tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58078183667550873342024-03-17T23:03:28.653-04:00Hedley JunctionModelling CFC Murray Bay Subdivision in the 90sMatthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.comBlogger857125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-83916241048590923402024-03-09T18:15:00.002-05:002024-03-09T18:15:10.715-05:00Ciment St-Laurent - Part 2<p>Ciment St-Laurent is a slow burning thing... we thought it would be fast, but such a large structure do require some serious thought to assemble. But we all know how putting a deadline on layout projects is generally a waste of time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJAqRfaW36tlyNVVvaoy6ZbGxDSK-l_ZfPIt4lElH6a7it_VNEn_N2d4_OamTvwM2G37cuqv4VvSslzKEFjp5D7whUPXP1uhlzl8emfkbuPFlmM6hX6a2hBPHbM5h0MBjBRJv6FWbBIDjL_s7-IhYaNGEFcku9hq-qN7CWXshOPu4Xk2IYsE9wv3gI3k/s1024/429607926_1148133982870289_1190919974446092692_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJAqRfaW36tlyNVVvaoy6ZbGxDSK-l_ZfPIt4lElH6a7it_VNEn_N2d4_OamTvwM2G37cuqv4VvSslzKEFjp5D7whUPXP1uhlzl8emfkbuPFlmM6hX6a2hBPHbM5h0MBjBRJv6FWbBIDjL_s7-IhYaNGEFcku9hq-qN7CWXshOPu4Xk2IYsE9wv3gI3k/w400-h300/429607926_1148133982870289_1190919974446092692_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>That said, we have made some interesting progress, mainly related to the bagging plant which may be considered one of the simplest part of this industrial complex.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-sT05vNQaT8E-SXXoQKVVS4Nn4zzBOXCq-AMVlMDj2HYgZ-8QWM81aH_NGSD2lsAoRZ_0i_I5ahfVP5NedX7glC9UlhyAIEWch58gcVFBr8aXw9kYuonOuG25W1cG5pxhgPPkFAvDWhFa6f_l93_OI3gbp50VGhF19pypJzR6yZGveqvIBLTgj7yeZQ/s1024/430847709_7736692049674740_1269676449938104623_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-sT05vNQaT8E-SXXoQKVVS4Nn4zzBOXCq-AMVlMDj2HYgZ-8QWM81aH_NGSD2lsAoRZ_0i_I5ahfVP5NedX7glC9UlhyAIEWch58gcVFBr8aXw9kYuonOuG25W1cG5pxhgPPkFAvDWhFa6f_l93_OI3gbp50VGhF19pypJzR6yZGveqvIBLTgj7yeZQ/w400-h300/430847709_7736692049674740_1269676449938104623_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1950s rolling doors are made of corrugated paper</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The MDF structure core was built years ago, but required some touch up. A new 1/4" high foundation was added under the core so the conveyor structure linking the bagging plant to the silos would sit at the right height. A new loading platform and an overhung roof were also glued in place according to prototype pictures.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYii8v5SOgCvHnzKfKL9GJcL7EKrtxpNOr7jr-Y41215gzD1xu1ebyVBGp31ybZujAp-VuaWqQ36-kSggwN2kFUcoBsPfO3Hhc3FSlF0qMfO4yP6dyTMmkmicHUi1awVgVaMgvnxo3U3tkPnivy1a4cGqTQrK_M7zgPdSkXa0t235P9R2xvLL3aauc7Ac/s1024/429963068_950172623146361_2033746431117903260_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYii8v5SOgCvHnzKfKL9GJcL7EKrtxpNOr7jr-Y41215gzD1xu1ebyVBGp31ybZujAp-VuaWqQ36-kSggwN2kFUcoBsPfO3Hhc3FSlF0qMfO4yP6dyTMmkmicHUi1awVgVaMgvnxo3U3tkPnivy1a4cGqTQrK_M7zgPdSkXa0t235P9R2xvLL3aauc7Ac/w400-h300/429963068_950172623146361_2033746431117903260_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Another feature is the doors location which, contrary to our initial assesment, were centered but are offset toward the right. This is a strange arrangement, but it probably means so industrial equipment was located on the left side of the warehouse. On the other hand, this offset location creates a more dynamic facade to this otherwise very boring building.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEzH8ojiof0tnuZFiqJrhSpfE5eFtnhL-N3qMhQC0yENBFtRcEJ_tY9a8TdLmwq4hdkXdZSfgUBbxTMsIwb5T7p0yUKA0Q_aHuPjEHAXOgShqqBH4fCssFhpk-f3z5YdiHxz5h4gtG8-OrUJw1sniUsBdbKY-tmMTC-9RoVlcxrDxxSHH0_OOSJM1EYA/s1024/431223161_441210545141022_6485601747549779882_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEzH8ojiof0tnuZFiqJrhSpfE5eFtnhL-N3qMhQC0yENBFtRcEJ_tY9a8TdLmwq4hdkXdZSfgUBbxTMsIwb5T7p0yUKA0Q_aHuPjEHAXOgShqqBH4fCssFhpk-f3z5YdiHxz5h4gtG8-OrUJw1sniUsBdbKY-tmMTC-9RoVlcxrDxxSHH0_OOSJM1EYA/w400-h300/431223161_441210545141022_6485601747549779882_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>As with the cement plant itself, the structure is cladded with extra fine corrugated cardboard mounted on thick paper strips to replicate the overlapping effect. Even if the bagging plant isn't complete yet, once on the layout, it instantly improves greatly the industrial appearance of that scene! I can't help but see the entire cement plant done soon!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCqSgwWHyCnWTTzsKAlB1HY1KoYap6qYsNEzyXkhyphenhyphentQ6SpkuLeJyIG6_MfIT72QIThmGNjHXgNETxRhEaLz54-jt52RPbaAXS9Fg6cuXxD0AIC4ogzQikT5RMJ1SiEpAutFVWDN_OfUcAd_X1qUF8iV2gif45PpaHcPBqD7lssB5BhIIP6W_Z7I46avA/s1024/431282452_1349276002441940_8966689837654063743_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCqSgwWHyCnWTTzsKAlB1HY1KoYap6qYsNEzyXkhyphenhyphentQ6SpkuLeJyIG6_MfIT72QIThmGNjHXgNETxRhEaLz54-jt52RPbaAXS9Fg6cuXxD0AIC4ogzQikT5RMJ1SiEpAutFVWDN_OfUcAd_X1qUF8iV2gif45PpaHcPBqD7lssB5BhIIP6W_Z7I46avA/w400-h300/431282452_1349276002441940_8966689837654063743_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-88309670856321998192024-02-11T09:30:00.000-05:002024-02-11T09:30:00.214-05:00Ciment St-Laurent - Part 1<p>Life has been busier than I could expect in recent weeks and several unpredictable events unfolded... some sad, some happy. That said, I forgot for a while this blog but modelling has been active, both on Monk and the Murray Bay Subdivision.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxPn1wa6wgfkqrj_98BRNOKVQA9FeCahRy79c7astBxX5HcJDGRjIC71ZQBZ7dnt9AYKIGv0H-U9guTtX4WK8OWQS6GXOVx0IQRVkEUrqlmtCIrwEw6BZqkHUDra-TnmrjFQqnJawQg7DLLVDz_HSDwMHxx6vfgFv2q77kpVkgwG55ThS8wPDhxgnXGQ/s1024/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxPn1wa6wgfkqrj_98BRNOKVQA9FeCahRy79c7astBxX5HcJDGRjIC71ZQBZ7dnt9AYKIGv0H-U9guTtX4WK8OWQS6GXOVx0IQRVkEUrqlmtCIrwEw6BZqkHUDra-TnmrjFQqnJawQg7DLLVDz_HSDwMHxx6vfgFv2q77kpVkgwG55ThS8wPDhxgnXGQ/w400-h300/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new structure is a 1:1 replica of the real plant</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>One of the biggest step forward is our commitment to complete the large Ciment St-Laurent plant in Villeneuve. The current (now dismantled) structure was a half baked mockup that needed to be replaced by something more permanent. Learning from our initial mistakes, we have greatly improved our construction methods and the new cement plant is both more realistic and practical.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bsqOcUGJN58C4vcbdASfiscrbfnFlyHAW5uH-fiJadtoxC1ed18Zoi1HsxbyMORL-nls8CdroAD56kZrxplda7hzLpDDTv0j_CgYGrf3SL2QRPCdHtg6NdeM3QauKjT144MjmVj20uaRlgd4MMOkAQzYp1VuqZTO0N5NGcoPzTNsJEUAWidamlRowIs/s1024/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bsqOcUGJN58C4vcbdASfiscrbfnFlyHAW5uH-fiJadtoxC1ed18Zoi1HsxbyMORL-nls8CdroAD56kZrxplda7hzLpDDTv0j_CgYGrf3SL2QRPCdHtg6NdeM3QauKjT144MjmVj20uaRlgd4MMOkAQzYp1VuqZTO0N5NGcoPzTNsJEUAWidamlRowIs/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rails embedded into 3/4" thick MDF</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>It was decided to start from scratch, including the sub-roadbed. We wanted to replicate the loading track embedded into the structure concrete pad and it called for a new slab of thick MDF. After fiddling around and finding out the layout was not level due to warping caused by our decade ago sloppy craftsmanship, we decided to screw the pad to the wood dowel columns to create a strong and sturdy assembly. It seems to work!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xl6Y0uwkk_6prOFoDPWm1p7cJje5IqiGxxxEECEBoNLOMLtFsyHEZ1FbgRpqweO8mpx42G_PtsRcrGUx8hlLoPX8ZKsk-Gvz6dylPvxqqxrHSuMy3FP-l0_V1cIxPQ5uTjtJmT_azHUB918aRZx8N9u4bF9YEU_PtwnvYwCJKU9AlskUsPULk1sjQI4/s1024/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xl6Y0uwkk_6prOFoDPWm1p7cJje5IqiGxxxEECEBoNLOMLtFsyHEZ1FbgRpqweO8mpx42G_PtsRcrGUx8hlLoPX8ZKsk-Gvz6dylPvxqqxrHSuMy3FP-l0_V1cIxPQ5uTjtJmT_azHUB918aRZx8N9u4bF9YEU_PtwnvYwCJKU9AlskUsPULk1sjQI4/w400-h300/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fixing the MDF concrete slab to the structure</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Another hurdle was dealing with cladding. On several buildings on the layout, we have been using white extra fine corrugated cardboard. This is a very useful material to replicate old asbestos corrugated sheathing from the 1950s. Unfortunately, it's getting very hard to source and three previous attempts miserably failed from several suppliers: what they advertised has extra fine, was in fact fine... and don't be fooled, by fine, I mean OK for O scale. Another option was using corrugated styrene, but it's extremely costly and it's a pain to glue on MDF without using a lot of CA or epoxy. Didn't want to go that route.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBxX-CBXVv1CPZi6Ytm-TUEo2Z9JzAkjZdbiqVTLmLQRLevMPzFuYZXjxMH43C4yIEZzJScBOiyfSNyHmCpVWHhQYs_Wto8jF8i6fQX8-Md9NZykrzeQ88lLdUqDBP5Dyx_HOEOC7cIGXnyjvP9aCM-ZCgnl5wirgu87QOhrk0pk3D0VOzhkNx5T4sEg/s1024/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBxX-CBXVv1CPZi6Ytm-TUEo2Z9JzAkjZdbiqVTLmLQRLevMPzFuYZXjxMH43C4yIEZzJScBOiyfSNyHmCpVWHhQYs_Wto8jF8i6fQX8-Md9NZykrzeQ88lLdUqDBP5Dyx_HOEOC7cIGXnyjvP9aCM-ZCgnl5wirgu87QOhrk0pk3D0VOzhkNx5T4sEg/w400-h300/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working with paper cladding is easy, simple and efficent</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Finally, frustrated, I decided to give a second look at scrapbooking suppliers and found one, Doris from Germany, that claimed to sell extra fine corrugated cardboard. The listed dimensions fitted what had been used on Donohue and I ordered a bunch. Several week later, it was a joy to discover it was the right material and the cement plant project could go forward.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-LcWan13UoxjlJKI_GkUEhaYnqA2Upf_wFwiPI53gPFfdsqm0qxjBvJBbCswGQehyJzXKJ_BmOsztJhvmR1KKxE5w7iOVSfJJG9AvwBu00IwKTm86kVLKa8drmtgJ07kddvbr-PNqlg2gbcYAlJ9gpaKjVHEyhncxdCD3CVRgLLSL3f1Z0xsgjag_Mc/s1024/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-LcWan13UoxjlJKI_GkUEhaYnqA2Upf_wFwiPI53gPFfdsqm0qxjBvJBbCswGQehyJzXKJ_BmOsztJhvmR1KKxE5w7iOVSfJJG9AvwBu00IwKTm86kVLKa8drmtgJ07kddvbr-PNqlg2gbcYAlJ9gpaKjVHEyhncxdCD3CVRgLLSL3f1Z0xsgjag_Mc/w400-h300/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laying thin cardboard strips to create the overlap effect</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>As for cladding the building, I like to overlap the individual rows of sheets. You can't do that in HO scale due to the cardboard thickness, but a way around that is simply to cut the row to the correct length and glue a thin 0.25mm cardboard strip at the bottom. It creates a subtle yet realistic overlap that brings some relief to the surface. When all glued in place, you get a very neat appearance and it only takes a few minutes to assemble because MDF and cardboard bond together quite fast when using regular carpenter glue.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVnJhbCXhyphenhyphenLajJecI2IvNZpk5xuEMuU7Z9hEKYJBLi4X0P8dRhY7tih5r8HijLV_WFu07MaUnbyJeqvJlcviNVqFIVZqr2fRBgIYN33pVwN6MkK4tSqxFEf5DbnD-Dyy_hifPJ_AegTLnfASU6bX4QXQg3iQNARJ5l-CKDSkEgteF978Q81xb0zTxnu4/s1024/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVnJhbCXhyphenhyphenLajJecI2IvNZpk5xuEMuU7Z9hEKYJBLi4X0P8dRhY7tih5r8HijLV_WFu07MaUnbyJeqvJlcviNVqFIVZqr2fRBgIYN33pVwN6MkK4tSqxFEf5DbnD-Dyy_hifPJ_AegTLnfASU6bX4QXQg3iQNARJ5l-CKDSkEgteF978Q81xb0zTxnu4/w400-h300/10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A completed wall!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>For vertical lines between individual sheets, I will use a dark pencil and draw them. I don't see the need to model these joints in real. If I was dealing with corrugated paper or tin foil, that would be another matter!</p>Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-91508276508933989332024-01-11T09:51:00.003-05:002024-01-11T09:51:41.410-05:003D Printed Curved Track Templates<p>Track
templates to lay curved tracks are notoriously expensive. Metal ones are great
for sturdiness and plastic ones such as Peco Tracksetta are quite versatile with
their various slots for nailing tracks. Unfortunately, they have two main
shortcomings: uneconomical and available only in a very few radii that aren’t
always suitable for our needs.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">I have no
issue with costly specialized tools when they are extremely useful and that the
efficiency gained covered the expense in a meaningful way. You accept to pay a
little bit more to save time and get better results. It makes sense. But
selling plastic injection templates that have been out there for decades, are
the results of very little engineering skills and don’t offer flexibility makes
just no sense to me. If you need to lay several curves of a fixed radius, they
may make sense, but if you track plan requires several different radii, these
tools make no sense.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Hence, I
decided to make my own template. The radii I need are 27’’, 28’’, 30’’, 37’’,
38’’ and 40’’. Let’s just say these aren’t standard! I made mine by drawing
them in SketchUp and 3D printing them. They are similar to the metal ones, but
I could easily see myself adding a few holes here and there to give more
nailing track options.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknZ-wxdWUcU_bpfZ5EeKoxxyHNgRbxgsMFVQc7tx_DrUuk6Kh2cgPTb7hxSucsfltDnPvmbf4nsCXEsN02kwAVmoq3ZBlx_2a2kJOYKuaAkETQaVCJQxpa9DcYhHqlGNe7q_Q-0oDeLBocQbryhIn-b-uztiZP7O_g32DDuvhTQRrjFdSgLswQGWPluo/s512/Template.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="512" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknZ-wxdWUcU_bpfZ5EeKoxxyHNgRbxgsMFVQc7tx_DrUuk6Kh2cgPTb7hxSucsfltDnPvmbf4nsCXEsN02kwAVmoq3ZBlx_2a2kJOYKuaAkETQaVCJQxpa9DcYhHqlGNe7q_Q-0oDeLBocQbryhIn-b-uztiZP7O_g32DDuvhTQRrjFdSgLswQGWPluo/w400-h300/Template.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Printing
and cleaning them took 2 hours for 6 templates and cost a little bit under 25
cents (Canadian dollars, mind you!). At this price, there is no excuse not to
print them even for smaller jobs.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">With these
useful tools, I was able to improve the track flow in the staging yard by bumping
the minimum radius at 27”, which provides for much better running performance
with full length passenger cars. I will still have to improve (read surgery)
for some cars to track better over the 24’’/28’’ radii curved turnouts. That
said, there will probably be a restriction for long passenger trains having to
run only over the larger radius on these curved turnouts.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Making
templates is another way that 3D printing can be used. It could be very useful
for special trackwork or as a kitbashing template. I expect to explore more of
these options as I built the layout.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-25007888596826154772024-01-03T22:35:00.004-05:002024-01-03T22:35:56.604-05:00Monk Subdivision - Mike Confalone Was Right<p> I've always been a planner at heart and this is no surprise my line of work is architecture. However, when dealing with a hobby, time rare and spending it by the dozen over things that don't move forward is both uninteresting and self defeating. I recall reading a few years ago that Mike Confalone confessed to be a poor planner, having little patience nor talent for it. That said, he compensated by working directly on the workbench, making countless mistakes he could have resolved before and finding solutions as he went ahead. What a haphazard way to build a railway empire isn't it?</p><p>For sure, we could say that Mike is somewhat dumb to not have learn his lesson after all these years... but upon further investigation, Mike isn't dumb. He has just found that making a mistake and correcting it takes less time than over planning a bulletproof ideal theory. It's not a call to not plan, but to recognize that moment when you have worked your main ideas well enough to commit to build. With a clear picture in your mind and a good step by step approach, you can move forward at an incredible pace.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWqb8D1CM3nPZM_cb43uLnhcvhYPZYmMXbyhcHgD_DM54rSFKe4FT-ZL4pN8fgiv0MJJ3SO5levEuYeFR9FwnAy4E1DSRGsxpLI9wgjGSVVPXFMImQLLP2bp4xwjObRs5Yvre96wZ_QV3h9wdlbh2g2fGQzGn3VJcn5P2P_MbqEjJ7rB9yUqtHwlziWhI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWqb8D1CM3nPZM_cb43uLnhcvhYPZYmMXbyhcHgD_DM54rSFKe4FT-ZL4pN8fgiv0MJJ3SO5levEuYeFR9FwnAy4E1DSRGsxpLI9wgjGSVVPXFMImQLLP2bp4xwjObRs5Yvre96wZ_QV3h9wdlbh2g2fGQzGn3VJcn5P2P_MbqEjJ7rB9yUqtHwlziWhI=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Countless mistakes were made... but all were resolved in a morning</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>The reason why I'm writing about that subject is because I spent very little time behind the computer lately but a lot at the benchwork. In many case, I wanted to make sure the solutions to implement were perfect, yet, without the computer, I had no other choice than commit myself and cut some lumber. Bear in mind, I made a lot of mistakes even if I've been planning that layout for four years now... (yeah, you read that correctly, four years of doing very little). In many case, making the mistake generally took less than 10 minutes and correcting it was done before the hour mark. Let's recall a few examples:</p><p>When I cut the holes in the walls, I had a good idea where the tracks would punch through it, yet, I made them too big and too high. Cutting holes took about 5 minutes and making them right took less than an hour, including paint. At one moment, I went to the computer to check a few things on XtrkCAD and a good 45 minutes was lost and I learned very little that I didn't know from cutting wood in the basement.</p><p>Later, I found out the benchwork was installed 1/4" too low compared to the original benchwork on the other room. I was devastated after spending a day building it perfectly level... Yet, unscrewing the entire thing and raising it up took about 45 minutes, which is less time than checking your emails and Facebook.</p><p>Few days later, I installed the roadbed in the wrong angle in the yard. A mistake of 2 degrees that made the minimum radius in the area to be too sharp. I took 15 minutes to understand how I made the mistake and how I could correct it. 30 minutes later, it was all done.</p><p>Finally, today I found out a lot of things weren't right with the swing bridge I built 2 years ago. A quick level check made it clear the vertical post holding the hinges wasn't vertical at all. It could have been a big task to correct it, but in fact, it was done in less than 20 minutes. Later on, I cut a hole for the track in the curved backdrop. As expected, even if I did measure it twice, I made a mistake.. no biggies, I corrected it and made a filler piece were I cut too much material. Once again, it was a matter of minutes.</p><p>I'm certainly not apologizing for poor craftsmanship. But at the end of the day, this is layout building and not layout agonizing. I know myself and in most of these cases, I would have hesitated for days before cutting anything, then after realizing I made a mistake, I would have gone back to over planning. These things would have consumed several days, if not an entire week. Now, let's do the math and you will see that making and correcting about 5 mistakes in the last week took about 5 hours at best and the project moved forward at an incredible pace. </p><p>It's always down to an effort/effect ratio. Committing to your actions will always be more proactive than curling up in a corner and overthinking what are at worse very basic carpentry issues that are better resolved with tools and some positive thinking.