ingleton "practice plank" over the last few weeks, I tried to work towards bulletproof track and electrical continuity. I set as one of my goals for this small switching layout to run flawlessly whether as a switch job or a puzzle. 

As a first step, I prepped the two Peco Electrofrog switches by following what I now think of as a seven- step process first explored in an earlier post.  I find the Peco turnouts operate reliably and their powered frogs, whether using frog juicers or the toggle switches built into turnout motors, eliminate hiccups with locomotives running through the turnouts.  

In the photo, one of the turnouts, placed on the workbench, is ready for prep work. I ordered thinner (.032) solder before starting to see if I can improve my soldering technique. 

Steps in prepping Peco Electrofrog turnouts:

1. Snip jumper wires
2. Solder jumpers from point to stock rails
3. Solder feeder wire extension to frog
4. Check continuity of earlier steps
5. Trim tie spikes for rail joiners
6. Drill out the four dimples for track nails
7. Don't forget to use insulated joiners to isolate the frogs!

For the next step, cutting and fitting the track, I started with the two turnouts. After pinning them in place, I cut a small piece of flex track to size and trimmed off extra rails to fit rail joiners in place. Then I also started fitting the other pieces of track in place. I am finding that soldering the feeders under the rails before final installation of the track becomes easier the more I do it. I described the process in an earlier post in the section "Sequence is Important for Under the Track Feeder Usage." As I am using Atlas code 83 flex track, double checking the relative positioning of the rail and gap in the plastic between the ties is important when the track has a curve. 

Once I had all the track fitted into place, I soldered the rail joiners and the one feeder that I had forgotten. I soldered that one feeder under the track after the track was in place. Because of supply chain issues, I wasn't able to find the clear or gray caulk that I had planned to try as a track adhesive. My alternate plan included spiking the turnouts using the four holes that I had drilled with the pin vice in each turnout. I also used Weldbond adhesive for the ends of the longer pieces of track. We will see how that holds up, but initially I like using Weldbond as a track adhesive. After drying overnight, the shelf was ready to turn over onto sawhorses for wiring. 

I found working with the plank upside down on sawhorses so much easier than working under the benchwork -- a real incentive to build a layout in sections that can be worked on up on sawhorses or the work table. Having seen no long term issues with 3M suitcase or "insulation displacement connectors" in my previous layout, I continued with them. I did try a new technique (to me) of twisting the red and black 14 gauge bus wires together. I have read that NCE recommends doing this, and I thought I would try it here. Again, with working with small sections of benchwork at a time, it is not difficult to do. I marked where the shelf brackets will be with a sharpie, and connected the feeders and Tam Valley Frog Juicer with room around the bracket locations. 

After setting the shelf back in place and connecting the DCC system, I successfully ran the 0-6-0 locomotive through all the turnouts both forwards and in reverse. The track and wiring are complete, and it is time for me to start on scenery, structures, and rolling stock. 

Learning Points

• Slight curves and track not tangent to the benchwork adds to illusion of apparent length and realism

• Working in small benchwork sections makes some tasks much easier

• Starting with the most complicated trackwork, soldering the feeders under the rails, and fitting the track before soldering the joiners and attaching the track to the roadbed becomes easier with practice. 

• Addition of new new tools and techniques (.032 solder, bronze tip cleaner stand, higher quality wire strippers, twisting the bus wires) should improve the quality of my wiring

Starting Over Part Four: Decisions Revisited

 While continuing to unpack and organize my modeling workshop as well as make more progress on the Ingleton shelf, I have also been revisiting my thoughts on the larger Version 2 of the 4th Subdivision. Last week I put a PowerPoint presentation together to share at my old division's Thursday Modeling Night Zoom meeting. While the "vibe was not right" for sharing my presentation at that particular meeting, I will use it as a basis for this post. 

First of all, I have decided that the basement will be the location of my model railroad for a number of reasons. The ceiling height is fine; I can walk under the steam pipes and support beam easily without ducking. The basement has easy access with wide stairs directly up to a landing with either a door to the outside or a short, three-step winder continuing to the first floor. Not only is the basement cool in the summer, but with the boiler and steam pipes to the radiators to the rest of the house, comfortably warm in the winter. Looking back at the reflections on my former model railroad in the attic of our house in Meadville, the temperature extremes were a major issue that the new location in our Tobyhanna basement should ameliorate. On the other hand, the basement is not finished and moisture issues will have to be dealt with. Based on our experiences in September, the dehumidifier (including a possible second one) will be running continuously during the summer months. The basement has an existing moisture containment system that includes a "french drain" or miniature drainage canal system around the inside perimeter and a sump pit as well as a sump pump in the opposite corner. Because this system must be accessed, at least part of any model railroad design will need to be an island design rather than an around the walls plan. 

