PEMRC Newsletter July 2021

PORT ELIZABETH MODEL RAILROAD CLUB Newsletter

July 2021 #07/2021

Every gauge welcome!

In this issue: PEMRC Calendar

Committee

Mailbox

Market Place

Steam Clock

NZ Railway art

1967 Triang-Hornby

Scotch tape windows

Steerable bogies

MRH reader’s layout

Ideal track plan

3D Printing explored

Beatles Day

Sandstone News

Railways from above

Marsh Steam Videos

Algoa Bay Whales

Rail Paintings lost?

American Pullman

New Rail Plan for UK

SoundTrax 8 function decoder

Dwarvin lighting

BRM donates layout

Marsh Steam Videos

Peter Waldraff’s Hidden Railroad – Layout or Artwork?

Tell us about your PEMRC Newsletter experience Do you have a name suggestion for the newsletter?

How do you access the newsletter?

Do you find it easy or difficult to access and read the newsletter?

Did you explore most of the hyperlinks for more detail and/or video?

Write to:

pemrailroadclub@gmail.com

Or via SMS or WhatsApp to +27 82 739 7679

GASTOWN STEAM CLOCK, Vancouver, BC, Canada Underneath Vancouver runs a series of steam pipes connected to a generating plant at Georgia and Beatty Streets. The system provides heat to most of the downtown core and provides the steam for the whistles of the Gastown Steam Clock.

Despite seeming like a remnant of the Victorian era and being located in Vancouver’s ‘Gastown”, from which Vancouver grew in 1870s, the steam clock is actually from a 100 years later, built in 1977 by horologist Raymond Saunders and metal work specialist Doug Smith.

Saunders was hired by Gastown merchants to build the clock as a monument. It also had an alternative purpose: Placed

over

a

steam

grate

above

one

of

the

aforementioned pipes, it kept local homeless from sleeping on the warm spot.

The clock is likely only the second steam clock ever constructed, the first having been built by Englishman John Inshaw in 1859 to draw customers to his tavern. The clockworks is powered by descending weights. The mini steam engine at the base of the clock case takes up the role of the human winder by raising a series of ball weights and delivering the balls to the clock’s drive train.

Every 15 minutes, the 2 ton steam cock shows off a bit whistling and shooting steam from its 5 whistles in its version of the Westminster Chime. On the hour it marks the hour with a toot from each whistle. There are six other working “Steam” Clocks in the world. The lesson was learned, though – only the whistles are steam and the clockworks are electric. www.atlasobscura.com/places/steam-clock-gastown-vancouver

PEMRC CALENDAR

PEMRC is not organising any group activities during the pandemic

9-11

29-30

14-21

July 2021

National Train Show Santa Clara California,

Oct 2021

CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19

USA Eurospoor 2021 Event & Exhibition Centre Jaarbeurs Utrecht, Netherlands NMRA National Convention 2022

Aug

Birmingham, UK

2022

https://www.nmra2022uk.org/

COMMITTEE 2021: Chairman:

Roel van Oudheusden

roelvanoza@gmail.com

Treasurer:

Attie Terblanche

terblalc@telkomsa.net

Clubhouse: JP Kruger

juanpierrekruger@gmail.com

Editor:

Roel van Oudheusden

pemrailroadclub@gmail.com

‘Shop’:

Graham Chapman

chapman22@telkomsa.net

Workshops: Mike van Zyl

carpencab@gmail.com

Subscriptions for 2021 remain at R300 for the year.

EFT is preferred, but the Treasurer may be persuaded to accept cash.

Bank account:

Port Elizabeth Model Railroad Club

FNB Walmer Park, branch code 211417, Account no. 62386122057

MARKET PLACE

Members can advertise their model rail related items here for free; All others pay a 10% donation of the proceeds to PEMRC.

Crafty Arts 10% discount via their discount card scheme.

Collaborate with Aubrey de Chalain on building dioramas and exhibits in their newly extended premises.

Mini World Models Shop online and use this special coupon to claim your unique

PEMRC

member

discount

BRM DONATES a MODEL RAILWAY LAYOUT to the ROCKS by RAIL RAILWAY Rutland's only railway museum, Rocks by Rail, were looking for a model railway to entertain visitors - and BRM were happy to donate the perfect layout for their needs. As the museum looks toward escaping Covid restrictions, they were re-arranging their entrance and cafe facilities. This left them with a corner that would be the perfect site of a simple model railway, but the volunteers didn't have the time to build one.

