A little scenery and boom it's back!

Yes, tearing up a completed section and putting it back together took longer than I thought but finally it's done.  I'm talking about the track to the helix from BY.  I did the ballast last night because it needs several hours to dry so I did it before I went to bed..  Completed the scenery (grasses and weeds) this afternoon and just put the trees back in order just now.  Now the scene is complete and I can move on to other items.

I find I get really distracted once I get in the layout room.  I have some signals that I need tested that came off the layout last year.  The wires are not marked well so I will be doing some figuring out of them.  I was going to do that tonight knowing all I need to do is the trees for the area I have been working on.   But, I find myself working on a few car cards.  Where did that come from???  I did get to the trees...

The shack is still by the tracks.  Lighter ballast in the new area.  I'm calling it done.

The object of the bridge is help conceal the "hole" to the helix.  

VMID #299 staged for a photo in the new scenery.

Are we hauling coal on the Midland?  Looks that way.  I'm in the process of building a small unit coal train for transfer to the F&NN.  Should be about 6-7 cars. 

Monday's layout work and decal completion

Spent a lot of time yesterday completing my large decaling job and finally tackling the trackage from Battlefield Yard (BY) to the helix.  A few posts ago, my main two objectives for the summer were to change the trackage on the Mine Run branch and take out the S curve to the helix from BY.  I completed the Mine Run trackage last week.   I hesitatated on the S curve replacement but decided to get into for some reason late yesterday afternoon.  The job turned out pretty easy and everything went better than expected.  The good thing about these projects is that I had everything I needed.  Track was reused and I did get down to my last rail joiner and track nails!  I'm hoping not to need anymore.  Nothing is worse than starting a project and needing a piece of track or other vital part.  I don't have any hobby shops around so most will be mail order.  So on to pics:

Decaling jobs:

A new sand hopper based on Greg McComas 's Michigan Interstate RR.  These will be in captive service hauling sand on the Midland.  The rust pits are decals by Weathering Solutions.  Still needs weathering.  

A VMID woodchip hopper.  The load was easily made with foam and sawdust.   

The Midland has good size fleet of stone hoppers now.  Here is VMID #6 Ex-SP.

Here is some new power on the Midland, GP35R #233.  This loco served the Virginia Central for the last several years and was recently bought by the VMID.  The patch job is typical for shortlines and turned out quite well.  Can you see my BN theme?  BN was my favorite railroad as a teen.  

Improved Trackage to the Helix:

The reason why the trackage had to be improved is because there a small S- curve leading towards the helix.  This is a busy piece of track and with the scenery in, was no fun having a derailment there.  Most cars and 4 axle locos were fine through it.  My longer 6 axle locos did not like it.  The main reason why I've added a SD50 is to work the grade on the helix.  So a change was needed.

Here is the S curve.  All I did was move the crossing in the wall to the right and straighten out the curve.  

Track removed and the hole in the wall enlarged.  Had to take out some scenery but have a plan on what to put here already.   Could not go any farther right because of a stud in the wall. 

Wow, why didn't I do this first time?  No curve now!

My only casuality, my signal.  I unattached it from the ground but for some reason it doesn't lit up now.  If this is the case, it will be the 2nd signal to bite the dust here.

A view from the helix side.  Definitely a easier job than I originally thought.

 I finished late last night after several breaks.  Still have a couple of things to sort out but a major improvement.  The SD50 already loves it!

 

Getting back in the saddle with some modeling!

It's been a while since I've done any modeling railroading period.  With summertime here, my progress and projects will finally be moving forward.  As I said in my last post, I have two minor changes to the layout that will improve the operations.  First is the trackage from Battlefield Yard to   the helix to the lower level.  This little trackage has a "S" curve that's very unforgiving to 6 axle locomotives.  I could easily ignore it but it's something that will enhanced operations and is about a days work.  Six axle locos will not be held captive and the main reason I have them is to lug the bigger trains up the helix.

