Owensville Terminal Model RR Blog: News and Views

The Future Of Model Railroading

2012-01-30T20:50:00.003-06:00

Check out this video from Tam Valley Depot on the future of battery powered/radio controlled locomotives. The future is almost here!!

Thanks for watching and happy modeling!
Tom

Video Musings 1/27/2012

2012-01-27T17:38:00.000-06:00

Layout Update

Thanks for watching and happy modeling!
Tom

Video Musings 1/10/12

2012-01-10T15:35:00.002-06:00

Layout Update

Thanks for watching and happy modeling!
Tom

Christmas Eve Musings

2011-12-24T11:16:00.005-06:00

I want to extend a very Merry Christmas wish to all of you!

On the agenda for this holiday weekend:

visit with family
church services
visit with more family
listen to several hours of model railroad podcasts
Start laying track on the "Rural Grain Dealers" layout

Well, it's official. The TerminalTalk podcast has reached its December bandwidth limit. The podcast will be available again for download on January 1, 2012.

Thanks for visiting and Happy Holidays!
Tom

Special Edition Podcast

2011-12-20T13:03:00.003-06:00

TerminalTalk Special Edition 1 (Part 1 and 2) is now available.

Podbean

iTunes (note: The iTunes Preview web page may take a few days to show updated podcasts. Subscriber feeds should already be posted.)

Thanks for listening and happy modeling!

Tom

Musings 12/12/2011

2011-12-12T08:52:00.006-06:00

My First Published Article

Hey, my very first published article (other than here!) is now posted at shortlinemodelers.com! I have put together a step by step article on how to scratchbuild an HO Scale chicken coop.

Hope you enjoy it!

Scratchbuilding an HO Scale Chicken Coop

A big "thank you" to Shawn Branstetter for publishing it!!

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Musings 12/10/2011

2011-12-10T20:02:00.003-06:00

Micro Model Railroad Cartel

I have formed a new blog which will concentrate on planning, designing, building, and operating micro model railroads. I won't be doing this alone. Good model railroader friends Ian Holmes, Ed Traxler, and Shawn Branstetter are joining me in this new endeavor!

You can find it here: Micro Model Railroad Cartel

I do plan to keep this blog going (the more the merrier). Duplicate posts may appear on both sites, but I do plan to keep this blog focused on the current version of the Owensville Terminal Railroad. You may find me building several new micro layouts as well, but those will be posted on the new blog.

I hope you will give the new blog a visit. Be sure to follow, comment, make suggestions, and share your ideas with us too!!

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Musings 12/9/2011

2011-12-09T12:11:00.004-06:00

Podcast News

Yours truly was interviewed on episode #48 of Model Rail Radio! My bit was just a drop in the bucket compared to the rest of the content. One of my favorite model railroad contributors goes by the nom de plume, "Prof Klyzlr," and he has a lot to say about micro/small layouts. Make sure to check it out!!

Model Rail Radio on iTunes

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Musings 12/7/2011

2011-12-07T09:27:00.006-06:00

Back To Work

I have finished and submitted an article for ShortlineModelers, so back to work on some model railroad projects!

I am working on a diorama for the chicken coop. I have posted a topic about this diorama on the Shortlinemodelers forum page. You can check it out here:

http://www.shortlinemodelers.com/forum/chicken-coop-diorama

And while you're at the site, why not join Shortlinemodelers? It's free and loaded with useful tips, photos, and wonderful projects. Come on over and join in on the fun!!

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Musings 11/24/2011

2011-11-24T10:31:00.004-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving & News

It's Thanksgiving Day here in the United States. Happy Thanksgiving to all! I hope all of you have a blessed day!! I am thankful for each and every one of you who visits and comments on this site. Your interest, comments, and suggestions motivate me to keep modeling!! Thank you!!

I am in the process of putting together a "build" article for Shortlinemodelers.com which will feature my scratchbuilt chicken coop. I will be working on it over the next two weeks, so no updates on this blog for a few weeks.

Be sure to visit Shawn Branstetter's Shortlinemodelers.com page and check out all of the great articles, info and photos on his site!

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Project Update 11/19/2011

2011-11-19T09:28:00.003-06:00

Almost Finished!

The chicken coop is about 98% completed. I need to pick up some tulle fabric for the windows and the fence. I do plan on building a diorama to display the coop. This will include fencing and some HO scale chickens.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom C.

Project Update 11/18/2011

2011-11-18T18:19:00.005-06:00

Quick Update

HO Scale Chicken Coop

Attached the roof pieces and added corrugated aluminum roofing material. Still need to add the door, windows and a few small details. Weathering the structure is the last step!

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

New Podcast Uploaded

2011-11-15T15:44:00.002-06:00

Episode 11 is now available:

Podbean

iTunes

Thanks for listening and happy modeling!
Tom

Project Update

2011-11-14T17:37:00.001-06:00

Quick Update

Walls glued together. Trim and roofing are next.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Project Update

2011-11-11T15:47:00.006-06:00

Scratchbuilding Project #1

Here are the dimensions for the HO scale chicken coop I am building from scratch. Progress photos and details will be posted on the Current and Past Projects page.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Musings 11/8/2011

2011-11-08T14:35:00.000-06:00

Scratchbuilding Project and Learning How To Use SketchUp

Here is a SketchUp drawing of a chicken coop and yard. It is based on a prototype that sits in front of my house. My wife raises chickens and we had a coop built to house them back in 2000. I thought this might make an interesting structure for a diorama, so I decided to try my hand at scratchbuilding. I'll be posting building dimensions and a list of materials used for this project in a future blog post.

This is also my first attempt at using Google's SketchUp. I still have a lot to learn, but I am slowly getting the hang of it.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Musings 10/4/2011

2011-10-04T16:19:00.004-05:00

Rural Grain Dealers Layout Build Update

My hobby funds received a much needed boost last week due to my birthday!!

I finally decided on what type of turnouts I am going to use on the new layout. I am going with Walthers/Shinohara (DCC friendly) code 83 #4 turnouts. The turnouts' MSRP is $26.98 each, and I paid only $18.89 each. The pair cost $43.03 with shipping. I think I got a pretty good deal on them. The turnouts should arrive by the end of the week.

I plan on hand laying the rest of the track, except for staging. I'll be using Atlas code 83 flex track in staging.

It looks like new layout construction will begin real soon!!! (Awww, yeah!!)

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Quick Update 9/10/2011

2011-09-10T19:44:00.008-05:00

Diorama Update

The diorama is about 99.9% finished. I plan on adding a few more details at a later date. Here are a few new photos:

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Musings 9/5/2011

2011-09-05T10:16:00.009-05:00

Happy Labor Day!

Blog updates have been few, but model railroad work continues!

I have been building a diorama over the last several weeks, and I wanted to post some photos of the work. I am using the zip texturing method used by Joe Fugate in his Ten Mile Creek video series. I have never used the zip texturing method before, so I experimented with the color mixes on the diorama. I used the recipes Joe Fugate uses on the video. My first mix looked too gray, so I added some additional colors and it still looked too gray. I discovered the powdered tempera paint I was using stayed clumped in the plaster of Paris mix. I sifted the entire mix (paint and plaster) through a tea strainer. This made a BIG difference. I recommend sifting the tempera paint and the plaster of Paris prior to mixing. After sifting the entire mix, I felt the gray color mix looked more like concrete than dirt, so I continued experimenting with color mixes.

I made sure to sift the colors first before adding sifted plaster of Paris. I used Joe Fugate's recipe for road dust. This recipe mix was too red for my liking. I was able to cut the red color by adding some sifted black tempera paint with a small bit of plaster of Paris. This color mix looks more like the dirt found in the area I model. I dusted this mix onto the diorama with the tea strainer and set it in place with a misting of wet water (small amount of isopropyl alcohol added to the water). I let this set overnight.

Here's a few progress photos of the diorama:

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

TerminalTalk Episode 10

2011-08-15T19:01:00.003-05:00

Episode 10 is now available:

Podbean

iTunes

Thanks for listening and happy modeling!
Tom

Quick Update 8/10/2011

2011-08-10T22:32:00.005-05:00

Finally got started hand laying track. Made a tie jig for branch lines and sidings with a scale 16" spacing for the ties. It was made with 1/8" basswood strips. Stained the ties with a mixture of light oak acrylic stain and Mars Black acrylic paint. Applied the ties to the diorama base with Carpenter's Wood Glue.

