tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68685891995184353472024-03-13T14:20:49.766-04:00Adena RailroadModeling the 1950's Nickel Plate Road down on the Wheeling in and around Adena, OhioChris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.comBlogger276125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-71471035662431570462021-07-19T13:19:00.003-04:002021-07-19T13:21:45.571-04:00Building the Ohio River Staging Yard<p>In my plans to model the NKP's Wheeling District and branch lines between Pittsburg Junction and Dillonvale/Pine Valley Yard, I knew I would need staging yards to hold trains going to or from the east and west ends of the layout.</p><p>A large east end staging yard is planned to start just a bit beyond Pittsburg Junction and will represent Brewster, Ohio. A large majority of traffic will flow to and from this direction on my layout, with much of this being coal loads and empty hoppers. As an interesting side note, WESTBOUND traffic was superior on the W&LE and later the Nickel Plate's Wheeling District.</p><p>The west end staging yard will begin beyond the Pine Valley Yard at Dillonvale and will represent the eastern end of the mainline at Terminal Junction near Martin's Ferry, Ohio and the end of the Stubenville Branch at Mingo Junction, Ohio. Because both ends of the main and branch follow the Ohio River, I've taken to referring to this staging yard as the Ohio River Staging Yard. The size of this staging yard will be more modest as during a potential 12 hour operating session only 5-6 trains might enter or exit. Mainly the eastbound TT fast freights and the Yorkville locals.</p><p>I always knew the Ohio River staging yard would be located under the Adena yard/wye benchwork and connect to Pine Valley with a steep grade and a swing out section but it was originally planned as a stub ended yard. However after laying out some of my 1/4 30" curve templates I realized I could fit a 5-6 track return loop yard instead! I decided to go ahead and build the loop since it would appease my son for running his big modern trains and make operation setup a little easier.</p><p>In the spring I started construction on the Ohio River staging yard. I used craft paper to create a template and also to make sure it would fit under the Adena wye in the corner of the room. I used birch plywood to create the 4 curved subsections but I switched to regular plywood for the rest of it when I ran out of the good stuff.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HjrO1YgFee8/YCrTjjwc4EI/AAAAAAAAXmU/2VD6ic-_oewMZgRsYSCNdqSrIOKbTSWswCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_8791.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HjrO1YgFee8/YCrTjjwc4EI/AAAAAAAAXmU/2VD6ic-_oewMZgRsYSCNdqSrIOKbTSWswCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_8791.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staging Loop pre-splicing<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I spliced all the prices together, installed the needed shelf bracket supports and designed the loop's turnout layout. When I attempted to place an order for the track I found the springtime quarantines and lockdowns had caused a run on hobby supplies and turnouts were out of stock. Around this time the weather warmed and personal developments caused me to loosely install the loop in place and literally shelve any layout progress until about late fall.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-WCRr-5DJE/YCrTjgswdsI/AAAAAAAAXmU/IwNE76dTZZk1bpK0e-QChxjH7Yr3LrXKACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_8796.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-WCRr-5DJE/YCrTjgswdsI/AAAAAAAAXmU/IwNE76dTZZk1bpK0e-QChxjH7Yr3LrXKACPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_8796.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East end staging loop temporarily in place under the Adena Wye area</td></tr></tbody></table><p>In October our one-eyed kitten Mo took a misstep while exploring the layout and fell off the loop on to the concrete floor below (he somehow didn't land on his feet!). I removed the loop and began work on it starting with some Masonite edge guards originally meant for trains but now serving double duty to protect a kitten with bad depth perception.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GT7hl0lRY54/YCrTNlfv9AI/AAAAAAAAXmM/_jbzSDi6_Joe5z_Ko9z9s3h71YefmxpaQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_9397.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GT7hl0lRY54/YCrTNlfv9AI/AAAAAAAAXmM/_jbzSDi6_Joe5z_Ko9z9s3h71YefmxpaQCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_9397.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Mo posing with the staging loop and the inside set of guard rails installed.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Tracking laying and wiring started in earnest in mid December after I settled on the yard throat design to maximize the length of the outside track mostly to store and run Brendan's big modern trains.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIg0HvHA8Fw/YCrU4sibXPI/AAAAAAAAXmg/dKG6ClNsTmsri63yV8pBZK8_A13BNO9nwCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_9407.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIg0HvHA8Fw/YCrU4sibXPI/AAAAAAAAXmg/dKG6ClNsTmsri63yV8pBZK8_A13BNO9nwCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_9407.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planned yard turnout arrangement</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Below are photos of the track being laid and wiring of the feeders.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i5jTtwTLC_c/YCrdzh_2l5I/AAAAAAAAXms/nC673hHUoew6ElRC9fF5Q9Yp9tV6LTFCACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_9416.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i5jTtwTLC_c/YCrdzh_2l5I/AAAAAAAAXms/nC673hHUoew6ElRC9fF5Q9Yp9tV6LTFCACPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_9416.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While the adhesive caulk sets up on one track with the weights on it, I start work on another.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RyFlyXthuIw/YCrdzu7vQFI/AAAAAAAAXms/DDQ_kDMjrMMaDQ3pJ2h7BjsSOzAYTIqQACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_9474.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RyFlyXthuIw/YCrdzu7vQFI/AAAAAAAAXms/DDQ_kDMjrMMaDQ3pJ2h7BjsSOzAYTIqQACPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_9474.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to solder feeders</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7sr3VyL58bU/YCrdzuwtidI/AAAAAAAAXms/LDHX98fWN4QJe8Yt1tTNx7JgM4vMFN8xACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_9481.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7sr3VyL58bU/YCrdzuwtidI/AAAAAAAAXms/LDHX98fWN4QJe8Yt1tTNx7JgM4vMFN8xACPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_9481.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terminal block for independent power control to the staging tracks</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WMKSInEGF7o/YCrdzsxtIhI/AAAAAAAAXms/zHnDjKuMP24-yq2BHzoQflDn-eg-7Jz6wCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_9477.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WMKSInEGF7o/YCrdzsxtIhI/AAAAAAAAXms/zHnDjKuMP24-yq2BHzoQflDn-eg-7Jz6wCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_9477.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished and ready to be lifted into place</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Stay tuned for more.</p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-48742589919134825192020-12-27T23:08:00.004-05:002020-12-28T23:55:03.806-05:00Getting Back At It<p>At the start of the Ohio "Stay at Home" orders back in March things looked promising for work on the layout. My workplace had furloughed nearly everybody for a few months and I had a lot of time on my hands. Things were looking good for layout progress!</p><p>Then one of the quirks of the pandemic stopped my primary plan to build a staging loop, all the hobby shops I frequent online were all out of turnouts! I had planned on buying Atlas turnouts because my Fast Track tools only take Micro Engineering rail and I already had a large stash of Atlas c83 flextrack for my staging yards. Apparently I wasn't the only one with the same idea of getting extra train work in during this time! I pushed ahead and built the loop benchwork but by the end of April the weather had warmed enough to begin some outdoor projects. </p><p>Then in early May, Abby, our rescue Greyhound finally reached a point where she had to be put to sleep due to cancer impacting her ability to walk and function. After 11 years on earth she can run all the races she wants on the other side of the rainbow bridge.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPvVBjHDusA/X7KvAd4SwJI/AAAAAAAAW-w/tjBLkYHZh_og4Rt51yDr9BSyv53Tdsf6wCPcBGAsYHg/s3264/IMG_5368.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPvVBjHDusA/X7KvAd4SwJI/AAAAAAAAW-w/tjBLkYHZh_og4Rt51yDr9BSyv53Tdsf6wCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_5368.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abby "Coupon Lady" the Greyhound</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Not much later in May my Dad passed away. He lived a good "second" life for 16 years after a major stroke nearly killed him in 2004 but time catches up with all of us in the end. Below is a classic family portrait of three generations of the Ellis men taken back in 2008 which I'm sure he'd get a laugh out of seeing that photo again.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSX2eNXuEDE/X-lXiYwebFI/AAAAAAAAXQw/31JcgTd-X6IMhp8-SR-saT3OHnJgohIGACLcBGAsYHQ/s1746/IMG_2199%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1309" data-original-width="1746" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSX2eNXuEDE/X-lXiYwebFI/AAAAAAAAXQw/31JcgTd-X6IMhp8-SR-saT3OHnJgohIGACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_2199%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three generations of Ellis men, the future is in good hands with the youngest?</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It's safe to say I lost any desire to work on the layout for a long while, which I hope explains my absence from the blog. I know I'm not alone in saying 2020 has been a difficult journey for many of us.</p><p>This is not to say there weren't any bright spots this year. In the summer we added two new members to the family. We adopted a bonded brother/sister pair of kittens from a local rescue group. They were in bad shape when they were discovered on the side of a road in the spring, but the rescue group did wonders saving them. The orange kitten ended up losing an eye but as you can see they both recovered and are loved in our home. Now named Magnolia (grey) and Mo (orange), it is my hope they are also kind and loving to my train layout! So far only Mo has taken to exploring the layout and unfortunately since he's missing an eye he does occasionally blunder into things.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8D0snumZrr0/X7KzWZxOUOI/AAAAAAAAW_M/ubVY6794QUUDQ3IFvhsvukHuBu4KimR1ACPcBGAsYHg/s3745/IMG_9302.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3745" data-original-width="2809" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8D0snumZrr0/X7KzWZxOUOI/AAAAAAAAW_M/ubVY6794QUUDQ3IFvhsvukHuBu4KimR1ACPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_9302.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New kittens Magnolia and Mo</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Recently Brendan has been slowly prodding me to get back to work for which I thank him greatly. The hobby shops must've restocked over the summer as I was able to place an order for what I needed. I recently received all of what I needed to lay track in the staging loop which will represent Mingo and Terminal Junctions. I also decided to order Micro Engineering c70 turnouts for all of the Pine Valley engine terminal. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtAaEdYBejc/X7K17zj9GII/AAAAAAAAXAM/zTsIROrAesQMPzSI9LFh0yXoxVJSuor2ACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_9344.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtAaEdYBejc/X7K17zj9GII/AAAAAAAAXAM/zTsIROrAesQMPzSI9LFh0yXoxVJSuor2ACPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_9344.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pile of turnouts for Pine Valley and the staging yard loop.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Why purchase c70 #6 turnouts when I can build my own with Fast Tracks tools? Don't get me wrong I enjoy building turnouts and for the most part they are good performers. But right now it just comes down to getting stuff done and enjoying some progress after a long hiatus.</p><p>One project we've resumed is painting all that pink foam. It's amazing how a simple coat of black or brown makes an area seem a bit more real and less like a pink Candyland.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xum0mANwDYU/X7K14wimArI/AAAAAAAAXAI/iZT1B62FNHEBKx2VQrvn7KtW-I1i5sS0gCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_9351.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xum0mANwDYU/X7K14wimArI/AAAAAAAAXAI/iZT1B62FNHEBKx2VQrvn7KtW-I1i5sS0gCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_9351.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brendan painting the Pine Valley engine terminal a greyish black.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Stay tuned for more!</p><p><br /></p>Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-20961326477049483542020-04-03T17:43:00.004-04:002020-04-03T23:19:40.699-04:00Quarantine Layout Work and Op Session As a result of Ohio's Stay At Home Orders and the completion of my bathroom remodel, I've been able to put more time than usual into getting construction of the layout back on track.<br />
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Several weeks ago I was lucky enough to score a nicely priced used NCE Pro Radio setup. My current NCE PowerCab was adequate for the moment but I knew it was not going to be able to handle future layout additions without an upgrade.<br />
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I installed the NCE Command Station under Pine Valley yard connected to its own power strip so turning off the layout would be a simple flip of a switch near the stairs going up. I do need to find a good home for the radio antenna but for now it's working just fine sitting nearby the Command Station.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AR2Wgt6-V34/XoePlFAJ_qI/AAAAAAAAVHA/yxEaYbVyUvUZvsV-Hc__WNYAJYyj5EjawCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_8734.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AR2Wgt6-V34/XoePlFAJ_qI/AAAAAAAAVHA/yxEaYbVyUvUZvsV-Hc__WNYAJYyj5EjawCKgBGAsYHg/s640/IMG_8734.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NCE Power Pro</td></tr>
