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Post by curtis on Sept 14, 2021 17:57:52 GMT
Brennan's Ballast is what I used and I ordered 8 boxes (packed with the bags of ballast) and used it all. I also bought one of his fence kits. They are great if you can get them up close to be viewed otherwise all the extra detail is not worth it in my opinion.
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Post by g3750 on Sept 15, 2021 1:17:29 GMT
Updated 9/14/2021: The backwater or lagoon is poured!! Just got done. Hope it turns out OK because it will be impossible to do over. 
The blue heron is visible in both photos. I think the turtles (catching some rays on the log) might also be seen.
I'm glad to move on. That was a tough project.
More when I know it.
George
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Post by Deleted on Sept 15, 2021 13:04:01 GMT
George the lagoon looks great. Make sure to give us a shot of it after it has dried. Nice to see that bubble in the 1st pic went away
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Post by g3750 on Sept 16, 2021 3:46:59 GMT
George the lagoon looks great. Make sure to give us a shot of it after it has dried. Nice to see that bubble in the 1st pic went away Here you go!
And the first is a clear shot of Mr. Heron and the turtles.
George
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Post by ptc on Sept 16, 2021 10:48:58 GMT
The details are so impressive, George.
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Post by Lotus Lines on Sept 16, 2021 10:52:43 GMT
Nice details the lagoon looks great
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Post by Adam on Sept 16, 2021 11:42:39 GMT
Lagoon looks great!
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Post by g3750 on Sept 16, 2021 11:54:48 GMT
Thank you, all! A brief pause to catch my breath and plot the next move - plenty of things to do.
George
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Post by Country Joe on Sept 17, 2021 0:56:45 GMT
You did a great job on the lagoon, George. 👍
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Post by g3750 on Oct 1, 2021 22:38:04 GMT
Updated 10/1/2021:
All, there are lot's of projects in the hopper at the moment. Here's a short list:  - I've got a relay chatter issue I'm working near the East End Interlocking. I think I have the solution.
- I acquired a set of Arduino projects (processors, components, boards) that I am working through. I am also teaching myself the "C" programming language. This is all a prelude to an accessory / simulation I want to build. More about that later (if I get it built).
- The layout room has been tidied up in preparation for some major construction efforts in the Weirton Steel area.
- Along with Items 2 & 3 above, I am looking at adding additional high-volume ventilation, a fan and duct connected to the small window in the Staging Area. My goal is to run high-volume smoke units in the Open Hearth and other places and not give model railroaders / operators COPD or other pulmonary issues. That's always considered bad form.
- For Item #4, I have been exploring commercial solutions, like custom duct work, but that's going to be extraordinarily expensive. Besides, I think I can do a better job myself. In any case, that work has to be accomplished before much more of the layout gets built.
- I'm going to have to re-do the gluing of ballast on the Eastern Approach. That stuff wants to keep coming loose.
That's it for now.
George
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Post by ptc on Oct 1, 2021 22:57:07 GMT
More photos when you can, George.
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Post by g3750 on Oct 2, 2021 0:36:45 GMT
More photos when you can, George. Will do, but not much new to show yet.
George
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Post by g3750 on Oct 10, 2021 1:10:53 GMT
Updated 10/9/2021: Not a lot of visible progress, but work on the Arduino projects and on the ductwork continues. Here's a photo of all the trains that I moved out of the Staging Area so as not to get dirty. Right in front is the new Alco S-2 (awaiting its Weirton Steel paint job). After that are the 2 Decapods, the E-7s and their passenger consist, and the 2 K4s.
The work is taking place behind the divider (in the Staging Area) off in the distance.
More when I know it.
George
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Post by g3750 on Oct 30, 2021 1:33:01 GMT
Updated 10/29/2021: Again, this week has been a mixed bag - some progress along many fronts but no real breakthroughs or major accomplishments. Here's the list: - Watched 8 different Arduino videos on YouTube. I've taken some notes about how I want to program several simulations. I have also narrowed my choices as to the types of hardware required.
- Exchanged e-mails with a potential supplier of a smoke generator for my Open Hearth. Power and control options are now solidifying; I expect to pull the trigger on this purchase next week.
- Decided that I will scrap the Lionel Industrial Smokestacks earmarked for my Open Hearth and replace them will 2.5" PVC pipe. They will be appropriately scribed, painted, and equipped with ladders (cages) and blinking LEDs. One of the Lionel versions will be moved to a powerhouse and the other will go to Federal Paperboard in Steubenville - at least that's my current thinking.
- I acquired a number of sound effects files for the simulations. Now I've got to put them together in the right order, overlay them, whatever.
- Also downloaded a audio editing tool to help with the mixing of the sound effect files.
- Cut the top & bottom of the duct work and applied primer. Cut the side of duct from acrylic sheet. Assembly to begin shortly.
- Determined that the reinforcements to the cat gate were a success. Maggie is once again on the outside looking in (where she belongs)!
- Updated my inventory spreadsheet to include the acquisitions made at York.
- Conducted some research on the Open Hearth steel-making process using my father's 1957 edition of The Making, Shaping and Treating of Steel. The time-line of processing will be used in the simulation.
- Explored the feasibility of building my own fast clock and tying it into simulations.
That's it for now. Sorry about the lack of photos, but most of these are just thought processes.
George
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Post by g3750 on Nov 4, 2021 2:45:22 GMT
Updated 11/03/2021:
After much effort, fitting, cutting, re-fitting, and working in the cramped Staging Area, the duct work is finished!! I've got a tiny bit of effort left - weatherstripping and possibly some final fit-and-finish work, but the major effort is over!
Sorry, no photos or details because the effort is being teed up for a future magazine article.
I am expecting the smoke generator in the next 4-5 days and then we'll give the entire system a serious test.
More when I know it.
George
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