</p>Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-35677046582134983692023-12-31T17:41:00.001-05:002023-12-31T17:41:01.099-05:00Monk Subdivision - Moving Forward<p>As the year comes to a close, I take some time to reflect upon what as been accomplished over the last twelve months. In the case of the Murray Bay Subdivision, the layout progressed once again at a steady pace and has reached maturity. No need for words, since deeds and pictures do speak for themselves.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHeb8q62Jxfpt6v5cvmamyHt9baldwkuO0lHdBQJUF6JUMqn7vSgVhFuWk_1uCpEG5zAmMVGhDfjLcrFkY8FMiUsABNblnk7sM0WWzfteFroKYDAMatxDcZRn0_fgmLmFxwtJ2X_lx8cxcMclNHo5LgxTfFpo4BtLTB5yOZlEVAGSx6jkoMUl8aX9zmY/s1024/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHeb8q62Jxfpt6v5cvmamyHt9baldwkuO0lHdBQJUF6JUMqn7vSgVhFuWk_1uCpEG5zAmMVGhDfjLcrFkY8FMiUsABNblnk7sM0WWzfteFroKYDAMatxDcZRn0_fgmLmFxwtJ2X_lx8cxcMclNHo5LgxTfFpo4BtLTB5yOZlEVAGSx6jkoMUl8aX9zmY/w400-h300/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice and welcoming room</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I have also been able to complete a few personal projects such as Stanstead that can be considered as a forerunner for Monk Subdivision and a way to push my skills further. Speaking of skills, I also had the pleasure to see my article on extreme weathering that documents my custom CN snow plow be publish under the care of Scott Thorton who has been a joy to work with him. I think he has some other ideas in store for me and I may soon take up the challenge. Model railroading is indeed taking me where I would have never thought I would go... In a sense, I'm glad to have picked up that hobby when I was a kind.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwrPdVTWy3OPJp7upuaNNAS9Vvdu8TR6OiMHP1AeEzyifEPCaRbw6mX2It9gPR-0Hu6_JEqqhQ1iLCzN1RAamTH1MqsY16vikZibU9aCivK9CUX5FpNYZBvCFjqL6a0q1TTQBFZ-hSG2c5dkj84XV6z-CuYE0RRBg4O5YUBNgWtF_Dq8QFGLXwFqPbiU/s1024/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwrPdVTWy3OPJp7upuaNNAS9Vvdu8TR6OiMHP1AeEzyifEPCaRbw6mX2It9gPR-0Hu6_JEqqhQ1iLCzN1RAamTH1MqsY16vikZibU9aCivK9CUX5FpNYZBvCFjqL6a0q1TTQBFZ-hSG2c5dkj84XV6z-CuYE0RRBg4O5YUBNgWtF_Dq8QFGLXwFqPbiU/w400-h300/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building the benchwork piece by piece</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>That said, the big elephant in the room is indeed the Monk Subdivision. A lot (too much) have been said and written about this tentative layout, but little has been accomplished. The biggest hurdle has always been to deal with the stating yard. To move forward, I built a new 7-1/2 feet x 10 feet room in the basement just for that purpose and it explains why I was relatively quiet over the last week even if there was a lot I wanted to share. It was indeed a battle against myself, procrastination and relying too much on others to do the odd jobs I don't feel comfortable to tackle done by myself. We all know these feelings and sure, I can spend many hours fanning over some great layout build by master modellers but I won't reach that level if I don't put the effort in it. And thus, I cut Internet for a few days to make room for my hobby.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpXgQoxgBc2NjcAYSq7npyAGdKDVa0j_hLUrlM1ChNrU1A7IY1CF-aNy0GnwtiPGs3Xn8Zb7E8Y2z9yUII2c307H_98PIjDqEC5qNdsWgnafn03UluB6TjBlIaRMs9VDNXWI2TJ9WOAAlMRFLQQ4EtJLLZBu4sDcugbeiY0GQRoT0CjFn6flXL-6tvtI/s1024/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpXgQoxgBc2NjcAYSq7npyAGdKDVa0j_hLUrlM1ChNrU1A7IY1CF-aNy0GnwtiPGs3Xn8Zb7E8Y2z9yUII2c307H_98PIjDqEC5qNdsWgnafn03UluB6TjBlIaRMs9VDNXWI2TJ9WOAAlMRFLQQ4EtJLLZBu4sDcugbeiY0GQRoT0CjFn6flXL-6tvtI/w400-h300/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two holes leading toward a wonderful project...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>It started a few weeks ago when it became clear the new room was almost ready, i.e. plywood walls and drop ceiling. It didn't look pretty and felt oppressive. No surprise the architect in me decided to crank it up a few notches to make to make it a nice and comfortable space you want to be for long hours. Why? It had to be bright and cheerful. And also, it will probably be dual purpose to display and operate my small dioramas and modules.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibF6mzMVfl7NG6R_qRCM-aQ4n5lMb5Dl1FYskF5YKlxB5xC7wGGNVcNi5Xk9p4aIgJy65EynipsHt8_GGG5HPSNd8ctEdnshccF8jN5Tw-CAk_C7W0CseOENjYwdm1wrsuTuJniIFI9VN1VAI-la4jWVsZQFb82EqPVzmcgPvFFeyb3kMyaYodtZh3Rsg/s1024/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibF6mzMVfl7NG6R_qRCM-aQ4n5lMb5Dl1FYskF5YKlxB5xC7wGGNVcNi5Xk9p4aIgJy65EynipsHt8_GGG5HPSNd8ctEdnshccF8jN5Tw-CAk_C7W0CseOENjYwdm1wrsuTuJniIFI9VN1VAI-la4jWVsZQFb82EqPVzmcgPvFFeyb3kMyaYodtZh3Rsg/w400-h300/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This old Rapido Supercontinental coach is unforgiving!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Building the room took about 2 months and at the end of the day, I elected to wainscot the entire thing, add a few custom made mouldings and install a drop ceiling with powerful LEDs. Honestly, I'm not regretting a single minute my decision to go to such length with this lowly basement room. Because, indeed, I've been spending a full week now building the staging benchwork. Working in a nice environment made it much more interesting and felt less like a chore. I'm also starting to imagine how I will display models in the room and set the storage.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuO_Bo7HvRhyr0IuqQYToZmr7UFjoGB7U9nVZB2xK9B8gC5bSdHk2IPxqUNuF9uJrtIKRTjWegL5KTfp-JYIIEkAxamWPJmFloi6Fkxt_SCLiOc5NG2wECNpMpDrP75MG0g84-BY_YrQIp7HepDNkAVrVw_xqmzGVE6QiyK2VINzXsb-fNB-Cp8xlGUw8/s1024/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuO_Bo7HvRhyr0IuqQYToZmr7UFjoGB7U9nVZB2xK9B8gC5bSdHk2IPxqUNuF9uJrtIKRTjWegL5KTfp-JYIIEkAxamWPJmFloi6Fkxt_SCLiOc5NG2wECNpMpDrP75MG0g84-BY_YrQIp7HepDNkAVrVw_xqmzGVE6QiyK2VINzXsb-fNB-Cp8xlGUw8/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standardized curves mean standardized roadbed pieces</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The benchwork took about 2 days to complete and is made of 1" x 3" pine fastened with pocket screws. I was surprised how fast it went. The next morning, I found out that I made a 1/4" vertical alignment mistake with the main layout in the other room. Fortunately, due to my semi modular approach and use of screws, it only took 30 minutes to realign everything and I was back on schedule. I spent the next few days cutting plywoods, adding shelf brackets and cutting fiberboard. As I worked, I updated my XtrkCAD plan to improve track flow and remove short radius curves as much as was possible, setting a minimum radius not below 27-28".</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCs4G3gUfaJ_Ll7uzHui2KqpTcMoVr3arl_S00TzJ7Pl7oMJQ1F7NbTUvj9Qa2yU_Rs73Y-nrcodFMXqYy4vLZ1il1RIn4rAU7DBuYDurlNEXhBuqn5ZZfaTAdZCrY8-R3QTaHw-7JMULJwRqZh-3DJ9vD-AMtGV3bx4L-0thx6z0Tj1pbSzUf4X1ruc/s1024/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCs4G3gUfaJ_Ll7uzHui2KqpTcMoVr3arl_S00TzJ7Pl7oMJQ1F7NbTUvj9Qa2yU_Rs73Y-nrcodFMXqYy4vLZ1il1RIn4rAU7DBuYDurlNEXhBuqn5ZZfaTAdZCrY8-R3QTaHw-7JMULJwRqZh-3DJ9vD-AMtGV3bx4L-0thx6z0Tj1pbSzUf4X1ruc/w400-h300/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joffre yard is taking shape</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Laying track was also a straight forward process, even if I redid long sections to increase the radius. My biggest fear was using Walthers Code 83 curved turnouts with 24"/28" radii. I wish I could have used larger turnouts and if possible, Peco ones, but that was a compromise that needed to be done. Fortunately, even my largest 2-10-2 and 6-axles locomotives run fine on them and let me tell you I tested them at full speed and tender first! They aren't not as great as Peco, but they have solid rail points and decent quality inherited from Shinohara. I also tested them with Branchline heavyweight cars and first generation Rapido Supercontinental cars, both products known to have serious truck issues and they perform OK. Take into account they are really poor runners, so having them naviguate decently and without derailing through the curved turnouts put my mind at ease.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiee4euNBH__YbMATGj2Fpn1XRaTV96QtdlG_ta4dsf-jjvnkJTs5ODQApwkOshYSPexQuiW14KTN4_Ys2V2-4ck1H-KfQcbFoQ1M5GRcWOHU22FUgCL9GygeuwodhFpz8XID0Wm7suHNAAqBIF-jPe-wbNeDBILQfQ_x2lMGUgSPs8OvxWkpUpSGuFDE/s1024/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiee4euNBH__YbMATGj2Fpn1XRaTV96QtdlG_ta4dsf-jjvnkJTs5ODQApwkOshYSPexQuiW14KTN4_Ys2V2-4ck1H-KfQcbFoQ1M5GRcWOHU22FUgCL9GygeuwodhFpz8XID0Wm7suHNAAqBIF-jPe-wbNeDBILQfQ_x2lMGUgSPs8OvxWkpUpSGuFDE/w400-h300/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2-10-2 didn't mind the curved turnout!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>At the moment of writing these lines, Only 4 flextracks remain to be nailed down to complete the first staging yard that will represent CN Joffre in Charny. Louis-Marie has already started to develop a design to control and automate the yard with various electronic modules and detectors. Switch machines are in the mail and should arrive in early January. I can see a lot of experimentation waiting for us, but that's a meaningful challenge I looking forward to.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwecuA_qL_YjtcHctQejcnTvL8D8dw0xcDHc872F0jo6KBfuSbGaxpLR1BFgot0DvVPKjL1Rxx1xzYkUzPGioSEIt06mukPD1UIQBmbP2wvg9-kCut-an8NpGTsUZXM1nOtwVIKaViQsgoi-e-PjDOmAfuLlBcptpMm-Qd8oMVxnTnBb4E-jNzPr021L4/s1024/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwecuA_qL_YjtcHctQejcnTvL8D8dw0xcDHc872F0jo6KBfuSbGaxpLR1BFgot0DvVPKjL1Rxx1xzYkUzPGioSEIt06mukPD1UIQBmbP2wvg9-kCut-an8NpGTsUZXM1nOtwVIKaViQsgoi-e-PjDOmAfuLlBcptpMm-Qd8oMVxnTnBb4E-jNzPr021L4/w400-h300/10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This refurbished BLI SD40 is testing the yard throat once again...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Also, while thinking about it in the last few days, it has become clear that Mon Subdivision isn't a layout centered on operating a train, but rather about operating a small piece of railway. In some way, this is closer to the European way to do things. And can easily imagine someone in the staging room that acts as a dispatcher and send orders at the station in the main layout room. The person there doesn't "operate" trains, but manage the meets at the station, receiving order, controlling the turnouts and making sure that trains meet as they should and safely. In some way, this isn't surprising because my limited knowledge of Monk Subdivision is generally based on pictures showing train meets, dreadful accidents caused by mistakes in traffic control and the fact it was also a line that received a poorman's ABS signal system that made an impact on local railfans.</p><p><br /></p><p>I'm also convinced my concept of having only one town on the layout is worthy. I was recently visiting Yvan Déry and I was absolutely convinced that the less you have, the better you are. A single town is immersive and has less compromises, which creates a realistic setup. I remember starting a discussing about one-town layouts many years agon on MRH forums and which was revived and expanded upon by Jim Six. Jérôme who often speaks highly of La Mesa club layout in California had an influence on me because years ago, I watched a very long tour of their layout on YouTube. That feeling of running trains in the middle of nowhere made a big impression on me. We all wish we could have that space for our layout, but we forget that we can get a part of that action by simply modelling a slice of it. I've seen plenty of modellers doing that in recent years, which confirms me it is a viable option.</p><p><br /></p><p>With all that said and done, I wish you all a Happy New Year and hope that 2024 will be a year to nurture your skills and make that hobby a meaningful way to create and grow. The last few years have been quite hard for most people and we should be glad to participate in a constructive hobby that can soothe the mind and steer us away from idleness. This is indeed, a priceless gift!</p>Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-40843389123391217712023-12-21T22:06:00.000-05:002023-12-21T22:06:36.300-05:00Montreal & Southern Counties - A Small Railway to Model<p> In 2018, George Riley and Otto Vondrak published a series of 9 articles in Railroad Model Craftsman urging us to <a href="https://rrmodelcraftsman.com/consider-the-commuter-part-1/">Consider the Commuter</a>. This series made a great deal of effort to underline the attractiveness of commuter and interurban railways of all era as worthy modelling projects. They also made it clear they could take very little space while yielding a quite substantial amount of operation. I was quite enthralled by that series and read it quite often over the years, trying to apply it to Quebec Railway Light and Power Company. As expected, it failed because I'm too much aware of that prototype to have a healthy distance to make the required compromises.</p><p>However, I know Montreal & Southern Counties Railway only from a handful of attractive photographs and a general idea of the line on the map. I thus have that critical distance required to make required compromises and strive to nail down the spirit of that line.</p><p>Using a few pictures from the internet, I was able to piece together something that could make sense, would be rational and small enough to fit a standard bedroom (in this case, an upper level over Monk Subdivision staging).</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgulxkw-g3wB0dQkea3I9ad4SGjz6ZZ7XtB_3GYUmuks1FMQGkj7B2shhyMjbx2ePZvZORpIJba9ji2cjXTpRJuW_DOOF7ctaPOqtNKw5uyd5agY02HLHIMRq3fETOMeIwzMX54uLfOoO8VMbgIZjF4mmXADdl1JNAwR2nS5GVg2wGlm_gEaBLx_WFQSBE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="885" data-original-width="689" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgulxkw-g3wB0dQkea3I9ad4SGjz6ZZ7XtB_3GYUmuks1FMQGkj7B2shhyMjbx2ePZvZORpIJba9ji2cjXTpRJuW_DOOF7ctaPOqtNKw5uyd5agY02HLHIMRq3fETOMeIwzMX54uLfOoO8VMbgIZjF4mmXADdl1JNAwR2nS5GVg2wGlm_gEaBLx_WFQSBE=w312-h400" width="312" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An achievable M&SC layout in a 10' x 7'6" room</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>The main goal would be to run a commuter or a small freight train from the terminal in downtown Montreal to the other terminal in Granby (in this case, I've used Marieville as the defacto terminal because I find it more scenic). A small passing track is added between both location to create a meeting place, somewhere where trains stop to add spatial and time. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2EJDtGj1P3eO7GQ_9QDLrsiLfeJM8YDD2XqEo9BcQOUeRy4TckI_7Y8kMyysu8goMd650-gGkbX8CbZBFh4niZu_0IZTON5ZxJtlpVbErc8Y50MCCiLUvWeqk-QeGvL3QASPmt9T22lwyH_r2jBQ85-AYeUjkP2Kt9UroIJF1uhBDZ2hr4u6p1dmHM_c" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="760" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2EJDtGj1P3eO7GQ_9QDLrsiLfeJM8YDD2XqEo9BcQOUeRy4TckI_7Y8kMyysu8goMd650-gGkbX8CbZBFh4niZu_0IZTON5ZxJtlpVbErc8Y50MCCiLUvWeqk-QeGvL3QASPmt9T22lwyH_r2jBQ85-AYeUjkP2Kt9UroIJF1uhBDZ2hr4u6p1dmHM_c=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montreal terminal in 1954 (credit: trainweb.org)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />The first scene is Montreal in a very simplified manner. I only cared about providing the runaround track, a siding to park equipment and a small two track freight yard to do some train building on the layout. The station is based on the real M&SC terminal that still stand to this day and was an exquisite brick structure that can be built full scale. Surround industrial and commercial brick buildings add a sense of urbanity. The entire scene is thus framed by an interlocking tower and the terminal, making it a railway pocket in a dense urban setting that isn't that different from New York City ones.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwKsd3DOfVqWrXHPkAE_05g8eY8CxcrFUxxIh2U46LT3FAD3PVQcsP9H5r9LhTTMctLITqgCUEnPk_1ZZisxIuf1U1wPhjx7gyS35eXH489U8ys8RhgBB_yIyegoJwYisUR7ntu3r9dwKK41_WxEOgdy9-4ZLDS0Rvhx7CVY_TX-_DmGVh-N3iE8j5jg4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="800" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwKsd3DOfVqWrXHPkAE_05g8eY8CxcrFUxxIh2U46LT3FAD3PVQcsP9H5r9LhTTMctLITqgCUEnPk_1ZZisxIuf1U1wPhjx7gyS35eXH489U8ys8RhgBB_yIyegoJwYisUR7ntu3r9dwKK41_WxEOgdy9-4ZLDS0Rvhx7CVY_TX-_DmGVh-N3iE8j5jg4=w400-h223" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entire terminal circa 1948 (credit: Canadian Pacific Archives)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaWdB-hm6vxVtrUz5z-D1OGTIAOHq4K-gllkBwr4MYG1ojAw6fX8yeEkye239ijC74nSRt6lrcAciX6Oby5jakChlnDXV58ONRPVL0599QqQAyft68VK2hKqPqjYGIatDOY7UttpZW4Vzk0hfB1b0I3OQwrdimXC87R44bhPgKbyBTuuC-61v2etLog3o" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="500" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaWdB-hm6vxVtrUz5z-D1OGTIAOHq4K-gllkBwr4MYG1ojAw6fX8yeEkye239ijC74nSRt6lrcAciX6Oby5jakChlnDXV58ONRPVL0599QqQAyft68VK2hKqPqjYGIatDOY7UttpZW4Vzk0hfB1b0I3OQwrdimXC87R44bhPgKbyBTuuC-61v2etLog3o=w400-h330" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montreal McGill Terminal circa 1910 (credit: Library & Archives Canada)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p>Since Montreal is an island, I put the Richelieu river as a scenic divider between the metropolis and the so-called Southern Counties. People will say I'm completely mad to blend together the mighty St. Lawrence and the calm Richelieu, but I personally feel it's alright and the long Richelieu bridge had some real charm that set the place. In this case, since space is at a premium, the bridge would have about 5 short 50ft steel deck spans on a curved piece of track to give a sense of grandeur and distance. This is also the perfect place to railfan you trains.</p><p><br /></p><p>The next scene would be based on Ste-Angèle where a small flag stop/depot existed near a rural road and which was framed by two beautiful mansard roof houses, one which served as an inn and brought life to the area. I don't believe a passing track existed there, but I don't care at all since it's irrelevant to the layout's goals. These houses were framed by tall trees which help to divided the layout in different scenic units to make it look bigger. All structures would be kitbashed, but since there aren't a lot of them, it would be quite easy to achieve.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4cSuJzkiz642zAkf8wjCiOTr2AbnghaSl77idJOWcAyg1gicaffYipD5swzcLS9d4fGGxoqIPntV58m0STNBJNSByw4IBdhRp7Q8TJskOI8Kerq_FhgpjGG85R4JUMvIlIIhK1SvWedpT7J3sFBJ1TJkAPvFZVNxmrxbMVLZAVe6Dvrc6ghfevb5RtrI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img alt="" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="760" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4cSuJzkiz642zAkf8wjCiOTr2AbnghaSl77idJOWcAyg1gicaffYipD5swzcLS9d4fGGxoqIPntV58m0STNBJNSByw4IBdhRp7Q8TJskOI8Kerq_FhgpjGG85R4JUMvIlIIhK1SvWedpT7J3sFBJ1TJkAPvFZVNxmrxbMVLZAVe6Dvrc6ghfevb5RtrI=w400-h261" width="400" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Ste-Angèle in 1955 (credit: <i>Joseph Testagrose Collection</i></span><span style="background-color: white;">)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>We then enter a wide curve crossing vast fields typical of Southern Quebec. I would imagine a very far away horizon to give it great depth. Think about Tom Johnson's old Indiana Northern Railroad layout.</p><p><br /></p><p>After the rural scene, we enter "downtown" Marieville, a sweet little town sporting a neat and distinctive late 19th century two storey depot. It is indeed the main feature of that place, with the passing track/runaround a small team track serving the local industries such as a feed mill that can be modelled if one wishes it. The scene is very railroady with tracks, a long platform, a parking lot and some gravel patches around the team track. Main street runs behind the depot where neat wooden townhouses and small shops gives a sense of a thriving community sustained by the rails. Imagine also lush trees and overhead catenaries framing the scene and giving it personality. That's how I envision Marieville: simple, yet utterly relevant!