tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19077916444725621872024-03-18T21:59:30.796-07:00CSX Dixie Line in N ScaleModeling the CSX in N-Scale from Atlanta to Nashville via ChattanoogaJamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-88540400105948361112013-01-01T16:02:00.000-08:002013-01-01T16:02:01.380-08:00Building the Etowah River Bridge: Part 1<a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Prototype/Etowah%20River/6491_1156716000.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Prototype/Etowah%20River/6491_1156716000.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>
<br />
The CSX W&A subdivision crosses the Etowah River in scenic Bartow County, Georgia about 40 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. This location has great sentimental value to me because it was the first location I railfanned with my family when I was seriously getting into the hobby back in 2007. The photo above was taken by Patrick Phelan <i>(via RailPictures.net, used by permission)</i> and led me to explore the area in the first place. I have it taped to the fascia on the layout to use as motivation for bringing this scene to life.
<br />
<br />
<h4>» The Prototype</h4>
<br />
<br />
The prototype bridge is a seven-span ballasted deck girder bridge. The bridge crosses not just the Etowah River, but also Old River Road, which runs along the banks on the north side of the waterway. The approaches to the bridge are built on a high fill that is completely covered in a layer of lush Georgia kudzu. Most of the surrounding area is rural, with a low-lying pasture featuring a picturesque red barn located along the north shore along Old River Road.
<br />
<br />
The basic bridge construction is fairly typical: a ballasted deck made of railroad timbers laid across a pair of steel plate girders, which in turn rest upon tapered concrete piers. Some of the unique features of the bridge include a cableway running along the west side of the girder face, grab irons mounted on the west faces of the piers, and the lack of any railings or walkways. At one time, ladders extended to the bridge deck from the tops of the piers, but at some point these were cut free and left hanging off the top of the piers. Given the lack of railings and walkways, I would be interested in knowing what happens when a conductor must walk a train stopped across the bridge.
<br />
<br />
<i>Photos below by Kenny Shackleford via Flickr, used by permission.</i>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/etowahbridgeroadcrossing_zps5ebac2fb.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/etowahbridgeroadcrossing_zps5ebac2fb.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/etowahbridgedeck_zps752646ff.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/etowahbridgedeck_zps752646ff.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/etowahbridgeside_zps3c91c6d5.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/etowahbridgeside_zps3c91c6d5.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/etowahbridgepier_zpsc2f136fe.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/etowahbridgepier_zpsc2f136fe.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/etowhbridgeladder_zps97431ef7.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/etowhbridgeladder_zps97431ef7.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>
<br />
<h4>» The Model</h4>
<br />
<br />
The model bridge will also be a seven-span ballasted deck girder bridge as mocked up in the photo below. The bridge itself will be kitbashed from seven Micro Engineering 80' deck girder bridges. The girders from the kits will be used, while the deck will be scratchbuilt. The piers and abutments will be cast in plaster using scratchbuilt molds. The bridge must be constructed so that the top of the deck lines up with the top of the spline roadbed approaches. This will allow cork roadbed, track and (eventually) ballst to be laid across the bridge and approaches in a continuous manner. My standard cardboard web, plaster cloth and Sculptamold terrain will be used to simulate the high fill found on the prototype. Finally, the surface of the plywood riverbed will be sanded and painted, then covered with Envirotex to simulate the water. The Etowah consistently has a deep green color in this area and is often quite calm, so the Envirotex should do an excellent job of simulating the river in this scene.
<br />
<br />
The next posts in this series will chronicle the construction of the Etowah River bridge on the layout over the coming weeks.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2013/IMAG1238.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2013/IMAG1238.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2013/IMAG1242.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2013/IMAG1242.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>
<br />
<br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-70052484294526777062012-01-02T19:42:00.000-08:002012-01-02T19:57:23.368-08:00Layout Progress as of 1/2/2012I have constructed a temporary bridge over the Etowah River. This structure will serve as a stand-in until the actual bridge can be constructed at a later time. The temporary bridge will allow the mainline track to be completed on the lower level and was constructed using the recycled section of spline roadbed that previously spanned the river. Eventually, seven ballasted deck girder bridge spans will rest on concrete piers in this scene.<br /><br /><h4>» Photos</h4><br /><br />This photo shows how a 42" length of the existing spline roadbed was cut out where it spans the river. I have also installed 1/4" plywood to support the river bed:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2012-01/IMAG0232.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2012-01/IMAG0232.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />This closeup photo shows how the left (north) end of the temporary bridge roadbed is supported on a cleat temporarily screwed to the permanent riser:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2012-01/IMAG0233.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2012-01/IMAG0233.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />This closeup view shows the right (south) end of the temporary bridge roadbed with the first layer of cork roadbed installed across the gap:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2012-01/IMAG0234.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2012-01/IMAG0234.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-64116111439911199142011-12-21T18:44:00.001-08:002011-12-21T18:57:33.860-08:00Layout Progress as of 12/21/2011I have decided to go with the full length seven-span Etowah River bridge as discussed <a href="http://csxdixieline.blogspot.com/2011/12/layout-progress-as-of-12182011.html">in the previous update</a>. With the bridge length determined, I had to add support to the roadbed at the north end of the structure. Eventually, the spline roadbed will be cut away and replaced with a 42" length of aluminum channel. The deck girder bridge will then be built in place around the channel and cast plaster piers will be added below.<br /><br /><h4>» Photos</h4><br /><br />This "before" photo shows the original roadbed support before the bridge length was determined:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0206.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0206.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />This "after" photo shows the additional benchwork constructed, including the riser that supports the roadbed at the north end of the bridge:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0211.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0211.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The additional benchwork will also support the 1/4" plywood that will make up the river bottom.<br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-68049276265115400122011-12-18T18:14:00.000-08:002011-12-21T18:43:52.595-08:00Layout Progress as of 12/18/2011While working on the Etowah River scene, I realized some additional benchwork needs to be added around the bridge before track can be installed. Before adding the extra support, however, I needed a way to see exactly where it has to go. To do this, I created some full-size mockups of the bridge scene. The actual bridge is comprised of seven deck girder bridge sections supported by concrete piers. I will eventually be using Micro Engineering 80' ballasted deck bridges supported by cast plaster or cement piers. The following two photos show the mockups I did. The first photo shows the complete non-compressed bridge (seven sections), while the second photo shows a compressed version of the scene with only six sections (one section over the river removed):<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0207.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0207.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0208.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0208.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I wanted to try out the compressed version because I believed the full size bridge would be too big. Also, six 80' deck bridge sections comes out to an even 36" in N-scale, which means I could use one 3-foot length of aluminum U-channel to be the supporting backbone of the bridge. However, when looking at the two photos the river just seems too narrow in the compressed version. I am also considering using a compressed bridge with the full-size river; in this case, the road would be eliminated. This option is probably not going to be selected because that road is one of my first ever railfanning locations and is a significant reason why I chose to model this area in the first place.<br /><br />Whatever option I choose, the mockups are a quick way to visualize a completed scene without too much effort (time or money).<br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-83506720946655847382011-12-07T12:22:00.001-08:002011-12-07T14:29:58.033-08:00Layout Progress as of 12/7/2011A significant milestone was reached on the CSX Dixie Line this week when the final mainline roadbed was installed on the lower level of the layout. There is now continuous spline roadbed from Emerson, GA at the south end of the lower level all the way to the helix at Tilton, GA at the north end of the lower level. This clears the way to finish designing and intslling roadbed for the remaining sidings and industry tracks on the lower level.<br /><br /><h4>» Photos</h4><br /><br />Looking north from the dropdown gate (far right) to the Etowah River bridge:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0182.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0182.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Etowah River bridge:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0184.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0184.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Looking south from over Calhoun, GA to the Etowah River bridge (distance):<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0185.