Early August Update

I continue to suprise myself during the install of ABS signals on the "Clair". Just when I think my focus is diverted from normal updates, I find that signal progress causes other items to be completed creating content for you the viewer. This update will be quick but very relevant to the ongoing work.

   Preview of Progress at East Bay as L-PBBA-05 returns to Bay Yard from Port Belle.

Scenic Refresh @ East Bay

Prior to the signal install I cleaned out a lot of scenery elements like bushes and trees since they could get damaged in the signal install. More importantly this area needed a refresh. With signals installed and operating here, I spent some time over the weekend added back grasses, ground cover, and trees. Additionally I took a whirl at painting a simple backdrop to represent distance trees using craft paints. The backdrop when paired with trees and scenery looks pretty good.

         Backdrop painted with grasses being added.

        Final scene turned out very nice.

The key on scenery in my opinion is having lots of product variety and layering. Add some, take a break let it dry and the add some more. Like my good friend Shannon Crabtree I prefer to do my scenic gluing and work at night. (Be sure to check out his recent video posts). While I sleep it dries, then in the morning you get to see the end result. Scenery is a forgiving process, but it takes time and lots of practice. Sometimes you just have to jump in and give it a shot, you will surprise yourself.

  Heki Wildgrass 1577 that installs with white glue. It can stretched very thin or left in larger clumps.

Scenic materials have come a long way from when I was a teen. These are long tufts from Mininatur. 

Center picture - scenic briar patch mat from Scenic Express.

Ready made trees from Timberline Scenery and ready to make SuperTrees.

Right of Way Signage

One detail overlooked a lot is signs along the railroad right of way. When you stop and look there is a lot more than just track and vegetation. A great resource I refer to often is the How To Build Realistic Layouts "Trackside Scene" special edition. This book has an article about right of way signs, examples, and product list in HO scale. Each railroad has their standard style including MCIS so let's take a look along the right of way.

Signs you have been familiar with... DTC signs at block and switch boundaries along the Clair. Aka: Toothpick wonders

DTC / ABS sign combined. Originally the DTC signs were mounted on toothpicks. As scenes are completed I remount them to scale sized posts.

Speed limit just east of Bay Yard heading towards Upper Huron / Port Huron.

   Temporary crossbucks in Upper Huron.

Blair Line signage used as basis for MCIS whistle boards, derails, speed limits, and begin / end ABS. MCIS standard calls for 90' corners and are box, diamond, or rectangle in shape. DTC signs are high visibility green with black lettering. The other balance of signs are black font on white backgrounds.

Once cutout I use a silver sharpie to color the sign post before using a small dab of CA to afix on post.

Finished DTC-ABS and speed limit signs. Four signs down... Plenty to go.

A very new and clean BNSF no trespassing sign on the side of a grade crossing bungalow. Modeling opportunity you bet - using Word and paint on the computer you could scale this down, print on paper, and afix to bungalows or as a sign along the right of way.

PSA: (In no way should you ever trespass on railroad property or right of way to get photos or sign ideas. This is dangerous and illegal.) 

Well there you have it progress from well progress. I imagine as the signal project gets more advanced these type of extra strides may be less, but any progress you can make on your layout should be celebrated as a success. My guest and regular operators along with myself will appreciate the detail. Later this week I will be posting my Part 2 ABS Signal Install post so be sure to check back soon.

GM