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When I replaced the removable layout sections between Adena and Pine Valley Yard I not only <a href="http://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2020/03/backdrop-addition.html" target="_blank">added a backdrop seen in my previous post</a> but I also added a turnout for a short spur leading to a coal mine truck dump. This small tipple was located just<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/PfTb7BWVPAXpwTPh6" target="_blank"> east of Adena Yard at this location</a>. In the NKP Physical Data Book from 1954 this loading location was called the Toni #1 mine and was operated by the Bedway Coal Co. and the Amber Coal Co. The Toni #1 mine loaded 2,106 cars in 1953 which works out to 5 or 6 cars a day.<br />
With the layout back in working order after adding the new DCC system upgrade and my first coal tipple spur, my son Brendan pointed out that we should have a operating session. Given the current situation it was a great idea for something new and different we could do and also act as a small proof of concept test for the layout.<br />
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East of the Adena Wye I have about 15 feet of track loosely installed mostly for some extra running room. For an operating session this track would act as "Brewster staging" and could hold two trains of empty hoppers eastbound for Adena. These timetable extra trains would drop off their empty hoppers at Adena, Herrick or Pine Valley for the mine run jobs to then take to the area mines. After dropping off their empty hoppers these extra trains would then pick up about 50-60 loaded coal hoppers at the Adena marshalling yard and head back to Brewster. On a copy of a train dispatchers sheet from May 25th 1950 I counted seven of these trains bringing in around 300 empties to Adena/Herrick Yards and hauling out 402 loaded coal hoppers back to Brewster.<br />
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Brendan wanted one timetable fast freight so he made up a westbound train of boxcars and gondolas which I mistakenly named it #81 out of Mingo Jct (it should've been #87). Since there is no staging yard yet that represents the Ohio River destinations (Mingo Jct and Terminal Junction/Martins Ferry) our #81 had to sit in Pine Valley Yard and wait for the two Adena bound empty hopper trains to first leave the mainline staging east of Adena.<br />
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Also called out of Pine Valley today was a helper to assist trains up the westbound grades, a mine run to work the new Toni #1 mine and a Pine Valley roustabout to switch the freight house, pull cabooses and other duties.<br />
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Brendan and I spent a evening staging the trains and car spots on the layout and called it a night.<br />
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The next day after dinner I talked my wife Jessica in joining us which was probably her first time running anything serious on the layout. About 30 minutes before we were going to start I realized I needed some kind of job aid for people to follow! So I quickly threw together cards for each job describing what duties the train was expected to perform. Future paperwork for the trains will be vastly better but this op session was hastily organized and only a family affair.<br />
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I brought in the first train of empties into Adena Yard as extra #763 while my wife took the helper Extra #688 to Adena to wait for westbound trains to assist. Brendan worked the Pine Valley roustabout readying a cut of cars for my 763 to grab after a set out and take back to Adena. This is where the first real trouble started. With the Timetable Freight #81 taking up one of three yard tracks and the others full of cars, as soon as Extra 763 entered the yard it was instantly clogged. There was no where for the 763 to run around and leave with a cut of cars. This won't be a problem when the east end Ohio River staging yard is added in the future.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDh4HbNEmIY/Xod18i7U0KI/AAAAAAAAVFM/gl9RZxQ4BC03LJPBk4RHk-4KNVVz3rKJACKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_8715.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDh4HbNEmIY/Xod18i7U0KI/AAAAAAAAVFM/gl9RZxQ4BC03LJPBk4RHk-4KNVVz3rKJACKgBGAsYHg/s640/IMG_8715.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jessica in control of Extra 688 passing the new Toni #1 mine spur.</td></tr>
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Brendan and I worked our way out of the clogged yard situation and soon Extra 763 returned to Adena Yard. Brendan took Extra 772 with more empties into Adena yard to clear the mainline west of Adena. I coupled the 763 up to a string of loaded coal hoppers and followed my orders to wait for extra 772 and #81 to pass by.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXPPJbZXnkk/Xod3tCi805I/AAAAAAAAVFk/6wl1lylna0cleYwo_jM57yjwwExqmgNtgCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_8723.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXPPJbZXnkk/Xod3tCi805I/AAAAAAAAVFk/6wl1lylna0cleYwo_jM57yjwwExqmgNtgCKgBGAsYHg/s640/IMG_8723.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An overview of the action at Adena Yard, with no way to turn engines at the moment they would have to run backwards.</td></tr>
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While the 772 was getting settled with its train of loaded hoppers and orders to wait for #81, Jessica crewed the brand new SD-9 #358 to power #81 to Brewster.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KLcafM3zujI/Xod2uSKcXRI/AAAAAAAAVFU/wBM9jOWAik0egBg5VnXMVzCHoXfG0JrHwCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_8717.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KLcafM3zujI/Xod2uSKcXRI/AAAAAAAAVFU/wBM9jOWAik0egBg5VnXMVzCHoXfG0JrHwCKgBGAsYHg/s640/IMG_8717.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NKP SD-9 #358 coupling onto #81 out of Pine Valley Yard.</td></tr>
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Once #81 reached the end of the line east of Adena we were surprised to find an hour and a half had quickly passed by and called it a night. I'm always amazed at how fast time can pass when immersed in any kind of operating session.<br />
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The next day Brendan and I finished up by running extra 763 and 772 west out of Adena and quickly clogged up the mainline all the way to he Adena wye. If we do this again I'll have to add another track or two as temporary westbound staging.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5geClJGe6Xk/Xod3qpGYJWI/AAAAAAAAVFg/Kd-sOtDlf5IAIZq4LbZ4K0z1OTpANWjaACKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_8722.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5geClJGe6Xk/Xod3qpGYJWI/AAAAAAAAVFg/Kd-sOtDlf5IAIZq4LbZ4K0z1OTpANWjaACKgBGAsYHg/s640/IMG_8722.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hastily made job card for Extra 772</td></tr>
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I had Brendan run mine run extra #942 so he could work the new mine spur. Extra #942's job card called for grabbing 4 empties at Adena, setting those out at the Toni #1 mine and pull any loaded hoppers, set those loads out at Adena and return to Pine Valley taking anything headed that way with it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RJn_v0Mw5ds/Xod7n7DksfI/AAAAAAAAVFw/gQ5X7b9Fok4KlFcz6zwNbAky37R_BQiwgCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_8725.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RJn_v0Mw5ds/Xod7n7DksfI/AAAAAAAAVFw/gQ5X7b9Fok4KlFcz6zwNbAky37R_BQiwgCKgBGAsYHg/s640/IMG_8725.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NKP 2-6-6-2 #942 sitting next to the posterboard Pine Valley Yard Office stand in.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mine Run Extra 942 crossing the Short Creek bridge just east of Adena Yard.</td></tr>
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Overall I'd call the hastily organized op session a success since most importantly we had fun! Although if I'd kept a list of problems encountered (tip for next time) I bet it would've been at least a page or two long. Aside from needing to get some kind of turnout control in place, there were some derailment problems with two yard turnouts, probable wheel gauge issues in several cars that apparently escaped a basic checkup, an engine that suddenly didn't want to run and another engine that needs a <strike>not Bachmann</strike> better decoder installed.<br />
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As I was writing this blog post Ohio Governor DeWine has called for a extension to the stay at home order until at least May 1st. Looks like the layout will get some extra attention for even longer.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">W&LE Caboose 0204 leaving Adena on Extra 772 back to Brewster.</td></tr>
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<br />Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-20700476200571638202020-03-30T00:12:00.000-04:002020-03-30T00:12:08.112-04:00Backdrop AdditionWhile I was reenforcing the ends of the removable layout sections which allow for maintenance of the furnace and water heater, I decided it was also a good time to add the backdrop.<br />
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Originally I planned to use 16" Aluminum Flashing for the entire length of the scenic portions of the removable sections, however I found the flashing difficult if not dangerous to work with. For example when cutting open the roll I underestimated how compressed it was and had it spring through my hands unwinding itself like a coiled spring. Thankfully nothing got sliced as now is certainly not the time to be going to the hospital.<br />
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After that incident I donned some work gloves and set to work. One backdrop piece would be attached to the large section with the bridge. The other piece would be attached to the layout supports and remain in place if maintenance needed to be done.<br />
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Unfortunately after attaching the flashing to the large bridge module with screws my son Brendan and I both agreed it looked terrible, too wavy and rippled. The back side of the removable section is very curvy which also made things difficult aside from handling the aluminum sheeting.<br />
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So on to plan B. I switched to styrene instead of the aluminum flashing, it's much easier to handle and certainly less sharp. Instead of screwing the styrene in place I used Loctite Power Grab and glued it the styrene in place. This time things went much more smoothly.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DMs2ZjCOUXo/XoFl00gRTTI/AAAAAAAAU_o/tekGtt9J8JkA83fZehgt59rAA-2co2DoACKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_8689.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DMs2ZjCOUXo/XoFl00gRTTI/AAAAAAAAU_o/tekGtt9J8JkA83fZehgt59rAA-2co2DoACKgBGAsYHg/s640/IMG_8689.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div>
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After the glue set the section was removed from the layout again and a piece of aluminum screwed to the back to act as a sort of heat shield from the water heater's exhaust pipe.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zR8ypK_oIV0/XoFpGVzUQiI/AAAAAAAAU_0/WpdJfVlmoosiLIUP02WdFAmt5setRNK5wCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_8690.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zR8ypK_oIV0/XoFpGVzUQiI/AAAAAAAAU_0/WpdJfVlmoosiLIUP02WdFAmt5setRNK5wCKgBGAsYHg/s640/IMG_8690.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next part of the backdrop would have to be aluminum as it would come in close proximity to the furnace exhaust. Luckily other than a cut out around the exhaust, the rest was simple.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZts-QAWLBE/XoFr485ojbI/AAAAAAAAVAA/RD0xExxXJNQnMNQCvck1SHg-BB6tR3whACKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_8693.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZts-QAWLBE/XoFr485ojbI/AAAAAAAAVAA/RD0xExxXJNQnMNQCvck1SHg-BB6tR3whACKgBGAsYHg/s640/IMG_8693.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div>
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Two coats of Behr's Serene Sky blue paint and the new backdrop was complete.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqHq3tIW8HI/XoFuFdI-pgI/AAAAAAAAVAM/77221j1_VzM8FjN5xC-HacLbdtRrCxKEQCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_8695.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqHq3tIW8HI/XoFuFdI-pgI/AAAAAAAAVAM/77221j1_VzM8FjN5xC-HacLbdtRrCxKEQCKgBGAsYHg/s640/IMG_8695.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Nickel Plate Road SD-9 #358 tries out the newly improved sections.</span></td></tr>
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<br />Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-38182480197423061632020-03-11T21:05:00.004-04:002020-03-11T22:15:33.368-04:00Bathroom Project Is Complete!My long running bathroom remodel project mentioned in a <a href="http://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2020/02/catching-up-on-2019.html">previous post</a> has been completed! At least 98% complete enough to finally get back to work on the layout.<br />
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Here's some pictures of all the hard work.</div>
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Once I turned my attention to the layout, a leak in the water feed tube for my furnace's humidifier diverted it briefly again. This had me taking out the removable layout sections around the furnace once more for humidifier repairs. Removing those sections multiple times in one year gave me my first layout project, reinforce the section ends and try to improve the sections so I one have to <a href="http://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2020/02/catching-up-on-2019.html">remove one not both</a>. I'm wrapping up that work and should move on to adding my first mine spur this week. Stay tuned...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PC board to reinforce the ends of the removable sections.</td></tr>
