tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25309897136793724742024-03-05T03:26:44.509-08:00quinntopia - An N Scale blogA blog about N Scale trains, especially trains from Minitrix, Fleischmann, Kato, and other producers on European and Japanese trains. But those trains also serve a city, so there's a lot here on urban modeling in N Scale, with scratchbuilds, lighting, building, and kit-bashing kits from Vollmer, Faller, Tomix, TomyTec, Kibri and others (all at a scale of 1:160!).Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.comBlogger353125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-35372571097962042472018-12-24T12:17:00.001-08:002018-12-24T12:17:31.269-08:00MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello everyone! I wanted to wish you all Merry Christmas and let you know that we are getting closer to a move...which will mean a new home with more room for a new layout (one of the reasons I’ve been quiet lately and I’ve dismantled my layouts has been both for work reasons, but also my lack of interest in building a layout and modeling in my garage.).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The other thing I wanted to say (which I’ve thought but never stated) is that the N Gauge community worldwide is pretty awesome. The virtual relationships and friendships that I’ve developed through my blog and YouTube channel over the years have been a profound source of joy, especially in these times. I hope that you have found the same yourself.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yes, there have been a few criticisms. Most of these seem to be from persons who probably have multiple relationship challenges anyway so it’s easy to brush them off. Some of them seem to lack a certain self-awareness or have an entitled idea of what they think MY content should be (or not be) which is pretty hilarious. As with the advice that “it’s your hobby, do what makes YOU happy” I always followed the same philosophy when creating my videos or blog posts. Yep, maybe not to everyone’s tastes, but that’s not the point. Fortunately I’ve been rewarded with thousands of positive responses and likes, which is cool and says a lot about how cool most modelers are in this hobby.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But not everyone! LOL! Happy Holidays!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOzlB9lu8pUx0YfDjZ9pYot7RMcO_DUw2lvIGA5PTJWKF0XPDFI3NqUCL6f6W-PP8HP43duh_NH9I4JMa1Tribfk10JS7xPVqQ4O6rBNKloeqZmiIMQ9ACJBAt_pzand3Jx_dRm8t60R-/s1600/D9E5A73C-B6CC-4DAA-81EE-E2116AAA8FAB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1242" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOzlB9lu8pUx0YfDjZ9pYot7RMcO_DUw2lvIGA5PTJWKF0XPDFI3NqUCL6f6W-PP8HP43duh_NH9I4JMa1Tribfk10JS7xPVqQ4O6rBNKloeqZmiIMQ9ACJBAt_pzand3Jx_dRm8t60R-/s320/D9E5A73C-B6CC-4DAA-81EE-E2116AAA8FAB.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-21469394301582028122018-08-04T18:14:00.001-07:002018-08-04T18:14:25.036-07:00QUINNTOPIA IS SHIPPED OUT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fJ5u1Nv2rWloM5zV1nTt-fOLvYFjQuzGslYnmVdR1w7W8wgHmrfCnJBxSrEUDNCoVVeKa01aYDk7uEGpKDllcs1NyBrJEgsGbZqQbQN0FVWghb36ZjDkCsw8YKnz_wKE23CQXgPFz3Gm/s1600/IMG_7804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fJ5u1Nv2rWloM5zV1nTt-fOLvYFjQuzGslYnmVdR1w7W8wgHmrfCnJBxSrEUDNCoVVeKa01aYDk7uEGpKDllcs1NyBrJEgsGbZqQbQN0FVWghb36ZjDkCsw8YKnz_wKE23CQXgPFz3Gm/s640/IMG_7804.jpg" width="640" /></a>With the "Great Quinntopia Sell-Off" still in progress, I thought I would share this photo of a bunch of buildings going to the Post Office for their new owner! An interesting side note as that a few buyers picked up nearly all of my buildings, which means that somewhere, someplace, someone is going to have a pretty good share of my urban layout! This makes me happy as I like to think that these buildings will be able to seen together as part of a new city.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I do get quite a few questions about the buildings from people on eBay, mostly asking me if I have any more to sell! Unfortunately, all the 'big' ones with lights are gone. I do have a few smaller ones and some facades and other odds and ends that I either haven't had the time to list yet, or need a wire reconnected.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What I'm listing now is mostly rolling stock: Locomotive, freight cars, Subway sets, etc... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have several items (locomotives and sets) that I think are in decent demand, so I'm going to post a few using the 'auction' model later this week (probably Thursday night). So keep an eye out on my eBay c<a href="https://www.ebay.com/sch/joemesmero/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=">hannel (store?</a>) if you're curious....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Its almost impossible to figure out a 'fair' price for all of this. While, in fact, nearly everything (not all!) that I am selling has been used or opened (and a few pieces with some minor damage or flaws), asking a full, new, retail price is insane! But what about the cost of the added decoder? Or interior lights (for passenger cars)? Do people care about those? I still get questions about DCC decoders working in analog, so clearly the DCC aspect has little interest for some people.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Even though I tried to price my buildings really fairly (an informal formula based on level of interior detail, amount of interior lighting, amount of work that went into either the kit-bash or scratch-building, and how the end result turned out) with most selling around $140-$160, but a few really large and 'premium' buildings at $300 or more.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But, they all sold within a few days. Does that mean I priced them too low? Maybe, but I don't think so. Again, there's always a bit of regret saying goodbye to something that represents literally hundreds of hours of time, but with where my time and priorities are right now, its all good.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can build more! :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-86496890936963221852018-07-14T16:55:00.001-07:002018-07-14T16:55:41.619-07:00THE GREAT QUINNTOPIA SELL-OFF IS HERE!Yep, you read that right. I'm selling out. Pretty much everything will go: Locomotives, rolling stock, buildings, track, DCC system, etc...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoqtR0YJ0VFoY9nPqTo5dMIa29Y2Qpf-oyednC2yXURlQ0xBLE10uF8u-U1VUIu-a5bGu7m_BbhijZS4zA9Dd0wm5F0ihDA_y1b_MVAernxTV27b1UjPFheXaV_AcXRo2V8bgBADIy_bI/s1600/Artboard+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoqtR0YJ0VFoY9nPqTo5dMIa29Y2Qpf-oyednC2yXURlQ0xBLE10uF8u-U1VUIu-a5bGu7m_BbhijZS4zA9Dd0wm5F0ihDA_y1b_MVAernxTV27b1UjPFheXaV_AcXRo2V8bgBADIy_bI/s400/Artboard+1.png" width="600" height="459" data-original-width="916" data-original-height="700" /></a></div><br />
If you are interested in any of the buildings or rolling stock you've seen on my layout, keep an eye on my eBay store:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.ebay.com/sch/joemesmero/m.html?item=142867973010&ssPageName=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562">https://www.ebay.com/sch/joemesmero/m.html?item=142867973010&ssPageName=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562</a><br />
<br />
My eBay account is listed under "<b>joemesmero</b>". I created that account a long time ago! :-)<br />
<br />
If you REALLY want to make an offer on something before it goes up on eBay (or just don't want to deal with eBay), send me an email at quinntopia at hotmail dot com or using the 'contact' feature here on the blog. I will start putting most items on ebay in the next couple of weeks, and proably slowly add more stuff through early Fall. I think there's about a hundred different items to photograph, describe, upload, weigh, etc.. so it may take some time for many items to show up.<br />
<br />
Some of you may be wondering....why?<br />
<br />
Well, there is not really just any one reason, but many smaller reasons. Here they are in no particular order: I may be moving in an year. While I planned on boxing everything up, that just didn't make as much sense when you consider the next two reasons.... I've also started my own business (its what I've done my entire professional life, and its an <a href="https://www.mesmero.net/"> ad agency</a>: ) and because <i>that</i> takes up both a lot of TIME and requires MONEY to invest, well....those two things made it hard to find time or resources for more modeling. <br />
<br />
Yep, I still love N scale. The trains, the models, the whole thing. But for the next few years, putting everything in boxes seemed sort of pointless to me. I assume that what I sell I can replace (or get something different) or build again.<br />
<br />
Many of the items will be those things that I spent a lot of time working on. In most cases I'll probably put a crazy 'buy it now' price on it. Honestly, I have no idea how to value a building I spent over a hundred hours working on, particularly when its not a perfect item. So it'll be interesting to see how this goes!<br />
<br />
Please fee free to ask me any questions, and also share this with other N scale modelers who might be interested!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-19752800933815870622018-05-19T13:57:00.002-07:002018-05-19T13:57:44.634-07:00The Glory of N Gauge! A layout montage video!<br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U2C3XTU4B4I" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
Not a lot of actual progress in the past few months, but some new stock and a new video to celebrate! I hope you enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-51458894700910546282017-12-11T21:40:00.002-08:002018-05-19T14:09:18.405-07:00QUINNTOPIA IS BACK! AGAIN!<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BPLzlt45F8A" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
I'm back! This is a short video (really, it's somewhat pathetic as the intro is almost as long as the content. I hope you like the intro anyway) that sort of announces my return to Quinntopia.<br />
<br />
I've been distracted. You see, I found this pinball machine for sale back in March. I've always wanted a pinball machine. I got it cheap (about the price of Trix locomotive with a sound decoder) but it doesn't work. So for the past 9 months I've been restoring it and trying to understand how to make it work. It's almost done, but I missed my trains.<br />
<br />
So there you go. Only time will tell to see if this is another famous Quinntopia false starts?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-43174354536177075592017-03-12T22:35:00.000-07:002017-03-12T22:35:26.467-07:00LAYOUT UPDATE VIDEO!<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bFS4qX6KEKk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Here's a short video of the progress I've made on the layout so far...about 15 months into it! But I think I'm willing to publish a video as it seems like the next step is to start adding track!Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-40190285015285218412017-02-26T10:38:00.002-08:002017-02-26T10:38:31.750-08:00CITY PROGRESS PHOTOS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvRCMd3RmEd_lAhuKciOOutJYYoQTrfnpgx79UTKBHVK51_6KFFG-MbuvY2wkNYE2mFfJs-E3wqS1NyjXbgMTSId7kKEXvMxqeD6kTQ_-bXhh7gNVcggadsRpb-7fqr8TiKeP592gPW5N/s1600/IMG_4122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvRCMd3RmEd_lAhuKciOOutJYYoQTrfnpgx79UTKBHVK51_6KFFG-MbuvY2wkNYE2mFfJs-E3wqS1NyjXbgMTSId7kKEXvMxqeD6kTQ_-bXhh7gNVcggadsRpb-7fqr8TiKeP592gPW5N/s640/IMG_4122.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
A few images of the current status of the city. I still have a few more LED-lit cars to add, and need to straighten some light poles (Wow! Its amazing how the camera can reveal the slightest angle) and lot's of details!<br />
<br />