Tom

Musings 8/8/2011

2011-08-08T08:54:00.004-05:00

2011 ST. LOUIS RAILROAD PROTOTYPE MODELER'S MEET

I attended this event last Friday (8/5/2011) and really enjoyed it. I made sure to bring my camera and snapped a lot of photos of some great work. Here's a link to the photo album:

RPM 2011 StL

This was the first time I have ever attended a prototype modeler's meet, and I will be sure to attend more in the future.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Musings 7/16/2011

2011-07-16T22:51:00.005-05:00

Tail Tracks For Section 4

I have constructed a tail track staging yard for section 4. I got the idea from Model Railroader's Beer Line project layout from a couple of years ago. It took me about a day to complete it. I am pleased with the results. This will allow me to operate section 4 without the other sections. As I have posted before, Sections 1, 2, and 3 are in storage.

Here's a short video:

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Railfanning Video

2011-06-20T19:07:00.002-05:00

Train Action From La Plata, Missouri:

June 9, 2011

Thanks for watching and happy modeling!
Tom

TerminalTalk Podcast Episode 9

2011-06-16T16:24:00.003-05:00

Episode 9 is now available:

Podbean: http://terminaltalk.podbean.com/

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/terminaltalk/id405355729

Thanks for listening and happy modeling!
Tom

Musings 6/2/2011

2011-06-02T15:40:00.006-05:00

Layout Stored & I Gotta Work on Something!

The original 4' x 6' layout is now stored, except for one section. I decided to keep section 4 at the house. It sits along one of the walls in the layout room and should not be a distraction for potential buyers of the house. If "push comes to shove" I could remove the legs and store it in the closet of the layout room to get it out of the way.

So why did I keep this section?? Read on!

I'm ready to work on a the new layout but the only problem is I do not have the materials I need to start laying track. Another problem is the hobby budget is well depleted, so it is going to take some time to build it back up. What do I do since I want to work on something?? The answer is section 4 of the old layout.

The neat thing about this section is it can be operated without the other sections. I have enough supplies on hand to finish scenery and add details to this section of the original layout. I will need to add some storage tracks off the right end of the section (see photo below) to bring trains on and off the layout. I will also be using the modified elevator kit on this section as well. I recently purchased a scenery how-to DVD from Joe Fugate and I want to try out some of his methods on this section of the old layout. This way I can get in some practice before moving over to the Rural Grain Dealers layout.

Rural Grain Dealers [RGD] Update

I have decided to hand lay track on the RGD layout, but I do not have the supplies or the funds needed to purchase supplies available, so layout work on RGD will have to wait. I will be purchasing code 70 turnouts for this layout instead of building them myself. I thought it best to wait on building turnouts until I get some experience with hand laying straight and curved track. I am anxious to try my hand at laying track, but that will have to wait until the hobby fund is replenished.

Can't wait for Father's Day!!

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Railfanning Video

2011-06-01T09:14:00.003-05:00

Here's a video from Washington, Missouri on May 4 of this year. The UP 844 steam engine is supposed to be in Washington, Missouri tomorrow. There's a slim chance I may be there.

Thanks for watching and happy modeling!
Tom

Musings 5/30/2011

2011-05-30T15:28:00.003-05:00

Project Update: Grain Elevator Modification

Thanks for watching and happy modeling!
Tom

Railfanning Video 5/21/2011

2011-05-21T22:15:00.002-05:00

I had to be the chauffeur for my wife today. I dropped her off for lunch and shopping with our daughter and other female family members. While they ate and shopped, I railfanned!

This is a BNSF coal train heading south through Crystal City, Missouri.

Musings 5/20/2011

2011-05-20T09:39:00.005-05:00

Biting The Bullet
aka "It's all Ed's fault!"

Okay, it's time to "bite the bullet" and make a decision. Thanks to a comment in the last Musings post by Ed of the Lugoff & Camden RR, I have decided to hand lay code 70 track on the new layout.

I will be using Fast Tracks for all of my hand laying track supplies.

Here's the reason why:

I spent the day on Wednesday looking for code 83 track, but found limited supplies and high retail prices. A worker in one hobby store asked me if he could assist me with anything. They didn't carry any Atlas code 83 track, so I asked him if they carried any hand laying track supplies. I had barely finished saying "track" when he quickly and tersely answered, "NO!" Next, I went and priced some scenery supplies. The prices were so high I nearly fainted. Here's an example. One sheet of 1' by 2' foam (4" thick) was priced at almost $19!!! The only thing I purchased from this hobby shop was the May issue of RMC.

I didn't bother asking the next hobby shop about hand laying track supplies because they barely had any RTR supplies of track on hand. I did find one code 83 Atlas switch, but they were out of the other one I needed. I did find an A-West needle applicator bottle which was my only purchase at this hobby shop.

Sad to say, but the local hobby shops in my area are no longer a reliable source for model railroad supplies. Why have them order it for you (and pay at or above MSRP) when you can order it yourself online? I understand why they have to charge at least MSRP, but not many experienced modelers are going to pay full price (or higher) when they can order it online or by mail order for a much better price. In my opinion, the model railroad section of my local hobby shops might as well close up shop. Truly a sad situation.

I will be making my first order with Fast Tracks as soon as time and money permit.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

YouTube Video: Musings w/ Tom Conboy Episode 1

2011-05-16T12:21:00.004-05:00

,

This is my first YouTube video for the OTModelRR blog. My new camera takes excellent photos, but the video is not as high of quality. I also need to work on the room lighting for future videos. Thanks for watching!

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Musings 5/14/2011

2011-05-14T16:39:00.007-05:00

Spring Cleaning

I finally got around to cleaning the layout room. It has been trashed for several months. I know, I am a slob! Here's a before and after shot:

With the fold-up table cleared, I can now begin building that new layout! Here's another photo of the table with the layout base (birch plywood) in place.

Break time over. Back to work!!

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Musings 5/11/2011

2011-05-11T22:14:00.001-05:00

MOTIVATION

You would think putting the layout into storage would cause a person to lose interest, but the opposite has occurred! The small layout I will be building (see last blog post) has motivated me to get back to work. More on that later.

I started working on the Reaghan Feed Mill kit (RFM) and the grain elevator kitbash project last night. I have posted some updated photos on the Current and Past Projects page. I now have two sides of the grain elevator covered with corrugated siding, and the RFM kit walls have been glued together. These kits will be the focal structures on my new layout, so I need to get them moving again.

I want to do the new layout right, so I will not be using code 100 track for this layout. I will be using code 83, but the only problem is I do not own ANY code 83 track. That means I need to buy it [Unless you have some you want to donate?? Just kidding!!]. My wife and I will be taking a little trip up to St. Louis to purchase some code 83 track. I will more than likely use Atlas code 83. Peco code 83 track is difficult to find in my area, and the few pieces I have found are priced at or above MSRP. I have searched the Internet for an online supplier, but the prices and cost of shipping make purchasing online just as expensive as buying it at a local hobby shop. I have noticed Shinohara code 83 at one particular hobby shop, but it is priced way too high. I actually like Atlas products, so I will more than likely use their track.

Blog updates should become more frequent as work progresses. Be sure to stop by and please feel free to post your comments and/or suggestions on these posts. As always, THANKS!!

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Small Layout Design: "Rural Grain Dealers V1.0"

2011-05-02T18:08:00.004-05:00

I've come up with a new design for a small layout I can build and operate while waiting to sell my house.

This small layout is 18" by 48" and features a sector plate and fiddle yard. The two structure footprints on this plan are for the grain elevator and Reaghan Feed Mill kit I am building [click here to view]. The sector plate length is 14". This is just enough room for the OTRR's GE 70 Ton Switcher and one piece of 50' rolling stock. Trees are used as a view block to help conceal the opening in the backdrop.

Operating this plan is simple. Due to short siding lengths, the locomotive can only switch out one car at a time; however, both industries can have a freight car present on their respective sidings.

I have some down time scheduled on the calendar, so I plan to start building this layout later this week. I will be posting progress photos as soon as I have them. I am excited to get back to working on model trains!

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Musings 4/28/2011

2011-04-28T09:59:00.004-05:00

Railbanking the Layout

I am getting ready to clean/pack up the layout room. The good news is it will take several months to get the house ready to sell. I plan on packing up model railroad supplies I will not need to work on structures and/or modules. The 4' x 6' layout will not be placed into storage until we are ready to list our house with a realtor. I do plan to run some trains before packing up the layout.