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0185.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Looking south over the entire Calhoun, GA scene:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0186.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0186.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Looking north over the entire Calhoun, GA scene:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0187.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0187.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Looking south over the Tilton, GA scene towards the end of the aisle. The north end of the Resaca passing siding is in the foreground, while the siding itself curves around and ends (for now) before reaching Calhoun:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0188.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0188.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Looking north over the Tilton, GA scene towards the Helix. The Etowah River bridge can be seen in the distance beyond the helix:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0190.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0190.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-91440311431077124372011-12-04T10:52:00.000-08:002011-12-04T11:22:02.577-08:00Layout Progress as of 12/4/2011My current project is to get all of the the lower level track installed. Trackwork has been in place for almost two years on the Emerson, GA scene, which is the southern most scene on the layout. The following photos show all of the new spline roadbed that I have been working on moving north from Emerson. <br /><br /><h4>» Photos</h4><br /><br />The first scene north of Emerson is Etowah River. In this photo, you can see the completed spline roadbed along the long curve connecting the dropdown gate across the doorway to the train room (far right) with the Etowah River bridge (far left):<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0178.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0178.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Here is a straight on view of the bridge. This will be a five span deck girder bridge when completed:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0179.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0179.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />North of the Etowah River is Calhoun, GA. I have not yet finalized the design in this scene; you can see in the photos where I have risers temporarily clamped in place so I can move a spline around to experiment with different track alignments. This view looks south with the Etowah River bridge in the distance:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0177.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0177.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Looking north at the same scene with the temporary track alignment:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0176.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0176.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Just to the north of Calhoun is Tilton, GA. This is the final scene on the lower level before the track disappears into the helix on its way to Chattanooga, TN. Spline roadbed construction is well under way in this scene:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0002.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0002.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Looking north at Tilton toward the helix you can see the newly completed spline roadbed in the foreground leading to the double track helix. The completed track connects the helix to Emerson; you can also see the new spline roadbed at Etowah River in the distance:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0001.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-12/IMAG0001.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-16289644742282841512011-09-28T19:44:00.000-07:002011-09-28T20:24:27.417-07:00Layout Progress as of 9/28/2011I have started work on the bridge where the CSX W&A Subdivision crosses over I-75 in Emerson, GA. I will be building this bridge in place; in other words, the bridge will be built around the existing spline roadbed. The only work completed so far is the removal of the scenery base where the bridge abutments will be installed:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-09/IMAG0069.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-09/IMAG0069.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Below, I have included a few pictures of the prototype structure courtesy of Google Maps and Bing Maps. The scene on the layout will be simplified compared to the prototype scene in that there will be no off ramps modeled. Instead, there will be two three-lane interstate roadways and three bridge piers. <br /><br />Looking northbound from the on-ramp from Old Allatoona Road to I-75 northbound:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-09/Emerson-Bridge-NB-Ramp.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-09/Emerson-Bridge-NB-Ramp.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Looking southbound from the off-ramp from I-75 southbound to Old Allatoona Road:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-09/Emerson-Bridge-SB-Ramp.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-09/Emerson-Bridge-SB-Ramp.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Overhead view looking northbound:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-09/Emerson-Bridge-Aerial.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/2011-09/Emerson-Bridge-Aerial.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-2565107394846751552011-09-24T07:31:00.001-07:002011-09-25T15:12:53.923-07:00Working Grade Crossing<iframe width="480" height="274" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4oMwCRdGfBY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />To spice up the scenery and add operational realism along the southern end of the layout, I added a working grade crossing where Allatoona Road crosses the tracks at milepost WA 39.6 on the CSX W&A subdivision. As the above video shows, the grade crossing functions just as it does on the prototype: as a train approaches, the lights begin flashing and the gates slowly lower across the roadway. After the train clears, the gates slowly raise and the lights go dark. The process repeats itself every time a northbound or southbound train passes through the scene, keeping the imaginary N-scale inhabitants out of harms way.<br /><br />The signals used in this project are NJ International #2164. These signals are almost an exact match for the ones used at the real crossing and feature large modern "bug eye" flashers in both directions, crossbucks, and moving bar-arm gates with red stripes. The signal flashers on the signal upright are LEDs pre-wired with dropping resistors; however, the lights on the gates are molded on and do not operate. These signals, which are molded brass, come packaged as a pair and are super nice models. Plus, at about $30 they are also a great value.<br /><br /><strong>» Flashers</strong><br /><br />The flashers are driven by a Digitrax DS-64 quad stationary decoder. The DS-64 is commonly used to operate turnout motors, but it has a nifty feature that allows the outputs to alternate at a rate that is ideal for crossing flashers. The DS-64 can also be connected to the Digitrax Loconet, which means it can operate in conjunction with Digitrax block detection so the signals will activate when a train occupies the crossing.<br /><ol><br /><li>I strongly recommend testing the flashers before installing the signals on the layout since it will be much more difficult to replace a set of defective signals later on. To do this, configure one set of outputs on the DS-64 to alternate/flash when activated (refer to your Digitrax instructions for the steps necessary to do this).</li><br /><li>Connect the signals to the DS-64 as indicated in the Digitrax instructions. Using your throttle, open and close the switch address for the appropriate set of outputs on the DS-64. The lights should flash and then go off as you open and close the switch. In this photo, you can see one of the signals being tested with the DS-64:</li><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Grade%20Crossing/CanonEverything2010146.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Grade%20Crossing/CanonEverything2010146.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><li>After mounting the signals on the layout, simply connect the wires to the DS-64 below the layout just as you did when you tested the flashers before installation. When wiring the signals, be sure that both signals flash with each other and not against each other. In other words, when approaching the crossing in a vehicle on the road, both flashers should be flashing in unison: the right flasher should be lit, then the left, and so on. To see this in action, watch the video above and pay close attention to the flashing pattern of both signals as the gates are lowering. If your flashers are not doing this, simply reverse the connection to the DS-64 for <strong>one</strong> of the signals.</li><br /></ol><br /><strong>» Signals</strong><br /><ol><br /><li>As packaged, the gates have a short actuating wire attached to them. You can see these wires in the photo above where the flashers are being tested with the DS-64. I needed a much longer actuation wire, so I replaced the factory wires with some longer handmade ones. I removed the factory installed wires with a small pair of clippers. <strong>WARNING:</strong> These signals are <strong>very</strong> delicate, so use care when using the clippers to removing the actuating wires.</li><br /><li>Drill a pair of holes at each signal location: a large hole for the base of the signal and a smaller hole for the actuating wire attached to the gate. To locate the smaller hole, I placed the signal in the larger hole and marked a spot below where the actuating wire attaches to the gate:</li><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Grade%20Crossing/CanonEverything2010147.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Grade%20Crossing/CanonEverything2010147.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><li>Mount the signals in the larger hole using your glue of choice; I used white glue. Be sure to use care and not get any glue on or around the moving parts of the signals.</li><br /><li>With the signals mounted, I went ahead and installed the new actuating wires for the gates. To create the actuating wires, I cut a piece of .025 steel wire to about 12" in length. Don't worry about the exact length, you just want enough so that it reaches the Tortoise actuators that will be mounted below the layout. I made a small 90 degree bend in one end using a pair of needle nose pliers:</li><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Grade%20Crossing/CanonEverything2010151.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Grade%20Crossing/CanonEverything2010151.