Above is the street that will parallel the passenger station tracks (it has a name! Its called the "Avenue of the Liberation of Quinntopia"! See my <a href="http://quinntopia.blogspot.com/2016/11/map-of-new-quinntopia.html">map here</a>)...below is the area in front of the Metro Station...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZYrTKHgVBV_XM_GurN2LcJpAM6YCi4kKjbwetviDa54Mm0U_Y7gTx-zZyU1da9407pG4qc9CK4PKqatQrzDTSB48pi6yaRJesOj6EIgkNVZlJUCxdHnhyphenhyphenBfzrCrxtW8ovykYGmlLnuec/s1600/IMG_4123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZYrTKHgVBV_XM_GurN2LcJpAM6YCi4kKjbwetviDa54Mm0U_Y7gTx-zZyU1da9407pG4qc9CK4PKqatQrzDTSB48pi6yaRJesOj6EIgkNVZlJUCxdHnhyphenhyphenBfzrCrxtW8ovykYGmlLnuec/s640/IMG_4123.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Another shot of the area that will eventually be next to the main passenger terminal.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NLk8KBwR8ciDFovtHCo21aOBOGm3Q6QQBNLYUAOA0iKBFmwib83pP1_4tSMLQuBGH9A4NpusbH7nVcrHXQNhl4SLh5Z-C9tHhDJaJhLdFm-vkIZzKOCUjgigwB4M5RREk8H_TJpBUWeb/s1600/IMG_4129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NLk8KBwR8ciDFovtHCo21aOBOGm3Q6QQBNLYUAOA0iKBFmwib83pP1_4tSMLQuBGH9A4NpusbH7nVcrHXQNhl4SLh5Z-C9tHhDJaJhLdFm-vkIZzKOCUjgigwB4M5RREk8H_TJpBUWeb/s640/IMG_4129.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The below photo should provide a pretty good idea of the layout. Right now the City is sort of an island surrounded by wood, which will eventually be the tracks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9XIJAPMsOPPRdS7n8zh7ZQBxX1Kn6gheRU9LZZJzeSE0KD2Oy_C7rXkzJUqWEmEkjDCZC3nAK04VieFLsGrsxvwRvVy4Aif-Bygn3QyeWb50zvs_vIie2XsQp6kbwOnxsCQEXQsMtXsx/s1600/IMG_4136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9XIJAPMsOPPRdS7n8zh7ZQBxX1Kn6gheRU9LZZJzeSE0KD2Oy_C7rXkzJUqWEmEkjDCZC3nAK04VieFLsGrsxvwRvVy4Aif-Bygn3QyeWb50zvs_vIie2XsQp6kbwOnxsCQEXQsMtXsx/s640/IMG_4136.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I still need to add more detail, but I'm pleased with how the Metro Station turned out. I still need to add a decoder to the second Tokyo Subway train so that trains will operate automatically in both directions/<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5kdQU4UhWtNMLEOmDAs9BghCu-uJjl_8P28pu5GQx-SbIATJnn2c5hYf2jL_CxPcaobZ2LQn8RNh8npnHiyh2VqsfnBYKd0mg_H1Rr24Ri-e0heTb0SQ9NZrDOw634AgSownK2VXo20q/s1600/IMG_4139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5kdQU4UhWtNMLEOmDAs9BghCu-uJjl_8P28pu5GQx-SbIATJnn2c5hYf2jL_CxPcaobZ2LQn8RNh8npnHiyh2VqsfnBYKd0mg_H1Rr24Ri-e0heTb0SQ9NZrDOw634AgSownK2VXo20q/s640/IMG_4139.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
An overhead view of "Minitrix Avenue" on the back side of the Metro Station and the recently completed "Gorham Building".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQ532rTY-3gCArmZMzgxoUqY6ayBsIsXu1iyG6oaf4kvpqmku_-U3tMLfByjV0sJeK3IFJix6jRD7Y_YauDD83JFG2qR5Ve8nOIZxVqp7xlfteVEl2HqAJTDYXSQOByl-VkzFg0YC9yDP/s1600/IMG_4141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQ532rTY-3gCArmZMzgxoUqY6ayBsIsXu1iyG6oaf4kvpqmku_-U3tMLfByjV0sJeK3IFJix6jRD7Y_YauDD83JFG2qR5Ve8nOIZxVqp7xlfteVEl2HqAJTDYXSQOByl-VkzFg0YC9yDP/s640/IMG_4141.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And finally, a street level view under the Metro Viaduct on "Kato Avenue"...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOA7xM1I4zQQxPMe-Mc4mnS4aSqmyA5fz65w18SFGwz3o7TiX_2SvJGo24hcGe9Fvoakl63pE-2NDiwxWZYU0quftz0rc3WtVFHQkg0KD1QO0CY2VHPX0uMXwmN2qcTeEXMplRMCRcUV2/s1600/IMG_4131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOA7xM1I4zQQxPMe-Mc4mnS4aSqmyA5fz65w18SFGwz3o7TiX_2SvJGo24hcGe9Fvoakl63pE-2NDiwxWZYU0quftz0rc3WtVFHQkg0KD1QO0CY2VHPX0uMXwmN2qcTeEXMplRMCRcUV2/s640/IMG_4131.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-51064270797958133282017-02-19T14:21:00.001-08:002017-02-19T14:21:14.632-08:00GORHAM BUILDING COMPLETE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivv7Fo8JFeSBAGkPz2dp9Q_RkWr_Rj7t_vOiXFo4V1HTG7UHUF17YCwgxdExJXXD2Mrumc3xGVORI3nxmEib-0iAThCpKxlUUa8iiUg3gwN8wdrXHuKit3kPaWggv8PYqGJRSh-2IN4uRO/s1600/IMG_4082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="gorham building 1" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivv7Fo8JFeSBAGkPz2dp9Q_RkWr_Rj7t_vOiXFo4V1HTG7UHUF17YCwgxdExJXXD2Mrumc3xGVORI3nxmEib-0iAThCpKxlUUa8iiUg3gwN8wdrXHuKit3kPaWggv8PYqGJRSh-2IN4uRO/s640/IMG_4082.jpg" title="gorham building 1" width="640" /></a></div>
Hello modellers!<br />
<br />
Wow, it's been awhile since my last post. I've been busy! I'll have a few more updates shortly.<br />
<br />
I've been adding my buildings to the layout and arranging them, which also means putting together a few kits that have been sitting around. <br />
<br />
I purchased <a href="http://www.custommodelrailroads.com/thegorham-1.aspx">CMR's Gorham Building </a>several years ago (based on <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=gorham+building&espv=2&biw=1733&bih=1288&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiMgIHJlp3SAhVG1mMKHYsXCvwQsAQILA">this actual building</a>) and I decided to finally put it together. It's the ideal size for a certain spot, and decided it was time to get it on the layout! Below is the plat where this new/old building will be installed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcWRyjI-CZpIFHGdmzARmetVDld3Slu9O-1WakYEIQ1MBisjROfeL-bV4Erv3-RJVwwoG4kLQde1McRcCc8BnbzqaCp0lGlInMdUvsgImXJGZQn6PoJwkWzHzlKOFN0q1yS8bYhbsu_nZ/s1600/IMG_4087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcWRyjI-CZpIFHGdmzARmetVDld3Slu9O-1WakYEIQ1MBisjROfeL-bV4Erv3-RJVwwoG4kLQde1McRcCc8BnbzqaCp0lGlInMdUvsgImXJGZQn6PoJwkWzHzlKOFN0q1yS8bYhbsu_nZ/s640/IMG_4087.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The CMR kit is made of an interesting material. It's a laser-cut sort of styrene or plastic. I actually really enjoyed putting it together. And while the pieces are all flat plastic, once complete they look really nice.<br />
<br />
The instructions advise you to paint the structure after assembly, but as I wanted to use different shades of grey for the different layers, I sprayed them all beforehand and then glued after they were painted.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGWVxCC0Wx0bsHEu4nlSWHTGIBd7eXWVKG22ky_-VOBScpiKgjh0VGglC1qFClJJWs9TFdARmS40UGcDvoZjSYRnnLbwu9ZnxZVKBOqG_jA5Uw3PdC3XXgMgwhUV48MKrxUMX_wWB4t4h/s1600/IMG_3993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGWVxCC0Wx0bsHEu4nlSWHTGIBd7eXWVKG22ky_-VOBScpiKgjh0VGglC1qFClJJWs9TFdARmS40UGcDvoZjSYRnnLbwu9ZnxZVKBOqG_jA5Uw3PdC3XXgMgwhUV48MKrxUMX_wWB4t4h/s640/IMG_3993.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqz87ZbInQkeStJninNxC1c3aQWST7vRvFtG4TyQ8Bu6SkC-fn_nx1LPypuaAk0Sr_OUtDXqYQT0h6E91vTh2KSEgypLnfjoVrtT9dPkLX-7hfM8q1CchRB8YWVv4lg8Jt-YeediB43UA/s1600/IMG_3994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqz87ZbInQkeStJninNxC1c3aQWST7vRvFtG4TyQ8Bu6SkC-fn_nx1LPypuaAk0Sr_OUtDXqYQT0h6E91vTh2KSEgypLnfjoVrtT9dPkLX-7hfM8q1CchRB8YWVv4lg8Jt-YeediB43UA/s640/IMG_3994.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Interior detail was primarily limited the large ground floor entrance/lobby area.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtnCQIfGyPWh9gM6qdNHPUb5uITZ5mDc33UVg8T1czH650jzMeHodqiq17BftIotSGmT5VpvAAGr5Bjd4Wez3qTD765zssiGC-fzAY6ZHV-h31uo_4lVPYw6Unc06uaSk2Xk7SPXUiNRm/s1600/IMG_4084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtnCQIfGyPWh9gM6qdNHPUb5uITZ5mDc33UVg8T1czH650jzMeHodqiq17BftIotSGmT5VpvAAGr5Bjd4Wez3qTD765zssiGC-fzAY6ZHV-h31uo_4lVPYw6Unc06uaSk2Xk7SPXUiNRm/s640/IMG_4084.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I really like how this building turned out. in addition to lighting, I applied several coats of washes to really draw out the laser cut details that CMR puts on the pieces.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEthmA0aUfd9EqzauDTlOIuJGHtdXm-Vd0NgN02Tg4Ta-KjhPU-mD1FcYalfvPXHwKAHHEWgistG_LCO-eVEoeBF8-0ogsUs3U4HkKBFGOpPcjQQNJXFDVwJAlzZYH8O-iDEH25wO32Ht3/s1600/IMG_4086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEthmA0aUfd9EqzauDTlOIuJGHtdXm-Vd0NgN02Tg4Ta-KjhPU-mD1FcYalfvPXHwKAHHEWgistG_LCO-eVEoeBF8-0ogsUs3U4HkKBFGOpPcjQQNJXFDVwJAlzZYH8O-iDEH25wO32Ht3/s640/IMG_4086.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
More updates to follow! Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-4366729431887531852017-01-08T17:38:00.000-08:002017-01-08T17:38:27.693-08:00IT'S DONE! LATVERIA STATION COMPLETE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznfQt5TUkVKeLq_HkKhsvb_D8vTPWSx1AMrqb2aHvAta5FufLMwdqrZ55yRIWRf8dsnzbveKyYM0iyYcNTBdVUbTOMvlflHgKkB_Lob2v6Aq3IioIUK9tQcoIU3gpVq58oN2qNvus73R0/s1600/Latveria+Metro+station+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznfQt5TUkVKeLq_HkKhsvb_D8vTPWSx1AMrqb2aHvAta5FufLMwdqrZ55yRIWRf8dsnzbveKyYM0iyYcNTBdVUbTOMvlflHgKkB_Lob2v6Aq3IioIUK9tQcoIU3gpVq58oN2qNvus73R0/s640/Latveria+Metro+station+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It's done!<br />
<br />
And it only took a year! Literally.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://quinntopia.blogspot.com/2016/01/latveria-metro-station-and-metro-line.html">It was a year ago when I had my basic plan </a>for how I would construct an early 20th Century style elevated metro/subway station.<br />
<br />
Hey, these things take time!<br />
<br />
Below are some photos picking up from my last post. As you can probably tell from the photos, lot's of strip styrene....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwQQl4KQOtXly-NWBAd8WlTDY2eCL2PBgpZI4jZLCwbKV28kUGwniKj_hnaDOwWNLOPe2Bmh2U9BtjwfnVjgIZK9rJIOq_q0Lb_IDltmEe_BoGk4BSJkKDGvP_T9f37PSSd3iugso5p4b/s1600/Latveria+Metro+station+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwQQl4KQOtXly-NWBAd8WlTDY2eCL2PBgpZI4jZLCwbKV28kUGwniKj_hnaDOwWNLOPe2Bmh2U9BtjwfnVjgIZK9rJIOq_q0Lb_IDltmEe_BoGk4BSJkKDGvP_T9f37PSSd3iugso5p4b/s640/Latveria+Metro+station+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlq2sttL7QYJdZrlMVDaSQp0XZT2-xpG1McGm0lTg8AJtXc-Ii-ayjd-yt8qTKcqxazSCITsull9BY9OQQmUIIrX4D1Z1R5er-MZs281tPeqLZ_oMdy89bb8wKWjlAHOkHrDYF4_dGwL-/s1600/Latveria+Metro+station+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlq2sttL7QYJdZrlMVDaSQp0XZT2-xpG1McGm0lTg8AJtXc-Ii-ayjd-yt8qTKcqxazSCITsull9BY9OQQmUIIrX4D1Z1R5er-MZs281tPeqLZ_oMdy89bb8wKWjlAHOkHrDYF4_dGwL-/s640/Latveria+Metro+station+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
For the windows on the roof, I had some transparent Evergreen Plastics sheets on which I masked and spray painted horizontal lines to simulate window panes. On top of this I glued pre-painted styrene strips.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8je9gek_a4dmu3BDzmq6RdwJ7lltJS4Htunydo54yM3RYKMt3fQ9S22E8vimp6sc62jkdWV2tHEcTSjdH8LAdYOd7mHEez8htApA-0WB92juQ2Xi-HegZQu9X_nAH9MTWILyY6ifK3vt/s1600/Latveria+Metro+station+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8je9gek_a4dmu3BDzmq6RdwJ7lltJS4Htunydo54yM3RYKMt3fQ9S22E8vimp6sc62jkdWV2tHEcTSjdH8LAdYOd7mHEez8htApA-0WB92juQ2Xi-HegZQu9X_nAH9MTWILyY6ifK3vt/s640/Latveria+Metro+station+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Of course now with the roof finished, I can start to enjoy the station area a bit more!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJT-VtR0me_5fhlcKvszciCLTbdtrZ1t8NbEna36183Veh5nyEvXMCPebB4Nx6mKGvnYHLfjmucvY9R564_Y99uJYxPTgOmLVMBuwl-fgqtCMuo-0xoyJNuS2To-L8r2vQ8SbFWMCmZJrW/s1600/Latveria+Metro+station+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJT-VtR0me_5fhlcKvszciCLTbdtrZ1t8NbEna36183Veh5nyEvXMCPebB4Nx6mKGvnYHLfjmucvY9R564_Y99uJYxPTgOmLVMBuwl-fgqtCMuo-0xoyJNuS2To-L8r2vQ8SbFWMCmZJrW/s640/Latveria+Metro+station+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
One of the many tasks that made the project take time, is having to complete various details. The station platforms were built from scratch, painted, marked with pencil, and of course had people and various bits of details added. Something like this can slow down actual roof construction for several weeks!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LTrtWqpeUZVNfnwtwrUIIO8kz1dgVo1XqAkEE_2l9MXjyy2P7fA1zHw6uFKublRqafrjIP4fz41Cb0umTCIwUJtdsqXsnAATTDO9WC4YSmtlzwKHm_f5h5E33mbSM0-g21xLcoxenRob/s1600/Latveria+Metro+station+platforms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LTrtWqpeUZVNfnwtwrUIIO8kz1dgVo1XqAkEE_2l9MXjyy2P7fA1zHw6uFKublRqafrjIP4fz41Cb0umTCIwUJtdsqXsnAATTDO9WC4YSmtlzwKHm_f5h5E33mbSM0-g21xLcoxenRob/s640/Latveria+Metro+station+platforms.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Interior view with platforms..<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYi8sVRG26NjPrEe009oZwIuvT9zel6ibv_wgDmn31bKToPvXKzjize09DcGZ9n2mGsaO5tcMB47Y3wyKkqsQIuXy63TSye8-M8gKE-j43HR_OCa_LrRAU63xeXGCBIbuKg97Dqx8nBuTK/s1600/Latveria+Metro+station+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYi8sVRG26NjPrEe009oZwIuvT9zel6ibv_wgDmn31bKToPvXKzjize09DcGZ9n2mGsaO5tcMB47Y3wyKkqsQIuXy63TSye8-M8gKE-j43HR_OCa_LrRAU63xeXGCBIbuKg97Dqx8nBuTK/s640/Latveria+Metro+station+7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I almost did not have glass windows on the roof, but I knew that I would regret not being able to see the station interior from the top, plus I like a bit of ambient light coming out of the station! So I'm glad I did it, but it was yet another complication to the roof project that added at least a month of work.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Qry0FFaEUiu2uyqvohj1AyMP0poWh2tj4jTxyU8ncNiRtvCTwpL2GUB0x4ZQ5LNy6nG2yTZt55Zo8de3KGhv56fBbGqPKKi-rr5PZbwN9dBkCYnjMbrFDabwhUlBt6f7_9EN4Ju_Dzx8/s1600/Latveria+Metro+station+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Qry0FFaEUiu2uyqvohj1AyMP0poWh2tj4jTxyU8ncNiRtvCTwpL2GUB0x4ZQ5LNy6nG2yTZt55Zo8de3KGhv56fBbGqPKKi-rr5PZbwN9dBkCYnjMbrFDabwhUlBt6f7_9EN4Ju_Dzx8/s640/Latveria+Metro+station+8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
