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The Blob Journals/Blogs
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Super User 1,101 posts mesimpson Super User 1,101 posts
mesimpson

_resized.jpg Now that I have gotten the fascia added around the layout I am working on getting the support structure for the upper level on the peninsula roughed in.  a 2x3 wall down the center of the peninsula will provide the support framework for the upper level.  As well this wall will let me add shelving under the layout to clean up some of the stuff under the layout – hopefully.

The 2x3 wall will also be the support for the lower level backdrop.  Over the past few days I have been roughing in the backdrop using 1/8” Masonite.  I have been looking at how to deal with the backdrop at the end of the peninsula.  Initially I was thinking that a tight curve around the 2x3 wall would be the way to go.  This would leave a wide area inside the turn back curve to scenic.  However the drawback to this would be that there would be a wide area inside the turn back to scenic…

_resized.jpg On a whim I decided to try a broader curve in the backdrop to create a “blob” at the end of the peninsula.  The idea is to use this to in essence lengthen the layout, at least visually.  I am already employing a deep rock cut as a semi-Bellini drop to (hopefully) keep operators from standing at the end of the peninsula while operating their trains and encourage them to follow their train around the layout.  Having a wide curve in the backdrop will also keep the viewer standing at the end of the layout from seeing both sides of the peninsula at the same time.  Hopefully this will make the layout seem larger than it actually is.  The other advantage to this would be less area to scenic at the end of the peninsula.

I’ll leave this as a temporary feature so I can mull this over further.  During the Railway Modellers Meet layout tour on May  4th I’ll likely get feedback from visitors about this feature, both positive and negative.  I’m a firm believer in getting alternative viewpoints on many things, with layout design being one of these things that others see differently than I do.  I’ll take this into consideration before I settle on how to finish the backdrop at this location. 

One other thing I still need to figure out is the height of the upper level at this location.  The top of the current top of the backdrop is slightly too high for me, so it will likely come down a few inches in height.  I’d like the upper level to be just below my shoulder height for both visual and practical reasons.  However I also need to keep in mind how I’ll have the upper level access the helix to the lower level and my planned upper level staging.  I’ve been giving this some thought and I have an idea how to work this.  But that will be a topic for a future blog post. 

Marc Simpson

Marc Simpson

https://hudbayrailway.blogspot.com/

https://ageologistchasingtrains.blogspot.com/

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David Husman dave1905 MRH Author 9,782 posts
David Husman dave1905

Alternative

I did something similar but made it a "wye" so I could add another scene.  I used PVC pipe for the rounded ends.

The outside track is the main, the inside track is the helix down to the Kentmere Branch , which will be hidden.

IMG_2761.JPG IMG_2763.JPG 

Dave Husman

Visit my website :  https://wnbranch.com/

Blog index:  Dave Husman Blog Index
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mesimpson Super User 1,101 posts
mesimpson

Interesting approach

That is an interesting approach Dave.  Never thought of that possibility.  Good thing I'm still in the messing around stage, I might see if that type of wye backdrop might be workable.  

Marc Simpson

Marc Simpson

https://hudbayrailway.blogspot.com/

https://ageologistchasingtrains.blogspot.com/

Read my Blog
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ctxmf74 Super User 15,927 posts
ctxmf74

the wye

seems to just create two disruptive transitions between scenes instead of one? ....DaveB

1990.jpg 
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ACR_Forever Prolific poster 1,359 posts
ACR_Forever

Wye

did this thread die?  What's the outcome, Marc - did you take this anywhere?  I've got two blobs to deal with sometime in the next year, and I'm curious.

Blair Smith
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jimfitch Prolific poster 5,268 posts
jimfitch

Blob sounds like a grade b

Blob sounds like a grade b sci fi movie!

I have a blob planned for my next layout - planning on doing the back drop like the first picture above.

.

Jim Fitch
northern VA
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HVT Dave Prolific poster 1,205 posts
HVT Dave

The Blob

Quote:

Blob sounds like a grade b sci fi movie!

It was just such a movie.  Saw it in 1958 when it came out.

But watching the Blob on Marc's layout is a much better way to spend your time.

Dave

Member of the Four Amigos

 
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mesimpson Super User 1,101 posts
mesimpson

The blob is still alive, just distracted...

@Blair: I'm very good at starting things, less so in finishing them.  I've got so many things on the go simultaneously that I've not moved forward with the blob.  I've decided to finalize the height of my upper deck before I commit to the final version.  Once that is done the blob will come back with a vengeance!

Marc Simpson  

Marc Simpson

https://hudbayrailway.blogspot.com/

https://ageologistchasingtrains.blogspot.com/

Read my Blog
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ACR_Forever Prolific poster 1,359 posts
ACR_Forever

I think

That's a state of being in this hobby.  Recently I've started thinning the shelves of things "I must do sometime", if they're past due, or no longer relevant, or just not interesting any more.  I've got a long ways to go, but it feels good to have a few less "one of these days" piles eating at the back of my brain.

Maybe I'll get to the blob before you, then, we'll see.  A large teardrop backdrop has the advantage of reducing the amount of scene to develop, but prevents the development of a deep scene.  Double edged, indeed.  I like the narrow end on the wye tips, but there's no reason one couldn't terminate the central wall with  such a shape, leaving a large scene in the middle.  

Oh well, decision can wait until...someday.

Blair
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Ron Ventura Notace Frequent poster 689 posts
Ron Ventura Notace

I think calling The Blob a B

I think calling The Blob a B grade movie is giving it far too much credit. I’d be going much further into the alphabet. Just my opinion. I’m sure there’s many out there that love it, and that’s fine.

Ron Ventura

Melbourne, Australia
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dwilliam1963 Prolific poster 1,074 posts
dwilliam1963

The Blob...

only makes it to B-Movie because of Steve Mcqueen, otherwise its Drive-in movie fodder.....

Bill
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jimfitch Prolific poster 5,268 posts
jimfitch

DId the Blob come out in 3-D

DId the Blob come out in 3-D like some of the other movies of the times?  Back in the 80's there was a theater where I lived in CA that did a 50's black and white creep show double feature - which included The Creature from the Black Lagoon and another I don't recall.  We used the blue and red 3D glasses.

.

Jim Fitch
northern VA
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Patrick Stanley Frequent poster 587 posts
Patrick Stanley

Back to the Wye

I have a blob at the end of my peninsula. I used one of those tubes they used to pour concrete into to get the tighter radius I needed.

I have seen the wye executed very nicely on a layout.  I wish I had known of it when I built mine. I would have used it.

Espee over Donner
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