Sunday, May 31, 2015
"Three elements... Firmness, commodity, delight."
Marcus Vitruvius was a legendary first century Roman author, architect and army engineer who wrote the Ten Books of Architecture ... I read the first one ... In it, he emphasized that any built structure required 'firmitas, utilitas and venustas' for it to be considered a legitimate architectural work. The popular Anglican translation is 'firmness, commodity and delight' which further translated means that any project must have strength; must be useful; and must be beautiful. Seems like pretty straightforward stuff, but not always followed.
I have approached all of my layout design and construction with this in mind, and the lower level backdrop was no exception. My plan called for (3) 4' x 8' sheets of .040 styrene to be cut into (12) 12" x 96" lengths which would be enough for the entire run. I wanted a system that would be stable, adaptable and attractive... pretty much those same three elements that the V man would have mandated had he been playing with trains instead of building aqueducts.
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I have approached all of my layout design and construction with this in mind, and the lower level backdrop was no exception. My plan called for (3) 4' x 8' sheets of .040 styrene to be cut into (12) 12" x 96" lengths which would be enough for the entire run. I wanted a system that would be stable, adaptable and attractive... pretty much those same three elements that the V man would have mandated had he been playing with trains instead of building aqueducts.
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Plastic end caps were screwed into place along the entire run of the lower deck to accept the styrene backdrop in the same fashion as was done at the former doorway and peninsula. |
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The channels bend gracefully in corners allowing the styrene backdrop to follow easily. A Velcro square will be used on each riser to hold the top portion in place while providing for emergency access to the chase behind the lower backdrop... you know, just in case. |
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The end caps were jointed to correspond with that of the bench work to maintain the sectional feature of the entire construction... again, just in case. |
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Styrene sections were butted together and reinforced with a 3" wide backer that was stapled in place. A Velcro square is visible at the top. |
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Despite the channel, Velcro and styrene backing, the butted ends of the styrene did not sit uniformly, leaving a very visible seam in some locations. |
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Double-sided carpet tape was mounted on a 2" wide piece of styrene and slipped into place behind the butted sections and in front of the backer to provide a clean seam and a solid, but reversible bond. |
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The carpet tape did the trick nicely and the seams were barely noticeable at this point. The installed sheets of styrene were now ready to be carefully primed and painted, in place, with a 3" roller. |
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The installation of the backdrop more clearly illustrates the varying depths of each deck around the full run of the layout. |
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Although in different planes, the lower backdrop blends effortlessly with that of the upper which is mostly the room's sheet rocked walls. |
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Two decks, check. Two backdrops, check. And all the bells and whistles still to come! |
The lower level backdrop really went together nicely and without any surprises. The seams became all but invisible once they were primed and painted over, yet the entire backdrop is relatively free-floating. I call it 'temporarily permanent.'
The Romans may have invented concrete, but I'll stick with styrene. After all, it's got integrity, is very useful and can be quite handsome.
The Romans may have invented concrete, but I'll stick with styrene. After all, it's got integrity, is very useful and can be quite handsome.
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BONUS: RHETORICAL QUESTION OF THE DAY... ?
Did you know? Contrary to some of my i-Phone photographs, the backdrop is fairly muted and was painted using Benjamin Moore #806 'Breath of Fresh Air' to achieve a light blue/gray look in person.?
Friday, May 29, 2015
"Friendly Fridays... Just a bizarre dream?"
So, I'm the only passenger in a car rolling along an undulating country road in the absolute middle of Nowhere, VT. The deep baritone voice of the driver is recounting story after story of model railroad legends and lore, while lamenting the lack of a nearby McDonalds. Approaching what looks like a deserted railroad crossing, he ignores the admonition of the GPS and pulls onto a graveled area with a caravan of other cars. It's a veritable oasis amidst the endless fields.
We get out to examine an old depot, but a wildly gesticulating figure bellows to us from across the road... something about selling model railroad equipment from a shipping container in his backyard. Well of course he is. What else would that big fellow be doing here in the middle of Nowhere, VT?
An unseen force descends upon a dozen middle-aged men who march zombie-like towards the unseen container and disappear around the corner of the modest ranch like lemmings over the proverbial cliff. It's the only home within 360. But the deep-voiced driver sees a photo opportunity and focuses on the old railway depot for a potential magazine article. I stand smack in the middle of the road assessing the circumstances.