So, with the station really almost done (Not true: Still a few more details) I can start working on the rest of the city and (believe it or not) actually putting down tracks for the 'main lines'!<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-48279467850174415762016-12-21T18:59:00.002-08:002016-12-22T08:39:11.891-08:00ROOFING THE STATIONHello World of Modelling Fans!<br />
<br />
I apologize for the dearth of posts lately. Its been freaky cold in Quinntopia (the garage where the layout is) and work has been super demanding. The combination of the two means slowwwww progress.<br />
<br />
But that doesn't mean NO progress! I've been building a roof for my station!<br />
<br />
I started with some laser-cut trusses from <a href="http://www.luetke-modellbahn.de/index.php">Luetke Modellbahn</a>. There are too long, so some editing was in order.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJkKBmyD8HHX-IsnpttIupHu09VV7rjM_v9iW5dgixdfHlwDz_P1_rZUGIVYTfjuSm_IhaDorkW7h8QNfZUwX3-Xbp85GbN-AvqPIfivz8z2SeG5hZmzlnme6ZKWVdKWCf-DJO0AmVBv3/s1600/IMG_3625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJkKBmyD8HHX-IsnpttIupHu09VV7rjM_v9iW5dgixdfHlwDz_P1_rZUGIVYTfjuSm_IhaDorkW7h8QNfZUwX3-Xbp85GbN-AvqPIfivz8z2SeG5hZmzlnme6ZKWVdKWCf-DJO0AmVBv3/s640/IMG_3625.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I measured the dimensions of the station to determine the even distribution of the trusses and rough sections...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrRoLE6tq_3S7-jH7glhsuIHHbpZLS17vAC-3QNCDpMbcv_QcGMwhxtGFvck77nIsnGiigpZ1oQ3qA0L-u1CYTcCreR-I3oQj6kQB_UMU9HV09gTsJzMqq2g-X66gNj-y2x4BaS4hQvxa/s1600/IMG_3626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrRoLE6tq_3S7-jH7glhsuIHHbpZLS17vAC-3QNCDpMbcv_QcGMwhxtGFvck77nIsnGiigpZ1oQ3qA0L-u1CYTcCreR-I3oQj6kQB_UMU9HV09gTsJzMqq2g-X66gNj-y2x4BaS4hQvxa/s640/IMG_3626.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
With the correct dimensions established, the trusses are laid onto long strips of styrene to form the roof (and the place to attached the LED strip).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVYC0eQfZ8Cm0LORLHLgitce8TfEyYFFdkFWvRX-YwSKPvKjfrEJNZTPaQQx_peEqpEUABTb5b82KlsiA874yOp0Rhtbp9kf2K4hzANts4MphbL7kuEKIqG7K3bMfcojVeUfLqYZYLBH-/s1600/IMG_3627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVYC0eQfZ8Cm0LORLHLgitce8TfEyYFFdkFWvRX-YwSKPvKjfrEJNZTPaQQx_peEqpEUABTb5b82KlsiA874yOp0Rhtbp9kf2K4hzANts4MphbL7kuEKIqG7K3bMfcojVeUfLqYZYLBH-/s640/IMG_3627.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
With the too-long ends of the trusses trimmed, and a bit of glue, a test fit was in order....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxyQ8UqOrMqgUDRwbqK_YxNIDuIUgvWg70FRhT1gsTjpfkMbD_GQla4Rn3Kitr8g3c6epSNaiSxE9Ju0PEoDhx_tyMbwlZ0VPHuimZ4pXhSIaDtPydRAxfbQuB6I8lgPs8VRf0_8l0RUX/s1600/IMG_3630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxyQ8UqOrMqgUDRwbqK_YxNIDuIUgvWg70FRhT1gsTjpfkMbD_GQla4Rn3Kitr8g3c6epSNaiSxE9Ju0PEoDhx_tyMbwlZ0VPHuimZ4pXhSIaDtPydRAxfbQuB6I8lgPs8VRf0_8l0RUX/s640/IMG_3630.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Now to add the roof itself, paint, and the lighting....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrw3sBeUz4o-YvuJRudxEJ5VXcsUsuIbHZLT1FVzYgCLZXXZ_Jm2YcTSrgDQaVygKAjsayAFUJD0rDyB_Q_y7g5TP5t2mcIYTyaPwbD8c5nQfPJRK5_1XKChiaGRWLsiEECo__IWFEf8td/s1600/IMG_3653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrw3sBeUz4o-YvuJRudxEJ5VXcsUsuIbHZLT1FVzYgCLZXXZ_Jm2YcTSrgDQaVygKAjsayAFUJD0rDyB_Q_y7g5TP5t2mcIYTyaPwbD8c5nQfPJRK5_1XKChiaGRWLsiEECo__IWFEf8td/s640/IMG_3653.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
But for that...you will have to wait for my next post! Thanks for reading!Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-20868030040989394272016-11-26T14:49:00.002-08:002016-11-26T14:49:46.660-08:00STREETLIGHTS AND LIGHTING BUSWith most of the sidewalks and street markings complete in the Commercial District and station area, I am now adding street lights! Below is what they look like ---without power!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4ASlQF1ZX-zcXmbwnNTKWuQpgMKxUQ5D3WfmfZYRD7vTYGMWab7bY-U9Q2AG5y77f3mgJnWz8Y0b2419WPvE8badCndg0GEPTcxuSHNQvFi5TILoH2NOm3xuHfel3e5vzWcwtfSSnSWM/s1600/street+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4ASlQF1ZX-zcXmbwnNTKWuQpgMKxUQ5D3WfmfZYRD7vTYGMWab7bY-U9Q2AG5y77f3mgJnWz8Y0b2419WPvE8badCndg0GEPTcxuSHNQvFi5TILoH2NOm3xuHfel3e5vzWcwtfSSnSWM/s640/street+before.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I'm using very inexpensive, yet surprisingly good-looking LED light posts from We_Honest (and others) from China, available on <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/401042448298?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT">eBay</a>. They are straight LED's without resistors, so you can't just hook them up to your accessory output - you need to add resistance.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OAj3trp6snrjIEZR8wc4WBGFrKaHsEzF0VK_Civ0sHaVA-twfHrls3eKu6Ywi8i28BY82ECEDkRmfhN9bFjCbQSj8n1s5HLDgqUKrJT1m0JTQ_iedWo62yZlrsGUYsBT2LVCq7U6kxUW/s1600/china+led+lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OAj3trp6snrjIEZR8wc4WBGFrKaHsEzF0VK_Civ0sHaVA-twfHrls3eKu6Ywi8i28BY82ECEDkRmfhN9bFjCbQSj8n1s5HLDgqUKrJT1m0JTQ_iedWo62yZlrsGUYsBT2LVCq7U6kxUW/s640/china+led+lights.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
However, one of the challenges with these lights is that the wire connectors are a very fine gauge - maybe 30 AWG or so? Pretty difficult to work with - particularly after being threaded through the layout and working <u>over</u> your head <u>under</u> the layout. The goal is to speed up and minimize the time and effort connecting hundreds of wires under the layout.<br />
<br />
My solution to this is to create a 'lighting bus'. This is simply a thin, narrow material using copper tap (or somethings bare copper wire) attached to both sides.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEX8fT_eFVBVYkU4zbl3XrgRKhTLYrpfEOP7CW-QHd2cuzUTJscZ2BIcLL7bclonYtbHyGINhmFFcMcHWUIYZxZB8MYPQXzYYzmMO1P7ZoGeEuKTgM0S7zRCOnW_xZeulGfHVOxqOSluZ6/s1600/lighting+bus+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEX8fT_eFVBVYkU4zbl3XrgRKhTLYrpfEOP7CW-QHd2cuzUTJscZ2BIcLL7bclonYtbHyGINhmFFcMcHWUIYZxZB8MYPQXzYYzmMO1P7ZoGeEuKTgM0S7zRCOnW_xZeulGfHVOxqOSluZ6/s640/lighting+bus+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The resistors are added to one side (I'm using 470 ohm resistors - you can wire these lights in series with lower resistors, but its actually more work to connect these tiny wires than just attached each light separately to its own resistor).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hXAhl3KmORTjNzLtT4f4nznkTUHDNGYMN2zfiGR63X-hBx2hsZKkUeJAlztcGhkwhHqbhTqZEyGGuvedq7RRh12h28CExtZ4HqXYKnGtnk1sMyPod87tLHlr4LVRw1N5wjfOteCQXE9G/s1600/lighting+bus+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hXAhl3KmORTjNzLtT4f4nznkTUHDNGYMN2zfiGR63X-hBx2hsZKkUeJAlztcGhkwhHqbhTqZEyGGuvedq7RRh12h28CExtZ4HqXYKnGtnk1sMyPod87tLHlr4LVRw1N5wjfOteCQXE9G/s400/lighting+bus+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Then these strips are hung or attached underneath the layout parrelel with the streets and the wires from the street lamps. Now its just a couple of quick taps with the soldering iron to soften up the solder and attach the wire tips and their bare wire leads. Voila! Done!<br />
<br />
In addition to street lights, having this wire bus also makes it easy to add lighted cars. As you can see in the below photo!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoF6hPjIlTNro7oXipZvjc2bueEpPZm6WJeZZAPzWX2VJmiTVs8Y1Hl_4XztegkMlqvIQnJIXc5XLp7yHCfjud-S95eciQOfnVx6KSJSGHUtqOF9j504lp7NaqiWeruW9R4l7Nnm2cRemc/s1600/n+scale+cars+w+lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoF6hPjIlTNro7oXipZvjc2bueEpPZm6WJeZZAPzWX2VJmiTVs8Y1Hl_4XztegkMlqvIQnJIXc5XLp7yHCfjud-S95eciQOfnVx6KSJSGHUtqOF9j504lp7NaqiWeruW9R4l7Nnm2cRemc/s640/n+scale+cars+w+lights.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I'm working out from the Station area towards the Commercial district: Below is looking up the Avenue of the Liberation of Quinntopia towards the Commercial and Residential areas.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1r28JSzMvxQbw0S_9vyEAOPjWDaR1PWlvP_FdKiCOYIM1ZS-Bnn1-E38VOnxA8JQTZxtGrdEaDoAcJ0Wx5acgYWDPIWzrzlvicxUiLpge8rUsNKgpBgSk-zTP3oSphlrvOEvqtexAn8X/s1600/ave+of+the+liberation+of+quinntopia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1r28JSzMvxQbw0S_9vyEAOPjWDaR1PWlvP_FdKiCOYIM1ZS-Bnn1-E38VOnxA8JQTZxtGrdEaDoAcJ0Wx5acgYWDPIWzrzlvicxUiLpge8rUsNKgpBgSk-zTP3oSphlrvOEvqtexAn8X/s640/ave+of+the+liberation+of+quinntopia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Piko Street passes under one side of the station and connects Avenue of the Liberation of Quinntopia towards Minitrix Avenue and then onto an end where it does a hard right and turns into Kato Avenue.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5jOhQCKfmsyuXBdUWsCtnsCLwdNtMfngxE8Ss3PUuHOyBRnN9mN0maJmF3KoaTSggL1tYSb0BxZSfG2_b7mHE4lPPtbaSXvDrL8uM9BD50EhMTlqmPVET7Zr7rCeaemLw41I_iGwA-XJ/s1600/libreation+and+piko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5jOhQCKfmsyuXBdUWsCtnsCLwdNtMfngxE8Ss3PUuHOyBRnN9mN0maJmF3KoaTSggL1tYSb0BxZSfG2_b7mHE4lPPtbaSXvDrL8uM9BD50EhMTlqmPVET7Zr7rCeaemLw41I_iGwA-XJ/s640/libreation+and+piko.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Next! More lights! Once the street lamps (and cars) are installed, then buildings can be placed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-72598207356385428692016-11-20T12:25:00.002-08:002016-11-20T12:25:34.221-08:00MAP OF NEW QUINNTOPIA!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjZPmfG7gw_34N-3JuqJEac_x5LIN2vZV0eTXkcky_78oaV4tgpE8R-Kh_qTumtBTTudArAAvs40dQmmSkeQJtyQJGxjQYV4FGr4CZch_3OmsyxZodBmqd6MKANHz1KpIGtdiNJ7d3VL0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-11-20+at+12.14.32+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjZPmfG7gw_34N-3JuqJEac_x5LIN2vZV0eTXkcky_78oaV4tgpE8R-Kh_qTumtBTTudArAAvs40dQmmSkeQJtyQJGxjQYV4FGr4CZch_3OmsyxZodBmqd6MKANHz1KpIGtdiNJ7d3VL0/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-11-20+at+12.14.32+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
As the municipal electrical employees begin to add street lights to New Quinntopia (having completed adding all of the necessary <a href="http://quinntopia.blogspot.com/2016/11/streets-sidewalks.html">street markings</a> last week), the city planners have published their first map of the street layout of central New Quinntopia!<br />
<br />
The central area of New Quinntopia is currently laid out in three sections. Below is an overview of the central area with some of the key features:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvc7Ribs-lFYH-Yi9V-nJMkkZajWFXJBiUR8Q_sA13g1JjWFlcZk70h2jF7HpbdECYh8MbcfMnHtH2roc0fQ5013XpG0w_U6hFO6BiZg5MHSdnFb5N0w8OxWZ5UQTYU4A_4qyEyB09vob/s1600/overview.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvc7Ribs-lFYH-Yi9V-nJMkkZajWFXJBiUR8Q_sA13g1JjWFlcZk70h2jF7HpbdECYh8MbcfMnHtH2roc0fQ5013XpG0w_U6hFO6BiZg5MHSdnFb5N0w8OxWZ5UQTYU4A_4qyEyB09vob/s640/overview.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Starting from the left, there is the undeveloped industrial district, which may or may not have factories:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixty1dBgROEiaCSXMrpa_ld_3iPKYwISxdVkoZGpDEBnBobz2E2Y8_YKqAE8d1MwCNHRwyyujS2cHQ5HEKaXx6KBzIFHQDar6WnzH0y3NXQzo-V-xhmhwu82n9trCapjlECu3U-7hYDb-m/s1600/industrial.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixty1dBgROEiaCSXMrpa_ld_3iPKYwISxdVkoZGpDEBnBobz2E2Y8_YKqAE8d1MwCNHRwyyujS2cHQ5HEKaXx6KBzIFHQDar6WnzH0y3NXQzo-V-xhmhwu82n9trCapjlECu3U-7hYDb-m/s400/industrial.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Next to the industrial area, and bordered by the QMT (Quinntopia Metropolitan Transit) line, is the Commercial District. This is the area where the main QMT station is located (Latveria Station) along with many office towers and hotels. Planning is underway for the intercontinental railway station Gare de Quinntopia. Which will be completed someday. Probably.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7g_myh80Y9yHomHCjMqj6jVE27EHrRlL7y8ezlKqbdJT_JCSzn7lU_088tqAmOQU3Lpwu82yC7P4H_i4dFpbgiMukkSf6TQ43NV9vXRp0jlBj-gcTdWCpqfCF6P_ZY2sIZONCgPPbg_7/s1600/commercial.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7g_myh80Y9yHomHCjMqj6jVE27EHrRlL7y8ezlKqbdJT_JCSzn7lU_088tqAmOQU3Lpwu82yC7P4H_i4dFpbgiMukkSf6TQ43NV9vXRp0jlBj-gcTdWCpqfCF6P_ZY2sIZONCgPPbg_7/s640/commercial.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