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><li>To install the actuator wire, feed the straight end down through the hole in the layout from above and carefully slip the bent end through the hole in the end of the gate:</li><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Grade%20Crossing/grade-crossing-closeup.gif"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Grade%20Crossing/grade-crossing-closeup.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><li>With the actuator wire attached to the hole in the gate, it is now basically hanging down through the layout down below the benchwork. You should be able to reach under the layout and move the actuator wire up and down to make sure the gates lower and raise as they should.</li><br /></ol><br /><strong>» Gates</strong><br /><br />By far the most complex and difficult phase of the signal installation is getting the crossing gates to actually work along with the flashers. In fact, the installation of the gate mechanism was probably the most tedious and frustrating time I have ever experienced on the layout. There were several times I considered replacing the signals with ones that did not have crossing gates. However, patience eventually prevailed and I can now say that the outcome was well worth the effort. Watching the gates lower and raise each time a train passes really brings the whole scene to life.<br /><br />There are a few components that you need to buy to make the crossing gate magic work: <br /><ul><br /><li>(1) Circuitron 800-6000 "Tortoise" Slow Motion Switch Machine</li><br /><li>(1) Circuitron 800-8100 Remote Signal Activator (RSA)</li><br /><li>(1) Circuitron 800-8101 Extra cable & actuator for RSA</li><br /></ul><br />The best advice I can give for working with the RSA is to read the instructions from beginning to end. Then read them again. And again, and again, and again. The first time you will be saying "What the...?" but after a while something will click and you will realize the RSA is a brilliant little piece of hardware.<br /><br />Basically, the Tortoise is attached to a slider on the base of the RSA which in turn is attached a pair of cables that fan out to a pair of remote pivots mounted below the crossing gates on the layout. These remote pivots are connected to the actuator wires that we previously attached to our crossing gates. When the Tortoise moves, the slider moves back-and-forth, causing the cables to extend and retract, which makes the pivots rotate, which cause the actuating wires to lower and raise the crossing gates. Magic.<br /><ol><br /><li>To begin, select a location under the layout where the RSA will be mounted. You want to pick a location out of the way from the crossing gates as to not interfere with the mounting location of the pivots, but close enough so the cables from the RSA to the pivots will not need to be excessively long. The cables are flexible so they can curve, but don't make the curves too tight or the cables will bind when operated. Consult the RSA instructions for the specific limitations of the cables. Be sure to allow enough room to accommodate the Tortoise motor.</li><br /><li>Mount the RSA below the layout according to the RSA instructions.</li><br /><li>Mount the pivots below the crossing gates according to the RSA instructions. The actuating wires hanging down from the gates will determine where the pivots must go.</li><br /><li>Connect the cables between the RSA and the pivots according to the RSA instructions.</li><br /><li>Clip the actuating wires (hanging from the crossing gates) to an appropriate length and attach to the pivots according to the RSA instructions.</li><br /><li>Attach the Tortoise switch motor to the RSA according to the RSA instructions.</li><br /><li>Wire the Tortoise to one of the sets of outputs on the DS-64. Consult the Digitrax instructions for the specifics of this step.</li><br /><li>Using the switch address of the DS-64 outputs, use your throttle to operate the Tortoise switch motor. The entire apparatus should function as described above.</li><br /><li>The pivots have adjustment screws that allow you to control their range of motion. If the crossing gates do not raise or lower to their correct positions, play with the adjustment screws until the gates end up in their desired positions.</li><br /></ol><br />The following photos show the overall Circuitron RSA installation, looking up from below the layout. In the first photo, notice how a 1x3 crossmember has been added to mount the RSA base and a 1x2 crossmember has been added to mount pivot #1:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Grade%20Crossing/IMAG0060.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Grade%20Crossing/IMAG0060.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />RSA base details:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Grade%20Crossing/IMAG0062.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Grade%20Crossing/IMAG0062.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Pivot details:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Grade%20Crossing/IMAG0061.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Grade%20Crossing/IMAG0061.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Pivot side view:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Grade%20Crossing/IMAG0063.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Grade%20Crossing/IMAG0063.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-10868123474459814452011-04-12T19:17:00.000-07:002011-04-12T19:45:27.802-07:00Layout Progress as of 4/12/2011It has been over two years since any trackwork has taken place on the CSX Dixie Line, but that changed over the weekend as work started to extend the roadbed through the new Etowah River scene. The CSX W&A Subdivision crosses the Etowah River just to the north of Emerson, GA, and this prototypical arrangement will be represented in the same fashion on the layout. Over the next few weeks I hope to have all of the lower level roadbed in place so I can extend the mainline beyond its current terminus just north of Emerson.<br /><br /><h4>» Photos</h4><br /><br />This photo shows how the spline roadbed is joined to the dropdown gate by inserting a short "key" section of spline into a slot cut in the deck of the gate. You can clearly see the northernmost extent of the mainline where it ends on the gate. The first spline to be attached to the "key" spline can be seen against the backdrop: <br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20110412/TrainRoom001.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20110412/TrainRoom001.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The first spline has been glued to the "key" spline and clamped in place:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20110412/TrainRoom003.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20110412/TrainRoom003.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Somehow, a few of my risers were a full 1/4" too low. This problem was corrected by gluing some small sections of 1/4" stripwood to the tops of the risers. The nail is centered on the riser and provides a surface for clamping the first spline in position:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20110412/TrainRoom002.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20110412/TrainRoom002.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The second spline has been glued and clamped in place. You can see the dropdown gate at far right and the future location of the Etowah River bridge at far left. The aluminum angle will keep the splines perfectly straight across the bridge:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20110412/TrainRoom004.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20110412/TrainRoom004.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-44330710604066227942011-03-27T16:18:00.000-07:002011-03-27T17:09:07.768-07:00Layout Progress as of 3/27/2011Over the last week or so I have been in the layout room working on laying out the remaining mainline on the lower level. Just as i did in the existing area of the layout, I started by tacking down sheets of 3/4" thick blue extruded foam. Next, I grabbed some leftover Masonite splines from the previous trackwork and, using T-pins and mini clamps to hold things in place, laid out the centerline of the main track. I find this to be a great way of designing a track plan, since it is real easy to make changes by pulling up some pins and moving things around. Once I am happy with a track alignment, I will transfer the track centerline to the tops of the benchwork, add risers, and then install the spline roadbed. This makes it very easy to achieve trackwork that has smooth, flowing curves that look like they belong in the scenery that they pass through.<br /> <br /><h4>» Photos</h4><br /><br />This photo shows where the mainline currently ends on the dropdown bridge that crosses the doorway to the room (lower right of photo). Beyond there, you can see where I have placed the first spline for the future mainline. The straight track in the distance is where the crossing over the Etowah River will be located: <br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20110327/TrainRoom034.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20110327/TrainRoom034.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />This next photo shows the track as it continues northward beyond the Etowah River. You can clearly see the special construction of the benchwork in this area to accommodate the depth of the Etowah River scene in the distance; the terrain will slope upward towards the foreground where the "regular" height benchwork resumes. The large feed mill located at Calhoun, GA will be placed between the tracks and the backdrop in the foreground of this scene where the level is resting on the benchwork: <br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20110327/TrainRoom035.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20110327/TrainRoom035.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />This next photo was taken in the same location as the previous one, except the camera has been rotated and is pointing in the opposite direction. The town of Calhoun, GA will be located in the foreground. Although the details of the town have not been established, there will be a depot, a small yard, and a few industries. A local freight will originate in Calhoun and switch all of the industries on the lower level. You can also see the approximate start of the Resaca passing siding, which is represented by the flex track tacked in place to the right of the mainline. In the distance, the Dow Chemical industrial spur will branch off of the siding and terminate at the backdrop:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20110327/TrainRoom036.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20110327/TrainRoom036.