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi30UC8ugLf89oSEV4QMBSINqXktn92XfUtALz2KCf30nJuj8Ln8HxDBH0jcAk8NeY8xSgwII5AIV6IIzemLY628rT8zYE44MfoH_2yeCkEusdS82IedgcVP-zYHeVy120x5fYKhf2kaijZHXS2aCGaG5aMjcluPe1uLs-nGAaiwPVwu5YUtJKTRngu54Q" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="760" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi30UC8ugLf89oSEV4QMBSINqXktn92XfUtALz2KCf30nJuj8Ln8HxDBH0jcAk8NeY8xSgwII5AIV6IIzemLY628rT8zYE44MfoH_2yeCkEusdS82IedgcVP-zYHeVy120x5fYKhf2kaijZHXS2aCGaG5aMjcluPe1uLs-nGAaiwPVwu5YUtJKTRngu54Q=w400-h296" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Marieville, QC in 955 (Credit: </span><i style="background-color: white;">Novak/Joseph Testagrose Collection</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Operation would be rather simple, implying small communter trains made of a diesel (probably a F-M H16-44 or a MLW RS-18 or even a RS-3) pulling a baggage/RPO car and a coach. Electric interurbans could also be featured, pulling a typical milk car or even Budd cars. The idea is to hint at changes, at mutations, at that very moment the traditional traction line becomes diesel, just before disappearing. A sort of swan song.</p><p>Small freight trains, made of 2 or 3 cars and a caboose, could be pulled by the same locomotives. They would perform simple yet immersive task at both terminals. Trust me, it may sound simple, but one can get very busy if working slowly and with a modicum of prototype practice. Also, if you want to run small steamers, be my guest!</p><p>Such is the M&SCR layout I propose, grounded and inspired both by Riley and Otto's articles and a handful of evocative pictures. This layout also shines because it is close and personal. Both terminals are located in alcoves for an immersive experience, you never see the entire layout from one point and each modelling subject is both mundane and yet a challenge. Certainly, if you recognize a bit of Trevor Marshall's Port Rowan in this layout, you won't be wrong!</p>Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-40971741727941437652023-12-12T22:33:00.003-05:002023-12-13T15:54:21.985-05:00Understanding Classic Boxcar Red Weathering<p>Over the last few years, I've been experimenting with boxcar red weathering. Understanding that ubiquitous railway color is central to most modellers' work and can be useful. When we think of adding weathering, the first step we learn is to add some grime and darken the model. While true, this is now the entire story and I've written quite extensively on that subject.</p><p><br /></p><p>In the last few months, I've been sampling colors from pictures and creating color swatches to get a better grasp of what colors I should use as base paints. Except if you model a car that has been freshly painted less than a year, you can be sure that your models will display some level of discoloration. Let's look at what a bunch of CNR boxcars shot in 1955 in Armstrong, ON can tell us. This picture was published in Robert Wanner's book "Across the Canadian Shield".</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjx3K3nfr9ExJQMlyay30d6Bk6N8A8EvR9gg84dIRYaOtbo8Ly9D1StMZu555TH0SiOTePGoXi0SkF6c8Epb5vJNhTjnKoBmfu9tXybk3Gx0lgMmk72zaDIhftRsfR-Stx3MoLKW9-drmuf1L_ybJiYR2fjSzsVbpVeVydtzlWhTr3JRwyaBaUzm9C_pzE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1694" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjx3K3nfr9ExJQMlyay30d6Bk6N8A8EvR9gg84dIRYaOtbo8Ly9D1StMZu555TH0SiOTePGoXi0SkF6c8Epb5vJNhTjnKoBmfu9tXybk3Gx0lgMmk72zaDIhftRsfR-Stx3MoLKW9-drmuf1L_ybJiYR2fjSzsVbpVeVydtzlWhTr3JRwyaBaUzm9C_pzE=w400-h190" width="400" /></a></div><br />In the picture, the steel boxcar is extremely weathered. While we can't figure out the roadnumber, this car is a 10'-0" high boxcar with a flat or Murphy raised panel roof. The paint scheme is barely visible and completely faded. There are no trace of green paint on the maple leaf, which indicates this is most likely a car that was painted before the white leaf paint scheme was discontinued in 1944. At the time of our picture, the car hasn't been repainted for at least 12 years. It must be noted that it was common for white paint to disappear on CN boxcars of the era while the green paint stuck for longer though it faded badly. This would be the equivalent of the ghost lettering on modern Railbox cars.<p></p><p>Let's look at the colors. On the roof, it is clear most paint has flaked from the galvanized steel panels. Paint back then didn't stick well to zinc applied on steel and would disappear almost completely after a decade. Note that the steel color isn't shiny, but rather a flat grey. Sometimes, you can perceive a few hints of blue depending on the galvanization. In this case, it is a very neutral gray.</p><p>The car sides are brown, but a rather freshly color. The red brown has turned into a warm and light leather color with some variations in darkness where grime accumulate. Miniature figure painters will recognize these dark flesh colors that are offered by paint manufacturers serving that hobby. Why bother starting with real red oxyde when you can just skip the fading process and paint with a faded color?</p><p>The very grimy parts near the door are interesting because it has a grey hue. It's kind of pinkish, but rather dark.</p><p>The ghost lettering is almost the same color as the car body, but a little bit lighter. To replicate such an effect, one could paint the model with the dark flesh color, apply and seal the decals, they airbrush a filter made of the same color to blend everything together. That would make for a very cool effect which I'm kind of interested to replicate.</p><p>Finally, the Fowler boxcar on the right is also very interesting. We find the same leather/dark flesh color on the sides, however, the roof is dirty pink with a lot of white in it. Was the roof repainted with a different red oxyde paint that weathers pink? Maybe... or the UV rays attack roof paint in a more violent way that car sides due to the angle of exposition. I would go with that later explanation since I've often observed on old pictures that roofs are often very pinkish compared to the sides.</p><p>With all that said and done, it's clear the debate on boxcar red is basically irrelevant if you base your work on the observable world around you. Look at leather and flesh colors and add them to your arsenal. They will be extremely useful to filter, modulate and fade your base colors... and may even replace them altogether!</p>Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-88674113587457872952023-11-30T19:00:00.002-05:002023-11-30T19:00:21.956-05:00Hindsight 20/20 Virtual RPM 16.0 on December 2nd<p>Once again, I'm pleased to announce my participation to Hindsight 20/20 Virtual RPM as an invited clinician. It's always an honor to answer to Hunter Hughson's call of duty and prepare some material to share with others.</p><p><br /></p><p>This time, instead of focusing on a specific modelling subject, I will present Hedley-Junction: Finding Yourself Through Modelling. We will visit a layout I've been building for over 17 years with two good friends and based on our shared memories of ex-CN Murray Bay Subdivision in Charlevoix, QC. It will focus mainly on the process and struggles that led to the current success after years of confusion and what can be achieved when you finally find your groove. Big dreams come in a variety of sizes and it's important to openly discover what fits yourself.</p><p>As always, registration is free on <a href="https://speedwitchmedia.com/product/hindsight-20-20-16-0-registration/?fbclid=IwAR0UbOpUM3mLNHsPlmIifiNrTtsVZlvGZbPdaunYOhSKzg8i51nhS5jETDg">Speedwitch Media's webpage</a> and a fine array of respected modellers will be sharing their research and recent work.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbk4sufERo8tkkhZYLWCufAqVvz1soMk64raN5tS-axvxzjQk2AiiwVM98CoumwLvJGrLl_RcbamOWcMcgHa9w4gUpYgxHuXl9NExFmyIxwbazsLM2q3-Q9iQB7nsU2XY3kjSF3D1ZCmp0MedlOYhGcapZmlw9yhSiXbis2OkXANPAvd-iW3_Ow_2VEQE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1978" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbk4sufERo8tkkhZYLWCufAqVvz1soMk64raN5tS-axvxzjQk2AiiwVM98CoumwLvJGrLl_RcbamOWcMcgHa9w4gUpYgxHuXl9NExFmyIxwbazsLM2q3-Q9iQB7nsU2XY3kjSF3D1ZCmp0MedlOYhGcapZmlw9yhSiXbis2OkXANPAvd-iW3_Ow_2VEQE=w309-h400" width="309" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-808068343238630922023-11-23T18:10:00.004-05:002023-11-23T18:10:42.443-05:00MLW RS18 Madness - Part 21 - The RSD-17 tale 3<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqEkbgZHSDtVx_3TofUTeiNatU5VnBwr8I3ICbkeVPtTCdySZ67AzIsmlGYJYrPV8qqUCYsv3NPtmA3tjDT73-nTH6ra1-dfGLja9nH7RYbd7pAdzpjenyQ73brZejErE-aQa39-LgpcEe2t3hO3Szcl5C-T0hP4MV-Wr3R2aD9TX8-JhxGQ1busLYPU/s2016/IMG_1087b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqEkbgZHSDtVx_3TofUTeiNatU5VnBwr8I3ICbkeVPtTCdySZ67AzIsmlGYJYrPV8qqUCYsv3NPtmA3tjDT73-nTH6ra1-dfGLja9nH7RYbd7pAdzpjenyQ73brZejErE-aQa39-LgpcEe2t3hO3Szcl5C-T0hP4MV-Wr3R2aD9TX8-JhxGQ1busLYPU/w400-h300/IMG_1087b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Work on the RSD-17 has progressed quite steadily with a good coat of paint and some decalling. I thought it would be more straightforward, but as with most projects, the issues always arised in the most unexpected way.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCL3EIi-NXd8cP0B4q45u5EvjGLCxJKTiir-exYCOgXNZaOVxXH-Hr8mTA6h7m7RyV0nZvxlwOvERJ9IEgbL_WX_kfWspKXsbCsU13g6BmswIofODC16ElP9Nm3TPvlTyaC62zHFoQAlab2C9bq9u3FdFjzQHIMH6yWjsBTy1S6LeL9Cojr1ok_3bEZFc/s1008/IMG_1073b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCL3EIi-NXd8cP0B4q45u5EvjGLCxJKTiir-exYCOgXNZaOVxXH-Hr8mTA6h7m7RyV0nZvxlwOvERJ9IEgbL_WX_kfWspKXsbCsU13g6BmswIofODC16ElP9Nm3TPvlTyaC62zHFoQAlab2C9bq9u3FdFjzQHIMH6yWjsBTy1S6LeL9Cojr1ok_3bEZFc/w400-h300/IMG_1073b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>When decalling, I started to apply the obvious and easy pieces, such as the CN name, the logo and lower flares on the hood ends. Things went pretty smoothly until it was time to apply the upper flares on top of the hoods. They are always tricky because they overlap with several details and have to wrap around curved shapes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkHx1Ae2aG2vYA8YiM9upUHYxn-8LTJPSERGtgFMCcfPkcFl3TBaBZcjg3OtWtwFxtNeTSeHXPTQXOLRCG75ZC3ZY3p952NT5VGfWdf4Ji1rfXVjVhfKN1vECTT7CxS7VwuMeexE6u8YGPIL9QXp-WFq5yWtxDGC2ISYThlYfnpNEuRBoRPisxof7uAo/s4032/IMG_1075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkHx1Ae2aG2vYA8YiM9upUHYxn-8LTJPSERGtgFMCcfPkcFl3TBaBZcjg3OtWtwFxtNeTSeHXPTQXOLRCG75ZC3ZY3p952NT5VGfWdf4Ji1rfXVjVhfKN1vECTT7CxS7VwuMeexE6u8YGPIL9QXp-WFq5yWtxDGC2ISYThlYfnpNEuRBoRPisxof7uAo/w400-h300/IMG_1075.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>To make my life easier and find a fool proof way to apply them, I made a template using tracing paper. Instead of decalling in one shot, I had this idea about cutting the motif in smaller parts that would be easier to set in place. I would say it was the good way to do it, but with some hindsight, I sure would cut them differently to ensure better results and a faster process.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7t2oOnx9d8vDWgJ-svkGNBz6OfJ0fguC1P1rYLGhOZYGNUGQPsv6FEd0MCIwcs0Y_JNSQyWtOnhWoavQPBGVElFqCJZBsZoG7Euayargj6SWwkWsIy5WLixWIlnnn_LJ45yfKvarxaX4diCBwXpqp7r7KNxjWSOgX8pOBi6IwhPY3iOhncNaWSu-7qe4/s1008/IMG_1077b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7t2oOnx9d8vDWgJ-svkGNBz6OfJ0fguC1P1rYLGhOZYGNUGQPsv6FEd0MCIwcs0Y_JNSQyWtOnhWoavQPBGVElFqCJZBsZoG7Euayargj6SWwkWsIy5WLixWIlnnn_LJ45yfKvarxaX4diCBwXpqp7r7KNxjWSOgX8pOBi6IwhPY3iOhncNaWSu-7qe4/w400-h300/IMG_1077b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>That said, the biggest surprise was to discover the upper flare overlapped on the CNR logo on the front end. At that specific spot, RS series MLW locomotive have a recessed brakewheel housing which require the logo to be located much higher than the other hood. Such an issue doesn't arise with EMD locomotives became the brake is located elsewhere. At first, I thought I made mistake but the more I looked at my sole CN RSD-17 picture in color, the more I discovered the flare on that end was different. The bottom part was flatter to accommodate the logo. I thought it was a specific thing to this particular locomotives, but when people on Facebook started to share pictures of RS-18s in the green paint scheme, it became evident that short hood flares had always been squished. It was both a fascinating discovery, but it also proved that once again you can't trust commercial decals completely. Not that I want to criticize the work behind these decals, but just to show you that when they write "please always refer to prototype picture", they do mean it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHjidG6w3Eo1N1xN0JQoR7M0rmIMuIU-kYuO6CiTZsh1IUB7-x4TNlkzqEZAkpEXYWVkZETkS4GVXQGYqMg6FKg2af_A7s24_Uez0lUqN2Hd5beJ7PJ8YLrsEshbmRP9DatfYMwSbZchqiBmFKvZx_KF8zm8KsNDCDuk7gok781-RDo3ekcKsK8HL_fc/s1008/IMG_1078b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHjidG6w3Eo1N1xN0JQoR7M0rmIMuIU-kYuO6CiTZsh1IUB7-x4TNlkzqEZAkpEXYWVkZETkS4GVXQGYqMg6FKg2af_A7s24_Uez0lUqN2Hd5beJ7PJ8YLrsEshbmRP9DatfYMwSbZchqiBmFKvZx_KF8zm8KsNDCDuk7gok781-RDo3ekcKsK8HL_fc/w400-h300/IMG_1078b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><p>Making a custom flare wasn't that hard and the end result was convincing! As from completing the flares, I pieces together as much decals as I could. However, the headlights and numberboards weren't covered by decals due to their intricate shapes. Also, some voids remained here and there. As was the case with the CV GP9 I did two years ago, I simply mixed some acrylic paint to match the color and painted over it. As a matter of fact, I made sure to apply a perfect coat of white paint in the spots to be painted. It was absolutely important that coat was even and perfectly white because yellow pigments are notoriously poor at coverage.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iAXHIhjyH3ktZljDu_ksOV9yG68EKs0SrU8rf5Y1tcSxkl1ssv0yunDzINHFZIucpUrfkusTCtswgLClxQLfA_WYcplXfJn4J5KphwwwoTm9wKQt8m7lcv7L1rpuCiQ4PPmMRJE3Jybu5lDZMGSfx-POthKc0oJ9gH3NipuwCriD6XjJzNwrxV8ntcA/s1836/IMG_1079b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="1836" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iAXHIhjyH3ktZljDu_ksOV9yG68EKs0SrU8rf5Y1tcSxkl1ssv0yunDzINHFZIucpUrfkusTCtswgLClxQLfA_WYcplXfJn4J5KphwwwoTm9wKQt8m7lcv7L1rpuCiQ4PPmMRJE3Jybu5lDZMGSfx-POthKc0oJ9gH3NipuwCriD6XjJzNwrxV8ntcA/w400-h244/IMG_1079b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Once done, we have an almost complete rendition of a CN RSD-17 which only existed for about 3 months in real life back in the late 1950s. It's always fascinating to resurrect things from the past that most living people have never seen. Also, when I started to paint the model, Chris Mears ask me how I thought the classic CNR paint scheme looked on a longer locomotive. At first, I was under the impression that it looked a little bit silly because there was much more green empty space around the yellow motifs. However, when it was almost completed, I changed my mind and must now admit it looks good on a big power locomotive... to the point I feel almost some regrets this locomotive didn't became famous later as a Canadian National icon instead of a CP one.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksLLwuUBKCS-BpVZQ7hRGbSfNDShLpul5FKrhAxr4Ot6-rqttIpNhBWS865k43vKzgr_UTNgcgt0P-wumL3Jc-u6OXnI7Fwd71ecaoY7ZH_DarTKUb6L_aOPN-mQOJ3I0XgLNHhtYnyYdd9k3_1bvBUZ3Jxh5ypeJaz5mO6PtM9Db2jmYrfdij-vtLi0/s2016/IMG_1086b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksLLwuUBKCS-BpVZQ7hRGbSfNDShLpul5FKrhAxr4Ot6-rqttIpNhBWS865k43vKzgr_UTNgcgt0P-wumL3Jc-u6OXnI7Fwd71ecaoY7ZH_DarTKUb6L_aOPN-mQOJ3I0XgLNHhtYnyYdd9k3_1bvBUZ3Jxh5ypeJaz5mO6PtM9Db2jmYrfdij-vtLi0/w400-h300/IMG_1086b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-74747680358363133482023-11-19T13:39:00.071-05:002023-11-19T13:39:00.138-05:00Village Montmorency – Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKr4fOzfXFOLsBvu4xn0ks-BS0dBEDfaS4MJFdZ4lXJYkgu-Uc9__2Wr0idOuqSOQFujJC7ECuGhqK01UxCnV5yOtFXSxYZpym_zSUQou5k2BSe7s65IrK9Tju7mrthCYFqZeR4dWuI3d-juCY_oFTjgWcRw9abkqr6x9-aTXSwysqJGSny0uom7fmZxk/s1008/IMG_0723b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKr4fOzfXFOLsBvu4xn0ks-BS0dBEDfaS4MJFdZ4lXJYkgu-Uc9__2Wr0idOuqSOQFujJC7ECuGhqK01UxCnV5yOtFXSxYZpym_zSUQou5k2BSe7s65IrK9Tju7mrthCYFqZeR4dWuI3d-juCY_oFTjgWcRw9abkqr6x9-aTXSwysqJGSny0uom7fmZxk/w400-h300/IMG_0723b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Work on Village Montmorency is progressing at a tremendous pace. No time is lost and this is a matter of achieving a good balance between efforts and results.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8pJrQcbgF9zFQ6pFBwUeJh6LzswxNQXLu_ebwk2VKemsX_0My19c_bkoWn4jjMBohvi7RJiG_c7Td2tOik5fdAy1pIAvs2isCa2PZMqpITESxXihoUlyYFcXUQ67A-oK8ozl-XBcAo-Jj8fAMk9WJr0IXYmyHT9xlagkJKQhJ8G5ICFyeKgAGRRZyQM/s1008/IMG_0719b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8pJrQcbgF9zFQ6pFBwUeJh6LzswxNQXLu_ebwk2VKemsX_0My19c_bkoWn4jjMBohvi7RJiG_c7Td2tOik5fdAy1pIAvs2isCa2PZMqpITESxXihoUlyYFcXUQ67A-oK8ozl-XBcAo-Jj8fAMk9WJr0IXYmyHT9xlagkJKQhJ8G5ICFyeKgAGRRZyQM/w400-h300/IMG_0719b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The missing curbs and garage entrances were added and a good coat of Krylon camouflage beige and grey primer was applied. The bluish hue on the road and the camouflage one on the concrete elements. I didn't mask anything so colors would mix and feather together.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf357xYjP9PMSTZULKAr3GBWeYoWE4VDm4z-FoHkoG5e4itlyDdSKYv9B6M1HBv1xxcPy77b9_y31CNaqf4k4YOpn0epgq4i7ZJ56AyAg-zzvGSjq0NZgi4E2TOgztMqj8JLjnQbCQ3wNiw3I4zJBlMjychMXLCGHXZ7LUatPzM45UOQYyoP3LFNYvUOE/s1008/IMG_0720b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf357xYjP9PMSTZULKAr3GBWeYoWE4VDm4z-FoHkoG5e4itlyDdSKYv9B6M1HBv1xxcPy77b9_y31CNaqf4k4YOpn0epgq4i7ZJ56AyAg-zzvGSjq0NZgi4E2TOgztMqj8JLjnQbCQ3wNiw3I4zJBlMjychMXLCGHXZ7LUatPzM45UOQYyoP3LFNYvUOE/w400-h300/IMG_0720b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Since I had applied some spackle before painting the fiberboard, it created all kind of random patterns in the paint. If it was a main road leading to the foreground, it would look horrible, but for a backstreet that will be hardly visible and weathered later with powders, this is in fact a fast and interesting way to add visual variation and texture to what could have been a solid grey slab.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0YlqgDaKN6mbfeC3JkTEI-qKrfBKH_3nCkKfSsusIlgWCRMCHkyo8qvmo4Vq8PqKaP1waJkbf3oa5YJ07DjKWMVI1Xuy-MD3ac-7pyFO6HlNo822zIqnKNfO08d39AaW91hAw-xQiD5ZqHRFCiLhq1jyklOi47DzkwQ3dACVaFF1qXjAZDW3SFKcIq8/s1008/IMG_0721b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0YlqgDaKN6mbfeC3JkTEI-qKrfBKH_3nCkKfSsusIlgWCRMCHkyo8qvmo4Vq8PqKaP1waJkbf3oa5YJ07DjKWMVI1Xuy-MD3ac-7pyFO6HlNo822zIqnKNfO08d39AaW91hAw-xQiD5ZqHRFCiLhq1jyklOi47DzkwQ3dACVaFF1qXjAZDW3SFKcIq8/w400-h300/IMG_0721b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>After everything dried, I then started to apply grass. Structure footprints were drawn with a pencil and white glue was added to a single plot of land at a time. Why? Because lawns are generally different from house to house depending on their age and the care the received from their owners. I felt it would be easier to replicate that by adding grass one property at a time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhIIQn1XfM7gRh6EKPiNIiqRo5wMEeba6Gsbk2_NOdnBL4Akvq_Ge7pKHeBaAozvrsNKXaXJtfoWMb5aLm91Z2Zya3vQd7hKHKYKxwml5fp2oCHTs7jJZ9y4aeOByR3eVblDDQ9P9-rInOx5V6kKRrTMMyeURrJZYQaphTZBeHmir2-AEMfU6lZ-VNmg/s1008/IMG_0722b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhIIQn1XfM7gRh6EKPiNIiqRo5wMEeba6Gsbk2_NOdnBL4Akvq_Ge7pKHeBaAozvrsNKXaXJtfoWMb5aLm91Z2Zya3vQd7hKHKYKxwml5fp2oCHTs7jJZ9y4aeOByR3eVblDDQ9P9-rInOx5V6kKRrTMMyeURrJZYQaphTZBeHmir2-AEMfU6lZ-VNmg/w400-h300/IMG_0722b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>That said, after careful examination of real lawns, I found out the main grass color is always the same. For this reason, I made sure to always use Noch 8300 Spring Meadow grass as the basic color, adding more dull or straw colored grass when I wanted to model a less pristine lawn. Some got large patches of dead grass while one lot got a very well maintained lawn.