"Porto Corsa" (Cars2) Project

The project continues. I'm working on two tracks -- first, building the scenery (particularly working on some of the many houses) and second, building the benchwork for the track.

Here's the beginning of the benchwork. It's three tables that will be bolted together. I'm curving the ends of the outside so that's something new for me. I'm creating the curved edged by gluing together strips of MDF; I'm amazed already at how strong they are.


And, I'm building a few houses. As in my previous work, I'm using individually molded blocks done with Hirst Arts molds. These type of houses should create the Mediterranean feel that we're going for in this track.

Bill, So happy to see you working on another Italian Classic and a very ambitious project it is! The design looks great and I am glad you opted for a more open and flowing design because due to the subject matter you will need a large number of structures. I have built quite a few of those building using the Hirst cast blocks and one thing I found useful is to pre-build some larger sections and recast them. I found if done well theis helps in several ways, first you can cast many more pieces at one time, speeds construction and mot importantly helps avoid what I call "fade" My buildings would alway start out arrow straight, but as you go acorss, different batches of blocks, different thicknesses of glus, etc. build up or get thinner and before you know it you building looks like something out of a Dali painting or some Goudy architecture! I actually have an idea in the back of my mind to build a track with sort of abstract deconstred type of buildings, maybe impressionist is a better word. Anyway I have to think about that, but for as many structures as you need to do, it could REALLY help! Of course you may be doing this already in which case . . Nevermind

Routing has started...

The project grows. I'm working on the right side first. Cut out the routed track and beginning to work on the elevations first...




Then I need to start imagining how all the scenery pieces will go together. Many of the ideas for the scenery come together only as I work on things. Some of it is trial and error. I envision a large palatial building dominating the little island and houses perched on the cliff above the channel...

QUOTE (masmojo @ 17 Apr 2012, 14:39) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>From the cardboard strips I am thinking you are going to use the fiberglass shell as opposed to Hydrocal??No, you just have to apply the hydrocal when it's a bit wet and work it into the cardboard.

Little more of the cardboard framing done. Put in a little cobblestone decorative road (using Hirst Arts molds again).

QUOTE (masmojo @ 17 Apr 2012, 14:39) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>From the cardboard strips I am thinking you are going to use the fiberglass shell as opposed to Hydrocal??Let me show you an example of applying the Hydrocal directly to the cardboard. The cardboard just serves to hold the shape, although it does add to the strength and stability of the Hydrocal. But when the Hydrocal dries, it's like a rock.


And then just blend the edges using Sculptamold, paint, and here you go.

SO looks like allot of brick making goin on!

Or have you been casting bricks for the last couple months in preperation?

I had one brick that I liked to use on the top of walls, it's like a flat thin Paver, but there was only one on the mold I was using, so it took a while to get as many as I needed, can be a bit tiresome unless you start makin'em early.

Looking good!

QUOTE (masmojo @ 24 Apr 2012, 13:24) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>SO looks like allot of brick making goin on!

Or have you been casting bricks for the last couple months in preparation?I did cast a lot of bricks in preparation, but I've already used them all up. So, it's constantly casting now with various types of molds. There's so much to do that I can be doing several things at once.

Here's some work on the smaller bridge...

QUOTE (Trg888 @ 28 Apr 2012, 14:31) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Great stuff Bill. Pics of Amalfi coast road and Atrani should be good reference.Thanks. Did a Google search--some great ideas!

In the meantime, another day's work, and I've almost integrated one side of the bridge. Still a few details to add, but it's coming along.

...very great stuff; you wouldnt like to come over here to build some rocks and scenery on my track, here? Regards Jens

Excuse the frequent posts, but I tend to use the thread as a history of the track build. This weekend, I was trying to finish the bridge and the outer rocks of the island. Unfortunately, I ran out of Hydrocal so I'm off next week to pick up another 100lb bag.

I built a staircase into the rock face here, so I guess we need some swimmers (eventually)...