Lyon Valley Northern

Visit to the Vermont and Essex

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:02:00 +0000

The Vermont and Essex is located in Montreal. This layout is club in the basement of a Hobby Shop. The members have a keen interest in Modelling an exact replica of Vermont in the 1950s. They love to complete structures and scenes to either replicate the prototype or selectively compress to give the full impression of the area.

This first shot is in Bellows Falls. Many people recognize the trackwork and station.

Right behind the station is this interesting stone freight house.

As in the real town. Across the canal there is a main street with many of the town's structures. See the fire hall.

Here is the main street and canal.

Of course the river is damed for hydro and this is an excellent replica of the power facility.

Here is a the marble works. They did a great job on this little industry. I like the small flat cars with the slabs.

This Shay heads a small work train into the industry

Here is the quary where the marble is mined.

A couple of shots of this GE unit on a bridge in the mountains

This picture is of downtown St Albans

Above is the famous landmark of White River Junction. Lela and I visit there when we can and on many occasions we have seen the Vermonter and local freights.

Picture of the backside of the station. Love the tower with the locomotive on top.

Higher angle shows the platforms and busy sign of passengers waiting for their trains

This industry is in St Albans. I am sure Stirling was a big employer in the good ol' days

The St Albans Roundhouse

The coaling tower really gives you a sense of that era.

The action was just great as the RS3 is being brought out for the next run

It wouldn't be Vermont without a farm

Nice to see the interior complete with cattle and stalls.

The St Albans Freight House. This in reality is a big structure. Even when compressed it is huge

This shot shows its location relative to the Train Station.

It would not be Vermont without waterfalls made by dams to service mills.

Yes this mill is indeed a good reproduction. What a scene.

Here is the St Albans Station with its train shed. The station is still there today though the train shed has been torn down

More shots of the marble works

Looks like a great pool to go fly fishing

Gotta love steam in Green and Gold

Essex Junction Depot

A broad shot of Essex Junction with the town and crossing

Walking further down the track the scene is breathtaking. The watertower and over cast sky make it a fine work of art.

St Albans. Kept coming back.

The weathering is just great

It would not be Vermont without a covered bridge

Being fall the farmers are taking in the hives for the winter

Nice farm house with windmill

The attention to detail is amazing. A wonderful bridge with lights and a great old New England Home on the hill.

A wooden bridge with the B&M F unit hauling on a super-elevated curve.

Here are some company houses.

Another shot of the mill. The water was done really well on this layout. The colour and effects were fantastic

This grave yard does exist behind the train shed at Essex Junction

This angle really highlights the church up the road on the hill top

Now how about a canoe ride. I hope you enjoyed this visit as much as we did. we definitely will be back next November.

Nice scene as the train crosses the river

St Albans yard with a departure from the station

Finally a North Bound Freight approaching White River Junction.

LVN FNGers OPS SESSION 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:48:00 +0000

Eleventh of December brought the first heavy snow to Ottawa. The gang was out in full force to visit the LVN and put it through it's paces.

The CN M636 was heading up a new consist for the operation...A Tank train which would service Husky Oil, Newby Chemicals, Glycol Plant, Alberta Methanol, Dempsters Bakery and the news paper manufacturer.

This CN locomotive is a great runner and was a post 2000 release from Overland Models.

Across the tracks there is CN8000 waiting for it's evening crew. Local 403 will be hard at work handling the cement plant, several truck transfer facilities, lumber distribution and the GE plant.

Over near the Glycol Plant there is a spur where CN power is stored. You can see the crews out on the locomotives getting them ready in case they are needed. The farm in the background sets the scene as Rob Newby's scratch built Silo makes a familiar land mark to this area.

Looking back into the staging yard you can see BN 4011 at the head of a coal drag. Train 900 will be based on switching the loads out of the port and starboard open pit coal mines.

Train 101.. A hot shot container train is ready in track 3. This will serve as a bonus train for those who finish their run early.

