Lyon Valley Northern

More operations from Bill Scobie's Rio Grande Southern

2012-02-12T09:40:00.000-08:00

Mainline and switching at Vanadium

Ophir mine and siding is on the grade so helper service is in use to spot the cars in the siding. Passenger Service also adds to the challenge. Views of the new backdrop at Trout Lake included.

Bill Scobie's Rio Grande Southern

2012-02-07T07:02:00.000-08:00

One of the great model railroads in the Ottawa area is the Sn3 layout Bill Scobie built in his home in Gatineau QC. This Video fallows the Ore train from Rico to Telluride. Action shows the train passing highly detailed mines, wonderful scenery and trestles as well reversing operations at Vance Junction. Enjoy.

Michel Boucher's D&H Adirondack Branch Part 2

2012-02-02T09:36:00.000-08:00

This first video shows the mainline action with lots of nice angles of Michel's scenery and modelling.

The video below show switching in Corinth. The paper mill makes for lots of operator action on this busy railroad.

The final video shows action at the Tahawus Mine where Graeme Cook discribes the process of using the weighing scale.

D&H Adirondack Branch Ops Session Part 1

2012-02-01T14:29:00.000-08:00

I was over to an Ops session at Michel Boucher's on Monday. A great operating railroad. Here is a part one video with some running during the session and an interview with Michel.

The model depicts the Operations of the Adirondack Branch from Saratoga N.Y. to North Creek N.Y. and on to the National Lead Mine at TAHAWUS N.Y. (Sanford Lake)
The major towns and industries are: from Saratoga going North, Corinth home of the International Paper Company. There are two Paper Mills in Corinth: The Kraft Mill (new) and the Older Finishing Mill. There are also some small local service providers such as a grain loading, fuel dealer and a team track.

Next is Warrensburg also a Paper Mill town. Warrensburg Board & Paper is a staging track along the line. The next town is North Creek. Michel has taken some liberty with North Creek. The model is a little larger than the real thing as he took license to increase the traffic volume. North Creek is home to an engine facility, a small yard to hold and classify local traffic and store and repair empty hoppers for National Lead at TAHAWUS. Major local industries are: Gilmore Feed and Seed, Suburban Propane,Ireco Chemicals, Peck & Peck Clothing and a CO-OP. There is also a Team Track. Twenty five miles north of North Creek located at Sanford Lake is the Great Eastern Lumber Company that has a Saw Mill as well as a Planing Mill also in Sanford Lake Arthur White & Sons of Corinth N.Y. has a loading track to load logs for the paper mills. Further North at Tahawus you will find the National Lead Mine that produces titanium and also the Republic Steel smelter that produces iron ore pellets.

Michel's HO Scale Railroad operates point to point and is located in Gatineau Quebec Canada.

Smith Falls CP Yard Switching

2012-01-31T07:10:00.000-08:00

It was a cold and grey old day on the Winchester Sub, but I was in the area and decided to hang out at the Smith Falls Yard throat and do some railfanning. Not much action on the main but the yard switcher was busy sorting cars. Enjoy.

Modular Club Interviews

2012-01-17T05:40:00.000-08:00

During the OVAR modular Rally I tooks some video and spoke with club members about their clubs and asked them what they would be doing at Ottawa Train Expo. Looks like we are going to have lots of fun displaying and informing the public about the hobby on 5-6 May 2012.

Gilbert and Jacques will be able to help French Canadian Modellers at the show

The two Peters are fun and enthusiastic about running trains. Lots of experience you can draw on.

NTRAK realy offers advantages if you like lots of modelling in a small space.

Have a look at www.ottawattrainexpo.com to find out more about vendors, clinics and displays. The show is full with 100 different participants offering lots of MR stuff, information and fun.

Ottawa HOTRAK Modular Rally 2012

2012-01-11T13:30:00.000-08:00

Had a great time this weekend at the HOTRAK Modular Rally. It was hosted by Ottawa Valley Associate Railroaders. They ran trains for two days and had operations controlled by dispatchers and car cards. They are going to be at Ottawa Train Expo on 5-6 May 2012. See the details at www.ottawatrainexpo.com

Here is the track plan

Woodland Scenics Fire. Better stock up

2012-01-05T21:07:00.000-08:00

Bad news for us all as Woodland Scenics are a staple for model railroad scenery.

http://www.lakenewsonline.com/news/x550247171/Fire-destroys-Linn-Creek-business-displaces-area-residents

Podcast Interviews

2012-01-04T08:53:00.000-08:00

Here is podcast interview I had with Trevor Marshal promoting Ottawa train Expo 5-6 May 2012

http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/the-model-railway-show/id390164917

Modelrailcast interview on Backdrop painting

http://hw.libsyn.com/p/4/7/9/479fe3b330e1c20f/mrc0153.mp3?sid=58931971e89a105001c14984a254d6f3&l_sid=22588&l_eid=&l_mid=2815270&expiration=1325706075&hwt=8d1a2fd446d2e086502dce5cb4642409

Enjoy

Happy New Year.: 2012 here we come

2012-01-01T06:26:00.000-08:00

Mike invited me to come out to a New Year's party. There were a number of groups playing different styles of music. So he suggested we should get together and jam at my house to prep the gig. We had loads of fun, played about 10 songs together and enjoy music from three other groups including the band Mike plays lead in. Here is a Dylan tune to ring in the New Year.

SWITCHERAMA

2011-12-27T11:39:00.000-08:00

To change the pace of the standard LVN operations plan, I introduced the Friday Night Group East Enders to my Switcherama. This operating concept involves giving each aperator a locomotive and caboose. They are then given a switching job consisting of a pick up and drop off from either an industry to yard or yard to industry or yard to yard or industry to industry. This layout has over 15 industries and three yards so there is lots of potential action. To control the flow, I dispatched by handing out one of 32 strips of paper, each describing one move to each operator. This controlled the traffic density in any given area and ensured each operator was not doing the same type of job over the session. So in a two hour period each operator had about 6 to 8 orders. With thirty-two orders and six trains there were 192 possible combinations. Obviously not all got done. After the session we retired for Christmas goodies, cheese curds and beer. Ron, Mike, Mark, Jim, Dave and Joel had a great evening. Thanks guys...It was fun. Give it a try on your model railroad. It is a blast.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERY ONE

2011-12-20T07:46:00.000-08:00

New Trackplan

2011-12-11T07:33:00.000-08:00

Here is an update to the layout track plan. Joel Racine was kind enough to build this using railcad and then photoshop. Joel is a fellow operator of the FNG eastenders.

New Video of November Ops Session with the Eastenders

2011-12-06T14:17:00.000-08:00

The gang was over for another operations session. Lots of action and banter. Enjoy

Got a chance to work on the Roof

2011-12-02T10:46:00.000-08:00

Well today was roof install. There are three individual roofs on this building complex. Each had a laser cut template which you laminate your roofing material on.

The two outer roofs are tar paper. The middle are shingles. I did not use the shingles from the kit. Instead I used Bar Mills Brown shingles.

The rafters were applied to the shed on the left and the main roof above the office.

Then the roof was applied to the shed rafters. Then individual strips of tar paper were applied. These were pre-weathered with Bragdons.

Finally two tires were added to give it character. The tar paper hangs over the roof edges for proper drainage.

The main roof was shingled before gluing. Started at the base of each side and worked up to the top. The crown of the roof was finished 2x10s.

The warehouse roof template was glued in place. Then the tar paper was added and weathered. The weathering technique was to paint the material black. Then spray one side with dullcoat and finally streak bragdons on with AI wash. Looks like one line is to dark. Will have to fix.

The loading platform is not glued in place. As the instructions suggest, you should wait until you put some ground cover down and set it into the ground for realism. Everything is glued to the gator board base. That way the height will be just right when I set it next to the track on cork roadbed.

The backside shows a number of boards at the doorway. These were glued right to the Gator board. Nice spot for doodads.

It always amazes me how much stuff you need close at hand to build a kit. This portable workbench does help keep everything close. However the rest of the table seems to gain stuff as you go. I think I will do a little cleanup today.