This is the trackage to the helix.  As you can see, the "S" curve in the trackage.  I plan on removing it and removing part of the wall on the right to making it into a sweeping curve out to the helix.

 My other layout change is the entire trackage on the Mine Run branch.  This is the trackage directly under Battlefield Yard on the lower level.  I want to make this more practical by adding a longer second track and add more room for the woodchip loading facility.  It mainly going to make it more practical and easier to operate.

Looking south towards the sand mine.  This section of trackage has probably had the least amount of coverage on this blog.  It will get some much need attention in the coming weeks.

Looking from the other end.  The double track "run-around" track will run from the other side of the canal to the bottom of this photo.  This should make switching this area more straight forward.  

Throwback Thursday

I'm hopefully going to do this new Thursday theme every Thursday.  I'm going to find a picture (or pictures) of the layout or model and post it on here.  Hopefully I can find one for each week!  I should be getting back into the swing of things in the coming days and weeks.  Got 2 medium size changes for the layout and will talk about them in another post.  So here we go with Throwback Thursday, VMID style:

Know where this is on the layout? This the corner leading into Battlefield Yard.  This is from Jan. 09 and on the left is the track leading down to the lower level.  Very steep grade and it was eventuall ripped out for an On30 layout.

This GP40 #299 that I still have.  She was was the first locomotives to receive the green and gray of the VMID.  This is the original scheme.  I put working front ditchlights that were an absolute pain in it.  After that I decided to "move" out of the ditchlight era.  It's sitting near Old Dominion Foods area with no scenery.  Jan. 2009.

VMID op. session #2: The BY to Orange Turn

In this video, you will chase VM200W from BY west to the town of Orange.  Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDzCeH42AGo

Op. Session video #1: empty sand hoppers heading back to the mine

In this first installment in a new video series, we follow several sand hoppers on their return to the mine.  The hoppers run from the Virginia Central tracks to Battlefield Yard then west to the Mine Run Branch on the lower level.  I hesitate to show the much of the lower level because scenery is non-existent.  Enjoy!

Merry Christmas: new operations Video

Want to wish everyone who checks out this blog a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season.  Got a chance to shoot a video yesterday and captured a few trains leaving/arriving in Battlefield Yard.

Enjoy!

Op. session this past Saturday

Had an operational session this past Saturday afternoon and tried a new concept, 3 operators. Norm Wolf, and Dale Latham and myself tried the new concept.   I did not think it could be possible but with the extra person on the lower level and the other on the upper level, it worked out OK.  I did not do a whole lot but sort cars in Battlefield Yard.  One thing that could be better were the controllers.  I use NCE and do not have radio control.  So cords were strung out all over my office.  This seemed to be the biggest problem. 

Anyways, summer is getting closer and my busy times are getting ready to be a thing of the past after this week.  I hope to post more often and get more done on the layout.  I've have recently painted a new Alco yellow.  This will be my newest engine on the Virginia Central.  The green #3 is having some pickup problems.  I may switch the #3 and #5 (gray scheme) and combine them into one.  I really love the green #3 of the VC. 

Dale and Norm contemplate their next move on the layout.  Dale (left) is working the  F'burg Flats on the upper level and Norm is working the lower level Mine run Branch.

I get the easy job of maintaining Battlefield Yard.  Pretty empty right now. 

Norm uses the run-around track with V251- the Mine Run turn.  SD20-2 and C424 provide the power today.

I'm back with a new video for Memorial Day weekend

Well I'm back for Memorial Day and wanted to give a moment to thank all the Veterans, including my dad that have made this great country possible.  I fly my stars and stripes in front of my house everyday.  It's been a busy time with me but I do see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I did find some time to shoot a video today.  I recently purchased a Minuteman Models I-Car and finally put the finishing touches on it yesterday.  It holds my I-phone and you can film as if the camera is mounted on the front of the locomotive.  The video is a mainline run around the whole layout, top section.  I will have a trip down the helix to the lower level very soon.  Only modification I would do is to get rid of the Kadee sprung trucks it comes with.  They like to pick switches.  See if you can find where I saved the video from a derail right after the first road crossing.