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Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-36573618524891424922020-02-21T12:33:00.001-05:002020-02-21T12:33:46.230-05:00Akron Mini Maker Faire 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On Saturday October 12th 2019, the Akron-Summit County Public Library hosted the Akron Mini Maker Faire at their downtown Akron location. For the second year in a row the Western Reserve Free-Mo had a display set up for the event.</div>
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Tim Moran was the sole supplier of modules for the show, highlighted by his Canton Ohio W&LE Freight House modules. These modules were are actually built to be both a part of his layout and modular to be brought to shows.</div>
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Brendan and I helped Tim set up, run trains and promote the hobby of model railroading to the crowds.</div>
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Hopefully I can finally supply a module of my own later this year.</div>
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Please enjoy a few photos of the event, click on the photos for a larger view.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim's Canton layout modules</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brendan doing some switching while my NKP Heavy Mikado head down the line with a short coal train.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A full over view of the set up, all the modules were supplied by Tim.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Action at the W&LE Freight House</td></tr>
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Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-74846596978527948932020-02-13T15:28:00.001-05:002020-02-13T15:28:28.469-05:00Catching up on 2019It's certainly been a while since my last update in April 2019! Aside from summer activities taking my time, there was a renewed push to complete a long overdue bathroom remodel. To make sure my attention was on the bathroom I haven't allowed myself to work on the layout until that project was complete.<br />
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As it turns out late in the summer I did end up working on the layout but only to disassemble three sections due to a couple basement emergencies. Our main drain pipe needed snaked out which called for the removal of the Pine Valley Yard peninsula. Then only a week later the air conditioning failed which called for the removal of two sections between Adena Yard and Pine Valley to allow access to the back of the furnace just in case. Luckily only a few pounds of freon needed added and we avoided a costly replacement for now. Thankfully I had the foresight to design these sections to be removed if necessary. However I did not precut the rails between sections so there was a frantic night with a Dremel cutoff tool before the drain people and later HVAC people came.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mainline sections between Adena and Pine Valley removed and shown above, the Pine Valley Yard peninsula has been removed at right.</td></tr>
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During the summer Brendan and I traveled to the Chicagoland area to see the Union Pacific's newly restored Big Boy steam engine in action on its tour of western states. We caught the beast heading through Wheaton, IL and then at West Chicago, IL where it stayed for several days on public display.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Union Pacific "Big Boy" 4014 though Wheaton, IL Chris Ellis photo.</td></tr>
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While in northern Illinois we made the train watching hotspot of Rochelle our homebase spending hours at the busy railpark in town. This was Brendan's first real taste of seeing western railroading in action with the busy BNSF and UP lines moving traffic to and from Chicago. The first night there we were treated to a non stop parade of trains that made it hard to leave and head back to the hotel for the night!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BNSF intermodal at Rochelle, IL Chris Ellis photo</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">We made a point to visit the must see Illinois Railway Museum and got lucky visiting when the Frisco 2-10-0 steam engine was in action for short rides. I didn't realize then but later I found out the Museum and steam engine starred in movie "A League of their Own" with Tom Hanks and Gina Davis. The Museum had literal tons to see but even out in Illinois we found a small piece of the Wheeling & Lake Erie. On a wall of builders plates on display inside a passenger car was a plate from one of the Brewster built 0-6-0 steam engines.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aMgbDH7Tkow/XkWsFxmZPMI/AAAAAAAAUS4/9-8oDsdS7YUbpP8DJbzl-bu4_AdziCHUwCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_7520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aMgbDH7Tkow/XkWsFxmZPMI/AAAAAAAAUS4/9-8oDsdS7YUbpP8DJbzl-bu4_AdziCHUwCKgBGAsYHg/s640/IMG_7520.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Illinois Railway Museum, Frisco 1630 Chris Ellis photo</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9MfjTQGGZ6s/XkWsF_mWPtI/AAAAAAAAUS4/kY008Vmh5WkPGjxBI54ZuwVZoTKV5ZAdgCKgBGAsYHg/s640/IMG_7555.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">W&LE 0-6-0 Builders Plate at the Illinois Railway Museum, Chris Ellis photo</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9MfjTQGGZ6s/XkWsF_mWPtI/AAAAAAAAUS4/kY008Vmh5WkPGjxBI54ZuwVZoTKV5ZAdgCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_7555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9MfjTQGGZ6s/XkWsF_mWPtI/AAAAAAAAUS4/kY008Vmh5WkPGjxBI54ZuwVZoTKV5ZAdgCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_7555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
2019 would also have us visiting another train watching hotspot of Folkston, GA on our way to Florida for vacation. We only had time for a brief stop but luckily caught one train making the diversion worthwhile.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pl4MSnXmPiY/XkWo7_hJqMI/AAAAAAAAUSk/3Fc_j4hU9U04ZeNorkIRgNcEpjuaydRQwCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_7668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pl4MSnXmPiY/XkWo7_hJqMI/AAAAAAAAUSk/3Fc_j4hU9U04ZeNorkIRgNcEpjuaydRQwCKgBGAsYHg/s640/IMG_7668.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CSX intermodal at Folkston, GA Chris Ellis photo</td></tr>
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In the fall Brendan and I took a whirlwind day trip to Cassandra, PA and Altoona, PA hoping to catch some peak fall foliage photography. We were rewarded with a beautiful day and almost peak colors, not to mention several of Norfolk Southern's colorful heritage engines making an appearance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnUQ6zdb0oc/XkWtHReys9I/AAAAAAAAUTE/xRoKRmEri70AlDcOzEMJdzBo00KWFhUdQCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_7978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnUQ6zdb0oc/XkWtHReys9I/AAAAAAAAUTE/xRoKRmEri70AlDcOzEMJdzBo00KWFhUdQCKgBGAsYHg/s640/IMG_7978.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NS SD70ACe 1022 at Cassandra, PA, Chris Ellis photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sS0jjriKoSU/XkWtHSVTayI/AAAAAAAAUTE/wUR02McgK9sEgvGy1nXQ5e2D5GgmgV1HgCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_7969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sS0jjriKoSU/XkWtHSVTayI/AAAAAAAAUTE/wUR02McgK9sEgvGy1nXQ5e2D5GgmgV1HgCKgBGAsYHg/s640/IMG_7969.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NS AC44C6M 4002 at Cassandra, PA, Chris Ellis photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I85pyVU2wz8/XkWtHc-AY8I/AAAAAAAAUTE/dGlRNUTX_a8sdUdTTyQtkzVl3tr0PHs5gCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_7987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I85pyVU2wz8/XkWtHc-AY8I/AAAAAAAAUTE/dGlRNUTX_a8sdUdTTyQtkzVl3tr0PHs5gCKgBGAsYHg/s640/IMG_7987.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NS Illinois Terminal "The Glow Worm" heritage engine at Cassandra, PA, Chris Ellis photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pdfoKgmVEYE/XkWtHUuYApI/AAAAAAAAUTE/iKRSzGJD7nY7tM2WOCyw25_kTt4gR2c1ACKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_8075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pdfoKgmVEYE/XkWtHUuYApI/AAAAAAAAUTE/iKRSzGJD7nY7tM2WOCyw25_kTt4gR2c1ACKgBGAsYHg/s640/IMG_8075.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NS Monongahela heritage engine pushing at Horse Shoe Curve, Altoona, PA, Chris Ellis photo</td></tr>
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As for layout updates, aside from the emergency section removal there's not much to report. The entire layout was covered up to protect it from dust when a tile cutting "room" was created using sheet plastic. If you've ever seen the TV show Dexter you'll understand what it looks like...<br />
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As of today only the shower grout work and some minor details remain to complete the bathroom remodel. So my hope is by the end of February I'll have the basement back in order and ready for layout work to resume!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-foZJtKxOGz4/XkWuK03QzSI/AAAAAAAAUTQ/hvgP4x5_HyAvQDEd3ns5JDg8_FxaxJBMgCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_8461.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-foZJtKxOGz4/XkWuK03QzSI/AAAAAAAAUTQ/hvgP4x5_HyAvQDEd3ns5JDg8_FxaxJBMgCKgBGAsYHg/s640/IMG_8461.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost done!</td></tr>
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<br />Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-38644595906279852992019-04-12T15:33:00.002-04:002019-04-12T21:19:59.831-04:00Track work for Adena - Part 5The wye track at Adena was the busy junction of the Adena RR branchline and the Toledo mainline. The Adena wye is also what I would consider part of a "signature" scene for my layout along with the west end of Adena Yard. So the challenge as usual, is to get the look as close to the prototype that I can in the space I have to work with.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qoz7RlXvOoA/XKtfXwb-bwI/AAAAAAAARvE/1Lj3IYbL5oQShCbH2RvEN2HIv0AvKYNpwCLcBGAs/s1600/940%2Bex8001%2B2-6-6-2%2BPulling%2Braw%2Bmined%2Bcoal%2Bsouth%2Bthru%2Bthe%2Bwye%2Bheaded%2Bfor%2Bthe%2Blarge%2Bpreparation%2Bplant%2Bat%2BGeorgetown%252C%2Bwhich%2Bis%2Bjointly%2Bserviced%252C%2Bby%2Bthe%2BNKP%252C%2BPRR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="600" height="502" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qoz7RlXvOoA/XKtfXwb-bwI/AAAAAAAARvE/1Lj3IYbL5oQShCbH2RvEN2HIv0AvKYNpwCLcBGAs/s640/940%2Bex8001%2B2-6-6-2%2BPulling%2Braw%2Bmined%2Bcoal%2Bsouth%2Bthru%2Bthe%2Bwye%2Bheaded%2Bfor%2Bthe%2Blarge%2Bpreparation%2Bplant%2Bat%2BGeorgetown%252C%2Bwhich%2Bis%2Bjointly%2Bserviced%252C%2Bby%2Bthe%2BNKP%252C%2BPRR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NKP 941, a 2-6-6-2 mallet, on the start of the wye and the Adena RR branch. JJ Young JR photo</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Highlighted in red on the valuation map below shows the track I'll be working on next. Click on the valuation map to see a larger version.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-APN56JLUwQM/XKtfajC2QqI/AAAAAAAARvI/Ky6631Rax5AbUkkPzeq3k__JM8Me7iziQCLcBGAs/s1600/Adena%2BWye%2Bpost%2B1%2B5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="1600" height="176" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-APN56JLUwQM/XKtfajC2QqI/AAAAAAAARvI/Ky6631Rax5AbUkkPzeq3k__JM8Me7iziQCLcBGAs/s640/Adena%2BWye%2Bpost%2B1%2B5.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracks added in this blog post 4-9-19, Valuation Map from RailsandTrails.com</td></tr>
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Aside from laying track I'll also have a lot of bridges to build. The wye itself contains two bridges, one through girder on the main and a large 12 span curved wood trestle bridge at the start of the Adena RR branch. Between the wye and the Adena Tunnel on the main line there were two through girder bridges. Due to space constraints I'll only model the more interesting bridge closest to the tunnel with the Short Creek and a road running under it. Finally just past the wye on the Adena RR branch there are two bridges to build, one wood trestle and deck plate girder combo over the Short Creek and a through plate girder over W. Main St.<br />
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Here's photos of the bridges that will be built on the west end of Adena.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-50HOPDfWnJo/V0TMK4350LI/AAAAAAAAIcQ/KyRAXb0h6wEwjs3oU63Ow83H5uI_nX-tACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_1807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-50HOPDfWnJo/V0TMK4350LI/AAAAAAAAIcQ/KyRAXb0h6wEwjs3oU63Ow83H5uI_nX-tACPcBGAYYCw/s640/DSC_1807.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toledo Mainline BR 192.13 over the Short Creek and Blairmont Rd. not too far away to the left is the Adena Tunnel. 4-9-2014 Chris Ellis photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHD_jSP4YHk/XLDPD48E-_I/AAAAAAAARyE/mAaEhQHo5BIIgkblFtl_Qq26onSLLSw1ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHD_jSP4YHk/XLDPD48E-_I/AAAAAAAARyE/mAaEhQHo5BIIgkblFtl_Qq26onSLLSw1ACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1832.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toledo Mainline BR 192.67 over the Short Creek inside the Adena wye. 4-9-2014 Chris Ellis photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZJ-JwCGPq8/XLDPLwBGJmI/AAAAAAAARyI/h1fai8iTVZ4v4V7AtXwvsDrly_uWZT6cQCLcBGAs/s1600/810%2Bon%2BAdena%2Bwye%2Bbridge%2BJJ%2BYoung%2Bphoto%2Bflickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZJ-JwCGPq8/XLDPLwBGJmI/AAAAAAAARyI/h1fai8iTVZ4v4V7AtXwvsDrly_uWZT6cQCLcBGAs/s640/810%2Bon%2BAdena%2Bwye%2Bbridge%2BJJ%2BYoung%2Bphoto%2Bflickr.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adena Branch BR 0.20 over the Short Creek inside the Adena wye, JJ Young photo flickr.com.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GGOxvO_08iw/XLDPlgaAY3I/AAAAAAAARyU/2Ts0BYm-V_kKQszfHT3ANxTFkDUt5X_UQCLcBGAs/s1600/Adena%2BBranch%2BBridge%2B0_40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="1600" height="188" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GGOxvO_08iw/XLDPlgaAY3I/AAAAAAAARyU/2Ts0BYm-V_kKQszfHT3ANxTFkDUt5X_UQCLcBGAs/s640/Adena%2BBranch%2BBridge%2B0_40.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adena Branch BR 0.40 over the Short Creek. 4-9-2014 Chris Ellis photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7BkjskCGl4/XLDPpVMKE-I/AAAAAAAARyY/PaxssWUtVHonIXdAfjOCuZTvaJrVBQUfwCLcBGAs/s1600/Adnea%2BBranch%2BBridge%2B0_60%2Bc%2Bgoogle%2Bmaps%2Bphoto%2Bcapture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="1600" height="312" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7BkjskCGl4/XLDPpVMKE-I/AAAAAAAARyY/PaxssWUtVHonIXdAfjOCuZTvaJrVBQUfwCLcBGAs/s640/Adnea%2BBranch%2BBridge%2B0_60%2Bc%2Bgoogle%2Bmaps%2Bphoto%2Bcapture.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adena Branch BR 0.60 over W. Main St. Google Maps</td></tr>
