txrfan67
New Member
Z dreamin'...long freights somewhere out West...
Posts: 42
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Post by txrfan67 on Jan 3, 2018 14:30:31 GMT -5
Greetings! I have finally decided to dive back into Z after a small hiatus away pursuing other hobbies, and during which I maintained a marginally-active Z collector habit. My intention for this small layout (60" x 30") is to be a single-tracked 'railfan'-style layout, with scenery representing the western U.S., running modern rolling stock. This is really an experimental platform, mostly for construction and scenery techniques, and will be DC at first (probably using a panel-mounted throttle, but I might experiment with a timer module or something similar.) I'll be using all Atlas Z flex, and what limited Z vinylbed I have left, and whatever I can find to fill in any roadbed gaps. The track plan will be a simple kidney shaped loop, with a center divider for two 'sides'. I've started benchwork, and from the looks of it, I'll be able to get away with 13.5" radius curves, which should do nicely. Here are a couple photos of progress so far. Enjoy!
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Post by dave on Jan 3, 2018 14:43:55 GMT -5
I will be very interested in watching the construction of this layout. It is about the same size I want to do. Thanks for posting.
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Post by cwrr on Jan 3, 2018 15:54:57 GMT -5
This is gonna be good!
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Post by jhrailroading on Jan 3, 2018 17:22:16 GMT -5
This is my kind of layout! I look forward to seeing more updates. -Jason
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Post by Commodore on Jan 3, 2018 19:11:24 GMT -5
I like it, already.
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spoilybear
New Member
Hello all! New--Bee here to AZL , Getting ready for Christmass most loving time of year.
Posts: 42
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Post by spoilybear on Jan 4, 2018 11:30:20 GMT -5
Excellent
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txrfan67
New Member
Z dreamin'...long freights somewhere out West...
Posts: 42
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Post by txrfan67 on Jan 5, 2018 10:08:10 GMT -5
Wanted to share some additional pictures that show the overall idea a bit better. I just grabbed some scrap tempered hardboard and threw down some screws to hold it...eventually I plan to laminate two lengths of the hardboard, with the smooth side out, in a curve, which should be mostly freestanding. I will use 90-degree metal brackets to mount it to the benchwork, which will be hidden by the blue-foam scenery base. I also penciled in the track centerline, trying to ensure it is asymmetric. I'm pretty happy with the divider height, as I plan on the eventual rail-height being close to 50", so the divider should work nicely.
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txrfan67
New Member
Z dreamin'...long freights somewhere out West...
Posts: 42
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Post by txrfan67 on Jan 5, 2018 10:09:01 GMT -5
A couple more pics... I'm also working on layout names, and this project is currently titled "AZL Out West". Most/all of my rolling stock and the entire roster of motive power is AZL. Thoughts?
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Post by jhrailroading on Jan 5, 2018 10:51:46 GMT -5
That divider will be nice for photographing your trains. I notice that on one side you've put some shaping and depth into the benchwork. What are your ideas for scenery there? -Jason
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txrfan67
New Member
Z dreamin'...long freights somewhere out West...
Posts: 42
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Post by txrfan67 on Jan 5, 2018 11:05:57 GMT -5
Thanks Jason. That little negative elevation area was mostly a benchwork experiment to re-acquaint myself with building the underlying structure; it's not hard, I just haven't done this type of work in years. It will probably be a river or similar body of water, as I want to also practice with Magic Water...though it might end up being a dry wash, a topological feature common out west.
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Post by jhrailroading on Jan 5, 2018 12:57:06 GMT -5
Nice! Change of elevation always makes scenery more convincing.
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txrfan67
New Member
Z dreamin'...long freights somewhere out West...
Posts: 42
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Post by txrfan67 on Jan 8, 2018 14:29:15 GMT -5
I was able to put down the roadbed and track this weekend. Vinylbed is fantastic...I'm really going to miss using it. A friend suggested I try contact cement for adhering track to the roadbed, and what a great idea! By the time I finished 'painting' on the contact cement, the beginning of the section was ready to stick the track down. I also want to extol the virtues of Atlas flex...this stuff goes down very easily and Xuron rail nippers work great. LiquidNails for Projects was used to adhere the roadbed, and Speedball roller used to 'squish' it down. All told it took about 90 mins to do roadbed and track, including wiring.
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txrfan67
New Member
Z dreamin'...long freights somewhere out West...
Posts: 42
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Post by txrfan67 on Jan 8, 2018 14:33:38 GMT -5
Another pic of the process... Tried to save the tie sections to slip under the areas around the rail joiners...
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txrfan67
New Member
Z dreamin'...long freights somewhere out West...
Posts: 42
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Post by txrfan67 on Jan 8, 2018 14:35:13 GMT -5
And a couple shots of the "Plywood Western"...
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txrfan67
New Member
Z dreamin'...long freights somewhere out West...
Posts: 42
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Post by txrfan67 on Jan 8, 2018 14:38:14 GMT -5
Also had the opportunity to combine two hobbies as I found two files for 3D-printable tunnel portals. After fiddling with the dimensions, I was able to print two reasonably believable portals. Cut stone: Braced Cement:
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