The bad news is I will not have a whole lot of time to do any kind of model railroad work. If time permits, I may build a small operating layout. It will need to be small, so it can be easily stashed away when potential buyers come to view the house. That may be a bit ambitious, but I can dream!!

I will try my best to work on something!

Podcast News

The podcast has been on hold due to a busy schedule. I am getting ready to record Episode 9 and it should be posted sometime in May. Stay tuned!

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Important Layout News Update

2011-04-08T10:08:00.007-05:00

Abandonment/Railbanking Notice

[PLEASE NOTE: The following is a work of fiction and is not associated/affiliated with any actual U.S. Government agency or advisory panel]

SERVICE DATE – APRIL 8, 2011

NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCY DECISION

NTA Docket No. XYZ-1 (Sub-No. 1A1)

OWENSVILLE TERMINAL MODEL RAILROAD

Decided: April 7, 2011

Owensville Terminal Model Railroad filed a notice of exemption under 49 YYZ 2112 Subpart Z–Exempt Abandonments and Discontinuances of Service for OTMODELRR to abandon, and discontinue service over, approximately 12.01 miles of railroad between milepost 0.00 and milepost 12.01, near Oak Hill, in Crawford and Gasconade Counties, MO. Notice of the exemption was served on April 7, 2010, and published in the National Register on April 8, 2010 (01 AB 1234-56).

By decision and notice of temporary trail use or abandonment (NOTTU) served on April 7, 2011, a 180-day extension period was authorized for the town of Oak Hill (Town) to negotiate an interim trail use/rail banking agreement with OTMODELRR for the subject line, under the United Trails Act, 01 U.M.C. 9876(z) (Trails Act). The trail use/rail banking negotiation period under the NOTTU is scheduled to expire on October 1, 2011.

It is ordered:

The town's request to extend the interim trail use negotiating period and the public use condition is granted.

By the Agency, John Doe, Senior Director, Office of Hearings.

What This Means:

My wife and I will be moving to another town as soon as we can sell our home and find a new house. This means the layout will need to be placed in storage. The current layout will be relocated to the new house.

I'm excited about the move, but a little saddened about placing the layout into storage. Most of my model railroad supplies and equipment will also be placed in storage. I do plan to keep a few things around the house so I can work on a structure or two and maybe even build a small module. I will not have much time for trains due to several DIY projects that need to be completed before we can list our house with a realtor.

Updates to this blog will be very few, but I do plan to resume regular postings once the move is completed. I will be posting on Twitter, Trainlife, and LayoutBuilder from time to time and checking on other modeler's sites for updates and news. Here are the links to some of the sites I will be frequenting during the transition to a new town:

Twitter

Trainlife

LayoutBuilder

I want to thank everyone for their interest and input on this blog.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

New Podcast Uploaded

2011-03-02T11:14:00.002-06:00

Episode 8 of TerminalTalk is now posted.

Podbean

iTunes
[Please Note: iTunes page feed may take a little time to update.]

Topic: Railfanning and Model Railroading

Musings

2011-02-08T11:23:00.005-06:00

Reaghan Feed Mill Build

I've finally started working on the RFM kit and was able to paint all of the doors and windows. I coated each window with a thin layer of Micro Krystal Clear to simulate glass and installed all of the doors and windows. I have posted a photo of this work on the Current and Past Projects page.

I originally was going to paint the windows/doors/trim white, but decided I wanted something different. I decided on green trim to go with the red walls. I know these colors are the same colors usually associated with Christmas, so I decided to play off of that. I am going to change the name of the structure to Murray Christmas Feed.

Murray Christmas is the proprietor of the feed mill located on the outskirts of the town of Das. It was his wife's idea to have the building painted green and red. Christmas is her favorite holiday, and since she bore that name as well, she thought it was a cute idea. Murray really didn't like it, but went with it anyway to keep the peace. He drew the line with her other idea of putting the phrase, "Season's Eating for Your Livestock" on all of the feed mill bags.

I hope to continue working on the RFM kit over the next few weeks. I will be sure to post updates when I have them.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom page.

January 2011 Update

2011-01-31T09:34:00.003-06:00

Musings

Wow, it is hard to believe this is the end of January. Where did this month go?

No layout work this month due to other commitments. I did manage to get the next episode of the podcast posted over the weekend. You can access Episode 7 here:

Podbean or on iTunes

I'm now waiting for a major ice storm to hit my area and it doesn't look good. South central Missouri may be receiving up to 3/4 of an inch of ice, then snow and high winds. It looks like the power will probably go out by late Tuesday. With no power, I will not be able to access the Internet or use the computer (no wireless laptop, bummer), and I will not be able to get out of my driveway. The good news is I will have time to work on the Reaghan Feed Mill kit and the grain elevator. I'm stocked up on hobby supplies, battery powered light sources/candles, so lighting my work area will be no problem. Maybe now I can get these two projects finished!!

I'll post photos and update the Current and Past Projects page if I do work on anything, although that may be delayed due to any power outages.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Small Layout Design: "City Switching v1.1"

2010-12-31T14:46:00.003-06:00

Revised Track Plan

The original footprint has changed. I have extended the passing siding and curved the backdrop. I have also included some additional details regarding era, minimum radius, turnout size, and track type.

Small Layout Design: "City Switching 1"

2010-12-30T17:41:00.004-06:00

Thanks to Ian Holmes' Small Model Railways Blog, I have been thinking about small and micro model railroads. Here's a plan I have created for a small switching layout.

This layout features a transfer table (traverser)*. The transfer table is used for staging cars and locos on and off the layout. DPM and Walthers both make modular brick structures kits which are perfect for modeling a city scene. The layout's dimensions are listed on the plan. A 2' x 4' sheet of plywood is all that is needed for the table top. You could frame the table top with dimensional lumber or rip frame boards from plywood. I like to use 3/4 inch birch plywood for the top and sides of the sections.

I am giving serious thought to building this layout. I have modeled remote and mountainous terrain, but I have never modeled a city scene. I believe this layout has a lot of operating potential. The transfer table could be enlarged, and/or you could include a "fiddle" track behind the backdrop to increase staging.

If you have a comment or suggestion, I would like to hear it. If you would like to share this track plan or modify it, please feel free to do so! My only request is that you credit me with the original design, especially if you publish it (in print and/or the Internet).

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

*Thanks to Ian Holmes for giving me a link explaining what a "traverser" is. Please check out Carl Arendt's site for more information:

http://www.carendt.us/clinic/index.html

TerminalTalk Episode 6

2010-12-27T22:27:00.006-06:00

The December episode of TerminalTalk is now available. You can access the podcast from the following sites:

Podbean.com

iTunes

Thanks for listening and happy modeling!
Tom

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T22:44:00.002-06:00

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Tom

Musings 12/24/2010

2010-12-24T14:02:00.007-06:00

Diorama Module Plan 1

Here is the first plan for an interchangeable diorama to use with the 4' x 6' layout at train shows. The diorama will feature the Reaghan Feed Mill craftsman structure kit I am currently building. If I do build this diorama, it will mean a change of plans (again!) for the elevated scene on section 1 of the layout.

The plan is to create a highly detailed scene and to showcase the craftsman structure. The track plan provides enough room to set out several cars. I do not want it to be a static display, but an operating part of the layout. The original track plan (sections 1-4) features 2 loop tracks. These loops will allow 2 trains to run continuously. I can also use 1 of the trains to pick up and set out cars at Reaghan Feed Mill. This will help to break the monotony of 2 trains running round and round.

Home and Abroad

I will be using the staging yard section at home instead of the diorama modules. The staging yard is essential for operating the model railroad like a real railroad. The connecting piece of track for the inner loop (between sections 2 and 3) is removed for operations at home. Bumpers are placed at the ends of the inner track on sections 2 and 3. You may be thinking, "Why not use the staging yard section at train shows?" The original plan was to use it, but I was thinking it may be better to let the 2 trains run continuously around the loop tracks. This will allow me more time to talk and answer questions for those who do stop by to chat.

As always, these ideas are subject to change at anytime!!!

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

December 2010 Update Part 1

2010-12-20T11:03:00.006-06:00

Musings

No model railroad work over the last month. I have been too busy being a nurse (see below)!!! I did manage to get most of the December podcast written down, but I still need to finish the script and record it. It should be out before the end of the month. I do hope to get to work on the layout over the Christmas holiday. If I do, I will post a December Update Part 2.