In my first attempts at creating a design for Version 2 of the 4th Subdivision, I am, if not following, at least influenced by Lance Mindheim's recent book, How To Design A Model Railroad, as well as concepts from Iain Rice from several of his model railroad planning books. One idea that I am definitely following is Mindheim's so-called "plan of attack" consisting of starting with the benchwork footprint and then selecting and overlaying a route type (point to point, continuous run, return loop pure or sincere versus folded lap, etc.) Only then does one start creating (or adapting from the protype) a schematic before overlaying it on the route and finally adding secondary track and details.  This final step is what is often thought of as track planning. Two Iain Rice concepts that I incorporated in all of my initial drafts were the importance of backdrops and the use of curvy edges rather than straight or square-cornered ones. In looking at these first drafts other ideas from Iain Rice clearly appear. 

First Plan: Proof of Concept

After making some rough measurements of the basement, my first plan was to check to see if an island plan as I had described it in a discussion at an earlier Thursday Night Zoom meeting might work. This plan includes mostly four foot aisleways with a few pinch points down to three feet in width. It follows a potential out and back or point to point route with no duck unders, liftouts, or cut offs from following the path of the train. The "proof of concept" plan suggest that a partial island track plan would work. In this example, the plan includes approximately eighty-five feet of run length and one module, the Green Rock section with turntable, moved from Meadville.

Second Plan: Include Return Loops

Drawing up a second benchwork footprint, I included the possibility of return loops for continuous running as an option. The location of the return loops is suggested in the drawing above by the curved black lines. In this option the central peninsula is shorter while the end of the run extends along the right in the image. Instead of using the existing turntable module, the option of a possible turnback loop and/or some hidden staging is provided at this end of the run. By adding continuous running to break in locomotives, having trains running for open house situations, or visitor (or my own) enjoyment creates additional opportunities. However additional complexities also arise. Return loops require more complex wiring and additional components with the need for polarity reversing and automation. To maintain the wide aisleways, a smaller 22" radius is suggested dropping below my already low 24" minimum radius. Another complication, much like the next option to be discussed, is that it does not incorporate any of the sections moved from our previous home. 

Third Plan: Inspired by Iain Rice

In unpacking and storing my collection of model railroad magazines, I came across MR's 43 Track Plans From the Experts from Fall 2011. In it I noticed a prescient article, "A Seaside Layout That Grows," describing Iain Rice's "Gulfport, Yarde, & Industry." First of all, Rice presents an approach very similar to the TOMA or one module approach suggested by Joe Fugate et al in Model Railroad Hobbyist. The Gulfport, Yarde & Industry presents Rice's suggestion to build one or two sections at a time. By building sectionally, he suggests that the first part can be operated as a stand alone with the addition of some simple staging. Then, as interests, available time, or space change additional sections can be added, moved, or combined. Secondly, as presented, Rice's layout drawing provided a model for my third benchwork footprint plan. This plan includes additional concepts from Iain Rice such as the cameo or shadowboxed diorama look and not just building the benchwork in sections, but including benchwork design as part of initial planning. The need for this is seen in the concept of grade/elevation change in order to overlap the unsceniced connector with sceniced sections.

While I am very intrigued by the notion of starting with a section or sections with a harbor scene, I think the next plan for version 2 that I will explore (at least on paper) should include more, if not all, of the sections brought from our former home. On the other hand, I suspect that the next post here will be an update to progress on the Ingleton shelf.

Ingleton: A Small and Simple Shelf

 

As mentioned as a possibility in my last post, while still in design mode for the new 4th Subdivision, I have started a small "practice plank" as a first layout in the basement. In addition to engaging in active modeling, Ingleton will provide an opportunity for self analysis for the strategic planning needed for the design of the larger layout, and perhaps more importantly review and practice existing skill as well as learn new ones. This shelf is a bit less than a foot deep and six feet long, so it will definitely be small and simple. 

In mounting what Lance Mindheim calls "the board of education," I realized that a finished look with a museum or theatre approach is important to me. The use of a backdrop is also important as I clearly want to look at the layout as a 3D artwork. While Ingleton will not have coved corners, even with a "practice" layout, presentation and backdrop are critical to my enjoyment and approach to model railroading. 

With this simple shelf railroad, I wanted to be able to use it as both an Inglenook switching puzzle and at other times more prototypically with the inclusion of a background building/industry and team track. In either case I will be limited to moving rolling stock from one track to another. My plan has been to use some of the truss rod and other "too old for the 1950s" rolling stock that I have collected, here on the Ingleton shelf. Using the 0-6-0 switcher and the largest truss rod reefers I determined the length of the sidings on a quick sketch rather than drawing an accurate track plan. 

I started mocking up the Inglenook track plan on the plank after allowing room for a background structure and using the track lengths that I had calculated. My first version had a slight curve between the two turnouts creating a problematic "S" curve. After thinking about it overnight and looking through Lance Mindheim's book, How to Design a Model Railroad, I noticed his guideline of straight track between curves and turnouts of four to six inches. I then redid my full size mock- up, and by moving the location of the turnouts, I was able to use straight track between the two turnouts and leading into and out of the turnouts on the second mock-up. 

From the track taped in place, I marked centerlines with pencil dots, ends of turnouts, and head block locations. Then I connected the dots using a straightedge and a single piece of cork to pencil in smooth curves. I double checked distances and extended the head block and end of turnout lines, so that the marks could be seen after the cork was installed. 