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Building those will keep me busy, but first I'll need to begin laying the road bed and some of the track to know where these bridges will go exactly.<br />
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Here's where the wye at Adena stands before trackwork. A while back I started the through girder bridge 192.67 and it's masonry footings which can be seen in the below picture. You can pretty much only make out two sides of the wye, but all the lines are laid out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m_TvuEfQAc4/XLDYAEcm7uI/AAAAAAAARyo/c50CSZLJQ2UfhxlM5KxyxTItehjnm6yYACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m_TvuEfQAc4/XLDYAEcm7uI/AAAAAAAARyo/c50CSZLJQ2UfhxlM5KxyxTItehjnm6yYACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6606.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adena wye looking east toward the yard before the real track work begins.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5AKwdGGnkBI/XLDYAB7-a1I/AAAAAAAARyo/330lcwFCLZ8G_Jd-u_466flns31uN5IVQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6630.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adena wye looking west.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5AKwdGGnkBI/XLDYAB7-a1I/AAAAAAAARyo/330lcwFCLZ8G_Jd-u_466flns31uN5IVQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5AKwdGGnkBI/XLDYAB7-a1I/AAAAAAAARyo/330lcwFCLZ8G_Jd-u_466flns31uN5IVQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
The cork road bed is now in place leading up to Bridge 192.67. A layer of the rubber sheet material I like to use and HO scale cork roadbed brings it level with the stone bridge abutments.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vuJlyyiUZXY/XLDYACYGqwI/AAAAAAAARyo/VEFATjzaBCMJ8alaS4hkhmjQ3qN6vXkQQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vuJlyyiUZXY/XLDYACYGqwI/AAAAAAAARyo/VEFATjzaBCMJ8alaS4hkhmjQ3qN6vXkQQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6632.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toledo Mainline BR 192.67</td></tr>
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The cork/rubber roadbed combo also brings it level with the milled homosote roadbed I planned on using. A difference in foam panel material caused a height problem but the two kinds of roadbed solved that issue. A little lightweight spackle also smooths out a low spot on the main and the seam on the west wye leg as seen below.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--jhtPk_qht4/XLDYAJXJXRI/AAAAAAAARyo/lpquMA6iLTY21zFBYT91ih-8tyQ3TpeVgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--jhtPk_qht4/XLDYAJXJXRI/AAAAAAAARyo/lpquMA6iLTY21zFBYT91ih-8tyQ3TpeVgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6631.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spackle fill out a low spot on the main and a seam transition on the wye.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmYJpCRY6dA/XLDYAKtwXLI/AAAAAAAARyo/EmdC22C-AeIrnbrjMbbHKtKouGqKwlx0wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmYJpCRY6dA/XLDYAKtwXLI/AAAAAAAARyo/EmdC22C-AeIrnbrjMbbHKtKouGqKwlx0wCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6627.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mainline part of the wye</td></tr>
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For the rest of the roadbed I use <a href="https://cascaderailsupply.com/pages/frontpage" target="_blank">Cascade Rail Supply</a>'s milled homasote branch profile roadbed. All the roadbed whether it be cork, rubber or homasote is glued down with the DAP clear adhesive caulk.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-goHp3o1qYwo/XLDYAMDMlXI/AAAAAAAARyo/waqTVrCpiewdatzdb1YIEVXP5E-Um90JgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-goHp3o1qYwo/XLDYAMDMlXI/AAAAAAAARyo/waqTVrCpiewdatzdb1YIEVXP5E-Um90JgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6624.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The homasote roadbed goes in for the west end of the wye</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qi2GAufu724/XLDYAIsDJFI/AAAAAAAARyo/kaClQlHxa3EJjM8FV9LAHjsENn-bQBiHgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6625.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homasote roadbed cut for the west end turnout.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qi2GAufu724/XLDYAIsDJFI/AAAAAAAARyo/kaClQlHxa3EJjM8FV9LAHjsENn-bQBiHgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qi2GAufu724/XLDYAIsDJFI/AAAAAAAARyo/kaClQlHxa3EJjM8FV9LAHjsENn-bQBiHgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
The west end of the Adena wye is anchored with a #8 curved 32"/25" radius turnout. I built this one freehand with a paper template before I received my Fast Tracks fixture. In order to fit the yard and wye along one wall I had to curve the west end of the wye. I was able to keep the 30" mainline radius on the outside but had to drop down to 24" for the inside of the wye. This brought the turnout pretty close to the backdrop which should make scenery there interesting.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TqkStOXRS3k/XLDYAIc-ErI/AAAAAAAARyo/hoyL3_3hgfEc2PkqA02ZSmknYO42F88WgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TqkStOXRS3k/XLDYAIc-ErI/AAAAAAAARyo/hoyL3_3hgfEc2PkqA02ZSmknYO42F88WgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6651.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The turnout ready to be spiked down after the headstock ties get glued in.</td></tr>
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After the west end of the wye was "laid in stone" I began laying the other two legs of the wye which mark the beginning of the Adena RR branchline. The track being held up by a small container on the right will be where the long curved trestle bridge (BR 0.20) is located.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WqtzN9xfqQ/XLDYAAuRwHI/AAAAAAAARyo/B7JXZocvrcc-5yfh5eA8vmNhgE8PQapDQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WqtzN9xfqQ/XLDYAAuRwHI/AAAAAAAARyo/B7JXZocvrcc-5yfh5eA8vmNhgE8PQapDQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6652.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginnings of the Adena Branch</td></tr>
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Next up more track laying and construction of the benchwork for the other two Adena Branch bridges.<br />
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- Quick links<br />
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<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/03/track-work-for-adena-part-1.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 1</a><br />
<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/03/track-work-for-adena-part-2.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 2</a><br />
<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/03/track-work-for-adena-part-3.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 3</a><br />
<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/03/track-work-for-adena-part-4.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 4</a><br />
<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/04/track-work-for-adena-part-5.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 5</a><br />
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<br />Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-85217133233707838112019-04-03T13:37:00.001-04:002019-04-03T13:42:11.378-04:00Wordless Wednesday #167<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnj5ZZitH0Y/XKTu3TLE4bI/AAAAAAAARuM/vlGyd5YKf4sGKT6n3lqAUX_o_IS6yTwjACLcBGAs/s1600/NKP%2B6806%2BBrewster%2B1951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1314" height="374" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnj5ZZitH0Y/XKTu3TLE4bI/AAAAAAAARuM/vlGyd5YKf4sGKT6n3lqAUX_o_IS6yTwjACLcBGAs/s640/NKP%2B6806%2BBrewster%2B1951.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NKP 4-8-2 #6806, an ex-N&W engine, works at Brewster, OH </td></tr>
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<br />Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-875979784294926402019-03-29T15:06:00.002-04:002019-04-12T21:19:09.363-04:00Track work for Adena - Part 4In this session I'll wrap up construction of Adena Yard with the the two final yard tracks and the spur for the Adena Mill and team track. I've added a track diagram from the W&LE Valuation maps so everybody knows what is what in these blog posts. Red marks the tracks added.<br />
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<a href="http://railsandtrails.com/W&LE/Valuation%20Maps/W&LE.html" target="_blank">Click on this sentence for the valuation maps for the entire W&LE at Rails and Trails's website.</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcCx7lEdrpg/XJPbAskDUiI/AAAAAAAARnM/6QPGQhmNaw4ZNthNV9wNsjePh2RZBEE4gCLcBGAs/s1600/Adena%2BYard%2BWest%2Bpost%2B4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcCx7lEdrpg/XJPbAskDUiI/AAAAAAAARnM/6QPGQhmNaw4ZNthNV9wNsjePh2RZBEE4gCLcBGAs/s640/Adena%2BYard%2BWest%2Bpost%2B4.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracks added in this blog post 3-21-19, Valuation Map from RailsandTrails.com</td></tr>
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<br />The last two shorter tracks south of the main need their west end turnouts and track laid. Here you can see the marks made with a silver sharpie to help position the tie strips and the turnouts once the adhesive caulk is spread. You can also see an invasion of my Son's modern equipment in the yard which I'm sure will cause some kind of time dimension paradox.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8NYxqDeZ-VQ/XJPQSwwu24I/AAAAAAAARms/6520Teiuq-ITnEJv2ynvwPT3l9Sgp9z5ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8NYxqDeZ-VQ/XJPQSwwu24I/AAAAAAAARms/6520Teiuq-ITnEJv2ynvwPT3l9Sgp9z5ACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6598.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Below you can see the turnouts are now spiked down with the other yard tracks in place and connected to the turnouts.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mzn8XvzN328/XJ5jIe5Ny_I/AAAAAAAARsc/Dc6Y6KYoNOQkPJKdz4i03OvFZqQmSMo0ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mzn8XvzN328/XJ5jIe5Ny_I/AAAAAAAARsc/Dc6Y6KYoNOQkPJKdz4i03OvFZqQmSMo0ACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6643.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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While testing the two new turnouts I was concerned that particularly bad derailment could cause a quick trip to the floor. So I cut a strip of Plexiglas to serve as a barrier not only to a derailment but also an errant elbow or laundry basket. This step also pointed out the need for a layout fascia.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a9SJ2x6OiMo/XJ5kbs0nCjI/AAAAAAAARso/-nQsEUH0lq8Kp7_7SnIBJBNpVINyuOKyQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a9SJ2x6OiMo/XJ5kbs0nCjI/AAAAAAAARso/-nQsEUH0lq8Kp7_7SnIBJBNpVINyuOKyQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6644.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wij8zA08pHU/XJ5kbjZJk3I/AAAAAAAARso/-MM435oGzjgCqH8EGwIFHJdEvd8Ou08nACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wij8zA08pHU/XJ5kbjZJk3I/AAAAAAAARso/-MM435oGzjgCqH8EGwIFHJdEvd8Ou08nACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6645.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Due to the volume of hoppers that Adena handled there was a small RIP (repair in place) track that serviced the yard. This track extended from the bottom turnout that I just installed. Since I'm not sure of the final positioning or length yet, I left the track loose and unpowered for now.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G0V0pdhH_Fk/XJ5mOtCvT0I/AAAAAAAARs0/JXYI7ocn2SwbI5ExcQl-mutXCvIk-6UKgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G0V0pdhH_Fk/XJ5mOtCvT0I/AAAAAAAARs0/JXYI7ocn2SwbI5ExcQl-mutXCvIk-6UKgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6642.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adena Yard RIP Track</td></tr>
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In this photo of W&LE 6805 in Adena Yard, the RIP track can be seen to the far right with what looks like a Pennsylvania H-21 hopper sitting all alone on it. The other track that disappears to the right is the lead for the team and mill tracks.That's a great photo of the yard as well, check out the old caboose or car body acting as the car repair shed. The white fencing and pole lights surrounds the Adena High School football field.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kHToX76pYwE/XJ5m9otBNoI/AAAAAAAARs8/KUBtt9HiJwwu-M57zJ0hVY6RmseCNPEvwCLcBGAs/s1600/W%2526LE%2B6805%2Bex%2BN%2526W%2B204%2Bsoon%2Bto%2Bbe%2BNKP%2B845%2Bpulls%2Banother%2Bcoal%2Bdrag%2Bthrough%2BAdena%2Byard.%2BNotice%2Bthe%2BAdena%2BHigh%2BSchool%2Bfootball%2Bfield%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bright%2Bof%2Bthe%2Byard..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="600" height="492" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kHToX76pYwE/XJ5m9otBNoI/AAAAAAAARs8/KUBtt9HiJwwu-M57zJ0hVY6RmseCNPEvwCLcBGAs/s640/W%2526LE%2B6805%2Bex%2BN%2526W%2B204%2Bsoon%2Bto%2Bbe%2BNKP%2B845%2Bpulls%2Banother%2Bcoal%2Bdrag%2Bthrough%2BAdena%2Byard.%2BNotice%2Bthe%2BAdena%2BHigh%2BSchool%2Bfootball%2Bfield%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bright%2Bof%2Bthe%2Byard..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">W&LE 6805 in Adena Yard</td></tr>