I do have plans to start working on the Reaghan Feed Mill kit as well as the grain elevator I have been modifying (see the Current & Past Projects Page). I will post updates as soon as work resumes.

I am also giving some thought to replacing the layout extension with a smaller sectional piece (1-2 square feet in size) for use at train shows. The extension can be switched out and replaced with a different extension. It will be like having a "diorama interchange" that will enable me to display a variety of different structures/scenes. It's just a thought, and I may never get around to doing it!

I mentioned last month I will eventually be building an On30 layout with my wife. I want to point out it will be a LONG time before this new layout ever gets built. It will take me a couple of years just to create a track plan.

Personal Update:

My wife's surgery went well, but she has more pain with this knee surgery than the last one. The medical staff says it is normal, but my wife wishes the pain level was like her first knee surgery. It's going to take time, but she is expected to make a full recovery.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Monthly Update 11/30/2010

2010-11-30T09:16:00.004-06:00

November 2010 Update

November has been a very slow month for working on the layout. I did a little work on the Reaghan Feed Mill kit, but that is about it. I need to run some trains on the layout. The rails would have a nice layer of rust if they were the real thing. I guess you could say the layout has a nice layer of "dust" accumulating on the rails!!

Changes Are Coming!!

I have been trying to convince my wife to get involved in the hobby of model railroading. She likes garden trains (G-scale), but I am not really into garden railways. I have suggested we meet somewhere in the middle, so we are thinking of giving On30 a go. We both like narrow gauge and the size of On30 is appealing to both of us since our eyesight is not what it used to be!! She hasn't given the green light yet, but she is getting close.

The OTModelRR will continue to exist even while I am planning/building the new layout. My ultimate goal for the OTModelRR layout is to display it at a train show. The great thing about this small layout is it will allow me to run trains when I get bored with planning/building the new On30 layout.

Personal Request:

My wife is getting ready to have another knee replacement surgery this week. For those of you who believe in prayer, I humbly ask that you remember her in your prayers. Thank you from the both of us!!!

Podcast Update

2010-11-18T16:36:00.002-06:00

TerminalTalk Episode 5

The November episode of the podcast is now posted:

TerminalTalk Episode 5

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

New Blog Page

2010-11-01T20:44:00.003-05:00

I have added a new blog page entitled, "Current and Past Projects." You can find the link to this new page under the blog banner. As always, feel free to add your comments, suggestions, and questions.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Monthly Update 10/23/2010

2010-10-23T13:54:00.006-05:00

Time for the October Update

My wife is recovering from 2 surgeries and I have not had a lot of time to work on the layout; however, I have been "honing" my nursing skills! For those who are interested, my wife is recovering and doing well.

The Reaghan Feed Mill kit has been on hold, but I am getting ready to do some work on it over the next few days. I will not complete it by the end of the month.

I have also decided to modify the grain elevator which is located on section 2. The kit is from Con-Cor, and while it looks great, it does not look like the grain elevators located in the region I model. I have decided to add aluminum corrugated siding to it. This did require some modification to the kit. I had to pry off the windows, door frames, gutters/downspouts, piping, and the roof vent. I also had to remove the two divider sections that were provided with the kit. I glued the structure back together with CA, and started applying strips of the corrugated siding. I sprayed the siding with a couple of light coats of gray auto primer. I then cut the corrugated metal sheets into 10' lengths and 4' wide strips. Next, I marked a guide line for each row, and applied the metal strips with CA. (see photos above)

The November TerminalTalk podcast may be skipped next month. I have not had time to even think about a subject, let alone record it. I still have some time before November gets here, so I may be able to record something before then. I will keep you posted!

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

TerminalTalk Episode 4

2010-10-07T00:11:00.003-05:00

The October episode of the podcast is now posted:

TerminalTalk Episode 4

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

I'm Back [Well, sort of]

2010-10-02T09:34:00.006-05:00

Update

My apologies for the delay in posting an update explaining what is going on. My wife is recovering from major surgery. The good news is the surgery went well and she will be feeling a whole lot better in a few weeks. I will be caring for her as she recovers.

I had also started to get "burned-out" on the hobby of model railroading. I gave serious thought to putting the layout in storage or even selling it, but I have decided to do neither. I am going to make some changes to the way I do things to avoid getting "burned-out" again.

I will not have a lot of time to post on the blog, so that will be the first area of change. I will no longer be updating the blog or the web page on a weekly basis. I will post an update at least once a month. I have also decided to keep the podcast going. The October episode is already recorded, and I will be posting that sometime next week. Responses to any blog posts or guest book entries may be delayed. I will answer your comments/questions, but my response to your posts may be slow in coming.

Model railroading is fun, but like anything else it can become a chore. Thanks again for following this blog and thank you for your patience.

Happy modeling!
Tom

Musings 9/13/2010

2010-09-13T10:29:00.005-05:00

New Craftsman Kit Project

I am getting ready to build my newest craftsman kit (Reaghan Feed Mill). I am a member of MRRForums discussion board and I have posted a "build thread" for this project on that site. I decided to post a link to it here, instead of double-posting photos of the build on this blog. If you would like to view my progress, please follow this link:

My Reaghan Feed Mill Build

I am also getting ready to record the main topic for October's TerminalTalk Podcast. I am open to any suggestions on topics you would like to hear about. Feel free to post your suggestions in the comment section of this post.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Musings 9/9/2010

2010-09-09T10:34:00.008-05:00

Earthmovers & Change

I am changing a few things on the layout. Here's the list of changes:

The hill on section 3 has been removed.
I am moving the fuel oil facility from section 2 to section 3.
The DPM freight house structure has been removed from section 2. The loading dock will remain until a new craftsman structure kit is purchased and built (Reese Supply from RailroadKits).
The yard office will be moved from section 4 to the staging section. The staging section will have scenery added to it.
Section 4 will receive a new industry. BJ Scott Lumber Company, another craftsman structure from RailroadKits, will be added to section 4 after it is purchased and built.
The backdrops for section 2 & 3 will have to be repainted.
Reaghan Feed Mill is a kit I recently purchased from RailroadKits at the Narrow Gauge Convention. This kit will replace the town scene that was originally going to be used on the elevated portion of section 1.
An abandoned rail spur (just the right-of-way, no track) will be added next to Reaghan Feed Mill to show that the mill once received rail traffic.

I am looking forward to implementing these changes. The fuel oil facility should be in place by the end of this month, or maybe even sooner. Photo updates coming soon!

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Weekend Musing 9/4/2010

2010-09-04T22:07:00.004-05:00

Out To Pasture

I finished installing the barbed wire fence last night. I also added some pasture grass (from Heki) and some cows (from Bachmann). I am pleased with the scene. The pasture grass is not affixed in place. I will eventually glue it down with scenic cement, but I want to leave it this way for a few days just in case I change my mind. I also need to add some Buffalo Grass clumps too.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

More Narrow Gauge Convention Photos

2010-09-04T21:07:00.005-05:00

Want to see more photos from the convention?

Check out Jaime Zepeda's (NEMMRRC on the MRRForums.com Discussion Board) photos from the 2010 National Narrow Gauge Convention in St. Louis. He photo-documented each day of the convention:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nngc-2010

A big "thank you" to Jaime for letting me post his link on my blog!

Tom

Convention Photos

2010-09-04T14:37:00.009-05:00

I attended the National Narrow Gauge Convention in St. Louis this past Thursday, and I really enjoyed the event. I spent way too much money, but I did purchase some neat stuff that will appear on my layout sometime in the near future. There were several nice narrow gauge layouts at this convention. Unfortunately, my old camera does not work well indoors. It is a point and shoot digital and most of my photos were blurred and unsuitable to post. I did manage to get a few to come out halfway decent.

(My apologies for the blurry pics)

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Musings 9/1/2010

2010-09-01T08:40:00.005-05:00

New Podcast Episode Now Available

The September episode of TerminalTalk is now posted. As of today, the podcast has 62 subscribers! A big "thank you" to every subscriber! You can access the podcast main page by clicking on the link below:

Terminal Talk Episode 3

The August 2010 Small Project List was not completed on time, but I did work on the layout a little each day. I am waiting to install one last detail part to the yard office kit. The plan is to finish the barbed wire fence and the pasture scene on section 4 this weekend. Photos of the yard office and the barbed wire fence/pasture scene will hopefully be posted no later than next Friday (9/10/2010). The September 2010 Small Project List will be posted in a few days.

