The Pacific Coast Railroad

I have been searching the internet for photos of an oil tender conversion and having no luck. Today Sue and I ended up in Eureka Springs, Arkansas and I saw an old mogul sitting in the yard with a converted tender! Better yet, it was accessible! So I snapped some pics and thought I'd share them...

Started working from one corner out. I am building the 4 foot sections on the floor and anchoring them to the cleats/brackets as I go. Despite the severe cantilever, the structure is amazingly sturdy. Since my plan is to use foam scenery, it will be more than sufficient. I am building in section so the layout could be disassembled for a move.

I milled the modular prices for my benchwork this weekend. It will half-lap together to create a 1' x 1' grid to which I will attach roadbed risers. I calculated the cost and found that out was less expensive to use 3/4" birch plywood than solid lumber. It's also more stable. Now I am installing the shelf brackets that will be the primary means of support...

Got out the trusty airbrush and painted mugger some clouds last night...

I find this both editing and daunting. Exited to have that burst of work behind me, scared at how much backdrop I have to paint! The curve in the right of the photo is caused by the panorama stitcher.

On the left is a little backdrop practice painting on posterboard.

I installed the vertical cleats. The horizontal boards represent the future benchwork location and provide me with a shelf on which to rest the Masonite for the backdrop while I install it.

It was a red-letter weekend for the Pacific Coast. Saturday afternoon I was able (with the help of my wife) to finish cleanup in the room and get the overhead structure painted out. This has two benefits; it makes the space feel higher and keeps all of the ducts, wiring, etc. From becoming a distraction to viewers. I was also able to cut the cleats  that will be attached to the walls for backdrop and benchwork support. I worked on an American Model Builders caboose kit I purchased on Ebay. Photos will follow when the model is complete.

My wife has graciously conceded to allow me to use the unfinished half of the basement in which to build my empire. The first problem was that our basement is not water impervious! Moisture and model railroads do not make good playmates. My first step was to install a system to catch the water as it enters the basement and redirect it to the sump. This is the first photo of the space. To this point I have cleaned out the area (mostly), installed the water capture system and track lighting. My next step is to paint out the structure above black. I want to do this so all of the joists, wiring and ductwork do not distract from the railroad itself. My to-do list at this point: Paint out the ceiling Install the support cleats Install Masonite for the backdrop Fill and smooth the backdrop Paint the backdrop I've given considerable thought as to how to proceed, and have decided that it makes the most sense to install and paint the backdrop before the benchwork is in the way...