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I added the mill and team tracks in the same way, I left them both loose but I powered the team track as engines were often put on that track in between assignments. The foot print of the Adena Mill is to scale from <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Adena,+OH/@40.2203671,-80.8723876,103m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x88367eeb2a565cf3:0xeaf5b17b6c9ce95e!8m2!3d40.2186805!4d-80.8728672" target="_blank">Google Maps measurements</a>. Last I saw in 2016, it was one of the few track side structures still standing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ITK8rZmY9JQ/XJ5owuAQSHI/AAAAAAAARtI/j9_tmqLuMagL6vMfUymihAUghCMKew7sACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ITK8rZmY9JQ/XJ5owuAQSHI/AAAAAAAARtI/j9_tmqLuMagL6vMfUymihAUghCMKew7sACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6640.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adena team and mill tracks.</td></tr>
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And with that all major track work in Adena Yard is complete! Next up I start work on the Adena wye.</div>
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<br />
- Quick links<br />
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<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/03/track-work-for-adena-part-1.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 1</a><br />
<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/03/track-work-for-adena-part-2.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 2</a><br />
<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/03/track-work-for-adena-part-3.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 3</a><br />
<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/03/track-work-for-adena-part-4.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 4</a><br />
<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/04/track-work-for-adena-part-5.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 5</a>Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-35453111621137497752019-03-27T20:32:00.002-04:002019-03-27T20:32:20.421-04:00Wordless Wednesday #166<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Az7eI-NJ-GE/XJwVqyyADyI/AAAAAAAARqg/9MYpjlG7SMIW7sx8a9MKP5MFtR3V28xLwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Az7eI-NJ-GE/XJwVqyyADyI/AAAAAAAARqg/9MYpjlG7SMIW7sx8a9MKP5MFtR3V28xLwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6634.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun stuff came in the mail today, an Arduino Uno and a box of servos!</td></tr>
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<br />Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-68489614100709432412019-03-20T08:55:00.000-04:002019-03-20T08:55:05.479-04:00Wordless Wednesday #165<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Og51wVVMnLc/XJItJ_X0TjI/AAAAAAAARlk/h0rEKOmZ6h4wirlAt9cP3HwsroivDjPowCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Og51wVVMnLc/XJItJ_X0TjI/AAAAAAAARlk/h0rEKOmZ6h4wirlAt9cP3HwsroivDjPowCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6614.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">W&LE Caboose 0201 and a coal hopper sit in Adena yard, photo by my son Brendan Ellis</td></tr>
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Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-24938930395426003952019-03-18T19:31:00.003-04:002019-04-12T15:35:37.006-04:00Track work for Adena - Part 3With the west end turnouts all set I can begin work on the east end yard ladder. My goal is to place the first two mainline turnouts and then connect the main though Adena. Then I can lay the seven yard tracks building of the mainline route.<br />
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As you can see below, the valuation map of the west end of Adena yard is fairly straight with a gentle curve to the right after the bridge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3L4keVThJ4A/XI_LYyUuyII/AAAAAAAARkk/0OwfDppB3usZj4kfjPCrIIjSELAnWLXPgCLcBGAs/s1600/Adena%2BYard%2BEast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1501" height="354" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3L4keVThJ4A/XI_LYyUuyII/AAAAAAAARkk/0OwfDppB3usZj4kfjPCrIIjSELAnWLXPgCLcBGAs/s640/Adena%2BYard%2BEast.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East end of Adena Yard. Cropped image from RailsandTrails.com</td></tr>
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My version of the yard ladder had to be severely curved left in order to fit along the wall. To help with planning I mapped the ladder out with printable Fast Track templates on a large piece of poster board.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pjtWbJyQHzM/XI_HCvo8fAI/AAAAAAAARkU/PBXR13FuLpMEO4r3rssm4mgOz2Cz-995gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pjtWbJyQHzM/XI_HCvo8fAI/AAAAAAAARkU/PBXR13FuLpMEO4r3rssm4mgOz2Cz-995gCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6546.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The first turnout is a #8 30"/40" radius which I had already hand built from a paper template. The other turnouts I needed were five #8 32"/25" radius and one #6. Since I knew I needed at least six #8 32"/25" turnouts (one for the Adena wye) I felt I might as well order a new fixture from Fast Tracks.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fast Track's Curved #8 32"/25" radius turnout</td></tr>
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With the fixture in hand I made quick work of making what I needed and started committing the paper template to my rubber roadbed. First up was the #8 40"/30" turnout which beings the main yard. I used a silver sharpie to mark the final position of the turnout and to aid in placing the wood ties. The black sharpie is for marking rail to be trimmed.</div>
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In the below photo the first two mainline turnouts on the east end are in place and the ties have been glued down.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ALsrTHmpxyE/XI_HCpydEaI/AAAAAAAARkU/H4o-VHQeNEI5j8iNC8KTLJooCduBlH6-gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ALsrTHmpxyE/XI_HCpydEaI/AAAAAAAARkU/H4o-VHQeNEI5j8iNC8KTLJooCduBlH6-gCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6555.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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With the eastern mainline turnouts in place it was time to lay the mainline to connect to the other end and establish the curves through the yard. The "Fruit Can Express", as my son calls it, has arrived in Adena to help glue down the main. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZDNPXLvCZY/XI_HCvh4HPI/AAAAAAAARkU/_oV60xqDEAknkWcyFmOaJVnEHkcwK6PngCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZDNPXLvCZY/XI_HCvh4HPI/AAAAAAAARkU/_oV60xqDEAknkWcyFmOaJVnEHkcwK6PngCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6559.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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With the main line down I started forming the yard tracks using the orange 3D printed track spacers to maintain a 2 inch spacing. The marks at the bottom of the below photo are the outside rail location for each yard track.</div>
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The "Fruit Can Express" parks on yard track 1 during gluing.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cIp8YfAvYYc/XI_HClJzllI/AAAAAAAARkU/lPiDcp8lTmoWpQfKimEeJmJtzkQyVPe4gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cIp8YfAvYYc/XI_HClJzllI/AAAAAAAARkU/lPiDcp8lTmoWpQfKimEeJmJtzkQyVPe4gCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6563.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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While waiting for the adhesive caulk to dry in between gluing sessions, I began soldering feeders on completed tracks. This way my eager helper could test finished tracks afterwards.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCdxJp3EedA/XI_HCvn5yUI/AAAAAAAARkU/F8R9TFdJOT0hMHlYSGcORqg48wcUtylEgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCdxJp3EedA/XI_HCvn5yUI/AAAAAAAARkU/F8R9TFdJOT0hMHlYSGcORqg48wcUtylEgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6562.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Below, more yard tracks getting spaced and ready for gluing. In all Adena yard is eight tracks wide. I'll also note that for the yard tracks I cut out every 6th or 7th tie and re spaced the ties to give the track more of a secondary look. I <a href="http://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2015/08/scenery-test-module-part-2.html" target="_blank">apparently had forgotten how much work this was</a> and my thought not to do it again but I'm glad I did.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-us9mIkJKApc/XI_HCh1ci9I/AAAAAAAARkU/YMBLZBppe3oeaGilIatd8cULhFd2Cw3lwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-us9mIkJKApc/XI_HCh1ci9I/AAAAAAAARkU/YMBLZBppe3oeaGilIatd8cULhFd2Cw3lwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6566.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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View from the east end of Adena Yard.</div>
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The east yard ladder is almost complete in this photo.</div>
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The last switch in the main yard ladder only needed to be a straight #6 since the curve was nearly complete at that point.</div>
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Here's the last turnout for the shorter two south tracks in place. I found a low spot which I filled with flexible spackle and then stained black with my tie wash.<br />
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Finally in the below photo all east yard turnouts are in place and stained. I even organized my construction mess a little bit for the picture. </div>
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I'll lay the two shorter yard tracks on the right once I have their opposing turnouts installed. But will have to wait for the next part in this series.</div>
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- Quick links<br />
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<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/03/track-work-for-adena-part-1.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 1</a><br />
<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/03/track-work-for-adena-part-2.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 2</a><br />
<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/03/track-work-for-adena-part-3.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 3</a><br />
<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/03/track-work-for-adena-part-4.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 4</a><br />
<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/04/track-work-for-adena-part-5.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 5</a></div>
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Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-29028893414929280682019-03-13T19:30:00.000-04:002019-03-13T19:30:02.076-04:00Wordless Wednesday #164<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bcYcCLXmFtk/XImRqPHxGiI/AAAAAAAARiw/acE4aPADl0g8Jn3xY30y-OOCZuqw7PZYACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bcYcCLXmFtk/XImRqPHxGiI/AAAAAAAARiw/acE4aPADl0g8Jn3xY30y-OOCZuqw7PZYACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6603.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NKP Mallet 942 creeps though Adena Yard</td></tr>
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<br />Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-30439738121064073692019-03-10T17:57:00.001-04:002019-04-12T15:35:48.703-04:00Track work for Adena - Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once the main line turnouts were laid in place in <a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/03/track-work-for-adena-part-1.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena Part 1</a>, I turned my attention to the west yard ladder. These were also all #6 turnouts like on the mainline.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eZ5y6udEHg0/XIU6TBCJ5CI/AAAAAAAAReY/HagZRkoPM5gWX_bMs6HZtGF6ZXm1H1caQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eZ5y6udEHg0/XIU6TBCJ5CI/AAAAAAAAReY/HagZRkoPM5gWX_bMs6HZtGF6ZXm1H1caQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6532.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the above photo the second turnout's ties are being glued down. With this turnout I changed tactics and waited to glue in the headblock ties until the next turnout in line's position was marked and cut to fit. The orange 3D printed track spacer helps maintain the 2 inch track separation.</div>
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Getting the rest of the yard ladder turnouts position marked for tie placement.</div>
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Tie strips have been glued down. Immediately afterward I lay a straightedge down on top of the ties to hold them in place as I remove the painters tape. Then I lay the turnout on top of the ties and make adjustments before the adhesive caulk sets up.</div>
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Here's how things size up with other three turnouts fit into place. I'll spike them down after staining and filling the gaps between turnouts with extra Micro Engineering plastic ties.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-byqAPD_LsNI/XIU6TCOkjkI/AAAAAAAAReY/PZqyq3J0wYAwVJrYbIldKyX9F8rq2ZLGgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-byqAPD_LsNI/XIU6TCOkjkI/AAAAAAAAReY/PZqyq3J0wYAwVJrYbIldKyX9F8rq2ZLGgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6537.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The above photo looks east at Adena and shows the progress so far.</div>
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Up to this point I did not stain any of the turnout ties because I was eventually going to paint all my track work with either an airbrush or my trusty Camo Brown spray cans. Since I wasn't sure how soon that would be I decided to give them a quick wash of alcohol diluted India Ink in the meantime. I also went back and stained the other turnouts I already had in place.</div>