Start Time is approaching and all we need is the crew. The call board shows that Ron, Dave, Fred, Monique, Bob, Jim, Joel and myself will work in two person teams: engineers and Brakeman.

Here is Jim (sitting) and Dave waiting for their assignments.

Jim and Fred were assigned to the local mixed freight (CN 8000) Looks like they are watching carefully as the locomotive runs around the consist in the yard. Lots of action there and you have to make sure you are moving on a free and open track.

Fred and Jim look like they are waiting for Joel and Bob to finish their work at the Grain Terminal. Monique is pushing the coal empties into the port mine. This maneuver covers about 35 ft of running.

I asked Bob to give me one of his crazy looks. He is having way too much fun.

Monique and Bob are laughing about something. Hope it is not a head on collision they have planned????

Ron and Dave have taken their mainline power (M636) to the Richmond Locomotive Servicing track and have acquired the local RS18 switcher. As you can see in the picture they are deep in a puzzle with facing and trailing sidings and a small two car run around track. You also can see that there are a number of industries here where they must move 9 tank cars from four sidings.

The Starboard coal Mine has been worked and Monique has her train heading for staging on the outside main past the port coal mine. Jim was watching the action and I think I lensed him by surprise.

Here are Dave and Ron. Looks like half the job has been completed as the empty tank cars have been removed from the industrial sidings. Now they have to bring in the loads .

Here is Joel after the Grain Run. He is now watching the departure of the container hotshot. later they will be bringing the cars into the terminal right in front of him. transfers will be made and the train will carry on to Shelby Montana.

Fred and Jim are bringing the bulkhead flats into the lumber distribution industry. You can see they had to spot three tank cars from Newby Chemicals in the classification yard track 1 to get at that siding.

Ron and Dave have finished their work at Richmond Yard. They are just leaving the classification yard lead onto the inside main. They will have to drive the main two times before they reach the staging yard where they will switch the glycol plant and Newby Chemicals.

Jim is smiling. Train 401 has just finished it's last job at the GE plant. They have travelled the main back into the classification yard. They will terminate in track 1 in front of the station.

Ron is just taking the green and blue Procor tank cars out of the glycol plant. He turns with throttle in hand. He looks quite pleased with the progress.

The port coal mine is a busy place. Looks like the Procor loads are ready.

Here is a shot of earlier action. BN 4011 is hauling coal away from the Starboard coal mine. Monique is at the throttle.

A shot of BN4011 with train 901 passing through the staging yard.

Here is a shot of Jim and Fred's locomotive CN8000. It is removing the chemical cars from Newby Chemicals so they can access the switchback to the lumber distribution facility.

The classification yard is full at this time. You can see CN 401, CN403 and CN 101

Here is a meet on the outside main. Bob and Joel in train 101 are crossing in front of the waiting train 403 which occupies the outside main. A nice clean maneuver they will be able to cross over again at the starboard coal mine. Looks like a nice day and the golfers are teeing off on the 13th hole.

Train 901 headed by a leased CEFX 123 (SD90 Mac) is approaching the tower on the yard lead. A VIA rail passenger train is doing a run with a CN Alco M630. This power is need as my F40PH is still on order from Overland. Maybe I will see it in a few years.

The arrival of CN101 on track two. Its work is done.

RS18 on the lead, cleaning up strays in the yard.

Joel is puzzled about something and I am sticking my tongue out at Monique who is snapping this shot.

Nice shot of Fred in his Red Friday Shirt. He is holding his train orders for the local.

All in all it was a very successful operating session. It was a great evening with friends. Next stop will be Tommy Hoods for an evening of Steam on the Canadian Northern.

CSS09 Jimmy's Layout

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:58:00 +0000

CSS09 Peanut Butter Lid Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:43:00 +0000

Lela and I went to Mansfield for the craftsman structures show. had a great time with clinics, vendors and displays. I entered this puppy in the peanut butter lid challenge. It is a hamilton modelworks kit with some added doodads. I was very pleased with the result and it will eventually end up on a freemo display module I am building.

