Looking back on it I tried to do too much. Despite the fact that it was N scale the scope of the thing was probably beyond my skill level. Probably? That's and understatement. Both the Allegheny Eastern and the Average Eastern were just too big for my talent and resources. It was like restoring a 57 Chevy after watching one of those TV shows. Viewing Gas Monkey Garage does not a restorer make.
While I'm waiting to purchase a new home and move closer to the grandchildren I still read my Model Railroader and visit the hobby shop. This may or may not be a good thing. I've been looking at some of the larger scales. "Gee, I wonder what G scale is like?" or maybe "Should I try On30?". Half hearted attempts to maintain my interest, although the whole idea of radio controlled Bachmann's running through the backyard does seem kinda cool.
Then last week I visited the Dixie Flyer in Wartrace, Tennessee. As I usually do I wander through the store and end up buying nothing or a bag of rail joiners. This time, however I stumbled across a 2-6-0 camelback in HO scale. It was affordable (in my budget) and I love these odd locomotives. I thought about it for a day and went back to purchase it. I bought a few cars too.
I save a 4' x 8' part of the previous layout. I used this and laid some code 83 flex track in a simple oval and started running trains. I used my Atlas Commander DCC system for power and control. The loco has no decoder yet. I plan to install one, this time with sound. I threw a few vehicles in for scenic interest and Voila!!!
I'm trying to create a wood sheathed caboose from another center cupola caboose. Something more appropriate than the steel one shown here. The caboose on the siding is an old Model Engineering Works logging caboose. I bought on a whim.
I have no idea where this is going. I'm starting out simple. I have no name for the "railroad" yet. I will get the track off the tabletop and onto some roadbed. I'm thinking of using the same styrofoam spline developed for the N scale layout. The spline is created by laminating 1/2" thick styrofoam strips. It's about 2" high allowing me to have scenery below track level.
I have also thought of using a 4' x 8' chunk of 2" extruded foam rather than a wood table top. The relocation looms large and it sure would be nice to have a light, portable layout. I'll think on it a bit.
Regards,
Frank Musick
No comments:
Post a Comment