On the right side of the Commercial District, the elevation grows and clusters of houses and apartment buildings dot the hillside. This area is also currently undeveloped. There is some concern from city planners that the ground has a strange pink appearance and is very soft. Outside consultant assure future residents that layers of a new environmental solution called plaster will cover up the toxic and unsightly mess. Everyone is happy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzH9GSGPXKdZ1n8c6Mm4Io8OmOibH_uk7a3BaegVOtT1DmKzZBgGedPjlXUhR_a7vfUb5mKhFF0Gji6g_LweF82MbcO4P_U-mvN3EDE_JWGurMYBg_Wj7XbFHrk61JTjz29Qz9JHWLvnkH/s1600/residential.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzH9GSGPXKdZ1n8c6Mm4Io8OmOibH_uk7a3BaegVOtT1DmKzZBgGedPjlXUhR_a7vfUb5mKhFF0Gji6g_LweF82MbcO4P_U-mvN3EDE_JWGurMYBg_Wj7XbFHrk61JTjz29Qz9JHWLvnkH/s400/residential.png" width="400" /></a></div>
The City Planners have also given each street a distinctive name. The below images show the city streets without the QMT elevated transit overlay. As you can see, Latveria Station faces the <b>Avenue of the Liberation of Quinntopia </b>(named after a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCcxYwiH9HI">famous battle</a> that took place in Quinntopia). On the opposite side of the station is one of the main thoroughfares of central Quinntopia; <b>Minitrix Avenue</b>. The station is bounded by <b>Piko Street</b> on the left, and <b>Tomix Street </b>on the right. A very narrow street - <b>Roco Street</b> - bisects the block opposite the station.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlCAzQ27atdlpUcpm33A-kr3cN1rB_j7uGgkt5KQWnBO0uh-hyQ1dJuOmYjziyZyupCNvE4DNmjX-rIEUC1bix3ge95vw_pQGdgLYrVYRFqYP0WKC_ybm30c6kQxrm9KUlhiVCZCrlYIO/s1600/street+names+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlCAzQ27atdlpUcpm33A-kr3cN1rB_j7uGgkt5KQWnBO0uh-hyQ1dJuOmYjziyZyupCNvE4DNmjX-rIEUC1bix3ge95vw_pQGdgLYrVYRFqYP0WKC_ybm30c6kQxrm9KUlhiVCZCrlYIO/s640/street+names+1.png" width="630" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrR1g4pkhkakQihKNc7rIUKEErUOuix14DSyEQvw-sI-pWR9esVteBrPwGdAhuxvHkuks9C8pvn4TatIGzX6TJcsX6Sk4RUJqvYyosUQuO2G4fcnpN4VpRocnOVI4_cifzHNysKKsMboM6/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-11-20+at+12.21.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrR1g4pkhkakQihKNc7rIUKEErUOuix14DSyEQvw-sI-pWR9esVteBrPwGdAhuxvHkuks9C8pvn4TatIGzX6TJcsX6Sk4RUJqvYyosUQuO2G4fcnpN4VpRocnOVI4_cifzHNysKKsMboM6/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-11-20+at+12.21.59+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Moving to the right of the station, we see that <b>Minitrix Avenue</b> continues, while the <b>Avenue of the Liberation of Quinntopia </b>turns into a one lane road before ending at <b>Fleischman Way</b> - where the future train station will be built. Parallel to <b>Minitrix Avenu</b>e is another major roadway: <b>Kato Avenue</b>. Here in the heart of the commercial district both <b>Minitrix</b> and <b>Kato avenues</b> cross <b>Fleischmann Way</b> and <b>Arnold Way</b> before they continue on and merge in the residential areas along the hillside.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUwsID0_LG5WJ5j5BOrk5ymHluU8__HzuR0Z9-iopiQjbVL6veHdzOgHYFPCoJoBKFoBtfZ5Diotk_EyQ2U-B41LQ27FXEfZBSo79v6CvVH46Dpc9XksH-xIDIRVI0fpBFaeGGbpdMAO1/s1600/street+names+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUwsID0_LG5WJ5j5BOrk5ymHluU8__HzuR0Z9-iopiQjbVL6veHdzOgHYFPCoJoBKFoBtfZ5Diotk_EyQ2U-B41LQ27FXEfZBSo79v6CvVH46Dpc9XksH-xIDIRVI0fpBFaeGGbpdMAO1/s640/street+names+2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5asStqRw4T1StK8xbNJ-HtRuhOdhpjLD9azdSf5HerQC73567xZin_dTgmQx-wY9jGezKA2ppnZFOrkHI4XqEyYW6YesDOAWFLD1TbT2Rmx7bHkOuyw201HoZ0lVN0sZZ9CTdRBjmDS-f/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-11-20+at+12.22.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5asStqRw4T1StK8xbNJ-HtRuhOdhpjLD9azdSf5HerQC73567xZin_dTgmQx-wY9jGezKA2ppnZFOrkHI4XqEyYW6YesDOAWFLD1TbT2Rmx7bHkOuyw201HoZ0lVN0sZZ9CTdRBjmDS-f/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-11-20+at+12.22.15+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Unfortunately, New Quinntopia is not a great destination as no one road yet known to us actually leaves New Quinntopia; so if you get there, you may never be able to leave!Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-11095634599914935052016-11-13T16:15:00.002-08:002016-11-13T16:15:54.351-08:00STREETS & SIDEWALKS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAS8vXS7H32UfSWWDHBrfyn9djL9S88l6YWmxsoQdKzzZUasfljUD0yOLMiggEcsyypBHLgSehki0yWbceUD5-EwnrkJ5W6qDq7VG5zuEQCQuYbdoeig7WL9uk9rLw2_N4iSp8cVafDTX/s1600/n+scale+street+markings+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAS8vXS7H32UfSWWDHBrfyn9djL9S88l6YWmxsoQdKzzZUasfljUD0yOLMiggEcsyypBHLgSehki0yWbceUD5-EwnrkJ5W6qDq7VG5zuEQCQuYbdoeig7WL9uk9rLw2_N4iSp8cVafDTX/s640/n+scale+street+markings+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The very tedious process of creating sidewalks is finally nearing completion. The process I've come up with takes several steps, so it's been...well, tedious!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4EbWrKBFF_DGEtm5r0mALGAQZH5WLXVigXcP0XVaNEPGcH9yPfietUR8505jiM92P2gT20wwcI0YDZutscgpQJXXhEC-oh2H9t93yEUgOo3Voxoe54y7omId4a-HxYLLWs4MoFwIZyOj/s1600/sidwalks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4EbWrKBFF_DGEtm5r0mALGAQZH5WLXVigXcP0XVaNEPGcH9yPfietUR8505jiM92P2gT20wwcI0YDZutscgpQJXXhEC-oh2H9t93yEUgOo3Voxoe54y7omId4a-HxYLLWs4MoFwIZyOj/s640/sidwalks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The good news is that I am now moving on to much more interesting steps. Namely, the placement of street markings! This is another somewhat time consuming step, but when its all done it will be worth it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CudHI16ARJRwpn_e_dSwqHOlUr9UpoE87zISyf4Bc9E6aLlGZ57ArJp0Uhy0fB6vuGWuQ99ONs-lHfbbuZ-kXivoF5kKxe1dV9s2Oc0bXssOQtFy6_20fZvKepWu1zbMeoKzhoiWC4Kq/s1600/n+scale+street+markings+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CudHI16ARJRwpn_e_dSwqHOlUr9UpoE87zISyf4Bc9E6aLlGZ57ArJp0Uhy0fB6vuGWuQ99ONs-lHfbbuZ-kXivoF5kKxe1dV9s2Oc0bXssOQtFy6_20fZvKepWu1zbMeoKzhoiWC4Kq/s640/n+scale+street+markings+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Once I have all the street markings down (almost there!) I'm going to weather the streets with some weathering powder, and then apply a flat clear-coat over the whole mess. Once that's complete, I'll add street lighting and then the buildings are added!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzS-CMAGBpsTeNiI2KNiEa6UyBO4-V9VbPL3Tvkh4zoyjUyBNdwqg8YD30aI8Pa_u5zmeB7t_oRjfmPSMiKHkoNza6GE8ZmeI90Iam8wrM8Sbmdd20iTle2bG6a362DGPvyP4rbvR0Ooz3/s1600/n+scale+street+markings+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzS-CMAGBpsTeNiI2KNiEa6UyBO4-V9VbPL3Tvkh4zoyjUyBNdwqg8YD30aI8Pa_u5zmeB7t_oRjfmPSMiKHkoNza6GE8ZmeI90Iam8wrM8Sbmdd20iTle2bG6a362DGPvyP4rbvR0Ooz3/s640/n+scale+street+markings+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The last time I create <a href="http://quinntopia.blogspot.com/2010/12/street-markings-in-n.html">street marketings was six years ago</a>, and I used a similar solution: dry transfer decals. However, my experience last time led me to prefer the dry transfer decals from Japanese company "TGW". The Busch are nice, the Faller are difficult (but that might be because they are old and the decals have dried out?) and Woodland Scenics leaves too much glue residue. I ordered the TGW street markings from <a href="http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10021994">Hobbysearch Japan</a>. While not perfect, they apply really well and don't have tendency to crack or break as much. I had to trim the crosswalks to avoid a specifically Japanese style, but this was just a minor step.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3NrfrFwyDt1v5C6bvSP2rhJGcxV55DtCwCrI3r3OMsAZ0FQvM_SqpgEcWxFkoMQAqBwRzLAW8tsIV7BROBnksI5kl9lqw1FYYZgZAVYHjQ0h06H9uHUQHIGn10_Ht0r6TlYD91XiqSWn/s1600/n+scale+street+markings+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3NrfrFwyDt1v5C6bvSP2rhJGcxV55DtCwCrI3r3OMsAZ0FQvM_SqpgEcWxFkoMQAqBwRzLAW8tsIV7BROBnksI5kl9lqw1FYYZgZAVYHjQ0h06H9uHUQHIGn10_Ht0r6TlYD91XiqSWn/s640/n+scale+street+markings+3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
And like I said....soon the buildings are coming back! Here is my jam-packed workbench with most of the large structures out of their storage boxes! Soon!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGF5Q_hyU-rWm0sJJjGPxT5dICod6iPattWjPvij8rAVJ4mFhrocnsXooDTchCbP-lX50rE8lcYxmFjGy5x8bdSKcUJoota10N_2jA0uEWhljGb1_fdSoE06aNBtl3RDrwHFOZVGU83SC/s1600/n+scale+buildings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGF5Q_hyU-rWm0sJJjGPxT5dICod6iPattWjPvij8rAVJ4mFhrocnsXooDTchCbP-lX50rE8lcYxmFjGy5x8bdSKcUJoota10N_2jA0uEWhljGb1_fdSoE06aNBtl3RDrwHFOZVGU83SC/s640/n+scale+buildings.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-1261033319558895692016-10-16T14:46:00.002-07:002016-10-16T14:52:06.125-07:00SIDEWALKS FOR THE CITY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTwUDLrrw9SWjpfQtBnRlQnIleMtJ7tE69QhDCNaulCmJiLpAymFPIyIrnMpiGHIM8LPDD_PT2lx4R7v-Dyfw5f9K_ofECwQCRm5rHp9S_tSyLEJKsuFPJvYkAOn-9B5WZICK58jzPrNL/s1600/IMG_3436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTwUDLrrw9SWjpfQtBnRlQnIleMtJ7tE69QhDCNaulCmJiLpAymFPIyIrnMpiGHIM8LPDD_PT2lx4R7v-Dyfw5f9K_ofECwQCRm5rHp9S_tSyLEJKsuFPJvYkAOn-9B5WZICK58jzPrNL/s640/IMG_3436.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The new layout slowly develops...currently my focus is on arranging the city, which is defined by the placement of roads and sidewalks. This is both fun and somewhat complicated; it's nice to try different placements of structures, but also complicated trying to allow for somewhat realistic looking streets and placing buildings so that they look right when lined up next to each other.<br />
<br />
For my previous layout, I used styrene sheets for the 'sidewalks/city blocks' (<a href="http://quinntopia.blogspot.com/2009/09/creating-sidewalks.html">see here</a>), which was adequate. However, styrene sheets are somewhat expensive for this role and are a little difficult to cut. This time I am using card stock. I paint it with a 'Dark Aircraft Grey', and then using a pencil add gridlines and then some weathering powder to 'dirty it up' and then finish up with a matte coat of spray paint:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAmQXP2A5QqFjpOs9i6mlEuwGdkzX3JG-wPDKMXTK5m0Q9bTQISzCYXmupE_-fQbqJZ8JDuap5x_S12idPq1yv8UYMnX6VCgvjk1syyKhEUtJekb7Batw5srayM6cPzoNzq4jKRF4jDom/s1600/IMG_3432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAmQXP2A5QqFjpOs9i6mlEuwGdkzX3JG-wPDKMXTK5m0Q9bTQISzCYXmupE_-fQbqJZ8JDuap5x_S12idPq1yv8UYMnX6VCgvjk1syyKhEUtJekb7Batw5srayM6cPzoNzq4jKRF4jDom/s640/IMG_3432.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
In another new method, I'm actually glueing the sidewalks to the streets. Previously they were held in place by the streetlights, but since I''' me using a different type of streetlight this time, I decided to permanently affix the sidewalks to the street base using contact cement:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgammSgsLPWJEJ7bdBbFAjHLTCq0Xz8CUn-3TUqbdGvhWnr5G_797usgzdZHUGU6PJhdNYZv_iDolJ4s_rhwoD1IlT2RpQgw1xyhUIo8-Y6A3sZ5BIWE51yabrPJcnSvI7m7VGhnRvgYhC7/s1600/IMG_3435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgammSgsLPWJEJ7bdBbFAjHLTCq0Xz8CUn-3TUqbdGvhWnr5G_797usgzdZHUGU6PJhdNYZv_iDolJ4s_rhwoD1IlT2RpQgw1xyhUIo8-Y6A3sZ5BIWE51yabrPJcnSvI7m7VGhnRvgYhC7/s640/IMG_3435.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The advantages of both the cardstock and applying the sidewalks with contact cement is that the sidewalks now have a more realistic looking lower profile, and they now always sit flush to the street itself.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFpGZ4uWLgwU0kqqqZ7Icbbj8BZOTb7lK9W9vZFdsemm6lInDAvOJ6o_TrCrUsFENGa9GroojgUgg8NlaBkj9HnjinqIJNeWprgWKuA8jlaibbJWpEQ9a347Wcu6HZQRACjIrTnghiZYQ/s1600/IMG_3433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFpGZ4uWLgwU0kqqqZ7Icbbj8BZOTb7lK9W9vZFdsemm6lInDAvOJ6o_TrCrUsFENGa9GroojgUgg8NlaBkj9HnjinqIJNeWprgWKuA8jlaibbJWpEQ9a347Wcu6HZQRACjIrTnghiZYQ/s640/IMG_3433.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