Adding scenery to the Intermodal Terminal

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:15:00 +0000

Truck leaving the north end of the intermodal terminal

On the other side of the road new constuction has this flatbed delivering wood.

Crane lifting the newly arrived containers at the terminal.

North end toward the station

South end looking north along the yard tracks near Elspeth Tower.

GP60M arriving near the terminal. The containers make a natural scenic break.

The locomotives stop at the tower to get their switching orders for the terminal.

A Canadian Tire truck has just received its container from the Myjack Crane.

The containers are stacked as they wait for empty intermodal cars to arrive.

This 20 ft load is heading out the south end of the terminal.

Here the GP-40W is blowing for the crossing as it enters into the intermodal facility

A second railfan catches the view with the intermodal truck rounding the bend near the crossing.

Across the tracks this view shows the GE plant in the background.

The GP-40W is slowly approaching it's string of outbound intermodal cars.

An overview of the days work.

The train The train The train

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:46:00 +0000

Here we are at 1000 feet. Look out the aircraft window you can see Wainwright below. The Grain terminal looks like they have a local CN switcher moving cars. A box car is sitting in the loading dock while a few trucks and trailers are in place getting ready to accept loads. The Safeway plant looks to be handling two reefers. Otherwise the station and yard tracks are empty.

In technicolour

Reverse angle from the wall partition which provides the scenic divide between Richmond and Wainwright yards.

The road is in and now we need signs and more trucks and people. Doodads as well!

Back side of the terminal looks quiet .

Ah the switcher in action

In the front is the location for the sulpher and chlorine facility. Tank cars will eventually be on this siding.

Another great day on the LVN. Stay tuned as I am still busy as a beaver putting more scenery in.

Lets put that Puppy in and do more scenery

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:54:00 +0000

Now that was fun. I wanna do some more:)

Some new scenery in the yard

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:56:00 +0000

This first shot is the triangle where the wood lot greenery will be planted. This you saw on the last post.

Here you can see the treeline between the yard and the road, which provides a nice separation from the Richmond Husky terminal.

On the oposite side I built a treelined berm to keep the railfans out and ensure there are no elbows on the layout.

This Walther's station was a builtup and dropped right into place, finishing the yard area and provided a layered approach between the track and the wall with background buildings parking lot and trees.

It also helped divide Richmond yard from the classification yard in Wainwright.

This is from the Richmond yard throat and you can see how the Walther's industrial building were used to wrap around the central wall which was created for a scenery divide. Also the curves in the track treeline and roads provides a forced perspective to draw the eye into the scene. Interesting to see how the mountains, painted into the far wall formulate the completed scene.

You can see down the track where the woodland will be placed in front of the grain terminal

Here are closeups of the Mike hamer style of tree. These are made from Spirea.

I placed the camera right into this scene so you could see the backside of the station and the road approach.

Back of the station from Richmond Yard and Fairview shops.

There will be a bakery in the empty lot between the track and station road.

I think this will be a great spot for visitors and future photos of the train action.

The helo is hovering over the new scenetry looking across to Richmond yard.

A good view of the next area to be developed and how those buildings wrap around the backdrop.

Now all we need to do is bring the trains back in:)

A green patch for the yard

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 01:17:00 +0000

I built this section with pink foam celluclay dirt white glue ground foam and trees made from weeds.. When it dries I will place it on the layout and post some more shots.

Shadetreekid gets some scenery

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 01:30:00 +0000

My good friend Don had a heart attack last week. He was very lucky as he was in the hospital when it happened. recovered and at home, I dropped by on Monday to give him a hand with the railway.

The new sections were done with celluclay, dirt, grout and ground foam.

The results are just fine.

The next photo shows the application of celluclay to the virtical surfaces of this cliff. Nice and sticky the application was no problem.