Sierra West Railway Camp for Modules

2011-11-30T08:16:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I had a chance to get back to doing some craftsman structure building. At my very first Scotty Mason structures show, I had the chance to meet Brett from Sierra West and he introduced me to the railroad camp. To me this would be a real challenge as there were three buildings. Lots of board on board construction and some work with resin. I had a plan as you saw earlier in my blog to put together two freemo modules designed around a 1920s theme. Here is the main building part way through construction.

So it took me two weeks to stain the wood and paint the resin walls. In the first building which consisted of a warehouse, office and storage shed, there were 16 walls. The office had a stone first floor with a laser cut clapboard second floor. The other two building sections were board on board framing or lamination of boards over card stock laser cut shapes.

As you can see here I used lots of bracing so there are no problems with warping..The loading dock has 40 legs and there are lots of individual bits of strip wood to be glue in place.

This closeup of the backside shows some of the advantages of board on board. Each bit of wood has it's own character and takes stain differently. I used a water based stain which was part black and part brown.. The stonework was done with acrylics (different shades of grey) AI and bragdons.

The upper office level clapboard was roughed up, then stained with the same mixture I used for the boards. Then dry brushed with floquil concrete, followed by dry brush using "rotten Flesh" from citadel miniatures warhammer paint. Then again AI was applied over that. Nail holes were put in with Jimmy Simmons Monster Nailer. This is a cool little tool with HO size double hole maker to make the perfect nail holes you always wanted.

The storage shack was very interesting as you build the internal frames, apply 2x10s horizontally on front side and vertically on other three sides. Then tar paper which I then weathered with Bragdons, And finally batons were applied over the paper.

Each window was from a laser cut sheet. Individual character was added with cracks, some opened part way, or signs or boarded up. The frames are made around the openings with individual boards (five each). Brett does a good job with his instructions to help you with weathering techniques and construction.

The doors are white metal castings which were primed, painted wood brown. Then dark brown bragdon powder was then brushed on and set into grooves with mineral spirits. Then dry brushing with flesh was done which highlighted the upper surfaces. Some of the Bragdon powder mixed with this paint and created an old grey-brown upper surface on each board. Then AI was put over top to blend.

Backdrop Painting Clinic DVD. Appreciated the great feedback

2011-11-19T05:49:00.000-08:00

I was so pleased to find that folks enjoyed the clinics I gave this fall at the Narrow gauge Convention, Fine Scale Model Railroaders Expo and the Craftsman Structure Convention. The feedback received from folks about the backdrop painting DVD was very complementary and I appreciate your BZs. The DVD was designed as if you were attending one of the premium clinics which includes concepts of backdrop design, brushes, paint and techniques. To date over 80 people have received the DVD and have indicated that the show is just like being at the clinic. I am so glad it worked well for everyone and I am looking forward to seeing pictures of your finished work. Hope to see some photos soon.

Ottawa Model Train Show with Charity in Mind.

2011-11-12T10:10:00.000-08:00

Ladies & Gentlemen,

On May 5 & 6, 2012 OTTAWA TRAIN EXPO, the largest Model Railroad Show in eastern Canada, comes to Carleton University Fieldhouse. http://www5.carleton.ca/athletics/facilities/fieldhouse/ The 48,000+ sq. ft. hall has been reserved to welcome people from all walks of life into the world of model trains, from “Thomas the Tank Engine” to “Craftsman Structure” builders, OTTAWA TRAIN EXPO will cater to not only the seasoned hobbyist with a passion for modeling and trains, but also to the young family with children enjoying toy trains. Our mission with this event is to promote the hobby and leisure activities with the railroad as the common thread to people of all ages.

Would you consider making a donation to our “Draw Table”? In return for a gift your name will be prominently displayed on our website with a link to your site. The table will have all the gifts on display, and the attendees choose which item they wish to purchase tickets for. The proceeds from the “Draw Table” will be donated to Roger’s House the Sens Foundations’ charity of choice as our recipient charity. www.sensfoundation.com/en/

Roger’s House is an eight bed paediatric residential hospice that welcomes children / youth and their families who are living with a life limiting illness. The House provides both respite, particularly important for families with children that require 24/7 medical care, or end-of life support. Located in Ottawa on the grounds of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Roger’s House provides a home-like environment allowing children, family and friends to focus on quality time together.

Items for donation to the Draw Table may be sent to: Ottawa Train Expo, 1447 Launay Ave., Orleans, ON K4A 3R9

Thank you for your kindness in your donation to our worthy cause.

Should you require more information about this event, please visit

http://www.ottawatrainexpo.com/

Or contact us at: ottawatrainexpo@gmail.com.

OTTAWA TRAIN EXPO is a Not-For-Profit Corporation

Fred Adams

Chairman

White River Junction. A hot bed between 11:00 AM and Noon

2011-10-23T12:38:00.000-07:00

On the way home Lela and I stopped in New Hampshire to get some tax free scotch then headed west to White River Junction Vermont. As you can see the leaves were just past their prime and the shy was overcast. We wanted to get to the station at 11:00 so we could see the Vermonter heading south.

Arriving at the station we were quite pleased to see that the Green Mountain Dinner train was at the backside of the station. they were boarding the leave peepers for the afternoon run,. The platform was loaded with folks ready to board the Vermonter.

This is taken from the north end of the platform. The old B&M steam engine is in good repair under the protective roofing.

Across the tracks there is this great old clapboard sided industry. Lots of small town turn of the century character.

New England Central power was sitting in the siding across from the station.

I would imagine this is the power that runs from Newport all the way down to Bellows Falls.

The Southbound AMTRAK Vermonter is at the road crossing approaching the station.

Just about ready to stop with 2 car lengths to go.

The train stopped. The video camera in the window is taking pictures of me taking pictures. Smile

Alco RS1 running short hood forward

I like this shot as the whole dinner train is in view.

Closeup

Nice to see all this action in that 1 hour time frame. I asked the station master about the light weathering on the Alco. He smiled and said ...Yup: done with floquil's and a little bit of Bragdon's mixed with rubbing alcohol:)

Fine Scale Model Railroaders Expo: Day 2

2011-10-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

I was so busy over the three days of the Expo I did not get much of a chance to use my camera. I took a few shots of the winning large diorama by Joel Freedman (Canadian from TO area )and a couple of vendors tables. Also a couple of pictures of my clinic taken by forum member Ralph Renzetti.

Joel did an amazing job of integrating three Sierra West Kits, several resin boat kits and Crow River lighthouse into this best in show awarded diorama. His modeling skills are very evident and he has the nack of creating wonderful water effects.

The boat passing by the dock creates an incredible sense of motion

Here you can see the boatworks with all the action of an industry hard at work building a new ship

From this angle you can see Shelby's across the harbour. The rigging and wood work is breathtaking.

There was light and sound to help create the mood. Here the light house flash was caught on canera and just look at that wave crashing against the shore. The bouy is angled as if pressed by the wind, waves and current.

Here is an example ofare example of a dock side fish plant diorama at one of the vendor tables. He has produced four harbour kits and has a number of boats and doodads that enhance any model railroad scene. It would appear that the influence of recent modelers has created an interest in seaside landscapes with interesting ports and docks for the model railroad to go through.

Now here are Dad and Son at they vendor table looking so very happy with the sales of their fine scale kits. Just look at that coal dock modeled after a true prototype.

O scale was very popular this year and Sierra West sold almost everything they brought.

Seaport Model Works had a great display for their products (Resin Boats) The diorama was created by Dave Frary for them.

The clinics were just so informative. I had the pleasure of presenting my backdrop painting clinic.

The demo really got the creative juices flowing in the crowd.

There were lots of pictures taken, notes written and questions. I had a blast. Afterwords I gave away three DVDs (Backdrop Painting with Chris Lyon). And sold out what I had brought in less than 5 minutes. I am so glad that folks will be able to go home with all this new info and work on their layouts.

More pictures are on the Railroad line forum at this thread.

http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=34160

Next will be the trip home through White River Junction.