The 30th National Narrow Gauge Convention is being held in St. Louis this week. I do plan on attending one day of the convention. I also plan on giving a report about it in a future blog post, so be sure to check back in a few days for that report.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Weekend Musing 8/28/2010

2010-08-28T17:24:00.012-05:00

Construction & Convention

The Yard Office kit is nearing completion. The initial kit construction has gone well, and I also plan on adding some additional details and weathering to it in the future.

The 30th National Narrow Gauge Convention is this week in St. Charles, Missouri (greater St. Louis area). The show dates are September 1 through September 4. I plan on attending at least one day of the convention. A lot of craftsman structure manufacturers will be in attendance, and I am looking to buy another craftsman kit. I also noticed Scenic Express will be there too. I really need to purchase some Buffalo Grass for my layout.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Musings 8/25/2010

2010-08-25T10:49:00.005-05:00

Deliberate Delay

Updates to this blog have been infrequent, but work on the layout is progressing!

I have been working each night on the yard office kit I purchased a few weeks ago. This is a very small kit and you may be wondering why it is taking me so long to build it. My wife gave me some sage advice when she told me to go slow with building this kit. She said this not so much for taking time to avoid mistakes, but so I would enjoy the process. I have a tendency to rush structure kits, and I am glad I listened to her advice. It has been a most enjoyable process!!

The above photo shows my progress on the yard office kit. I have painted the windows and applied Microscale's Kristal Klear to the back of the windows to simulate glass. This is the first time I have used this product and the results are not bad. I have also added window shades to each of the windows. The window shades are made with a coffee filter that has been soaked in tea water. This "staining" gives the shades an old, yellowed appearance. I have applied signs to the structure and started gluing the wall sections together. I have also painted and applied the roofing material (tar paper) to the roof piece. I will install the roof after the walls have been joined together.

Work on the fence has been on hold while I am building the yard office.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Weekend Musing 8/14/2010

2010-08-14T22:54:00.005-05:00

August 2010 Small Project Update #2

Work on the yard office kit is progressing nicely. I have the walls painted and have added the OTRR herald (steam era) to the front of the office. This kit will be weathered to represent a structure that has existed for several decades. You may not be able to tell from this picture, but I added nail holes to each of the clapboards. I'm having a lot of fun building this kit!

Not sure when I will finish installing the fence. I have another busy schedule next week, so work on the layout may be limited. I am still on pace to finish the fence and the yard office by the end of August.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Musings 8/12/2010

2010-08-12T10:32:00.002-05:00

August 2010 Small Project Update

The barbed wire fence is on hold while I build my recently received yard office kit. I have never constructed a wood kit before, so I am taking my time with this build. I will be posting some "under construction" photos in the next few days.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Musings 8/9/2010

2010-08-09T10:19:00.006-05:00

Wow, It's Hot Outside

My schedule over the last two weeks has been filled with personal business, so there is nothing new to report on layout progress. It is too hot outside to mow the lawn (which really needs it), so I am staying inside and working on the layout today. At least that is the plan!

New Small Project List:

I am creating a new monthly to-do list for small projects. The August 2010 Small Project is to finish installing the barbed wire fence on section 4. I do have some of it installed, but I need to finish it. I also want to build a static grass applicator. I am too cheap to buy the one that is on the market, but I have found plans on how to make a homemade applicator online. I'm not sure I will be able to build it by the end of August, but I might get started on it if I can get all the parts for the static grass applicator in the next two weeks.

Podcast News:

A big "thank you" to all who have subscribed to TerminalTalk. I have 25 subscribers which is really a shock to me. I thought I might get 1 or 2 to subscribe, so the response has been a pleasant surprise. Feel free to leave a comment or a suggestion on what you would like to hear on the podcast. You can leave your comments/suggestions on this blog or on the TerminalTalk podcast site.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

TerminalTalk Episode 2

2010-08-03T21:02:00.002-05:00

Episode 2 of TerminalTalk (August Edition) is now available.

Musings 7/29/2010

2010-07-29T22:01:00.003-05:00

Barbed Wire Fence

A busy week with personal obligations, but work is still progressing on the layout. I finally decided to cash in a gift certificate that my wife gave me last Christmas. I ordered CA (super glue) and accelerator from Micro Mark and have been busy building a barbed wire fence. The fencing will go next to the wooded area and rock outcroppings on section 4. The wood posts are made from scraps of leftover Fine-Leaf Foliage material from Woodland Scenics and the wire is made from black thread. I will install this fence later on this weekend. I will eventually add some static grass to the fenced-in area and add a few grazing cows.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

A New Podcast

2010-07-26T18:32:00.004-05:00

I have created a podcast! Episode 1 is now available. You can access it by clicking below:

TerminalTalk
The Podcast of the Owensville Terminal Model RR

Weekend Musing 7/17/2010

2010-07-17T22:38:00.004-05:00

Quick Update

I finally finished ballasting the track for section 4. I need to scrape off some of the ballast that settled on top of the ties during the bonding process. I also need to add a black wash to the ballast to tone it down.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Daily Musing 7/14/2010

2010-07-14T22:54:00.008-05:00

Back To Work!

Break over. Now it is time to get back to regular updates!

I just ordered my first wood structure kit. It is a model of a yard office. I have a yard office built-up structure from Walthers, but I decided to replace it with this kit. I am really looking forward to building it. I will be posting photos of the build on this blog.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Daily Musing 6/29/2010

2010-06-29T10:57:00.006-05:00

Going Dormant, But Only For A Short Time

My wife and I have been busy with D.I.Y. Project #3 (painting the living room), and we are almost finished. Some cooler weather has moved into the area, so it is time to get outside and enjoy it. I want to put away the wall paint and get outside and do some "en plein air" watercolor painting!

Small Project #3 will continue, but work will be limited. This blog will go dormant for at least a week, maybe two.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Weekend Musing 6/26/2010 – 6/27/2010

2010-06-26T16:23:00.002-05:00

Small Project #3 Update and 100th Post

Before

After

I finished steps 1 and 2 for Small Project #3 today. I am pleased with the results. I’m not sure if I will get to work on the layout anymore this weekend due to other commitments. I still need to ballast the track and add additional details to section 4.

It is hard to believe I have made 100 posts to this blog. I was not sure I would even make it to 25. Thanks to everyone for your support and comments!!

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Daily Musing 6/23/2010

2010-06-23T11:45:00.005-05:00

Project Update and Twitter

I added more Woodland Scenics Fine-leaf Foliage to the hill on section 4. It is really starting to take shape. I have a few more details to add to the scene before I post a photo of the work. The current home improvement project is progressing at a good pace. It looks like I will get to work on the layout later this week!

I have added a Twitter account for the OTRR. If you use Twitter, please make sure to follow the OTRR Twitter page. The link is located on the right-hand side of this blog.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Daily Musing 6/21/2010

2010-06-21T09:16:00.005-05:00

Small Project #3 Update

The rock outcroppings are painted and a base coat of ground foam has been applied to the hill. I have also started planting trees on the hill. I am planting the trees in stages since the hill is so steep. I planted the first row of trees and I will wait for the glue to dry before adding the next row.

Work on the layout will probably be postponed until tomorrow or Wednesday. I have a lot of grass cutting ahead of me today. I am not looking forward to cutting the grass in 95°F heat and high humidity!

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Weekend Musing 6/19/2010 – 6/20/2010

2010-06-19T12:50:00.001-05:00

Small Project #3

It is time to create a new small project list. I have actually started working on Small Project #3, and I am even working on a third D.I.Y. project for the house. My wife wants to paint the living room, so we will be “tag-teaming” on that project which will allow me a little more time to work on the layout. Here is the “to-do” list for Small Project #3:

color rock outcroppings on section 4
add trees and ground texture to hill on section 4
Start planning and painting details onto the backdrop for section 4
add additional ground texture to section 4
ballast track on section 4 (may get moved to Small Project #4’s list)

I have worked some on the layout today, although I do not expect to work on it anymore this weekend. I hope to post some photos of progress later on next week.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Daily Musing 6/17/2010

2010-06-17T14:52:00.006-05:00

Small Project #2 Update

I have completed filling in around the rock outcroppings with Mold-A-Scene. Next, I will apply various shades of ground foam to the hill and paint the rock outcroppings. The hill looks very round, but it will eventually be covered with trees. Small Project #2 is almost complete. I still need to finish painting the track.