"Yes, this is all very logical," I assured myself. "Nothing unusual here."
Once the dust had settled, literally, we learned that this entrepreneur was actually handling the estate of his late father-in-law who had been an avid hobbyist. It was a Field of Dreams moment where the universe aligned perfectly putting person, time and place unexpectedly together.
What did I pick up? That's a story for another day. "But it's a really good story!"
True or false? The quote in today's final line was spoken by farmer Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) to author Terrance Mann (James Earl Jones) in the film referenced above.
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We get out to examine an old depot, but a wildly gesticulating figure bellows to us from across the road... something about selling model railroad equipment from a shipping container in his backyard. Well of course he is. What else would that big fellow be doing here in the middle of Nowhere, VT?
An unseen force descends upon a dozen middle-aged men who march zombie-like towards the unseen container and disappear around the corner of the modest ranch like lemmings over the proverbial cliff. It's the only home within 360. But the deep-voiced driver sees a photo opportunity and focuses on the old railway depot for a potential magazine article. I stand smack in the middle of the road assessing the circumstances.
"Yes, this is all very logical," I assured myself. "Nothing unusual here."
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My chauffeur, and regular hobby columnist, has identified a potential article idea in Leicester Junction, VT. You can see the finished product in the May 2014 issue of Model Railroader. Turns out that maybe the shipping container's owner was a marketing genius! |
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Jim Koerner emphasizes to a bemused Henry Freeman that the old Rutland RR is now inadequately maintained by the Vermont Railway, while Jerry Dziedzic looks more interested in catching up to Dave Olesen, John Rogers and Ted Pamperin. "C'mon guys, the shipping container is just around the corner. Hurry!" |
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Here is undoubtedly the best stocked hobby shop/shipping container anywhere. Pricing was very negotiable and selection was extensive, especially if you were interested in New England road names. "Anyone see any B&O stuff? ... Damn!" ? |
What did I pick up? That's a story for another day. "But it's a really good story!"
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BONUS: RHETORICAL QUESTION OF THE DAY...
True or false? The quote in today's final line was spoken by farmer Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) to author Terrance Mann (James Earl Jones) in the film referenced above.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Learn how to run trains at the Assiniboine Valley Railway this weekend
Learn basic locomotive driving skills as a Trainee Engineer, operation protocols and switching duties as a Conductor/Brakeman. Cost: $5:00.
There will be four 2-hour Operating Sessions with 3 trains per session. You�ll start with a made-up train in the station, then head out into the 7 acres of AVR track to drop off & pick up cars according to your Card-Sort Orders.?
Enjoy a hot dog lunch break from noon to 2, included with your registration. You'll also get to tour the AVR's engine house and machine shop.?
All participants are eligible to win a 12-ride pass on the AVR (good for any open house / rail weekend) to be drawn at each session.
You must sign up for one of the four operating sessions, with 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th choice of session times.
Session times are as follows:
9-11 AM
11-1 PM
1-3 PM
3-5 PM
Only the first 24 registrants will be accepted.
To sign up for one of the sessions, please contact Len LaRue at: hellarue@mymts.net to reserve your time. You can pay the registration at the AVR when you arrive. Please your name, phone number and your preferred session time.
For more information about the AVR and their Fun Run Day, please visit their website at:
http://assiniboinevalleyrailway.org/blog/2015/05/16/operating-sessionfun-run-day/
Winnipeg Model Railroad Club's Gateway Western Railway featured at the Winnipeg Railway Museum during Doors Open Winnipeg this weekend
The WMRC and the Winnipeg Railway Museum will once again be participating in Doors Open Winnipeg this weekend. The Gateway Western Railway, which is a joint effort between the WMRC and the museum, will be operating trains as part of the Winnipeg Railway Museum�s contribution to the event from 11 to 5 on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31. Admission to the museum this weekend is free (although donations will always be cheerfully accepted) and there's plenty of parking available nearby at The Forks. The city is offering two free hours of metered street parking, and free street parking all day on Sunday.
The museum is located on tracks 1 and 2 on the upper level of the Via Rail Station, which is located at 123 Main Street.
For more information on Doors Open Winnipeg, go to http://www.doorsopenwinnipeg.ca/
For more information about the Winnipeg Railway Museum, go to:
http://www.wpgrailwaymuseum.com/
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
A big THANK YOU to all of the Winnipeg Model Railroad Club's canteen volunteers
The WMRC has been blessed with many volunteers, and it's time to honour the hard working crew that keeps our canteen going at our monthly meeting and at our open house.