The Fine Scale Model Railroader Expo 2011: Day 1

2011-10-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

Lela and I went to the Fine Scale Model Railroader Expo show in Peabody Mass. It was three days of clinics vendors and layout tours and was a great deal of fun. Here are some pictures of the trip. Day one we crossed the border following the old CP/B&M route south through Saint Johnsbury to Wells River. My friend Dave Premeau models this area and I wanted to see some of the prototype structures he modeled.

This is the trackside view of the Station. It now is an information center. The lady says that there is only one train a week that comes roarin' down that line. Maybe Harry Chapin new something we didn't.

From left to right, the main, passing siding then yard tracks. In the distance you can see the bridge over the tracks. There is also a roadway that goes under the tracks over to the industrial side to the right.

Closer view of this structure. It really has lots of character and Dave has it appropriately placed on his layout. The colours are a perfect match as well.

On the street side of the station there are two excellent brick structure. The rounded one on the left used to be the old hotel. It was burned down and rebuilt some time ago. The window shapes and brickwork really give this structure some character.

This map of the old track plan for Saint Johnsbury was really interesting. It led me to where the old roundhouse was located. Even the folks at the information centre new nothing about it. Double click for the blow up.

Inside the station there were some old railroad artifacts such as the B&M passenger seating in the waiting room. There were also some old communications gear and desk in the stationmasters ticket and office area.

The station from the town side.

The roundhouse was gone but the turntable was intact. The garden tracks were half covered by gravel and dirt but you could still see where they went to the stalls. On the other end they put a big fuel tank right on top of them.

Side view so you can see where it stood relative to the station.

Dave has this on his layout between Saint Johnsbury and Wells River. We took number 5 hwy along the tracks and found it. The lady at the sheep farm was kind enough to let me onto the property to take pictures.

She has sheepdog puppies. They were excited to see me. The mother was laying down probably because of the energy they have was exhausting her.. Dave more pigeons on the copula.

View from the house. The barn is built on a slope so determining level must have really been something.

In this picture you can see the B&M trackage on the right. The distance is matched very nicely on Dave's layout.

In Wells River, I found this cool structure. May have been an important building at one time but now it is home to local shops.

We crossed over to New Hampshire from Vermont and headed east on HWY 112.

The leaves were just awesome.

We had a great picnic lunch

The colours were great

Ah yes we did see trains in Lincoln. This Hobo railroad is one of a number of tourist railroads in the White Mountains. Next I have a few pictures from the Expo.

Final Afternoon at the Convention: Railfanning Anyone

2011-09-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

The Asheville to Salisbury is an old Southern Railroad Route ( S Line) through the Appalachian Mountains. There are amazing loops at the south end near Old Fort . Lela and I decided to seek out this bit of Railfan paradise on our final day. During the 3 hours we were there we were lucky enough to find an excellent photo location thanks to a local old timer who was out for a hike. We followed this gravel road up the mountain side until we reached a crossing. Parked the car and were overwhelmed by the beauty of this location. You can see the complete route by going to this site.

http://www.frograil.com/tours/ns/S-Line.htm

It is also worth googling the map of Old Fort and look North of town near Mill Creak Road. The loops are impressive.

The upper curve shown hear is a fill that extends out from the side of the mountain. It used to be a trestle.

The curves are super-elevated and the radius is tight making for lots of squealing flanges. This train was heading downgrade (eastbound) with empty wood chip cars and you could hear it coming from all directions in this great pass.

After the train passed us it disappeared into another loop and reappeared below us. It had descended about 200 feet. The grades are really something.

A different perspective of the same shot. I like to crop my photos to create length in train shots and focus on the subject

The Next Westbound mixed freight must have been in the passing siding at Old Fort. Thundering upgrade this train was interesting with a UP on the front end.

Here it is emerging from the cut at the crossing. There is a tunnel inside this curve but I did not go near it as the clearance from track to the cut walls was narrow. Not to mention I do not do railroad trespassing.

2011 Convention: Part 2

2011-09-27T06:15:00.000-07:00

Model Pictures from 2001 Narrow Guage Convention: Part 1

2011-09-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

MUSKRAT RAMBLE: On30 MODULER RAILROAD

2011-09-23T11:32:00.000-07:00

The Muskrat Ramble Modular On30 layout is very unique. It features life in the Louisiana swamp lands with Muskrat gator hunting, fishing and cotton plantation. The railroad goes down main street which features building constructed from photos of the era. Your imagination runs wild as you look at the unique scenery techniques that capture the feel for this area. The model railroad was created in Australia and has moved recently to the museum in Florida. It was just great that the layout was brought out to the Hickory Narrow Gauge Convention..

Sundance Central: Narrow Gauge Convention 2011

2011-09-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

Well OK. Finally here is a video of the Sundance Central. This is a large scale craftsman quality modular layout from Florida. This layout was one of the big motivations to attend the narrow gauge Convention in Hickory North Carolina. The video was taken using the movie clip feature on my Canon Powershot Pro1. The quality is a little iffy but it does show off the amazing detail of this wonderful layout. Enjoy.

Spencer and Salisbury NC

2011-09-22T12:21:00.000-07:00

On one of the afternoon outings, Lela and I went to Spencer to see the North Carolina Museum of transportation. It is located in the old Southern railroad locomotive shops. We went to the station to buy our tickets and this engineer road up with a small passenger consist pulled by a Norfolk Western GP 9. He asked us if we would like a ride up to the roundhouse. We said yes of course.

Here is the GP in its wine red colour.

He invited us to ride in the cab. Here is Lela in the brakeman seat.

The roundhouse and turntable is operational and is the largest surviving in the USA.

It was sure nice to ride in the Geep.

They did all their major shop work and the local railroad society volunteers to run the place.

They have lots of vintage vehicles at the museum.

How about the colours on this E unit.

Here is the classic southern railroad passenger scheme

Now this was a nice little 0-4-0

The museum had an N Scale replica of the whole Southern railroad complex.

Sure would have been great to get a tour of this facility when it was fully operational

It was nice modelling as well.

The shop building was magnificent.

Nice to see a US Navy switcher.

I love the paved track area.

You could ride the turntable for $1.00

Also there was an opportunity to drive the locomotive for 1 hour. For a price of course.

Classic locomotives look so traditional in black and white.

The tracks run between the shops.

This little GE unit was on display near the parking lot.

In Salisbury we stopped at the AMTRAK station which is on the NS main. This town would have been a trip in it self as there were lots of trains going by...of course....while we were at the museum. Also the vintage buildings and signage was a plus.

Drink Cheer Wine

Coke for 5 cents. Relieves fatigue:)

We stopped at a crossing on the way back to Hickory as the lights were flashing on the cross-bucks. I jumped out of the car, with camera ready, just in time to catch this eastbound with high nose Geep 50's leading the way. My next post will be of some of the action on the convention floor. Stay tuned.

Hickory NC Yard

2011-09-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

Hickory North Carolin was home to this year's Narrow Gauge Convention, We had arrived a day early and decided to go down town and find the old Southern Mainline that ran from NC to Tennessee. The yard was located on the east end of town. There was track maintenance that day. After talking with the foreman we learned that the line had been closed for a switch replacement and that soon there would be a *&*^^% load of trains going by. The first photos were of the track equipment going to the west end of the yard and onto the lead thus freeing up the main for action.

It was quite enjoyable chatting with these folks as they were longtime track workers and could fill us in on what was good to see in the local area.

This was the end of the Hurricane that had come up through Texas and was now pounding down on Pennsylvania and Upper New York State. made for some interesting skies.

here was the second unit in the switch replacement team.

Parked in the yard lead we now waited for an eastbound mixed freight that had just crosses the Blue Ridge Mountains and was heading for Spencer NC

This train was on the single track main and had to move to the North passing siding as there was a westbound in the south main heading our way.

The train was moving very slowly and allowed for some very nice photos at the signal and switch

The locomotives are now in the passing siding and the train looks like a snake.

I was near the embankment so it was possible to get these nifty low angle approach shots.

Man the ground was shaking. This is fun

After the eastbound the head end of the westbound appeared on the south Main and was switching cars into the yard. He also had pickups for his train.