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />This photo shows the tiny town of Tilton, GA, which is the next scene to the north of Calhoun. You can see where the Resaca passing siding ends. I have started mocking up Franklin Industrial Minerals along the backdrop. The mainline will cross Swamp Creek at the very bottom of the photo before entering the helix and traveling to the upper level:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20110327/TrainRoom037.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20110327/TrainRoom037.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />This photo shows how the main track will enter the helix. I will not construct the double-track helix until work begins on the upper level of the layout. Until then, the inner track of the helix will function as a return loop (as indicated by the dotted line) while the outer track will serve as a staging track:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20110327/TrainRoom038-1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20110327/TrainRoom038-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-9022488867684594582010-11-30T19:14:00.000-08:002010-11-30T19:19:18.910-08:00Layout Progress as of 11/30/2010Over the long holiday weekend, I added the remaining grass, bushes and trees to the area around the South Emerson turnout on the layout. Although there are still some details to be added, this scene is pretty much complete.<br /><br /><h4>» Photos</h4><br /><br />Looking north at the South Emerson turnout:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101128/20101128TrainRoom001-1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101128/20101128TrainRoom001-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The next photo is the same area as above but looking in the opposite direction:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101128/20101128TrainRoom002-1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101128/20101128TrainRoom002-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-89510375141045267392010-11-25T19:23:00.000-08:002010-11-26T07:17:23.084-08:00Layout Progress as of 11/25/2010Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! Aside from consuming mass quantities of turkey and all the trimmings, I did some additional scenery work around South Emerson on the layout. I am mostly adding vegetation behind the tracks to the north of the rock cut and in front of the tracks between the Allatoona Road grade crossing and the I-75 overpass.<br /><br /><h4>» Photos</h4><br /><br />Looking north at the South Emerson turnout, I have added gravel in front of the tracks where the signal relay shed will be located. The line poles can still be found along most of the right-of-way despite the fact that they were taken out of service sometime in the early 1990s. They are a prominent feature above the rock cut on the prototype as they are on the layout:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101128/20101128TrainRoom001.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101128/20101128TrainRoom001.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The next photo is the same area as above but looking in the opposite direction (south). The newly added scenery includes the cluster of trees and grassy hillside to the left, bushes and vines, and the ballast around the signals:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101128/20101128TrainRoom002.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101128/20101128TrainRoom002.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-52739971683928354162010-11-14T07:48:00.000-08:002010-11-14T08:14:46.349-08:00Layout Progress as of 11/14/2010<a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101114/20101114TrainRoom001.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101114/20101114TrainRoom001.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Recent progress on the layout includes adding additional layers of vegetation to existing scenery, adding new vegetation to bare scenes, and adding a few details here and there. The photo above shows a good example of what I have been working on recently. Some of the new "little touches" that really impact the realism of this scene include:<br /><ul><br /><li>The electrical box that houses the circuitry for the grade crossing signals</li><br /><li>Additional bushes and shrubs around the base of the hill</li><br /><li>Small tufts of dry grass in a few places</li><br /></ul><br />I still have to decide what to do with that bare patch of grass in the foreground. On the prototype, there is dense brush with a side street angling away. While the dense brush would obscure most of the scene, I am still contemplating adding a driveway and a few mailboxes to represent the street that leads to a few homes.<br /><br />The next photo shows the same scene looking north towards the recently added rock cut that I described in <a href="http://csxdixieline.blogspot.com/2010/11/howto-hand-carved-rocks.html">another post</a>. I have included a prototype photo to show how the modeled scene compares to the real thing:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101114/20101114TrainRoom002.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101114/20101114TrainRoom002.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101114/20081102Misc100.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101114/20081102Misc100.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Some of the work I have done in this area includes:<br /><ul><br /><li>Adding static grass to the hill above the rock cut</li><br /><li>Adding bushes, weeds and vines between the tracks and the trees</li><br /><li>Adding static grass down the center of the access road</li><br /><li>Adding the CSX "No Trespassing" sign from a digital photo</li><br /><li>Adding tress and bushes in front of the tracks</li><br /></ul><br />While this scene looks complete, if you look closely you can see bare ground extends past the grass covered areas. I still have lots of vegetation to add to this scene, plus I am working on a concept for adding high tension power lines that cross the tracks at the rock cut.<br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-44480184637458278372010-11-08T00:00:00.000-08:002010-11-21T07:45:08.199-08:00DIY: Hand Carved Rocks<a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks015.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks015.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/TSL4_front.jpg"><img style="width: 150px; float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/TSL4_front.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>At the south switch of the Emerson passing siding, the CSX mainline follows the side of a hill that includes a small rock cut that was carved many years ago in order to make room for the roadbed. Staying true to the prototype, I decided to model this rock cut. When I was shaping the basic terrain in this area, I allowed a bit of extra clearance to allow room for the rock cut. I initially planned on using plaster rocks cast in rubber molds, but could not find anything that was an appropriate fit. I then turned to <a href="http://modeltrainvideo.com/volume4.php">one of Joe Fugate's scenery DVDs</a> which includes a <a href="http://modeltrainvideo.com/MTV-0005.php">chapter on hand carving rocks</a>. This video series has proved invaluable to me as I have created the layout, and the chapter on hand carved rocks was no different. I have never before done any kind of hand carved plaster work, but armed with the knowledge gleamed from the DVD, I decided to give it a try. The steps below show how I created my very first hand carved rock.<br /><br /><h4>» Steps</h4><br /><br /><strong>Step 1</strong> To get started, I scooped three globs of DAP pre-mixed patching plaster into a plastic cup and added a few shakes (about half a teaspoon) of black tempera powder paint to kill the bright white color. I then used a putty knife to smear a layer of the plaster mix onto the bare rock face. I first sprayed the surface with water so the old plaster would not rob the new plaster of its moisture. I also used a plastic painter's knife (shown) to carve some grooves into the wet plaster that simulate the layers of sedimentary rock:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks003.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks003.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Step 2</strong> I used a metal painters tool (shown) to pick at the plaster as it setup, creating nicks, grooves and other random gouges in the rock face. If you begin carving before the plaster has setup enough, it will crumble rather than flake. If you get crumbling, stop and come back later to resume your carving. <strong>IMPORTANT: Patching plaster contains retarder to extend its working time. For my batch of plaster, it took 8-10 hours before the plaster setup to the point where it could be carved!</strong> It was then about another four hours before the center section had setup to the point where I could finish carving. In this photo, taken 12 hours after the plaster was applied to the layout, you can see an area that is still too soft to be carved (the smooth area at the lower left-center side of the rock):<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks004.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks004.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Step 3</strong> Finally, after about 16 hours, the carving is complete. Before the plaster is completely dry, lightly scrub it with a stiff plastic-bristle brush (shown in the previous photo) to give the rock a realistic weathered look. As I scrub, I use a soft paintbrush to clean any small particles off of the rock face so I can see how things are progressing:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks005.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks005.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Step 4</strong> I begin staining the rock face by using a medium gray acrylic paint thinned to a wash. You will find that the plaster really soaks up the paint, so be sure to give it a few sprays of water every now and then to keep the paint flowing: <br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks007.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks007.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks008.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks008.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Step 5</strong> After the initial gray wash has dried, apply a second dark black-brown wash. In the second photo, notice how this second wash settles into the grooves and cracks--for the first time, this rock is starting to look like the real thing: <br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks009.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks009.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks010.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks010.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Step 6</strong> At this point, I began to blend the rock in with the surrounding scenery by applying my homemade dirt to the painted, textured scenery base. I also dry brushed on some varying shades of grays and browns to introduce some variations into the rock coloring:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks011.