The canteen is a relatively new enterprise in our long history. It was started when the club moved its meeting place to Christ Anglican Church on Corydon Avenue in 1999. Former President Chuck Huard saw that there was a kitchen, and he suggested that we start a canteen to sell pop, coffee and chips. Chuck and his wife Lise, along with Ken and Roberta Anderson, ran the canteen for many years. Chuck and Ken also cooked hot dogs and burgers for us at the the club's Great Canadian Train Shows, which were held every fall at the Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute.
Running the canteen is often a thankless job. The crew not only has to operate the concession stand, but they have to purchase all of the goods, deliver all of the supplies to the meeting, make the coffee, and store the coffee maker and any unsold items at their own own place. They also have to clean up the kitchen after the meeting.
In 2006, the club started their "annual hot dog dinner" for their December meeting, which wouldn't have been able to have existed at all without the canteen staff.
After many years of service, the canteen duties were then taken over by Dennis and LuElla Rietze, followed by Andrea leader, and then by the South family.
The South family are recent arrival from the United Kingdom. They have been very dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers since they joined the club, and we are all very thankful for all of their efforts!
James South is always on hand to put all the ketchup you want on your hot dog!
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
"The plan seems to be working..."
In the world of architecture and construction, the theory goes something like this. Ideally, a sketch is turned into a scaled drawing which in turn is expanded into a construction document. If all goes well, the project is built according to the architect's vision by a diligent contractor for a satisfied client. Since I wear all three hats on this project, I did take some shortcuts and work some things out in my head, figuring that all three parties should remain in communication throughout the process anyway!
While I had a general idea of how the second deck would be integrated with the structure of the first deck, I did realize that a few different conditions existed that would require slightly different details. How the second deck would be cantilevered in certain locations, and how much it would be cantilevered, were the biggest issues.
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While I had a general idea of how the second deck would be integrated with the structure of the first deck, I did realize that a few different conditions existed that would require slightly different details. How the second deck would be cantilevered in certain locations, and how much it would be cantilevered, were the biggest issues.
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The second deck was constructed using 1" x 2" clear pine and supported with 19" long risers. The frames of each deck mirror one another so the risers align with each cross member. The lower deck here is 14" deep while the cantilevered upper deck is 16" deep. |
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The upper deck is very rigid. It is anchored into the wall studs and supported by the riser. The amount of acceptable cantilever could have been determined through a complex math equation which had a lot of neat symbols that I didn't understand, so I guessed. |
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The right side shows an upper deck that is the full 20" deep while the lower deck is only 10". The styrene peninsula backdrop required that risers be used in the rear as an anchor and toward the front as cantilever support. |
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Because the styrene backdrop at the peninsula did not provide the ability to anchor as the wall studs did, wider 1" x 6" and 1" x 4" risers were utilized. The changing depths of the two decks as they round the end of the peninsula are evident here. The white end cap will hold the lower level backdrop. |
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Note the use of a few stamped metal L-brackets on rear risers to help support the upper deck on the left along the peninsula and on the right across the former doorway. In each case I needed maximum depth for the lower deck and the styrene backdrop could not support any type of anchor. The lower decks here are 18" and the upper are 12". |
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A close-up of the stamped L-brackets show how they are mounted on a rear riser that is 'flat' to the other risers. Adjacent risers provide the clearance that the backdrop will need. |
You may have noted by now that I did have a bit of a formula for the relationship between the two decks, and it did not involve anything beyond kindergarten math. While the original single deck was 20" deep, I determined that the sum of the two decks at any given location would equal 30" giving me both an acceptable cantilever support and a consistency whereby one deck could handle substantial modeling/operating activity and the other was merely ROW.
I hope that I have explained this clearly. Regardless, it went up and has remained up, very rigid and secure, awaiting the installation of the backdrop which we'll cover shortly.?
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BONUS: RHETORICAL QUESTION OF THE DAY...
Seriously, a show of hands here. Who honestly saw this coming??
Monday, May 25, 2015
Robert Weaver awarded President's Shield at Winnipeg Model Railroad Club's annual banquet
Robert Weaver receives the President's shield award from WMRC President Larry Leavens.
Robert Weaver, editor of The Lantern the official publication of the WMRC, has won the club's prestigious President's Shield award for 2015.