Fortunately, BRM's Phil Parker was looking for a new home for his train set based on a Hornby Family Fun Project built for the March 2020 issue of the magazine. A quick discussion with Ian Smeeton from the museum saw them offer to take it on. The handover was delayed by the pandemic, but finally, the model was transported and set up in the visitors centre last week.

This is the cover and editorial of the 13th catalogue issued by Hornby in 1967, then Triang-Hornby.

The cover picture was specially painted for Triang-Hornby by Terence Cuneo. It depicts the M.7 locomotive, then scheduled for preservation outside the shed at Stratford in its original Southern railway livery. The locomotive is now owned by the British Transport Museum at Clapham.

Note the novelties then of a hinged smoke box door and fire box glow, very new in 1967!

Please note the proudly built in Britain, not China like today:

Dream trains No shipping costs for combined orders of R2000 or more.

Shop online and fill your cart, even if less than R2000, then contact PEMRC Graham Chapman, to combine your order with fellow club members and all will save.

https://mrhmag.co Model roving

Railroad reporter

Hobbyist Ken

Patterson's June What's Neat show includes a special treat!

Ken gives us an in-depth tour of his home layout! And as always, there's lots of great runby’s

Front Cover and final artwork in the book on New Zealand railway advertising

HOW TO CREATE YOUR IDEAL TRACK PLAN

Planning a model railway is akin to a crossword as ideas mesh together. Phil Martin's suggestions will help keep your thoughts focused, ensuring your track plan is optimised.

First tip; don’t worry about getting everything exactly correct from the start - make rough approximations or even guesses in the early stages if you need to. They will either prove to be great ideas or will be changed later on. Eventually the design should settle into one design where all the parts works well together and you can live with any compromises you have made.

MAKE A WISH LIST Before you start planning you should have a list of the features you want in the layout. This can include scenic features, operations, era, region and practical things like the fiddle yard, access requirements and minimum requirements for train lengths and track radii. Consider how much capacity your fiddle yard will need and include that in your list. Keep this list in mind while you are planning and come back to it later to make sure you have ticked everything off. Be prepared to compromise if you find that things don’t fit.

SPACE First, think critically about whether the proposed space is actually suitable for a layout. Is it easy to access for you and any visitors? Is the temperature comfortable for most of the year? Many layouts are never completed because of difficult access or uncomfortable conditions, which quash the enthusiasm for the project. Might there be humidity problems which would cause timber to swell and metal to tarnish? Is the space secure enough that you don’t fear losing your expensive equipment?

It is important to measure your space accurately including the positions of any doors and whether they open in or out. Don’t assume that walls are straight or at right angles to each other! Hold a long straight edge against walls to check for bowing and take triangular measurements to check angles.

SCALE AND GAUGE You probably have a scale in mind before you start planning and it’s important to understand what will fit in the space available. For end-to-end layouts the minimum length is approximately three times the length of the longest train you want to run. For continuous circuit layouts, also known affectionately as “roundy-round” layouts, the minimum radius for curves is one of the most important factors. For OO the minimum radius is 438mm, also known as a second radius or “R2”. Almost all OO rolling stock will work on such tight curves but it will look much better on wider curves of, say, 610mm radius or more. For EM and P4 designs the minimum radii must be increased further still.

SIZE AND TYPE OF LAYOUT Different types of layout suit different spaces. Variations and combinations of all the following types are possible and any of them can produce a great layout if you work within their limitations.

This fiddle yard module is designed to provide quick turnover of locomotive-hauled commuter traffic in and out of the classic Minories terminus. It folds into a 3ft 6in long box, like the matching layout, and despite this small size uses only one small radius turnout, the others all being mediums for smoother running. The drawing shows some construction and electrical details.

TRAINSET ON A BOARD The “Trainset” type of layout is often built on a single 1220 by 2440mm board. This might seem to be the simplest solution for a first layout but it has some problems: in OO you will be forced to use the minimum radius curves and they will take up a lot of the space, making it difficult to fit other features into the plan. You will need access on all four sides because 1220mm is really too far to reach across without causing damage so the layout will take up a lot of space in the middle of a room and it will be difficult to move safely.

END-TO-END This type of layout most commonly has a terminus station connected to a single fiddle yard and it may be linear, L-shaped or U-shaped. They are simple to construct and are typically either fixed to the walls or freestanding with their own legs so that they can be dismantled and moved easily. Minimum length is more likely

to be the limiting factor than minimum radius. Maximum baseboard width is around 762mm to be able to safely reach from front to back. Unless you invest in automation you can’t simply watch the trains go by, you have to drive them. Small end-to-end layouts are a great way to showcase your modelling skills.

