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Modeling Fill

Sat, 2013-07-27 19:56 — Peter Pfotenhauer

Anyone with resources for realistically modeling earthen fills? Specifically I am looking for info on the slope angles that are used by railroads when making fills. I searched MRH without much luck, though I found a few photos.

I have one scene where I want to feature the track curving through the scene on a tall fill with a dramatic mountain scene on the backdrop photo, but I need to get the fill right or it won't look good.

Thanks

17 comments

Alexander Railroad

Thu, 2013-07-25 04:38 — Tore Hjellset

Ever since a trip to the US last year, where I was fortunate enough to meet some very nice and talented Model Railroaders, I have thought about possibly starting all over again with a US prototype railroad. After a lot of hours on Railpictures.net, the Alexander Railroad in NC caught my eye. The "June Bug" is a modern railroad which still operate small and old switchers that I like. Up until a few years ago, they used Alco S2's in a handsome green and yellow livery, and they still have a 44-tonner in active service!

NWP/Eureka/Scotia trip

Wed, 2013-07-24 08:39 — ratled

I'm going to be able to make a trip over to the cost for a of day picture taking and history gathering. I plan on seeing the Simpson mill in Korbel and Pacific Lumber in Scotia. Do they still have the walking tour for PALCO? Anything else I should see while I'm there? Anything AMR I should check out? Anybody have a recommendation for a cheap and clean place to stay for a night - Motel 6?

TIA

Steve

10 comments

UP has re-acquired a big boy

Tue, 2013-07-23 17:48 — dfandrews

Union Pacific has re-acquired 4-8-8-4 Big Boy #4014

http://www.uprr.com/newsinfo/releases/heritage_and_steam/2013/0723_4014....

Looks like I'll have to rail fan Sherman Hill in a couple or so years.

55 comments

Defect Detector?

Tue, 2013-07-23 12:52 — Dt.Cw_NScale

I've been trying to find a N scale defect detector or ways on how to model one. The problem is, I have no idea where to start and I don't want to buy an expensive defect simulator that is $$$. I also want something that isn't like the Dallas Model Works Defect Detector. Anyone have any suggestions or ideas?

I got this idea from djstrains on youtube.

Denver Derailment

Tue, 2013-07-23 07:26 — kLEROYs

The news this morning kept talking about a train derailment. It is not nearly as serious as the recent ones in the news, but I thought it was interesting. It made me wonder if anyone has included a scene like this on their layout.

More Pics: 9News

Google maps location.

7 comments

Auto Loader

Sun, 2013-07-21 15:45 — ferroequinologist1

To All: Anyone out there know which railroads ran the Auto Loaders? Thanks, Elvin Howland

What made a steam locomotive sound the way it did?

Tue, 2013-07-16 06:17 — DKRickman

Here's one for a little prototype discussion. Hopefully this will lead those of us interested in sound to a better understanding of what our models should sound like,

What aspects of a design or operation gave a steam locomotive it's unique sound? Specifically, the exhaust or chuff. I'm not talking about the basics. I know why the chuff is there. What I'm asking is, what made one loco sound different than another?

23 comments

BBC Video of the Mallard, 126mph Locomotice

Mon, 2013-07-15 09:23 — Eric Bergh

The BBC website has an interesting video up about the Mallard and her sisters, Pacifics that set the record speed for steam locomotives of 126mph in 1939 - which still stands today. Very streamlined! Nicely done piece on it.

Here is the link: Open in new window

-eb