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I'm pretty pleased how the India Ink wash turned out. It almost made me wish I had hand laid all the track with wood ties but I'll save that level of crazy for other people.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--gtXunA2M9c/XIU6TLHJ5-I/AAAAAAAAReY/JAZNFF6xbCQggdr06ZlxpAkyWGo2-fDwwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--gtXunA2M9c/XIU6TLHJ5-I/AAAAAAAAReY/JAZNFF6xbCQggdr06ZlxpAkyWGo2-fDwwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6543.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Fast Tracks turnout building tools pull double duty as weights to hold the rails in place as I started to spike them down.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RUCAs0fh__I/XIU6TBVp1mI/AAAAAAAAReY/7ZBi8LCWhMAlF39CeEYDuxFvTBC2WmPQgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RUCAs0fh__I/XIU6TBVp1mI/AAAAAAAAReY/7ZBi8LCWhMAlF39CeEYDuxFvTBC2WmPQgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6544.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I use Micro Engineering small spikes with a bit of the spike head nipped off with my rail cutters. The pliers are nothing special, just the Crescent brand you can find at Home Depot in a 2-pack with cutters that are almost identical to orange handled Xuron sprue nippers.<br />
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I only spike one set of ties in between PC board ties on the turnouts and anywhere else the turnout seems to flex or lift from the ties.<br />
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I'm surprised how quick this step can go, and with a steady hand only a few spikes have managed teleport into another dimension.<br />
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Next up the east end curved yard ladder.<br />
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- Quick links<br />
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<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/03/track-work-for-adena-part-1.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 1</a><br />
<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/03/track-work-for-adena-part-2.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 2</a><br />
<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/03/track-work-for-adena-part-3.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 3</a><br />
<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/03/track-work-for-adena-part-4.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 4</a><br />
<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/04/track-work-for-adena-part-5.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 5</a>Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-42620620557260323122019-03-05T11:02:00.001-05:002019-05-12T15:25:34.809-04:00Track work for Adena - Part 1As hinted at in the last <a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/01/wordless-wednesday-163.html" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday</a>, track laying in Adena has finally begun.<br />
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I'd been delaying track work on Adena mainly due to needing to curve the east end of the yard which continues through the bridge at the end of the yard ladder. After I <a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2018/12/december-construction-report.html" target="_blank">recently relaid the curve</a> leading to this bridge and glued it down, I knew I could continue westward with track construction.<br />
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Most of us when trying to build from the prototype must at times make compromises due to space or operational constraints. The large wye at the west end of Adena plus the the yard would fit with reasonable compression along a 30 foot wall. Unfortunately my basement walls are about 25' long, so the best way I found to fit all of Adena was to curve the east end of the yard. The wye and the west end of the Adena are a signature scene so I wanted to preserve that side as much as possible to match the prototype.<br />
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The two turnouts that were laid first anchor the main line through Adena, the start of the wye for the Adena Branch and the west yard ladder.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-UWN-EMYWg/XHmThPNqzAI/AAAAAAAARWM/-oA-1A-eZqcu5-jWqTH6poX-JcvkLI3bwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-UWN-EMYWg/XHmThPNqzAI/AAAAAAAARWM/-oA-1A-eZqcu5-jWqTH6poX-JcvkLI3bwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6445.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The turnouts are constructed using Fast Tracks #6 fixtures and Mt. Albert ties which are glued down with Dap Clear Adhesive Caulk. After the caulk had set the turnout was spiked down every few ties with Micro Engineering small spikes.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i7BEoGCD1K4/XHmUbiPlp9I/AAAAAAAARWU/k4GH2_lYJrg-9PeNyucKS5LC1VdQ8FDggCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i7BEoGCD1K4/XHmUbiPlp9I/AAAAAAAARWU/k4GH2_lYJrg-9PeNyucKS5LC1VdQ8FDggCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6453.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the above photo DAP adhesive caulk has been spread for the rubber sheeting I use for roadbed in large areas like a yard.<br />
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The rubber sheeting as been cut and rolled flat. I found with the rubber material you don't want to accidentally stretch it out too much when rolling it out or it will pull on the foam.<br />
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The next two switches that serve as anchors for the main line are the lead for the Adena Mill and team track, and a switch for two more yard tracks and the rip track. In the photo above, I'm making final adjustments to the wood ties that have just been set into the adhesive caulk. I built my own jigs to make turnout tie strips faster. I've since figured out to delegate this task to my son to get him involved more in construction now that he's older.<br />
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The turnouts have been spiked down and in the background the team track and Mill tracks have been loosely added. Even though I'll eventually paint all the track work I meant to stain the ties with a India ink wash but in my excitement to get track laid I forgot.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9IDh1JJxjfU/XHmUbu9OIvI/AAAAAAAARWU/dZ4HfhvOxpA1S3B7b2ocicx96RDmH9QOACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9IDh1JJxjfU/XHmUbu9OIvI/AAAAAAAARWU/dZ4HfhvOxpA1S3B7b2ocicx96RDmH9QOACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6473.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've used a large sheet of construction-like paper to help design the curved east end yard ladder. Along with Fast Tracks printable templates I also used 3D printed track spacers to help layout the yard tracks. These 2 inch track spacers were found on <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1666909">Thingverse.com</a> and are free to download and use for yourself. I had my work place print several for me which have been great for the straightaways. I ended up using a manual 2.25 inch spacing on the curves which allowed Brendan's larger modern equipment to pass each other and didn't wreck my plans for this area too badly.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrfOxG3dA0c/XHmUbpIw7cI/AAAAAAAARWU/-80ItBZrWw83IRFD_sL4Q5c9rhTTT1WkgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrfOxG3dA0c/XHmUbpIw7cI/AAAAAAAARWU/-80ItBZrWw83IRFD_sL4Q5c9rhTTT1WkgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6465.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a closer view of the 3D printed track spacers in action.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3D printing 2 inch HO track spacers</td></tr>
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And a photo of them being printed. Each one takes about 30-40 minutes. The library I work at only charges $1 an hour for printer time and materials so the wait is well worth it. While the print resolution is not that great for models, it's just fine for tools and other things like servo brackets.<br />
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Coming up soon, more track work...<br />
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- Quick links<br />
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<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/03/track-work-for-adena-part-1.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 1</a><br />
<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/03/track-work-for-adena-part-2.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 2</a><br />
<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/03/track-work-for-adena-part-3.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 3</a><br />
<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/03/track-work-for-adena-part-4.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 4</a><br />
<a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2019/04/track-work-for-adena-part-5.html" target="_blank">Track work for Adena - Part 5</a>Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-28870808611018022072019-01-23T23:21:00.000-05:002019-01-23T23:22:25.065-05:00Wordless Wednesday #163<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Has the track gang finally made it to Adena?</td></tr>
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<br />Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-30993462497026925062018-12-28T15:16:00.003-05:002018-12-28T15:16:57.115-05:00December Construction ReportWork on the bathroom remodel has been moving along nicely as of late. Finally with the milestone of a functional toilet and sink I can turn some of my attention back to the layout for a bit. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bathroom remodel going well.</td></tr>
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After spending a while gathering my thoughts about where on the layout to start, I decided to just start cleaning. As many of you know layouts are horizontal surfaces which when under construction do a great job of gathering anything in sight. Eventually I thought of a good project to dig into.</div>
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A curved section of track between Dillonvale/Pine Valley Yard and Adena had proved to be a bit sharper than I had planned. Coming out of the east end of Adena Yard the mainline standard 30" radius curve had tightened to 24" to accommodate an old route change around the water heater. In testing it wasn't causing any major issues other than just bothering me. To broaden the curve I found I would have to add a 3-4 inch bump out accommodate the new route.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lSb-0t3HiaQ/XCYrjt1SZeI/AAAAAAAAQ7w/7_pliEvUaIkNVt6ZaSzpg22XS7XoN85zQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lSb-0t3HiaQ/XCYrjt1SZeI/AAAAAAAAQ7w/7_pliEvUaIkNVt6ZaSzpg22XS7XoN85zQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6369.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prepping for new foam side extension, pre-track and roadbed removal.</td></tr>
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A small section of foam was cut out to ease the addition of a new wider section of foam. The green line represents the new right of way. To help hold the new foam section in place I inserted a few tooth picks in the foam.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_g4dhB2WP3I/XCYrjr7q8GI/AAAAAAAAQ7w/W-fQlP3vOzE7JAsPlrWNXJ8NBaUvSUbmgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_g4dhB2WP3I/XCYrjr7q8GI/AAAAAAAAQ7w/W-fQlP3vOzE7JAsPlrWNXJ8NBaUvSUbmgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6372.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glued and clamped.</td></tr>
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As seen above the new foam section was glued in with Foamboard adhesive. A couple of clamps helped hold things in place as the glue set up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lpkG1c_ltlc/XCYrjju9NMI/AAAAAAAAQ7w/p7UMtymcrJEgERrev9OS0lWEeOTRv9hXgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lpkG1c_ltlc/XCYrjju9NMI/AAAAAAAAQ7w/p7UMtymcrJEgERrev9OS0lWEeOTRv9hXgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6377.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foam extension, roadbed and track in place. </td></tr>
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A section of roadbed from an abandoned idea for a continuous run connection was torn out to make way for the new right of way and a new spur for a small coal truck dump operation that existed just east of Adena Yard. The new mainline roadbed was then glued down following the new 30" radius curve. I used <a href="https://cascaderailsupply.com/" target="_blank">Cascade Rail Supply's</a> homasote roadbed and Micro Engineering code 70 flex track, both glued down with DAP clear adhesive caulk. </div>
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This revamped section will still have the west Long Run Tunnel entrance but instead of the portal being near the duct work it will be pushed back toward the furnace to make room for the truck dump spur. Unfortunately the duct work will over hang the scene but no basement is perfect and certainly not this one. </div>
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After so many months it's nice to make a little progress. Especially on a section of track that had been a visual thorn in my side.</div>
Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-91517065554815877952018-10-08T20:18:00.001-04:002018-10-08T20:27:47.166-04:00NKPHTS 2018 Indianapolis Convention Model DisplaysTo read about the NKPHTS 2018 Indianapolis Convention activities click on the below link.<br />
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Click Here --> <a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2018/10/nkphts-2018-indianapolis-convention.html" target="_blank">NKPHTS 2018 Indianapolis Convention Highlights</a><br />
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<b>NKPHTS 2018 Indianapolis Convention Model Displays</b><br />
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The best part about the modeling displays at NKPHTS conventions is that contests are a thing of the past. So there's no pressure, rivet counting or perfection needed, just a show and tell event.<br />
