Ok , I have just jumped over some of life's little hurdles. So now the track will be back under construction.

Some know the idea im trying to create, but i wont let the cat out of the bag just yet. This way i'll be working rather than putting it off. The track itself has had a complete makeover on the layout etc.
1 LANE (possible 2)
SCENIC - highly detailed (as much as my limited skills will allow)
and yes will incorporate On30 scale model train - yes i know its 1:43 scale....

Plan for slots ???? aint got one yet until track is laid. Gotta fit with scenery, and trains can only decline / incline at 4deg - so they are laid first..

Cheers
Brendan

Thanks to the model train guys heres my rendition on their tall redwood tree
Instead of using real plants for the branches, i thought that i'd go back and use an old Xmas Tree cut of the branches and use those.

think it needs a few more branches

here you can see the bark texture - makes all the difference
this is using a 18mm Tassie Oak dowel and shaped using a RASP FILE - looks like a cheese grater

Well nearly finished the bridge. Bought a new lacquer (a lighter one) came out just right - no perfect - just right.
Painted it up added some nails to give it a more realistic effect and 2 tree trunks for the sides of the bridge.




What you think ?
Brendan

WOW - this stuff is addicting !!!
I've been at it again. Drew up the plan and scratch built this water tower in about 2 hours this afternoon.
Excuse the pegs - still making sure its going to be solid.

Still to cut out a cone tin roof and paint & weather

Well - while im doing other things, i thought that i should at least do some buildings for around the track (when it eventuates). Whipped this up in a day, yet to paint and weather it, but this will be the GAOL




UPDATE !

Painted with a new type of stain - comes in a tube as a gel. Not too happy with the outcome, this was brushed on then ragged off, and still came out dark. I suppose because balsa is porous ?????

But still really happy with my first scratch build I can only get better ! And when on the track with a bit of Woodlands scenics around may tidy it up a bit.







still yet to paint front and decide on roof covering, but that black wet dry may be a goer ! Anybody know how to do a stove pipe chimney?

Well - this being my first ever attempt at a blog - so let's see how this pans out!

Construction for Deep Wood's Gorge has started !

Details :

2400mm x 1500mm
Single lane scenic track
Incorporating the first ever Routed track with a On30 working railway
Railroad crossing
Tunnels
Bridges
and a 300mm deep gorge going through the centre of the track for it's namesake

Step #1
- dismantle previous track, salvaging the timber to re-use for the framework

Step #2
- build the framework without the braces & studs (because the track being multileveled - these will be added in as needed)

Step #3
- lay the 12mm MDF on top of the frame
- draw the track outline (track width ranging from 100mm > 150mm)
- Route out the slot (using braid) so a 3mm recess will have to done as well
- Cut around the track - leaving certain platforms for scenery to be added later on

Step #4
- Lift track off and place 3mm MDF underneath
- draw the racetrack outline onto MDF then lift off 12mm wood leaving the outline so as to me knowing where the rail lines can / can't go
- Lay out RAIL track (using HO flexi track - being cheaper than O gauge track by substantial amount)
- due to the scale of the carriages being used a dimension of 50mm from centre of track will be used for clearance
- make up a jig for 2 pencils to be used at the set dimensions then draw the outline needed
- cut the 3mm MDF to size so you are left with a base for the railtrack

Step #5
- Start to raise the slot track allowing for the elevations needed for the trains (needing a 4deg inc/decl)