As I mentioned above, building placement is a tricky thing. I have small buildings, old buildings, new buildings, tall buildings, apartments, offices, retail, etc... so trying to combine them appropriately so it appears to be how a city could naturally evolve is kind of a challenge. There's a certain commitment level to it as well since the sidewalks are basically designd to fit a certain group of buildings. <br />
<br />
I say all that to point out that my next blog post with any visible updates may take a while! So in the meantime, thanks for reading and check back soon!<br />
<br />Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-82577437741594085342016-09-04T11:24:00.002-07:002016-09-04T12:33:33.856-07:00THE METRO IS RUNNING!<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xysat0XLgpY" width="640"></iframe></div>
Finally! After months and months or planning, building, delaying and so on, we have activity on Quinntopia again! Whoohoo!<br />
<br />
Here are some 'action photos'...<br />
<br />
On the girder section approaching the station...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGm3LaX_4uxRJhdzEwRVBVuuoHiqGa-A659zDlSK6j8p55PDhX_33a8y3ZG-_tZ91CgQlC0EBUpJ7yTiS0ntBAKYimoCQCa0pKrQyshlRB0DUqQN_D04Mvy-V-l0DGyisXH-COkMwfzP5/s1600/IMG_3256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGm3LaX_4uxRJhdzEwRVBVuuoHiqGa-A659zDlSK6j8p55PDhX_33a8y3ZG-_tZ91CgQlC0EBUpJ7yTiS0ntBAKYimoCQCa0pKrQyshlRB0DUqQN_D04Mvy-V-l0DGyisXH-COkMwfzP5/s640/IMG_3256.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
On the high extension over the main railway right of way....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJ9AGqiNju38OH7xnMSQUly9LiNUdLZQmPhibnPVbJpNmjVc5dTxj7XIyddIXHmLv66l62MUNovmWyKvWkcsp7OyVMBqOxiNxyWeKyHY3tGrMtrudVm3TUTausbWWXjVzpqbbip9oVpKC/s1600/IMG_3258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJ9AGqiNju38OH7xnMSQUly9LiNUdLZQmPhibnPVbJpNmjVc5dTxj7XIyddIXHmLv66l62MUNovmWyKvWkcsp7OyVMBqOxiNxyWeKyHY3tGrMtrudVm3TUTausbWWXjVzpqbbip9oVpKC/s640/IMG_3258.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Another angle...this portion of the structure was complicated to build as each of my elevated sections is meant to come apart, and also need to be level, stable and look good (while also allowing for four or five tracks below!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVuFbFO9IDDbb1vWqG0m1TyNhq0Zhn6Vfaz-sV6a1UXbI_eihYgv6zxvenhcNFdoX_Ta-hisJ12nCJCOik__2urOV9jdSCsSPN490YNZQcUnJFboRYs10PAU1LgaKxDwpanF7FdOq72Dn/s1600/IMG_3259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVuFbFO9IDDbb1vWqG0m1TyNhq0Zhn6Vfaz-sV6a1UXbI_eihYgv6zxvenhcNFdoX_Ta-hisJ12nCJCOik__2urOV9jdSCsSPN490YNZQcUnJFboRYs10PAU1LgaKxDwpanF7FdOq72Dn/s640/IMG_3259.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
This shot sort of shows the entire loop. Ultimately you won't be able to see the entire loop as much of it will be blocked by buildings!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkq0KO46QIqWNMts9FPfj_y7OQ9AXFCn3BtyJ-gy0IPuBFhHxR1gGJu0ebkfzL6_7GM2IMs_tiPJ9hsY2qAMlOCR-nsDRbYLZ3IbQjqxxKMerVLrBBpdDysa6vPThAxjU6zdFPKTHkiauN/s1600/IMG_3260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkq0KO46QIqWNMts9FPfj_y7OQ9AXFCn3BtyJ-gy0IPuBFhHxR1gGJu0ebkfzL6_7GM2IMs_tiPJ9hsY2qAMlOCR-nsDRbYLZ3IbQjqxxKMerVLrBBpdDysa6vPThAxjU6zdFPKTHkiauN/s640/IMG_3260.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
While much of the time was spent trying to figure out how to scratch build an elevated trestle system, an equally large share of time (and money!) was spent trying to figure out how to automate DCC equipped trains so that they automatically stop, wait, and then depart from the station. The solution to that problem came from the <a href="http://www.viessmann-modell.com/shop/product_info.php?info=p585_Timer-train-stop.html&XTCsid=2d7a95bf061078b0bf375afa23821c5d">Viessmann 5208</a>. This is an automatic timer unit that connects to insulated rails (a total of four blocks) and allows for automatic detection, stopping and then acceleration. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_j2o53mzd1VFJPlodHutxK0nk_UKWSUewiozmQRb2I___5xzlxtBmU7Vof-q601r4T1vvjMZUeuITQVjysrPrpPWU_HhBBv5mCgS9QNYlPZmJ8dZEWrjH29I-X8HHVbXAEuzGRq-HIoXK/s1600/IMG_3261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_j2o53mzd1VFJPlodHutxK0nk_UKWSUewiozmQRb2I___5xzlxtBmU7Vof-q601r4T1vvjMZUeuITQVjysrPrpPWU_HhBBv5mCgS9QNYlPZmJ8dZEWrjH29I-X8HHVbXAEuzGRq-HIoXK/s640/IMG_3261.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I was curious about how this unit would work with my Digitrax DZ-125 Equipped Kato Ginza Line Metro, and it does seem to work just fine! Although the 'crawling' section' portion does not feature the deceleration proposed in the items feature lists, which may be due to the decoder (more on this later). These units are not particularly cheap (about $80) and will only operate on one track, but compared to upgrading to a Z21 or Viessmann Commander or ESU ECOS, these are much more affordable options at this time.<br />
<br />
Now that I've proven I <i>can</i> get train automation to work, I need to get a second 5208, another 'metro' train (I debate whether I should go for an identical or similar <a href="http://www.sumidacrossing.org/PhotoAlbums/ModelTrainPhotos/KatoGinza01Photos/">Kato Ginza,</a> or something a bit more 'vintage' looking...any suggestions?) so that the elevated line has real 'action' with two trains running in opposite directions!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then I can finish the station - platforms, roof, lighting (you can see the electrical leads for my eventual lighting of the station interior in the video!) and then start mapping out streets and building placement! And then, and THEN...its on to laying down track for the 'main' railway lines!</div>
Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-25503082528410774092016-07-31T11:52:00.003-07:002016-09-04T12:34:57.550-07:00ELEVATED TRANSIT ALMOST READY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWNL95awBX7VwJSX0aY5nzeLCk7w8x7H1xt4Gd7xej9EHcCxKWThTrXloflTetL0jlxERJDIZeonKM78vtkMiKuPsAmLb8aH6aR_OEnFbQoBkIeodOWDMoAKnAU1cTiI-zF8vWUKCFU-X/s1600/Metro-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWNL95awBX7VwJSX0aY5nzeLCk7w8x7H1xt4Gd7xej9EHcCxKWThTrXloflTetL0jlxERJDIZeonKM78vtkMiKuPsAmLb8aH6aR_OEnFbQoBkIeodOWDMoAKnAU1cTiI-zF8vWUKCFU-X/s640/Metro-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The elevated Metro line is almost complete: All tracks and elevated structures are done with soldered leads, color-coded drop lines, rust painted rails, and flat black base coat. The only thing actually keeping me from running trains is that I still need to add track to the station and wire everything up....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizrDjTOkoLNvsRlMrVCWPub-onHEVHU62lPQghXOVAFT2a82pzlDDjQIKeDmEQIK1gP38Yzc8pTds4YxseVTRIt1ATp9jyc-lbO5Gx0XL7YtuBf4P5VCp2mjDKAFaEnqM57oQy8wPsZbQ/s1600/Metro+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizrDjTOkoLNvsRlMrVCWPub-onHEVHU62lPQghXOVAFT2a82pzlDDjQIKeDmEQIK1gP38Yzc8pTds4YxseVTRIt1ATp9jyc-lbO5Gx0XL7YtuBf4P5VCp2mjDKAFaEnqM57oQy8wPsZbQ/s640/Metro+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
With the basic form of the elevated line now established, I can actually start to move on to other areas....like setting up the actual city and the main rail lines! But, not so fast...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4Lam6rXNtx9Tjkl0TmmxxyjGQCbGR8k2uVEYDiyeU1zP1UvZbnsJSkmqZImx5yA-VFqPq96IHiF9vShK_9iO_WW1Gf7cVSWsO7BR2zxCS57P2p21kO6iwdqDaodkHHPepw29bLJF3hil/s1600/Metro-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4Lam6rXNtx9Tjkl0TmmxxyjGQCbGR8k2uVEYDiyeU1zP1UvZbnsJSkmqZImx5yA-VFqPq96IHiF9vShK_9iO_WW1Gf7cVSWsO7BR2zxCS57P2p21kO6iwdqDaodkHHPepw29bLJF3hil/s640/Metro-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
First, all of the elevated structures have come off the layout for two reasons - one additional pass with the airbrush to add a bit more color to the side-wall girder sections (whatever they are called) and to also lay down the <a href="http://www.sintrapvc.com/">sintra</a> material I decided to stick with for my streets/city underlayment. Unlike with my last layout, I felt my city streets were too 'black' and decided to go with a grey color this time (I think it looks more 'worn' and has a slightly older feel).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRJr6YBKQse5eb3PNiX8cQybz2Yt-MdVpDrtkg9HxckC4MRc4HzU1sggsxVzyvrRsNAx4TxwqYQ8cDkgfulBO16Xg89xNdxtqCKE179cTDbjkLn7voijiYpbhKjoDcspzMW8S26oaRtgK/s1600/Street+Laying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRJr6YBKQse5eb3PNiX8cQybz2Yt-MdVpDrtkg9HxckC4MRc4HzU1sggsxVzyvrRsNAx4TxwqYQ8cDkgfulBO16Xg89xNdxtqCKE179cTDbjkLn7voijiYpbhKjoDcspzMW8S26oaRtgK/s640/Street+Laying.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In addition to the 'flat' city area, my little hill on the north end of the layout is getting straights laid across its terrain!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZInocupysRMwCVlwFA4CC1zOVI-QY3LjQZORgoFEJOojnsvTv5lTNNv6ZDtRibssBE-vj53RCoBcHGB1t9dZPK0X5Rk_a2Tqe3-6JJgfDlVIEYXlL_cqPqN_vYYX-HBaI6eMd9f2C515J/s1600/Hillside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZInocupysRMwCVlwFA4CC1zOVI-QY3LjQZORgoFEJOojnsvTv5lTNNv6ZDtRibssBE-vj53RCoBcHGB1t9dZPK0X5Rk_a2Tqe3-6JJgfDlVIEYXlL_cqPqN_vYYX-HBaI6eMd9f2C515J/s640/Hillside.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
In my next post, I hope to have the final paint for the elevated structures complete, and have the elevated section completely operating. I have another 'automated stop' device that I will be testing as well. So stay tuned!Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-59698077145336938722016-06-28T19:30:00.001-07:002016-09-04T12:42:15.602-07:00LATVERIA METRO: 75% COMPLETE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIkQ1-nk-az0Mj4oUJaYTCBpH0j8H-oUklJrJUrD70ntrg9YrcDfhQ2lj1SP7jsqgMwwiAWmKhgcIcVMzWHfe_-ug5Xj7tQYktm1ejdTy7MrvkD50vDSuMRcvHpVdnHNExtsEtn9CHDmY/s1600/latveria_metro_station_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIkQ1-nk-az0Mj4oUJaYTCBpH0j8H-oUklJrJUrD70ntrg9YrcDfhQ2lj1SP7jsqgMwwiAWmKhgcIcVMzWHfe_-ug5Xj7tQYktm1ejdTy7MrvkD50vDSuMRcvHpVdnHNExtsEtn9CHDmY/s640/latveria_metro_station_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
A major mini-milestone has been completed! The base for the Metro station is <b>done</b> and the overall station is now 75% complete! What began <a href="http://quinntopia.blogspot.com/2016/01/latveria-metro-station-and-metro-line.html">seven months ago</a> as an idea to do something more classic than the Kato Suburban Station is finally nearing completion! Behold! The Latveria Metro Station!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hqz7JYZa_UHHwpapKmNdwyjw5N26xYx1OfiAlxtFanWdYT-vRj0JdV6KBXriOk0w0Psodcqw5mcoWdfSyJnlFzDnUEYUzV08-ckzhnkUUjiWPDEG0LxucjDsMHr4PKTaFw00wv57ZBKY/s1600/latveria_metro_station_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hqz7JYZa_UHHwpapKmNdwyjw5N26xYx1OfiAlxtFanWdYT-vRj0JdV6KBXriOk0w0Psodcqw5mcoWdfSyJnlFzDnUEYUzV08-ckzhnkUUjiWPDEG0LxucjDsMHr4PKTaFw00wv57ZBKY/s640/latveria_metro_station_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In addition to the four Walthers Northern Light Power Stations, the building also uses Greenmax Concrete Viaduct Piers as accents. The only item surviving from the Kato station is the stairway shown in the above photo. The above is the 'front' entrance' with a wide pedestrian arcade or entrance...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPoprRvDzJlSljlB07AqELkxAlCjt-Fn5tCnPokxZr-FhrfDnjrLbpLLjTv_HqM7YQVEYsxwJWzQO4mxFabyVjwqqj20IdQhAdraBnV5d6MhPCb5bdG3cRA1a_OaPcB-i5d2eWDEtYN-q/s1600/latveria_metro_station_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPoprRvDzJlSljlB07AqELkxAlCjt-Fn5tCnPokxZr-FhrfDnjrLbpLLjTv_HqM7YQVEYsxwJWzQO4mxFabyVjwqqj20IdQhAdraBnV5d6MhPCb5bdG3cRA1a_OaPcB-i5d2eWDEtYN-q/s640/latveria_metro_station_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Above is the rear of the building. Not much to say. I had hoped to NOT have to build a rear to this building to save both time and money, but no better plan presented itself for what to do on the back side, so another long cycle of cutting, gluing, etc... took place.