My most recently accomplished step was to glue down the cork following the center lines of the track plan. As I didn't have any turnout pads on hand, I used a fresh blade in a utility knife and was able to fashion the turnout areas fairly smoothly. I described this process in a much earlier blog post. As mentioned in that post, even though I am not planning on using switch machines, I went ahead and drilled slots/holes for the turnout machine actuating rods in case I ever change my mind. Next steps will be prepping the two turnouts, wiring the frogs and feeders, and laying the track. 

Learning Points:

• Backdrops and presentation are important to me
• Mocking up in full size is helpful
• Operations style is important from the begining in planning
• Add minimum straight transitions between curves and turnouts

Starting Over Part Three: Rationale For a Small, Initial Layout

 

Unpacking and setting up the workbench has begun

Having started unpacking my model railroad materials and setting up my modeling work area in the basement, I am itching to build something before Version 2 of the 4th Subdivision is designed. In chatting with more experienced model railroaders and reading some of the design experts, one of the recommended first steps in planning a model railroad is to evaluate one's interests and visions by answering a number of questions. By initially building a small shelf railroad I will gain some more practice and experience which may help me answer some of those questions, build some additional skills, and get myself back into active modeling while I plan and prep for the larger model railroad. 

Likely spot in the basement for a "shelf" layout

Lance Mindheim suggests that "modelers in 'waiting mode' build a small, simple practice layout on a wood plank" in his article, "All You Need to Know, in Four Square Feet" in the August 2020 Model Railroader. He explores a similar approach to "mobilize folks to get something up on the wall" in his December 18, 2012 blog post. In the MR article he stresses skill building, calling the practice plank the "board of education." Having moved before my last railroad was completed, scenery and structure building are two skill areas that I need to experience more fully. Also, I may explore a different approach to operations by possibly incorporating an Inglenook Sidings puzzle. 

Starting Over Part Two: Location

One of the decisions that must be made in conjunction with, if not directly impacting, other decisions is the location of the model railroad. I have three options and started the process by analyzing the pros and cons of each. 

Our Garage

Pros:

• One half of the two car garage is available. 

Cons:

• Interior is not finished
• Electrical needs to be updated
• No heat or insulation
• Where will the woodshop go if the model railroad is located here?
• Access in winter or other inclement weather is problematic  

Current Thinking: Woodshop in the garage, not the model railroad.

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The Basement

Pros:

• Stairs into the middle of the basement
• Direct access from outside or from the inside
• Headroom is fine for me, even with steam pipes and ductwork
• Lots of room, including space for workbench and storage
• Cool in the summer, heat from boiler and steam pipes in winter

Cons:

• It is a basement, not really finished
• Not totally dry, "french drain" around walls, with sump
• So, edge will be wet/damp
• Musty; dehumidifier needs to run continuously in summer
• Needs painting/finishing
• Only one exit
• Shares with utilities (well, hot water heater, boiler)
• Will share with laundry in near future

Current Thinking: The basement is the most likely choice, but island rather than around the walls approach to layout design will be necessary.

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One of the Attic Rooms

Pros:

• Finished space
• Electrical outlets and lights
• Easy access with wide stairs
• Radiators in two attic rooms, so heat in winter
• Shelves already there for model railroad magazines

Cons:

• Wallpaper torn, stained, and wrinkled;  needs work
• Hot in summer
• Smaller rooms and cut up spaces
• Visitors would have to troop through entire house

Current Thinking: I will be storing my collection of model railroad magazines in the attic. If I end up with just a compact layout or a gallery of layouts, the attic may still be in the running as a possible location. 

Existing Shelves for Magazines

Starting Over Part One: Decisions, Decisions

As we are starting to settle in to our 1930 colonial revival home in the Poconos, I am starting over with Version 2 of the 4th Subdivision of the Cascade Division of the Great Northern. While I have made a few decisions, I still have quite a few more to make to move forward with planning/designing the new railroad.  

Tobyhanna Station

While a lot of railroad history exists near here, suggesting a switch to a different theme, I am definitely staying with my Great Northern and Pacific Northwest theme. On a basic level, I have invested a fair amount in research and equipment. Both time and money are scarce enough resources that I am not prepared to totally start over. On a more esoteric level, I have emotional and aesthetic investments and interests in that modeling theme. My planning will continue to be based on a freelanced 4th Subdivision.

Moving forward, I will need to contemplate a series of decisions in conjunction with initial planning. While I don't want to be bogged down with layout room preparations or paralysis by analysis, I don't want to start slapping things together willy-nilly either. 

Decisions to Make: 

• Strategic Planning: What are my interests and vision for the railroad?
• Location of the layout: Where will the railroad be built (attic, basement, garage)? What about the work area and storage?
• Size of the layout: This will be based somewhat on the answers to the questions above. If I decide that I want a small initial section that can be completed in a reasonable amount of time, will it be a TOMA section or a separate one, not intended to later be part of the larger railroad?

As I attempt to make these decisions, I expect that this blog will be the workplace for working out the questions and answers or pros and cons.