March happenings

Well everything is pretty much at a standstill on when it comes to model railroading here lately. The reason, track season has started and these later afternoons are not conclusive to anything model railroading.  I literally have not spend a penny on anything model railroading. I actual need to work on that more!  Well I did get a few items done and ran the railroad.a little. That helps in this busy time. So if you don't see regular posts for the next 2 months, don't be alarmed. Spring break is in 3 weeks so that will be probably my next post time. 

The above are 2 exactrail 5200 boxcars that were BNSF. They were patched and lettered for VMID. Gotta still weather them. 

And here's a shot on some switching in Battlefield Yard. 

Until next time. 

Scenery Update, USPS frustration and a sketch of the lower level trackage

This past weekend I had planned on getting the helix out to the garage and start installing it.  Well the USPS made sure that did not happen.  As I posted last weekend, I ran out of track for the helix.  The track has to be laid as you go up.  So on Tuesday, I ordered from Mainline Hobby (the best only train shop on the east coast!) in PA.  As always, I usually get my items 2 days after I order them.  Bonnie who runs the shop always sends out the tracking number on the USPS priority packages.  So it would be here in Thursday as per the tracking.  Thursday comes and no package.  To boot, I was off on Friday because of the weather.  OK, it will be here Friday, Nope!  Did not come Saturday either.  I was a little ticked.  The worst thing was it still said delivery on 1-9 even on Sunday!  This package went to a distribution facility near Baltimore, MD for 2 days, then to another one in Baltimore for a couple of days and then to Richmond, VA for a Sunday trip.  It finally came today.  Very frustrating!

While waiting for the track, I turned to my creative side and put the finishing touches on the scenery at the end of Battlefield Yard.  This is just about complete except the railroad tie retaining wall by a switch.

This is the tail track of the layout.  The tie retaining wall will by the switch stand on the left center.

GP11 #280 tkes a peek at the new scenery.

A detail shot of the weeds and growth.

Add some of my leftover trees to the scene.  Need to probable put a few more in.

I just about have my track plan for the lower level.  The top is complete. It's the lower left corner that's tough.  I'll go with what I have.

Battlefield Yard (BY) action video

Here's a video I shot last night.  I've worked on the scenery on the tale track (on the right).  The Yard has a few more things to "finish" up on then it will be totally complete.

I will have an update later today or tomorrow about my current stage on my helix build.  Until then, enjoy the video!

Lower level work has begun and so has the helix

Started packing my On30 items up yesterday and clearing them off of the lower level.  I had a On30 layout underneath Battlefield Yard and did an expansion past my work desk and under the VC yard.  Check out the older posts of the On30 layout:

http://virginiamidlandrr.blogspot.com/search/label/On30

The On30 track was all laid out and functioning.  It's nice because the track is the same as HO track and I can get a feel of what I have by running my HO trains down there.  I still have to take out the On30 track eventually.

VMID #281 giving me a feels of what lies ahead of the VM.  You can see BY directly above it. 

The other end.  There is a bridge crossing a canal between the 2 pictures.  The sand load spur will probably be where the hoppers are at the end.

Here's my helix in it's beginning stages.  Wanted to work in the garage but the near 0 degree temperatures made me stay inside.  the Helix kit is by Ashlin Designs out of Utah. 

85th post and a video update of the layout

This is my 85th post to this blog and hope to continue with many more since the layout will be expanding to a lower level.  All my progress can be found on the video:

Operational Session on the VM with Mark Chase and scenery update

Had the pleasure of doing an operational session with Mark Chase on Monday afternoon.  I've owed him one since the summer months.   I was talking with him at the Greenburg Train Show in Richmond before Christmas and I gave him an invitation.  Mark is a talented On30 modeler (I was a promising On30 modeler once)  and has a sensational layout in the Piedmont and East Blue Ridge.  His layout is fully operational and he's working on the scenery in the mountains of Central Virginia.  His layout hauls mainly soapstone and complete info can be found on his website.  Warning, you can spend literally hours on it!   Mark is also active in the James River On30 modular group.  They had the best looking layout at the Greenburg Show by a long shot! 