Robert has been the editor of The Lantern since September of 2009. This fall, he will be entering his ninth season of being the editor, which is a record for our 60 year old club.
Besides his editing duties, Robert also is in charge of the club's monthly model display. He photographs each model submitted and compiles an article with the written descriptions of the submitters for The Lantern.
Robert has also initiated more reader participation by holding a monthly photo contest for the cover of The Lantern. The winner gets their image published on the cover and also receives a cash prize. Robert has also handed over the task of deciding who receives the annual Lantern award by having the membership vote for their favorite contributor. Robert distributes, collects, and counts the ballots at the April meeting. The winner is announced next month at the annual banquet.
Robert has also presided over the complete digitization of the Lantern. All members now receive a PDF version in full colour of The Lantern via email. The publication has come a long way from the mimeographed stencil version in the 50's!
Robert has also contributed countless articles to The Lantern over the years. He has announced that next season will be his last year as Editor of The Lantern. He's going to leave some mighty big shoes to fill!
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Dave Downie wins Winnipeg Model Railroad Club's Lantern Award
Lantern Editor presents WMRC Vice President Dave Downie with the 2015 Lantern Award.
Dave Downie was the recipient of the WMRC's 2015 Lantern Award, which was presented at the club's annual spring banquet. Dave contributed a series of historical articles about the WMRC for The Lantern.
Instead of the Lantern editor deciding who would win the award, this year's award was chosen by popular vote by the membership. Ballots were distributed by Lantern Editor Robert Weaver at the April meeting. Members voted for their favorite author at that meeting, and the ballots were collected and compiled by Robert.
Congratulations, Dave, for your fine work!
Friday, May 22, 2015
"Friendly Fridays... Bottoms up, literally!"
A recent Garden State Division meet was held in my old stomping grounds back in New York. I was anxious to have lunch at one of my old haunts, a favorite place for my high school group to gather during our summers home from college. I promised some of the GSDers an excellent neighborhood tavern with cold pitchers of beer, juicy cheeseburgers and gooey pizza. Yes sir, got your four basic food groups right there.
But, OMG! The Road House had been renovated... went downright upscale with seared mahi-mahi tuna, broccoli rabe and Tiramisu. Tiramisu? I doubt that would have been a big seller forty years ago to bunch of frat boys. Regardless, it was ultimately about friendly company, and Bruce DeYoung, Chuck Diljack, Marc Moritz and I had a great time. Good modeling buddies and lots of laughs.
Apparently part of the renovation included the installation of a gas-fueled fireplace for ambience. On this particular day, the system required the charms of a full-fledged, card-carrying plumber who contributed in his own way to my overall dining experience... a room with a view, so to speak. Since he was only in my line of sight, I spared the others and suffered in silence while longing for the good old days before Tiramisu and anything drizzled in balsamic reduction.
Have a great holiday weekend everyone. Cheers and happy dining!
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But, OMG! The Road House had been renovated... went downright upscale with seared mahi-mahi tuna, broccoli rabe and Tiramisu. Tiramisu? I doubt that would have been a big seller forty years ago to bunch of frat boys. Regardless, it was ultimately about friendly company, and Bruce DeYoung, Chuck Diljack, Marc Moritz and I had a great time. Good modeling buddies and lots of laughs.
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This photo was sent to my mates after an enjoyable lunch. I toasted their company, but the photo has nothing to do with our drinks. Look closely to see the trauma I experienced, unbeknownst to them, throughout the entire meal. I quietly snapped this ongoing pose while 'checking messages' on my iPhone. |
Have a great holiday weekend everyone. Cheers and happy dining!
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BONUS: RHETORICAL QUESTION OF THE DAY...
Unfortunately union rules specifically prohibit the inclusion of this feature on holiday weekends. We apologize for the inconvenience.?
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Winnipeg Model Railroad Club's photo contest awards presented at their annual banquet
Paul Ullrich receives the WMRC's photo contest's Peter Abel Memorial Award - Photo Special Event for his image, titled "Spreading Ballast", from WMRC President Larry Leavens.
