KBScale Update and New HOn3 Module

 The above photo shows where things stand with the KBScale McEwan locomotive.  The body is just about done I have only to complete the jackshaft covers and add the brake rigging.  I did receive the replacement connecting rods from the manufacture so now its back to getting the mechanism running.  The figure is a 1:48 model so it is slightly under size for 1:43.  The kit has a option to build to 16.5 mm track gauge (On30) so this gives an idea of what it would look like in a 1:48 setting, looks good to me.
 

 This is a new iron in the fire, an HOn3 module, 1foot deep 5 feet long.  This photo shows the basic inglenook 3/3/5 switching puzzle track arrangement.  This will allow it to function and give me a chance operate both my Blackstone K27 that I purchased a couple of years ago, and my new C19.

I have added the passing track to the front edge and applied the fascia around the baseboard.  Keeping with the Rio Grande theme, on the right is a Raggs to Riches Rico depot (yet another iron).  I have a completed Banta model of the Pro Patria mill (also located a Rico CO), so I am planning on a 2 foot by 3 foot module on the left of this one for it.  The mill will be served by an extension on the middle track. 

Later,  David 

New NAPM Project

It has been well over a year since I have done any major projects on the NAPM layout, the last being the mountain project, so it is time to get going on something new. The city industrial area has not had any serious efforts made to it in several years and there was a great desire to get the wharf area completed as one of the club members is just about done with a model of a tug to complement the car float. Unfortunately, the tug will be on the aisle edge of the layout and there was no plan to do anything with the area behind. If the scenery was done on the front it would have been subject to damage when the scenery was done behind it, it became necessary to come up with a plan for the background.

The track work in the area was particularly difficult as the double track main passes over the

single track main at this location.  The length of the area is about ten feet and the width varies from four feet to two feet.  The area where the track is located is about twelve inchs wide 

My solution is to cover the area in large structures all placed at angles to hide the track configuration and produce visual interest. The views from various directions need to make the tracks look as though they disappear behind buildings. in essance we are creating a short tunnel through a ridge of buildings.  The following photos show my initial plans.   

Here are some low angle views to give an idea of what it looks like if you were looking at the scene at eye level.