'ROUNDY-ROUND' This type of layout is based around a continuous circuit of track (usually single or double) that allow trains to run unattended. Many people find this a therapeutic pastime in itself and it has the practical advantages of giving longer running time/distance between stops and offers a safe and convenient place to set up the running characteristics of DCC locos. The layout can be all scenic but more typically includes a non-scenic fiddle yard as part of the circuit. Both minimum train length and minimum radius need to be considered. If the radii are wide enough you might be able to accommodate a station on a curve to help fit the layout into a smaller space. A roundy-round layout is usually built permanently into a room but can be free-standing.

You will probably need some way to get into the middle of the layout (the “operating well”), which will mean slightly more complex baseboard construction and reduced track width at the entry point. An alternative is to create a dumbbell configuration, if space allows for the loops at both ends.

This plan originated on RMWeb

with

the

question of whether it was

possible

to

fit

something like Plymouth North Road into a 16ft by 8ft garage. By skewing the

station

and

combining the pointwork into the curves at the ends it fits very well, with room for five through platforms around 6ft long and three bays. The fiddle yard design (by another helpful RMWeb member) makes very efficient use of the space. Minimum radius is 610mm.

NETWORK Network layouts to represent a larger part of a railway network including multiple destinations, junctions and other features of major railway infrastructure. Such layouts need a lot of space and run the risk of never being finished or worse, never getting to a state where they can even be used! These are best built and operated by a team of people.

KEEP THE TRACK LEVEL AND EASY TO REACH Track gradients need to be very shallow to work reliably: 1 in 35 at the steepest for small trains only and ideally 1 in 50 or shallower. They take up a lot of room so it’s simplest to avoid them if possible.

Hidden fiddle yards or storage loops sometimes seem to be a good space-saving idea but they can be difficult to live with because of access problems and lack of visibility so only consider them as a last resort and plan them with great care!

STARTING TO PLAN It’s important to design the whole layout at once because all the parts can affect the others. Don’t leave parts such as fiddle yards until later.

Start with the rough positions of the big features like stations, fiddle yards, town and countryside areas.

Ideally, someone entering the space should immediately see the best view of your model, not the back of a back scene board. Any lifting section is best placed in a non-scenic part of the layout and it makes sense for it to be next to a non-scenic fiddle yard.

Think about the visual composition of the scenic areas and how trains will enter and exit the scene. This is a huge subject that will be covered in part II in the next issue.

The baseboards should fit the railway, not the other way around! So don’t draw baseboard outlines too early but do bear in mind the need to reach across the layout while planning the track work and leave comfortable space for yourself in any operating wells or access hatches.

TRACK PLANNING It’s important to know how the real railway worked in your target region and period. Stations built at the same time by the same company often share similar features. So even if your station is fictitious you can give it a sense of verisimilitude by picking up the key style elements from real nearby stations. Railway companies tried to avoid facing points wherever possible before the 1930s. During WWII there were big changes over the entire network and again in the ‘70s and ‘80s when a rationalisation programme radically changed the character of much track work.

USING MAPS If you want to model a real place or just want some inspiration there are some useful historical mapping websites where you can see real railway track plans. The maps don’t show details like slip crossings but that information will be on the signalling diagrams for the location, which can be found on the web and in specialist books. Be careful to match the date of the signalling diagram with the date of the map and, if you are in any doubt, ask the knowledgeable people on RMWeb. Track plans from maps can’t usually be scaled down directly onto your layout - they have to be compressed.

That means shortening sidings and loops, tightening curves and using shorter, sharper turnouts such as those supplied by Peco. You might even have to leave out some elements entirely but if you do, check that you have retained the essential character and operational working of the plan you are adapting. Railway features are often very long and thin, strung out along the formation, so another compression technique is to try re-arranging them to be alongside each other - but be careful to keep things looking and working authentically.

PLACEMENT Straight tracks parallel to the baseboard edges can be rather dull because trains move in one axis only so it’s often good to align the main tracks diagonally, which also makes better use of the space. You could also introduce some subtle curves if you don’t have any, just to make the trains articulate and look more alive as they move.

If you are modelling a rural scene you usually need more room for non-railway scenery and the track shouldn’t get too close to the back scene unless you have a convincing method of concealment. In urban scenes you can push the track closer to the back scene and use walls or buildings to disguise the proximity.

