Nice...

Yes, using JMRI....

I should have mentioned that.  The layout is only 2x10 right now but there will be another leg going down  the far wall and I plan to use my phone as a wireless throttle as well as using Decoder Pro for loco programming.  I doubt this layout will involve the use of Panel Pro because it's small but everything is planned to be used again "someday" on a much larger layout.

Michael

Looks nice Michael, upon

Looks nice Michael, upon seeing the photo I remember a couple of your posts in dealing with your track plan and If my memory is correct the hill concealing the loop behind the turntable that goes to staging. You have done a nice job concealing the track in the rear.

Rob in Texas

Netbook...

Great use of the netbook Michael. I'm sure we'd all like to see more of your layout !

Netbook was originally....

...my son's  but he's got a tablet now and has moved on. Then it became our "travel PC" and it still is but since we don't travel that often, I've pretty much got exclusive use of it.

Yes Rob, the track in the rear goes into a tunnel portal which is now pretty much hidden from view by the coaling tower. It makes a 90 degree turn and  will come out on a shelf above my workbench where there will be a small two or three track staging yard. Right now it's pretty easy to see the removable section that provides access to the track but I'm hoping once I get scenery work done, it won't be so apparent. I  plan on modeling a "rock catch fence" between the TT and that section behind it. I will use scrap rail for the post and a fine mesh screen for the fence wire. That was just one of many helpful suggestions I got from this forum.

Bill, I plan on posting a lot more pics in the coming days and weeks  and I certainly appreciate yours and everyone else's interest.

Thanks,

Michael

Nice Ergonomics

Hi Michael - the scene has come on nicely since I last saw it and the coaling tower looks great. (sky also very convincing)
I have a vintage Gloor Craft Coaling tower kit that I was itching to build 'cos I love engine facilities (lots going on), but I find after completing the yard I don't have the space now. An example off buying on impulse I guess.

Funnily enough I have an old XP laptop earmarked for JMRI/Decoder Pro ops a little later in the project (also an Acer ; whaddya know!).
My problem is working out the best place for it - you've solved that one nicely - looks very much at home and your whole control set up is very 'ergonomic'.

Rob
Cornhill & Atherton RR

Analysis Paralysis

I pondered the layout of the various pieces for quite some time. In fact, I had a case of "analysis paralysis" for awhile with it so I'm happy to get the compliment on the ergonomics Rob. Maybe when my workbench isn't so embarassingly cluttered with various junk, I'll get a shot of it included too so everyone can see how close it is and how it ties in.

 I understand the space thing. I'm trying to cram all the various engine facility pieces in as I can afford to get them. It's tight but I think I have it all worked out.  I got the coal tower when I got the TT and an ash pit and conveyor kit will be delivered today according to the tracking number. Still to come is the water tower  and/or water column and a sanding facility of some sort. I actually have a water column casting already but have not decided whether to use just it or a tower or both. I have been questioned somewhat about why I have an engine facility without a nearby yard and my though is that it's a "helper outpost"  Anyway, "that's my story and I'm stickin to it..."

Michael

"trying to cram all the various engine facility pieces in"

that scene with the mountain in back reminds me of the old SP roundhouse at Mission Bay San Francisco. As for the yard it could be just off-scene, we have to stop somewhere and nail down the fascia......DaveB

Yup

Looks very "plausible" to me. Probably the same thing the prototype would do when crammed for space.

"Hint": add a few engines to the next picture to make it look like it's busy.

Bernd

I wish....

Well Bernd, I wish I had "a few" but unfortunately I only have one steamer right now and it was parked in the roundhouse  to afford it some protection while I was working on the layout.  My Bachmann GP-7 diesel is the only other loco I own and it's in the box and about to be listed for sale on HO swap because I've decided I'm not doing transition era  and will be strictly steam era. Thanks for the encouragement guys!  I worry over "plausibility" probably more than I should.

Michael

Got tired of looking at the multi color mountain

So today I made an attempt to do something about it. Mind you that this a very preliminary pass at scenery. There is loads of stuff to be done from rock molds and/or carving of rock faces to many more and varied textures of ground foam to be added. I like to get my base color down on  white plaster though and then go back and add some gray where my rock faces might logically be. It gives me a "feel" for things. Later on I'll do the rock and add india ink wash and drybrush in some tans and browns but I like to start with gray as a base color.  I also like to give everything a light dusting of fine ground foam because it tends to make the contours snap out and guides my vision of what I want to do.

Michael