There was lots of power on these west bounds as they needed it to make their way up the grades and switchbacks near Old Fort NC.

Meanwhile the trackgang were doing a little work on this Unit before returning to the yard.

Black and Whites are always fun on the Norfolk Southern

The sun is out and the train is now moving forward to head west.

Lela and I hopped in the car and headed west to see if we could catch her at speed. The train was probably doing 40 miles an hour through town. I like the abandoned siding in this shot

AC4400's and Dash 9s can smoke as well.

Rainy Day in Roanoke

2011-09-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

After leaving Cass West Virginia, we traveled further south on 81 until we reached Roanoke Virginia. This is a real hub for the Norfolk Southern as it receives traffic from Harrisburg, Norfolk and places west over the Poki Route. It is still home to many coal drags heading for Norfolk Ship loading. Our first stop is the JK Tower at the old Virginian Railroad Depot.

South Yard is on the old Norfolk and Western and there is a junction at Tower JK with the old Virginian Railroad

Here is a westbound with DPUs going by Tower JK formerly known as Walnut Ave Tower

A Coal drag grinds to a halt in the only track left in South Yard.

An example of Virginian Search Light Signals located at the Norfolk Southern Shops

Closeup of the turntable

This photo shows the camera where big brother is eying the parking lot.

A local approaching from the NE. In the background you can see the large shop buildings. It sure would be something to get a visit inside there.

The turntable is in the middle of a Y and you can see the servicing track tower in the foreground.

An overall view of the area

Some vintage stuff on the shop track

We moved NE along the side of the shops and were amazed how large this area is. Being a holiday weekend there was not much action. However I was very impressed with the scenery.

A closer view of this shop unit. It really is starting to show its age.

Now if only a train would come by

No luck oh well.

How about this old beast.

Switchers in the north yard. This area expands to 66 tracks wide.

Now what happened here

Looks like these E units have seen better days

Ah a Baldwin and crane.

More shop areas with turntable and transfer table.

Here are a few attempts at catching this area but the fences and access were not great for photos.

All in all it was a great day even though the weather was the pits. However, we did see some new rail yards and trains.

Day three: Cass Scenic Railroad

2011-09-19T11:23:00.000-07:00

We drove in from Virginia over five ridges of mountains. Passing into West Virginia the Blue Ridge Mountains were breath taking with hard wood forests and mountain streams. We arrived in time to take a walking tour of the shop facilities so the joy of watching the road crews ready their Shay's was just great.

Approaching the shops the largest shay: number 6 was sitting int the siding awaiting assignment.

Getting closer the trainman was on the tender doing some sweeping.

Over at the coal bunker Shay number 11 sure was in a picture perfect position for this structure.

Two more shays appear just beyond number 11 on the same track. Lined up to go get their cars.

Looks like she is blowing off a bit of steam here.

A fine locomotive indeed.

Interesting angle on the spark arrester.

Black and white sure seems to fit these scenes.

Number 5 and 4 are further along the servicing track.

Number 11 at the 3/4 angle.

Really must have been something when they were hauling logs off the mountain

The big shay blowin off steam. It was deafening.

What a great day at Cass

The first train to water before going to the station will be picking up passengers for Whittaker Station.

Two short blasts of the whistle and she is on her way

Rounding the bend past the water tower.

The next in line is about to depart

Our shay approaching the station for our trip up to Bald Knob.

Day two Harpers Ferry

2011-09-19T09:15:00.000-07:00

The old B&O and C&O crosses the Potomac in this historic town famous for John Brown, the armories of the North and Canal. Great place for railfanning. We had dinner in an outdooe restaurant above the station in the old town and could see the trains passing through.

From the station platform this coal drag was moving at quite a clip across the bridge after emerging from the tunnel.

later an AMTRAK emerged from the tunnel and slowed to a stop at the station.

The Staff were very curtious in helping the passengers onboard.

View from the restaurant balcony which was part of a historic pub.

Marc service from Washington

Lots of folks commute from here to the city.

CSX train entering the station after blowing through a road crossing.

The historic building were indeed worth the visit.

View from the park just above the old ormory site. Old bridges that were washed out by floods can be seen on the right.

Enola PA: B&B at the Rockville Bridge Marysville PA

2011-09-18T10:02:00.000-07:00

On the way to the Narrow Gauge Convention Lela and I stayed at the Bridge View B&B located on the Enola side of the Susquahanna River at Marysville PA.

This stone Bridge services the NS on a tripple track with a Y at eack end of the Bridge. trains from the wwest can go south tto the Enola Yard or cross the Bridge to Harrisburg. There was a train on average every fifteen minutes from one direction or another.

The view from the deck was just great and the sun angle was perfect through the whole day.

Here I am on the deck Ain't it great.

You can spend the whole day in this area and never get skunked.

This train is waiting for clearance to go North to Altoona and points west.

With the green it is now proceeding to the west end Y

Later a locomotive moved onto the Bridge and was turned to go back into Enola.

Seven Miles North f the Bridge this Northbound to Altoona rounds the bend along the River.

As you can see from behind Kieth's Bridge View B&B there is a tripple track. Two trains are in view coming and going from Enola yard. The morning was quite foggy as we had to leave early to visit the battle field at Gettysburg.

A nice coffee in hadn still time for a few more shots before we leave.

Nice to see UP in the middle of this train.

A power move these crossed the bridge for the Harrisburg Yard.

More action at the bridge

On departure the road passes under the bridge and their is a parking lot near the water treatment facility. A couple of BNSF units in this consist.

This is indeed an impressive bridge built by the Pensylvania Railroad.

Switcher in Enola Yard. The hurricane was coming in to this area later in the week and the river swelled and rose 25 feet in this area. Lela and I were going to stay at the Bridge View B&B but the road in was closed. I heard that thewater came in to the first floor level which was about even with the deck you saw in the above pictures.

I will add a few more later of the shots after the storm. Here is a video that shows the river running with strong current.

Narrow Guage Convention Clinic

2011-09-16T07:37:00.000-07:00

I had a very good time in Hickory. I presented two clinics on Backdrop Painting and there was a great deal of interest in the techniques and folks were asking about a DVD I had producted along with my friend Mike Hamer. Right now, I am trying to determine the production route and it really depends on the interest indicated on my blog for wanting one of the DVDs. The DVD is home made with an HD camera and is 1 hr 20 min including a discussion of the nature of backdrops and how they are used to extend the layout to the horizon as well as brushes, paint, colour mixing, painting techniques and the creation of a backdrop using the same methods you saw in the clinic. If you are interested in a DVD please drop me a line at cnlyon@sympatico.ca so I can determine the size of the production run. Glad you enjoyed the presentation and I really do believe everyone can do it.

New Backdrop Painting Video

2011-08-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

I have just completed a homemade 1.3 hour video on backdrop painting. It covers perspective of the layout and the walls, brushes, paints, techniques with step by step explanations to make it easy for everyone to learn. It is being offered to people who will be attending my platinum clinic in Peabody Mass Model Railroad Expo and Premium clinic at Scotty Mason's Mansfield Craftsman Structure Convention this fall. From there I will be looking at potentially wider distribution possibilities.

Montreal Railfan Day

2011-08-15T06:40:00.000-07:00

Lela and I took our daughter to an Anime convention in Montreal last Saturday. We were there the whole day and hooked uopwith Kevin and Matt for a day of railfanning. We spent our time in Dorval and Coteau Junction. Here are some photos of the day

Click on photos to enlarge

Via at Dorval.

Renaissance green paint on this eastbound VIA at Dorval

This eastbound had the Blue VIA paint at Dorval

Coteau Junction

This local is returning from Kingston to Montreal after completing its switching assignments for the day. GP9s at the lead.

GE C44-9W Heads this westbound mixed freight from Montreal to Toronto. In the background you can see the CSX units with empty box cars waiting in the Y after coming up from the South Shore.

CN SD70M-2 at the south end of the Y. The power was added to a CN Mainline mixed Freight at the west end that was bound for Montreal.

The lads had just thrown the turnout to proceed to the east end of Coteau Junction

Side on shot really shows the detailed of this newly acquired power.

