The On30 Guy

Well, we’ve put an offer on a house, but we have to wait until we get a contract on our house before it will be accepted. That may (fingers crossed!) come very soon.

The new house will have a most excellent room for the railroad. I’ll have at least 12′x32′, and possibly 12′x36′! That will allow for a nice long mainline, plenty of switching and I’ll be able to include some nice things that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. For instance, I can use the Schomberg Scale Models “Forney House.” It’ll be perfect for my “three horse road.”

It looks as if we’re going to move. We don’t necessarily plan to move far, but we are looking to move out of this dratted townhouse and into a real house somewhere. That means that all railroad plans are temporarily on hold while we prepare. There’s lots of packing and getting things ready to sell this place. We do have a pre-approval letter, so our financing is set, and we’ve started to investigate properties.

Obviously, I’ve returned home from the Mid-Hudson meet. Spent a lot more money than I intended, on things I hadn’t intended to buy. Specifically, I bought a couple of pairs of Micro Engineering code 70 switches, and a bundle of flex track. Clem convinced me to give it a try. And, Dallas convinced me to try a package of the Blue Point switch “machines.”

I also came back with a few structures from Deerfield Laser, an additional NCE CAB04 and USB Interface, some details and a couple of rolling stock kits.

So, back to the track. I’ve never had good luck with Micro Engineering track in the past. But, the tie size and spacing is pretty much perfect for representing Maine 2-footers in On30. And, I got the Code 70, which is the right size to model the 35lb rail. My plan is to build a small section of layout, and, if I like it, I’ll switch over (so to speak). All that Clem had on hand was two pair of switches, so I’m probably going to ask him to send me a couple — just as soon as I decide what I want. I’m thinking that the arrangement for this layout section will be based loosely on Monson Junction on the Monson. However, what was “engine facility” on the prototype will be a couple of small industries on the layout — and the town will represent Corinna. Some sketches will follow…

Not far from the meet, we happened across this nifty building that could’ve/should’ve been rail served at some point in its history. With its funky rooflines, I think it’s a natural to be “Maine-ized” and included in some compressed form — likely as a low-relief model up against a background somewhere. I took a few pictures to use reference for building a version from scratch.

Needless to say, I’ve got my model railroading groove back. We’re going to decide in the next couple of days if we’re going to stay in our existing, crappy townhouse and refinance, or try to buy a new home. Once that decision is made, I’m going to get into construction gear!

With some decisions made about the new layout design (overall size and shape), it’s time to get down to serious planning.

First up, I decided that I’m going to give another go at using the computer for layout design. That meant choosing a CAD program of some sort that would run on the Mac. While I already have imaging and illustration software, as good as it is, it doesn’t work well for layout design. I also determined that a generic CAD application would be problematic, as I would have to “teach” it all about track before I could even think about designing a model railroad — something I just don’t have the time for.

Empire Express screen shot courtesy Haddon Software

Some time ago, I had looked into track planning software for MacOS, and found that there were basically two options. After re-installing the demo versions of each, I settled on Empire Express, from Haddon Software. While there are a couple of features I would like that are “missing” from the application (specifically, automatic yard ladders and bezier curves), I like the way the software handles most situations. I’ve included a new screen shot of the software here, since I recently discovered I boogered up the previous ones (they could only be seen on a Mac!).

As mentioned previously, some of the design criteria have already been set — benchwork height and overall layout size, for instance. Minimum radius is still up for discussion. I am waiting on a response from Victor Models in the UK regarding the suggested minimum radius for their SR&RL #19 model, and I also need to do some testing with the Bachmann Forneys (the railroad will have three of these in operation). I’m hearing and seeing conflicting information regarding their operation. Bachmann claims that the Forneys will go around a 22″ radius curve with a train in tow, and at least one reviewer has confirmed that it worked. However, we occasionally had problems on the 26″ radius curves of the MADModules/Berrett Hill specs (although there may have been other reasons for some of those problems — they weren’t so bad the last time we had the modules set up). I’m hoping that I can make the curves be 26″ radius or less.

