Thanks for the backstory

I'm going to attempt to

I'm going to attempt to highlight the folk that helped contributed to this project; a credit to them so to speak by showing some quotes that they made that inspired me or even created a catalyst or turning point along with an image or two. I'm going to try to make the blog more about them rather than my techniques and skills unless I'm questioned about it, in this case I could post a link to a page in a thread, which demonstrates this.

Joe, when wanting to add more to the blog, do I add it in the comments section or in the area where I first posted the introduction?

Just add new comments

Primarily, the first

Primarily, the first contributors in regards to informing me about branch line operations were Alan Rice, Barry, Benny, Bremmer, DaveBranum, Dave Husman. Jurgen, and Don.

Mon, 2013-07-08 21:51 — BOK

"I doubt that there would be an engine facility at this small a location with only one industry. The modern, shortlines I have managed and/or run on as an engineer, generally never had the expensive luxury of an engine house."

- Barry

Sun, 2013-07-14 23:30 — ctxmf74

"Railroad usually kept their facilities on adjacent properties instead of book ending them around an industry( they originally owned all the right of way so had first choice on where they built)"

- DaveBranum

Thu, 2013-07-18 16:40 — dfandrews

"The return move from the end of the branch wouldn't be done without someone physically able to see down the track, and in communication with the engineer."

- Don

https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/engine-shed-track-12193995

Their input eventually inspired me to go with a turntable instead of the engine house.

https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/a-simple-manual-turntable-part-1-12206058

Thanks, Joe; I fixed it.

Thanks, Joe; I fixed it.

Benchwork

Could you please describe your benchwork?  I know it looks simple, but there is always some detail I overlook.

Certainly, santaynez. The

Certainly, santaynez.

The layout consists of two modules - foamular glued to hollow-core interior doors framed with 5" X 3/4" ply that was made to fit over and and very snuggly onto sturdy high quality plastic fold up tables that have metal legs that lock. This is a cross section; I had to cut an end off of one of the modules to make it fit its new room; I'm glad I didn't throw it out.

The terrain on the layout is just slightly higher than the ¾ inch lips on both sides. The edges of the layout's terrain consists of dense homasote strips hidden by being scenicked, e.g., gravel lot, edge of a road, uneven terrain, etc.

This enables me to stack one module on top of the other and prevents it from moving side to side; kind of locking it into place so to speak.

The 2 ½ inch overhang creates a clearance when stacking one on top of the other.

When I had them in storage, I fastened them together with temporary wood braces and stored it on its side. When I removed the braces, which were fastened on with wood screws, I simply filled the holes left with wood filler, as the . sides not facing the wall are a fascia also.

Overall, they are a tad heavy, but sturdy and has stood the test of time in storage i.e. hiatus for over just four years. It takes two people to move them when fastened together.

I forgot to mention the the wiring is all under the plastic fold up tables. Holes drilled right through the foam, door, and table for the feed wires.

Very interesting thought on the overhangs

Very nice presentation of the story so far D! I really liked the idea of the overhangs for stacking. Very tidy and convenient!

On this layout, I decided

On this layout, I decided early on not to go overboard with structures, and some forum folk such as DaveB, concurred. To date the two modules have a total of five structures:

plus one in the making.

DaveB, Tom, and Barry played a key role in helping me to locate the structures where they would most likely be in a prototypical situation.

Fri, 2016-12-16 15:28 — ctxmf74

“Yeah, Spacing is the key to believable modeling, similar to basketball. One doesn't have to be the best modeler or the best athlete if they understand spacing:> )” - DaveB 

Sun, 2016-12-18 06:07 — Free-Mo Tim

“I'd think about the guy that would have to man the freight building. If the station master (at the depot) also has to open and close the freight office, then the two buildings would be close together. “ – Tim

Mon, 2016-12-19 10:08 — BOK

“In order to be a prototype, model railroader, you need to think like a railroader and a businessman to understand how things work(ed).” - Barry

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/28481?page=1

Thank you, Yannis. Tidy, yes,

Thank you, Yannis.

Tidy, yes, but convenient is arguable ; )

This is the two modules fastened together after being moved out of storage to its new room. Note the unscenicked side of what now is the section that has the TT.

When the time comes to move again, I will have to make a light weight cover that clears and protects the surface of that section. That would add another two inches to the height of them stacked equaling a total of 12 inches.

After establishing where the

After establishing where the structures would be, it was time to get on with track laying.

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/28481?page=4

but I decided to take a break first and determine the type of automobiles that would be good for the era/scene especially for the station agent.

Wed, 2016-12-21 21:53 — BOK

“most agents made average pay some even supplementing their pay check and light work load with a second job/business.

- Barry”

The choosen car:

After that I embarked on finishing up the turnouts then on to my model railroading nightmare – wiring.

https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/stonehammer-branch-line-terminus-12205490

During this endeavor, Neil Erickson mentioned he went with batter power for his motive power.  This was the first time I ever heard of this.

https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/hawaii-island-railroad-12203567

I forgot to mention that it was Trevor Marshal’s Port Rowan S scale layout that inspired my track plan.

https://sscale.org/best-of-s/trevor-marshall/

Deem, I've moved twice with

Joseph, Someday they may end

Joseph, Someday they may end up in a U-Haul.