The scene for section 4 has a long way to go, but at least I am making progress!

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

UPDATE (4:03pm CDT)

Small Project #2 is now finished!

Section 4 track has been painted.

DTC

Daily Musing 6/15/2010

2010-06-15T15:11:00.004-05:00

Project Update

Progress is being made on Small Project #2. I have applied a base coat of ground foam to the area and painted most of the track on section 4. I need to fill in around the rock outcroppings and paint them. I plan to do some work tonight as long as severe thunderstorms in the area do not knock out the power (see photo below).

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Daily Musing 6/11/2010

2010-06-11T14:33:00.003-05:00

Finally!!!

Work on Small Project #2 has finally begun! My second D.I.Y. project is almost finished, so I took a break from it to start working on the layout. I poured a plaster casting of rock outcroppings and also filled in the gaps between the fascia and the edge of the layout on section 4 with plaster cloth. I use to cover the track with masking tape, but masking tape has a tendency to leave too much residue on the track. I do not have any drafting tape available, so I covered the tracks with paper towels. The towels work well and there is no sticky residue to clean off the track.

I hope to continue with Small Project #2 this weekend. My wife really wants me to finish the D.I.Y. project, so work on the layout may be delayed until sometime next week.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Daily Musing 6/2/2010

2010-06-02T10:44:00.001-05:00

One Ends, Another Begins

I was really making progress a few weeks ago on the layout. I was working on it a little every couple of days and I even posted Small Project #2---then the bottom fell out!!

That small D.I.Y. project that seemed like it would never be completed was finally completed last week. That's the good news. The bad news is a new and much larger D.I.Y. project has already begun. I had it scheduled for sometime in July. My wife's scheduled it for June. Her schedule took precedent!

I do hope to work on the layout while completing the latest D.I.Y. project. I may replace some of the tasks listed with different tasks on the Small Project #2 list. If anything, I may operate the layout if work on Small Project #2 cannot be started.

One can only hope!!

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Daily Musing 5/21/2010

2010-05-21T17:14:00.001-05:00

Good Intentions

Well, I did plan to do some work on the layout this past week, but it did not happen. The home improvement project is taking a bit longer than I had originally planned. I do hope to get started on Small Project #2 this weekend, as well as finish the D.I.Y. project.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Daily Musing 5/17/2010

2010-05-17T11:58:00.007-05:00

Small Project #2

Before:

From Windows Live Writer

Time to start a new project. I have decided to do some work on section 4 of the layout. I will be working on the following for Project #2:

fill gaps along the fascia with plaster cloth
finish applying scenic base material
apply rock castings next to tunnel portal
airbrush track and roadbed with grimy black and railroad tie brown paint

I need to complete a D.I.Y. home improvement project first, so work on the above mentioned items will begin as soon as the home improvement project is finished (hopefully today).

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Daily Musing 5/13/2010

2010-05-13T10:09:00.001-05:00

Project Update

I was not satisfied with the look of the tanks, so I gave them a light wash of grimy black. The difference may not be evident in the photo, but the tanks look a lot better with the black wash applied. The black wash helps “pop” the details on the tanks.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Daily Musing 5/12/2010

2010-05-12T17:46:00.004-05:00

Project Update

Here is a photo of my latest project. I am not sure I like the weathering job I did on the fuel tanks. I will leave the tanks in place for a few days and decide whether to repaint them or not. The vertical tanks on the backdrop will also be weathered to match the look of the tanks near the tracks.

Please feel free to leave a comment about the tanks. I would appreciate any constructive criticism you may have regarding this project.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Daily Musing 5/11/2010

2010-05-11T10:52:00.007-05:00

Project Update

Work has been progressing steadily on the fuel tanks for section 2. A base coat of acrylic paint and weathering chalk has been applied. I used acrylic tube paint to add some rust spots to the tanks this morning. I will be adding some additional layers of weathering chalk later today. After sealing the tanks with Dullcote, I will place them back on the layout and decide if I like the look of the weathering. I plan on posting some photos of the tanks later this week.

It looks like severe weather will be visiting us here in Missouri later on this evening and tomorrow. The National Weather Service is calling for the possibility of super-cell thunderstorms with large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. Always a wild ride here in the Midwest during May.

Weekend Musing 5/8/2010

2010-05-08T21:46:00.001-05:00

Layout Update

I continue to work on the list of small projects I created last week. I started painting the fuel oil tanks for section two. I decided to use the two horizontal tanks instead of the two vertical tanks. I originally was going to use all four tanks, but the scene looks better with only the two horizontal tanks. I have painted the tanks with a light coat of acrylic paint. After the paint dries, I will apply powdered chalks to simulate light rusting and oil stains. I will post photos of the tanks as soon as they are finished.

I am also trying to make up my mind on what backdrop details to include on section two and section four. As soon as I decide, I will create a sketch of the scene on tracing paper and tape it to the backdrop. It will take a while for me to decide on the final scene. I work very slowly when painting backdrop scenes. It is not much fun to have to start all over and repaint the scene, although it is easy to do with acrylic paints. If you mess up, repaint the backdrop with white paint and start over.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

The “Occasional” Musing 5/3/2010

2010-05-03T15:31:00.000-05:00

Update & Special News

Wow, it has been a long time since I have updated this blog, but it has been even longer since I worked on the layout. I am glad to say the “drought” is finally over!

I was able to work on the layout this evening and I started with some small tasks that needed to be finished. I have been putting these projects off for some time, but I thought it might be a good way to get back to working on the layout. I finished installing the wire springs for the turnouts on the 4’x6’ section of the layout. I have not yet glued down the track on the staging yard extension, so I will not install the turnout springs until after the track is glued down. I may change the extension, but that is a BIG maybe. I also applied ballast in the areas where the Atlas Switch Motors were originally located; cut off the excess length of the throwbars; and painted the wire springs. The photos above show the work I completed this evening.

Special News

It looks like I will be moving to another town in the near future. I am not able to reveal any other details at this time, but I do know the layout will also be making the move with me. In my vocation, relocating from one town to another is highly probable. This is one of the reasons why I decided to build a sectional layout. If I move, the layout can move with me!! The only unknown is the availability of an extra bedroom and/or a basement. As long as I have one of those, I am all set! I will keep you posted on further details as they develop.

Work on the layout will be sporadic since I need to complete several DIY projects in order to get our house ready to put on the market. The work I do complete will be small projects like the ones I finished this evening. I will also try to post blog updates a little more frequently than I did last month.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

The "Occasional" Musing 4/1/2010

2010-04-01T12:47:00.005-05:00

Layout Update & Future Plans

The layout has been dormant for the last few weeks due to it being surrounded by numerous items from the layout room's storage closet. I have been organizing, packing, and clearing out the storage closet to make room for scenery supplies and various other items (i.e. my wife's stuff). I am almost finished with the closet and I hope to get some work done on the layout by next week.

Future Plans:

I have been giving some thought to expanding the layout, but I have not yet created a new track plan for this possible expansion. I do want to get back to working on the layout, so I am going to focus on completing some small projects that I have put off doing for some time. Here is a short list of items that need to be completed:

ballast around the track where the Atlas switch machine motors were removed
finish painting the backdrop on section 2 and 3
inspect and fix a switch that has recently been causing derailments
replace the remaining Atlas switch machines with wire springs

The plan is to work on something, even if it is a really small task. I will post some updated photos after completing several of these small projects.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

How-To Project: "Weathering Rolling Stock"

2010-03-16T10:10:00.012-05:00

Part 2--Weathering Older Freight Cars

Supply List:
-paint brushes (various sizes---nylon and bristle brushes work great!)
-acrylic paints (tube and/or bottle)
colors for this project: raw umber, spice brown (a reddish brown)
-pastel chalks (I use weathering chalks from Walthers)
colors for this project: dark brown, light brown; light yellow
-paper towels
-disposable cup w/clean tap water
-disposable palette (wax paper or a foam plate will also work)
-flat sealant (spray can variety)

TIP: I like to weather a couple of cars at a time. This allows me to keep working while I wait for the car(s) to dry. I use the nylon brushes mainly with the acrylic paints, and I use the bristle brushes to apply the pastel chalk powder to the cars.

