Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Week 100

Week 100
We've hit triple digits!

Let's get started...

Sunday, June 19, 2016

I wanted to get ready for TRAIN DAY so here's what I did to prepare:

 You can see the track on the left is covered with "concrete" and tape.

 I carefully removed both.

 Then I cleaned the rails.

And finally, I parked the intermodal well cars with loads in their respective places.

Before I give you the entire series of how I finished the South Geneva Station Platform,
I will show you what else I finished to prepare for Wednesday's Train Show.

Ed Nelson installed this switch machine last week.
I made the switch machine electronic this week.

Now the series, starting from the very beginning...
This is how it looks without any materials in place.

 Now you can see the side walls.

 Before putting in the cross beams for support, I cut the lumber I used for the walls in half to use for the cross beams. That way you can't see them when you put in the plaster "asphalt".

 There are the cross beams.

 Then I glued every corner.

The weights stayed on overnight.

Monday, June 20, 2016
 After removing the weights, I need to prepare to paint the structure.

 First, I need to protect the rails. So here's my tape job.

 With the other platform I handpainted with black oil-based paint.
This time, I tried spray-painting using brown.

 I think I like this better.

 Before pouring the plaster "asphalt" I need to tape the wall sides and top so they keep the brown color.

 And now we're ready for the plaster "asphalt".

All smoothed out.
Now we wait for it to dry overnight.

Tuesday, June 21, 2016
 I started to remove the tape, but then I thought I needed the tape to finish painting the "asphalt".

 I went ahead and removed the clear tape.
Then I turned the blue tape around and used the "clean" side to protect the brown wall tops.

 I used the same black paint with some white mixed in.
I found it was easier to put it in with my finger instead of using a brush.

 Almost done.
Just need to remove the guide board shown on the edge of the layout facia.

Wah Lah! All done!
Nice!

Do  you like the black frame on the left, or the brown frame on the right?


Wednesday, June 22, 2016

TRAIN DAY!

What are we gonna do today?

Well, I'll show you. Let's take a look...

I thought I'd start the session off with a couple of videos.
It's been a while since I've made a video.
Here goes...

Length: .32s
We start with Ed Nelson adjusting the mechanics for the switch machines.

Length: .15s
Trying to keep Dean from working doesn't work too well.


We finished off the plaster we used last week.
However, the new plaster I bought from Lowes ended up setting too fast.
No good.

 Ed Nelson installed two switch machines tonight.

Dean Hatzis smoothing the plaster "concrete".


Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Week 99

Week 99
Week of June 12-18, 2016

Sunday, June 12, 2016
Tonight I worked on several projects.
I finished installing one of the switch machines at Union Station Terminal


I installed some ground throws in the West Power District.



And at the entry of the RIP tracks.



Then I began to install the Geneva Station Platform.

Here are some progression shots...

Ready for crossbar.

Crossbar installed.

Glued in place.

What the end of the platform looks like.


Monday, June 13, 2016
More work on the platform before pouring in the "asphalt".

I glued all the joints.

Platform base ready for "asphalt".


The platform trim work painted black.



I lined the trim with plastic.


Then filled with plaster of paris.

I let the plaster set overnight.

Meanwhile, I finished electrifying the installed switch machine.

Tuesday, June 14, 2016
I finished painting the ground throw directional signals (Green or Red).

Back at the Geneva Station Platform.
I carefully removed the plastic protective cover.



Then I painted the pure white plaster black.

I had to get all the nooks and craneys.

Finished product.

Overall assessment? I think it's just too black.
I'll need to lighten it up a bit.

Wednesday, June 15, 2016
TRAIN DAY!

Jordan Osborn at the controls.

 Ed Nelson working on installing another switch machines at Union Station Terminal.

 Dean Hatzis continues laying concrete at Global 1.




 Last "Pow Wow" before heading home.

What Dean finished tonight.

 What Ed finished tonight.

 I wanted to check out the mainline at Proviso Yard.
It was worth another look.