Las Cruces & Portales Update

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steamhead

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Apr 16, 2005
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Ok guys,

Here's a few pics of what's been keeping me busy the last couple of weeks. The're from the line leading from the main yard up to the El Diablo mine, crossing over the line to Portales. It's about a 3.2% grade which I thought might be a bit much but my 2 "road" engines (B'mann 4-8-2 & 2-8-0) handle it without breaking a sweat...

For starters, some pics of "fleshing" out the area from the mine level to the lower level.

As always, comments & suggestions are welcome...!!!announce1
 

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steamhead

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That's foam covered with cast plaster cloth and Sculptamold on top. The bridge will span the cut over the line to Portales.

More pics...
 

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S

steamhead

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And lastly...a pic with a different perspective. It was taken by my son (who appropriated my camera, so I got a new one and have yet to get the hang of it...)sign1
 

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doctorwayne

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Sep 6, 2005
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Wow! Lots of construction and some pretty spectacular looking scenery, too.:D It looks like you've got a pretty fair-size layout there, Gus, and on some very solid-looking benchwork. I look forward to seeing more as you progress. :thumb: :thumb:

Wayne
 
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steamhead

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Apr 16, 2005
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Thanks guys, you're too kind.

The benchwork is sturdy enough to stand on. I'm a carpenter by nature so I do as much of it as I can...The layout is approx. 14' x 17' around the walls with a peninsula in the center (yet to be built).sign1
 
cnw1961

cnw1961

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Jan 7, 2006
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Gus, I envy you for your layout space and your trackplan :) . And you are doing a great job on your scenery. I hope you keep on posting pics of the progress you make.
 
Nazgul

Nazgul

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Jan 22, 2006
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Gus...
I've said it before and I'll say it again: from the bench-work up...everything about your work is top notch!:thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
I love the bridge...sure beats my Atlas truss:D
I also like the way you carve the foam to make joints:thumb: ....never thought of that.
Question: in the pic where the carving is green...what am I looking at? Is that the foam painted to allow the plaster/sculptamold to adhere to it? I ask because it looks like modeling clay. However you did it...the end result is AWESOME!!!
What are you using to color the mountains?
Final thoughts......
announce1 Don't make us wait so long to see your great work!:thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
 
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UP SD40-2

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Apr 29, 2006
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Gus:wave:, WOW!!! that is REALLY LOOKING GREAT!!!:thumb: :thumb: :thumb: i am GLAD you posted the pics!:D i cant wait to see more of your layout;). THANKS!:D -Deano
 
S

steamhead

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Hi,

Thanks for your comments. Russ hit the nail on the head...!!! Since I needed some big blocks to build up that part of the mountain, it was the only thing I could find, and I'm glad I did...!!! That stuff carves like butter and takes the plaster/Sculptamold without any problem, but it will require a couple of coats to prevent it from getting nicked too easily.

Steve, I paint the scenery with diluted craft paints from WM or Michaels.

Thanks again guys.:thumb:
 
S

steamhead

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Apr 16, 2005
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Thanks Herc. Been meaning to ask...Has anybody used the Atlas backdrops? If so, how'd you like them?

The one you see in the photos is one my ol' man had (I think he had the whole "series" of the forest). I've been thinking of maybe using the southwest series.

Any info out there...???
 
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