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36GO1XuxyZtJMBO_9Itjw5IyIlyTvhkWWX9mCQ8iz9aqaZB1ZT7q_gIqE_zXH684c4tsaDsMtDaG0WtNWZC5uMUZQ9nunMnx4zIq5SxDOIAlXD9eoQ7u9VRVh7VpWVcLYb4g6kAp92GsmcsGvyHtr65TUqwi-xzfvMTeGhKd7h8fWipFTx6IBBY4gYyA/s1024/IMG_0727b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1024" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36GO1XuxyZtJMBO_9Itjw5IyIlyTvhkWWX9mCQ8iz9aqaZB1ZT7q_gIqE_zXH684c4tsaDsMtDaG0WtNWZC5uMUZQ9nunMnx4zIq5SxDOIAlXD9eoQ7u9VRVh7VpWVcLYb4g6kAp92GsmcsGvyHtr65TUqwi-xzfvMTeGhKd7h8fWipFTx6IBBY4gYyA/w400-h238/IMG_0727b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Meanwhile, I also completed the grass missing in the open field and defined the new gravel road linking it to d'Estimauville.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCN20HqgJJcZuVv2C6FDqeqU2QKjX28Oz77qtagEgX8GZ20_XbiKqdmC85RVZ50FY0o94jOqFtfiVzhKHWeKu2gAA88JMaBUokw3Hie_NXgS5gM4LjhXAnY8HfXCLiKXXZu1viGPkz-EXTehDi0iQyLu-p5HYlx7GTb4vguSNZO8KzZ6hpjEqgrSApH24/s1008/IMG_0728b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCN20HqgJJcZuVv2C6FDqeqU2QKjX28Oz77qtagEgX8GZ20_XbiKqdmC85RVZ50FY0o94jOqFtfiVzhKHWeKu2gAA88JMaBUokw3Hie_NXgS5gM4LjhXAnY8HfXCLiKXXZu1viGPkz-EXTehDi0iQyLu-p5HYlx7GTb4vguSNZO8KzZ6hpjEqgrSApH24/w400-h300/IMG_0728b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>For the sake of visualizing the overall results, I reinstalled the structures and placed the board on the layout again to see if it met my expectation and sure it did! What a lovely thing to see another big chunk of the layout taking shape in front of our eyes.</p>Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-90646264132802123292023-11-17T08:05:00.003-05:002023-11-17T08:05:31.546-05:00MLW RS18 Madness - Part 21 - The RSD-17 tale 2<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iEtFeoLLm0q-g9l8JreD13JsILnykk-rHY23qaO-WcYXQxKs3GffjgZiLkyNBjxpUbGP-tpx1K2tJXfvnPWhiFb2znUSbTfV3bpi9umkD1YNqcGfkXKLyGUfrgNxn1pgtXldyWLRnRdMD5dDuhnwXSfe3fHYrbZw-uGJAuNlqe6n65KJ1vkaxTj6RoM/s960/Green%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iEtFeoLLm0q-g9l8JreD13JsILnykk-rHY23qaO-WcYXQxKs3GffjgZiLkyNBjxpUbGP-tpx1K2tJXfvnPWhiFb2znUSbTfV3bpi9umkD1YNqcGfkXKLyGUfrgNxn1pgtXldyWLRnRdMD5dDuhnwXSfe3fHYrbZw-uGJAuNlqe6n65KJ1vkaxTj6RoM/w400-h225/Green%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The painted RSD-17... not bad considering the ruined shell</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Moving along with the project, it was time to apply a generous coat of Mahogany Mr. Hobby Surfacer Primer, which is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. When thinned with Mr. Hobby Levelling Thinner, it creates a nice smooth finish. It was a crucial step because it would help to notice small surface defects that could be still visible on the shell and sure there was a ton of them.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRlF08Kdbg6b9pDo-UsvLuSzrE8rElTePLFDDtdTQy7JaJ25wJ8Cmj0jOTr6W6qb6CQh4SREF4j32hiLpYHKp8ZffT0eyEoyATN9RIbPCGP7HhqqEDq0Y8xU0xiYXQkbd11OVLAKDPo7RYnIZ2bGGkUNx9Q3pChmCd-RLpaDAcre1OkCGUOF6J6MopmI/s1427/Green%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1427" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRlF08Kdbg6b9pDo-UsvLuSzrE8rElTePLFDDtdTQy7JaJ25wJ8Cmj0jOTr6W6qb6CQh4SREF4j32hiLpYHKp8ZffT0eyEoyATN9RIbPCGP7HhqqEDq0Y8xU0xiYXQkbd11OVLAKDPo7RYnIZ2bGGkUNx9Q3pChmCd-RLpaDAcre1OkCGUOF6J6MopmI/w400-h225/Green%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applying decals to Tru-Color paint is a breeze</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Using small fine sandpaper scraps, I endeavored to smooth the rough surfaces, mainly on doors and the cab roof. A second coat of Surfacer was applied and where I spotted obvious rough surfaces again, I polished them with a very fine sand paper. I knew they wouldn't never be perfect, but the goal was to make sure they would be smooth enough for decalling.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWIqPbeVXens3Bw0zbTX8NY9KPgA8lK_twzNLaYAfjkqjD2ppscHib9rmlhasb5JXU4uWyW7U34oF_2cJRc7F1y4vADZ5V151-E4Lngatgzscyp7_OOSaD5BBVwpKjI19KeR1QpBuLkMR7Mg9r4OebwFIHrRE-zwalmU65moe6d1qFw9RbfyFfr2wtrc/s1024/Green%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWIqPbeVXens3Bw0zbTX8NY9KPgA8lK_twzNLaYAfjkqjD2ppscHib9rmlhasb5JXU4uWyW7U34oF_2cJRc7F1y4vADZ5V151-E4Lngatgzscyp7_OOSaD5BBVwpKjI19KeR1QpBuLkMR7Mg9r4OebwFIHrRE-zwalmU65moe6d1qFw9RbfyFfr2wtrc/w400-h300/Green%203.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The doors rough surface is visible in this glancing shot</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>For painting, I used Tru-Color paints. There CN Green is nice and gives a very nice thin yet glossy surface. I've read a lot of nasty comments online avec this line of paint. People complain it doesn't airbrush well and it's clear they get the paint-thinner ratio wrong. Honestly, this paint is a pure joy to use. It sprays well and self level nicely, the paint layer is very thin which doesn't obscure details or affect interlocking parts and it dries fast... very fast. The magic behind that paint is that it uses opaque printing inks. They cover well and fast. The curing time is so fast you can litteraly paint and mask several layers in one afternoon.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFs15NPJgETZBj62M-KcczZyEUqGw1YxKLV8AD3-vBIEV4mETVCmXXMpUzbTymJ07C3GTkOUDuqqOJCl7kTxVM2kNFWuaXk7WztDOUT9idRjXACqtGRPYn1k-18fWVx7hpUGu2ypfCQZ9jGcD-rqz-EafmhyphenhyphenJsIImrPcFYcUDL0Q3bG1SWP6xicPLeDy4/s1024/Green%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFs15NPJgETZBj62M-KcczZyEUqGw1YxKLV8AD3-vBIEV4mETVCmXXMpUzbTymJ07C3GTkOUDuqqOJCl7kTxVM2kNFWuaXk7WztDOUT9idRjXACqtGRPYn1k-18fWVx7hpUGu2ypfCQZ9jGcD-rqz-EafmhyphenhyphenJsIImrPcFYcUDL0Q3bG1SWP6xicPLeDy4/w400-h300/Green%204.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's taking shape!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Just to give you an idea, the shell was painted green at 13:00 yesterday, masked and painted black by 14:30 and decalling started by 16:30. This is an incredibly fast schedule which is a sizable gain of hobby time. Sure, I would use that paint for mixing custom colors or dealing with weathering. But as a based coat, it's hard to beat.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6s6iNXTPbDlEgb_h5TaKfb9Jum2Zh3-y9eR0oJ0hfiyzJSGBXIuUPJViBFFXp-hVk98Ze4kk080QB06h1-3I-DQCGl2O07dUPk94_iN8s_bSUIbHx9PHRh9ph6zHm4HXVMH0XSDavrMcoUlHz1snvpTBRXQovvRgkcDOP7QiB2OE2nW2lgSE11N5U9A/s1024/Green%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="1024" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6s6iNXTPbDlEgb_h5TaKfb9Jum2Zh3-y9eR0oJ0hfiyzJSGBXIuUPJViBFFXp-hVk98Ze4kk080QB06h1-3I-DQCGl2O07dUPk94_iN8s_bSUIbHx9PHRh9ph6zHm4HXVMH0XSDavrMcoUlHz1snvpTBRXQovvRgkcDOP7QiB2OE2nW2lgSE11N5U9A/w400-h283/Green%205.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding the hood yellow "flames" will be a challenge!</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"></p>Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-22257905375912247952023-11-11T15:01:00.004-05:002023-11-11T15:01:19.940-05:00MLW RS18 Madness - Part 21 - The RSD-17 tale<p>RS-18 kitbashing projects - like James Bond - never really die. Rapido may have made the RS-18 classic Canadian modelling tradition dead, there is still some room for the lovely MLW RSD-17. This locomotive was MLW version of the Alco RSD-15 which wasn't that much popular but kind of acquired some fame on the Pennsylvania Railroad. While RSD-17 sales never materialized, a demonstrator unit was built in May 1957 and went on a one year trial one over several Canadian railways including Canadian Pacific as #7007, Canadian National as #3899 and PGE as #624. At the end of this demonstration, the unit went back to MLW shops were is sat idle for a while as evidence of its failure as a viable commercial product. It was no fault of the locomotive itself, but it wasn't suited to the customers need. One day, when CP was making an order at MLW, the lone RSD-17 was thrown into the deal and CP got it for a song. It would work mainly in Ontario and got famous later as the Empress of Agincourt. When one truck failed during the early 1990s and couldn't be repaired, the elegant locomotive went into preservation. It may have been a commercial failure, but it certainly got famous and memorable later in life.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhV8UF5Xn2hySvHSm3ffYPSXGgdw8CZ6j00XImL-4JJiX8JoCFnKmrSsVsZmaywS6M8p4mIBaLZO2kfzibxeHChvYHFaVgJv0Sf7lfVaiJHDZcB8tWZwxOKuUg3Z8kDHrm1qeqbCYXROUsuoY1bUyiqF6kmD5YQZ2sVsM0P_ywvX9iwXb2ftJfyHVqzzRo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="760" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhV8UF5Xn2hySvHSm3ffYPSXGgdw8CZ6j00XImL-4JJiX8JoCFnKmrSsVsZmaywS6M8p4mIBaLZO2kfzibxeHChvYHFaVgJv0Sf7lfVaiJHDZcB8tWZwxOKuUg3Z8kDHrm1qeqbCYXROUsuoY1bUyiqF6kmD5YQZ2sVsM0P_ywvX9iwXb2ftJfyHVqzzRo=w400-h264" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RSD-17 CN 3899 in René, QC back in 1957 (credit: Larry Russell)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>My interest in this project started when I saw a color picture of RSD-17 moving a long freight train over the National Transcontinental (NTR) La Tuque Subdivision near René, QC. In my eyes, the Empress had always been an Ontarian thing and now, I had proof it performed its duty in Québec. The same happened when it ran over the CP as a few pictures can testify. Thus, the venerable locomotive became much closer to my heart and to what I'm currently modelling: the NTR.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFd0DTAuyodMHbe76jvMBQBaTEjT4ipoNVWO2M9DZfIYXVC9L199tN5C7h2cVF5N4M2Oyot-6JwLLw1GqH3L_-EKerITJxfr4nG0xx3prqSJ5MkvMlaCRJGOvIE-RJlkR-Edfv2Y5FSrmldnr-3p9bMYPQB7psOxtGM3ZnL1x7gNao4FTWr16WPPTWUE/s1024/386442213_987234119017835_1742769305940026194_nb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="1024" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFd0DTAuyodMHbe76jvMBQBaTEjT4ipoNVWO2M9DZfIYXVC9L199tN5C7h2cVF5N4M2Oyot-6JwLLw1GqH3L_-EKerITJxfr4nG0xx3prqSJ5MkvMlaCRJGOvIE-RJlkR-Edfv2Y5FSrmldnr-3p9bMYPQB7psOxtGM3ZnL1x7gNao4FTWr16WPPTWUE/w400-h205/386442213_987234119017835_1742769305940026194_nb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>For this reason, a few months ago, I acquired a used and slightly damaged BLI RSD-15 with the goal of converting it into CN #3899 and equipping it with a nice LokSound 5 decoder. A few days ago, I started the conversion project by trying to stripe the paint with SuperClean. It did absolutely nothing and I had to resort to something else. I did remember that BLI shells were notoriously hard to stripe and plastic could warp. I was about to do an internet search when I simply decided to dunk it into 91% isopropyl alcohol. It would be alright isn't it?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87NpPQut2WBgJgT7OQJJLKePlkfjosObNSYdGbeWdt0MpVElj_lBGTPsZYu1DQ7XidpjZ9tFdptLKLxBQhoEfBcR3tBj7cxcA_MuewiugsipyY8uk2ZcfiPpNOf5vVelp8lKsvMjHpW0aT-MeYasq56uy2wdf0VlxOc5WhdyeOwUboVF6SjNmLWRXZFQ/s1024/371059267_284381771255740_1229154654181009960_nb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87NpPQut2WBgJgT7OQJJLKePlkfjosObNSYdGbeWdt0MpVElj_lBGTPsZYu1DQ7XidpjZ9tFdptLKLxBQhoEfBcR3tBj7cxcA_MuewiugsipyY8uk2ZcfiPpNOf5vVelp8lKsvMjHpW0aT-MeYasq56uy2wdf0VlxOc5WhdyeOwUboVF6SjNmLWRXZFQ/w400-h300/371059267_284381771255740_1229154654181009960_nb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Move forward the next morning and the paint was still adhering on most parts except the cab. As always a good help from the ultrasonic cleaner would make it easier... Meanwhile I observed the cab and remarked the surface was rough and there was some creases forming on the plastic. I was a little bit worried, but not too much. After a few hours, it was time to finish cleaning the body shell and I was out for some nasty surprises. The shell was basically ruined. The surface was rough and several details like door edges were damaged. Cracks appeared here and there. It was time to do the long due internet search and discover I should have never used alcohol on a RSD-15 shell. Oh well... too late for regrets. I contacted BLI for a spare shell which they had in stock for US$95 including shipping. That's about CAD$140 plus customs which is quite costly. That said, the shell BLI sells is complete, including all the details, running boards and handrails. I think its a fair price by current standards, but I wanted to see if I could restore my shell with some care.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3VDAOuj6JHo16T_szrJTtIM3fPztk8nBQeeuQvHC4uJAn3eFxeNh1PKrE5MtUeirA4RDJWRFriQMud5rQshWnFI43CBHpT-_bUVynEbTetv4cG32-tCpIG5bERmpdz6dqMCGOy5F0W5lONraWsdNteB6Ty-mWEBXTd5adUoQ3kuJWpTEepc3MSI5cwM/s1024/385559080_24438034572477256_3720566095939202480_nb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3VDAOuj6JHo16T_szrJTtIM3fPztk8nBQeeuQvHC4uJAn3eFxeNh1PKrE5MtUeirA4RDJWRFriQMud5rQshWnFI43CBHpT-_bUVynEbTetv4cG32-tCpIG5bERmpdz6dqMCGOy5F0W5lONraWsdNteB6Ty-mWEBXTd5adUoQ3kuJWpTEepc3MSI5cwM/w400-h300/385559080_24438034572477256_3720566095939202480_nb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I tried a few techniques on various small spots and concluded the most efficient method was to burnish the surface with a dull round hobby knife blade. It closed the porous surfaces and generally helped to straighten the edge deformations. In more severe cases, glazing putty came to my rescue and I also resorted to sand the surface with 600 grit paper. Everything was then polished with 1200 grit sandpaper. At the end of the day, the shell wasn't perfect, but certainly serviceable enough to warrant some detailing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9bYyb4wz49WZ3zSdXldD861RbSMMpVjSidMml_NTxm4g93XEWZutArNBe55B6eTwziUUmrFAEtyzICnZ4d1uBlq4g5icIDaGc2JOFkivHncO0M0Bd-PCGzXva9fVHccIvC9Hbgx05RzmfxwY94om4_7qhBMWpyI7aZwnKk5oq-unC6P8G8QwJmJ0jto/s1024/370199653_309014378587528_8524241653394458716_nb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9bYyb4wz49WZ3zSdXldD861RbSMMpVjSidMml_NTxm4g93XEWZutArNBe55B6eTwziUUmrFAEtyzICnZ4d1uBlq4g5icIDaGc2JOFkivHncO0M0Bd-PCGzXva9fVHccIvC9Hbgx05RzmfxwY94om4_7qhBMWpyI7aZwnKk5oq-unC6P8G8QwJmJ0jto/w400-h300/370199653_309014378587528_8524241653394458716_nb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Detailing was fast and straightforward. Adter building so many RS-18s out of RS-11s, it's now ingrained in my muscle memory. Hood notches were filled with styrene and I started to add grabirons, horns, carve a brake wheel housing and craft sand hatches. I reckon some doors weren't exactly on the same spot on RSD-17 than RSD-15, but I came to the conclusion it was good enough to leave them were they are. Also, pictures from the Empress and brass models are full of contradictions about these doors, so I'm not concerned that much about it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6w24H9uyvZNjl6DFKtA9FJy9BGKU4V6DEjVqqovT8Hb7XXuGZ78JpxvXcpYZXqvmq_sLDCANSghkTDwKLcLzgTBmMtlKTDGjovKsA-iqqeyNdDhZVhi3kvzKu2dlfhL6CWsVKFcEZzoyNUsAIBL6LYsWcKZmF4QjSTrglv128qw63Wt7ZiI3yUB9DUPU/s1694/368726225_1365809851481328_8286190473458890524_nb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1694" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6w24H9uyvZNjl6DFKtA9FJy9BGKU4V6DEjVqqovT8Hb7XXuGZ78JpxvXcpYZXqvmq_sLDCANSghkTDwKLcLzgTBmMtlKTDGjovKsA-iqqeyNdDhZVhi3kvzKu2dlfhL6CWsVKFcEZzoyNUsAIBL6LYsWcKZmF4QjSTrglv128qw63Wt7ZiI3yUB9DUPU/w400-h246/368726225_1365809851481328_8286190473458890524_nb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Now the model is almost ready for primer. I expect this will show more surface defects to address, but it shouldn't be that hard. I'm surprised how the project went considering the horrible mistakes made at first. But here we are and the madness continue!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0w957osGAMz_4LLIy7ihIeyxw1sZhUvPHEB_ZHOf00m3oEEBarOsclxT5UueuU69NKViPEZz7D-6NtAZwpm7Y2GbYs6_btgtC4EQz2U5-Yt1gI6OTOKQm4W3If5u1DANj6OJXMd0SCJF7kSkj5NP73dXe2jdZ5fTR1CwF5JcRw1sk9J3MYg1sLtRD_R4/s1024/385533381_1468830817026417_6077230407906846637_nb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0w957osGAMz_4LLIy7ihIeyxw1sZhUvPHEB_ZHOf00m3oEEBarOsclxT5UueuU69NKViPEZz7D-6NtAZwpm7Y2GbYs6_btgtC4EQz2U5-Yt1gI6OTOKQm4W3If5u1DANj6OJXMd0SCJF7kSkj5NP73dXe2jdZ5fTR1CwF5JcRw1sk9J3MYg1sLtRD_R4/w400-h300/385533381_1468830817026417_6077230407906846637_nb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-91903971814655044952023-11-06T11:01:00.004-05:002023-11-06T11:01:41.900-05:00Village Montmorency – Part 1<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">When I
wrote the last article about grass, I couldn’t predict it would be once again true.
Since Louis-Marie wasn’t there to assemble the cement plant, scenery was once
again my main concern and I turned my attention to Village Montmorency, that
small neighborhood nestled between D’Estimauville Car Shop and the plant. The apartment
buildings there have been kitbashed years ago, but I never completed the any
work on them nor their surroundings. Now, things can change.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhR8CzD7mxU3msD1MG0ZauVC_objNRptN-dzcloNRzNXHocJouxRsycFr9YDyPDdfNujPuXu_urouQyiWq_80V2kH8oua6UoWUNpmjaAO1AG9cH6W1A75AuFCKFlc74aUEufdy78KCxQqBMhlPPDOijRKWpn6p-nvsMxP7hHkMHUMmoPGhzMbg8C2h6x18" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhR8CzD7mxU3msD1MG0ZauVC_objNRptN-dzcloNRzNXHocJouxRsycFr9YDyPDdfNujPuXu_urouQyiWq_80V2kH8oua6UoWUNpmjaAO1AG9cH6W1A75AuFCKFlc74aUEufdy78KCxQqBMhlPPDOijRKWpn6p-nvsMxP7hHkMHUMmoPGhzMbg8C2h6x18=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cardboard sidewalks are always fun to build</td></tr></tbody></table><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">The big positive
thing to talk about this scene is the fact the fiberboard base is movable. We
designed it that way back in the days knowing that applying scenery in such a hard-to-reach
corner of the room would be a real nightmare. As a module, it’s much easier to
apply scenery, build roads and fences directly on the workbench while sitting.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvdhlT_HuNNBGZ206xiw4FZ7mtbchIIEQeRux_Mu3oiJeIfXewGRObRiBBZKSwCIbwAIaWWOebPaozHZ59w2DBYuOC3C42FaT4aAruuVIXmN6b3qKUS-hMJxb7STkAXrKYPtjcmR2H6-WXhSsz3mreWHioD3Tkk4Xn9aINecuqnYjSToOD8dwfM05NMh4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvdhlT_HuNNBGZ206xiw4FZ7mtbchIIEQeRux_Mu3oiJeIfXewGRObRiBBZKSwCIbwAIaWWOebPaozHZ59w2DBYuOC3C42FaT4aAruuVIXmN6b3qKUS-hMJxb7STkAXrKYPtjcmR2H6-WXhSsz3mreWHioD3Tkk4Xn9aINecuqnYjSToOD8dwfM05NMh4=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A light coat of spackle to smooth the road surface</td></tr></tbody></table><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">While our
work session was quite short due to visitors, I was able to model sidewalks,
cutters and apply a light coat of spackle on the asphalt road. I still have a few
ground details to add such as garage entrances and parking lots, but it was so
fast to create scenery in such a way that I will probably reuse that module
approach with Monk Subdivision. Chris Mears has been exploring that for a while
with his The Shove module and it seems to be indeed a very practical way to
approach scenery, particularly on cramp areas or when you try to mock up scenic
elements you aren’t 100% sure. Anyway, I’m quite excited at the idea of
modelling Montmorency Village and hope to see it come to fruition during the
next few months. Also, since most details are hard to see from normal viewing
angles, I’m thinking about using some modelling shortcuts to make it faster.
