Hello from new(ish) member

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Wed, 2010-06-23 17:27 — Steves VR

Modeling general discussion

Hi all,

I've been lurking around here for awhile and thought it's about time I said hello. My name is Steve and I'm from central Victoria, Australia. I have a medium sized double decker layout under construction modelling the Victorian Railways in the 70's. Most of the diesel loco's used in this period are of EMD origin.Like so many others, I "returned" to trains later in life and have been serious about the hobby for the last 3 years.

A couple of things that appeal to me about this forum is the number of members actively engaged in the hobby and the vast collective knowledge of the group. Some of the fellows on here have a lifetime of modelling experience which is an incredible resource to be able to draw upon. As I have a layout under construction I may need to tap into this fountain of knowledge occasionally and in the process hopefully I will be able to give something back.

regards Steve

Hi Steve

Wed, 2010-06-23 21:32 — bear creek

Glad to have you here. Your layout sounds interesting. Got any photos?

Best regards,

Charlie

Editor, Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine

Welcome aboard, Steve.

Thu, 2010-06-24 06:12 — Russ Bellinis

Are the EMD units that were used in Australia in the 1970's the same as the ones we saw here in the States? Just wondering if you can use American prototype models for your railroad or do you need Australian specific bodies or details?

Welcome

Thu, 2010-06-24 10:02 — rtw3rd

Welcome, Steve!

Glad to have you aboard and look forward to your posts and hopefully seeing some photos - both of your layout progress a proto trains "over there".

Rick

http://richlawnrailroad.com/?page_id=497

The Richlawn Railroad - Featuring the L&N

Hi Steve

Thu, 2010-06-24 12:13 — LKandO

Take it from another newbie to the forum, these are very knowledgable and talented people. I hope they provide you with as much information, guidance and suggestions as they have for me.

-Alan

Alan
www.LKOrailroad.com

Thanks for the warm welcome

Fri, 2010-06-25 02:02 — Steves VR

Thanks for the warm welcome and for taking an interest.

Charlie, I do have some photos, I just have to read up on how to post them.When I do get them up it will appear that not a lot of progress has been made even though I started about 2 years ago . I first laid down a yard and then things stalled for awhile after I decided that there was a whole lot a space above the layout that really should become a second deck .Several (read lots) of designs later constuction has restarted on building the upper deck.

Russ, our EMD units are different to the US. They were produced locally under licence from General Motors . Among others we have a couple of bulldog types , the B class and the S class. The B class has a cab at each end and the S class is based on the F7 with a few mod'sTo suit Australias lighter loading gauge. The body was lenghthened and 3 axle bogies fitted. Have a look here http://www.victorianrailways.net/ for more info and pix.

We have several model producers importing excellent quality HO scale locos and rolling stock from the same Chinese factories as US outline. A lot of rolling stock is available in styrene kits and there are some small manufacturers producing resin kits . The last couple of years there has been a real surge in Aussie N scale.

Rick, I'll hopefully get some pix up soon, for proto pix have a look at the site I've linked to above, a favourite of VR modellers.

Alan, not only are they knowledgable and talented but willing to share ideas and give opinions in a more respectful way than some other forums.

Cheers Steve

At least those B & S class locomotives look ike easy kitbashes.

Sat, 2010-06-26 08:59 — Russ Bellinis

I would think a B class could be built using two F-7 shells on a Fp-7 frame. It looks like the S class could be kit bashed by using a "B" unit shell to extend the length of the F-7A extend the frame with some brass and use a set of E unit trucks under it.

Welcome

Sat, 2010-06-26 12:04 — Geared

Welcome, Steve.

What a great site. Thanks for posting the link.

Roy

Geared is the way to tight radii and steep grades. Ghost River Rwy. "The Misty Loggers"

http://s39.photobucket.com/albums/e185/Grampy1dad/Ghost%20River/

A couple of pix

Sat, 2010-07-03 15:18 — Steves VR

Hi all , a few shots of my layout under construction.

Some background info.

I originally had a 10' x5' layout in the house, then decided I needed something bigger so a room was built in the shed 18' x 8' .I thought this would be big enough,but.....this room will eventually become part of a L shaped layout 36' x 25'.

This is part of the upper deck (RHS of room)

Framing for the valence. Flourescent light fittings get mounted in the bottom L girder.

Brackets and backdrop installed.

Joe's plaser mix used in background scenery.Track on spline roadbed. I have just finished installing lighting for the lower deck. Fascia and forground scenery required to finish the basic scenery.

This is the upper deck on the LHS of room basic scenery completed. The track will be continued when the room is extended!!