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks011.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Step 7</strong> All done! Well, almost done, since there will be some additional weathering done with pastels as the surrounding scenery is added. Here is a close-up view of the (almost) finished rock and a few wider shots showing how the rock cut fits into the overall scene:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks012.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks012.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks013.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks013.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks014.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Hand%20Carved%20Rocks/20101107HandCarvedRocks014.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-67243799224007467772010-10-31T00:00:00.000-07:002010-10-31T00:00:00.527-07:00Happy Halloween!<a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/misc/20101029TrainRoom.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/misc/20101029TrainRoom.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-52135916923628261802010-10-29T18:16:00.000-07:002010-10-29T18:24:29.529-07:00Layout Progress as of 10/29/2010<a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101029/20101029TrainRoom004.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101029/20101029TrainRoom004.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Trees, trees and more trees. This week I found out that you can crank out a lot of SuperTrees while watching Monday Night Football and the 2010 World Series. As a result, I added a significant section of forest (about 18" long) behind the tracks at South End Emerson. I also installed working grade crossing signals (above), which will be covered in detail in an upcoming HOWTO post. The photos below show an overview of the progress made this week.<br /><br /><h4>» Photos</h4><br /><br />Before:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101019/20101019TrainRoom001.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101019/20101019TrainRoom001.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />After:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101029/20101029TrainRoom001.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101029/20101029TrainRoom001.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101029/20101029TrainRoom002.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101029/20101029TrainRoom002.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101029/20101029TrainRoom003.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101029/20101029TrainRoom003.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-82830708943137533862010-10-19T00:00:00.000-07:002010-10-24T03:08:37.702-07:00Layout Progress as of 10/19/2010<a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101019/AllatoonaHill-Model.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101019/AllatoonaHill-Model.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I recently finished some scenery work that I started way back in...July? Can that be right? Three months away from the layout? This <em>was</em> a busy summer. Anyway, while looking at some prototype photos of the Old Allatoona Road grade crossing, I noticed the road actually travels through a slight cut after crossing the tracks. Although the cut is low, it is quite noticeable (as you can see in the Google Maps imagery below) and modeling it would be a nice way to tie the layout to the real thing. The photos below show how I modeled this feature.<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101019/AllatoonaHill.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101019/AllatoonaHill.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><h4>» Photos</h4><br /><br />I began building the hill behind the tracks by shaping some plain old green floral foam. I carved the hill to shape before affixing it to the layout using Loctite construction adhesive. I applied the hill right over the top of the existing scenery base, which had already been covered with dirt and some static grass:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101019/20100821GatlinburgAquarium121.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101019/20100821GatlinburgAquarium121.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I then covered the hill with Sculptamold to blend it in to the surrounding terrain. Since all of the hill except for the cut face along the road will be covered by foliage, I didn't spend too much time on this step:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101019/20100821GatlinburgAquarium122.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101019/20100821GatlinburgAquarium122.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Next, the hill was painted using my standard textured ground color:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101019/20100821GatlinburgAquarium123.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101019/20100821GatlinburgAquarium123.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Finally, the usual treatment of ground cover, bushes and trees were added. I rubbed most of the ground cover off of the cut face of the hill to reveal the red Georgia clay just as it appears on the prototype:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101019/20101019TrainRoom001.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20101019/20101019TrainRoom001.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />This small change resulted in a big improvement to the look of this scene. <br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-20837634600574201872010-10-16T08:38:00.001-07:002010-10-17T08:13:27.847-07:00DCC: Block DetectionOne of the primary design goals for the layout is to have a fully functional Computerized Traffic Control (CTC) system. Looking even farther into the future, some degree of layout automation is desired. To meet these objectives, a DCC system with fully functional block detection is a must. Since my DCC system is a Digitrax Super Chief, the <a href="http://www.digitrax.com/prd_statdec_bdl168.php">Digitrax BDL168</a> was a natural choice for block detection. This board provides for detection of 16 individual blocks and reports block occupancy via messages over Loconet. A personal computer can then be connected to Loconet and receive these messages. With appropriate software, a complete operational CTC system is possible. My software of choice is JMRI, which I will describe below.<br /><br /><h4>» How it works</h4><br /><br />The following diagram shows how the Digitrax BDL168 is connected to the layout:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/DCC/imgDCCWiringDiagram.gif"><img style="CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/DCC/imgDCCWiringDiagram.gif" /></a><br /><br />The above diagram shows the connections for a typical passing siding track arrangement on the layout. Each turnout is a separate detection section, as is the mainline and the passing siding. Therefore, a passing siding on the layout will consume four of the 16 total detection sections on a BDL168. I anticipate the need for three BDL168 boards on the layout (one for each of the three levels). Only signaled track will be detected; non-signaled tracks such as spurs and industrial sidings will bypass the BDL168.<br /><br />The following photo shows the first BDL168 installed on the layout:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100508/20100408TrainRoom006.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100508/20100408TrainRoom006.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Astute viewers may note that the BDL168 is connected directly to the DCS100 booster below, which differs from the diagram above. The diagram shows a Digitrax PM42 between the two, but since I only have about 30 feet of mainline in place, I have yet to justify the expense of a power management board.<br /><br />Digitrax supplies a handy worksheet for you to record information on how your BDL168 boards have been configured. Here is one that I have filled out for the first block detection board installed on the Dixie Line:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/DCC/BDL168Worksheet.gif"><img style="CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/DCC/BDL168Worksheet.gif" /></a><br /><br />In the above worksheet, the detection sections highlighted in yellow represent track that has already been installed on the layout. Other detection sections shown in the worksheet are planned for future use. Basically, the Emerson section of the layout is the proving grounds where I can work on ideas that will eventually be expanded to the entire layout.<br /><br />I have set the address of this BDL168 to 101. By default, the board is shipped from the factory with an address of 1. I changed the address to a higher number so that there will be no conflicts with other devices such as turnouts that will be in the lower address range.<br /><br /><h4>» JMRI</h4><br /><br />I have begun to use the <a href="http://jmri.sourceforge.net/">Java Model Railroad Interface (JMRI) software</a> to control the layout. The computer is connected to Digitrax Loconet via a LocoBuffer USB, which in turn lets JMRI talk to Loconet. JMRI receives messages from Loconet that tell the software what is happening on the layout, and JMRI sends messages to Loconet to make things happen on the layout such as changing a turnout, setting a signal, or controlling a train.<br /><br />In JMRI, I use the <a href="http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/html/apps/PanelPro/PanelPro.shtml">PanelPro</a> application to setup communication with LocoNet. In PanelPro, block detection is facilitated by using objects known as <em>sensors</em>. A sensor is <em>active</em> when a block is occupied and <em>inactive</em> when a block is clear. In JMRI, you can define a sensor for every detection section on all of your BDL168 boards. The following screen shot shows how I have setup the sensors for my first BDL168 in JMRI:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/DCC/JMRISensors.gif"><img style="CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/DCC/JMRISensors.gif" /></a><br /><br />Ignore the first line in the table; that is some fast clock sensor that JMRI automatically created for some reason that I don't yet know. However, the remaining entries show the 16 sensors that correspond to the 16 detection sections on the BDL168 board that I described above.<br /><br />Earlier I mentioned that I set the address of the BDL168 board to 101. The board address determines the address for the corresponding JMRI sensors. The formula used to calculate the address of a BDL168 sensor in JMRI is as follows:<br /><br /><strong>(board address - 1) * 16 + detection section</strong><br /><br />JMRI also requires the sensor address to be prefixed with LS when using Digitrax Loconet, so the 16 detection sections on the BDL168 will be represented in JMRI by sensors LS1601 to LS1616. A second BDL168 with a board address of 102 would be represented in JMRI by sensors LS1617 to LS1632 and so on.