A clever way to use a small space is to model part of a station, imagining that the other part is off-scene but you may then find it unsatisfying that some crucial operations take place off-scene.

WHEN TO STOP PLANNING It’s best to get everything sorted out in the plan before you start to build. When you can visualise all aspects of the layout and how to operate it I suggest you set the plan aside for a while before starting construction!

After a few days away you will usually see tweaks and improvements that you missed before.

If you can’t see any major improvements then it’s time to build!

Next Month: How to 3d print at home

SOUNDTRAXX UNVEILS 8 FUNCTION DECODER

Its new Tsunami2 DCC decoder is revealed, promising eight function outputs, with current capacity designed with OO gauge models in mind.

US-manufacturer, SoundTraxx has revealed its latest DCC decoder, the TSU-BH2 as an upgrade for Bachmann North American-outline sound models for HO scale. The TSU-BH2 offers eight function outputs and promises 'an easy install'. Designed as a replacement for 'Sound Value' decoders, the TSU-BH2 offers access to all the features of its Tsunami2 decoder.

Its specification is as follows:



Dimensions: 45 x 28 x 7.5mm



Max. Motor Stall Current: 2A



Max. Function Current: 100mA per output



Function Outputs: 8



Audio Amplifier: 2 Watt, 8-Ohm Load



DCC Track Voltage: 7.5V – 22V



Sound Channels: 16 This decoder is designed to replace the factory board in the following HO Bachmann Sound Value Steam Models: 2-6-0, 2-8-0, 4-6-2, 4-8-4 Class J and GS4.

For further details, including current pricing and availability, enquire at your SoundTraxx stockist. https://www.world-of-railways.co.uk/news/soundtraxx-unveils-eight-function-decoder/

MARSH STEAM VIDEOS™

A Symphony of Steam

The Greatest Sounding Steam Locomotives in the UK! In this video look and listen to Liam Marsh’s best acoustical recordings which have been captured on video with the uninterrupted pure sound of steam engines at work.

Every scene has been chosen carefully to showcase the sight and most importantly the 'Sound' of your favourite British locomotives...

This video is for the hard-core steam enthusiast or any lover of steam power and there are a few long intros in some of the scenes, this is so you can appreciate the sound of an incoming locomotive. In this video, you'll find no wind, no talking and no unwanted interference, just the pure acoustical bliss of steam locomotion with the added sounds of chirping birds.

It's recommended to watch and listen via headphones or surround sound if these options are available to you.

Enjoy the compilation of which some random screenshots have been included in this article...

33 locomotives are featured in this video: 60103 Flying Scotsman; 60163 Tornado; 60009 Union of South Africa; 6201 Princess Elizabeth; 6233 Duchess of Sutherland; 46115 Scots Guardsman; 46100 Royal Scot; 45690 Leander; 45699 Galatea; LMS 44871; LMS 45212, 35028; Clan Line 34067; Tangmere 777; Sir Lamiel 70000; Britannia 70013; Oliver Cromwell 8F 48151; 7029 Clun Castle; 5043 Earl of Mount Edgecumbe; 4965 Rood Ashton Hall; 6990 Witherslack Hall; 7820 Dinmore Manor; 7827 Lydham Manor; GWR Pannier 9600; GWR Hawksworth; 9466 T9 Greyhound; L&Y 12322; Hughes Crab 13065; S160 2253; S160 6046; S160 5197; LNER 63395; LNER 61994.

Liam describes himself as a Steam Videographer, chasing mainline steam around the U.K, while also capturing the preserved railway scene in all its glory. The variety and quality of his work is shown as thumbnails

on

his

Flickr

page

which

each

link

back

to

the

respective

YouTube

video

https://www.flickr.com/people/130832155@N08/ He joined YouTube in July 2011 and he has already accumulated almost 10 million views! It is worthwhile to explore the links he provides to Vintage Trains, Severn Valley Railway and The Great Central Rail way

https://youtu.be/vKDlmo1JiMo

Maschen, Hamburg – Europe’s biggest shunting yard.