Backing down the main heading to the west end of the junction

Ast this was going on. A CSX consist was switching the transfer yard picking up empties to take to Montreal and destinations North.

I Could only get photos of the train moving away because of the sun angle. I can show the ones into the sun if you like. I make them black and white so you can see what is going on.

Here is the eastbound freight leaving the Junction with the new head end power.

Finger Lakes Live Steamers OVGRS Visit

2011-08-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

Doug, Bill, Paul and I went to NY to visit the Finger Lakes Live Steamers. They are a family oriented club building and operating Large Scale model railroad equipment. Located in Marengo approx half way between Rochester and Syracuse they have 12 acres of rural land. Scales include 7-1/4" Gauge, with 2 1/2" to the foot for standard gauge and 2 1/2" to the foot for three foot Narrow gauge.. In another area they run 4 3/4" gauge where one inch to the foot. They have 2400 ft of track. The last layout is a garden layout (Gauge One) 1 3/4" Gauge.

Web address is http://www.fingerlakeslivesteamers.org

They have a very nice station like club house and lots of garden tracks, turntables, loading ramps and storage areas. A very cool site to visit. Thanks very much Roger, John, Jim and the others who were very kind hosts. The day we were there we ran Diesels.

Now for the pictures.

On arrival we headed for the big stuff and got a quick briefing on the workings of these gas run monsters.

Doug and Bill are eyeing hte units as our hosts Roger and John prep for the first run

The Diesel shed is a wonderful scaled down size and looks great against the well kept lawns and blue sky.

Roger is sitting behind Bill as Mr Scobie gets that first run of the day.

Well here I am behind John's beast as I head out onto the road.

I am going up the far side of the property as Bill appears out of the trees returning after going through the dog bone loop.

Later I catch Doug at the same location.

Bill went aground and is getting some help re railing the seat car gondola. ps...We all did it at some time during the day.

Bill looking pleased as the rest look on.

Cannot get enough of this shed.

The turnouts are amazing. The track work is just outstanding.

There are lots of live steam locomotives in this club though this was the only one there that day

Doug has just passed the station and is heading down grade.

View of the main yard

Doug is ready to head back out onto the main

Bill is rounding the curve and adjusting the throttle.

Hi Chris. Do you want a go? not:)

Now there is a pair. Give us the royal wave Bill.

Another meet. Bill is really enjoying this outing for sure. Hi Mom ..Look at me:)

Bill posing with the live steamer.

Take lots of shots of this Chris

OK Bill but ya can't take it home.

Now that is a ballast car.

Very nice looking indeed.

Gotta park em and move to the next gauge,

Paul has arrived and is chatting with John and Jim.

You can drive your truck right up to the garden tracks, unload your locomotive, turn it and then proceed down this long trestle to the layout.

The boys are getting Roger's RS3 ready for the next chance for us to ride/operate those trains.

Moving it onto the turntable Doug looks on in keen anticipation

Roger is doing the final checks.

OK Doug. Here is the brief.

Onto the turntable. He is using the armstrong method of lining it up for the trestle track

Doug is making sure the tracks are lined up.

Everthing looks good to go Roger.

Doug drives the locomotive down to the boarding yard.

This trestle is quite amazing the size and strength attests to the club members talents.

OK Bill. This is the horn.

Bill and Doug are ready to take it out for a spin.

This train takes a bit of balance as a big lean at the wrong time can lead to a derailment. We all had that experience though the weight of the driver car is quite light and it is east to re rail.

Crossing the bridge the track winds back around and goes underneath.

Boys are heading downgrade as I take the shot from the upper bridge level.

He Chris. Ya want a ride:)

There is a nice wooded area the train goes through. It can be quite a fantasia at night when the headlight shines on the trees and fireflies are flitting about.

The landscaping is wonderful and the ballast is very good at holding the track. Has super drainage

The bridge scene is a great photo spot.

You have to be careful on the decent as too much spead can cause a derailment.

Bill and Doug navigated this portion well indeed.

This is a great scale and Roger indicated that he likes it because of the size and weight for moving the locomotive and maintenance.

Bill is looking warm. Maybe time for a drink and lunch.

Nice watering facility on the left as the boys return the train to the trestle lead.

Now that was a good time. ps. I had lots of turns to ride as well.

Time to put it away and have some lunch.

After lunch we brought out all the garden railway stuff.

Looks like a Coni heading up this passenger train. The track has power and you can also run using battery radio control. So every one's trains can be accommodated.

NYC PAs crossing this great water feature. Just below this scene there is a pond with fish of course.

Doug brought this A&B C&NW set for the afternoon ops session.

The track plan accommodates continuous running and the yard makes it possible to set up an operations session for passenger trains. Trains arrive from four different points. Cars are removed and added on or exchanged with two switchers which operate from each end of the yard.

An over and under meet at the pond

Another double track bridge at the pond.

There she be.

The action is heating up in the yard.

Paul is awaiting his approach. His pair of CN Geeps were impressive as both were equipped with sound.

Doug and Bill were the yard operators. They are comparing notes to decide who is going to do what. The red bucket has peanuts in it.

Bill is throwing the turnout as I back onto my train.

More action at the yard.

Roger was the yard master and he is pointing to a turnout that needs to be thrown for the next arrival.

John's B&O train is now joining the action.

Paul enters the yard and crosses over as Doug's RS3 pulls a coach for the next train.

Jim is in the middle of the action. Not everyday you can climb right up onto the roadbed.

More peanuts. I think they are addictive.

Doug is separating the car from the locomotive as the B&O passes near by on the lower main.

Geeps are idling while the it's consist is being prepared.

Low angle shot really shows the details on this model.

Always time for a funny story. Paul is smiling as Jim and Bill are having a chat.

Paul is throttling up his Geeps as the action continues.

Nice side by sides.

Double header.

Emerging from the trees

Doug's power looks great pulling this passenger train

Rounding this curve, you can see that the upper level is a Y. This also leads to a double track trestle and turntable fror easy turning or loading unloading

NYC is on the move. Jim has an amazing set of passenger cars for this train

Looks like the steamer is marshaling cars in the yard.

The buggy van is very nice.

As they day move into the late afternoon the colour gets better for photos.

A consist of heavyweights and cars from the B&O and NYC make quite the scene. These came from the other trains and were added to this train at the yard.

What a great double track bridge.

The field stone sure adds an extra dimension to the scene. The miniature trees must have been quite the challenge for the gardeners at this club.

Action at the Y. Some of the turnouts are thrown electrically.

This train is ready to be put away.

Looks like paul and Jm are still operating out on the line.

Doug wants to see if his units can pull the long eleven car NYC train.

Looking good going downgrade.

Energing from the tunnel. The entrance has great colour and what a great spot to photo the train

Could not make it up the grade so Doug took it up in two sections.

Paul and John having a good Jaw after everything is put away.

Classic pose after a great day of running. Thanks John.

Doug is bringing up the last section.

What a great day.

You should make arrangements if you are ever up their way. If you live close by you may want to consider joining the club and venture into the world of Large Scale Model Railroading.

Ottawa Train Expo 2012

2011-08-09T12:08:00.000-07:00

Ottawa Train Expo is a new train show that will be held on 5&6 May 2012. Two days of railway fun including vendors, displays and clinics. A nice get away in the spring it coincides with the Tulip festival offering fun for the whole family.

Visit their website at http://ottawatrainexpo.wordpress.com/

Interested in participating contact the show through the website

http://ottawatrainexpo.wordpress.com/contact-us/

Ralph Dipple: We will miss you.

2011-08-01T09:47:00.000-07:00

Ralph Dipple passed away 31 July 2011, after a twenty year battle with cancer.

A fellow railroad hobbiest and good freind, Ralph Dipple was a super guy. Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting Ralph enjoyed his zest for life and passion for running trains. I have fond memories of times we spent together at Ottawa Valley Garden Railrway Society.

May he rest in peace.

Ralph as yard master in Firgrove June 2009.

He loved making up trains for the Saturday Morning Ops Sessions

Here is Ralph operating Firgrove in 2010. Earlier this year, the yard was renamed in his honour. Dipple Yard was indeed his spot on the IPP&W.

