the MRH Forum

Back At It Journals/Blogs
Reply
Frequent poster 589 posts jfmcnab Frequent poster 589 posts
jfmcnab

After a six week hiatus from model railroading, I finally made myself go down to the basement and work on the layout. I ended up roughing in the bridges and overpasses for Interstate 35/80 and Highway 141.

[attach:fileid=/sites/model-railroad-hobbyist.com/files/users/jfmcnab/I35803.jpg]

I-35/80 is split into northbound and southbound bridges over the Grimes Line, each with 4 lanes, shoulders and emergency lanes. The Highway 141 connector is a two lane on-ramp. I used styrene sheet for the deck and modified Rix Products highway piers and barricades. I'm not a big fan of the "bridge to nowhere" look on a lot of layouts, where the overpass ends in mid air. So the fascia was designed to rise up and cover the edge.

It's a good start but I'm ready to paint, stripe and weather the roads. Then I'll add the ground cover and scenery, along with the rest of the details.

James
Reply 0
Greg Baker Mountaingoatgreg Prolific poster 1,337 posts
Greg Baker Mountaingoatgreg

Welcome Back!!

Man that is a lot of styrene... You could hide one of your entire trains under that bridge. =)

There was a post the other day asking about modeling Interstates and I think a lot of people have no clue abut how big they really are. You are doing a great job and keep up the great work.

Will you be doing some more photo back drop work or have you figured that one out yet?

 

"Mountain Goat" Greg Baker

https://www.facebook.com/mountaingoatmodels/
Reply 0
arthurhouston Prolific poster 1,154 posts
arthurhouston

I Want To See My Train

Do not lose site of this statement. It's one of those top 10 things you want to do with model RR. What is more important the road or the train? The road does not move. We all want to creat interesting scenes. Like roads with grade crossing with train running through it. Your work has been outstanding think about if you may be going to far with a good thing.
Reply 0
jfmcnab Frequent poster 589 posts
jfmcnab

Scene Separation

@Mountaingoatgreg:

Thanks Greg. The biggest mistake layout designers make when it comes to roads is not making them the correct width.

As far as photo backdrops I'd love to have them here but I'm not sure. Taking photos on the interstate is impossible, not to mention insanely stupid. I'm trying to located a similar photo that I can modify to look like the highway. If not I might try a selection of cars in the road to help cover the road.

@arthurhouston:

Art I'm following the prototype to a "t" on this layout, which includes the two overpasses. It's only a space of 16 inches that the train is covered or blocked and that's insignificant to me. As well, the overpasses help separate the layout into individual scenes... thus making the layout seem larger. This isn't hidden trackage. The effect is no different than having a building or a grove of trees between you and the train.

James
Reply 0
Matt Forcum Regular poster 411 posts
Matt Forcum

I'll be adding a highway

I'll be adding a highway overpass to my own layout, so I'll be following your progress closely!

ooter(1).png 

The Metaline Falls Railroad Blog

The Metaline Falls Railroad Youtube Channel
Reply 0
Reply