The winners from the WMRC's annual photo contest are as follows:
Digital Prototype:
1st: Suzanne Lemon - Autumn Glow
2nd: Paul Ullrich - CN at Portage La Prairie On A Wet Morning
3rd: Larry Leavens - CN 8961 at Quadra
Honourable Mention: Suzanne Lemon - Sky of Blue, Sea of Yellow
Special Event:
1st: (Peter Abel Memorial Award) Paul Ullrich - Spreading Ballast Near Thief River Falls
2nd: Val Lemon - Laying New Track at Redditt
3rd: Suzanne Lemon - The Ties That Used to Bind
Honourable Mention: Paul Lemon - Herzog Track Equipment at Portage La Prairie
Honourable Mention: Larry Leavens - Pot of Fire
Film or Digital Print - Model:
1st: Robert Weaver - Coal Sidings
2nd: Robert Weaver - Steel Works
Honourable Mention: Cliff Davidson - Western Pacific Revival
Best in Show:
Suzanne Lemon - Ready to Go
President's Choice Harvey and Sandy Walker Memorial Award for Best in Show:
Robert Weaver - Cocker Mouth Signal Tower
Suzanne Lemon receives her award certificate from WMRC President Larry leavens for her photo, titled "Autumn Glow".
Larry Leavens presents Val Lemon her certificate for her photo,"Laying New Track at Redditt".
Paul Lemon receives his certificate from Larry Leavens for his photo, titled "Herzog Track Equipment at Portage La Prairie".Wednesday, May 20, 2015
"I'm converting... But still saying my prayers."
The allure of the multi-deck's long run and generous separation between key LDEs was tugging at me. I studied what other modeler's had done with that style... construction, dimensions, finished photos, etc. But now I was especially concerned about another kind of separation, that of the vertical kind, with a ceiling that only afforded a clearance of 6'-3".
I checked with friends and on-line acquaintances about the dimensions that they used and their relative success for viewing and operating. My mandate was not to be too low for my lower deck, lest my cranky knees and back punish me for sheer stupidity. I did know that the relative depth of my decks would be modest, between 8-20" which would minimize the necessary vertical separation. A cardboard mock-up on bookshelves confirmed that.
And key to all of this re-thinking was that ultimately the objective was to double the mainline, not double the layout. ROW areas might be as narrow as 8-12".
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I checked with friends and on-line acquaintances about the dimensions that they used and their relative success for viewing and operating. My mandate was not to be too low for my lower deck, lest my cranky knees and back punish me for sheer stupidity. I did know that the relative depth of my decks would be modest, between 8-20" which would minimize the necessary vertical separation. A cardboard mock-up on bookshelves confirmed that.
And key to all of this re-thinking was that ultimately the objective was to double the mainline, not double the layout. ROW areas might be as narrow as 8-12".
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A quick sketch showed what I could get by lowering the existing deck and trimming the valence. The upper deck would be cantilevered off of the wall with a riser for support. Depths of the two decks would fluctuate so that key operating areas would be staggered and viewing would be maximized. |
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Because the bench work was built in sections, it could be unscrewed and lowered in step-by-step fashion using clamps and the magic tripod. Thankfully, the peninsula backdrop could hang free from the ceiling due to the system used to install it. (Take that Murphy's Law!) |
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The sections were lowered from the existing ledger strip at a consistent dimension through the use of an autographed piece of scrap wood. More on that valued pine spacer below. |
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The existing legs needed to be shortened so each was removed one-at-a-time and trimmed at the table saw, before going back in place. The lower deck would need a new backdrop of its own, and I had some ideas, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. |
So, there you go. In for a penny, in for a pound. My modest single deck with the cramped towns was growing up. But why do I keep hearing my mother's admonition from my childhood?... "Your eyes are bigger than your stomach."
We'll have a quick 'Friendly Friday' for the start of Memorial Day weekend and then get back to major construction next week. Geez, am I really doing this?
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BONUS: RHETORICAL QUESTION OF THE DAY...
Did you know? When a friend relocated to North Carolina his massive B&O layout had to be dismantled and tossed into a dumpster over the course of several weekends. I picked through the used framing with the intention of keeping the B&O lineage in my bench work, while paying homage to this former layout. The scribbling on one piece said, "Thanks Jim. Magnolia Cut-off. Henry Freeman."... And my wife says that I'm not sentimental!??
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Sepcial event awards presented at Winnipeg Model Railroad Club's annual banquet
Morgan Turney won first and second place in the special events model competition.