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgg5Fh0y1h_wMkQGo_6aRksEJCwGZF1BANCmheJBHoVN1q3ei6ya70sUwISWDNuShYZ5n_gDbMGuqOkGQ8RbuClabRt9r5NjaHU2GM8WAqVZbIyxF86ENQcZwKSwDEsvjO-4_HlrzHYer/s1600/latveria_metro_station_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgg5Fh0y1h_wMkQGo_6aRksEJCwGZF1BANCmheJBHoVN1q3ei6ya70sUwISWDNuShYZ5n_gDbMGuqOkGQ8RbuClabRt9r5NjaHU2GM8WAqVZbIyxF86ENQcZwKSwDEsvjO-4_HlrzHYer/s640/latveria_metro_station_4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another shot of the front of the building. The ground floor is lit with LED strip lights. I used two different colors...a 'white' LED for the common/public areas, and a warmer color for the interior shops.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDPZWZGcEZ24vp6SsTtKXPb9EfnC7jZbnWU0XnYg45iYgN34mVFTLQzewPxB315Sv9u-yRb4OFq-gh3wbrqa1iq9CD-K0MltdJklaUJEoYWk7ns_KFrHMvPhj-5jXPBgkTKlBYGY6Dcr8/s1600/interior_brick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDPZWZGcEZ24vp6SsTtKXPb9EfnC7jZbnWU0XnYg45iYgN34mVFTLQzewPxB315Sv9u-yRb4OFq-gh3wbrqa1iq9CD-K0MltdJklaUJEoYWk7ns_KFrHMvPhj-5jXPBgkTKlBYGY6Dcr8/s640/interior_brick.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of the major challenges to get to this stage was determining what to do with the interior facing walls of the train area. Just painting the plastic would not look good. I thought of adding a thin styrene facade, but the idea of cutting out 40 windows was not something I was looking forward to. Fortunately, paper seemed like a good idea, and the website <a href="http://paperbrick.co.uk/">paperbrick.co.uk</a> has a great tool for selecitng and printing multiple brick patterns. What a cool tool! Made my day. Above is a photo of the printed brick patterns being trimmed to fit the interior walls.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEgufsA1FqE0cKGHjRNHx7uMEAQ0zriRywtqjAKmPV1s9UIWEeOzuDLCj9IiOdeHPoyY1k5o03QfIe-nYz0JwNad7QJjCqmTeD29dY2T7Qrdmvq8QtgMB_7_lrVBVI0wMEl4PikAhGpNw/s1600/latveria_metro_station_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEgufsA1FqE0cKGHjRNHx7uMEAQ0zriRywtqjAKmPV1s9UIWEeOzuDLCj9IiOdeHPoyY1k5o03QfIe-nYz0JwNad7QJjCqmTeD29dY2T7Qrdmvq8QtgMB_7_lrVBVI0wMEl4PikAhGpNw/s640/latveria_metro_station_5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Now that the foundation is complete...I can work on finishing both the elevated metro track system and the platforms/roof/interior of the station. That means we're actually getting closer to running trains!<br />
<br />
But not so fast...I still need to figure out how to automate the station stops for the metro trains. After futilely working with some non-conventional items, I am convinced I need to put on the big boy pants and go with a Loconet system / DCC / Computer (or Command Center) to automate these trains. It seems the only really effective way to make it work. Yes, SOME of you tried to <a href="http://quinntopia.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-pain-of-automation.html">warn me</a> of this several months ago...I get it! You were right! :-0<br />
<br />
And with that...see you next time!Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-15089785507284340702016-06-18T20:17:00.000-07:002016-09-04T12:36:03.043-07:00MISHMASH UPDATEQuick updates!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidXPUsiZfVTsLMqlcLgnznpZsmjcEfp7cRhrZcJ6-PiV6G02R6aWPwQHCfVYVhf_wFYDaMcIVhwJLkc-OWMzIz5cOqAS24ItpPnzgq5GeqQuWKhjY5S0kCjgZjnboUZlQx9zJ6_DiYWGr/s1600/arches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidXPUsiZfVTsLMqlcLgnznpZsmjcEfp7cRhrZcJ6-PiV6G02R6aWPwQHCfVYVhf_wFYDaMcIVhwJLkc-OWMzIz5cOqAS24ItpPnzgq5GeqQuWKhjY5S0kCjgZjnboUZlQx9zJ6_DiYWGr/s400/arches.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Painting continues on Latveria Station! I need to get the exterior painted, interior detailed, and lighting added so I can add the station to the elevated metro loop so I can start to assemble the city and then add track for the rest of the layout. So this one little (well, not so little actually!) building is the lynchpin upon which all future progress rests!<br />
<br />
Below I am starting to add walls for the ground floor of the station....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLaWQ2DzLjsnEFlPu5ckqiLQyuWBfcKj1Pd95kox5Qv1GoF-2oxXVS_N-P9MgLbxDP8g5nCvgET3gmRyj262HeoMqa2j3I2ed2IuvmnV62d3MOMM-nbBAjixxbD0lVR_9guZsZEh_vo4E9/s1600/base.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLaWQ2DzLjsnEFlPu5ckqiLQyuWBfcKj1Pd95kox5Qv1GoF-2oxXVS_N-P9MgLbxDP8g5nCvgET3gmRyj262HeoMqa2j3I2ed2IuvmnV62d3MOMM-nbBAjixxbD0lVR_9guZsZEh_vo4E9/s640/base.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And in the photo below you can see that more color has been added. I still need to tweak the colors a bit more and figure out what exactly I am going to do about the windows on this station, but it is finally starting to look like a structure!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1ktr_uPkfReCjjeufL3fB8n0Pgd7N4xhcpJd_I7-zfpsFlMKlQN2GhnOkUjKkNPUFa5-caINU24AUHDZGBXprKweqBw2DX21cr-mKg2slPwIJl6L9Hmz4Sn0N9UabO2MCtb0dstYk5IU/s1600/painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1ktr_uPkfReCjjeufL3fB8n0Pgd7N4xhcpJd_I7-zfpsFlMKlQN2GhnOkUjKkNPUFa5-caINU24AUHDZGBXprKweqBw2DX21cr-mKg2slPwIJl6L9Hmz4Sn0N9UabO2MCtb0dstYk5IU/s640/painting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
As I mentioned above, the elevated line is a key foundation for the layout, and in the section where it swings out over the main line I needed to scratchbuild my own elevated trestle so it would look realistic (which is not the same as prototypical!).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyNPDcbeLFwMuZk64IET84b0o_fK_jCA_muKYAZ_GGYVbu70GiSSt-3wdBYkZHrOAOsutxIDtGKJ-c_aiIgB-hjFSxlk6mhVaSBXGGsSuWCD-Uy7QsJPXgPxGaqnaGEB9KK9JO6HgCfGx/s1600/bridge+girders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyNPDcbeLFwMuZk64IET84b0o_fK_jCA_muKYAZ_GGYVbu70GiSSt-3wdBYkZHrOAOsutxIDtGKJ-c_aiIgB-hjFSxlk6mhVaSBXGGsSuWCD-Uy7QsJPXgPxGaqnaGEB9KK9JO6HgCfGx/s640/bridge+girders.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Here's another view of the girder work on the elevated section. I was a bit concerned with how this was going to turn out, but I think its going to look allright.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBL-_sjhE9CyqW8lYdcuVnxnR87NZS3Ypb9TWQvYqgKsPyvhmyfZ9juUcEoPe6qFPX6EuHo4tDg11U59cG-q3vlJ9qHfKTfoNkG22te19HkFz98JqF9KV_qzASY31co1hI8Cx09Y8qptx2/s1600/girders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBL-_sjhE9CyqW8lYdcuVnxnR87NZS3Ypb9TWQvYqgKsPyvhmyfZ9juUcEoPe6qFPX6EuHo4tDg11U59cG-q3vlJ9qHfKTfoNkG22te19HkFz98JqF9KV_qzASY31co1hI8Cx09Y8qptx2/s640/girders.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-40469256035739599392016-05-29T19:34:00.002-07:002016-05-29T19:34:40.629-07:00The Rich and Powerful have their Stinking Mansion!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsxTkjlmXM5xgtL-Mhl1GOMvQayWaOOIkIafwvggwJ2t-G3WmvdmlM_VRCsl2uvpPNX0XyltXIxtMgE5WIybv77by15CisyV8RIWgqGMyt72je_7fD2Zr10hywVTcolPAEnobS8r5d2cv/s1600/Faller+232298+Villa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsxTkjlmXM5xgtL-Mhl1GOMvQayWaOOIkIafwvggwJ2t-G3WmvdmlM_VRCsl2uvpPNX0XyltXIxtMgE5WIybv77by15CisyV8RIWgqGMyt72je_7fD2Zr10hywVTcolPAEnobS8r5d2cv/s400/Faller+232298+Villa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I'm celebrating the completion of the Faller 232298 Villa - now complete with lights! Wow, these kits seem deceptively simple, but so easy to make a mistake...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACYENINPPUhyphenhyphen931O3yDQuC5yMqPasL0I3ZVHRbXA5EfqliRPUUQffV5Dt41jReFc0ti_qTPjcvyQ_bdUyZUSv-pHF3x9BLXHN237SgAHBvh-B82hgnTQ62y8GiqhpNIJYRakXEtImbq-l/s1600/Faller+Villa+wiring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACYENINPPUhyphenhyphen931O3yDQuC5yMqPasL0I3ZVHRbXA5EfqliRPUUQffV5Dt41jReFc0ti_qTPjcvyQ_bdUyZUSv-pHF3x9BLXHN237SgAHBvh-B82hgnTQ62y8GiqhpNIJYRakXEtImbq-l/s400/Faller+Villa+wiring.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Anyway, got all the wiring done - which includes the obligatory interior details and painting/weathering.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOa_DX9hHJluKJJEoYRJIOpbuYj58cYwvB64MRE4d8pGnRiXxZL9RSThfN7ZJXuaaDO2cnOb0wTr9qQHdGZs213rlAQR8UseqxZjSgTYY3mN_9MPkEHrA0Lr8rDcgUyyLW1yhiFVBKQufu/s1600/Faller+Villa+construction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOa_DX9hHJluKJJEoYRJIOpbuYj58cYwvB64MRE4d8pGnRiXxZL9RSThfN7ZJXuaaDO2cnOb0wTr9qQHdGZs213rlAQR8UseqxZjSgTYY3mN_9MPkEHrA0Lr8rDcgUyyLW1yhiFVBKQufu/s400/Faller+Villa+construction.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This Villa has the appropriate look for the powerful overlords who rule over New Quinntopia from their hilltop perch over-looking the city!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKXBcjC5RMWZXijOsgbztkJ2lmzci8QCkRKc7jSS2UeoIfEDwuLnW5esN2mZUwetss33K-lGLijpBI0qDFDd_73ZOCFcCj4XqL-PKcXYCPhZ9dw4I4QQxAk0kaFfu8WKTMN7tcbCqm16G/s1600/Faller+Villa+on+Hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKXBcjC5RMWZXijOsgbztkJ2lmzci8QCkRKc7jSS2UeoIfEDwuLnW5esN2mZUwetss33K-lGLijpBI0qDFDd_73ZOCFcCj4XqL-PKcXYCPhZ9dw4I4QQxAk0kaFfu8WKTMN7tcbCqm16G/s400/Faller+Villa+on+Hill.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
For the masses and common people, I can now move back to the Elevated line. Which began with using my handy Dremel to cut away the interior plastic and connectors of Kato's elevated viaduct pieces. So glad I have a Dremel! This would have taken forever with a knife or saw...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Wj5JXSa2C_Rc5E7uoDoX-KS-yupR0hVmqdk2-x540QiSAEVxavYeDHtUGVcuEgte87fSWqVQ53mXh_1LDnahJGDem7iaAHipCGsv35gfYF64lq7r7cwNxqXoSK2QEYiovv95YGm71wRm/s1600/Viaduct+modifaction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Wj5JXSa2C_Rc5E7uoDoX-KS-yupR0hVmqdk2-x540QiSAEVxavYeDHtUGVcuEgte87fSWqVQ53mXh_1LDnahJGDem7iaAHipCGsv35gfYF64lq7r7cwNxqXoSK2QEYiovv95YGm71wRm/s400/Viaduct+modifaction.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The elevated viaduct swerves over the mainline track, so I needed to custom-build supports/viaducts for this section given the height. I considering different solutions, but a combination of Evergreen Plastics styrene and some girder strips from Plastruct will do the job.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamalDolhMpwtc1gk5cr-cBapWxNlQMxf49-3HD_P-ADmVrA7ejKqAZ1KsunD0OKAvpi4BzTgmiPsQX0bwFpBxPUt7ZCy1ecL814mWUw7u-ADkUYu4SnUNIaq1gWsqF8EuPVqJJMor4Esp/s1600/Viaduct+work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamalDolhMpwtc1gk5cr-cBapWxNlQMxf49-3HD_P-ADmVrA7ejKqAZ1KsunD0OKAvpi4BzTgmiPsQX0bwFpBxPUt7ZCy1ecL814mWUw7u-ADkUYu4SnUNIaq1gWsqF8EuPVqJJMor4Esp/s400/Viaduct+work.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I am building the elevated section by first establishing the right vertical hight...details and paint to come next!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkfDiwrXJkGbcPy3Sb6cYOropdOXvK8wge8HslWu3vRResIAVeN5T2GaBRwN81t31b0PQeWBYRejh3wJ1d9ekkV4vAcf2fuCWFM_ye4APekX_3mIpR_cQhiJUg_C5wncjCfsjiCLQHklb/s1600/viaduct+progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkfDiwrXJkGbcPy3Sb6cYOropdOXvK8wge8HslWu3vRResIAVeN5T2GaBRwN81t31b0PQeWBYRejh3wJ1d9ekkV4vAcf2fuCWFM_ye4APekX_3mIpR_cQhiJUg_C5wncjCfsjiCLQHklb/s400/viaduct+progress.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
That's it for today! Tomorrow is Memorial Day, so let's all remember those who gave all for their country, and hope that all future wars are rare and short. <br />
Until next time...Quinntopia out!Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-84440292850820152662016-05-22T11:38:00.000-07:002016-05-22T11:38:21.820-07:00Hills for the City and the Metro Station Gets PaintWork has kept me very busy, but I've been able to slip in a few minutes of train time to make some minor progress since my last update....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFawZeM858d9lFxaSvR6Q0PEThdg20MyjYnUzLCsbuzqSnrZVnlPTfyfBhx2MD9FzcAM6JAXhyCvBTRA5gRVAGA1wppYJtc8z2neCz2F83x1-ume6_Z54zTTuQQuUK4GdZ0-0ZOyVmv-3S/s1600/city+layer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFawZeM858d9lFxaSvR6Q0PEThdg20MyjYnUzLCsbuzqSnrZVnlPTfyfBhx2MD9FzcAM6JAXhyCvBTRA5gRVAGA1wppYJtc8z2neCz2F83x1-ume6_Z54zTTuQQuUK4GdZ0-0ZOyVmv-3S/s400/city+layer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