Once again, textures and colors will be the most important aspect of it. Don’t expect
manholes or small details like that. It will be a more impressionistic work…</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-64725299930825058152023-11-03T20:37:00.002-04:002023-11-03T20:37:26.236-04:00If In Doubt... Apply Grass<p>I often find myself at the layout wondering about what I should do... When I hit the proverbial creative block, I look around me at some random piece of land still covered in fiberboard and bring some scenic material nearby...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIznQ1guHey5O7w2rjVu-qqlxPqOdPcCFrykc4EnkoEoz44mjqRTWD4uted7PRaxoB6VoWVELq0bcGX2C4TReA2LmeLmbJvHlwKxe4vFKpy862anj_yXMM8MMroIA9Dzb4im3FFnVBNTVXNu43Q0eO873T8X1FoOfO8d9dVbwXCiBWKZnoTIoAFIWnYG8/s1024/371348920_299896996265732_7099735760802495038_nb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1024" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIznQ1guHey5O7w2rjVu-qqlxPqOdPcCFrykc4EnkoEoz44mjqRTWD4uted7PRaxoB6VoWVELq0bcGX2C4TReA2LmeLmbJvHlwKxe4vFKpy862anj_yXMM8MMroIA9Dzb4im3FFnVBNTVXNu43Q0eO873T8X1FoOfO8d9dVbwXCiBWKZnoTIoAFIWnYG8/w400-h254/371348920_299896996265732_7099735760802495038_nb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bagging plant is now surrounded by grass...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>That happened last week when I was about to add some asbestos cladding on the cement bagging plant only to find out the corrugated cardboard I ordered was too coarse for the job. Fortunately, the ground around the said warehouse was still in dire need of coverage and I obliged. The surface was about 2 square feet around the siding which, on the prototype used to be buried in a nicely maintained lawn. After 45 minutes, it was all becoming reality and I needed another victim...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVt2lulpe0FT3zcMBqBLNZRJdjr2pMZ_eRNhLsQTiyQuLskw2e_FxKllsvMyEDQOX8TqIMtU0F0MsHHHpJc-J7ac_BER2RRNNs2XXCBX9tU-q9FX_JfpmAkL-TW8ziHfedhqMyHmxEyXV2MImo6g23PxbhEzB3lWiUVP4FercRV2IuFU1CsCIETCC3W2Y/s1024/369249052_292741267053975_4556369481307384036_nb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVt2lulpe0FT3zcMBqBLNZRJdjr2pMZ_eRNhLsQTiyQuLskw2e_FxKllsvMyEDQOX8TqIMtU0F0MsHHHpJc-J7ac_BER2RRNNs2XXCBX9tU-q9FX_JfpmAkL-TW8ziHfedhqMyHmxEyXV2MImo6g23PxbhEzB3lWiUVP4FercRV2IuFU1CsCIETCC3W2Y/w400-h300/369249052_292741267053975_4556369481307384036_nb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Subtle ground variations blend the 3D world to the 2D backdrop</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>My attention turned to Villeneuve were a large parking lot had been planned in the foreground. I reduced by 2/3 the surface, preferring greatly to put emphasis on the mainline rather than its surroundings. This is a place where we skip about 2 or 3 miles of track, so it made sense to keep it simple and generic to get a sense of separation.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjny_CUM72CUcJPqCALXJ0_0546nk2-gTQrDS69FsaZLd0JirsNuAtyJvS-tw385NPJGqg2WDxIXjc7I5nL8YKRrwTpT19PKkeaz2D0eW8nc3Ay7mElsPe-E1U9oD31guyIuzg5pMYWZN6KJyXOGr1flUa9XrIzN-8E9AnjhIhuMg-Kak1thBR8xuL8A4/s1024/370338863_1050090116410760_7267052501387091638_nb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjny_CUM72CUcJPqCALXJ0_0546nk2-gTQrDS69FsaZLd0JirsNuAtyJvS-tw385NPJGqg2WDxIXjc7I5nL8YKRrwTpT19PKkeaz2D0eW8nc3Ay7mElsPe-E1U9oD31guyIuzg5pMYWZN6KJyXOGr1flUa9XrIzN-8E9AnjhIhuMg-Kak1thBR8xuL8A4/w400-h300/370338863_1050090116410760_7267052501387091638_nb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple but well executed grass often does a better job at scenery</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Learning from my recent work in Clermont, I added some ground elevation in the backscene to replicate an embankment that exist in D'Estimauville to fence the snow depot during winter. I thought it would be a much better transition with the future backdrop.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtTtxIOvezzFPBWvGkgDtWePGMh3dbSFQRZ-v3VRRCEzwYDpy1eaLCGs8oNTfFwlWrpYsp9u0tp553lVocr6gtKTbsen5To5XGEsxib5PQgkm3_SwiwGhrZdn62FrO0Wvuz-xQ5FQYHHukdKJIWsDOR0sRQOZwDbHShWCh8BheGrb7O645pqgKyi6IQs/s1024/370064948_1068807400923996_3413410123762710978_nb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtTtxIOvezzFPBWvGkgDtWePGMh3dbSFQRZ-v3VRRCEzwYDpy1eaLCGs8oNTfFwlWrpYsp9u0tp553lVocr6gtKTbsen5To5XGEsxib5PQgkm3_SwiwGhrZdn62FrO0Wvuz-xQ5FQYHHukdKJIWsDOR0sRQOZwDbHShWCh8BheGrb7O645pqgKyi6IQs/w400-h300/370064948_1068807400923996_3413410123762710978_nb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This trio of F3s sit on the exact original patch of grass</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>While all this is kind of repetitive as applying grass as been covered more than once on this blog, I've reach that point where my new efforts are now juxtaposed to my earliest ones. I remember struggling with the grass applicator and gluing very little grass in fear that too much wouldn't look like spring time. Since them, I've been applying grass in a more generous way, most of the time by hand in clumps. As you may have guest, it's only a matter of printing a new photo backdrop for this area and it will be rescenicked on par with the rest of the layout.</p>Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-78582736717275103432023-11-01T20:16:00.001-04:002023-11-01T20:16:42.311-04:00CNR 2195 - Kitbashing an IHC 2-8-0<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhR4M3nJciAVbh0pATZKG-OuOi12B3Umf4hq1xmlB0t_fgtchEqUsqfga1mZeh5VR-I2Ziwx5L59app7q24FHPEfcl8d2Z07DNkCmfUjnWDMWctncLbBJ6RmIYhN3fj7LnDX3daZfKY0GVeLAjrNzRGNgYUaVRC6EHhSPUDwmLedjaJ_47oxOU0qEZIqb8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1633" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhR4M3nJciAVbh0pATZKG-OuOi12B3Umf4hq1xmlB0t_fgtchEqUsqfga1mZeh5VR-I2Ziwx5L59app7q24FHPEfcl8d2Z07DNkCmfUjnWDMWctncLbBJ6RmIYhN3fj7LnDX3daZfKY0GVeLAjrNzRGNgYUaVRC6EHhSPUDwmLedjaJ_47oxOU0qEZIqb8=w400-h276" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>My kitbashing adventures continues as I completed this conversion work for my friend Yvan Déry. It started with an IHC Consolidation of dubious lineage which was nothing more than a USRA 0-8-0 with a pony truck. However, the weird proportions were in fact quite close to a real CNR engine that worked on Quebec North Shore back in the days, making her a potential candidate for kitbashing.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhl3Es_OqI-FZuTA4dp6YVyecwP7VNkc4voLO_TFaoNboIyDXV_nwHx9m_BLWjYlUVpzok_3remBNbxVVjetYDqVAi8XDM4bbENoyKSid0tRBSeZ856Ee-YESQxwQM-dtvdt1HIC7kbakMzZBaD1_Sj7eQZxLc2P26UCLEhpDNUNEkdUUmAiCydrYK-Exg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="912" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhl3Es_OqI-FZuTA4dp6YVyecwP7VNkc4voLO_TFaoNboIyDXV_nwHx9m_BLWjYlUVpzok_3remBNbxVVjetYDqVAi8XDM4bbENoyKSid0tRBSeZ856Ee-YESQxwQM-dtvdt1HIC7kbakMzZBaD1_Sj7eQZxLc2P26UCLEhpDNUNEkdUUmAiCydrYK-Exg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFeVl2ok4y2vXio2AjSA2vEBOUlPa-mcTclW-dlkB9xDGIv5OPU1Mb70qhDE0ys8U51B4QGtL-BGGyenfFNTFaq7_GyJsc23hzna13BxZx7rQLAXwJQUVP7aYaW3i0mQRw38buqEkexagaETc7BegttbQtKxfYGi01rliTSbjTPlE36abaChoIWBBxD4Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="912" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFeVl2ok4y2vXio2AjSA2vEBOUlPa-mcTclW-dlkB9xDGIv5OPU1Mb70qhDE0ys8U51B4QGtL-BGGyenfFNTFaq7_GyJsc23hzna13BxZx7rQLAXwJQUVP7aYaW3i0mQRw38buqEkexagaETc7BegttbQtKxfYGi01rliTSbjTPlE36abaChoIWBBxD4Y=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br />I went quite far with this one, modelling in 3D the very peculiar Ellis-Chalmers rivetted vestibule cab to grasp the essence of that prototype. The tender was also shortened and heavily modified to follow CNR practices. I also went overboard and added a lot of lead inside the cab and boiler, following Yvan's request to make her a good puller for his less than perfect tracks and steep grades. Domes were reshaped using epoxy putty until they got the right silhouette and smoothed by fingers with water. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0AaUuWRgXfDeHzQK2yGNA7rV_yvarj5ZHbdym32YKESoAmp8caVEZCJjdP9CdXT1ma_Rcc_Ril9s36H-cFmsEmeQkHsGVvB9lxWa0UGqN56MgWqovnP3VH94yrCEHdjC-jCHlbNrv-hi8bXYZMHxt4-HFnCQa8Cchh4CBtxxTeVr9lv89YSNm4ySVD9o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="912" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0AaUuWRgXfDeHzQK2yGNA7rV_yvarj5ZHbdym32YKESoAmp8caVEZCJjdP9CdXT1ma_Rcc_Ril9s36H-cFmsEmeQkHsGVvB9lxWa0UGqN56MgWqovnP3VH94yrCEHdjC-jCHlbNrv-hi8bXYZMHxt4-HFnCQa8Cchh4CBtxxTeVr9lv89YSNm4ySVD9o=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br />I didn't weather too much the driving wheels because I wanted to keep them in good shape to pick up electricity. Had it been my own personal locomotive, I would have probably done it and suffered from frustration at less than stellar performance.<p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpmRSXkZZrQ1BN4me2Q_U3Cg6kedUCTRgWfRuWN8y71rFeD7pvMvYSihdwTsMjlcimOjhkT9RK5qnZzDZkwA-rFBqGNqE-0NjgBlvhPdirvl6c7l5qV6wTHEFlXIXige1I2QAKPyvlniK8HBsq7G_CrnH5_Kj3WPkLrhIPiVX8sdswVaeQnbqGQ3g65q8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpmRSXkZZrQ1BN4me2Q_U3Cg6kedUCTRgWfRuWN8y71rFeD7pvMvYSihdwTsMjlcimOjhkT9RK5qnZzDZkwA-rFBqGNqE-0NjgBlvhPdirvl6c7l5qV6wTHEFlXIXige1I2QAKPyvlniK8HBsq7G_CrnH5_Kj3WPkLrhIPiVX8sdswVaeQnbqGQ3g65q8=w400-h180" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original model before kitbashing</td></tr></tbody></table><br />All in all, it was a fun project than was relatively straightforward. It proved the USRA boiler and chassis can be a good starting point for some stubbier CNR Consolidation. A light weathering consisting mainly of modulating the color and glossiness over the model brought the details to life and I can't wait to deliver her where she rightly belongs!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcXUJ9vqEP6MTdc1C6mTfxLPAPOw_W9XI8ijMwguiWDQMgvUQ1wxnQzOP0buFEgRqIljybElMYDe02ZlswxZDmwuceVC8ktJzdvF5M7Jm0Kmn0Ua1ENbp-FSmdl0xoNpIaRZIdYXMlOTc9n5n1LIJvr5obGslgH2_zsmampvi70iLqQl0HhP1rmCSjpUg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1161" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcXUJ9vqEP6MTdc1C6mTfxLPAPOw_W9XI8ijMwguiWDQMgvUQ1wxnQzOP0buFEgRqIljybElMYDe02ZlswxZDmwuceVC8ktJzdvF5M7Jm0Kmn0Ua1ENbp-FSmdl0xoNpIaRZIdYXMlOTc9n5n1LIJvr5obGslgH2_zsmampvi70iLqQl0HhP1rmCSjpUg=w400-h286" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOUgamyG-WXM2u-8faRjTVeVi8VO5cqh_GoYW3ucmER8A2sJqtkQTyriEUr98yehCEGvfDzBzx93vqtsBM-p8ljsPncsU0FT_zbX1t3GvTAjL5vlUQnwAW-rj7pVp5o0is82NcoqRDukq0jHxPW6aNkHJoXpQTR7x2hj09S545dhr9z-Dv4zM9jtwtUmo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="1000" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOUgamyG-WXM2u-8faRjTVeVi8VO5cqh_GoYW3ucmER8A2sJqtkQTyriEUr98yehCEGvfDzBzx93vqtsBM-p8ljsPncsU0FT_zbX1t3GvTAjL5vlUQnwAW-rj7pVp5o0is82NcoqRDukq0jHxPW6aNkHJoXpQTR7x2hj09S545dhr9z-Dv4zM9jtwtUmo=w400-h268" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-35360874838927603092023-10-27T08:42:00.003-04:002023-10-27T08:42:20.739-04:00Refurbishing an IHC 2-6-0 - A 15 years Project<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhklG0T76toHQXjzJqFP_ePBaSYES3SCR6ZcKXuJTD1YVcRDUVFpqSOQiWwFgoNz17rZH_4jAh2dxgKgOsloSPfTYJ4AqwJf-jvkTwPgSWMnUbIYPqt4813IJ7EAllx4dyxG7T65-Db08zSbJGvSl__vxRk0g7HssmpPxZqfimnk-w5Vf0L7XLzazWhALU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhklG0T76toHQXjzJqFP_ePBaSYES3SCR6ZcKXuJTD1YVcRDUVFpqSOQiWwFgoNz17rZH_4jAh2dxgKgOsloSPfTYJ4AqwJf-jvkTwPgSWMnUbIYPqt4813IJ7EAllx4dyxG7T65-Db08zSbJGvSl__vxRk0g7HssmpPxZqfimnk-w5Vf0L7XLzazWhALU=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refurbished IHC Southern Pacific 2-6-0</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /></div><div>In 2007, I acquired an IHC 2-6-0 for a good price at Udisco in Montreal. It was painted for Southern Pacific lines, but I didn't care because it would be an excellent starting point to model QRL&PCo #22. My previous attempt with a MDC Prairie kit hadn't paid off and I felt the IHC Mogul would live up to my expectation. Having read the old mid-1990s Canadian Railway Modellers issue about converting one to a CNR prototype made me believe so.</div><div>Back at home, I started quickly to butcher the tender to conform to Omer Lavallée's drawings and pictures found in an old 1959 QRL&PCo historical brochure. It went well. It wasn't my first kitbash, but I was breaking new ground in terms of hacking a steam model.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then, it was time to alter the locomotive proper. It's at this moment that big discrepancies started to appear. Wheels were to big and the wheelbase was much larger than the prototype. The boiler was too long and the cab somewhat wrong. It became quite evident that cutting down the boiler and fiddling with the drive could lead to a catastrophe. I thus accepted the discrepancies and decided they would be considered as modeller's license. Sure, I didn't like it because the silhouette was completely wrong. It was becoming clearer and clearer that QRL&PCo #22 was in fact an 0-6-0 with a pilot to make it track better on road duty.</div><div><br /></div><div>That said, I soldiered on and started to modify the cab window to fit my prototype as best as I could. The results were OK and the model was soon covered with a coat of Krylon black primer. A picture was taken and the good old thing fell into the memory hole.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiThVVA1OmnS-JuuyqbsBCrbGVxdFyrfz4iTJLdmzpmE1Di8UhIKzmrm0lSB3K5yb63jrcaebdlqN9_9EhqYOWujWh_JXB1CJQE9pVfhNoTn0AhiG1IhOLeL8mzP5qPTaDkJYaEfPUPeEct5YkUVrR_Os-ft9OoGh-Jy8CxQCkDmXqkBRRv_RStWdSRrWA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="1024" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiThVVA1OmnS-JuuyqbsBCrbGVxdFyrfz4iTJLdmzpmE1Di8UhIKzmrm0lSB3K5yb63jrcaebdlqN9_9EhqYOWujWh_JXB1CJQE9pVfhNoTn0AhiG1IhOLeL8mzP5qPTaDkJYaEfPUPeEct5YkUVrR_Os-ft9OoGh-Jy8CxQCkDmXqkBRRv_RStWdSRrWA=w400-h169" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">QRL&PCo #22 after it initial coat of primer.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div>A few years later, with more experience, I decided to revive the model. This time, it would be a CNR prototype. Or more exactly, a what if model, if #22 had been repainted in CNR colors as was supposed to happen back in 1952. I kept the tender as I had bashed it, then proceeded to correct the cab and finish the details. A neat coat of paint and decals concluded the saga and once again, a picture was shot. I then tried the loco on the club layout, found out the performance was poor due to not having be maintained nor breaked in and it went in its box a few minutes later. To be honest, I was never satisfied with this loco and its compromises...</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj09cARRwrH3418gPZectThFayouUM4_QLCKCgtrbTMJ-dSoVbzrOL7tsK5CCFst9K4JSHs76KY9LK6I65jM52x0zxDsZkD-6OHPg_zQgZh-G72pgl5SSW8rRK18OMAEYTt2LyzBuUUXSWEAY-kHORxgS4hiwrk-9F9DvBUNOG81hx6y2QSvzQ2r1xqSNc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj09cARRwrH3418gPZectThFayouUM4_QLCKCgtrbTMJ-dSoVbzrOL7tsK5CCFst9K4JSHs76KY9LK6I65jM52x0zxDsZkD-6OHPg_zQgZh-G72pgl5SSW8rRK18OMAEYTt2LyzBuUUXSWEAY-kHORxgS4hiwrk-9F9DvBUNOG81hx6y2QSvzQ2r1xqSNc=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CNR 429 was supposed to be QRL&PCo #22's new identity</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>Fast forward to 2023 and yet again, I'm digging that model out from the failed project purgatory. I kind of wanted to restore it as it should have been. Recalling it was based on a Southern Pacific prototype, I started to search for the locomotive it was supposed to replicate. SP Class M-4 seemed to be a good fit overall and I elected to restore the bashed model into it. After collecting a few historic and preservation pictures, I explored the possibility to add a MDC shorty Vanderbilt tender. It was indeed very SP, but I felt improving the MDC tender I had would be a waste of time. I would keep the original tender and revert it back to SP appearance.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkxiplam1PBM0pt6BTz8Y5kwHDQC44dfxg_isb_Ht3uCHgCne13gQNtWZez28eVa90agfMEqReYyIC5cd5Yj2GNATT4lMbs5qqVaxgwKFiHR7SSWDLnYlqWLI2lfgoHlIYFTMf8nyB3Ju9htHfq2u2lhgeO-io8X_MmWfQHmo1h6T9OEjQ0Zyeo34ngHs" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkxiplam1PBM0pt6BTz8Y5kwHDQC44dfxg_isb_Ht3uCHgCne13gQNtWZez28eVa90agfMEqReYyIC5cd5Yj2GNATT4lMbs5qqVaxgwKFiHR7SSWDLnYlqWLI2lfgoHlIYFTMf8nyB3Ju9htHfq2u2lhgeO-io8X_MmWfQHmo1h6T9OEjQ0Zyeo34ngHs=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restored tender with original oil and water hatches</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div>For some reasons, I had keep several pieces I had cut from the tender more than 15 years ago and I was able to rebuild a decent oil bunker out of them. Styrene and Archer rivets completed the rest.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for the locomotive, the biggest challenge was to rebuild the cab windows to specs. Styrene once again was used until a satisfactory appearance was restored. Unfortunately, during the original bashing project, I had cut and bashed the numberboards and they couldn't be reverted to their original appearance. They were replaced with correct SP brass ones.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpgvfcVvmyzXrsaNSk2bLf1l7z0RwZ4IPbjN1RyqYcRAZ2OcCm6P5eE7-Bkpfpr6ezJ82bW3vfw4wjJZl9RzGQrSSQJUkqEyiILx8uI_QWWXomZmjTy2hyclH_IqmCcX5qsbZ6u6YzjWnDdml3Ve4h0C9dwF-m6BWmNJuMidfuEq1RI1_7hxHhDxOyAdQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpgvfcVvmyzXrsaNSk2bLf1l7z0RwZ4IPbjN1RyqYcRAZ2OcCm6P5eE7-Bkpfpr6ezJ82bW3vfw4wjJZl9RzGQrSSQJUkqEyiILx8uI_QWWXomZmjTy2hyclH_IqmCcX5qsbZ6u6YzjWnDdml3Ve4h0C9dwF-m6BWmNJuMidfuEq1RI1_7hxHhDxOyAdQ" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restored cab with correct size windows</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div>My goal wasn't to make a superdetailed model, but rather to see how would the IHC Mogul look if it was painted and weathered with care. For this reason, I didn't add details that weren't on the original plastic shell. Sure, the bell and dynamo were brass parts I added during the earlier kitbashing project, but they were in the same place and had the same appearance. I also took care to rebuild the boiler handrails according to SP pratices.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXnBu3kdRIX6ehRmStJiNE75kB085dDY1XXea57sxnMxG-WOsvyH8TXgiCAO9q3yIuf-tc3CoQSWTWP-CGOLLref-q1FxVYB-08gSSOChroKUCDNYDsiUDtPebRmwGCstzwSscCvCp23weOrUee6Zkqdc3agRmHyUAa-qc3BaB3J-k_SXZN7jCcZmv2wU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="1121" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXnBu3kdRIX6ehRmStJiNE75kB085dDY1XXea57sxnMxG-WOsvyH8TXgiCAO9q3yIuf-tc3CoQSWTWP-CGOLLref-q1FxVYB-08gSSOChroKUCDNYDsiUDtPebRmwGCstzwSscCvCp23weOrUee6Zkqdc3agRmHyUAa-qc3BaB3J-k_SXZN7jCcZmv2wU=w400-h246" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restored boiler with shiny brass replacement parts.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div>At some point, I was kind of surprised how the old IHC Mogul was finely tooled for its era. The original tooling was by PEMCO in the very early 1980s. The molded details were crisp, the backhead of the boiler was finely modelled, the part assembly was clever and generally speaking, it was certainly a good quality model back then. Sure, PEMCO powered their locomotives with motors hidden in the tender. That design decision would plague IHC steam models (which were inherited partially from PEMCO) until the company stopped existing. In the mogul case, PEMCO made the tender much longer than it was to install the motor and drive. This is why most modellers always consider this model quite silly. But after close examination of M-4 pictures, it's clear the tender is prototypical for SP, except its length. You don't need to rebuild it completely or use another tender. You just need to shorten it to prototypical length. Since IHC doesn't use tender drive, it's an easy modification.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8AkAOOUzRWNn42BBha5QuukwFEmRhkOtiaI_VS2WivoSDQ6Ez0YduWvOB9e8z2KK2suRs5sj-niohpYtfqWbJy8_59YTnfowWxMlA0fCys6eGZIGlnzZYTs0CKo_F-MxxzaJsnISemBM5e-huej38WGR9Oi2I5hBcN0Ou-T_m6XVZwOvheb3NetVtFvM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="1021" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8AkAOOUzRWNn42BBha5QuukwFEmRhkOtiaI_VS2WivoSDQ6Ez0YduWvOB9e8z2KK2suRs5sj-niohpYtfqWbJy8_59YTnfowWxMlA0fCys6eGZIGlnzZYTs0CKo_F-MxxzaJsnISemBM5e-huej38WGR9Oi2I5hBcN0Ou-T_m6XVZwOvheb3NetVtFvM=w400-h250" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>I wouldn't say the IHC mogul is free of discrepancies compared to a real M-4, but it's certainly close enough to be a fun project to tackle. Painting and decalling the model was a breeze. I also experimented with preweathering the entire model prior to final assembly. It made application of fading, dirt and other weathering processes much easier. For example, I didn't have to care about covering the drive in paint while weathering the firebox. This is an approach I have since used on a few other steamers and that makes my workflow faster and more enjoyable.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaQ4Ej89UcjGizQfDGd-93snGsXbeApKUB3sGsrzd-hvrwKpNJ8pIbL7Gj3Z_5FNocYQF9cp4HO_EZ5PQvAiCDQzyCdhd3syYIJVkRCrRnerddXaygrnaTsyvmlaTZOtmZeYaN_Vtr4NTQYoqRCe4xP9Mp6toxanYSDAq2xWuDL-aWjiW4qKMW_F9jVWU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaQ4Ej89UcjGizQfDGd-93snGsXbeApKUB3sGsrzd-hvrwKpNJ8pIbL7Gj3Z_5FNocYQF9cp4HO_EZ5PQvAiCDQzyCdhd3syYIJVkRCrRnerddXaygrnaTsyvmlaTZOtmZeYaN_Vtr4NTQYoqRCe4xP9Mp6toxanYSDAq2xWuDL-aWjiW4qKMW_F9jVWU=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br />Once weathered, I had some fun taking pictures of my new SP M-4 outside on the diorama. It's certainly not a California setting, but sunlight brings forward the qualities of this budget model. I wouldn't recommend it to die hard SP fan, but has a funny quick modelling project, it certainly paid off! </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-uQ1fD1hgwL2pYPHxDB8UxKovsqXOCHDEIfEp8eY-G8uffb5UCy5nqIbNqfE0NNbWzLgS6eHXPsh_ItrtgDmPEw9N6K7UM0qBWL7u4B6OJ0hsnyzkmTMh6Sk8V_05G7A4CopcawH2dLR5RMF-9ZCe5cOX121N5Nq9M0wk_Flaj6QN-Es3EMZZ4SkQ-Ok" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-uQ1fD1hgwL2pYPHxDB8UxKovsqXOCHDEIfEp8eY-G8uffb5UCy5nqIbNqfE0NNbWzLgS6eHXPsh_ItrtgDmPEw9N6K7UM0qBWL7u4B6OJ0hsnyzkmTMh6Sk8V_05G7A4CopcawH2dLR5RMF-9ZCe5cOX121N5Nq9M0wk_Flaj6QN-Es3EMZZ4SkQ-Ok" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div>Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-55633788975059151832023-10-17T19:40:00.001-04:002023-10-17T19:40:10.250-04:00Return to Monk Subdivision<p>Last
September, when the fall colors were still subtle and subdued, I went to Bellechasse to hunt for backdrop
pictures and visit a few spots I missed last time I followed the old National
Transcontinental Railway roadbed.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">It was one
of these strange autumn days when nights are cool and days are warm, generating
a deep fog that clings on hill and wood. This luminous and eerie ambiance was
perfect for a road trip yet a little bit less for backdrop photographs since
Appalachian mountains were virtually invisible to the naked eye even if they
were only a few miles away. That said, they were plenty of good opportunities
and I didn’t miss them when they shown up!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">As
expected, railfanning the old NTR is a fool’s errand in the sense that there is
very little to see and most of the adventure is about driving long rural roads
dotted with colonization era farmhouses, crumbling barns and lost fields.