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I've tried to display all the info I could about each model including the modelers name, and any details known about the model. Unless noted all models are HO scale.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O380QLvC4nQ/W7uiBV7JQtI/AAAAAAAAQYA/lJSyrpJxJBMPvxy6Vpk6HIPSE2ckida9wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O380QLvC4nQ/W7uiBV7JQtI/AAAAAAAAQYA/lJSyrpJxJBMPvxy6Vpk6HIPSE2ckida9wCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6107.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NKP 232 SW-9 by Mike Pfaff</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E2meblt9yfY/W7uiBVK24QI/AAAAAAAAQYA/gZsjT0p2d4YNxciHLjOK8YDUeXYYpcbVgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E2meblt9yfY/W7uiBVK24QI/AAAAAAAAQYA/gZsjT0p2d4YNxciHLjOK8YDUeXYYpcbVgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6106.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NKP 345 SD-9 by Mike Pfaff</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xRwTn_ALANU/W7uiBTfh5oI/AAAAAAAAQYA/iFGPDKfnzbwZqOnDI1IsYDyzGd9m9-gqQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xRwTn_ALANU/W7uiBTfh5oI/AAAAAAAAQYA/iFGPDKfnzbwZqOnDI1IsYDyzGd9m9-gqQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6105.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NKP 325 RSD-12 by Mike Pfaff</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DaD9mxXcgCw/W7uiBYJpeXI/AAAAAAAAQYA/ORRTvGD_S_UqNSasuLR9gIxZZ5OKLK2mACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DaD9mxXcgCw/W7uiBYJpeXI/AAAAAAAAQYA/ORRTvGD_S_UqNSasuLR9gIxZZ5OKLK2mACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6109.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atlas NKP Caboose 772 by Tim Adang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TpT49XBfze8/W7uiBWzZmJI/AAAAAAAAQYA/Um5bW9z1TlExztnZlu4QPPqV6-PjvgzkQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TpT49XBfze8/W7uiBWzZmJI/AAAAAAAAQYA/Um5bW9z1TlExztnZlu4QPPqV6-PjvgzkQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6113.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NKP Baggage 347 by Bud Brueggeman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ki7aO9psf4Q/W7uiBaxfjnI/AAAAAAAAQYA/F701ezelaaUuPxbF_QiX6Af-q91iQF81ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ki7aO9psf4Q/W7uiBaxfjnI/AAAAAAAAQYA/F701ezelaaUuPxbF_QiX6Af-q91iQF81ACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6111.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NKP Baggage-RPO 358 by Tim Adang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Xix9533M-Q/W7uiBdmkc3I/AAAAAAAAQYA/eY5qRzKPrNsAVcTRyX335oUN8dgJaQanwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Xix9533M-Q/W7uiBdmkc3I/AAAAAAAAQYA/eY5qRzKPrNsAVcTRyX335oUN8dgJaQanwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6112.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NKP Boxcar 13498 with roof hatches and NKP 90525 3 bay covered hooper by Bud Brueggeman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next three N scale models are by a David B, I couldn't make out the last name sorry.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6TC6ST8FTh8/W7uiBQPaT9I/AAAAAAAAQYA/J32BsuuPntEn0t0fsy6f-yDSY-ax_-YdACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6TC6ST8FTh8/W7uiBQPaT9I/AAAAAAAAQYA/J32BsuuPntEn0t0fsy6f-yDSY-ax_-YdACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6115.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A unique N scale NKP Gas Turbine by David B.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qUMGIBJFk7w/W7uiBc4qGGI/AAAAAAAAQYA/c0G7AysUwg4uIdg7nPgIsuK4osjvR8MGACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qUMGIBJFk7w/W7uiBc4qGGI/AAAAAAAAQYA/c0G7AysUwg4uIdg7nPgIsuK4osjvR8MGACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6117.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">N scale NKP Snow Plow by David B.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sD5RBP7LSto/W7uiBaOcbnI/AAAAAAAAQYA/bjBibRv2q4Ezof6AbRpIsfenynyuGcNjACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sD5RBP7LSto/W7uiBaOcbnI/AAAAAAAAQYA/bjBibRv2q4Ezof6AbRpIsfenynyuGcNjACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6118.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">N scale NKP MoW Crane by David B.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pCldnd1RUHE/W7uiBU8MqQI/AAAAAAAAQYA/BTYZHyjRTbgygR_KO-kwO67s88NOTj6qgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pCldnd1RUHE/W7uiBU8MqQI/AAAAAAAAQYA/BTYZHyjRTbgygR_KO-kwO67s88NOTj6qgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6102.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overland NKP Caboose 1207 by Mont Switzer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ewh1J2TJUY/W7uiBdgJu7I/AAAAAAAAQYA/9BK1MY9_eqg2Y3PhfQh2OQx3_6O0EbKaQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ewh1J2TJUY/W7uiBdgJu7I/AAAAAAAAQYA/9BK1MY9_eqg2Y3PhfQh2OQx3_6O0EbKaQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6101.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NJ International NKP Caboose 747 by Mont Switzer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LdE1OzsXFC8/W7uiBciWP7I/AAAAAAAAQYA/VybW3UO4Gf099tGO1nV-rH7Xc25ZpFAtQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LdE1OzsXFC8/W7uiBciWP7I/AAAAAAAAQYA/VybW3UO4Gf099tGO1nV-rH7Xc25ZpFAtQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6090.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overland NKP Cabose 911 by Mont Switzer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MwRq6sJJCFE/W7uiBTr_6AI/AAAAAAAAQYA/Tc_2EqgtEJwbFwR2UIDEK1dThV0o681dgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MwRq6sJJCFE/W7uiBTr_6AI/AAAAAAAAQYA/Tc_2EqgtEJwbFwR2UIDEK1dThV0o681dgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6091.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overland NKP Caboose 416 by Mont Switzer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c1-lQXYuvLM/W7uiBR7Sy3I/AAAAAAAAQYA/p3vlIfv94awU3uV2nPebOpLAmOeSvqvSQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c1-lQXYuvLM/W7uiBR7Sy3I/AAAAAAAAQYA/p3vlIfv94awU3uV2nPebOpLAmOeSvqvSQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6092.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NKP GP35 910 by Mont Switzer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-khxsl23s1g8/W7uiBRC17bI/AAAAAAAAQYA/8Ej8jEUu9E814gJoX3Bx33PeLlt8AwU5wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-khxsl23s1g8/W7uiBRC17bI/AAAAAAAAQYA/8Ej8jEUu9E814gJoX3Bx33PeLlt8AwU5wCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6094.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NKP GP30 908 by Mont Switzer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H7oPR1m2fu0/W7uiBc0UVkI/AAAAAAAAQYA/Iuo5Ld2CS-4Dn3MFsCk4esopgYv9UDjGQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H7oPR1m2fu0/W7uiBc0UVkI/AAAAAAAAQYA/Iuo5Ld2CS-4Dn3MFsCk4esopgYv9UDjGQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6093.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NKP AS16 321 Alco rebuild by by Mont Switzer </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hj761AGJN-8/W7uiBRHQf6I/AAAAAAAAQYA/RCyR910S2IoinhK_uRis9Kn7L93BZtvbQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hj761AGJN-8/W7uiBRHQf6I/AAAAAAAAQYA/RCyR910S2IoinhK_uRis9Kn7L93BZtvbQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6098.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NKP AS16 323 EMD rebuild by Mont Switzer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yapfxsql9dw/W7uiBb8bVaI/AAAAAAAAQYA/JjnL6tt0szEIUj0-7qEh0-XzxkVplEn5gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yapfxsql9dw/W7uiBb8bVaI/AAAAAAAAQYA/JjnL6tt0szEIUj0-7qEh0-XzxkVplEn5gCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6097.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NKP C420 578 by Mont Switzer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9qSlEW5cXIc/W7uiBZBDlOI/AAAAAAAAQYA/4OB_oyu2kUMBz3TFbJ3N6APx3k1uYraUwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9qSlEW5cXIc/W7uiBZBDlOI/AAAAAAAAQYA/4OB_oyu2kUMBz3TFbJ3N6APx3k1uYraUwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6099.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NKP SW8 109 and NW-2 18 by Mont Switzer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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To read about the NKPHTS Indianapolis Convention activities click on the below link.<br />
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Click Here --> <a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2018/10/nkphts-2018-indianapolis-convention.html" target="_blank">NKPHTS 2018 Indianapolis Convention Highlights</a>Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-6213787730844446452018-10-08T20:18:00.000-04:002018-10-08T22:02:23.461-04:00NKPHTS 2018 Indianapolis Convention HighlightsThis year's <a href="http://nkphts.org/" target="_blank">Nickel Plate Road Historical & Technical Society</a> Convention was held in Indianapolis and featured a solid line up of activities.<br />
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Friday started with a tour of <a href="https://history.amtrak.com/blogs/blog/digging-into-the-archives-a-brief-history-of-the-beech-grove-shops" target="_blank">Amtrak's Beech Grove Facilities</a>. Built in 1904-08, this large former New York Central (Big Four) facility now performs rebuilding and overhaul work on Amtrak's diesels and a majority of the passenger car fleet. Our tour guide was fantastic, explaining each area of the shops and what special work was performed there in great detail. He answered all our questions and more with his deep knowledge from 40 years of service. Sadly no photos were allowed but Brendan and I definitely left with some great memories.<br />
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Then later we traveled to Cicero, IN to ride the newly established <a href="https://nickelplateexpress.com/" target="_blank">Nickel Plate Express</a> which currently runs on the former IMC Division between Cicero and Atlanta, IN. With a former Erie Mining EMD F-7A(soon to be repainted) and four ex Santa Fe El Capitan High Level cars we traveled at a leisurely pace though the Indiana cornfields.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D24WVMUK5sU/W7tujgsEFZI/AAAAAAAAQXg/QsBNbd7kk78tZ5RWNXEIS6vrqoyQ_U2QACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D24WVMUK5sU/W7tujgsEFZI/AAAAAAAAQXg/QsBNbd7kk78tZ5RWNXEIS6vrqoyQ_U2QACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nickel Plate Express at Atlanta, IN with ex Erie Mining F7A</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-riV7G2IKLr0/W7tujn8l1LI/AAAAAAAAQXg/vtLmS5FRMKkVw17SFxA3Xn4BEoUVeVPlwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-riV7G2IKLr0/W7tujn8l1LI/AAAAAAAAQXg/vtLmS5FRMKkVw17SFxA3Xn4BEoUVeVPlwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6036.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harvest has started in some fields.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MZk4HbRxw1M/W7tujjEaUcI/AAAAAAAAQXg/z3smHuJy0uUBHfgMRSQPaeXWmp-sLzTWwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MZk4HbRxw1M/W7tujjEaUcI/AAAAAAAAQXg/z3smHuJy0uUBHfgMRSQPaeXWmp-sLzTWwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Atlanta, IN</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6aDSDMaLz9c/W7tuji2EJDI/AAAAAAAAQXg/TjmCZv6AaIwbhVs8vbhiExjMTh-WulewQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6aDSDMaLz9c/W7tuji2EJDI/AAAAAAAAQXg/TjmCZv6AaIwbhVs8vbhiExjMTh-WulewQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monon Caboose 81528</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zZSJIObsWNw/W7tujvbs81I/AAAAAAAAQXg/4yfkqffTEgID8g8QRIkd2G1BrXNGmhF9QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zZSJIObsWNw/W7tujvbs81I/AAAAAAAAQXg/4yfkqffTEgID8g8QRIkd2G1BrXNGmhF9QCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6053.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr Muffin's huge O scale layout</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fwp_ZZc6eic/W7tujrUpMzI/AAAAAAAAQXg/1iFlvM02UDAnWBPF0yokLEOTWNtTS9y4gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fwp_ZZc6eic/W7tujrUpMzI/AAAAAAAAQXg/1iFlvM02UDAnWBPF0yokLEOTWNtTS9y4gCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6052.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">O scale Monon F3s</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JJRypK6GbSU/W7tujtBroJI/AAAAAAAAQXg/tWg6w4etl508jWTnGbWl1KjHEP-t_RnOgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JJRypK6GbSU/W7tujtBroJI/AAAAAAAAQXg/tWg6w4etl508jWTnGbWl1KjHEP-t_RnOgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of Mr Muffin's huge O scale layout</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4r2TsrwShk/W7tujljirWI/AAAAAAAAQXg/9_t5alz_5qUFqo4gtRFjLcu87vMPGzpNACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4r2TsrwShk/W7tujljirWI/AAAAAAAAQXg/9_t5alz_5qUFqo4gtRFjLcu87vMPGzpNACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tiny center cab switcher helps in the push-pull train operation.</td></tr>
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At our stop in Atlanta we had enjoyed a catered lunch and visited<a href="https://mrmuffinstrains.com/" target="_blank"> Mr. Muffin's Hobby Shop and huge O scale train layout and collection</a>. After an hour roaming the hoby shop and layout in the small town we boarded the Nickel Plate Express and headed back to Cicero. The groups running the train and small town tourism have done a great job and have a bright future ahead of them for sure.<br />
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To close out a busy Friday we visited the Convention Host Jim Canter's large Proto 48 layout and enjoyed a excellent BBQ dinner. Jim's collection of O scale NKP equipment was nothing short of breathtaking!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JsMMxf77JM8/W7tveMu5dHI/AAAAAAAAQXo/LknV7L_0mSEUkfTMLFwthsU1er2eRCK8wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JsMMxf77JM8/W7tveMu5dHI/AAAAAAAAQXo/LknV7L_0mSEUkfTMLFwthsU1er2eRCK8wCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brendan for scale next to the Proto 48 NKP C420 and background steam engine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WcNY6p7UL-4/W7tveE2uIvI/AAAAAAAAQXo/ZMUFrqtAnTUiBjKKG_octm4W-puAxlZsgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WcNY6p7UL-4/W7tveE2uIvI/AAAAAAAAQXo/ZMUFrqtAnTUiBjKKG_octm4W-puAxlZsgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6073.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of NKP Hudsons</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eIIl355S19M/W7tveKGWpyI/AAAAAAAAQXo/6zwPDfjQYH09CxZkPWqZ9quUTQPX9W3-QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eIIl355S19M/W7tveKGWpyI/AAAAAAAAQXo/6zwPDfjQYH09CxZkPWqZ9quUTQPX9W3-QCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6064.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full yard</td></tr>
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Thanks to Jim for inviting practically the whole convention to your home and sharing your amazing layout with us.<br />
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On Saturday the convention had a more relaxed pace with only nearby layout visits and membership meetings and clinics.<br />
