A year or two ago, I posted a topic called "where do I go from here". At that time, I had a nice bench in a nice room with about 88 feet of track on a green carpet. It was fun, but seemed more like a toy than a hobby. Here is the original track plan and pictures:
http://www.bearcreekweb.com/galleries.aspx (note: Login with "132" and password of" 132" and select "from here" gallery)
I got quite a bit of input at that time, but still felt uncertain about what to do. The infamous SpaModeller and I had several email exchanges as well as phone conversations, and he was both kind and patient enough to help me sort out my thoughts.
As a youngster, I had an HO layout and took my 1/24 down to the local speedway, and both of those venues had minimal modeling with maximum track length. In those days, you built the track first, and if you had some space leftover that you were just not able to squeeze more track into, you might plop a building, tree or sign. I clearly needed a change of mindset.
With time (probably seemed like decades to SpaModeller), I began to better understand what I was after and what needed to be done to accomplish it. I even became comfortable with the notion of pulling out track as well as modifying the bench work to achieve my goals. You can see the beginnings here:
http://www.bearcreekweb.com/galleries.aspx (note: Login with "132" and password of" 132" and select "track construction" gallery)
Our intention is to create a feeling of a late 60's early 70's American raceway in the spirit of a Watkins Glen or Road America. Needless to say, there is much to do still, but I do think we are on the right path. It has already provided more joy than I could have imagined and at least one pleasant surprise. The surprise was that you could lose 30 feet of track and have a more enjoyable driving experience. Now instead of many R2's, the track is almost exclusively R3's and R4's, with only one R2 hairpin. It's smooth and flowing, and it feels like you drive the entire track vs. squirting between turns.
Anyway, I'm on my way thanks to SpaModeller gracious help, moral support and friendship. It's been a real treat to learn from the master, and those nights sipping Single Malt haven't been bad either. I'll keep you posted of progress and of course continue to post pictures as we move forward.
http://www.bearcreekweb.com/galleries.aspx (note: Login with "132" and password of" 132" and select "from here" gallery)
I got quite a bit of input at that time, but still felt uncertain about what to do. The infamous SpaModeller and I had several email exchanges as well as phone conversations, and he was both kind and patient enough to help me sort out my thoughts.
As a youngster, I had an HO layout and took my 1/24 down to the local speedway, and both of those venues had minimal modeling with maximum track length. In those days, you built the track first, and if you had some space leftover that you were just not able to squeeze more track into, you might plop a building, tree or sign. I clearly needed a change of mindset.
With time (probably seemed like decades to SpaModeller), I began to better understand what I was after and what needed to be done to accomplish it. I even became comfortable with the notion of pulling out track as well as modifying the bench work to achieve my goals. You can see the beginnings here:
http://www.bearcreekweb.com/galleries.aspx (note: Login with "132" and password of" 132" and select "track construction" gallery)
Our intention is to create a feeling of a late 60's early 70's American raceway in the spirit of a Watkins Glen or Road America. Needless to say, there is much to do still, but I do think we are on the right path. It has already provided more joy than I could have imagined and at least one pleasant surprise. The surprise was that you could lose 30 feet of track and have a more enjoyable driving experience. Now instead of many R2's, the track is almost exclusively R3's and R4's, with only one R2 hairpin. It's smooth and flowing, and it feels like you drive the entire track vs. squirting between turns.
Anyway, I'm on my way thanks to SpaModeller gracious help, moral support and friendship. It's been a real treat to learn from the master, and those nights sipping Single Malt haven't been bad either. I'll keep you posted of progress and of course continue to post pictures as we move forward.