<br /><br />Notice that two of the sensors, LS1606 and LS1607, are shown as active in the above table because there are actually trains sitting on those tracks. Moving one of those trains to another track will cause the appropriate sensors to activate and deactivate accordingly. This is super cool stuff, albeit in a super nerdy way!<br /><br />OK, so we have Digitrax DCC block detection installed on the layout, we have JMRI talking to Digitrax Loconet, and we have sensors setup in JMRI that are obviously working. This is all fine and dandy, but how do a bunch of invisible computer bits turning on an off as trains move around the tracks actually contribute to the operation of the layout? This is where JMRI Panel Pro really pays off: the ability to build fully functional panels that allow you to operate the layout. Here is the CSX Dixie Line panel so far:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/DCC/EmersonPanel.gif"><img style="CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/DCC/EmersonPanel.gif" /></a><br /><br />The sensors in the above panel are represented by the red lights: illuminated lights show occupied blocks while dark lights show clear blocks. I added the sensors to the panel by selecting the appropriate entries from the sensor table in the panel editor window. The sensors on the mainline above from left to right are LS1609, LS1608, LS1607 (the siding/lower track), LS1606 (the mainline/upper track), LS1605, and LS1604. Notice that the sensors LS1606 and LS1607 are illuminated since there are trains sitting on both of those tracks.<br /><br />The graphics are based on the old USS CTC panel designs; although they are quite retro looking and I model the modern era, I actually like they way they look and am sticking with them for now. JMRI provides a graphics library to use when creating panels, so it should be fairly easy to switch to different graphics if I ever desire to do so. This particular panel so far looks very simple since I only have about 30 feet of mainline and one passing siding installed. However, the small size of the panel makes it easy to use and is an ideal learning tool. Plus, there is actually a lot of stuff on this panel, including two turnouts (that I want to control remotely via the panel) and six blocks. A lot of stuff to play around with but still small enough not to overwhelm a novice JMRI user such as myself.<br /><br />Eventually, this panel will evolve into a fully functional CTC panel. For now, I can run trains and watch the sensor lights turn on and off. Although it seems quite simple on its own, this block detection implementation is actually the foundation that will be used for all future CTC and layout automation.<br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-61250573675766727112010-07-08T20:12:00.000-07:002010-07-08T20:49:53.967-07:00Layout Progress as of 7/8/2010<a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100708/20100708TrainRoom014.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100708/20100708TrainRoom014.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Scenery work continues at the Old Allatoona Road grade crossing at the southern end of the layout. With the wooded area behind the tracks mostly completed, I turned my attention to the hill between the tracks and the fascia. I added static grass, bushes and weeds, then trees. The photos below show the scenery progress in this area.<br /><br /><h4>» Photos</h4><br /><br />Static grass has been applied along the road and the tracks (short 2mm fibers along the road and medium 4mm fibers along the tracks):<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100708/20100708TrainRoom004.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100708/20100708TrainRoom004.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Next, bushes, weeds, vines and other undergrowth was added to between the grassy area and the wooded area:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100708/20100708TrainRoom011.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100708/20100708TrainRoom011.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100708/20100708TrainRoom010.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100708/20100708TrainRoom010.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100708/20100708TrainRoom009.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100708/20100708TrainRoom009.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />These prototype photos show the actual scene being modeled. Note the crawling vines that have crept down the hillside and up to the ballast:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100708/20081102Misc091.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100708/20081102Misc091.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100708/20081102Misc092.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100708/20081102Misc092.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Finally, a handful of Scenic Express SuperTrees finishes off the scene. From normal viewing angles, these trees mostly obscure the opening in the backdrop:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100708/20100708TrainRoom012.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100708/20100708TrainRoom012.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100708/20100708TrainRoom013.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100708/20100708TrainRoom013.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />One day that family in the red Explorer may actually make it across the tracks!<br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-40488070567493815702010-07-03T00:00:00.000-07:002010-07-03T07:28:49.581-07:00Layout Progress as of 7/3/2010<a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100704/20100704TrainRoom006.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100704/20100704TrainRoom006.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />This week I began adding vegetation to the Old Allatoona Road grade crossing scene at the southern end of the layout. I applied static grass fibers in varying lengths using a <a href="http://csxdixieline.blogspot.com/2010/06/howto-static-grass-applicator.html">homemade static grass applicator</a>. I then added trees to build up the woods behind the tracks. Finally, bushes and saplings were added to smooth the transition from grass to trees. There is still more vegetation to be added to this area (a few smaller foreground trees, in particular), but the overall scene is now starting to nicely take shape.<br /><br /><h4>» Photos</h4><br /><br />In this photo, you can see where static grass has been added to the scene along the road and the railroad ROW. I used short (2mm) fibers along the road and medium (4mm) fibers along the tracks. I chose the autumn grass color because it is almost a perfect match to the prototype photos I took of this area in June 2007:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100704/20100704TrainRoom002.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100704/20100704TrainRoom002.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The static grass fibers look absolutely terrific when applied to the layout. With the texture and depth they provide, the fibers really do look just like tall grass growing on the layout. However, my point-and-shoot digital camera does not do justice when photographing this effect. The following photo is about the best I can do to convey the height and depth of the static grass--look at the far end of the scene where the track passes through the opening and you can clearly see how the fibers stand up in contrast to the dark green background trees painted on the backdrop:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100704/20100704TrainRoom005.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100704/20100704TrainRoom005.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Finally, a quick look at the trees that the family created prior to planting on the layout. These trees are just SuperTrees plant material painted gray, dipped in diluted matte medium and covered with Woodland Scenics coarse foam:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100704/20100704TrainRoom001.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100704/20100704TrainRoom001.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-18778923702145417452010-06-30T17:51:00.000-07:002010-11-21T07:47:13.222-08:00DIY: Static Grass Applicator<a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator029.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator029.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />When it comes to static grass, I can think of no other innovation that has contributed more to the realism of model railroad scenery. The texture and depth provided by static grass fibers really make scenes "pop." The only drawback to using static grass is the limited availability of commercial static grass applicators and the high price of the ones that are available. The <a href="http://www.sceneryexpress.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NH60131">NOCH GRASSmaster</a>, for example, has a street price above $175. That's a lot of green to spend on making realistic green on your layout. Fortunately, several modelers have published plans for homemade static grass applicators that will only set you back around $30. That's more like it!<br /><br />The static grass applicator I built as described in this post is a hybrid of the <a href="http://www.ztrains.com/pages/tech/grassinator/grassinator.html">Ztrains Grassinator</a> and <a href="http://model-trains-video.com/MTV-0011.php">Joe Fugate's own homemade applicator</a>. Of course, as with most hobby projects, I threw in a few of my own variations where I felt certain parts or procedures would work better. The applicator pictured in the photo above shows the results of the steps I have included below.<br /><br /><h4>» Parts List</h4><br /><br />These are the parts that I used to construct my static grass applicator:<br /><br /><ul><br /><li>Enercell™ 12V/500mA AC Adapter (Radio Shack #273-357)</li><br /><li>Enercell™ Adaptaplug™ M (Radio Shack #273-344)</li><br /><li>Size M Panel-mount Coaxial Power Jack (Radio Shack #274-1582)</li><br /><li>SPST Rocker Switch (Red) (Radio Shack #275-694)</li><br /><li>Mini 1-1/4" Alligator Clips (Radio Shack #270-380)</li><br /><li>75-Ft. UL-Recognized Hookup Wire (20AWG) (Radio Shack #278-1222)</li><br /><li>Negative ion generator (Oatley Electronics #IONB)</li><br /><li>8" long 1 1/2" diameter PVC sink tailpiece (Ace Hardware #4224218)</li><br /><li>PVC plug that fits the flange end of the tailpiece (Ace Hardware)</li><br /><li>PVC plug that fits the non-flange end of the tailpiece (Ace Hardware)</li><br /><li>Rubbermaid TakeAlongs 1.2 cup container (Rubbermaid #7H99)</li><br /><li>Metal window screen (Ace Hardware)</li><br /></ul><br /><br /><h4>» Steps</h4><br /><br /><strong>Step 1</strong> To get started, cut 2" off the sink tailpiece to make it 6" long. Be sure to cut from the end of the pipe without the flange, since the flange will be used to secure the grass cup to the pipe in a later step. <em><strong>Do NOT discard the small 2" long piece that you cut off of the tailpiece since this will also be used later on to secure the grass cup to the pipe.