The Winnipeg Model Railroad Club held its Annual Model Contest on March 28, 2015 marking their 60th Anniversary. A special 60th Anniversary decal was designed by WMRC Blog Editor Paul Ullrich and printed by Black Cat Publishing of Winnipeg. It featured a special 60th Anniversary logo marking the 1955 - 2015 milestone in three scales - HO, N and O scale. The Special Event for the 2015 model contest was to use the decal to produce a 60th Anniversary model for the contest.
Honourable Mention awards went to Margaret Ullrich for her HO scale mercantile building. An Honourable Mention also went to Paul Ullrich for his O scale BC Rail 907 box car. Larry Leavens also won an Honourable Mention for his HO scale WMRC 2015 Covered Hopper and his HO scale CN 377506 WMRC Commemorative Hopper. Third Place was awarded to Suzanne Lemon for her HO scale WMRC 1955 40-Box Car. Second Place was awarded to Morgan Turney for his HO scale WMRC Baldwin VO 1000 463 locomotive. First Place went to Morgan Turney for his HO scale WMRC 195528 Hydrous-Ammonia Tank Car.
Suzanne Lemon receives her second place award certificate for the special event competition from WMRC Model Contest Chair Morgan Turney.
Paul and Margaret Ullrich receive their honourable mention medallions for the special event model contest from Morgan Turney.
Larry Leavens receives his special event honourable mention certificate from Morgan Turney.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Mondel contest awards presented at Winnipeg Model Railroad Club's annual banquet
Second place was awarded to Gino Kost for his model of a tall steel trestle bridge. Gino also received the kit award, the gold medal award and the Clark Summers award for this structure.
Outside of the structures and the special event competition, no other models were submitted. This led WMRC President to comment in his column in the May issue of The Lantern, the official publication of the Winnipeg Model Railroad Club:
"At our club spring open house we had only a handful of members enter models in the model contest. Even the Special Event had a small turn out with only 5 members entering models. I have to wonder, has modeling become pass� in model railroading? Should the club continue to have a model contest? We have tried to encourage members to bring out their models to meetings by having the monthly model display with a cash prize. This is awarded in a random draw. The people entering are almost always the same few. An open question to the membership - SHOULD THE CLUB CONTINUE TO HAVE A MODEL CONTEST?"
This has been a continuing problem, not only for the club, but for model railroading in general. Many of our finest modellers have passed away, and they haven't been replaced by younger members. Model railroaders can now buy structures that are fully assembled and weathered at a very reasonable cost. Quality rolling stock is now usually cheaper than kits. This makes model railroading less labor intensive, but if this trend continues, we run the danger of having all of our model railroad looking exactly the same.
Gino Kost receives an award certificate from WMRC Model Contest Chair Morgan Turney at the club's annual banquet. Gino won several awards for his model of a tall steel trestle bridge.
Friday, May 15, 2015
Raffle prizes galore at the Winnipeg Model Railroad Club's annual banquet
One of the best things about our annual banquet are prizes, prizes and more prizes! We first hold a raffle for several door prizes. Each person attending gets a ticket when they enter. The prizes not only include model railroad stuff, but several of what we call "non-rail" prizes, which include gift cards to such retailers as Home Depot!
Next comes the elimination draw. Tickets were sold for five dollars for the sole prize of a very nifty HO locomotive, fully equipped with DCC. But in the elimination draw, it's not the first ticket that wins - it's the last! Everyone had lots of fun watching ticket after ticket drawn, waiting in anticipation as to whose name was going to be on that very last ticket!
Our last draw used "arm's length" tickets. A roll of tickets were sold, the amount of tickets you received for five bucks was measured from the tips of your finger to the bridge of your nose when you turned your head. Yes, you could use a taller friend to substitute for you if you happened to be height challenged.
Just about everybody walked away with some sort of prize that night. Some had more prizes than others, but that's the luck of the draw!
One of our youngest members, the lovely Frances South, won this solar mosaic stick light as a door prize. It's going to look just great in her parent's garden!
"Friendly Fridays... Lehigh & Susquehanna RR."
Directions to Wayne Sittner's secluded home not far off of the New York State Thruway include very specific details for turns onto an unmarked road into an unmarked driveway. After negotiating the winding trail under a forested canopy, the retired art teacher's home appears in a clearing, sitting on a shallow hill overlooking a large spring-fed pond with it's scenic man-made island.
The Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired design reflects the natural surroundings that Wayne and his wife cherish. The low horizontal lines of the home's wood and fieldstone siding and the generous amount of windows blend with the manicured hedges and fieldstone retaining walls. Although visitors have come to see the model railroad, a tour of the home and its landscaped property is an unexpected treat. It leaves everyone wondering, 'Where in the world does Wayne find the time and energy to achieve so darned much?'