I got a lot of work done before Mark came over. Op. sessions seem to do that!  I recently got a backdrop done from LARC products to put behind Battlefield Yard.  I wanted to have mainly trees there but they did not offer anything with just trees.  I compromised and went with something else that turned out well.

Mark's train: the V100W switches out Patriot Industries

Mark moves his cars into the proper position

The F&NN train comes into Battlefield Yard lead by Ex-BAR loco #46

RF&P D792 comes in to Midland trackage with a cut of cars.

A work train comes east from Orange into Battlefield Yard.

Mark's V100W is ready to come back to Battlefield Yard but has to wait in the clear for oncoming trains.

A shot of the new background

Another shot with the backdrop in place.  The glare is from the lights across the room.

Overview of Battlefield Yard

Mark gave me a great idea for the end of Battlefield Yard.  Instead of keeping the background buildings at level ground, he suggested that I add some elevation and put the background building on a bluff.  The locos are weighing down the glued foam.  I will shape it with my foam cutter today.

Another Video: Part 3 of hidden staging

Got a new video done today and wanted you to see my hidden staging.  Stay tuned to the end for some train action.

Finally got back to some scenery

On Sunday, I decided to get back to the layout for a little scenery.  I really like building/ weathering freight cars and locos, so when I work on them mainly, the layout gets neglected.  I have plenty of cars and locos for the layout, so it's a no-brainer that the scenery could be finished up in a month or two if I really applied myself. This past week I didn't get anything done. Call it laziness or whatever.  Just was not motivated.  Hopefully I can motivate myself in the coming week.  In the meantime, let me show you the progress.

Back at the area I working on this August, I finished the former woodchip loading spur.  I decided against the woodchip loader because of the small nature of the Virginia Central  railroad.  They have enough traffic with the aggregate industry.

This spur on the VC will be a storage and a possible team track.  VC locos will also be parked here.  I decided to bury the tracks for non-maintained look.  Still have to put bushes and weeds in there.

Over in Battlefield Yard, I started working on the yard crew building and parking area.  Added some weathering and a few details.

Finally finished the newest loco on the VM.  GP39-2 #274 has been weathered and I am very satified with the LOK sound decoder.

Another view of #274

Virginia Midland Railroad layout Narrative: Part 2

Finally got a chance to do my second part of my narrative about the layout.  Part two focuses on the other railroads on the layout, the Virginia Central and the Fredericksburg and Northern Neck (F&NN).  I show the trackage of the VC and it's industries and where the F&NN runs on the layout even though it's not on the layout itself.  I'll probably do another on the RF&P's part on the VM.  That will be sometime this week.  As always, let me know what you think!

Layout tour with narrative

Did my first narrative on the layout on You Tube.  Been wanting to do this for a while and finally got a quiet house to do this.  It's not easy to get a quiet house with 3 kids 7 and younger.  I also added another video of the V100E train heading to Fredericksburg Flats.  FF is the main switching area on the Virginia Midland.  Comments welcome!

An update... new loco and new paint scheme

Well, I have not done a lot on the layout this month but attending the Timonium, MD train show on Saturday did give me some much needed motivation.  I've been working on a GP39-2 for a while now and decided I wanted to do a different paint scheme.  The loco is what I call a dip job because it is all green.  I did add white hand railings and grabs.  I did not put the chevrons on the front/rear and instead used the VM logos. I also used FEC numbers on the cabs.  I was going to do a BN large number on the long hood but with the VM logo and that large number, it was too much going on.   I'm happy with the way it looks and the sound is incredible.  I did finally hookup a TCS "Keep Alive" decoder to the Lok sound decoder.  It keeps running even on my dirty track.  Did a quick video of it in Battlefield Yard:

That's all for now but I'm shooting to post every week now.  I have not posting since early in the month because really I have not done much modeling at all.  It's definitely time to get busy!