</strong></em><br /><br /><strong>Step 2</strong> Drill two holes in the tailpiece: drill a 21/64" hole 1 1/4" from the end of the pipe, then drill a 1/16" hole 2" from the same end of the pipe. Measure from the cut end (not the flange end) of the tailpiece when drilling these holes. Also, drill these two holes in line with each other; the seam of the tailpiece makes a natural guideline for doing this.<br /><br /><strong>Step 3</strong> Drill a hole in each of the two tailpiece plugs: drill a 3/4" hole in the plug that will cover the cut end of the tailpiece, then drill a 1/8" hole in the plug that will cover the flange end of the tailpiece.<br /><br />The following photo shows how all of my parts looked after cutting the tailpiece and drilling all of the holes:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator006.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator006.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Step 4</strong> Using a sharp hobby knife, carefully cut a large hole in the bottom of the Rubbermaid container. The hole should be just large enough so the container will slide down over the cut end of the tailpiece and snug up against the flange end:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator007.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator007.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Step 5</strong> Run a bead of super glue along the back side of the tailpiece flange and pull the grass cup snug against the flange to permanently fasten it to the tailpiece:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator008.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator008.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Step 6</strong> Make a vertical cut through one side of the small 2" long section of tailpiece that was cut off in a previous step. This cut will allow the short piece to expand and slip over the cut end of the tailpiece like a collar. Slide this collar all the way down against the grass cup and super glue it in place. The grass cup will now be permanently locked between the collar and the flange. <em>Disregard the two wires shown here; I attached some of the electronics before I realized I forgot to attach the cup and sleeve</em>:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator025.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator025.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Step 7</strong> Solder a 4" long piece of black hookup wire to the negative (-) pin of the power jack. Solder a 4" long piece of red hookup wire to the positive (+) pin of the power jack. Solder the other end of this red wire to one pin of the toggle switch. Solder another 4" long piece of red hookup wire to the other pin of the toggle switch:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator009.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator009.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Step 8</strong> Insert the toggle switch into the hole drilled into the plug that will cover the cut end of the tailpiece. Secure the toggle switch using the nut provided:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator010.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator010.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Step 9</strong> Insert a 2' long piece of black hookup wire through the smaller hole drilled into the tailpiece. Pull the wire through the cut end of the tailpiece:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator011.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator011.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Step 10</strong> Attach the black hookup wire from the previous step, along with the black hookup wire from the power jack, to the black wire of the ion generator. Use a small wire nut to bundle these three wires together. Using another wire nut, attach the red hookup wire from the rocker switch to the red wire of the ion generator. The white wire of the ion generator with the small brush should not be attached at this time:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator013.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator013.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Step 11</strong> Cut the small brush off of the white wire of the ion generator and attach it to a 2' long piece of green hookup wire using a small wire nut:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator014.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator014.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Step 12</strong> Push the ion generator down into the cut end of the tailpiece. The white/green wire should go in first; pull this wire through the flange end of the tailpiece (remember, I forgot to install my grass cup before installing the electronics so the grass cup does not appear yet in my photos):<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator015.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator015.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Step 13</strong> Remove the nut and washer from the power jack. Push the power jack down into the cut end of the tailpiece, then push the threaded end of the jack through the larger of the two holes drilled earlier into the tailpiece. Secure the power jack using the washer and nut:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator016.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator016.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Step 14</strong> Push the plug with the rocker switch down into the cut end of the tailpiece and secure it with super glue or some other adhesive. Since my plug did not have a very tight fit in the cut end of the tailpiece, I used a bead of LocTite Power Grab construction adhesive to hold it in place (in this photo you can see that I finally remembered to slide the grass cup in place):<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator017.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator017.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Step 15</strong> Insert the other plug (the one with the small 1/8" hole drilled in it) into the flange end of the tailpiece, feeding the green hookup wire through the hole. Secure it with super glue or some other adhesive:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator019.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator019.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Step 16</strong> Using a sharp hobby knife, carefully cut a large hole in the lid of the Rubbermaid container. Using a pair of scissors or snips, cut a round piece of window screen about the same diameter as the lid of the Rubbermaid container. You want this circle of screen wire to be small enough to fit inside the lid, but large enough so that you can "snap" it in behind the threads of the lid:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator022.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator022.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Step 17</strong> Drill two small holes through the Rubbermaid container lid and the screen wire. Insert one 4-40 x 3/4" screw into each hole and secure each screw with a 4-40 nut. Solder an alligator clip to the end of the green hookup wire extending through the plug in the flange end of the tailpiece, then clip the green hookup wire to either of the screws:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator028.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator028.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Step 17</strong> Solder an alligator clip to the end of the black hookup wire extending from the small hole in the side of the tailpiece:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator029.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/HOWTO/Static%20Grass%20Applicator/20100629Grassinator029.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Your static grass applicator is now complete!<br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-63224212231917768282010-06-23T21:10:00.000-07:002010-06-23T21:18:28.486-07:00Layout Progress as of 6/23/2010<a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100623/20100613TrainRoom004.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100623/20100613TrainRoom004.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />This week I completed the Old Allatoona Road grade crossing at the southern end of the visible layout. I blended the road into the scenery by adding ground cover and ballast up to the edges of the road, including the small strip of road between the rials. Finally, I weathered the road using chalk pastels. The next scenery step in this area is to apply static grass along the road and track, then add bushes and trees. Afterwards, the grade crossing will receive functioning crossing signals and small details such as signs, equipment boxes and telephone poles.<br /><br /><h4>» Photos</h4><br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100623/20100613TrainRoom001.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100623/20100613TrainRoom001.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100623/20100613TrainRoom002.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100623/20100613TrainRoom002.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100623/20100613TrainRoom003.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100623/20100613TrainRoom003.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-23858041826321321832010-06-15T00:00:00.000-07:002010-06-15T20:07:36.096-07:00Layout Progress as of 6/15/2010In my previous post, I described how I <a href="http://csxdixieline.blogspot.com/2010/06/layout-progress-as-of-6122010.html">started building the Old Allatoona Road grade crossing</a> at the south end of the visible layout. Once the road was glued into place, there was a lot of work to be done to blend the road into the surrounding scenery. After this blending work is done, the road should go from looking like it is sitting on top of the scenery to looking like it was graded and paved with an N-scale highway crew. This post describes the initial steps of this project.<br /><br /><h4>» Photos</h4><br /><br />I used Polly Scale Steam Power Black to paint the tops of the ties and spike heads between the rails at the grade crossing. This will hide the underlying trackwork once the roadway is installed between the rials:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100613/20100613TrainRoom037.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100613/20100613TrainRoom037.