Another problem area is the layout destination. As it turns out, I have over eight years worth of junk and I had to start a "cleaning" project just to clear it out. Progress is good but the bad news is I'll now be sharing the basement with a pool table, so the layout will be smaller than originally intended. Not to worry since the modular/sectional approach will compensate by making module construction easy so that I can continue to build as I finish the basement.
I
still have only three R21 cars, but added to them a an R1 and I have a
partially complete R46. You can see the front of this model in the
accompanying image. The front needs some work because the center
line for the headlights and marker lights wasn't square so the whole thing
doesn't quite look right. Oh well ...
This has been a painfully slow process, but the model building will continue once I get the layout under way.
The
most progress is in the area of elevated structures. I finally got
drawings of contract II structures and went on a field trip to photograph
the old Jamaica Avenue el in Queens. From this, I created my
RTV molds and built a prototype span. You can see part of it above,
and if you look closely, you'll see the internal web/brace structure.
Each span is built as a U shape and then glued to the trestle bents.
This makes assembly quick and easy. The photo to your left will help
you gauge appearance. I placed an R21 on top of a small piece of Atlas
straight track to see if I'd like the looks of it. I go for
visual effect, since I believe that what we're looking for is something
that looks appealing. I don't count rivets.