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The Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired design reflects the natural surroundings that Wayne and his wife cherish. The low horizontal lines of the home's wood and fieldstone siding and the generous amount of windows blend with the manicured hedges and fieldstone retaining walls. Although visitors have come to see the model railroad, a tour of the home and its landscaped property is an unexpected treat. It leaves everyone wondering, 'Where in the world does Wayne find the time and energy to achieve so darned much?'
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Wayne has depicted the area around Wilkes-Barre, PA that he remembers from his childhood. His hand painted backdrops compliment the scratch-built structures on the narrow bench work. |
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Various 'fallen flags' conducted business operations in the Wyoming Valley region and Wayne changes out his roster and even some structures to depict the different operations. |
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The 9' x 40' railroad only occupies a small portion of the basement which also houses a classic Lionel toy train 'set-up' with all of the smoke, bells and whistles, literally, plus assorted collections of military miniatures, antique dolls and vintage metal signs. |
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Each scene that is faithfully modeled comes with fond childhood memories and accompanying stories, usually involving some sort of mischief. |
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Here is an example of a track side building that can be changed out as Wayne has built various railroad prototypes with the same 'footprint.' |
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Determining exactly where the layout ends and the backdrop begins is as difficult in person as it is in photographs. The artist's understanding of shading, shadows and perspective pays real dividends in this regard. |
The Lehigh & Susquehanna RR was featured in Great Model Railroads 2014. Article author Paul Dolkos does a wonderful job of narrating Wayne's story, calling it an 'autobiography or self portrait.' I'll refer to it as 'a diary in 3D.' His artistry and attention to detail make the layout one to study. Weathering techniques are top-drawer and the familiarity with his subject gives Wayne an advantage in conveying a genuine flavor for time and place.
You can learn more from Wayne himself in a couple of weeks. He will be a clinician at the New England/Northeast RPM in Collinsville, CT, May 29-30th.
As for us, this coming week we'll get back to some decisions regarding track plans and the resultant construction issues. Stay tuned.
You can learn more from Wayne himself in a couple of weeks. He will be a clinician at the New England/Northeast RPM in Collinsville, CT, May 29-30th.
As for us, this coming week we'll get back to some decisions regarding track plans and the resultant construction issues. Stay tuned.
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BONUS: RHETORICAL QUESTION OF THE DAY...
Did you know? Seven railroads served the Wyoming Valley area in the 1950's including: the Erie; Central of New Jersey; Delaware & Hudson; Lehigh Valley; Delaware, Lackawanna & Western; Pennsylvania; and the Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley electric line.?
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Marvin Fetch and Vern Gibson's Carson and Cobourg Central Railway debuts at Winnipeg Model Railroad Club's spring layout hop
Here's a great view of the rail yard in the mountain setting created by Vern Gibson and Marvin Fetch for their Carson and Cobourg Central Railway.
One of the highlights of the WMRC's spring layout hop was the grand premiere of Marvin Fetch and Vern Gibson's Carson and Cobourg Central Railway. Vern Gibson was a long time member of the club, and was also part owner of the late, great Elmwood Hobbies. He has a well deserved reputation as a great modeller and a model railroader, and club members have been anxiously waiting for a chance to view his newest effort.
Of course, no one was disappointed at what they saw! The Carson and Cobourg Central Railway was an absolutely spectacular layout. Viewers were dazzled by the amount of detailing that they saw everywhere! Congratulations to Vern Gibson and his model railroading partner Marvin Fetch for creating such a spectacular model railroad! A special treat for Winnipeggers was seeing the popular Bridge Drive In modelled on the layout!
Steam lives on the Carson and Cobourg Central Railway!
Look at all of that motive power coming out of the roundhouse!
Look at all of that motive power coming out of the roundhouse!
There's some diesel power as well, as a vintage CN switcher makes a stop by a fuel tank.
Could it be? Yes it is! It's the Bridge Drive In! The BDI has been a Winnipeg institution for 55 years and countings. Going there for the creamiest shakes in town is always a treat, and it was also a treat to see it modelled on the Carson and Cobourg Central Railway! But it's not nearly as crowded here on this layout than it is on a hot Sunday summer afternoon in Winnipeg!
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