Well, 2014 is just about done. I don't do much for New Years Eve these days, but did get to go out on a date with my wife to a movie this evening! We definitely don't do that enough. Looking back on 2014, It's been a good year for the Virginia Midland. All the track has been laid this year and the lower level is ready for some scenery. Probably the best improvement has been the restructured east end of the layout with the new peninsula. It really adds to the layout and captures you when you enter the room. I completed the sand unloading structure and added the support materials. I still need some more dump trucks, a maintenance shed and more details. It's good for now. You be the judge:
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Here's a shot of hoppers being unloaded |
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Here's the scene as you walk into the room. |
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From the other side facing the door. |
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Another view of the unloader. |
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Yard office and parking area. |
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Road/crossing leading to the plant. Perfect backdrop for the road but lots of work to do with it. |
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Another view |
Also, yesterday had friend of mine, Mike Millitelo stop by to see the layout. He's the owner of the
Great Scale Model Train Show that runs the four big train shows up in Timonium Maryland. He actually lives about 10 minutes from me. Mike had never operated a layout before so I got him to switch out Fredericksburg Flats. He really enjoyed himself.
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Mike Millitelo stop by for his first op. session yesterday. Think he's hooked! |
The scene looks great!! Definitely adds some nice 'vertical' scenery to the layout.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mike. Been waiting for someone to finally make some large silos like that. Thought I was going to scratchbuild them but Walthers came through.
DeleteMan that Sand Industry looks great! How do you switch it? are both tracks available for unloading or just the one nearest the bins?
ReplyDeleteBoth tracks have a unloader. The front end loader pushes the hoppers around when they are unloaded. A wench could be used.
DeleteRight on. I am considering using a Front end loader for the same purposes on my cement plant, but only the nearest track can be used for loading. Perhaps I need to work the need for the switcher to swap tracks into my operation scheme?
DeleteAt my grain elevator across the tracks, there is only one unloading track. The other track is for storing 2 other full grain cars.
DeleteDo you work swapping tracks into your operations? or do you just back them into their respective spots and call it a day? Thanks much!
DeleteSince the hoppers are just hauling sand, order does not matter but at other industries on the Midland sometimes a customer needs a car at a specific spot.
DeleteShannon that has come up a treat! I've been following along as re did this scene, top job. Jas...
ReplyDeleteThanks Jas! I really enjoy following your blog also.
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