Keg Harbour terminus

I’m also still hoping to be able to incorporate a version of the “Keg Harbour” plan into the layout, along with 8-feet of the yard modules. However, both eat up a lot of space, and this is, at present, going to be a very small railroad. Converting those items into “modules” within Empire Express will be an “early” order of business. That will also give me some opportunity to practice some with the software and gauge its accuracy.

After perusing the latest Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, I’ve started to re-evaluate my plans for the layout. I’ve decided, for now, to limit the size of the railroad to something that could be started here, and possibly fit into a more-or-less standard room size should we decide to move. Consideration will be given to possible “expansion joints” — places where the layout could have additional sections inserted should our future hold a home with a larger basement.

So, for now, the layout will be limited to a 10′ x 12′ space, with an additional 1′ x 10′ shelf to serve a quarry. The bottom of the benchwork will be set at 48″ off the floor, and shelving and storage will be provided under the layout, as well as a small work table. If a “standard” table is about 28″ tall, that will leave about 20″ of working space between the table top and the bottom of the benchwork. This arrangement will allow easy access to the outside door to the basement, and will also leave ample room for me to practice keyboard parts for my band, as well as haul my music gear (and layout supplies) in and out of the basement.

The theme of the layout will still be a Maine 2-footer, set in the 30’s, hauling lumber and finished goods from the interior (Corinna) to a sea-port (Searsville Searsport). There will also be reason to move passengers in the form of a resort hotel, and, as mentioned above, a short branch to serve a quarry operation.

I had originally hoped to incorporate my yard modules, but at almost 12′ long and 2′ wide (or 8′ long without the turntable), that’s an awful lot of real estate for a 10′ x 12′ space. So, it may be that the modules don’t get included. Instead, they could be stored under the layout, or possibly abandoned altogether (frankly, the modular thing is a real pain in the nuts, and I really don’t know if I have the time or inclination any longer).

So, there it is for now … the plan.

I haven’t really spent a lot of time discussing the particulars of the construction of the yard modules. Basically, I commented that I’d designed it, and then that I’d half built it, and then it was pretty much built. So, here’s a little “back story” to help to explain a problem that I’ve encountered.

Some years ago, I happened across a web article about someone who was working with foamcore to build the “benchw0rk” and sub-roadbed for a portable layout. I thought that sounded like a good idea, and store it away in the back of my mind for future use. In laying out the yard module, and in keeping with MADModules specs, I used cork roadbed under the track — mostly. I realized that the cork and a sheet of regular foamcore are the same thickness. So, rather than use lots and lots of cork strips in the body of  the yard, I thought I would just lay out a big sheet of foamcore, like this:

Corinna Yard under construction, showing foamcore "roadbed" before scenicing.

Looks like a great idea, right? Well, not so much.

As I mentioned the other day, the moisture from a re-scenicing session has caused the top layer of the foamcore to warp, leaving a visible “edge” all the way around. You can see a bit of that in the next picture.

Corinna Station placed into platform

With this in mind, what then, is foamcore good for in model railroading? At this point, I’m inclined to think that the uses of the product are fairly limited. The sky-blue colored product is probably fine for backgrounds, and other colors might work for fascias. But I don’t think I’d recommend using any of the paper-backed foamcores for much else in model railroading, as there’s just too much wet stuff involved in building a layout.

There are other “versions” of foamcore — Gator Board has thin styrene sheeting in place of the paper, and there is a version that has thin wood veneer applied. Those products might find more uses. But, I’d still be wary of the glue used to adhere the finish sheet to the foam. If it’s water-based, there might be problems.

After a little finagling, I’ve discovered that the “Keg Harbor” track plan I mentioned previously can be built with modified Peco track, and minimal hand-laying of track. While this still leaves me using the ultra-heavy code 100 rail, it increases the chances of the railroad being built sometime in my lifetime. It also makes it easy to make the section robust enough to take on the road. The only question at this point is whether or not it can be built in an 11′ 1-1/2″ length, including an appropriate “exit curve” at the left end.