After a long day of running trains, Ralph is enjoying a cold one during the American Invasion of 2009.

Here is Ralph with his good freind Bud at the morning briefing prior to the ops session. Sporting their safety vests they are humouring about a statement Gord made.

He will be greatly missed by all of us.

Invasion Black and Whites

2011-07-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

Saturday Afternoon. The last session

2011-07-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

Although some folks were out and about and not all could attend every session we took the group photo after a superb lunch.

A family from Montreal came by in the afternoon. The session was a "run what you brung" So I got a train together and handed the throttle to the young fella. He only spoke French and me with my broken French headed out onto the mainline.

His sister joined us just past Mount St Helen's

Here is the train passing though Spruce.

Rounding the bend heading down grade.

Added a combine for our trip back just past Bell on our way to Peter's Pond.

Lots of passenger service that afternoon. man was is hot.

The power was in the yard as I am sure we were all more interested in drinks than driving. Lela and I went down the street to Mikes for a dip in there pool so we missed some of the other action.

The family from Montreal.

All the rolling stock was moved to Craig Leigh and then into the bread crates they went and then a great final BBQ supper. Hope you enjoyed our three days of great fun.

Saturday Morning OVGRS American Invasion 2011

2011-07-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

Another hot sunny day brings us to the Narrow gauge sessions of the Invasion. A new set of train orders and narrow gauge rolling stock will now be pulled by steam.

The Golding's in front of the industry namesake.

Yes you can operate a yard with live steam

The locomotive shed is at the ready

Morning Brief

Bud gets Nelson yard on the go.

Dispatcher out for a stretch while Colin works the yard.

Hank and Tyler looking happy

Taking locomotive to other end of line to get train.

Moe and Ken leaving Craig Leigh

Arriving at Mount St Helen's

Ironwood

Heading for Spruce

In the siding at Spruce, Another train is proceeding upgrade for the meet

Ken in in the hole as Nicole checks the turnout for the meet.

The scene really shows off all the great grading and stonework.

Bumblebee in action

A train descending from Bell along the rear fence of the property. There is a lift out at the gate into the back property. Often you see a chocolate lab at the fence looking on. He must be quite the railfan by now.

Another meet at Spruce.

Happy John

Roger has a busy Dipple yard today. We are thinking of you Ralph. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Bill is getting ready to depart Dipple.

Bill and his son at Bell.

Bumblebee at the bridge.

Colin at Bell

Sitting in the shade. Gord and Bud are taking a break from the yard work.

Give me a smile boys:)

Action in Mount St Helens

A close look at the live steamer that switched in Craig Leigh. Ric' locomotive worked so nicely and his skilled control during the yard classification was amazing.

Now for a drink and lunch

Friday Afternoon American Invasion

2011-07-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

Looks like a steam special is getting ready to start the afternoon session. I will add comments over time but there are lots of pictures to post still. So enjoy.

OVGRS American Invasion Day 2 Morning Standard Gauge

2011-07-22T12:38:00.000-07:00

This morning brings standard gauge into play. A point to point Railroad with an interchange with lots of towns and sidings really made for some interesting opportunities to run trains and share friendship. But man was it hot.

The rolling stock is being placed in Nelson yard as Bud and Fred admire Gord's trackwork. You see a tree fell during a wind storm and it took two months to redo the benchwork and track.

Locomotive is now moving out to the yard throat so that Bud can get the trains ready for the day.

In the meantime folks are arriving for the 10 am start

Lots of chat about what has gone on in the last year as many are from out of town and they have not seen each other for quite some time.

Always great to see the smiles on the faces of our American Invaders.

Gord's Boys are looking at the handy work in the yard as they wait for the crew meeting.

Looks like folks are ready to go as they have their radio control throttles at the ready.

Peter's Pond is named after Fred's brother. Looks like a reefer is ready for pickup in the siding.

The gathering

Fred welcoming everyone to the American Invasion.

Gord laying down the rules for operation.

Colin is reminding us of safety issues and talks about our emergency medical plan

Gord is our dispatcher and looks like he is good to go with coffee in hand.

Fred thanking Gord for his long hours of work and dedication getting the railroad ready for this weekend.

Colin chatting with the ladies before the ops session.

Ken signing up for his train.

Now into the shade and wait for your train to be called.

Ric is using his switcher in Craig Leigh (Douglas) to prep the first train of the day

Doug supervises as it is his spot during weekly operations.

Young fella arrives and Ric will be now be the conductor as you can guess who is going to operate the locomotive. Doug is now in socializing mode.

Nice seen of the cross generation train crew working the yard.

Ain't it great.

Three stock cars are being brought from the industrial siding to the yard. Ric throws the turnout and walks to the yard lead.

The cut being backed into the yard.

Look what I found on the locomotive bench. A sneak preview of things to come.

Nice

Closeup shows there is no steam pressure. A good thing as it is not on the track yet:((

On the main a UP freight is entering Spruce for local switching.

Leaving the caboose on the main he is pulling his cut into the siding.

The two cars are being dropped at Mackenzie Lumber.

Fred is over by the fish pond chatting with the ladies. The coolers are in the shade at the ready.

Bud is making up a train in Nelson Yard. The umbrellas are the new source of shade since the tree fell..

Gord in the dispatchers tower. It used to be CN colours but Gord decided to paint it CP. More to his liking I guess.

Radios are used for communication and the trains are dispatched using a timetable and magnetic board.

Rat Portage Branch is operating on the right and a CN mainline freight has just left Dipple Yard.

Roger is backing for a caboose with his GP while Lawrence is getting his RS3 ready to put on the track.

Here comes the Van

Bellamy is the sight for a CP freight to stop and work an industry John is at the throttle as Colin uncouples the car.

Roger now has the caboose in position for the next train.

Looks like the switching operation is going well in Bellamy.

More action in Nelson Yard

Yes it is hot but we are having fun...aren't we Tyler.

Overview of the area where the big Blue Spruce tree had lived for 40 years.

Ironwood is the sight of this UP freight arrival. Hotspot on the railroad for a number of good reasons (Sun and Operations). Brad is having a good time with his train.

CNW power getting ready to pick up train.

Caboose is being dropped (lifted) by Ric. The train will pull ahead to grab the cut of cars to the left,

Locomotive is being moved forward as Ric still plays with his O-5-O move.

The unit now has it's cut of cars.

Moving forward, it will then back onto the caboose and depart..

Here we are in Mount St Helens. First stop for the crew.

The Rat portage team have arrived at the interchange in Bell. Here they will leave cars for the IPP&W and return with those left by the railroad.

CP Locomotive is being operated by John.

Nice to be under the umbrella.

CN switching action

Bud is hanging in though the temperature has been rising steadly.

Dispatcher Gord looks like he is feeling the heat as well.

I really like this facility as it adds lots of realism to the operation.

Lawrence and Bud discussing the manifest.

Still discussing the manifest.

Are we ready yet.

Aha

Paul and Jim switching at Ironwood

Better check the list.

Looking for the car by car number.

Still switching at the interchange.

Bud is parking the loci. Must be lunch time.

Ottawa Valley Garden Railway Society American Invasion Day 1

2011-07-22T10:49:00.000-07:00

OVGRS has an open house in July. Three days of Standard (Modern) and Narrow Gauge (Steam) operations. It starts on Thursday Evening at Doug Mathison's followed by two days of morning and afternoon operating sessions at Fred Mills place.

Thursday Night was a great meet and greet at Doug and Barbara's home. Lots of opportunity to see some new trains and old favourites on the line. Nice to see progress in the shaded garden.

Gaetan brought out his new San Juan steamer as Fred looks very relaxed in his chair

Gaetan is discussing the merits of his new loci with our host Doug Mathison.

Gaetan next to his new pride and joy.

Jan is bringing her passenger train into the main station

Train is ready for departure.

Nice 260 pulling this Presidential car.

Number 1 on the main

This railroad has a nice long run on the mainline.

A Shay is heading this short freight into the passing siding.

