MTH 6200 Bicentennials

As mentioned in the previous post, i just obtained a set of MTH 6200's in the MTH version of the Bicentennial paint scheme. The paint scheme really isn't prototypically accurate, but the price was right and the detail is actually pretty good on these cars. Maybe one day I will repaint to something more my liking.

I still need to do some paint touch ups on the new two flat as can be seen in the close up photos.

One last:

I am still experimenting with depth of field and exposure for the "under the tracks" shots.

Thanks again

The other side of the street

I just finished the other side of my residential street. I built a duplicate two flat and another background apartment building. I still need to add some detailing, but its done enough for pictures.

And I added a sign to the Cabrini playgound

Its now football season, so most weekends for the next 8 weeks will be busy attending games across the Chicago region, so not sure how much I'll get done. 

I did pick up a set of the Bicentennial 6000's, as seen in the above pictures ... so the roster is slowly growing!

Expansion - turning a corner!

I finally turned a corner ... literally. I have started the expansion of the current layout. So far, its just a 2 x 4 foot corner module, but its a start.

Since this corner is full of utilities, the module is removable. Its a little (half inch) lower than the rest of the benchwork so I can access the main fuse panel without needing to remove the module. I will add some plywood to act as a transition between the module and the existing benchwork.

In the above pictures you can see the paper templates of Ross sectional track that I used to make sure I could turn the corner. The curve fits barely. 

I don't think I'll have a backdrop here as I still need to build a shelf above this for the basement TV (a must have for Cubs and Bears games). I'm thinking I'll just do some building flats.

The track will be on elevated structure that will be removable for easy access to the fuse panel if needed, plus the whole module is removable.

I'm not sure how I will connect the existing structure to the new curved structure. I may just line the two up and use the track as a guide ... or maybe some type of tab or key. I want to make the elevated curved structure easy and quick to remove for access to the fuse panel. I need to clean up the wiring to my home network stuff that can be seen in the last picture.

This is one big advantage of rapid transit 3 rail modelling ... I can turn an O scale corner is less than two feet and still look like the prototype!

New Layout Progress Video and Photo Editing

One big positive from the recent visit to my layout has been some ongoing discussions with Eric Bronsky concerning photography and image editing. My photo skills are pretty basic, but with some assistance, Eric has shown me what can be done with actually knowing what your camera can do and what can be done with photo editing ... thanks!


A picture that Eric was kind enough to fix for me (and now you can see details clearly ... never thought about exposure before):

Also, I've recently posted a new layout progress video to Youtube:

Hope you enjoy.


I've also have had more success in casting the windows. I switched to a new resin, and after actually READING the instructions (when it says to stir one of parts before mixing, make sure you do it), I've been getting some better window castings. I'll post pictures and methods soon.


Also, I've just got some inkjet decal paper from Evans Designs. According to their website, this looks to be very useful in modeling painted signs on buildings. I'm going to give it a go and will report back.

Visitors to the layout

This past Sunday, Eric Bronsky and Dan Joseph were kind enough to take the long trek out to the beautiful, if drought ravaged southwestern suburbs to visit the layout. Eric brought a gorgeous St. Petersburgh trolley bus and Dan some MTH NYC subway cars. A good time was had by all and many interesting (esp. with the NYC subway cars) pictures were taken.

It was quite appropriate that Eric made a visit to my layout as his article on Chicago's L in a 1976 issue of Model Railroader got me started in this business. I was given that issue as a kid by my uncle and have kept it ever since ... its just a little worse for the wear now. Also, Eric's modeling column in First and Fastest that showed Chicago transit modeling has also been quite the inspiration. Without showing the beautiful work of all those who have been featured, I don't think I would be where I am today. 

Now for the pictures ...

Continued work on residential buildings

Since there was a big expanse of blue background behind the two flat, I scrounged some brick sheets and made a quick background apartment building. I made this 3 and half stories to act more as a photo backdrop.

It isn't quite finished, but you can see the overall idea. It's a "half" building that sits up against the backdrop.

The two flat is mostly done now ... the doors are finally done, windows glued in and plastic glazing added.

I need to finish the back porch and add some roof details. So far no mortar has been added. I've been experimenting with various techniques, but haven't decided if I am going to add it. I guess my adding of the windows and glass kind of complicates the adding of the mortar. Oh well.

I guess when you take a summer "staycation" and its 105 degrees out, there isn't much to do but to work on the layout. Nice to make some progress.

Revised 2 Flat, continued ...

First off, happy 4th of July to all!


I've got the two flat about 90% painted ... so far looking good...

I still have to do some touch ups, glue in the windows and some roof details. But its coming along nicely. I won't be doing an interior, just some window shades, drapes or blinds. And, I need to build the doors.