First, I' ve now added the foundation layer for the buildings/city.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTog9SHjaisd0AdLG-TxJVKGufgOfy6HUzj1AQqm7ajoyRuc2ifE-VpyT1nudSYcE5DQN4XbekS0bqMqnGlmOo6JJ-t3uZ7wmQpF-dX1o5hA98wnnSN-uEu6KkY26tK_E0jgIHf-lDI6_/s1600/city-layer+two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTog9SHjaisd0AdLG-TxJVKGufgOfy6HUzj1AQqm7ajoyRuc2ifE-VpyT1nudSYcE5DQN4XbekS0bqMqnGlmOo6JJ-t3uZ7wmQpF-dX1o5hA98wnnSN-uEu6KkY26tK_E0jgIHf-lDI6_/s400/city-layer+two.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Which means I can now start to finish up the "Metro Line", add buildings, lighting and then track...and then trains! Easy, right?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0TmlFU-7AcSFaoEbJbVGJF0kl3juRLl-3dv0KJ_zT_CLwmlUjBK6vAVuEym6B9vJO29QW84q0VG_hNwWZMgEpc_OW3cShPFEk9eCzSv7zx0IFlAtX4QKZYXfIfJ0xG98-xiNtINudH8T/s1600/city+layer+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0TmlFU-7AcSFaoEbJbVGJF0kl3juRLl-3dv0KJ_zT_CLwmlUjBK6vAVuEym6B9vJO29QW84q0VG_hNwWZMgEpc_OW3cShPFEk9eCzSv7zx0IFlAtX4QKZYXfIfJ0xG98-xiNtINudH8T/s400/city+layer+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The below photo is another good perspective on where the passenger terminal tracks will be located relative to the city and Metro Line.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCzUNoGAdh06jbjLyWe7bGZ-wDH3pWavoAnA4A9MOc_8BIncPSqx5DNEBcer1-BOLICUps-6z1uIYzL7vnnjwpDmaSL2rGTxIQTrDwy7TMxhSlfv3m77wvA1WknlRmpRYVtUKmf8XCX3D/s1600/quinntopia+foundation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCzUNoGAdh06jbjLyWe7bGZ-wDH3pWavoAnA4A9MOc_8BIncPSqx5DNEBcer1-BOLICUps-6z1uIYzL7vnnjwpDmaSL2rGTxIQTrDwy7TMxhSlfv3m77wvA1WknlRmpRYVtUKmf8XCX3D/s400/quinntopia+foundation.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I am intentionally hiding my curves as much as possible, so the tracks will pass under a hill on one side via a large tunnel complex. This section is removable so track maintenance will be simple. You'll notice of course the styrofoam which will give some elevation to the city so that it won't be just one flat space with streets and buildings. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyr-1iZ_IfNXPHJHyDpojFBUsDxxyiyjQ534Gjn2n37nXGleCmJzpkLJGngOYYX0paf5ConrTYdhFBptrxL6DB40_yyl8aE8Z83Yo5nLpKRb-bM9E0dx3B5nONaD2GlTg6CbVs1ZWUvTJ/s1600/hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyr-1iZ_IfNXPHJHyDpojFBUsDxxyiyjQ534Gjn2n37nXGleCmJzpkLJGngOYYX0paf5ConrTYdhFBptrxL6DB40_yyl8aE8Z83Yo5nLpKRb-bM9E0dx3B5nONaD2GlTg6CbVs1ZWUvTJ/s400/hill.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
On top of this hill will rest this Faller 232298 "Villa" building. I was looking for a very austere and formidable looking structure to sort of place on top of the hill overlooking the city. I'm actually following the instructions for this kit - typically I just kit-bash things, but Faller kits are such nice models that it's kind of fun to put together a kit like this for a change! I will add in more 'elevation' once I determine the footprint for the Villa and its parking lot/roadway. I may even add some secret security bunkers as well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKnSUYKB1iQ13XLYN2jUx2_Y33RTEM12zYu4s5LcKheIpZtz6_XFFbQnHnRI4uBQs4_LL4Qj-QelTz9XMCgJYEvMD4lYGRatLTEWMzBKA6eLiZ3BW_tKMHEpWVWOEzXlEDJkAcpbcGnfx/s1600/Faller+232298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKnSUYKB1iQ13XLYN2jUx2_Y33RTEM12zYu4s5LcKheIpZtz6_XFFbQnHnRI4uBQs4_LL4Qj-QelTz9XMCgJYEvMD4lYGRatLTEWMzBKA6eLiZ3BW_tKMHEpWVWOEzXlEDJkAcpbcGnfx/s400/Faller+232298.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
As much as I didn't want to, I broke down and bought two more Walther's Norther Light Powerhouse structures to complete the other side of Latveria Metro Station. These have been cut, glued and primed and the very first coat of paint for the architecture has been applied! What I am still trying to determine is how I want to finish the windows and the station interior walls. This will be another project unto itself! The windows that come with the kit have fairly thick 'panes' (or whatever they are called) so I am considering re-creating more fine-lined panes on the computer, printing on transparency sheets, and using those instead.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5y1Gpw-HL62yB-F7eDrgfW-dhkP3LtD9weWZF3BdL0WrX6qoNaJAv970VGzeLY_gmZkszIUU-kGjnjOqgY621n_rpl-wGft82vtLh6BwaSfD21FIZv0KzWPB-hXllGfMK_-vO6s1LsRjt/s1600/latveria-paint+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5y1Gpw-HL62yB-F7eDrgfW-dhkP3LtD9weWZF3BdL0WrX6qoNaJAv970VGzeLY_gmZkszIUU-kGjnjOqgY621n_rpl-wGft82vtLh6BwaSfD21FIZv0KzWPB-hXllGfMK_-vO6s1LsRjt/s400/latveria-paint+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
So a fair amount of work, while I also continue to work on a 'secret project' that I've been thinking about doing for years (in truth, its sort of a distraction as I have four separate projects going on at the same time - which is a terrible idea!). Until next time...Quinntopia signing out!Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-26834959266932377202016-04-25T22:14:00.001-07:002016-04-25T22:14:40.331-07:00Video Update! The New Quinntopia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kR0_yQoWRLI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="252" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kR0_yQoWRLI?feature=player_embedded" width="448"></iframe></div>
A short video explaining some of the latest progress. Resolution may be better on YouTube itself.<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/kR0_yQoWRLI">https://youtu.be/kR0_yQoWRLI</a>Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-40133533869077207802016-04-17T11:49:00.003-07:002016-04-17T11:49:38.036-07:00Metro Update!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sGIA3bXkgtAurwUL4BtqZBRiYluT7myE5sy5dTghNH6-CmyF7yfUzdVBlilULTiTFpZ_OgKBcoFUUhPRUSIfMoWlksia_yOD7WIgzAm49roeFSVG4jE7G4HjqjxYO3u880GdWVjOzrOI/s1600/Latveria_early.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sGIA3bXkgtAurwUL4BtqZBRiYluT7myE5sy5dTghNH6-CmyF7yfUzdVBlilULTiTFpZ_OgKBcoFUUhPRUSIfMoWlksia_yOD7WIgzAm49roeFSVG4jE7G4HjqjxYO3u880GdWVjOzrOI/s400/Latveria_early.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
What!? I can't believe its been nearly two months since my last update. Well, its not for lack of spending some time in the old hobby room (although work and other household priorities have been quite busy), but in fact, most of my hobby time has been taken up by a 'secret project' (which has been in the works for several years, and I hope to share on this humble blog shortly) and my impossible quest to figure out how to automate the timed stop for the metro line trains - without having to upgrade to a $600 'command center' or use some sort of JMRI based system (which I get bored reading about everytime I imagine using that sort of solution). So, enough about projects NOT working out, there has been some progress on the Metro Station!. As you can see above (which is a photo from about six weeks ago), I've got most of the facade for the station worked out.<br />
<br />
The below shows what the approach from the elevated two-track metro line may look like...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcqFMUBOnsdqsAFP-ctFC6WcqdcHj_s_PzI9eWyEwXufVvbTxYY_kFXrh8BiBbYHSCzbhb9AjPPAV6TjU0xxj4UgCBzC6FWNZ1YEihIVme7P7GrlVdfWo-3sdwxvur3OVR3a2wPTWpz6W/s1600/latveria-mockup.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcqFMUBOnsdqsAFP-ctFC6WcqdcHj_s_PzI9eWyEwXufVvbTxYY_kFXrh8BiBbYHSCzbhb9AjPPAV6TjU0xxj4UgCBzC6FWNZ1YEihIVme7P7GrlVdfWo-3sdwxvur3OVR3a2wPTWpz6W/s400/latveria-mockup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Below are some of the parts, details and related that I've been slowly accumulating for the station. The below are 'girders' to go over the tracks and support the roof, they are from <a href="http://www.luetke-modellbahn.de/Neuheiten/Neuheiten-Spur-N/Koppel-640-x-6-x-0-5-mm-Poly-weiss-1529-1651-1653-1656.html">Luetke Modelbahn</a> and are laser-cut wood. For the exterior facade, merely adding in rows of different sizes of styrene (visible in white in the above photos) didn't provide enough detail, so I added in some interesting 'cornice pieces available from <a href="http://www.hawkwargames.com/collections/residential-tiles-cornice">Hawk Wargames</a> - made for wargames models of course. Once I get into painting and weathering, I think these details will become more apparent.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8yzp-1iX6G4i1XK18FN7IZxIOyZ3obcKcvTFQfi-Y7ph4TG6JhRi6ntOjFy_2GVXIZGUP3lWmA8W6lsEb_UiEML-W4LUrNX8AIHn61jDKnPAFVEQpbkSeDE1C9B_4buTS3D9Fk6nvb9n/s1600/luetke_girders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8yzp-1iX6G4i1XK18FN7IZxIOyZ3obcKcvTFQfi-Y7ph4TG6JhRi6ntOjFy_2GVXIZGUP3lWmA8W6lsEb_UiEML-W4LUrNX8AIHn61jDKnPAFVEQpbkSeDE1C9B_4buTS3D9Fk6nvb9n/s400/luetke_girders.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I originally wanted to wait on finalizing the elevated section until after I knew exactly where my rail gaps would have to be block isolation and all that, but I've decided I can still add my gaps (or at least plan on it) and get the entire elevated section complete, which has been the focus of today's project.<br />
<br />
Below you can see the rough layout of the circuit for the metro. Although its a boring oval, it will be obstructed by lot's of buildings, so that the entire circuit will never be completely visible. I'm using red tape to layout some of the gradual curving portions, and then creating a template to create the actual structures.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0K-XbtVjtNtE-XWVTgB6e2SXV7UPDHTjIfO0mQnGcMCfslYmhfwSZUf2AO60ZG-cJHzYWRMaOija_5wQFWnMe9osdq0TAvSlV8KGaKxOjHsVSLMWWm6fdxEoKXYaa-lMSYFVxEGeVvDZ-/s1600/metro-layout.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0K-XbtVjtNtE-XWVTgB6e2SXV7UPDHTjIfO0mQnGcMCfslYmhfwSZUf2AO60ZG-cJHzYWRMaOija_5wQFWnMe9osdq0TAvSlV8KGaKxOjHsVSLMWWm6fdxEoKXYaa-lMSYFVxEGeVvDZ-/s400/metro-layout.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The facade for "Latveria Metro Station" is now primed, and I'm starting to lay out the rest of the structure, using various details and pieces from other kits to complete the look.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTnGpaX-PWx66uMnQQVn7pw6qib9AMUOcZrX7hldYr3jAYFO1EzATCs_Q_Xo4zLR2r8UfOqyZPHmXpePGsiRCelGwKA-6Rrj8rtEYn71tw1RpG2Vr2HqNXCDMZCFMxy_4iIpSMbBOMDU9/s1600/Latveria-primer.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTnGpaX-PWx66uMnQQVn7pw6qib9AMUOcZrX7hldYr3jAYFO1EzATCs_Q_Xo4zLR2r8UfOqyZPHmXpePGsiRCelGwKA-6Rrj8rtEYn71tw1RpG2Vr2HqNXCDMZCFMxy_4iIpSMbBOMDU9/s400/Latveria-primer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And that it is it for this update! I hope it won't take another two months for my next one! Thanks for reading!</div>
Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-4112067665921002352016-02-21T10:24:00.001-08:002016-02-21T10:24:52.785-08:00The Slow Methodical Process of Kit-Bashing a Metro Station<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0fjTmvzmzl1uYltC4-jbdZbFGjh2XP71t567Oz1miXnx0eIXnfnkc3gZVyPoXMaNSbwjPy2qQSm2jb0BPpQNroUcE1WRtIdQ8ny4kY-VdiqZaNqbVMCKGBaTz7ufx6AiAfyRYctzJTeY/s1600/walthers_northern+light+kitbash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0fjTmvzmzl1uYltC4-jbdZbFGjh2XP71t567Oz1miXnx0eIXnfnkc3gZVyPoXMaNSbwjPy2qQSm2jb0BPpQNroUcE1WRtIdQ8ny4kY-VdiqZaNqbVMCKGBaTz7ufx6AiAfyRYctzJTeY/s400/walthers_northern+light+kitbash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
As noted in my <a href="http://quinntopia.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-pain-of-automation.html">last post</a>, track (and the related elevated track structure) is on hold until I figure out the precise electrical requirements to automate the metro trains. On the other hand, I was able to make some progress, albeit somewhat slow, on the metro station itself.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-GkmwmXsciKLqOyNRXlHlbhs3s9TbkKNxmYPT9d_m6E7Guqzad80TtanNumhMkC9Crpp84TL00atRJisy1C3QjMUoDBFTDB3SP7v79Yau2esuKvLptTHn9zY-thf5csZyVFRYJEhQuKR/s1600/elevated+tracks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-GkmwmXsciKLqOyNRXlHlbhs3s9TbkKNxmYPT9d_m6E7Guqzad80TtanNumhMkC9Crpp84TL00atRJisy1C3QjMUoDBFTDB3SP7v79Yau2esuKvLptTHn9zY-thf5csZyVFRYJEhQuKR/s400/elevated+tracks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I am using Walther's Northern Light's Power Station as the early 20th Century inspired basis for the elevated station. Its not as long as I needed, nor do the windows align properly, so some cutting and kit-bashing has been required.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemOQCrti7Wu2nKWR7rP40WY9hvifYjJsOsVrsnx0cR4yRE_ISFSIRtSU2d_GTf5-0sj7173SSVaAaZerOVIG6KbcEfxwsyqrBEmGl9TnBefsKa1_sRo5x7hjPycTW59dCTdm3yCjWIqON/s1600/scratchbuilt+metro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemOQCrti7Wu2nKWR7rP40WY9hvifYjJsOsVrsnx0cR4yRE_ISFSIRtSU2d_GTf5-0sj7173SSVaAaZerOVIG6KbcEfxwsyqrBEmGl9TnBefsKa1_sRo5x7hjPycTW59dCTdm3yCjWIqON/s400/scratchbuilt+metro.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
First, I had to decide that in order to have the proper elevation for the track level, I would need to add at least 15mm of space between the windows on the ground level. Fortunately, this Walther's kit is made of fairly soft plastic to cutting and filing is not a big issue.<br />