Step 1:

Prepare freight car with a base coat of weathering. See Part 1-- "Weathering Rolling Stock."

Step 2:

Squeeze out a small amount of raw umber from the tube onto the palette.
Apply paint to side of car to simulate areas of heavy rust.
Allow this paint to fully dry before proceeding to Step 3.

TIP: Try not to go too heavy with the rust. It is very easy to overdo it. Remember, less is more!

Step 3:

Dab the dark brown pastel chalk around the area you painted in step 2 with a small bristle brush.
Let the chalk sit for a few minutes, then lightly brush away the extra chalk, being careful to leave a good coating of the chalk in place.

TIP: Try blowing the chalk dust off with light puffs if the brush is removing too much chalk.

Step 4:

Spray the car with a light coating of sealant.

Repeat steps 2 through 4 until desired level of weathering is achieved.

The "Occasional" Musing 3/15/2010

2010-03-15T14:43:00.009-05:00

Looking Back

I have been busy organizing and packing twenty-five years of accumulated stuff and came across some old photos of my very first layout which was built in 1985. It was a 2' x 6' N-scale layout. The layout was built on an old cedar storage chest and an end table. I am still amazed my wife let me use those pieces of furniture for the layout! I remember showing the layout to all of my friends when they would come by the house. They would ask to see it run, but the only problem was it did not run!! I am a little bit embarrassed to share the following, but I think you will get a good laugh at it too!!

One problem was the ballast was not glued down to the roadbed. I used a roadbed product that was really sticky, and was not aware you had to glue down the ballast. Needless to say, the ballast ended up getting into the gears of the Bachmann train set engine which caused it to stop running. It wasn't until later when I read a book on model railroad scenery that I realized you had to glue down the ballast. I tried to clean the locomotive, but to no avail---it was toast. I can truly laugh about this now, but at the time I really thought about giving up on the hobby. I chose instead to get educated on building a model railroad. I signed up for a subscription to Model Railroader Magazine and purchased several of their model railroading books. I ended up scrapping the layout and moved on to the next one.

I did build two more layouts in N-scale, but I eventually changed from N-scale to HO-scale. Why the switch from N to HO??? Well, that's another story for a later post!!!

The "Occasional" Musing 3/2/2010

2010-03-02T09:25:00.004-06:00

Layout Update

It looks like the "Daily Musing" posts will be turning into the "Occasional Musing" posts!! The layout has been dormant for about a week now, and it looks like that trend will continue for the next several weeks. I am not able to divulge the details at this time, but my free time for working on the layout will be fairly restricted. I will make every effort to post updates, but this blog may sit idle for several weeks. I do have another "How-To" project I want to post, but it is not ready and it looks like I will not get to it until sometime next week. I do appreciate all of you who follow this blog and I will make every effort to post updates when I can. Thanks again for your support and understanding!!!

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

How-To Project: "Weathering Rolling Stock"

2010-02-23T10:15:00.005-06:00

Part 1--Running Weathering

Supply List:
-paint brushes (various sizes---nylon and bristle brushes work great!)
-acrylic paints (tube and/or bottle)
colors for this project: raw umber, spice brown (a reddish brown)
-pastel chalks (I use weathering chalks from Walthers)
colors for this project: dark brown, light brown; light yellow
-paper towels
-disposable cup w/clean tap water
-disposable palette (wax paper or a foam plate will also work)
-flat sealant (spray can variety)

TIP: I like to weather a couple of cars at a time. This allows me to keep working while I wait for the car(s) to dry. I use the nylon brushes mainly with the acrylic paints, and I use the bristle brushes to apply the pastel chalk powder to the cars.

Please Note: Due to low camera resolution, I only painted the right half of the car to better illustrate the difference between the factory finish and the weathered finish.

Step 1:

Clean the freight car with a dry bristle brush or wash it in warm, soapy water. Be sure to rinse the car thoroughly to remove all of the soap. Allow the car to dry completely before moving on to step 2.
Remove the wheels from the trucks and set the wheels to the side (weathering wheels will be covered in a later installment).

Step 2:

Squeeze out some of the spice brown craft paint (reddish brown) from the bottle onto the palette.
Dip a flat nylon brush into the cup of water and mix it with some of the paint on the palette.
Using an up and down motion, paint the side of the car with the mixture of spice brown paint and water. The paint will dry lighter than it appears while wet.

TIP: The car I am using for this project has a stamped build date of 1979. I model the year 1979, so the car will not have had enough time to be even slightly rusted. I will only need to apply a light coat of weathering to the car. I applied a very thin mixture of paint. This paint mixture will be mostly water and it will give the car a 'dusty' look instead of a 'rusty' look. Use the stamped build dates on your cars to decide how much the cars should be weathered.

Step 3:

Using the same mixture from step 2, apply the paint to the top of the car.
While the paint is still wet, apply a very light coat of the light brown and yellow pastel chalk powder to the car. Do this by holding the powder above the car and rake the powder off of its container with a flat bristle brush, allowing the chalk to fall down and 'dust' the top of the car.
After applying the chalk dust to the top of the car (while it is still wet), rinse the flat nylon brush and squeeze out the excess water with a paper towel. Take this damp brush and lightly brush the top of the car so the chalk dust blends into the still wet paint.

TIP: Work carefully on this step, especially with sub-step 3. It is very easy to water down or remove all of the paint and chalk dust if you overwork the area.

Step 4:

After the paint has dried, apply a light coat of flat sealant to the car. I use Testors' Dullcote, but any brand will do as long as it is flat. Do not use gloss sealant! SAFETY TIP: Spray sealant fumes are toxic. Please make sure to use sealants in a well ventilated area!

TIP: Acrylic paints are waterproof, but they do tend to rub off when they have been diluted. It is a good idea to seal the paint and powder mix with sealant. Acrylics applied full strength or only slightly diluted should not require the use of a sealant.

Next Time: Weathering Older Freight Cars

Daily Musing 2/22/2010

2010-02-22T14:00:00.006-06:00

Recent Activity & Weathering

A busy week with personal and professional responsibilities, but I did manage to weather some more freight cars. I am putting together a couple of 'how-to' features that I plan on posting here as soon as I finish writing them up.

The first 'how-to' project will be on how I weather freight cars. I want to give a little background information on my weathering techniques here in this Daily Musing post. I like to use acrylic paints (tube and bottle) as well as powdered pastel chalks. My technique is a combination of techniques used by several other modelers. I do not follow any one particular method, and I like to vary the materials I use based on what particular result I want to achieve.

The materials I use come from different manufacturers. I like to use Liquitex tube acrylic paints, mainly because I already have them on hand. Any brand of tube acrylics will work. I also like to use acrylic craft paints that come in bottles. These are available at Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Wal-Mart and other department stores that stock craft supplies. The pastel chalks I use were purchased several years ago from a local hobby shop in St. Louis. These weathering chalks were sold under the Walthers brand name. You can also find pastel chalks in stick form from the locations mentioned previously. Remember, you do not need to use an 'Artist Quality' version of acrylic paint or pastel chalk. 'Student Grade" art materials work very well for model railroad weathering projects and they are also a lot cheaper than 'Artist Quality' products.

I like to use Testors' Dullcote to seal the freight cars after applying the pastel chalk powder, but any brand of flat finish sealer will work--Do not use gloss finish! You do not need to use a sealer with the acrylic paints since the acrylic paints become waterproof after drying. Watercolor paints can also be used, but they do require the use of Dullcote to make them waterproof.

I will post a full list of all the materials I use with the 'how-to' article. I have the photos for the article ready to upload, and I hope to write the article later today. It should be posted tonight or by Thursday at the latest.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Photo Update 2/20/2010

2010-02-20T11:19:00.003-06:00

Another freight car weathered! I'm on a roll!!!

Photo Update 2/17/2010

2010-02-17T21:20:00.004-06:00

I finished weathering this Rock Island covered hopper this morning. One piece of rolling stock down, and a whole lot more to go!!

Daily Musing 2/12/2010

2010-02-12T22:59:00.005-06:00

Slow Week for Layout Work and How-To Projects

I apologize for the lack of updates to all of those people that follow this blog on a regular basis. It has been a strange week. I have had time to work on the layout, but I never got around to doing it. I did do a little more weathering on some rolling stock, but I still have nothing to show for it in the way of photo updates. I hope to get back on track next week.

