Typos

Typo in this article:
* p110, Figure 13 caption: "harware" should be "hardware"

Typos

Nice catch James, that one was my bad!

How was the rest of the column?

Oh man, I want one!!!  I'm

Oh man, I want one!!!  I'm jealous of your cutter skills, it certainly makes modeling a JOY when you can make your own kits!!!

I do have a question, of a hypothetical philosophical nature...

If I were to have planned a locomotive seriving facility [roundhouse, backshops, locomotive shop, tender shop,  etc] would I be better off using a 130' turntable at the core of the plan, or using a 90' turntable?  Obviouly, by planning around a 90' turntable I could model a smaller facility [with stalls every 10 degrees, I think that's what I put down - or perhaps 15...]  At the same time, the 130' turntable provindes the oppurtunity of bringing in longer locomotives - although then I have to plan of a roundhouse 40' deeper.

The former option would provide the space for a lot of nice Atlantics - Mikados.  The latter, well, bigger steam!  I'm kind of partial to Mountians, myself, though I'm trying NOT to go much bigger!!  Ugh.

Nice work, as always.  This should be a nice facility when you get done!

Roudhouse Weathering

I liked your artical the part about cleaning you rails.

Bill W

It's not just a "roundhouse" series

The real value of this series has been in the inroduction of new ways to achieve spectacular results. The technique for painting track and cleaning railheads is the prime example for me in the current article. I hope readers haven't been passing over this series because they're "not building a roundhouse." 

Oh man,I want one!!!....

 Benny,

Thank you for your kind words, to answer your question about size...well... it all depends.

When I decided on the size of the turntable (105') it was based on a prototype and then adapted to the era I wanted to model. Late transition, in case you haven't guessed. I wanted to model a not so decrepit facility mainly used for diesels and very few steam engines.

So size was mainly guided by the types of engines that would use the facility. I did not plan on having any "Big Boys" or "Cab Forwards" and most diesels with very few exception would be 4 wheelers. So 105' was the right choice for me.

Another factor creeped in during the design phase, that was the "Modular concept" which, as you can see from the size of the module limited the TT size to 105'.

Another factor was also to be taken into consideration during design and it was that I wanted the roundhouse to be fully operational and not just for show. That is why there are no "cut" stalls.

As for my cutting skills, well I'm no better than the average modeller I just got lucky and found a place to have my pieces cut. Today anyone who wants to can get similar work done can go to shops that have laser cutters like King Mill for example. For a price you can get your work cut for you.

Roudhouse Weathering

 Thank you William, that technique came about after several different tries. It works great for me.

It's not just a "roundhouse" series

 Dorman64,

Thank you for your comments. You are perfectly right; this all started out as an article about an operating TT and roundhouse which would be published in two or three articles. Well, as you so rightly observed it is quite a lot more than that.

When I stated the article, based on Joe Fugate's recommendation, I went with a step by step format. This would allow the readers to see the whole construction phase and also to show the different techniques that I learned throughout the years. 

I must say that if you read the first article, or  "book", with it's 90 some  pictures and 40+ pages, you might have been intimidated and rightfully so.

But if you take the time to read through it, there is a lot of detailed info that can be applied to most any project, not to mention different tools and jigs to make life easier.

This is true of most every article or column I have read, even though it is not in my scale or not a project I want to build, there is always a technique or some item of interest that makes it worthwile for me to take the time to read it.

Keep on reading 'cause it ain't over until the fat engine sings...or "toots it's horn".

Now where have I heard that one before...hummm???

Modular Adventure

I met Les in Quebec City quite a while ago when I was the N.E.R. representative.  I have to congratulate him on doing a fantastic job.  I hope to be able to visit his layout when I am in Quebec City.

Modular Adventure

 Hey Norm,

Thank you for your kind words, it has been a long time, come on down we have progressed a lot on our Free-Modu-Rail layout also!

Les, I read this series with

Les,

I read this series with particular interest because of an upcomming project.  I found the rail painting portions interesting and very helpful.  This was a nicely done article. Thanks for the ideas.

Thom

Comments by " bnothom"

 Thom,

Thank you for the kind words, I'm glad you are enjoying the series. More to come.

Aged concrete

Excellent techniques being demonstrated. I really enjoyed the faux finish video and will try it soon.  Getting a good aged concrete color has long eluded me. Thanks alot. JD.

Aged Concrete

 You're welcome K-27fan, as all good thing, this just happened after I watched a programm on HGTV, go figure....so I tried it and it worked. 

when it comes to Modeling you get More from Les !!

This series is what I consider one of the best ever put out in any publication about model railroading. Every issue of MRH that has a chapter of the Roundhouse and turntable by Les Halmos leaves me wanting more from Les.

This TT isn't something everyone can afford to build but, it does show just how much can be built if you take the time and use your head. I love articles like this! They set off a spark in others to get out there and design a masterpiece of their own.

I hope we can get Les to do more articles on modeling and designing his Free-Mo's. I would also like to see others building structures step by step with this kind of detail.

Dan

More from Les!!

 Thanks Dan for the encouragement, I enjoy buiding and writing on how I build. I can assure you that there is more to come!

Nice work Les! Great to get

Josh wrote:   I think you

Thanks for the kind words Josh!

I wish it would already be completed, I'd hate to even ask how much it would cost to ship it there and back....Maybe the next convention closer to home...who knows! 

Honey, what's the limit on our Visa card?

In your future Les.

Honey, what's the limit on our Visa card?

Wow....I'm off to check my C/Card balance...drule...drule....

Roundhouse Inspiration

Thank you from a limey-brit just getting into ON30 having been seduced by the Bachmann range!!

What an inspiration your series is - I have a ready supply of foamboard (card/foam/card sandwich) so liked by the architectural profession, which is allowing me to quickly build structures which can be modified or "worked up" at a later stage.  The roundhouse is just such an item.  I cannot wait to see locos come off the turntable and disappear into their stalls.

Well done and keep up the good work

Clive Skeates

Roundhouse Inspiration

 Thank you Clive, good to hear from across the pond. Glad you like the series, I too can't wait to see those engines go in and out, only difference is, I have to get off my butt, build and finalize this project. It has been and still is fun to see it all come together!

Roundhouse Adventure

What an adventure, I have enjoyed the experierience shown so far and look forward to the next episode. As I am new to railroad modelling (4weeks) yet to build a layout the "How to" articles and videos make a daunting project do-able for a beginner like me. A whole new range of skills to learn and put into action however, I can take my time and set reasonable time schedules for varying projects for the envisiaged complete project. It is like a 'journey of faith continually evolving'.

Barry 

Roundhouse Adventure

 Hi  Barry,

I am  glad you enjoyed the article/column more to come down the line.