Forest is regaining its rights in these countries and soon, nothing will be
left to be seen. That said, I was for a great start when the main street
leading to Tourville (Monk station) gently curved around the calm and beautiful
Lac Noir (Black Lake). Serene and scenic, the lake reminded me I entered a
territory well known for being a sportsman paradise.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEib4iZP-cAfg0d0QHWC571U-bUyYmBXPEYF6ZYgCHoWAhs_5-CvhO1sWqBQx01LkSW_9j3v-oD-yKr1YkwXMiXSLZ-RRtlUH8YQfeaecSFcewRzJ9nMgxtvNwjSt5PGVZz6a1vjhw96lsOxzbyvgHsdW6_-0hfZmfQGBKWEvVzmjF0_2aZgHc-SEIemGyg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEib4iZP-cAfg0d0QHWC571U-bUyYmBXPEYF6ZYgCHoWAhs_5-CvhO1sWqBQx01LkSW_9j3v-oD-yKr1YkwXMiXSLZ-RRtlUH8YQfeaecSFcewRzJ9nMgxtvNwjSt5PGVZz6a1vjhw96lsOxzbyvgHsdW6_-0hfZmfQGBKWEvVzmjF0_2aZgHc-SEIemGyg=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lac Noir, in Tourville</td></tr></tbody></table><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Tourville
was, as always, that sleepy town it has been since 1955 when the steam
locomotive shops were closed down. That said, while it’s no longer the vibrant
place it used to be, it’s still quite alive due to a renewed touristic
vocation. Taking the gravel road westward, my goal was to finally get a glimpse
of the causeway at Lac Therrien which was immortalized to vividly by the late
Richard Manicom back in 1963.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Google Maps
indicated a parking lot and a hiking trail leading to the Monk subdivision
under the pompous Tourville Nature Park which convinced me it would be
relatively easy to reach the roadbed… however, as is always the case, the
parking lot was inexistant and the hiking trail was long lost to nature. My
only choice was to park the car by the ditch and walk a muddy ATV trail. Since
it was the beginning of hunting season, I wore my bright orange pullover, but
it didn’t feel safe to walk there alone! But Monk always reserve surprises and
after a while, the muddy path was consolidated by using wood planks… or should
I say, old railway ties. Unmistakably, the roadbed was nearby and sure it was.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5ufUXObiANSwFdxIABoQqLO1fRbCrZOQrTlL5A5hYC-swlGiljBmMhVPIseYSxPlCECNeoa2v1by0QTFhqujz7TwcGSvYCjSMv6CySERUECMvt7R5ng43MeFvK4qtmxMrLhT5_43zjpgUf-d492aTBkVBQjh6WcU9n4DumSSKGabYGvQkr-1KJJl8Zp8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="756" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5ufUXObiANSwFdxIABoQqLO1fRbCrZOQrTlL5A5hYC-swlGiljBmMhVPIseYSxPlCECNeoa2v1by0QTFhqujz7TwcGSvYCjSMv6CySERUECMvt7R5ng43MeFvK4qtmxMrLhT5_43zjpgUf-d492aTBkVBQjh6WcU9n4DumSSKGabYGvQkr-1KJJl8Zp8=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NTR ties are always found where you least expect them</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">I climbed
the gentle slope of the fill then found myself in the middle of a long straight
corridor lined with conifers until it vanished into the horizon on both side.
That was the hallmark of NTR exacting standards of construction applied in the
most remote areas. On the right, toward Tourville, I could see a break in
scenery that was the old bridge over the lake discharge. Under normal
circumstances, I would have taken the Nature Park trail up there, but that
would be for another time. I turned on my left and walked for about 500m until
I reached the old causeway.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuzvbFb9k0PnmNJXyAvP6oMrT5gryvGiCtr3SQP5WiTbRF9FYm-ZoeGMiyK7fFc3iyKhglSJdcjVVdw0jf5T7BYtR5eIuNc7yCMaWVDsxscePuuvZLQXGa17kRSIBa2c1QfSzCY23FxWYrNhh9Pr1taQ52Ov0aj68e7N5iMc7VXr6DLalGetuk-KbE66A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="982" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuzvbFb9k0PnmNJXyAvP6oMrT5gryvGiCtr3SQP5WiTbRF9FYm-ZoeGMiyK7fFc3iyKhglSJdcjVVdw0jf5T7BYtR5eIuNc7yCMaWVDsxscePuuvZLQXGa17kRSIBa2c1QfSzCY23FxWYrNhh9Pr1taQ52Ov0aj68e7N5iMc7VXr6DLalGetuk-KbE66A=w400-h276" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The causeway reveals itself after a short walk</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In any
circumstance, there is nothing exceptional about Lac Therrien. It’s one of
these thousands of similar lakes that can be found everywhere in Canada, yet
that’s why it’s interesting because it’s such a classic sight. At that point,
as was common with railway building practices of the time, the roadbed was built
at the boundary between the lake and the marshes. In early Autumn, the marshes
were covered in a beautiful array of colors ranging from various greens to
yellows. Straw color, brown and reddish hues completed that mundane yet subtle
landscape painting. In the middle of nature, nothing could be heard and a
peaceful feeling filled the place.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCdTv8TWZ6JSDe4GFy7_Ftcpe1XLMmuX5Zx0a2alw8x7yS3yobcIBFnLlfQcUAFQElxO8QRL3yZnSR6m5cefssvwefJ2reCJ6Li4cBYqzfRlZGfA0k8TeH5ejdw7Jwbt9zKCunlfNrQyxSksFO6CbuondqRJ0yS_uobGgiTfJ5m8bRR0YfYZSnAcDEFWM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="996" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCdTv8TWZ6JSDe4GFy7_Ftcpe1XLMmuX5Zx0a2alw8x7yS3yobcIBFnLlfQcUAFQElxO8QRL3yZnSR6m5cefssvwefJ2reCJ6Li4cBYqzfRlZGfA0k8TeH5ejdw7Jwbt9zKCunlfNrQyxSksFO6CbuondqRJ0yS_uobGgiTfJ5m8bRR0YfYZSnAcDEFWM=w400-h296" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A large marsh lies north of the causeway</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After
meeting a few peoples on ATV, I started to explore the causeways and soon, details
started to pop up. I was looking for a small steel deck bridge over the creek,
but was welcomed by a concrete culvert. At some points, big lumber were added
to the original structure to widen it. But at the time of my visit, they were
crumbling and sliding down the causeway. Nevertheless, I went down and stood on
them to get a better glimpse of the culvert. It was quite obscured by the
fallen lumbers, but a quick examination shown the concrete was in perfect
condition after all these years. Better, a built date could be still read on
the span: 1913, which was consistent with the first year of operation under
Intercolonial Railway care in 1914.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVvxXL34dCUHArVvjGWgxf44-0lqEluppnBFO9i5Klao-XwwMSKprH58UHLB2w-wp9dnu1pQhePNk47gYGipwQHL2Z7fBxARFPYmjZtyDIOpz5SjCQ4a4Zkg86dtzcAmCPD2DAORsCHCQbXkmdVGbh0lYGib-FVScZI2VqJPBIaMaL3eU42JZUcZ_JWXo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVvxXL34dCUHArVvjGWgxf44-0lqEluppnBFO9i5Klao-XwwMSKprH58UHLB2w-wp9dnu1pQhePNk47gYGipwQHL2Z7fBxARFPYmjZtyDIOpz5SjCQ4a4Zkg86dtzcAmCPD2DAORsCHCQbXkmdVGbh0lYGib-FVScZI2VqJPBIaMaL3eU42JZUcZ_JWXo=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This culvert was built in 1913</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Nearby in
the dark stagnant water of the marshes was a straight stump from a tree, but
that also revealed itself to be the remnant of a telegraph pole. I would
discover later that is was common practice to install the lines right in the
water when crossing water courses on the NTR. I then proceeded to shoot several
panoramic pictures with the goal of replicating that neat scenery on the home
layout. When walking back to the car, I was tempted to walk another 1.5km to
reach the other bridge, but decided to postpone that trek due to active hunters
and a sun that was going down faster than I thought.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7-zfKub-7WjI5skpTO6Tz-PmIr49D3M_mH4rw5R32lm8LBQFaxSos7ZXIqmOYl4wIxjm4nem3I-S-iyqXHLmn6TM6cJjUoLLMjMy-CCvOqsDIdGbW_Wc3NAf7wBzrvabzAsyzMLPdIK8w9ja6rQ1dHyxL8HEQukLZ1dATyNFFfzYunRcIQyZakY0iX14" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7-zfKub-7WjI5skpTO6Tz-PmIr49D3M_mH4rw5R32lm8LBQFaxSos7ZXIqmOYl4wIxjm4nem3I-S-iyqXHLmn6TM6cJjUoLLMjMy-CCvOqsDIdGbW_Wc3NAf7wBzrvabzAsyzMLPdIK8w9ja6rQ1dHyxL8HEQukLZ1dATyNFFfzYunRcIQyZakY0iX14=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old telegraph pole blending into the landscape</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Driving on
the country roads, I could see the fog starting to gather faster than I thought.
I stopped in several places to shoot typical Appalachian landscapes, but I
perfectly knew most of them would be unusable. When I reached Ste-Apolline-de-Patton,
you could have bet a wildfire was in the area.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglsaY20zsAXy6EU3BjRMCasNGVioXrpgpDnbajkQ8pmYviBeIQOqCUeph5ngXOEff7M37-nt47za0GIk-uVdzpyeDhAlWs01kiBv6AQJ3XwNMKle9taE8cr2DtyS5YUV89lQyimpqwOXYd8foDFwMcdRStcosrRJGwjtnzzUUVUMRhivjoKRCjEw6armo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglsaY20zsAXy6EU3BjRMCasNGVioXrpgpDnbajkQ8pmYviBeIQOqCUeph5ngXOEff7M37-nt47za0GIk-uVdzpyeDhAlWs01kiBv6AQJ3XwNMKle9taE8cr2DtyS5YUV89lQyimpqwOXYd8foDFwMcdRStcosrRJGwjtnzzUUVUMRhivjoKRCjEw6armo=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atmospherical fog layering Ste. Apolline's landscape</td></tr></tbody></table><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">From that
point on, I decided to change my plans and drive to Armagh as fast as I could.
In Ste. Euphémie, I tried to shoot the classic Ken Goslett scene, but trees had
completely obscured the sight and it was no longer possible to replicate it.
The concrete culvert was barely visible, yet the old houses and barns were
still standing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">In Armagh,
road construction blocked the main route and I had to take a rickety detour which
yielded a couple of nice panoramas that could have some use on the layout. So,
when I thought my trip was just a fun autumn ride, it finally provided some
results. It was time to go back home before the sunset.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">It was the
third time I visited Monk Subdivision and it left the same weird feeling about
the NTR. The malaise of seeing such beautiful track standards but serving
almost no tangible goals, except political ones, is quite strange. A weird mix
of being baffled by a nonsensical piece of work yet astounded by the skills and
resources poured into it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not done
with the NTR in Quebec and will need to revisit it again and again to make
sense of that Transcontinental that could have been…<o:p></o:p></span></p>Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-35693503257887427802023-09-18T19:30:00.001-04:002023-09-18T19:30:01.186-04:00Brique Citadelle - Part 2<p>The next logical step to Brique Citadelle is painting and installing the road better known as Avenue du Sous-bois which used to be the main access to this industrial park until the late 1990s.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55vWSt1BubugWO9ZhjrtjeDI1QylAxYbIoWz8u4z4JwIKXRKNYtV_y1zljYw1fy6xE7EpWlX4QZrQO3gRMY4WTNzFkuxiL_SIi9OCD71kZ5W6njmH_fv4ubIL4Nw9fkZ5NX-XaUScfokOBpaSae28g-IG5bJCy7NzAWSive7DDLKdbE1e6eUd7B9rKl0/s2016/IMG_9322b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="2016" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55vWSt1BubugWO9ZhjrtjeDI1QylAxYbIoWz8u4z4JwIKXRKNYtV_y1zljYw1fy6xE7EpWlX4QZrQO3gRMY4WTNzFkuxiL_SIi9OCD71kZ5W6njmH_fv4ubIL4Nw9fkZ5NX-XaUScfokOBpaSae28g-IG5bJCy7NzAWSive7DDLKdbE1e6eUd7B9rKl0/w400-h208/IMG_9322b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I'm certainly no reinventing the recipe. Not by fear of experimenting, but because I want the layout to have a common color palette and techniques to bring in an air of familiarity. As I mentioned in a recent post, just using some different color grass can have a huge impact and I certainly didn't want to gamble.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFg_Eb1Kp4anwkPCGmySOJK_6888h2OR5p5EjYLx6TiE8faebAVhedIsGhLgl5eYWG6nMIH3R6Ir8p52liM6Q-FGNOY38328lCxbK8PI1YZzr5PR2sy3iyGz78EEhcxjRjvBwOV9O-_NQhsQp4WS5HdMZ3zfDya5f7_BZ1N_q_RFN_4jtgP5-wKNg6O60/s2016/IMG_9324b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1262" data-original-width="2016" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFg_Eb1Kp4anwkPCGmySOJK_6888h2OR5p5EjYLx6TiE8faebAVhedIsGhLgl5eYWG6nMIH3R6Ir8p52liM6Q-FGNOY38328lCxbK8PI1YZzr5PR2sy3iyGz78EEhcxjRjvBwOV9O-_NQhsQp4WS5HdMZ3zfDya5f7_BZ1N_q_RFN_4jtgP5-wKNg6O60/w400-h250/IMG_9324b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>As always, it's a carboard road painted with Krylon grey primer and camouflage beige. Some light airbrushing blends everything together and add a touch of blue to better capture local tarmac. Powders and colored pencils finish up the road, which is then glued in place with latex caulk. </p><p><br /></p><p>Grass is the same blend I always used. The static grass applicator was helpful for some zones, but I must admit I preferred to complete the job with my own fingers. It seems to me each techniques has pros and cons, hence they need to be mixed together to yield the best results.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvt3lKAVGYNSjh9tFnHRvXHRRfW4iImSXJlJ2q_Xkta3EkF5KwafDwMrjkJNeZOTLGvbgGLZdjhZMhgwAHOBxxYnPs6gFSygXXaPmdVdm8P6cF-tr3lZqXOE-VkVj7MM7Z__Yc1FZ-R_0fv-kforAYtdAg4iEXZ9bnw50_OPfKPwEBTHC777wWD2pYbM/s1613/IMG_9326b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1210" data-original-width="1613" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvt3lKAVGYNSjh9tFnHRvXHRRfW4iImSXJlJ2q_Xkta3EkF5KwafDwMrjkJNeZOTLGvbgGLZdjhZMhgwAHOBxxYnPs6gFSygXXaPmdVdm8P6cF-tr3lZqXOE-VkVj7MM7Z__Yc1FZ-R_0fv-kforAYtdAg4iEXZ9bnw50_OPfKPwEBTHC777wWD2pYbM/w400-h300/IMG_9326b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>There are still a lot of things to do, but this area of the layout is taking shape nicely. I particularly love its understated appearance. Indeed, I'll need to add more grass and more ground cover, but I'm not planning to crowd the place with more than a few bushes and trees, utility poles and probably a weathered Volvo front loader reminding us that the site is currently being decontaminated for future redevelopment.</p>Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-22294641873861586182023-09-12T19:51:00.002-04:002023-09-12T19:51:57.598-04:00Quebec South Shore Railway - Mark IV: Resurrecting an Old Idea (again)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgte9483LrvptPNgBqfJY3-Kbvr3j57vozFqZtpvLvZS2iKOTNL6AOqU8bI4lR4fhZcr2GNDdHTKVbchQkHOvSZFtAcC1BOe-YlLD_d3iVlOhi2ofi3MBR5TgNhW2h_MpN4Yaa82yuUQwy02fJa6dXm2HbvjCOcuAEMHBpM4Bv7nFbPDHtC0KMnjevp0nk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgte9483LrvptPNgBqfJY3-Kbvr3j57vozFqZtpvLvZS2iKOTNL6AOqU8bI4lR4fhZcr2GNDdHTKVbchQkHOvSZFtAcC1BOe-YlLD_d3iVlOhi2ofi3MBR5TgNhW2h_MpN4Yaa82yuUQwy02fJa6dXm2HbvjCOcuAEMHBpM4Bv7nFbPDHtC0KMnjevp0nk=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br />Several recent
conversations with Chris Mears resparkled my interest in exploring shelf
layouts as whimsical explorations of possibilities in model railroading. Since
I’m cleaning the basement in hope of building new partitions for a storage room
and a staging for Monk Subdivision, it gives me some time to dabble in that
experiment yet again. Also, since it’s a big cleaning, I getting rid of several
building supplies which I have no longer any use for and clutter my basement.
These include scraps of foam, old cork rolls, various pieces of wood and
plywood leftovers. Giving them a second life before the landfill or recycling
makes sense and they cost virtually nothing. Track is recycled too from the
original Monk staging which was recently dismantled.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">As you
know, I’ve designed and built several small layouts over the last decade. It’s
a pet subject of mine which is rooted in nostalgia, desire for design challenge
and probably a remnant of having been starved for space when I was a teenager
living in a very small house. That said, I don’t see small layouts has a limitation
because they drive you to understand how train movements work and how much real
estate they require. These mathematical equations thus become ingrained in your
mental muscle memory and can be put into action when designing larger layout.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">My most
recent explorations included Donnacona, which I still have in the back of my
mind and St-Pie, a farming locality in Southern Quebec that used to be served
by CP and later, by the infamous MMA. While extremely interesting project, both
of them were bulky even if they footprint was 6 feet long by 15’’ wide. I used traditional
carpentry to build them and thus, they were quite heavy, making them less than
perfect for something that was supposed to be easy to move around. I may
revisit these ideas, but what Chris is doing with his current shelf project
(see his wonderful Prince Street blog for more info) kind of gave a second life
to my desire to have a small plank for whimsical operation at my desk and photo
opportunity.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Chris has
been exploring ways of building fast, building cheap and building lightweight.
He used ½ foam that he layers and glue down cork with double faced carpet tape.
McDonald’s napkins are glued as a scenic base with latex interior paint and he
starts pouring scenic materials right away. Let’s just say it outright, Chris
and I share the same issues: we are both enthusiastic about everything train
and impatient. Fortunately, there is a reliable backbone to this madness which is
our love of mundane railroading. At a meeting earlier this year at Hunther
Hughson’s house, he demonstrated a slice of that layout building technique and
let’s just say we were all impressed with the results. In his proverbial
humility, Chris downplayed a little bit the system, but it’s certainly a viable
option for many people. And he handled these little pieces of layout very roughly
over the years, including several trip in his backpack, to make sure it could
last… and sure it did.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Another experiment
that impressed me was my own photoshoot module I completed earlier this summer.