Next dirt was added. The drying time is slow for the celluclay allowing you to shape it any way you want.

I added a spritz of water and some 60/40 white glue. Then some earth tone sanded grout

Then the green ground foams and earth highlights.

Now we wait for the glue to dry. The Celluclay hardens in 48 hours. Wet on Wet techniques are fast and gratifying.

Couple photos of LVN

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:18:00 +0000

Tycomania

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:35:00 +0000

Ever get the urge to take an old kit from the late seventies and try to do something with it. I found this picture on the Internet and it drove me to a shoe box that had the Tyco version.

As you can see the original came with all the plastic colours done in the casting.

The parts were on large bits of sprue which were clipped with a sprue cutter
and the mold lines needed to be removed with an exacto knife.

The instructions were very simple and showed quite a bit of thought as it taught the young modeller to build on the flat and from the bottom up.

The details were painted with acrylics and inks were used to weather them

This overhead view shows the interesting roof line. The main roof was painted a sand colour then brown Bragdon powders were applied and hit with mineral spirits. Then a wash of black weather-all was applied (Alcohol/india ink). The rusted roof was done with aluminum acrylic spray bomb then a water based Windsor and Newton Oil (Burnt Umber) was used to create the panels. Then hit with medium and light rust Bragdon powders and a wash of mahogany ink.

I used their signs from the kit. After application I used a watered down version of the brown and black inks on the big sign and mahogany ink full strength on the Ford sign.

The Walls were painted with the Camo tan spraybomb. Then a scratched the paint surface with a dull exacto blade to put grain in the boards. Then the brown Bragdon powder was liberally applied and secured with mineral spirits. Finally the upper surfaces of the wood was drybrushed with flesh acrylic.

Here are views from all sides

The scenic material on the plastic base was an application of dry sand over the surface. I sprayed wet water (water with a drop of dish soap) then diluted white glue 60/40. When almost dry I sprinkled earth coloured sanded grout on some of the surfaces then rubbed it in with my finger so that it created a warn flatter surface. Then I applied some Woodland Scenics burnt grass in some places and undergrowth clusters.

The Chimney was painted with red primer from a spray bomb. Then Robert's Brick Mortar was applied with a brush. When almost dry I took a cloth and wiped it of the upper surfaces leaving the mortar lines as seen.

The figure did not come with the kit. I painted him and then put flesh wash ink on the face to bring out details and a black wash on the clothes.

All in all it was fun to do. A great way for beginners to try and do craftsman style work on a cheap plastic model. Give it a try. You will get hooked for sure. Much better than out of the box.

Railfan day in Montreal

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:49:00 +0000

Lela and I visited Montreal for the day and did a little railfanning as part of the activities. Our first stop was Dorion Station.

On the west end of Montreal, this station is now a commuter stop on the CPR Mainline. This westbound was taken after having lunch at the station. The restaurant is unique and is called the Red Zebra. It is run by Mental Health Out Patients. The food is great and the price is very reasonable. The money made goes right into their charity coffers.

Here is an eastbound approaching Dorion.

In the west end there is an interlocking tower which has been replaced by ctc. The main activity on this 2 track mainline is commuter service.

It is open to the public 2 days a week.

Plow and Spreader in the CPR yard

Dorval Station sees this east bound VIA departing for the city.

Here is a picture of Beaconsfield Station. All in all it was nice to see these locations and I will definitely be back.

Ron's HO Modules

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 22:23:00 +0000

Ron built this Campbell Scale Depot. A craftsman like structure, it would set the tone for this four module set. this was my project for July...to scenic the modules.

Here is a prop and boat repair facility donated by Bill Tweedy from Cape Cod.

This next picture is a Tower One from Fos Scale

There is a river in the far left portion of the first module. The view was fun to do with the trestle, water, boats and the backdrop

Nothing like a fisherman trying his luck near the logs.

Tower One is a very nice addition to the crossover before the Clearwater Junction.