I’ll probably assemble the complex portions at each end on the bench, and then connect them on the benchwork. In any case, I’ll use my usual method of building all of the section benchwork first, and have it all connected as I lay the track. Then, once everything is in place and working, I’ll cut the sections apart with a rotary tool.

This picture shows my early proof of concept for felt scenery, and the track I laid for that used the S scale ties and code 70 rail. The loco here is a Bachmann On30 0-4-0 Porter. The Forney looks fantastic on this track, except for the ultra-sharp curve (about a 12" radius!).

While doing nothing else (I have a helluva cold going on), I’ve been contemplating whether or not to hand-lay track for the new layout. Maine 2-footers typically used 35lb rail, which works out to code 70 in O scale, and I think I’d really like the prototypical look of the light rail. Additionally, the ties used on the prototype are somewhat smaller than those typically used – typically about 5″ x 5″ and 5′ long – spaced around 20″ apart. So, there’s really nothing commercially available that will “look” right. My compromise will be to use 6″ wide ties, probably 6′-7′ long (since my track gauge is really somewhat over 30″). S scale standard gauge “profile” ties work out to just about the right size, and, I happen to have a few hundred on hand!

This decision means that I’ll not be using my existing MADModules as part of the layout. The yard on the layout will likely use pretty much the same design, though, with changes made to the approach and engine terminal tracks. The alignments that make things work well for modules just don’t cut it for the home layout.

I’ve also pretty much locked in my loco selection. The C&S will have a whopping four locomotives in operation on the main layout: two 2-4-4 Forney’s, a 4-4-0 and a 2-4-0 (to be made from an inside-frame Forney). In the long term, there will also be a small-driver 0-6-0 for yard operations. For the infernal combustion fans, I will also have a 4-wheeled boxcab, a couple of “B-B” switchers, two Bachmann rail busses, a Doodlebug and at least one rail truck.

At some point, I’ll also transition away from the Bachmann boxcars, reefers, flats and gons. Instead, I’ll be using cars made from my up-coming kit line, which will be laser-cut with appropriate details, trucks and couplers included. I hope to have some drawings of these cars ready to show at Kimberton.

Keg Harbour terminus

I also happened across this track plan somewhere on the web, and decided that it would be great to adapt for my uses. Notice that some of the switches are pretty tightly nested — something that wouldn’t work out at all with the Peco track. The only part of that arrangement I “dread” making is the crossing that goes to the small dock labeled “ore dock” on the drawing.

There’s a lot going on in this little area, and some neat boats and buildings will be required. It’s an excuse to buy and build the wonderful Bugeye kit I found (even though it has no business being in Maine), and there’s a really nice O scale lake steamer kit on the market that will be absolutely perfect at the steamer dock.

BTW, the club which will feature this as a module set, the Upper Canada & Algonquin Ry., is a FreeMOn30 group. That means that, in theory at least, their modules are compatible with MADModules…

Just thought you all might like to know that I think I’ve found a way to completely correct the issues with the Sellers Turntable on the yard modules. In our last installment of the saga, I had found that inserting some washers between the white-metal bushing and the bottom of the bridge helped with the rotational issues. Shortly before the February GSMTS show, I refined my method, and added some Teflon-coated tape to the stack, and added two washers and a retaining pin to the bottom. Operation at the show was quite reliable, but I feel it can still be even better!

To that end, I sought out and found some 1/4″ID/3/8″ OD bronze bushings (at Lowe’s, no less!). I’ll insert these into the 3/4″ plywood turntable base, and, provided I can get them installed properly, I should finally be able to get the turntable to work as good as it looks — and even be able to finally install a motorizing system of some sort.

So, two years into the project, and I may finally be happy!

I’ve probably noted in the past that I’ll be using a couple of existing modules as a part of my new layout (once the basement is rebuilt). Those modules are built based on the Mid-Atlantic On30 Modules Spec, which I helped to develop.

This specification was developed over a two-year period and went through I-don’t-know-how-many iterations and variations, variously referred to as OCMods, OCUM and a probably a few others. Of the standard sets that came out of those often heated discussions, the Mid-Atlantic group specification has been adopted as the baseline standard for more On30 modular groups around the country than any other standard set. (more…)