|
|
Post by smr on Aug 29, 2016 12:55:19 GMT -5
 This layout is designed for use in multiple exhibitions and to present mainly SP/WP rolling stock on a kind of "theatre stage" to the observer. It consists of three modules of which one is in a stage that we dared to exhibit it to the public in Bauma, Switzerland, and in Altenbeken, Germany. (please note, that I did not say we are finished with module 1 ;-) ) I try to model the roaring '50ties with SP/WP in California, East Bay, the region around Niles. Here is a drawing map of the region which is presented on this very informative web page; wx4.org/to/foam/sp/niles/tower.html The first module incorporates impressions (!! , no prototypical copy!) of Niles Depot, while the other two will do the same with Niles Tower and the WP Yard.  Here is a drawing by Dirk Kuhlmann of module 1, the Niles Depot with the "modified & upgraded" SP yard.  This thread will report on these three modules. Karl Sinn, www.spur-z-atelier.de , was so kind to build the first module for me and to document the construction with a lot of pictures for all of us.  Let's get started:   In order to allow for the "theatre stage" all curves have to be hidden in the "Off" and to allow complete trains to "vanish" a shadow yard was built behind the background of the stage. Since the "stage" on its own could serve as a stand-alone diorama, the stage piece can be disconnected from the rest of the construction. This was quite easy to construct on the left side, but created a night mare situation on the right side with its multiple tracks all confluenting over the edge (as illustrated above).  The third connection to the WP side is over the bridge, which we allowed to end right in front of the face of the observer ;-). Alameda Creek is quite dry and cut in half.  Zig layers of sand and color form the foundation;   First vegetation on dry sand.......   Now add the grass. The yellow, very dry grass was very important for me. This yellow, very dry grass together with the really green trees is what I remember about California when a few miles away from the Bay......, and since it is my dream..... :-)        - to be continued - |
|
|
|
Post by markm on Aug 29, 2016 13:12:40 GMT -5
Very nice start. I must warn you Niles was in the East Bay and the WP never ran to the West Bay (locally known as the Peninsula) except for their ferry between Oakland and San Francisco. I'm a bit of an expert on the area, having grown up near the tracks of WP & SP in the East Bay from the mid-50s forward. I'm modelling the Livermore valley area just east of Niles Canyon through to Tracy. Some great structures on the route and I'd be happy to share with you. You might want to check out another source for the area: rattenne.com/tower9.htmI really like your grass color: most people don't model us brown enough. What did you use? I've found most scenery material too yellow. Mark |
|
|
|
Post by smr on Aug 29, 2016 14:24:23 GMT -5
Very nice start. I must warn you Niles was in the East Bay and the WP never ran to the West Bay (locally known as the Peninsula) except for their ferry between Oakland and San Francisco. I'm a bit of an expert on the area, having grown up near the tracks of WP & SP in the East Bay from the mid-50s forward. I'm modelling the Livermore valley area just east of Niles Canyon through to Tracy. Some great structures on the route and I'd be happy to share with you. You might want to check out another source for the area: rattenne.com/tower9.htmI really like your grass color: most people don't model us brown enough. What did you use? I've found most scenery material too yellow. Mark Thank you, Mark, an obvious mistake for one who spent some time in Sausalito. I corrected it immediately ;-)  We are using Woodland Scenics and mainly materials from Polak. www.polakmodel.com/de/ www.polak-cz.deBest, Sven  |
|
|
|
Post by smr on Aug 29, 2016 15:27:59 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by markm on Aug 30, 2016 5:54:26 GMT -5
You definitely have the color and texture just right and the oak trees are Californian. You need a shot with the RDC-2. The WP was more into the whole "Feather River" concept in the 50s and it showed in their cars marking. On the SP side, any of the "Black Widow" would fit well in your layout. Even the cab-forward ACs. I think the ACs were turned around at the Niles "Y". They were used crossing the Altamont Pass to the east.
I'm a little uncomfortable with the Gulf gas station: they didn't come to California until the 60s and even then, not that long. However, that station design was also used for certain Union 76 and Flying A stations, both California brands, in the 50s and 60s. I have the same gas station kit and just avoided using the Gulf oil identifier.
It seems strange to see coal loads, California has never been a coal producer and not much of a user. However rock loads were very common in the 50s and 60s for highway construction. Piggyback loads were common as were open car carriers, but the Märklin products are the only thing available and unless you are as good at detailing cars as you are with layouts, the difference in details really stands out.
I'll drive through Niles Canyon every couple of months and past the point you modelled. I'll have to shoot some images next time to show how well your work matches up.