From the bridge you are able to see the water, tower and yard.

This old 1950s boxcar kit (wood) was the starting point for this railroad maintenance facility.

Pipes were made from cocktail straws and the loading dock from scrap strip wood. The detail parts are from the parts box.

The nice feature of this kit was the open door and stenciled lettering.

This oil tank was built in the 1980s by my good friend Don Shouldice. He used a dowel and broom handle end for the tank and scratch built the trestle style supports and building.

Close up of the loading dock shows off the woodland scenics LP.

Some more shots of the river

The reflection was from the tree in my front yard. The water is done with plaster covered with gloss moss green acrylic paint and gloss medium.

Like the Andy of Mayberry Scene as the folks are off fishing while the RR workers stand around...they should be shoveling coal.

BN Caboose through the trees. Juneco CN bumpers protect the end of track

Ah the quiet of the country river

Mike Hamer built this freight House Kit for Ron. It is from Full Steam Ahead.

This side view shows off the nice detail of the loading dock. It needs more doodads

Looks too darn quiet.

Some people are waiting for the commuter train back to the city. Clearwater Junction is a busy place today.

Mike Hamer Built the crossing

Roof top view of the trackage at the junction.

Looks like the sun is going down

Looks like the stores are closed for the night

Jordan vehicle sets the era very nicely

The station tower

View from the back

Doodads

Use scrap twigs and an old wheel to make this mini scene.

The junk forms the border for the freight yard

Paint and inks were used to colour these metal and plastic details

The track scene still need more stuff

What about this side....A truck and LPs.

Athearn made a nice Ford pickup and I hand painted the Prieser figures

Buddy on the dock is smoking his pipe

The farmer is thanking the freight shed manager for his quick service with a pat on the back

I added some coal bins to the left and there is more details to come. Ron is currently working on a gas station which will be located along the street behind the station.

A Visit to Bill's Sn3

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:41:00 +0000

A visit to Bill's Sn3 came in the aftermath of two days of steady operations during this year's Invasion of Garden Large Scale Railroaders in Ottawa. Sunday morning saw us in Aylmer Quebec for the Rio Grande Southern operations. Bill was kind enough to host a number of visitors from the invasion. The railroad ran very well and it was an opportunity to see one of the finest Sn3 layouts in the world. Thanks Bill.

International Invasion Ottawa Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:07:00 +0000

It was the 17th of July 2009 and the folks from Canada, USA and England gathered for two full days of garden Railway operation. There would be two sessions each day followed by run what you bring in the evenings. The first day was standard gauge followed by narrow gauge on the second day. Each train would have an engineer and trainman. The weather was great.

After setting out the rolling stock the folks gathered around the BBQ area and fish pond for the morning briefing.

Operators were eager to get started.

There was a solid briefing so that everyone knew the rules and format.

Then the trains were handed out. Rail Ops programme made the process smooth and seamless.

Doug and Ric at Craig Leigh getting the first train of the day ready.

Live steam is being prepared for the days run.

Folks are waiting for a meet at Spruce.

Low angle of the CN RS3 with stock cars arriving from Mount Saint Helen's.

Nice to do yard work in the shade. That is a completely different form of yard work.

Terry from England is explaining his buzzard traveling companion to Nicole who was from Montreal.

Doug talking to Nicole and Gaetan during a break in the action.

Terry driving a CP GP 30. Looks like he has a drink in that hopper.

Yes indeed.
Bruce and Jean are in Mount Saint Helen's and have just finished their switching. He is calling dispatch for clearance to Craig Leigh

Terry is breaking the rules as he is running to set his turnout at Peter's Pond.

Gaetan and Terry are running their freight toward Mount Saint Helen's.

Lela, Terry, Matt and Linda are in the shade, cooling down and drinking to keep hydrated

John is in Nelson Yard and has just turned his locomotive.

A live steamer, Matt is driving using radio control.

A closeup of the Shay.