It was built several years ago using a piece of 1’’ foam framed with some
pieces of wood. It was cheap… dirt cheap and was left for years in Louis-Marie’s
basement, exposed to humidity and temperature variation. I was pretty sure it
would warp badly, but it did survive… Better, it’s feather light, making it perfect
to move around depending on lighting conditions for pictures. Certainly, I
could use something like that for a layout. At that point, I knew I had enough
meaningful information to make a decision. And I certainly set myself a goal
that it wasn’t a permanent layout, but only an experiment to push as far as I
could.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0UH-2NjOT72hyllZSc2VOgxxdThoWPGFwUvphZqQAlDb84m-sMWBGa0PItUrLrrihi_SVo-KVOZmeGVExu6ABmYqzSZdRVXUPyeERYLjjTxgYHEzkAibKGyrV16PyPEsHJXV89vpw8jAg2gCALmWmg_BMSp6A1pRK_C6vLnp4q_mYVc4V1Aw7kKc2q-Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0UH-2NjOT72hyllZSc2VOgxxdThoWPGFwUvphZqQAlDb84m-sMWBGa0PItUrLrrihi_SVo-KVOZmeGVExu6ABmYqzSZdRVXUPyeERYLjjTxgYHEzkAibKGyrV16PyPEsHJXV89vpw8jAg2gCALmWmg_BMSp6A1pRK_C6vLnp4q_mYVc4V1Aw7kKc2q-Q" width="400" /></a></span></div><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">The track
plan was derived from the classic British tradition, which means a passing
track (loop) and a siding. I know I have a strong hatred of overcomplicated
staging devices, so I gave myself the challenge of making sure all the actions
would fit within the layout boundaries, except a short shunting lead.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_PRJ_pQ_kQGxZUMcZEMZppPf97OnX0T4aBHa-3msa65MLyMko36XKtBBrbonAuUJrOzoU3ysgo-rLPrftd_vPZmR9fGg3Y9qgziLQM9hutL7blTpYYn46nLcJwjX2eQQn0eK7RBN6lKMVpTQiSWAnB0HJdun6Z4g3FBE4ffzZICMP0R_sTQVlP-qbx9A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="1563" height="99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_PRJ_pQ_kQGxZUMcZEMZppPf97OnX0T4aBHa-3msa65MLyMko36XKtBBrbonAuUJrOzoU3ysgo-rLPrftd_vPZmR9fGg3Y9qgziLQM9hutL7blTpYYn46nLcJwjX2eQQn0eK7RBN6lKMVpTQiSWAnB0HJdun6Z4g3FBE4ffzZICMP0R_sTQVlP-qbx9A=w400-h99" width="400" /></a></span></div><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">The footprint
was based on dimensions that I felt would be easy to move around between my train
room, my office and my workshop. 6 feet long is nice, but 5 feet fits perfectly
my Ikea Kallax shelves and my desk. Also, it’s long enough to feel immersed within
the scene. It may seems short, but it’s enough to handle a 4 cars long train and
a locomotive, which is plenty enough for a single industry layout.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Depth is
also another crucial parameter and I elected to keep it at 12’’. It’s a
standard measure and makes for a layout that is easier to handle. At 16’’, it
can be an issue under some conditions. Since the Kallax shelves are 15’’-16’’
wide, it leaves enough room at the back to keep decorations and objects displayed
on the wall were they are.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrLYyJO_Y_A1ZsZBsTFmB5z-oRY8lOBKy7YdB8T0Cx4sAl_ckNmo1p52i7uLqUcW4XIt9sYu2bVVIsxphBRmRCzKZ-mTkbyjMu9WUTb-eyOV6lNy-iPpdyFC8mKLDh8MeC0G-LkFOUWXmUNfif94U0AiHsn0-hHJ016Z4g3o-SGF0Bclb8LCdBeE3obfA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrLYyJO_Y_A1ZsZBsTFmB5z-oRY8lOBKy7YdB8T0Cx4sAl_ckNmo1p52i7uLqUcW4XIt9sYu2bVVIsxphBRmRCzKZ-mTkbyjMu9WUTb-eyOV6lNy-iPpdyFC8mKLDh8MeC0G-LkFOUWXmUNfif94U0AiHsn0-hHJ016Z4g3o-SGF0Bclb8LCdBeE3obfA" width="400" /></a></span></div><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Now, what’s
the theme? Nothing more than the old Quebec South Shore Railway from years ago
with the small feed mill. I reworked the track plan to be tighter, but
everything else is the same, including the ubiquitous Highway 20 concrete
overpass used as a scenic break. I always loved the simplicity of that design
and felt it was worth revisiting once more. It’s also suitable for various eras,
from the 1950s up to the 2020s. It can be a MMA/CMQ line were larger modern
covered hoppers are shuffled around, or something older where 40ft reefers and
boxcars are running along B/A tank cars, stock cars and coal hoppers.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj96VXLoflg753QECKchTUSJ92rRKdHcQMydvSPYGQluqU04CKzlgBukXPravXe_rtJP936GsoopdnvxMs1GhvlCefhVk0XHcHEZz2rJhWQpEsJxsv2OQxd4DqmsiCMslYHbbE79vzXCAPwDPARl9RlKOU9SjDBmwwDSGZJQZ2ukF8rhDgpia9Z6caI7mo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj96VXLoflg753QECKchTUSJ92rRKdHcQMydvSPYGQluqU04CKzlgBukXPravXe_rtJP936GsoopdnvxMs1GhvlCefhVk0XHcHEZz2rJhWQpEsJxsv2OQxd4DqmsiCMslYHbbE79vzXCAPwDPARl9RlKOU9SjDBmwwDSGZJQZ2ukF8rhDgpia9Z6caI7mo=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">At the
moment of writing this article, which is about 3 days after construction
started, I can confirm it’s taking shape. At first, I built a light pine frame
covered with a melamine shelf. I quickly discovered it was far too heavy and
replaced it with ¼” lightweight plywood. I haven’t reinforced yet that
baseboard, but I may be tempted to add some braces underneath. It would then be
easy to convert it into a torsion box if ever required. It must be stressed the
great quality of Chris’ modus operandi is to refrain from using wet products on
the baseboard, preferring glues and carpet tape to protect it from humidity.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh26e_Sb-M9i644fDIyFWv-Cd9z9GdjN7brRorGuAbtipEbE8UNKyqjzrCaXRKyDG4b1FT-bNgnzIAoWh0FOYuCdVkLx4mBuSgMj-zSqpDCwjSak-jSsvD_yACSWRRSvw7fj9CCoKJKK_rfGgHzTNSG-yMBn7bqZdi468ZiEkahgukb3Tez4I3wQ4_hGxI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh26e_Sb-M9i644fDIyFWv-Cd9z9GdjN7brRorGuAbtipEbE8UNKyqjzrCaXRKyDG4b1FT-bNgnzIAoWh0FOYuCdVkLx4mBuSgMj-zSqpDCwjSak-jSsvD_yACSWRRSvw7fj9CCoKJKK_rfGgHzTNSG-yMBn7bqZdi468ZiEkahgukb3Tez4I3wQ4_hGxI" width="400" /></a></span></div><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">This basic
baseboard was covered with 1’’ thick foam secured with No More Nails adhesive.
This protect the plywood from wet scenery process and provide enough depth to
carve ditches and play with topography. Cork roadbed isn’t glued but kept in
place by double face carpet tape. The same tape is also used to secure tracks
to cork. This is not an ideal technique because you can’t move around the
tracks were there are secured to the tape. It’s almost impossible to move it again
if you pressed it firmly onto the tape. The bond is almost instantaneous like CA
glue which can be seen as an advantage and a serious caveat. Nevertheless, I
had so little track to install it was manageable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">More to come as I continue developing this small layout concept. I have also several other designs in mind, including another British-type micro layout based on a 32" x 9.5" floating shelf.</p>Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-2742448206220259412023-09-02T13:57:00.005-04:002023-09-02T13:57:52.525-04:00Brique Citadelle - Part 1<p>Brique Citadelle used to be a major brick maker in Quebec until its spectacular demise at the end of the 1980s and early 1990s. Engulfed in several multi million dollars lawsuit regarding catastrophic quality control that led so several building enveloppe failures, the company which roots went back to the late 19th century, sank like a rock at the bottom of the proverbial pond.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaW8qwM_FdF8dBcLOeTtGjAGoTM2vNWb7E4DxVjjySFHe50tO5qflzQ2abMJ8a8KgPvaABs1g1ERa_duGZTw3K6OMtcOTvZOv3l6VFSVPMajRCoV6RdBo-3RXZcgnenCpAlLy7FWIqxDVDy_8xizpX5ZREIS1gXGFsa5dYjkUm2M80E3EgKEkSDbxf74/s1008/IMG_9184b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaW8qwM_FdF8dBcLOeTtGjAGoTM2vNWb7E4DxVjjySFHe50tO5qflzQ2abMJ8a8KgPvaABs1g1ERa_duGZTw3K6OMtcOTvZOv3l6VFSVPMajRCoV6RdBo-3RXZcgnenCpAlLy7FWIqxDVDy_8xizpX5ZREIS1gXGFsa5dYjkUm2M80E3EgKEkSDbxf74/w400-h300/IMG_9184b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>While all that happened when I was was an elementary school kid, I can still clearly recall the intricate structures that made the plant. Each Saturday noon, we would take the industrial road behind the plant to reach a well-known snack bar after visiting my grandparents living in Villeneuve or shopping in town. The brick and corrugated steel structures were covered in a reddish clay powder that gave an eerie Martian look to the compound. By the mid-1990s, it was in serious disrepair and everything was demolished, leaving piles of rubbles and concrete pads that would endure well into the mid 2000s. I recall the concrete floor was once used by a bike driving school as their formation center.</p><p><br /></p><p>When the neighboring cement plant went down a few years after Brique Citadelle demise, projects started to emerge. Redeveloping are became a thing and the old industrial remnants were removed and soil decontaminated. At the time our layout is set, Brique Citadelle was nothing more that an abandonned fields with growing vegetation, dirt roads and piles of gravels and discarded demolition bricks. That's exactly what I wanted to replicate: a demolished and long gone industrial structure.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1K7WQzlZYvku4haMCr_2mmdWs5FoTX8smEJlhnXlfxpJIAXn3896CvWdi52-DJXs9snLy5aMPry4C_E_AR_ya8T8zDnkEaHgTVFoGbXVtgadX4_I14RXEgQwaUhLpJCD94FexEdSzmmQvehHRE7e-DHmTRFJZfW_WNmpWg1tbtObBqQCDaZu1keTNts/s1000/IMG_9188b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1000" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1K7WQzlZYvku4haMCr_2mmdWs5FoTX8smEJlhnXlfxpJIAXn3896CvWdi52-DJXs9snLy5aMPry4C_E_AR_ya8T8zDnkEaHgTVFoGbXVtgadX4_I14RXEgQwaUhLpJCD94FexEdSzmmQvehHRE7e-DHmTRFJZfW_WNmpWg1tbtObBqQCDaZu1keTNts/w400-h244/IMG_9188b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>It all started with a coat of universal mud, aka Celluclay mixed with interior latex paint. A thin coat, about 1/16'' to 1/8'' was apply on which I poured sifted sand, various small rocks and scale bricks I once bought from Eastern Europe for that very purpose. They were available in all scales, including HO. They are generally used for military dioramas and are made from clay, which gives them a very realistic texture.</p><p><br /></p><p>Most bricks were pushed into the mud with my fingers to show they had been mix with the ground and ran over by trucks for years. Others were simply left as piles on the surface. A light sprinkling of limestone powder was applied to merge the bricks with the surrounding. They look quite shiny and new and will require some weathering at a later date.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4GWPCwpqOSnqrpt6I0jyYvOwo5cXvealdDGFiaHjdYAMFwdo1jBGXgAp1xhaaAM1kGJqYmhZY0qpwMRAN7il5YJ9xQA560q3ndPavJKfCGu48MJsFn7GjhzqahSRKfUG34O4BL8kv0mam3Io1U2NX1yd5kf8U-3H2pobujy_uP_MGAX3hPD2MwVHKw0/s2016/IMG_9190b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4GWPCwpqOSnqrpt6I0jyYvOwo5cXvealdDGFiaHjdYAMFwdo1jBGXgAp1xhaaAM1kGJqYmhZY0qpwMRAN7il5YJ9xQA560q3ndPavJKfCGu48MJsFn7GjhzqahSRKfUG34O4BL8kv0mam3Io1U2NX1yd5kf8U-3H2pobujy_uP_MGAX3hPD2MwVHKw0/w400-h300/IMG_9190b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Before everything had dried, I started to apply some static grass by hand as I usually do, followed by crushed dead leaves and ground foam. I tried to overdo it it, leaving enough bare ground visible to suggested trucks and heavy equipment are frequent visitors.</p><p><br /></p><p>When the background scene was done, I move my attention to the foreground where I started scenery last week. I didn't like it because I ran out of my regular static grass. Using different colors and jute rope to achieve the same blend was a foolish errand. Hence why we ordered the old stuff during the week.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_E0X4I8tjVzgzgTZSSIzomnADS5e6c5PseKF88p-hC2EmnkzGEJ8Y_POlu2Uf8KeEmjJJc2GkncVWQxcSRHGBjiSpc8lsqUWgAt9px0EA7hX1OZ7bslcbto4IX0GDsBi4UI_2fAPiCfrPxP87uYHmfdJW7gHUCRqpyVvBE4Pnt5LtBHmAYiH-KTK_FU/s2016/IMG_9189b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_E0X4I8tjVzgzgTZSSIzomnADS5e6c5PseKF88p-hC2EmnkzGEJ8Y_POlu2Uf8KeEmjJJc2GkncVWQxcSRHGBjiSpc8lsqUWgAt9px0EA7hX1OZ7bslcbto4IX0GDsBi4UI_2fAPiCfrPxP87uYHmfdJW7gHUCRqpyVvBE4Pnt5LtBHmAYiH-KTK_FU/w400-h300/IMG_9189b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>There is still a lot of work to do with this scene, including trees, ground weathering and small details such as relay boxes and bushes. However, I'm quite happy of how it turned out. More grass will be applied on siding tracks to tie up this scene with the cement plant, but that's a footnote as far as I'm concerned.</p><p><br /></p><p>A few unexpected results of this new scenery is it makes the mainline look longer and the lighter shade of ground makes it more luminous, two thing that works in our favour. I can't wait to finish the road and continue this work.</p>Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-35934931826805904332023-08-26T14:18:00.008-04:002023-08-26T14:18:44.563-04:00Restarting the Modelling Season<p>The last two months have been quite calm due to vacations outside the country and taking some time off after the big effort to complete the Charlevoix section of the layout. There are still some little elements to add or finish, but we can consider it mostly done. Thus our attention is turning toward an area that was left alone for too long. In fact, many years!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharSlPKxcI2xkO4xVGazRKGndDBaCo6jFM7-7sbnTlqtygQ0fnfV6BN-JsVDPSANo8ulCVv_YINNi6w2MeksQiDtVzHp98Dnf6O4K740OXfTe4FJrgckVmbq_-W0XgpEsS42t0rBfNA3TVmncLbWZYkdPJTnvdm4kfx0Q8E3IHhKKIYIFn_jVV91zi8Vw/s1451/IMG_2993b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1451" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharSlPKxcI2xkO4xVGazRKGndDBaCo6jFM7-7sbnTlqtygQ0fnfV6BN-JsVDPSANo8ulCVv_YINNi6w2MeksQiDtVzHp98Dnf6O4K740OXfTe4FJrgckVmbq_-W0XgpEsS42t0rBfNA3TVmncLbWZYkdPJTnvdm4kfx0Q8E3IHhKKIYIFn_jVV91zi8Vw/w400-h225/IMG_2993b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First train of the season, fresh from the shops!</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Indeed, it's time to work again on Villeneuve, with fresh eyes and experience gained while working on Charlevoix. Lots have been discussed yesterday, including inverting the scenes, adding an overpass and other ill-thought schemes. As always, after exploring crazy ideas, we generally go back to the original plan! Which is to complete the scene as it was originally designed. While it could be interesting to remodel Villeneuve, we have to keep in mind the track plan was carefully designed and swapping elements that seem trivial could lead to serious operational incongruities.</p><p><br /></p><p>Track plan and operation aside, the big challenge is getting the backdrop right. As most of you know, the cement plant was demolished a little bit less than 20 years ago and the land has been redeveloped as condos. It's virtually impossible to take pictures of the area and expect it fits an industrial setting anymore. Also, with trees growing a lot since then, many vistas are now impossible to capture on camera. Something else will need to be done... another similar area with similar topography.</p><p><br /></p><p>Another big issue is using if we really want to continue the early leafless spring theme. This comes with several limitations, including the difficulty to cut the tree line on a photo. Sure, we could print the sky too, but we have had not stellar results in Charlevoix due to humidity affecting the paper. Also, it's quite hard to install full length backdrops. Another issue is that leafless trees are the greatest thing to hide seams, gaps, building junctions with backdrop, etc. Vegetation is great to hide what should be hidden. Don't get me wrong, I like the leafless season, but something must be done.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWJlE2VfV5_NBwq1aNEZHjyhQANwBAgq7UhGsUHf-mnbmJcTc1rekol60GRDW11r53E6Hk7Nabr2Yvsj7dri4wZi3g-SsHcbyhdmMqEw20qrrOpziFso6jWmChFIrlQ0jCoeYr1rp10QuAVYyEJdleObSOpSRIsPxmwiGdTPSYh1w-PIzT6PTJ4-79Sw/s2016/IMG_3001b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="2016" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWJlE2VfV5_NBwq1aNEZHjyhQANwBAgq7UhGsUHf-mnbmJcTc1rekol60GRDW11r53E6Hk7Nabr2Yvsj7dri4wZi3g-SsHcbyhdmMqEw20qrrOpziFso6jWmChFIrlQ0jCoeYr1rp10QuAVYyEJdleObSOpSRIsPxmwiGdTPSYh1w-PIzT6PTJ4-79Sw/w400-h225/IMG_3001b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quick grass test near Villenuve</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>First, Clermont is north of Quebec City, in the mountains. Spring starts later there, maybe one week or two. It would mean that if leaves start to appear in Clermont, then they would be fully there in Quebec City. Certainly, they would have a tender green to them, but there would be leaves.</p><p><br /></p><p>We think it would be easier to shoot adequate pictures in that time of the year, making our life easier. Meanwhile, we could wait until next spring to take pictures and start the scenery right now, leaving a small gap to insert the photobackdrop later. We did the same in Clermont and it worked well.</p><p><br /></p><p>This backdrop issue aside, our biggest challenge will be to complete the structures. The large cement plant will need to be enlarged at the back. It will be fully modelled. The bagging plant is almost ready to receive its cladding and details and several ancillary buildings could be done rather quickly. As for cladding, I now have a very hard time finding HO scale suitable corrugated cardboard to imitate asbestos panels. From now on, I think I will simply 3D print them according to my needs. It will be more cost efficient and prototypical that way.</p><p><br /></p><p>I'm really looking forward to start modelling again.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIl6dg_BphpPnOxq5MrRTk-JKXiKytEhN9mA2xsUmTIdyxTtKosfuhWGiQmwjm8ZPshdeo8fyzz7efQMJAXpJjK6mdT9psx6_WIyuITNEa088mzsSaj6rzmWR_rjAGcj-S573QlwJXj2h5o1BhNQBzBIYO9SOsDC_NxsjmepNoG_CLiT4rU3-FspWyp4I/s1613/IMG_2994b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1613" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIl6dg_BphpPnOxq5MrRTk-JKXiKytEhN9mA2xsUmTIdyxTtKosfuhWGiQmwjm8ZPshdeo8fyzz7efQMJAXpJjK6mdT9psx6_WIyuITNEa088mzsSaj6rzmWR_rjAGcj-S573QlwJXj2h5o1BhNQBzBIYO9SOsDC_NxsjmepNoG_CLiT4rU3-FspWyp4I/w400-h225/IMG_2994b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highball! A new season arrive...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>On a positive note, Jérôme was able to revive our duo of GP-15s. Better sounds and keep alives have now made them very reliable locomotives, so all the frustrations associated with poor performance are gone... at least for now!</p>Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-9707926342970181592023-07-07T13:25:00.003-04:002023-07-07T13:35:24.933-04:00Building Monk Subdivision – Mark 2<p>The first Monk
Subdivision didn’t get far has it got entangled in issues such as hidden trackage
and steep grades. I took a few days last month to strip down the incomplete
layout to the benchwork. Better to start from a clean slate. However, lessons
learned from this previous iteration were quite precious to get moving fast
with the second one. My soldering skills are better, my grasp of spline roadbed
building too. Also, I’m more comfortable with laying tracks.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcOjIFGmbeotVZFV6kWGuvOgUYaMGjuPicJGeNXhrdBpn4a4-ABxdTlj8vU8mKOB18kLSEh3fpHiYbJYTkH6w6hYD65t0F03BTu4lgKw6_Rssu1ArQBuhP-eFALvQhdLOG-RRQV0Y-f_hNCnrPXk5oCMa4KTkDi6p4LsCzlCkLHwEav1IABoVIjTN3x9A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcOjIFGmbeotVZFV6kWGuvOgUYaMGjuPicJGeNXhrdBpn4a4-ABxdTlj8vU8mKOB18kLSEh3fpHiYbJYTkH6w6hYD65t0F03BTu4lgKw6_Rssu1ArQBuhP-eFALvQhdLOG-RRQV0Y-f_hNCnrPXk5oCMa4KTkDi6p4LsCzlCkLHwEav1IABoVIjTN3x9A=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Settling down
with a much simpler track plan also help to speed up the construction, which is
quite a great factor for motivation. Add to that Quebec was plagued with a
heatwave during the last few days, it was just a good reason to spend my
evening in the cool temperature of my basement rather than suffering the
debilitating 32 degrees Celsius of my modelling room/office.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">As always,
working with spline roadbed is so natural to create free flowing track on a
scenic layout. I love that technique, which is relaxing to build. It goes
beyond simplistic geometry and provides much more subtlety. No wonder many
large layouts use it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEig-kKWxW3mNjcyOfayDDWyMpyPmkSHMyIQ3L6QIxY770knjTIOPuIqeHA9iXrTDkNzvJvXwFcuVfKBJ5hoKBV2EJMlYkRhPWQg2_XskmXz_YZ0aWyURle-6GdScM4kEsy960SmqJVmFzOXeBlp6q8zCSeGG15X36UHvLoEzQWnSYVMJ2t0tbw0KbqbBhk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="2048" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEig-kKWxW3mNjcyOfayDDWyMpyPmkSHMyIQ3L6QIxY770knjTIOPuIqeHA9iXrTDkNzvJvXwFcuVfKBJ5hoKBV2EJMlYkRhPWQg2_XskmXz_YZ0aWyURle-6GdScM4kEsy960SmqJVmFzOXeBlp6q8zCSeGG15X36UHvLoEzQWnSYVMJ2t0tbw0KbqbBhk=w400-h250" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">With that
said, it’s also a good occasion to test ideas in real time. Moving mockups and
structures around to see where they belong, which is always, to a certain
extent, a tricky business on paper. At this point, it has become quite clear
the station building must be located on the aisle side to provide a more engaging
contact with the railroad. As for the sidings, they look better against the
backdrop because, in a sense, they are a backdrop when trains parked there are passed
by express freight and passenger trains.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">On the other
hand, I’m no longer sure the water tank looks good in the foreground. I’ll have
to find a better location for so it can’t obscure the nice view of a train
leaving the big scenic curve. This is the kind of thing that only manifest