I also attach to them handles at each end on the sides of the modules that would be against the wall.

Under table

Thanks for all the information.  Could you please show a picture of the underside?  And specifically how you attached the foldable legs?

Gary, there is no underside

Gary, there is no underside so to speak, as the pit lies directly on the hollow core door, as seen here:

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/29144?page=4

Note the pit's floor is not glued to the hollow core door, but is held in place with holes drilled the size of toothpicks and toothpicks inserted in them. This is so, so I can have the option of removing it if I have to. The foam corners can also be removed. The perimeter of the pit is covered with a very thin layer of Sculptamold so it could be cut away easily if needed.

No mechanisms underneath. It is literally a simple manual TT that is turned by my fingers against the bridge until I install prototypical posts at each end, as seen here:

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/29144?page=10

The fold-up legs come attached to the plastic table, which the modules snugly fit onto.

The table also has adjustable height, but I kept it low for better stability even though I screwed the other sides of the modules to the wall. This is a section that protrudes over the end of the fold-up table, about 17 inches) as the tables are shorter in length than the modules. The protruding ends do not sag, but to be safe, I put the screw into the wall at each ends; I'm very picky when it comes to keeping the layout level.

Eventually I had to get on

Eventually I had to get on with what I consider a model railroad nightmare – wiring.

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/28481?page=6

While in the midst of this tedious endeavor, I learned for the first time about battery powered engines thanks to Neil Erickson.

Sun, 2017-01-22 21:15 — umauma railway

“Wiring is not my favorite project so I went with battery power for my engines. Ironically, the little teeny weeny wires and electronics are far more challenging but only needed once. The same is true for a layout I suppose. I just didn't want to deal with plugs and busses, wiring frogs and switch machines. Six of one, half dozen of the other ...”

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/26240?page=2

This is something that I will seriously consider for future layouts. It will be interesting what this battery technology will evolve into by then.

At first I considered using a

At first I considered using a spray can to paint my rails, but it was the primarily the issue with fumes that made me go with using an airbrush plus these statements. Also after examining the results of others.

Tue, 2017-01-31 07:10 — herronp

“I like the uniform color the air brush produces on the rails. “

-Peter

Tue, 2017-01-31 10:19 — ctxmf74

“I agree. An airbrush can get better coverage with a thinner coat of paint than hand brushing. I just shoot from a low angle and don't worry about getting a bit on the ballast near the rail, it looks like rust bleed if it even shows up from the normal viewing distance......”

- DaveB 

It was during this time that I first used an airbrush on my rails.

https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/airbrushing-rails-12205922

Lance Mindheim inspiration perhaps?

D, I don't know if you follow Lance Mindheim on his blog or his Model Railroader articles. But a lot of modelers do and his construction utilizing Hollow core doors has inspired a lot of people to do so. Actually there's on going construction article of a layout built in weekend (what's the rush?) but another modeler in that article had a great idea to use a folding closet door and propped one of the doors up for a backdrop.

Lance also has a lot of insight on small branch lines and limiting the use of structures. Maybe you don't follow him but I see a lot of similarities. 

Looking good!

Brad

Brad, I just did a quick

Brad, I just did a quick search on the net for Lance Mindheim's work. He really knows how to create realism and character for a modern setting.

My idea for hollow core doors started on a project that never came to be. I found a discarded hollow core door on the sidewalk.

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/15100?page=3

The folding closet door idea is clever.

A description of

A description of Stonehammer:

Stonehammer is situated on a narrow peninsula, which experiences a lot of wind during the harsh winters and temperate summers. Clay soil, dirt, and sand gets everywhere. (I haven't put in my static grass yet : )

Most of the locals burn coal or wood.

The use of oil already began, but primarily for folk that have converted their furnaces or have just built a new home.

Due to the annual moderate spring flooding, some track get flooded with mud.

Areas that have been affected negatively by this on the branchline get ballast put to them usually in April.

It is not uncommon for folk to paint the exterior of their homes annually or at least do major touch-ups due to the damage causes by the winds carrying the salty sea spray.

Folk that have better incomes usually live further inland or along the river than the ocean's coast.

Automobiles around here are usually rusted out by six years; give or take.

I have to find some cars to sacrifice for weathering rust.

I think these two will do.

Well there is a lot on my

Well there is a lot on my plate so to speak with Stonehammer.

Got tubs of static grass for a gift; hopefully will start applying grass next month

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/28481?page=39

Got hooked on operations/sessions

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/31118?page=2

and still working on the TT

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/29719?page=6

For now I'll stay focused on the TT until I get sidetracked ; )

I have no idea if this car

I have no idea if this car ever made it north of the border let alone seen on a branch line, but I just had to have it and so I bought it.

I've started applying static

I've started applying static grass. I began with the back edge of the layout to depict Marram grass.

Shot in artificial light:

Shot in natural light:

A sand fence or two like this will hopefully give it the final touch; for the back edge of this part of the layout.

I finally finished the TT and

I finally finished the TT and look forward to getting back to scenicking.