Ralph admires Gord's RDC as it approaches Nelson Yard at the Bridge. Lily siding can be seen in the ...You guessed it....Lilies.

Paul is looking on in admiration as John stands next to the empties. Linda is quick to say that they are not all his.

Shay at Mount Saint Helen's station.

Bruce is operating his logging train pulled by his Shay.

Now that is a proud railroader.

And you can see why.

Ken is from Pennsylvania with Ric. Ric from Illinois was our Chief cook for all things BBQ.

Doug, Gord and Bill rest by the pond and pontificate about trains and such.

Here is Bruce bringing up steam at Spruce.

Look on the far side coming up grade. We will have a live steam meet at Spruce.

Now that is a sight you do not often see.

Wow.

In this shot you can actually see the steam.

I guess you have to set your bottle down to work on this puppy.

Ric built this rail car and there are chickens everywhere. The dog in the seat does not look impressed,

Fred made a great tunnel as the boys were discussing the ongoing process of Carl's locomotive building projects. They looked great alongside the finished product in Spruce. It drew a lot of interest from the group and many a discussion took place about the details.

Yes the chicken buggy did travel down the line while we were BBQing.

Fred, Don (Howard) and Bill are enjoying each others company. Looks like something tickled their funny bones.

Lookout for the RDC Matt.

Ric brought out this B&O doodlebug. Had lights sound and action supreme.

Fred tasting port

Bill tasting Medeira

Mike in the hat is a wine maker and he brought lots for a tasting. His prize winning porto and chocolate was a big hit.

Now this is Bruce's rail car in Mercer siding. A little guy with big sound. You knew it was going by.

Bruce explaining the intricacies to Ric who also has one of these buggies.

A Bumblebee live steamer was the show stopper belonging to Don Howard.

The chicken machine was a hoot.

Folks looked like they had a full day and Ric and Bruce are still chugging along.

Dinner mmmm foood. Lots and lots of food.

Now Bruce... this is how I BBQ. The corn is just about ready Ric.

Now is this not a great display of steam.

Look at that. So many stages of building.

It was indeed a great first day.

International Invasion 2009 Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 18:03:00 +0000

The Annual Invasion took place last Friday and Saturday hosted by the OVGRS http://ovgrs.editme.com/. Fred Mills is holding out the US flag as most of the guests came from the good ol' US of A.

The group photo can be clicked on for a close up of the faces. A few folks unfortunately were missed and although I had planned to photoshop them in later the light changed for the day and it just did work. Sorry.

This large scale Bachmann Climax (Ric's) was quite the hit with it's Phoenix sound system

Gord and Terry (From UK) are chatting before the morning activities.

Terry brought his railway mascot with him on this great adventure.

Here is that fantastic Climax again. what a great runner.

The picture that says it all.

Matt was awarded his apprentice hat as a new trainee.

Gord and his sons were promoted to operators and had their white trainee stripe removed from their hats.

Jan, Linda and Jean get their own portrait. I was going to photoshop them into the group photo but alas I was not able. The colour was so different at that time of day and it really was not going to look right. I could not get me into the photo either. Sorry about that.

The boys were taking a break during the lunch. There were two operating sessions each day.

There was lots of food...

Passenger train rounding Mount Saint Helen's

John and Linda fueling the live steamer before the afternoon through freight.

I had the pleasure of acting as trainman and it was the first time for me with live steam.

Monique reading car numbers during a pickup Glen Hammond.

Fred is backing his locomotive onto the siding for the pickup.

Here I am hitchin and chattin on the radio to the dispatcher.

Here you see John with his train while Linda tries her hand as trainman.

Video in progress with an ice tea for the engineer. It was hot and humid.

Lawrence admiring two live steamers meeting at Bell.

An eye to eye discussion with the dispatcher.

Fred and Monique made a great team.

Ric's hand car was made from a Walmart toy.

At the end of the day we had a rain shower and Fred got the beer.