<br />
I initially planned on having five windows centered on a central lobby, but I couldn't figure out how to have the right pedestrian entrance on the ground floor; the Kato structure - that was the original inspiration (and will still likely donate some parts) - has a large entrance with stairways which I like a lot. <br />
<br />
Ken (of the fabulous <a href="http://www.sumidacrossing.org/">Sumida Crossing blog</a>) left a comment (see? I read and listen to comments! At Quinntopia, we're all about listening! :-) ) that inspired me to open up the ground level some more, and be less focused on lining up windows with interiors (if you read his comment on <a href="http://quinntopia.blogspot.com/2016/02/metro-line-progress-and-latveria.html#comment-form">this post</a>, you'll see what he means).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSMCnDn93_STBLNYJaryGnhg-QS80QRBnS3UqXZMmxLnIBrdTzkhbpvxCmD4nyHFJcEP5zDytHG-omgr3x_71sWWeIGDyIKbNVDA4mVfYAA-dHIWt-8D2h3f5zrG6rn0jsXiiNqR6K561/s1600/metro+station+kitbash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSMCnDn93_STBLNYJaryGnhg-QS80QRBnS3UqXZMmxLnIBrdTzkhbpvxCmD4nyHFJcEP5zDytHG-omgr3x_71sWWeIGDyIKbNVDA4mVfYAA-dHIWt-8D2h3f5zrG6rn0jsXiiNqR6K561/s400/metro+station+kitbash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I also decided to lengthen the structure so the entire Metro train will be in the station, so a second Northern Light building was ordered and sacrificed to kit-bashing to help complete the station. I originally planned on have the second Norther Light station used for the 'back site of the station, but now I'm not so sure. Basically, I'm tired of spending money on kits and don't want to order a third, but I expect I may have to!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFy5C573BJZEvyDsB6mO7DFQIAuoD1XPoTUG0dp-gN1X6PFlsQ86ophUAamu50M3SG-BB4Sdv_UMDNucVKqTUzORkjx8o9UCFR0aQGXSedBWUaYTtyXuN_NvZ8Q-GHvbVRDXOLgNsMLHgS/s1600/walthers+northern+light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFy5C573BJZEvyDsB6mO7DFQIAuoD1XPoTUG0dp-gN1X6PFlsQ86ophUAamu50M3SG-BB4Sdv_UMDNucVKqTUzORkjx8o9UCFR0aQGXSedBWUaYTtyXuN_NvZ8Q-GHvbVRDXOLgNsMLHgS/s400/walthers+northern+light.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The photo at the top of this post shows the general look that Latveria Station will ultimately have. Lot's of 'open space' for parking/pedestrians, and nice open entrance to the station proper. I've also ordered some girders and other etched brass detail pieces which I think this project will require to get the right look. This is starting to get fun! Some projects (I have found) are good ideas that require more effort, but then it seems like a 'tipping point' is reached where you find a newfound enthusiasm and vision for the project and it really starts to get FUN! That's where I'm at now. Thanks for reading!<br />
Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-15518188284566357952016-02-20T11:59:00.000-08:002016-10-30T11:40:51.262-07:00The Pain of Automation!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgl88BeflRukXOw8otAzEaeUxbYh6o6vws47CrEekoM2-493_Z-IfNSvKn_Ji7nTlxxnlUaQbQR03oc9gVPGn-QSkkjUHfcx-QVDGCUMFuBO1hfGyEOzP5H73yDpEHWpO-hFV2nC42MfXQ/s1600/viessman+5224+5228+wiring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgl88BeflRukXOw8otAzEaeUxbYh6o6vws47CrEekoM2-493_Z-IfNSvKn_Ji7nTlxxnlUaQbQR03oc9gVPGn-QSkkjUHfcx-QVDGCUMFuBO1hfGyEOzP5H73yDpEHWpO-hFV2nC42MfXQ/s640/viessman+5224+5228+wiring.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I remember why I didn't have any automation on my old layout. It's hard. It's a pain and takes a lot of concentration and planning. It's like work.<br />
<br />
So...here's the story....as I may have mentioned, the New Quinntopia will have an elevated, two track 'metro' line that will 'wind' its way through the city. There will be one station (there should be enough large buildings in the city so that you don't get the sense this is merely a 'loop'). I want the metro trains - each going opposite directions - to automatically stop for the station, wait a few minutes to passengers to load/unload, and then accelerate away from the station. I would also like a couple of signals to handle minimal signally duty.<br />
<br />
Easy, right? Well, part of my problem is my interest in using newer / different technology from Europe. So after doing some initial browsing of potential solutions to how I could accomplish the above solution, I ignored all the logical and practical solutions I read (Lenz ABC, Computer Control, etc... for various reasons) and decided to try and use the signalling system from Viessmann.<br />
<br />
So I've acquired two Viessmann <a href="https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=viessmann+5224">5224 Signal Control Modules</a> and two 5228 Train Control Relays to go with them to control signals, which I've connected to small loop of track with appropriate 'gaps' and contact points to activate these relays (thus the photo at top!). But these are not enough (apparently, as I'm learning).<br />
<br />
Its funny how wiring diagrams always make things look sooooo simple!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1cWUs8G4F6q9eYSQGhjGRKsL3XCWdsRXmEGGtN3eeCQem4qAGSP3NewYwLv7hj_QYR2HQdMOMI2ia_D0Jkl4sqA1EKRxdSOQDxesUSsW0Dcw5SAp0FZEnS2xaJxXABsTLEYTLYPfBjXf/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-20+at+11.43.18+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="555" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1cWUs8G4F6q9eYSQGhjGRKsL3XCWdsRXmEGGtN3eeCQem4qAGSP3NewYwLv7hj_QYR2HQdMOMI2ia_D0Jkl4sqA1EKRxdSOQDxesUSsW0Dcw5SAp0FZEnS2xaJxXABsTLEYTLYPfBjXf/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-02-20+at+11.43.18+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
I also need a "DCC Brake Generator". Viessman does not make one. In another one of those infernal conspiracies from our German friends, most of the design and resources are for that Marklin brand. So another DCC Brake Generator needs to be sourced. What's available is not cheap (everything seems to be $100 or more) and not well received and/or out of production (Roco used to make one, but was expensive and did not have good reviews). So I spent another day off 'hobby time' researching potential solutions.<br />
<br />
Here's what I think might work. <br />
<br />
A <a href="http://tonystrains.com/product/dcc-bitswitch-brake-signal-generator-analog-dc/">DCC Bitswitch Basic Brake On DC Signal Generator</a> and a <a href="http://tonystrains.com/product/dcc-bitswitch-timed-stop-bitswitch/">DCC Bitswitch Timed Stop Bitswitch</a>.<br />
<br />
These are 'on order' and apparently will take some time to get to me as they are in the process of manufacturing. Which means rather that figuring out the precise electrical and wiring arrangement I need for my two track elevated line, I'll have to wait and work on other projects. Which will likely be the station and the elevated structure itself, which still has plenty of work needed. I'm looking forward to providing an update on my attempt to get some automation 'the hard way' (in retrospect, the Lenz ABC system is probably the easier and more standard way to go, but I'm too deeply invested in my own dumb solution to turn back now!) so stay tuned!<br />
<br />
NOTE: Why I chose not to use the Lenz ABC method: they require decoders from Lenz and others that can detect the right asymmetric signal (whatever that means! People put up diagrams of an 'asymmetric symbol' which I suppose they think is helpful, but is meaningless to me!), but since I have decoders from various producers, I didn't want to start removing/reinstalling decoders if I could avoid it.Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530989713679372474.post-70457154017329481212016-02-07T15:03:00.000-08:002016-02-07T15:03:02.868-08:00Metro Line Progress and Latveria Station Decisions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMKQuNd976xxXuKmXdv0AWQGpb25FId8M7QwNbO5R3M9z0kqdj6iT4Ae1bBvOjRWppiuyfBlV2uUo9ILK5irTvhF9ekM2d8R31E3RwThSw0tp8b9s-u_vYyjslH2lqAn5_yrKTAmmdCwH/s1600/WP_20160207_013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMKQuNd976xxXuKmXdv0AWQGpb25FId8M7QwNbO5R3M9z0kqdj6iT4Ae1bBvOjRWppiuyfBlV2uUo9ILK5irTvhF9ekM2d8R31E3RwThSw0tp8b9s-u_vYyjslH2lqAn5_yrKTAmmdCwH/s400/WP_20160207_013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I completed one of the gradual curves for the metro line that will link it to the 'turnaround' curve. This was decidedly challenging as I needed a curve that wasn't based of a track radius (flex track will go on this part). After some time thinking about how to create this very slight 's' curve, I finally decided to cut the center portion of the curve from a larger sheet of Sintra. This formed the 'spine' of the structure, and I then glued by Styrene cross beams onto this. It worked!<br />
<br />
The below picture shows how everything will eventual 'line up'. The red surface areas is going to be where the station platform will be.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruSJMy7GcxGo9bJiMnih8mBar9hbaFaf0MepEyP3TLlJ0ewgTDYah3eSiq4r4BmferFXay03KD2x3H6oSEesfrEpkgSCdfLz_jnwa2ljGVp3hSpYx73bGro3FKb3WrorPgmXpoNzK9xja/s1600/WP_20160207_015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruSJMy7GcxGo9bJiMnih8mBar9hbaFaf0MepEyP3TLlJ0ewgTDYah3eSiq4r4BmferFXay03KD2x3H6oSEesfrEpkgSCdfLz_jnwa2ljGVp3hSpYx73bGro3FKb3WrorPgmXpoNzK9xja/s400/WP_20160207_015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I also did a 'test' to see how well my <a href="http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10150095">Kato Ginza Metro Line</a> train will perform on the Minitrix R1 radius curves....and I don't think there will be any problems. Granted, I don't think I want to even think of going more narrow than R1, but it seems to just work on this tight radius! Whew! As you can see in the below photo, I also test to ensure that my track distance was adequate (I'm pretty much going with the 'default' different for these Minitrix curves, so I didn't anticipate any issues, but you never know!).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QbrnFuUXIqdNSpoMP-OoCDUjyoRmbn4tcZomGdIVVItxJNyq68VtAsr1YM_AI40WKnSu0SF8nla__Urn5-Tudt1yTiJ7IwwMCG9tAb6-UBxsrZL30brRWLz4l-VRKJqdsB5xw4fJ1p1Q/s1600/WP_20160207_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QbrnFuUXIqdNSpoMP-OoCDUjyoRmbn4tcZomGdIVVItxJNyq68VtAsr1YM_AI40WKnSu0SF8nla__Urn5-Tudt1yTiJ7IwwMCG9tAb6-UBxsrZL30brRWLz4l-VRKJqdsB5xw4fJ1p1Q/s400/WP_20160207_006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
What has become a little bit of a mental challenge is the construction of Latveria Station. As I mentioned in my <a href="http://quinntopia.blogspot.com/2016/01/latveria-metro-station-and-metro-line.html">last post</a>, the Kato 23-125 Elevated Station is too modern and also too large for what I want with Latveria station. So I'm going to be using <a href="https://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3214">Walthers Northern Light</a> structure to create a brick structure/facade for the station. This is completely freelance, based on what I think an old Metro line station should look like, the closest real world example found in the real world (and the internet!) is <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=S-Bahn+station+Hackescher+Markt&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjcrfbw3-bKAhVY1mMKHSwoAz0Q_AUICSgD&biw=1537&bih=1294#imgrc=_">Hackescher Markt S-Bahn Station</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFvnW3_LZPn9r0W7iRIYLq74WyWnCpiCgSrN1AmHZWAPmQAQ_yDde9l7G0-_OINChd9DkoCYx5Wd7Dxktx78ovsLZXqEqpyDCCBJq7GokM5jySp7AtGMk9f6xRdQy06UkfDBsD6GHmXPg/s1600/WP_20160207_010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFvnW3_LZPn9r0W7iRIYLq74WyWnCpiCgSrN1AmHZWAPmQAQ_yDde9l7G0-_OINChd9DkoCYx5Wd7Dxktx78ovsLZXqEqpyDCCBJq7GokM5jySp7AtGMk9f6xRdQy06UkfDBsD6GHmXPg/s400/WP_20160207_010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The challenge I am trying to work through is how (and IF) to align the brick facades, portals, windows, with the 'interiors' - particularly the stairs and so forth. I think I like the idea of a more open, pedestrian area such as the Kato station is designed, but nothing lines up well with the Northern Light brick facades - which means I need to do a lot of cutting and splicing, or go a different route with the interior altogether. Hmmmm.<br />
Stay tuned. Perhaps next week I'll have made a decision!Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454470373325096585noreply@blogger.com2