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Brendan and I choose to visit the nearby <a href="https://www.naptownrr.org/" target="_blank">Naptown and White River Model Railroad Club</a>. The clubs huge 60' x 40' layout is housed in their own building and is fully scenicked except for a newly added industrial area. Upon arrival Brendan was immediately offered to run a CB&Q Zephyr passenger train and happily did so for almost an hour. Thanks to the N&WR for opening your layout to the NKPHTS!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PYvSbePgDdU/W7tvuY7naOI/AAAAAAAAQXw/yle0TzyjQ08XcZmXiVrB0aPH732b6bXkACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PYvSbePgDdU/W7tvuY7naOI/AAAAAAAAQXw/yle0TzyjQ08XcZmXiVrB0aPH732b6bXkACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6131.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naptown & White River Model Railroad Club</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WijlIOIv5zA/W7tvuUq5CBI/AAAAAAAAQXw/Aka8SSNdm8czz2ZztgJtwE7AXWrtAu-nACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WijlIOIv5zA/W7tvuUq5CBI/AAAAAAAAQXw/Aka8SSNdm8czz2ZztgJtwE7AXWrtAu-nACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6130.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naptown & White River - city scene</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RAj-GvRxXx4/W7tvuWDY3KI/AAAAAAAAQXw/8tRI-Mi25ogueh13zj8ocYFY59RzaEp4QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RAj-GvRxXx4/W7tvuWDY3KI/AAAAAAAAQXw/8tRI-Mi25ogueh13zj8ocYFY59RzaEp4QCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6125.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brendan piloting a passenger train</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Sd9l-0J5I4/W7tvuaYyojI/AAAAAAAAQXw/Im4-QWxZ_bUYB4jqfawms9phw5A1XiH6wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Sd9l-0J5I4/W7tvuaYyojI/AAAAAAAAQXw/Im4-QWxZ_bUYB4jqfawms9phw5A1XiH6wCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_6126.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing but green signals ahead</td></tr>
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Afterwards we attended the NKPHTS Membership meeting and later I spoke with two members that grew up in and around Adena and Dillonvale in the 50's and 60's. Lots of great info was exchanged and I'm glad I could share some of my old photos of that area.<br />
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Brendan and I headed home early due to Sunday plans so we missed the Banquet Dinner and auction but we had a great time overall. Thanks again to Jim Canter for hosting another successful convention!<br />
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Because the NKPHTS modeling displays contained so many great models I've made a separate post which can be accessed by clicking on the below link.<br />
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Click Here --> <a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2018/10/nkphts-2018-indianapolis-convention_8.html" target="_blank">NKPHTS 2018 Indianapolis Convention Model Displays</a>Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-66216906323327038742018-09-28T15:07:00.000-04:002018-10-01T08:55:27.391-04:00Akron Mini Maker Faire ReportLast Saturday's Model Railroad setup at the Akron Mini Maker Faire was a lot of fun and seemed to be well received by the Library and the attending crowd.<br />
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I wanted to bring model railroading to the Maker Faire because model railroading is such a multifaceted hobby that encompasses electronics, art/painting, woodworking and engineering. I also felt the Maker Fair was a place to show the hobby to an audience that was not expecting to see our display unlike going to a train and toy show.<br />
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Our display was unusual in that it was the first Ohio marriage of Free-Mo and Sipping & Switching Society module standards. Matt Robins from the S&SS bought his branch line modules which made up about 65% of the display and the Free-Mo modules from Tim Moran and Wayne Buran made up the remainder. Our setup was about 60 feet long with a point to point track plan.<br />
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Being this was my first "show" where I was a part of a display I quickly found out its kinda like hosting a party. Nine hours later I can say it all was a blur and was over before I knew it.<br />
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In all Brendan and I had a great time and thanks again to Tim, Wayne and Matt for bringing their modules and to the Akron-Summit County Public Library's TechCenter staff for hosting the Mini Maker Faire.<br />
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Below are a few of the photos that I remembered to take.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-agJCgtmDd44/W655XQWQdlI/AAAAAAAAQKQ/--XmH1PnHswsAgdj3EtptivoyM-oysjQwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-agJCgtmDd44/W655XQWQdlI/AAAAAAAAQKQ/--XmH1PnHswsAgdj3EtptivoyM-oysjQwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_5987.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setup</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k9EqMLU4wKE/W655XY38-6I/AAAAAAAAQKQ/7I_7JtkEXhwGlwzqHgYvtUwqsveVOG8gACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k9EqMLU4wKE/W655XY38-6I/AAAAAAAAQKQ/7I_7JtkEXhwGlwzqHgYvtUwqsveVOG8gACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_5989.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Show opens</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23BbAitYGlg/W655XduqqXI/AAAAAAAAQKQ/9X41FMZwSEsvolFAVRR9F3tKzX9b-mNywCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23BbAitYGlg/W655XduqqXI/AAAAAAAAQKQ/9X41FMZwSEsvolFAVRR9F3tKzX9b-mNywCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_5990.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A NKP GP9 on a local</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SK1J81a-KUU/W655XaWS_xI/AAAAAAAAQKQ/a6qleMNImHY1Pm3pi5j0dcy4y0tm7dXvgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SK1J81a-KUU/W655XaWS_xI/AAAAAAAAQKQ/a6qleMNImHY1Pm3pi5j0dcy4y0tm7dXvgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_5993.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full length view</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXyuWzDwigA/W655XS1f1TI/AAAAAAAAQKQ/D_0dgWAls1k8FuumWd_gdVQBuXBRMJAngCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXyuWzDwigA/W655XS1f1TI/AAAAAAAAQKQ/D_0dgWAls1k8FuumWd_gdVQBuXBRMJAngCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_5994.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brendan running his modern stuff</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mNF_aRmU8jw/W655XbfjHzI/AAAAAAAAQKQ/sMnSzOzX2dcZWV_HGjNTIFEIf6yLjOP-ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mNF_aRmU8jw/W655XbfjHzI/AAAAAAAAQKQ/sMnSzOzX2dcZWV_HGjNTIFEIf6yLjOP-ACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_5995.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tear down time</td></tr>
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<br />Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-5613552363681593832018-09-19T13:31:00.002-04:002018-09-19T13:34:21.307-04:00Akron Mini Maker Faire this Saturday 9-22 from 12-4pm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This Saturday September 22, 2018 come see a <a href="https://akron.makerfaire.com/maker/entry/80/" target="_blank">HO scale modular layout presented by the Western Reserve Free-Mo</a> in downtown Akron, OH. My son and I will be there helping to expose the hobby of Model Railroading to a new audience.<br />
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What: Akron Mini Maker Faire<br />
Where: Akron-Summit Country Public Library Main location<br />
60 S. High St. Akron, OH<br />
When: Saturday September, 22, 2018<br />
12-4pm<br />
Cost: Free!<br />
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Come see us by the Children's Room on the 2nd floor!<br />
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As a bonus the Nickel Plate Road #765 will be running on the <a href="http://www.cvsr.com/" target="_blank">CVSR</a> a short drive away in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-25506262481796692362018-09-13T18:50:00.002-04:002018-09-14T13:34:56.738-04:0025 Years Later...No, twenty five years later is not how long it's been since my last post but it has been almost a year since I posted anything of substance. Hang on for an explanation of the blog post title later. I do apologize for the lack of layout postings and I appreciate the concern that some of my regular readers had for my blog disappearance.<br />
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A lot has happened since last my last non-Wordless Wednesday post both good and sad. Last year in the fall I took a new position at an organization I had previously interned with while finishing up my degree. I could easily say it's my dream job and feel very fortunate to return to the public sector and where I first started the path to my new career.<br />
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After a few months of settling in at my new job, I had hoped to turn my attention back to the layout but a complete bathroom gut and remodel took priority. Even as I write the bathroom still commands my attention but I can finally see light at the end of that tunnel.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yours truly putting down tile board</td></tr>
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As for the sad, after a long illness we made the hard decision to let our cat WahWah find peace in late November. He was a very vocal companion that thankfully never showed interest in the layout as a playground and will be sorely missed after 17 years in our lives.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WahWah seen napping with a Fast Tracks template as a blanket.</td></tr>
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Earlier this year my wife and I also faced the first loss of a parent together when her Father lost a long battle with brain cancer. When growing up at some point you realize the possibility of loosing a parent but it always seem like something so very far away. It definitely puts a certain perception on life and where you are at in life it when it finally happens, whether it's you or to someone very close to you.<br />
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After this personal update now lets get back to trains. I found once you get removed from your hobby for a while it can be difficult to find where to dip your toe back in, especially if you're in the midst of building a layout. The best place I thought to start was to clean my workbench up.<br />
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This in turn spurred me to complete a few projects that had been lingering for a long time, such as the <a href="https://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/2015/06/not-train-work.html" target="_blank">PRR hoppers</a> I picked up for cheap on eBay awhile back. I also put together a large number of Accurail W&LE hoppers that had been piling up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b2p0liv7DEI/W5rhI6AfLKI/AAAAAAAAQB0/pxq853_90IUCUDFFo3JtSGe4xZrfjQx0QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b2p0liv7DEI/W5rhI6AfLKI/AAAAAAAAQB0/pxq853_90IUCUDFFo3JtSGe4xZrfjQx0QCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_5207.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Accurail W&LE hoppers.</td></tr>
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The "25 Years Later" name of this blog post comes from not my absence but the time it took me to complete an old Walther's kit.<br />
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While organizing my pile of "to build" kits when cleaning, I dug out a modern day Walthers tank car I bought as a teenage N&W/Norfolk Southern modeler. On inspection it looked like I had started construction but probably gave up frustrated with either the handrails or ladder based on the glue marks. Back then with a limited budget I didn't quite have the tools I do now, so with the right size drills to ream out better holes and some CA kicker I finished the build only 25 years later!<br />
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While it has no place in my NKP steam era collection, it will fit in nicely with Brendan's modern day equipment.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rncUY7xPQDs/W5rkfshsUvI/AAAAAAAAQCA/yE2aMh2Lst0jsQTcCxv5hQyvk7K3FrD_gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rncUY7xPQDs/W5rkfshsUvI/AAAAAAAAQCA/yE2aMh2Lst0jsQTcCxv5hQyvk7K3FrD_gCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_5196.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All good things in all good time</td></tr>
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It's crazy to think of my teenage self unknowing beginning to build the car not for myself but for my future son!<br />
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I hope to share some of the other little things I've accomplished model railroading-wise over the past year. Thanks for hanging in there.<br />
<br />Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-78178849132959335952018-08-29T14:05:00.001-04:002018-08-29T14:05:36.075-04:00Wordless Wednesday #162<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HKcZSgVhuuw/W4bgPRDnRqI/AAAAAAAAP8E/JH5eRpDnHkk9FJVpLrNlvN0W2fEjLVBOgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HKcZSgVhuuw/W4bgPRDnRqI/AAAAAAAAP8E/JH5eRpDnHkk9FJVpLrNlvN0W2fEjLVBOgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5718.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rare modern day W&LE boxcar Bellevue, OH 7-20-2018 Chris Ellis photo</td></tr>
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<br />Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6868589199518435347.post-32555537794357249542018-07-11T17:31:00.001-04:002018-07-11T17:31:38.087-04:00Wordless Wednesday #161<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A16RSyTanMg/W0Z3ABslQyI/AAAAAAAAPXw/gBBrA8O8DLob-Dqb8qL3y9fZ3fMbFToIQCLcBGAs/s1600/P%2526WV%2B62%2BH20-44%2B%2BBrewster%252C%2BOhio%252C%2BNov.%2B29%252C%2B1964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1600" height="356" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A16RSyTanMg/W0Z3ABslQyI/AAAAAAAAPXw/gBBrA8O8DLob-Dqb8qL3y9fZ3fMbFToIQCLcBGAs/s640/P%2526WV%2B62%2BH20-44%2B%2BBrewster%252C%2BOhio%252C%2BNov.%2B29%252C%2B1964.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P&WV H20-44 #62 at Brewster, Ohio, November 29, 1964</td></tr>
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<br />Chris Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386071400545257080noreply@blogger.com1