Very nice to spend the time to socialize with everyone.

Climax running by Ironwood as the layout was set up as a continuous loop during the BBQ and evenings activities.

Ken gave us the big wave as he brings his mixed train down grade toward Nelson.

This was a great day of operating narrow gauge and a good time was had by all. In fact this was by far the most fun model railway activity I have ever participated in. Thanks again Ottawa Valley Garden Railway Society for putting on such a fine Invasion. If folks would like to send some of their photos, or have some of these removed I can do that. Or see some corrections to be made just send to my email. There was so much happening I was bound to miss a a good photo op or make a few mistakes. Cheers.

Another Garden Railway visit

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:52:00 +0000

This layout has over 5,000 ft of track

More like a back yard layout than garden you really get the feel of scale trains moving through the countryside.

The rocks were brought in and placed so there would be tunnels and mountains.

This was a popular train watching sight with a horseshoe curve.

Lots of S curves

This tunnel was really something

Here is Mike Hamer at the throttle

Emerging from the tunnel these miniature trees are really effective.

Now that is a great mountain for the backyard.

Mike at the roundhouse

Big steam can make you smile.

Garden Railway Operations

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:51:00 +0000

Fred Mill's has a wonderful G scale railway that runs on standard gauge one weekend and steam narrow gauge the next. He uses Rail Ops and we pre-position all the rolling stock before operations. It runs with drop off pickups and local moves. The railway is point to point and allows for switching at towns and yards along the way. From a garden railway approach you will see many of the popular techniques and innovations to roadbed and trackwork...Enjoy.

Here is the passenger terminal at one end of the layout

A road engineer enjoying a pop during the operation. That is a CP safety vest he is sporting.

Switching at Spruce. Most towns have facing and trailing switches to the industries and run around from the main on a passing track.

The rock work and paving stone approach provides for a nice venue for the trains and provides distinctive walkways for the trainman to walk with their trains.

A derailment in the yard demands attention from the engineer as he had the switch thrown against him.
A overview of the action from the shade. This is Maple.

A small way freight rounds the curve as it approaches Maple.

Nice scratch built bridges add to this great scene.

I really like the blockhouse fort which was a common fort in Ontario.

Tiptoe through the tulips with me ee.

Action around Maple. See the dispatcher's shack where the trains are controlled by radio communications in a prototypical fashion.

Yes that crossing signal does operate though it only operates with the permission of the neighbours on special visit days.

Note the over sized switch stand.

Classification is a fun job on this road.

Nice to see this young lad providing the proof there is hope for the next generation of model railroaders.

The dispatcher hard at work.

My wife Lela operated as the trainman directing the engineer on tasks along the route. Her job was to ensure the manifest was correct and the proper cars were dropped, picked up or moved as well as aligning the switches.

More action with dispatch

Setting the turnout for the meet.

Radio control was a very effective method and is the way to go for garden railroad engines

Waiting for clearance. Our train arrives for the meet.

This road has a very interesting crossover so to ease the curve in this tight space.

Sometimes things get blocked up in the yards and you just have to wait for clearance to the next town or there is an oncoming train..

Sometimes you need to take shortcuts to the turnout and it looks like he is in a hurry to get ahead of his train before it reaches a turnout which is thrown against him.

We have rail fans too

You can see the 2x6's used as sub roadbed.

Switching action. We used screwdrivers to separate the couplers. A radio call in from the engineer on the left.

A happy brakeman holding his train orders. Getting ready to switch out the town sidings.

The other end of the line and the final preparations for train 301.

When all is done we remove the trains by location so the next computer print out will continue the operations from where we left off.

Yard work while the engineer calls the dispatch for a radio check.

This is the newest area and was a rebuild of an older yard. The raised construction was very impressive. like building decks.

Sometimes you have to get right in the garden to uncouple.

Now I know what they mean when they say a hidden siding.

It sure was a fun time.