I am giving some thought to posting some 'how-to' projects on the OTRR blog. I used to have some some of these projects posted on my web site (http://home.centurytel.net/otrailroad/otrr.htm), but the storage space for that site was very small and I deleted those projects to make room for newer content. I plan on posting some of those projects here since this site's data storage capacity is much higher than what I have on the other site. Be looking for the first 'How-To Project' in the near future. It will feature a step by step process on how to paint a simple backdrop for your model railroad or diorama.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Weekend Musing 2/6/2010

2010-02-06T21:02:00.005-06:00

Weathering & Weather

I have been busy this weekend with a couple of tasks that are not my favorite things to do. They are as follows:

shoveling snow

weathering rolling stock

I would much rather be weathering rolling stock than shoveling snow!! Weathering rolling stock does not cause your shoulders and back to ache. Well, at least it hasn't yet!

I decided to take a little break from operations and get in some much needed weathering. I have several cars already weathered, but there are a whole lot more that need it. As I said above, it is not one of my favorite things to do. I am still experimenting with different techniques and materials and I am coming up with mixed results. Some of the cars look under-weathered and others look over-weathered. Oh well, I guess trial and error will pay off eventually--at least I hope it does! I will post some photos of the recently weathered cars after I get a few more finished. Maybe in the next few days???

One benefit of snowy weather is it gives me more time to work on the layout. We had about 4 inches of snow last night and more is on the way starting late Sunday night. It looks like we will be getting another 6+ inches of snow over the next few days. This new snowstorm will give me more time to work on weathering rolling stock, and sadly, it will also give me more snow to shovel. I guess it could be worse---some of you are getting buried under 30+ inches of the white stuff. I don't even want to think about shoveling that much snow. It makes my back hurt just writing about it!!!

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Daily Musing 2/1/2010

2010-02-01T22:04:00.005-06:00

Simulating Multiple Train Operations

Let's face it---the OTRR is really small. It has only about 16' of mainline track and only one passing siding (not including staging tracks). How do you run multiple trains and multiple operators? The answer is simulation.

I already use a sequence list for the transfer and local trains that operate on the layout. I am also in the process of developing a Timetable & Train Order (TTTO) system to use on the OTRR. It will require simulating other rail traffic on the line besides the transfer and local I physically run on the layout. I plan on using train orders, clearance forms, a timetable, train registry forms, and train sheets. This plan can accommodate up to three operators, but can also be used with just one person. The operating jobs will consist of the following: engineer/crew; dispatcher; station agent. These jobs will be divided/combined based on the number of operators.

A great resource for operating your layout like a real railroad is a book entitled, Realistic Model Railroad Operation: How to Run Your Trains Like the Real Thing by Tony Koester. Model Railroader has also put out a series of videos called the Dream Plan Build Video Series. One in particular is a video by David Popp on how to operate your layout realistically. I am not sure it is still available through the video series, but you may be able to find a copy for sale on one of the online auction sites.

I am looking forward to incorporating these additional elements into my operating scheme. I will post more details as I work them out on the layout.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Daily Musing 1/29/2010

2010-01-28T23:26:00.010-06:00

Operating Session Tonight

I had an operating session tonight (1/28/2010) and everything ran fairly well. Low speed operations were good and I had only a couple of derailments. The derailments were my fault. I had not thrown a switch back to the mainline and ran through a closed switch. To my surprise, only the caboose derailed. I also noticed a clearance issue with a longer freight car as it rolled through the tunnel portal near the yard office (inside loop of track). I will need to make an adjustment to the portal.

The photos above were taken during the operating session. I use four-cycle waybills and car cards, but I do not have card boxes purchased or installed on the layout. In the mean time, I use the car cards and waybills to create a switch list for each train that operates. I also used this operating session to see how long each train would take to complete its run. The transfer run (the first train to operate) took only nine minutes to complete its run and switching. Extra 71, the local freight, took almost forty-six minutes to complete its run and switching. I stopped for the night without completing the operating session. I still need to run the afternoon transfer back to South Owensville Yard (staging).

I am tracking actual operating time to see what type of fastclock ratio will work best for my layout. I had a nice fastclock program (freeware) which I had installed on an old laptop computer. It was easy to use and see during the operating session, but unfortunately the laptop died. I cannot justify purchasing a new laptop computer just so I can use the fastclock program, so I will have to find an alternate solution. Any suggestions??

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Weekend Musing 1/23/2010

2010-01-23T13:50:00.003-06:00

Video Clip/Digital Videos/Operations

I am posting a video of the track cleaning car in operation on the layout. I apologize for the quality of the video. My digital camera is very old and it has only 3.2 mp resolution. It also does not have the capability to record sound. I used Windows Movie Maker to add a sound effect of an actual train to the otherwise silent video. I am pleased with the results, except for the resolution.

I have given some thought to purchasing a digital video camera. I have an old VHS-C video camera that I rarely use, and I am not sure I would use the new one all that much. I do enjoy railfanning, so a digital video camera would be useful for two of my hobby interests. The only problem with making that purchase is a lack of funds. Oh well, maybe one day!!!

I have been running the track cleaning car now for several days and the main line is running really well. I used the Bright Boy to clean the sidings and the staging yard on Thursday. I hope to conduct an operating session this weekend (maybe this evening).

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Daily Musing 1/19/2010

2010-01-19T22:22:00.008-06:00

Track Cleaning Car Photos

Photo 1: View of track cleaning car
Photo 2: Not a derailment, but a bottom view of the cleaning pad

I have stumbled on my way to a new habit. I did not run the track cleaning car over the last two days; however, I did run it tonight (10pm). I have included some photos of the track cleaning car. This particular model comes from Walthers and uses an abrasive pad that is similar to a Bright Boy.

Oh well, I guess I need to reset the twenty-one days to start a new habit back to one.

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Weekend Musing 1/16/2010

2010-01-16T19:56:00.005-06:00

Earthquake Assistance

I'm sure you have heard about the earthquake that has devastated Haiti. I am sending help to the people of Haiti through Samaritan's Purse.

Samaritan's Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization that is sending relief supplies to the people of Haiti. Would you like to help? Please visit their web site (see sidebar on left and click on image) for more information on giving through this organization.

If you prefer to give through another organization, I encourage you to do so! Click here to view a list of several different organizations that are helping the people of Haiti.

Thanks for visiting and for caring!
Tom
(Luke 10:36-37)

Daily Musing 1/13/2010

2010-01-13T10:44:00.007-06:00

Good Habits

There is an old saying that states that it takes twenty-one days to create a new habit. I am not sure that is always true, but I am going to try to start a new, good habit regarding the operation of my layout. I am trying to get in the habit of running a locomotive and track cleaning car for twenty minutes each day.

The layout had been sitting idle (and the sections separated) for about a month. I spent a couple of hours cleaning the track and loco wheels with a Bright Boy (track) and rubbing alcohol (loco). I then let the loco and track cleaning car run around the layout for about twenty minutes. After twenty minutes, I took the loco and track cleaning car off the tracks and cleaned the wheels (loco) and the cleaning pad (track cleaning car). I then ran the loco and track cleaning car around the layout for another twenty minutes. This really helped improve the low-speed operation of the locos.

The next day I made sure to run the locomotive and track cleaning car again for twenty minutes. I ran the loco and track cleaning car for ten minutes on the outside loop and ten minutes on the inside loop. I have been doing this faithfully for the last six days.

The good habit of running trains each day should pay dividends when I begin operations this weekend. I now need to decide if I am going to order those car card/waybill boxes from Micro-Mark or build them myself. I do not like laying car cards and waybills on the layout. It's a really bad habit I need to break!!!

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom

Weekend Musing 1/9/2010

2010-01-09T17:40:00.009-06:00

Online Poll & Blog List

My latest online poll, What Do I Work On First, is almost closed and it looks like Conduct Some Operations is the winner!!!

I spent several hours reconnecting the sections, making adjustments to the track, and cleaning the rails and locomotive wheels. It is amazing how much dirt accumulates on the track. I need to run a locomotive and track cleaning car daily to keep everything clean, especially since I plan on conducting some operations.

Blog List

If you scroll down this page and look to your left, you will see a list labeled, Interesting Blogs. I want to encourage you to check them out. I read these blogs every time they are updated and enjoy keeping up with other people's model work.

Shameless Plug: Besides model railroading, I also enjoy painting in watercolor. To see my artwork, please visit Rural Rails Crossing!

Thanks for visiting and happy modeling!
Tom