themselves when working with physical models.</span></p><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzXXnFiiIZJxEU5drZ83oz8d6hs0iOsVXn7DWM-QQE720o-L2Q8HmXSNJgamt7q3WlSwWfwCtYpBYSoK4J837w6BzDcJIsuJvXQovA4LHLQrVCTTlrWq70DzEqRpam3jgbEWXAKl0XHZG9uEpb5CofZKhXoXelLZpMIYzn05iDSGVrTI5PBflIZjGw7Rg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="2048" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzXXnFiiIZJxEU5drZ83oz8d6hs0iOsVXn7DWM-QQE720o-L2Q8HmXSNJgamt7q3WlSwWfwCtYpBYSoK4J837w6BzDcJIsuJvXQovA4LHLQrVCTTlrWq70DzEqRpam3jgbEWXAKl0XHZG9uEpb5CofZKhXoXelLZpMIYzn05iDSGVrTI5PBflIZjGw7Rg=w400-h250" width="400" /></a></div></div><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">The same
can be said of the grade. Until now, I had reservations about it. And now I
feel it is a must… the train must climb the hill to reach the station. Visually,
it doesn’t look right if everything is flat. For sure, we are talking about a
1.4% grade and nothing really serious… Just to add that little visual impact but
not to the expense of reliability.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">So far, I'm excited by the project and have found a good way to build in in meaningful steps, which is crucial to ensure success.</span></p>Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-23641331060456533322023-07-05T08:38:00.004-04:002023-07-05T08:57:30.893-04:00Thinking outside the Room - Part 4<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA">For some,
building a layout is something relatively straight forward, and for most of us,
it’s just a long and windy road toward a goal. For Monk Subdivision, the adventure started
more than two years ago when I started to explore the idea of modelling a
single mainline in rural Quebec. <a href="http://hedley-junction.blogspot.com/2021/02/cn-armagh-subdivision-fleshing-out-old.html">An early post</a> had all the key ingredients boiled down to a cohesive recipe: a small town with
a team track and almost nothing elsewhere.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While this
approach seemed simple, I got lost more than once and at some point, fell
victim of the “I want it all” curse. The small village became a large division
point, then other branchlines started to grow here and there in hopes of
creating “interest”. Later on, I explored the possibilities of staging yards,
which devolved into a madness of hidden trackage that became a liability for
trains. Fortunately, I was able to see the light and to rationalize the layout
back to its roots: modelling a generic Canadian mainline in Southern Quebec. Operations
would be simply watching trains meeting at a small siding and running the local
switcher working the team track. Nothing less, nothing more.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Simple
tracks mean less issues. As Joe Fugate likes to say, you can’t have quality if
you seek quantity. Less turnouts, less problems… less problems, more fun. Yes,
it’s simplistic, but with model railroading, you can’t escape reality and
physics.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As for
staging, I’ve come to a hybrid solution that ensures I can meet all my goals
without compromising too much. The issue was about having two returning/staging
loops depicting both end of the line and reducing the grade between the lower
deck and the upper deck. My solution consists of creating two identical staging
yard and shifting them about 1 foot apart so the aren’t overlapping. This
provides two benefits: 1) all tracks are directly accessible from the top and
2) the vertical separation doesn’t need to be more than 4 inches.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-CA"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtuwZy8fjZ8_R08OT2Sj9r1TbTMAEwWFpdcEkq3pQm6XqQm8fePF_2j31galC72Gkyq-9TCHQlW5EtikTVg6LFwMRPt4rCjnMeV4O-APUtN1HC3eqfooHO9ogGhgvfora4tt2OCPK03HJrM8LkdA3zCZ6W4MCdm3yxhH13xkOSFsBTOlVjseprHcCE6E/s1500/Subdivision%20Monk_114.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="1500" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtuwZy8fjZ8_R08OT2Sj9r1TbTMAEwWFpdcEkq3pQm6XqQm8fePF_2j31galC72Gkyq-9TCHQlW5EtikTVg6LFwMRPt4rCjnMeV4O-APUtN1HC3eqfooHO9ogGhgvfora4tt2OCPK03HJrM8LkdA3zCZ6W4MCdm3yxhH13xkOSFsBTOlVjseprHcCE6E/w400-h190/Subdivision%20Monk_114.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span lang="EN-CA"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA">Another
issue was how to build the layout… what about the phasing? Build the staging
then build the layout? That would require me to postpone the project until I
could add a room in the basement to house it. Not fun if you ask me. Another
option, as suggested by Chris Mears is simply to build the roadbed in the
layout room, create a temporary loop and run trains. Elevation can be modified later
by altering the risers supporting the spline roadbed. It has the advantage of providing
a working layout and a lot of time to work out wiring, signalling and controls
while the staging room is being built. Once done, it’s all about drilling a
hole in the wall and rerouting both ends of the layout to their respective
staging loop. Risers will be adjusted accordingly to get the correct grade.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-CA"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzdjEAo6OFJfbtM0NdKCBByYL4m8HJZSBgkQiTdghA9lNT9ost_8QegN2InfePbdOVyTcMeI5KL88KDnAsYtnVtzrZgowybOZvWUzm4hLvO-jxbeFhsbH8lVND2DSU0nD0KGivNwsBBOROt_6CWhVNUscyIyJ1QdrkoUvNdomcHnlN8gBGUmx_n4nx4U/s1358/Subdivision%20Monk%20114b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1358" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzdjEAo6OFJfbtM0NdKCBByYL4m8HJZSBgkQiTdghA9lNT9ost_8QegN2InfePbdOVyTcMeI5KL88KDnAsYtnVtzrZgowybOZvWUzm4hLvO-jxbeFhsbH8lVND2DSU0nD0KGivNwsBBOROt_6CWhVNUscyIyJ1QdrkoUvNdomcHnlN8gBGUmx_n4nx4U/w400-h244/Subdivision%20Monk%20114b.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span lang="EN-CA"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p></p>
<p>That said,
I’ve already committed to build during the last few days. Old roadbeds, tracks
and wiring have been removed and the new spline roadbed is being built. The
previous iteration was a failure as a layout, but I learned a lot about
splines, soldering and wiring. All that knowledge is making the rebuilding a
breeze. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ5fTJw_hP2pMNSBW3i282pDXizCF2j1ff9hQ04NlvYRwnDPTMUvL36pvksHFfjcmmUxAbs0MqHTsPTQgglGPTvnLZBMQwe0NjXTXmrvbNUAq6RiI3jm-c2vbSL1HkMH_0thQn6ocfhf6oY8CloMtu1idwfG8WX5IKDl4cNKrW9FiMqMDgFskkAMLCB2E" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ5fTJw_hP2pMNSBW3i282pDXizCF2j1ff9hQ04NlvYRwnDPTMUvL36pvksHFfjcmmUxAbs0MqHTsPTQgglGPTvnLZBMQwe0NjXTXmrvbNUAq6RiI3jm-c2vbSL1HkMH_0thQn6ocfhf6oY8CloMtu1idwfG8WX5IKDl4cNKrW9FiMqMDgFskkAMLCB2E" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Splines are such a fantastic way to build roadbed</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Well, after a lot (too much) of careful thoughts, I've come to the realization I really wanted a two level set of returning loops/staging yards. The layout goal has always been about railfanning trains and it's the best arrangement to get a lot of traffic and manage it easily with current technology.</p><p>The difference this time is that I reduced the number of tracks on each loop and offset them so they aren't hiding each other. It's much more practical for access and maintenance. Also, vertical separation can be reduced dramatically to 4", which creates gentle grades in the layout room.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtMG231SfmCbJlFru8lR01u3sg0kRfPifAxG8rAB7vBpWNtrBCtCmLsi97q2AQLrCeSz7WQzo5K5LvS2UVEWpz7YFitvJE78U1F2XZi-o89Y6RgZhMBW6c1KrZPep_uNNMpYJimx2KrSyLjrXc5kQLwxE-_IQTOBf6ZH22jysD_coXUjVGoFsU9mQvxsw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtMG231SfmCbJlFru8lR01u3sg0kRfPifAxG8rAB7vBpWNtrBCtCmLsi97q2AQLrCeSz7WQzo5K5LvS2UVEWpz7YFitvJE78U1F2XZi-o89Y6RgZhMBW6c1KrZPep_uNNMpYJimx2KrSyLjrXc5kQLwxE-_IQTOBf6ZH22jysD_coXUjVGoFsU9mQvxsw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First train on the layout!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Speaking of the layout room, the grade out of Joffre staging (the lower loop) is about 1.6% then it's reduced at 0.4% between the turnout/signals and the team track. This gentle grade reduces the drag that could affect longer trains or less powerful locomotives. Lesson learned from the previous staging.<p></p><p>As for the scenicked layout itself, things are now much simpler. A small station, with a passing track and a team track acts as our point of contact with the human realm. Sidings are on the backdrop side so cars and trains on them never obscure the action on the mainline. They are part of the background. Another advantage is having the depot in the foreground, which enables me to have more details, trucks, cars, and actions taking place and setting the scene.</p>Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-89585340286779977972023-06-21T20:47:00.005-04:002023-06-21T20:47:35.224-04:00CN Woodchip Cars - The End<p>Almost a decade ago, I started working on CN woodchip cars 3D model to be printed. It was a very long walk through several hardships that made me learn a new trade, new skills and how designing model cars can be an excruciating exercise in compromise...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8D2LugTwAgHdq4g7vBmEuww8jK5-iaBbiBGFHbxEp5GOq4RNYIted3rnRbUZR5ZrKc71J7VqGo5znx38siaj_MpeMP8o3nuL_LpihnjlIk-id9dQrBS0aFct2ohlesk1Bm_LxhKVsGzwUS7uke_G83bo_hDlqj9vQHsmU3Cya0RaQD1Mwq8yqwZSe1Fg/s1024/355055907_596642799265710_4010615313638021998_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8D2LugTwAgHdq4g7vBmEuww8jK5-iaBbiBGFHbxEp5GOq4RNYIted3rnRbUZR5ZrKc71J7VqGo5znx38siaj_MpeMP8o3nuL_LpihnjlIk-id9dQrBS0aFct2ohlesk1Bm_LxhKVsGzwUS7uke_G83bo_hDlqj9vQHsmU3Cya0RaQD1Mwq8yqwZSe1Fg/w400-h300/355055907_596642799265710_4010615313638021998_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Now, after all that wait, 8 completed cars are ready to enter service. All of them built and weathered, using my design printed and sold by Kaslo Shops. In that regard, I wish to thank John Whitmore who was always very supportive of the project and made it possible. As I assembled the kits, I found a few things I would like to improve, including the decals. I hope to forward these improvements to John during this summer.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQ3KWyuHI284pwXdW9Rq9cYvMX6hb24_oLF9LcBWi4iskjrgduQEX-ZxTBP88rCaW31RQ96Niw0qqAL-AYIulN_yxnoMjzzHYkakEwqWzbkfhEHhf-BUSX14sqXN-1-ZuYVw0nOkgB95EXa2hHSA4hSAx3sBVbb64u3OCvZXIqS7JWDp5vZHMWJUMryw/s1920/345150963_788506662551535_3575479704047062964_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQ3KWyuHI284pwXdW9Rq9cYvMX6hb24_oLF9LcBWi4iskjrgduQEX-ZxTBP88rCaW31RQ96Niw0qqAL-AYIulN_yxnoMjzzHYkakEwqWzbkfhEHhf-BUSX14sqXN-1-ZuYVw0nOkgB95EXa2hHSA4hSAx3sBVbb64u3OCvZXIqS7JWDp5vZHMWJUMryw/w400-h225/345150963_788506662551535_3575479704047062964_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>As for the model themselves, I went a like bit further with weathering. No new technique so to speak, but just cranking it up a few notches. Since 3D printed cars have always slight artefacts due to the process, I thought I would use an approach based on Tom Johnson grain hopper weathering techniques mixed with a few armour modeller tricks shared by Martin Kovac at Night Shift on YouTube.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCHGjWg3EuITX5YMEfCMSUHU5wkPLsWhMc7VxtHWO6TzQJIXDBUhDEqFvgjU9lrStJmR1s9FdzqIf0m9FkrTcqeaWtlMpQqJaxqMEWWoChfQ78x-_mKjnMTyfM0LGlES7Hb-GXEEaOSC_b22yBqJJDbpUWzT5GmJT3pa2uuVFPMRRYw7PB1BR9_NOKDM/s1024/355116161_803948494664954_1002797558207792916_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCHGjWg3EuITX5YMEfCMSUHU5wkPLsWhMc7VxtHWO6TzQJIXDBUhDEqFvgjU9lrStJmR1s9FdzqIf0m9FkrTcqeaWtlMpQqJaxqMEWWoChfQ78x-_mKjnMTyfM0LGlES7Hb-GXEEaOSC_b22yBqJJDbpUWzT5GmJT3pa2uuVFPMRRYw7PB1BR9_NOKDM/w400-h300/355116161_803948494664954_1002797558207792916_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Basically, I faded the paint with a substantial amount of white then added another fade layer to which I also added some light orange to make it even lighter while keeping a warm hue. The real trick was to apply that layer in an irregular and cloudy pattern on flat panels only to replicate the highlights created by distorted steel plate. When combined with regular weathering, it really gave an amazingly realistic look to the cars, replicating that beaten up appearance so characteristic of gondolas.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnfcBv7hyRrCnX5jB4gdbi9md_L3LbtR7A8iSC8FIeAI8S8GQYu2z5kjXVPi_9Qzs9JuFVWZFz_9WYOIShg2GixqQ7iKFjWOxI1EbFERlQSWWYAawFV47DRTF-mctMP92vkAC0U7f0_2A29wglTwS40I9pzNJCsPpb9R3ofOkoD48QBu3XIDNfceFb8Q/s1024/354073260_669646551652562_6020348420720646173_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnfcBv7hyRrCnX5jB4gdbi9md_L3LbtR7A8iSC8FIeAI8S8GQYu2z5kjXVPi_9Qzs9JuFVWZFz_9WYOIShg2GixqQ7iKFjWOxI1EbFERlQSWWYAawFV47DRTF-mctMP92vkAC0U7f0_2A29wglTwS40I9pzNJCsPpb9R3ofOkoD48QBu3XIDNfceFb8Q/w400-h300/354073260_669646551652562_6020348420720646173_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Once again, I can't help but urge modellers to keep their mind opened, look at what is done outside our hobby and take chances with their models. Modulating colors and hues before applying decals is truly a radical yet easy way to improve drastically your work! Try it!</p>Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807818366755087334.post-48425873751186526922023-05-08T08:28:00.003-04:002023-05-08T08:28:08.818-04:00Thinking outside the Room – Part 3<p>As
promised, we are now back for the third and final installment of Thinking
outside the Room. Having selected a few good design elements, it’s time to tie
things together for a “final” plan of action.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Many
observed rightly that the staging bulge right in the middle of the room was an
atrocious waste of prime space and I agree. But it was a step required to
further my thoughts. In architectural design, we often explore ideas that are
deemed useless or not optimal to figure out “why” they aren’t and what is good
about them. They won’t be the final option, and we know it, but they are useful
steps to learn more about the project, our priorities and the potential of the
space available in front of us. Maybe 90% of things will be wrong or unwanted,
but there is a 10% that could provide a key for another option. It is also a
way to learn why a bad idea is a bad idea. Simply discarding designs based on
feeling doesn’t provide a great deal of foresight. And if you are asked why it’s
bad from people who think it’s good, you have zero argument to sustain a
positive conversation about it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">In the case
of Monk, drawing this option with the bulge proved many things:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">The
bulge does take a lot of space;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Looking
at a staging with entering a room is far to be appealing;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">A
working surface on top of the bulge would be to deep to be really useful and it
would reduce access to tracks for maintenance;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Framing
the best scenes under the cabinet is a winning move;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Superposed
staging yards are indeed a neat use of space, particularly if they have exactly
the same geometry.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfE5eJ-4A5nFAvbIhFEWxsaI_1n6h8RzCam1l4pguejJmNWoXgj3ndG7qIRnoVX4D5jL9C1fjwmSzn60FacQdFPVzstwkoKh1R0s4xmsoK1oOzdj36GkYXrcwgRzayJXDG1vclnsN_C1yeK2lEb0pUC30V8bQOO6ltVqRxp7Tgj8Rk7ZO8MNaCVfKr" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfE5eJ-4A5nFAvbIhFEWxsaI_1n6h8RzCam1l4pguejJmNWoXgj3ndG7qIRnoVX4D5jL9C1fjwmSzn60FacQdFPVzstwkoKh1R0s4xmsoK1oOzdj36GkYXrcwgRzayJXDG1vclnsN_C1yeK2lEb0pUC30V8bQOO6ltVqRxp7Tgj8Rk7ZO8MNaCVfKr=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staging inside versus outside the room</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Armed with
that, we know that we have some good elements to work with and a few
deficiencies to work out. First, let’s take the staging yards outside of the
room. We explored the workshop option earlier in part 1 and it didn’t make
sense. But there is also some space on the right side which is full of storage
shelves. Many things on these shelves are hobby related and must be protected from
dust. It isn’t the case right now so building a new room to protect them would
not reduce storage space and provide for shelter from wood dust. Storage shelves
could be installed under and over the staging layout.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvetrD4545supb_cXVpMIyauWGDYln4I9s29S7af_jzZkd_k5unvg6KvFpWJR_4Pzva-fJZnMlprIhLib_o_nd-TDhglmgtaIiP2j_y1RIIFMUxhiwyd570zWbjfXwmm5sbKWJxE2DviNTNFODAkO8hY_qJEf6zkgKgv2f9fQvuKLanASwBZ8b46q9" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvetrD4545supb_cXVpMIyauWGDYln4I9s29S7af_jzZkd_k5unvg6KvFpWJR_4Pzva-fJZnMlprIhLib_o_nd-TDhglmgtaIiP2j_y1RIIFMUxhiwyd570zWbjfXwmm5sbKWJxE2DviNTNFODAkO8hY_qJEf6zkgKgv2f9fQvuKLanASwBZ8b46q9=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The full mainline run is now restored</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>As you can
see, we are now addressing two completely separate issues by building a single
6’ x 10’ storage room. Something completely unexpected, but very fortunate and
practical for the house.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLSn07LOtOG3eKJF6AqSeNLyDvsuOkwN-gurqfYaSVNzTAPAxvbd1lYapb7Ae2SAVOJz_JTRtHT3jcGJCVakgnDvHXa_XkL4VjLMN1_lcGOrr6yoyv7-VTZdizLJNpKLwNBRTMSmJuPO2uEOKNBW2iX0jYljVU2BEPQNgfyDTWuJnxHLtzPA_FTOBd" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1881" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLSn07LOtOG3eKJF6AqSeNLyDvsuOkwN-gurqfYaSVNzTAPAxvbd1lYapb7Ae2SAVOJz_JTRtHT3jcGJCVakgnDvHXa_XkL4VjLMN1_lcGOrr6yoyv7-VTZdizLJNpKLwNBRTMSmJuPO2uEOKNBW2iX0jYljVU2BEPQNgfyDTWuJnxHLtzPA_FTOBd=w400-h193" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some scenery to tie hings together</td></tr></tbody></table><br />With the staging
outside, we can restore the continuous scenic mainline around the room and let
scenes breath. Since both staging are one over the other, the entire visible
track is thus a long gentle grade typical of mountain railroading. It’s about 1.1%,
which is quite acceptable in HO and in line with prototype National
Transcontinental Railway design guidelines of the 1900s.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjhMl_0JFU5onu_VmMUMJ69et90EvdKMtPSVLfmxML4ovPUIZzlyzgADh0QPqm9vONFOYheCPExrkV8jlsD5F8YNK-EPdKdDN-mf1-CWKshhWV4CXTGnDDCvSqSzjdmIZ92sUNLfFP1pMxnGUYiOrOke-wkT-KaULGdhgxf7uTfPDazlQVpdpj6kDQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjhMl_0JFU5onu_VmMUMJ69et90EvdKMtPSVLfmxML4ovPUIZzlyzgADh0QPqm9vONFOYheCPExrkV8jlsD5F8YNK-EPdKdDN-mf1-CWKshhWV4CXTGnDDCvSqSzjdmIZ92sUNLfFP1pMxnGUYiOrOke-wkT-KaULGdhgxf7uTfPDazlQVpdpj6kDQ=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refining ideas by hand; a better lakeside scene</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">It also
opens another door which is of uttermost interest. It is, once again, inspired
by the siding at Lac Therrien that was built on a causeway. This siding, in the
middle of nowhere, acts as a place where you can stage meets between trains. It
would be long, capable of holding trains pulling about 20 cars. I can already imagine
building a shelf to rest on and a control panel in that area to railfan trains meeting
there. It’s also a good excuse to implement a realistic yet extremely simple signal
system. The visible part of the layout would then be 2 CTC blocks: a stretch of
mainline and the siding, sandwiched between two staging yards.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoI3a1YWjJ7v5a3OveJ7lQ1oZNISsx6T9ceuzyECZP48H379gCLUyqsKGyJekpULVC4h-ijf7c5Ib-Y1tiNPsv-V4HV3ACvFGfimi0Zk213jy8o9q7zZQYwxE9WJzPHdNXwrde4EwDQNu9m6Hk7jJn4T6NFQtcVZ8yyt-MtQ57ZeoC8kbPuh6pGGPt" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1634" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoI3a1YWjJ7v5a3OveJ7lQ1oZNISsx6T9ceuzyECZP48H379gCLUyqsKGyJekpULVC4h-ijf7c5Ib-Y1tiNPsv-V4HV3ACvFGfimi0Zk213jy8o9q7zZQYwxE9WJzPHdNXwrde4EwDQNu9m6Hk7jJn4T6NFQtcVZ8yyt-MtQ57ZeoC8kbPuh6pGGPt=w400-h204" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jérôme's drawing explaining CTC blocks</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">On the
visual side of things, this new track plan has a powerful argument for it. Both
staging areas punch the wall in the exact same spot. Also, the Abenaki bridge
scene no longer needs to deal with a nasty curve. Having the swing gate to the
room crossed only by a straight piece of track makes geometry much easier to
deal with and is more forgiving with track alignment. I also like the fact both
scenes under cabinets are no longer linked together in front of the doorway. This
connection felt clumsy and was broken when the gate was opened. Now, they connect
in a more natural way around the wall instead of being broken at the doorway.
It’s a natural spot for a vertical separation too.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_yLhPwPWQKtzM5l4g72RWEA-QCfFfMGxzWA6Q4BxlKqfnhVdKpqVC-YFBu8Fr_dyiuDg41B5XhBtIOtDHVNyVXLWAa8Nz-ANoh0FwOdT1rzCjlfS17DtSZBhtuYwZJ1qsDYVowCrjEBnR_gRIKpxfE5RCQg-8LOdarABXRjmQgvKlcfuZmWjh2hgw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="1484" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_yLhPwPWQKtzM5l4g72RWEA-QCfFfMGxzWA6Q4BxlKqfnhVdKpqVC-YFBu8Fr_dyiuDg41B5XhBtIOtDHVNyVXLWAa8Nz-ANoh0FwOdT1rzCjlfS17DtSZBhtuYwZJ1qsDYVowCrjEBnR_gRIKpxfE5RCQg-8LOdarABXRjmQgvKlcfuZmWjh2hgw=w400-h120" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lac Therrien seen from the aisle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">I’ve
discussed that plan with friends and most of them agree it’s a much better and
elegant version. It is a serious contender and can be built easily, economically
and can run in a matter of a few months. It’s now up to me to make a long due
move.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Matthieu Lachancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06812873374306516493noreply@blogger.com0