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Next, I installed a small strip of plastic between the rails to act as a spacer so that the roadway height between the rails will be correct. I used a small strip of plastic from the same FOR SALE sign used to build the roadway sections. As it turns out, two layers of this plastic are the perfect height for installing the roadway between the rails. I beveled the ends of this plastic strip to simulate the profile of an asphalt road surface. I also painted the outside edges Polly Scale Steam Power Black to hide the otherwise white plastic:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100613/20100613TrainRoom039.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100613/20100613TrainRoom039.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />After the "spacer" strip of plastic was installed between the rials, I installed the top strip that is the actual road surface. The strip also has bevelled ends and has been painted Krylon Primer Gray to match the other road sections. You can also see where I had to shave down some of the roadway along the near rail that was interfering with wheel treads as trains crossed the road:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100613/20100613TrainRoom038.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100613/20100613TrainRoom038.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />With the center road section installed between the rails, I turned my attention to building up the shoulders of the road leading up to the grade crossing. For this, I used Sculptamold applied with a wood craft stick:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100613/20100613TrainRoom040.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100613/20100613TrainRoom040.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Finally, I used paint to hide the stark white of the Sculptamold:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100613/20100613TrainRoom041.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100613/20100613TrainRoom041.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Next up is adding the actual ground covers and weathering the roadway. This seems like a lot of steps for such a simple project, but I hope this attention to detail pays off with a realistic looking modern grade crossing.<br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-34475842912342890842010-06-12T06:51:00.000-07:002010-06-12T07:32:41.825-07:00Layout Progress as of 6/12/2010Scenery has found its way to the CSX Dixie Line layout! In general, I have been working from the south end of the visible layout towards the north. On the southernmost visible area of the layout, the track emerges from the helix and crosses Old Allatoona Road at grade before reaching the turnout at South End Emerson. Before any scenery materials could be applied, I first had to install the roadway and grade crossing. With the roadway in place, scenery materials can be applied in the form of dirt, static grass, bushes and trees.<br /><br /><h4>» Photos</h4><br /><br />The first step when installing Old Allatoona Road was to draw the outline of the roadway on the layout using a Sharpie marker:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100531/20100531TrainRoom001.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100531/20100531TrainRoom001.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I then transferred the road outline to paper and used the paper as a template to cut the roadway sections out of sheet plastic. I used the same method I described in detail in an <a href="http://csxdixieline.blogspot.com/2010/03/howto-build-modern-highway.html">earlier post about making roads from sheet plastic</a>. Here are the two sections of painted roadway; one section has been striped using Microscale decal stripes and a band of dark gray paint has been sprayed on to represent fresh asphalt at the grade crossing:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100531/20100531TrainRoom006.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100531/20100531TrainRoom006.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I used LocTite construction adhesive to affix the roadways to the layout. I still need to install the small section of roadway between the rails and weather the lanes using chalk pastels. I will also build up the roadway shoulders using Sculptamold to blend the road into the surrounding terrain:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100613/20100613TrainRoom030.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100613/20100613TrainRoom030.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />With the road in place, I was able to begin adding scenery materials to this section of the layout. For the first "layer" of ground cover I am using homemade dirt that was created by collecting dried leaves and grinding them into a fine powder using a coffee bean grinder. The small bits and pieces of leaves left behind in the powder look like small sticks and twigs and makes a great looking base ground cover.<br /><br />I am using a variation of Pelle Soeborg's wet-in-wet scenery method that he describes in his book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Model-Railroad-Scenery-Railroaders/dp/0890247366"><em>Essential Model Railroad Scenery Techniques</em></a>. This method begins by adding a thin layer of diluted white glue to the layout and sifting on some of the dirt.<br /><br />After this layer has dried, you sift on more dirt and drizzle the area with wet water. For my wet water, I use a 50/50 mix of tap water and 70% isopropyl alcohol:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100613/20100613TrainRoom032.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100613/20100613TrainRoom032.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Once the entire area has been wetted, you drizzle on diluted white glue. My white glue mixture is a 2:1 mix of plain tap water and Elemer's white glue:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100613/20100613TrainRoom033.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100613/20100613TrainRoom033.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />At this point, Pelle Soeborg adds other layers of ground cover such as ground foam and static grass. However, I plan on adding some tall static grass to this area and since I do not yet have my static grass applicator, I stopped after adding the dirt:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100613/20100613TrainRoom034.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100613/20100613TrainRoom034.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />In this photo, you can see the difference between a fresh area of dirt that is still wet (to the left of the road) and completed areas of dirt after they have dried (to the right of the road). You can also see a lone tree that has been planted to help me determine the size and color of trees that I need to build for this scene:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100613/20100613TrainRoom036.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100613/20100613TrainRoom036.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Once the dirt layer has dried completely, I will build up the road shoulders using Sculptamold and touch up any ballast and dirt as needed. Then, it will be time for the tall static grass followed by bushes, saplings and trees.<br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907791644472562187.post-37968753704029521782010-05-09T00:00:00.000-07:002010-05-09T06:47:47.154-07:00Layout Progress as of 5/9/2010Signaling has arrived on the N-scale CSX Dixie Line! I recently completed the initial installation of Digitrax block detection and signaling at South End Emerson on the layout. This control point protects the interlocking where the switch is located at the south end of the Emerson passing siding at milepost WA39.9 on the CSX W&A Subdivision. The following photo tour shows the brand new CTC system in action.<br /><br /><h4>» Photos</h4><br /><br />Arriving at South Emerson, we find a green signal indicating the CSX "AC" dispatcher in Atlanta has cleared an approaching northbound train:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100508/20100408TrainRoom002.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100508/20100408TrainRoom002.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Shortly afterwards, we hear the growling sound of diesel engines and a southbound train appears, rounding the curve on the siding as it emerges from the cut just across I-75. CSX A706 (the "Cartersville Turn") crawls across the overpass and stops short of the ground signal protecting the south end of the siding:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100508/20100408TrainRoom003.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100508/20100408TrainRoom003.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The ground signal is displaying a "Stop" aspect. Since the signals at South End Emerson are absolute signals, a train may not proceed beyond a red signal:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100508/20100408TrainRoom008.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100508/20100408TrainRoom008.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />A few minutes later, the northbound we have been anticipating comes in to view from the south. This train is CSX G201, an empty unit grain train returning a long string of covered hoppers to the Midwest:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100508/20100408TrainRoom010.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100508/20100408TrainRoom010.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />G201 knocks down the signal at South End Emerson as it rolls towards a meet with A706:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100508/20100408TrainRoom011.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100508/20100408TrainRoom011.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />After the grain train clears the switch, the dispatcher clears the local to pull out of the siding and onto the mainline towards Atlanta. "CSX A706 has a medium clear at South End Emerson. Out.":<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100508/20100408TrainRoom013.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100508/20100408TrainRoom013.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />As the local enters the interlocking limits, the ground signal automatically drops to red:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100508/20100408TrainRoom015.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100508/20100408TrainRoom015.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />With both trains well on the way to their destinations, all becomes quiet as the red signals stand guard at South End Emerson:<br /><br /><a href="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100508/20100408TrainRoom016.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/CSXDixieLine/Progress/20100508/20100408TrainRoom016.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />.Jamie in Lilburn, Georgia, USAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10059268346007229942noreply@blogger.com