Mark
|
|
|
|
Post by smr on Aug 30, 2016 7:08:08 GMT -5
You definitely have the color and texture just right and the oak trees are Californian. - Thank you! You need a shot with the RDC-2. - Will do! The WP was more into the whole "Feather River" concept in the 50s and it showed in their cars marking. - see pic below. OK? On the SP side, any of the "Black Widow" would fit well in your layout. Even the cab-forward ACs. I think the ACs were turned around at the Niles "Y". They were used crossing the Altamont Pass to the east. - will do a SP photo shooting later the year However rock loads were very common in the 50s and 60s for highway construction. Piggyback loads were common as were open car carriers, but the Märklin products are the only thing available and unless you are as good at detailing cars as you are with layouts, the difference in details really stands out. - May be Gerd can help us with these cars. Do you have prototype pictures to share with him? I'll drive through Niles Canyon every couple of months and past the point you modelled. I'll have to shoot some images next time to show how well your work matches up. - Wow, what a challenge! Please do so....... Mark   Best, Sven |
|
|
|
Post by domi on Aug 30, 2016 8:41:40 GMT -5
View AttachmentThis layout is designed for use in multiple exhibitions and to present mainly SP/WP rolling stock on a kind of "theatre stage" to the observer. It consists of three modules of which one is in a stage that we dared to exhibit it to the public in Bauma, Switzerland, and in Altenbeken, Germany. (please note, that I did not say we are finished with module 1 ;-) ) I try to model the roaring '50ties with SP/WP in California, East Bay, the region around Niles. Here is a drawing map of the region which is presented on this very informative web page; wx4.org/to/foam/sp/niles/tower.htmlView AttachmentThe first module incorporates impressions (!! , no prototypical copy!) of Niles Depot, while the other two will do the same with Niles Tower and the WP Yard. View AttachmentHere is a drawing by Dirk Kuhlmann of module 1, the Niles Depot with the "modified & upgraded" SP yard. View AttachmentThis thread will report on these three modules. Karl Sinn, www.spur-z-atelier.de , was so kind to build the first module for me and to document the construction with a lot of pictures for all of us. View AttachmentLet's get started: View AttachmentView AttachmentIn order to allow for the "theatre stage" all curves have to be hidden in the "Off" and to allow complete trains to "vanish" a shadow yard was built behind the background of the stage. Since the "stage" on its own could serve as a stand-alone diorama, the stage piece can be disconnected from the rest of the construction. This was quite easy to construct on the left side, but created a night mare situation on the right side with its multiple tracks all confluenting over the edge (as illustrated above). View AttachmentThe third connection to the WP side is over the bridge, which we allowed to end right in front of the face of the observer ;-). Alameda Creek is quite dry and cut in half. View AttachmentZig layers of sand and color form the foundation; View AttachmentView AttachmentFirst vegetation on dry sand....... View AttachmentView AttachmentNow add the grass. The yellow, very dry grass was very important for me. This yellow, very dry grass together with the really green trees is what I remember about California when a few miles away from the Bay......, and since it is my dream..... :-) View AttachmentView AttachmentView AttachmentView AttachmentView AttachmentView AttachmentView Attachment- to be continued - Very nice!!! What brand are the curved turnouts? Scratchbuilt? Dom |
|
|
|
Post by smr on Aug 30, 2016 10:11:18 GMT -5
Very nice!!! What brand are the curved turnouts? Scratchbuilt? Dom In my eyes, in Z-scale train-sensitive turnouts have to be optimized or custom-build since the "normal" ones are not reliable enough. I use one of the masters in the field for that purpose, www.weichen-walter.deHere are some Videos from Altenbeken 2016, which show how slow and smoothly the trains ran over the turnout construction; Youtube Video starts at:
29:58
13:47
14:55
Best,
Sven |
|
|
|
Post by smr on Aug 30, 2016 10:39:24 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by smr on Aug 31, 2016 20:55:49 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by cwrr on Aug 31, 2016 22:52:21 GMT -5
 I see a railroad carfloat, nice!!
|
|
|
|
Post by markm on Sept 1, 2016 18:36:44 GMT -5
Actually passenger trains such as the Daylights were not rare at Niles. While the Niles canyon route was a secondary route to those running through Martinez to the north, those routes for both SP and ATSF were prone to flooding causing train reroutes through the dryer canyon. As I recall, its 55 years ago this weekend when a tropical storm hit Northern California causing SP to reroute and ATSF to borrow track rights through Niles. Since you seem to enjoy modelling water themes, you might want to consider Drawbridge (Alviso) California. The southbound SP line out of Niles crosses the marshes at the south end of the bay on it's way to San Jose. Drawbridge is a long abandon town in the marsh next to the tracks:  |
|
|
|
Post by gerd on Sept 1, 2016 18:59:12 GMT -5
Wonder when I see some PB there...
|
|
|
|
Post by smr on Sept 2, 2016 19:08:08 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by smr on Sept 2, 2016 21:29:28 GMT -5
Since you seem to enjoy modelling water themes, you might want to consider Drawbridge (Alviso) California. The southbound SP line out of Niles crosses the marshes at the south end of the bay on it's way to San Jose. Drawbridge is a long abandon town in the marsh next to the tracks: Thank you Mark, That is a fantastic suggestion. I already started planning around this idea. Just one track, 5m in length ........... Best, Sven |
|
I see a railroad carfloat, nice!!