As you can see by these last two shots the boys sat back and socialized over a few hot dogs and pops:)

Hope you enjoyed this tour of another great aspect of the hobby.

Photos from the Woodstock Turn

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Fri, 22 May 2009 14:42:00 +0000

NMRA Photo Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:08:00 +0000

In the print category were these results from my entries

Second Place Colour Prototype Print

First Place colour prototype print

First place Black and White Prototype Print

First Place Colour Model print

Here are the three slides and their placings

Third Place

Second Place

First Place.

The convention was help in Woodstock by the Niagara Frontier Division and many thanks for their efforts to make it a great weekend.

Interlocking Tower

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:12:00 +0000

Built this Interlocking Tower from a craftsman Structure kit. I named it after my daughter and it also really exists as a siding in west central Alberta. Add some weathering and doodads and it will be ready for placement at the throat of my classification yard

On30 Flat for Ron

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:22:00 +0000

Ron was kind enough to give me this kit to build for him. Made in England it is Resin.

I cleaned the parts with dish soap and water and removed flash (very little on thhis kit). ..Made sure the parts were square. They were and then I glued the frame to the deck.

Then I used white primer as the colours were goint to be bright rather than toned down if you used black primer.

Then I used Tamya and Velerro paint to put a base coat on the parts. I also added some warhammer chestnut ink over the brown to rust the wheels. The roof had grey bragdons rubbed into a krylon aluminum application

I painted the truck side frames black then dry brushed them with chainmail to give it a metalic look and draw out the details.

I took dark brown bragdons and applied it to the wood areas. Then I used mineral spirits to move it into the grain of the wood to create contrast.

A good shot of the metal finish

Here is the place where I apply the bragdon powders. I peanut butter lid.

After the mineral spirits dry you can see it becomes light in colour. The middle bit is still wet and you can tell by the dark finish.

Then I added micro-mark grey age-it over all the parts and let dry. It makes it become older and warn.

Now for assembly

The seating and ends are glued on. I found the frames to be too black so I added mahogany ink over them to rust it a bit.

Then on went the roof. I used the bragdons to tone down the aluminium so there was more harmony across the model.

The couplers were added and painted as well

It looks just great in the scenery on the LVN.

Enjoy Ron.

Cattle Barn

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:53:00 +0000

You may remember in previous posts I built the cattle barn and house. My friend Ron built the Silo. Now it was time to build the holding pen and paint the cattle and make hay.

I started with a maisonite base. I painted it dark brown with Krylon so that it would have some roughness for the scenic material to adhere to.

The fence work of the holding pen was from the Walthers plastic kit for the meat processing plant. I used my technique of hand painting, bragdon powders to create the old wood effect. I recommend this kit fior this work as it would take too much time to build it from wood.

I dry placed everything and took a few shots at the work bench. The cattle were painted using the hand painting, warhammer brown ink and bragdon powders technique.

Then I took it out under the layout light to make sure the colours would be OK in that environment.

I mades some hay by cutting small HO scale 2x3ft bits. Then I dipped the sides in white glue and added burnt grass static grass from woodland scenics.

Slow work but worth the effort.

I added real earth into the cattle pen and made sure there were some larger black chunks to indicate cow pies.

I glued in the hay and cattle. I also added a small water trough.

Then I placed it into the eventual scene and took photos to examine the effects.

I used photoshop to see what it will look like when glued in place and there is ground over the base joint.

Little 4 Wheelers

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Lyon) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:42:00 +0000

Here is my latest project. A 1/48th scale flat car (On30) for my friend Ron. I used 1/35 scale parts from my military models such as barrels, water tap, crow and amo boxes. The dynomite was made from electrical wire with red insolation. The Hose was made from sodder. The car was made from an english On30 Kit. Hand painted it had several applications and techniques to make the parts look like wood and metal. The king post and frame are real wood and the rope is made from hemp.

It looks great in front of my beacver pond. Have fun with it Ron.