Doug posing with his train

Now that is a pose fer sure Aye.

The meet.

Nice broad curves on this main. I like the larger space as it increases the realism.

Pause at the siding for a close up

Now for a run by.

Breaking out into the sun

Live steam crossing the bridge.

Nice two truck shay No 3

3/4 shot

From ground level you can see the raised trackage and nice sloped stone work for the garden. Fern in the foreground gives nice ground cover.

The steamer is chugging along the back ridge.

Ken has brought out his new K27 and yes it has new gearing and sound

What an impressive locomotive. Big and heavy I am sure it can handle any grade with a long string of cars.

Running light for the first traverse of the main

Crossing the bridge with a hefty freight.

Can you hear the rumble and the roar?

One more time. I could watch this train cross this bridge all day.

Now for some great food.

Nothing like being with such good friends.. Nicole, Gaetan and Fred look like they are having a great time. The wine is on it's way Fred.

Ric was our chef and it looks like he is really starting to relax from his long drive from the US Stay tuned for the Friday and Saturday festivities.

DOODADS AND FIGURES

2011-06-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

INTRODUCTION

This clinic provided participants with an opportunity to learn a variety of techniques to finish detailed castings and figures for their model railroad. The techniques are applicable to all scales.

Method One: Wood Box

This is a resin casting from Sierra West Models. Brett Gallant uses a special resin method that does not need any cleaning. I used Krylon double flat black from their camouflage line of paints as a primer. I just dust the casting to give it some tooth. To finish this casting I am using new wood and deck tan acrylic Vallejo paint, Bragdon powders, Mineral spirits and Windsor and Newton Water Soluble oil paint.I mixed the new wood acrylic with water creating a heavy wash and painted the complete casting. When the acrylic was dry (I used a hair drier to speed up the process) , I used dark brown Bragdon Powders and worked it in all over the casting. After making sure all the wood was covered. I used the mineral spirits as a wetting agent that melted the powder into all the nooks and crannies. I dry brushed and used washes of deck tan acrylic to highlight the logs, split wood and barrel. Just the surfaces exposed to the light making sure I did not destroy the depth created by the Bragdon colour. Next, I mixed the water based oil paint into a standard acrylic model paint consistency and used a fine brush to paint the barrel rims, the metal plates in the box and the nuts and bolts.
I then took some dark rust Bragdon Powder and tapped it over the oil painted parts and blew off the excess.
To finish the model, I washed Isopropyl Alcohol India Ink (mixed 60- 40) over the complete model. When dry I highlighted the wood with a dry brush (across the grain) using flat flesh acrylic paint. The finished look provides striking contrasts and brings out strong textures and a darker colour. Very useful technique when object is planted in the shadows of a building or under trees.

Click on image for full size

METHOD 2: METAL PARTS BOX

Follow same preparation process as in method one. I painted some of the details inside the box with acrylics. I used steel, smoke, yellow ochre, and deck tan. Some were painted solid others were just dry brushed over the black to create shiny edges. The smoke can be thinned and makes a nice glaze toning down the other colours when applied lightly over top. I then dabbed the water based oil mixture onto the nuts and bolts as well as onto the metal bits in the bin. This was random with concentration in the nooks and crannies and in some cases on the exposed surfaces. I used dark rust and medium rust Bragdon Powders dabbing it onto the oil paint very randomly inside the box. When dry, the final touch was applying some AI solution in selected locations just to create more variation and depth and texture in the piping and exposed shiny metal parts.

Method three: The Work Bench

This method produces a more delicate look to a casting that has lots of wood and grain. This will let the details on the surface of the table stand out more.

List of finishing materials.

Krylon tan camouflage paint, Various Vallejo acrylic paints, Citadel acrylics and inks, artists soft pastel chalks, AI solution and graphite pencil.

Here is yet another one of Brett’s castings. You can see that there are just a ton of details on this work bench. You can see I sprayed a dusting of the tan to give it some tooth. It also allows me to work from light to dark. I used some earth tone chalks ranging from yellow ochre, raw umber to medium and dark brown. I gently covered all the castings, making sure there were no areas left exposed. I used the raw umber and browns around areas where there were nail holes and inside drawers. Next I mixed some brown ink with isopropyl alcohol, (light wash). And took a very fine brush and ran it into the wood grain and cracks. I mixed some mahogany ink with isopropyl alcohol and went over the metal pipe and gears on the bench making sure it did not get onto the wood. I then painted the details with acrylics and applied ink paint and AI washes over them. The bottles were done with a florescent snot green from citadel with a full strength dark green ink wash over them. The tools were painted steel then thin smoke wash and AI. Graphite from the pencil was drawn around the edges showing wear. Pain cans were painted muted grey blues, yellow ochre and gore red and toned down with AI.

Method four: Storage Shelf

Materials: Krylon tan camouflage paint, Various Vallejo acrylic paints, Citadel acrylics and inks, artists soft pastel chalks. AI solution and graphite pencil.

Again a great casting from Brett. This process is even subtler than the last. You want to see all the wood grain yet your eye needs to be drawn to the stuff on the shelf. I dusted it with the Krylon Tan spray bomb.
As with the previous, I used the chalks to get that nice soft wood colour: not as harsh as the powders. What is different here is that I used a tiny bit of AI on a fine brush to bleed into the wood grain. It wicks into the cracks right nicely. You may have to go over it a number of times to get it dark enough for your liking. I drew it into the cracks making sure the upper surfaces remained the light colour of the chalks. I also used some brown ink with Isopropyl Alcohol to paint some metal cans and barrels. I used the mahogany for the rust straps on the top of the shelving. I used acrylics for painting the stuff on the shelves. Start from the inside and work out. I use small flat brushes to get into the back. Lighter colours may take a few coats. Use soft colours such as greys, deck tan, yellow ochre, grey blue, dark red and steel. The bottles are done as in the previous method. I applied a lighter version of each colour as a wash over the under coats to give more dimension. I used AI and smoke wash around bottoms and stacking points to create depth. The end product is quite convincing and the doodad would look good anywhere inside the structure or on a porch or loading dock.

Method Five: Wheel Barrel and Junk

This is an interesting technique that comes from military modellers. They apply an oil wash over acrylic under coat colours. Using again one of Brett’s O scale castings as a starting point I did not prime. I used Citadel and Vellejo acrylics. Brown for the cardboard boxes, steel for the metal parts, the cans were painted a bilious green and deck tan. The barrel was a bright orange with steel dry brushing to create scrapes and raised edges where the paint has worn off. The tire was new rubber paint. The next step is to mix Windsor and Newton Oil paint burnt umber (not the water soluble one) with turpentine so that it at an acrylic paint’s consistency. Then apply it in all the nooks and crannies. Such as between the tires inside edges between the junk and the barrel, on the grooves on the cans and parts as well as between the wheel barrel and the tire.
Next take fresh turpentine on a clean brush and paint the untouched surfaces next to the oil paint. Then with fresh terps, feather the oil paint and let it wick onto the clean surfaces. Let it dry for 1 week and then dull coat.

FIGURES

Figures can be improved on in any scale. The smaller scales in particular may appear difficult to do as most of us put basic colours in places for the clothes, skin and hair. In this presentation I will show two methods for enhancing their appearance.

Method one is to use acrylic under coat with ink washes. The figure on the right wasgiven white priming the one on the left is white primed with a dusting of black. A darker primer will warm the finished colour, while white keeps it bright.

Here are the undercoat paints. Vallejo New wood, deck tan, beige, leather, black\brown and flat flesh were used. The tie was done with orange and brown mixed to make rust. A flesh ink wash was applied to the face and brown ink was applied to the suit pants and hair. It darkened everything. I needed to come back with a wash of the original colour to bring back colour to the cloths.

Method two is to use acrylic under coat with dark and light acrylic glazes which are like a wash but only applied in raised and recessed areas.
The figures are primed as in the previous method.
The under coat is applied as in previous process.

Here you can see the dark areas applied to the coat and pants. Also there was a flesh glaze applied to the face. If you wanted you could go over the raised areas again with a lighter version of the beige to highlight.

All in all the 45 minute clinic was great fun with lots of question. Participants got to handle all the products and the finished details and figures were passed around and examined closely. I also had some dioramas so they could see how these fun projects can enhance the model railroad.

Getting ready for CARM clinics.

2011-05-02T07:41:00.000-07:00

I was asked to do a couple of clinics for the CARM convention which will be held over the May long weekend in Ottawa.

http://www.caorm.org/2011_ottawa/index.html

http://trainsandtulips.com/

The first premium clinic which will be hands on and will teach folks how to paint backdrops for their model railway. Paints, Brushes and Backdrops are provided to participants and they will complete a 4 foot section in the 2.5 hour workshop.

The second standard clinic will be painting doodads and figures. The techniques come from a variety of sources where I learned from experienced modelers such as Dave Revella and Brian Nolan. Also through some personal experimentation with different paints powders and solvents. I am looking forward to the weekend of trains trains and more trains. My layout will be open on the Sunday for convention participants to enjoy.

Here are some of the doodads and figures I will be working on.

HO scale wood bin

O Scale work bench

OO scale figures

Apr OPs Session Videos

2011-04-09T11:39:00.001-07:00

CHEO station Build part 3

2011-03-25T07:16:00.000-07:00

I reenforced the end walls with some wood bracing so I would have stronger corner and roof joints. Then I glued the four walls together. Then I added the bay window area to the structure and glued the assembly to the base.

Next, I glued the roof halves together and the internal bracing that came with the kit and dry fitted the roof to the building. All was fitting very well as it assembles like a puzzle.with slots.

A view from the other side shows how detailed the trim is on this kit.

Front on view shows that there is a requirement to add more paint to the trim as the peel and stick edges are exposed.

The roof was then shingled. You start with the lower front eight which takes you to the dormer. next you shingle the dormer. Then the rest of the front to the peak. Then it is onto the backside and finally the roofing caps. I then removed the roof and sprayed the entire thing with Camo green black from Krylon. Gives a nice flat finish and it complements the Santa Fe Red and vanilla colours.

Next I applied hte trim and gingerbread.

Finally I glued the roof to the building and added the chimney. Now all I need is some direction from the CHEO layout organizers as to the platform dimensions and shape and approval of the station name sign.

CHEO Station Build part 2

2011-03-23T14:21:00.000-07:00

I made some progress today. With the stains dry, I decided to put all the windows and doors together. I then scrubbed in some medium rust and grime Bragdon Powders. I then hit it with Mineral Spirits and let it dry.

I dry fitted some of the parts, just to get an idea of what the colours looked like together.

I then hit it with AI as I thought it was just to light. Needed more contrast between the vanilla and the Santa Fe red. I also added some pins for door-knobs.

Dry fit to the base. Hmmm. Need some shades in the windows.

I decided I needed a contrasting colour for the model so I decided to put in some green painted blinds in the windows.

Well that is all for today. I think the building will be glued together tomorrow. Then onto the roof.

CHEO Raffle Layout Station Build

2011-03-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

The CHEO Raffle Layout is an annual model railroad activity in which an MR organization volunteers to put together a layout that is raffled to raise funds for the Children's Hospital here in Ottawa. This year the St Lawrence Division of the NMRA is building a 7x4 ft HO railroad. We received donations from all over the world and locally to help us with the build. Structures, locomotives, rolling stock as well as scenic materials. I decided to take on the building of the station. It is a American Model Builders Craftsman Kit donated by a Railroad_line forum member from the USA.

The first pictures shows what you get in the box. The Springfield station is generic and has lots of character. The kit has shake shingle roofing, laser cut walls and floor. The windows, doors and trim are laser cut peel and stick. There is one metal cast chimney. There are puzzle cut corners for easy assembly.

To start with I stained the parts with water based woods stains. I mixed a Santa Fe red using raspberry and maple stain. The backs were done with black as well as both sides of the roof and floor. I used vanilla craft paint with a white wash stain for the trim. Here are the parts ready for the build. I think before I do that I will add some bragdons to create a weathered depth in the wood and some AI fro the grain.

Finishing up the rooming house station scene

2011-03-03T11:42:00.000-08:00

Well it has been awhile but I finally got around to working on the rooming house scene. I wanted to get at it but was not motivated because I did not have a picnic table for my waiting crew to sit at.

The station is right against the wall so it is important that there is a painted backdrop to extend the scene.

As you can see the scene extends along the back wall. I took some stock sidewalk styrene and cut out what I needed to run it from the station to the tower. Then added some areas for the crew picnic table and walkways from the doors to the parking lot and the track side. After painting it with krylon camo tan I glued the sections together using the buildings as a guide to get the spacing right.

The tower from FOS Scale really provides a great framing for the rooming house and being forward from it provides more depth to the scene.

I added 32 LPs to the scene and arranged them to provide a Canadian Cultural Mosaic.

I made sure the lawn was lush and green indicating it was well cared for.

The linear view adds a sense of a great stretch of busy railroading for crew changes and passenger pickup.

The rooming house may need a few more doodads such as an oil tank, pop machine etc.

The picnic table is a lasercut model with 13 components. A jig is provided to help assemble these tiny tiny parts. Mike Hamer was kind enough to give me this kit so I could get on with the project. The LPs are standard though I painted the orange vests over their cloths to give them the RR worker look for modern times.

This gal is the cleaning lady and she is waving to a crew member. Maybe her boyfriend or husband,

Here you can see the lady feeding her dog. He is quite attentive and is sitting up for the treat.

I am looking forward to the first trains through Shelby so I can catch the action at this lively little scene.

SD40 final photos

2011-02-16T12:33:00.000-08:00

So today I added some more details to the LVN SD40

The Right Front shows a new sunshade over the winterization hatch. This was made from styrene. The dimensions were 4 ft long, i ft wide and the outer dimension 2.5 feet.

I went retro with the ditch lights. These were from Miniatures by Eric. Brass fittings that were the in thing during the 1980 modelling period.

The air hoses and MU hoses are from Details West. Drilled out 1 1/75 hole and glued them in place. A little paint brought the connectors to life.l

At Hamer's curve the right side really looks at home on the LVN

here is the left front side taken near the grain terminal.

The left side sunshade really improves the realism of this era of locomotive.

Near the Port Coal Mine you can see the fire extinguisher decal on the trainman's door.

This addition to the fleet will be great for local way freight and switching service.

New SD40 for the LVN

2011-02-15T15:11:00.000-08:00

Here ia an SD40 that my cousin Bryan Moir gave me. It is a Kato and originally it was lettered for first generation CN wet noodle. CN never had these locomotives. But this Kato is such a good runner I had to get it onto the LVN. I first had my friend Ron Newby install a decoder. Next I removed the wet noodle with 99% isopropyl alcohol and a Q-tip. I went to my friend Tommy Hood and he had some Central Vermont decals in G scale and S scale(to get the LVN). I put the big ones on the locomotive sides and the smaller on the nose. I added doodads such as radio antennas, horns, winterization hatch, homemade snow shields and derailer. Also added some fire extinguisher decals and number boards. I think I will put on some homemade sun shades and ditchlights tomorrow. I weathered the locomotive with black and red bragdon powders. Painted the handrails with Ivory Acrylics.

It has been at least six years since I played around with locomotives. I almost forgot how much fun it is to modify and customize these guys. Now the LVN has its first locomotive in it livery. Hmm. Now what else can I do for this puppy.

FNG Central Ops Session

2011-02-08T07:18:00.000-08:00

The Friday Night Group (FNG) Central was at the LVN on 4 Feb 2011. These guys were a combination of experienced and new model railroaders who put the layout through it's paces.

Here is a shot of Mike and Brian operating the wayfreight. Lots of good communication allows the operation to run smoothly.

Here Paul and Deb are seen operating an RS18 in Richmond Yoard. This area is also a timesaver that exchanges 21 cars. The record is 1 hour 33 minutes at prototypical speeds.

Here you can see a BNSF intermodal hot shot led by overland GP60Ms.

All in all everything ran smoothly and it was a pleasure to share the LVN with such nice model railroaders.