Eurogate, Hamburg

Algoa Bay in South Africa Becomes a Prestigious Whale Heritage Site Algoa Bay in South Africa has been awarded the Whale Heritage Site accolade, making South Africa the only country in the world with two accredited sites. “We are thrilled to announce that Algoa Bay, South Africa, has become the world's fifth Whale Heritage Site and the second in South Africa, following in the footsteps of The Bluff, Durban” says Dylan Walker the Senior Adviser for Whale Heritage Sites. He further says “huge congratulations must go to WCA partners Lloyd Edwards, Jake Keeton and Karen Keeton of Raggy Charters and the Baywatch Project for their tireless efforts over many years working in collaboration with many other people to protect Algoa Bay and its cetaceans, penguins, sharks, and other marine life”.

Whale Heritage Sites are a global accreditation scheme developed by the World Cetacean Alliance and supported by World Animal Protection, that recognise a community´s commitment to respect and celebrate whales, dolphins and other cetaceans. Algoa Bay joins four further Whale Heritage Sites: Hervey Bay in Australia; Tenerife-La Gomera Marine area in Southwest Tenerife, Spain; Dana Point, California US, and the Bluff in Durban, South Africa. With this accreditation, Algoa Bay will provide the travel industry with another way to identify and support sustainable sites and create a location for communities to celebrate marine culture, heritage and biodiversity. Whale Heritage Site status also provides tourists with an easy way to select responsible whale and dolphin watching destinations; places where people can experience these magnificent animals in their natural habitat and in an authentic and respectful way. Nick Stewart, Global Head of Campaigns at World Animal Protection, said: “The accreditation of Algoa Bay as a new Whale Heritage Site is immensely important in the protection of wildlife in South Africa. It showcases a viable,

sustainable alternative to cruel attractions like captive dolphin venues and other wildlife entertainment activities. The site will also help to spotlight tour operators who offer tourists a wonderful experience seeing whales and dolphins in the wild, where they belong, while protecting the welfare of marine wildlife.” Lloyd Edwards, owner of Raggy Charters / The Baywatch Project, and a member of the site´s Steering Committee, said: “Becoming a Whale Heritage Site will ensure that visitors to the Algoa Bay marine area are contributing to destinations that celebrate natural heritage, protect marine wildlife and build a connection between local residents and sea life. In addition to the opportunity to observe sea mammals in the ocean, to attend vibrant festivals and other events that celebrate the marine environment and provide education and inspiration for tourists and locals alike.”

Port Elizabeth, where Algoa Bay is located, is a hidden gem in South Africa for whale and dolphin watching, and other wildlife viewing. With seasonal visits from Southern right whales, Humpback whales, Sei whales, Minke whales and Dwarf Minke whales. Other resident species include Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, Common and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, and Bryde’s whales. Killer whales are regular visitors while False killer, Risso’s dolphins, Long finned pilot whales, Pygmy whales and various species of Beaked whales are occasional visitors. They also have the largest breeding colony of African penguins and the largest colony of Cape gannets in the world. One unique aspect in Algoa Bay is the sheer number of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose dolphins, with schools of up to 800 individual dolphins encountered on marine tours. A longstanding scientific research project established since the 1990s, estimates there to be approximately 30,000 resident bottle-nose dolphins. To meet Whale Heritage Site criteria, sites must take into account information relating to the relevant local cetacean populations, including their status, numbers, biology, habitat, behaviour and welfare. It offers the travel industry a way to protect marine wildlife and support sustainable practices.

Author: World Cetacean Alliance

AMERICAN PULLMAN TRAIN Built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Pullman cars were designed to offer the very best in comfort and style. Now lovingly restored and back in service, each carriage has retained many of its striking original Art Deco features and lavish wood panelling, and has been enhanced with modern touches such as power outlets and showers. The train also boasts grand public spaces, such as the Lounge & Club Cars where you can relax with fellow passengers, and play board or card games. At meal times we are served in the lavish Dining Car. The waiter-served meals are freshly prepared by the on-board staff. Our bedrooms are two-berth, with the lower converting into a sofa for daytime travelling, and an en suite with WC. Showers are available at the end of every carriage.

Government

rail

plan

to

create 'Great British Railways' Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail. Marking the start of a new era for British railways, the Plan includes the creation of Great British Railways, and promises a ticketing revolution and a greener, more accessible network.

In what is expected to be the largest single operational change to the railway network of Britain in 25 years, the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail is expected to reform Britain's railways and 'launch a new era for passengers'.

A new public body, Great British Railways, is expected to integrate the railways and 'deliver passengerfocused travel with simpler, modern fares and reliable services'.

A quarter-century of fragmentation on the railways will end as they come under single, accountable national leadership, as the government unveils a new plan for rail. It is hoped that Great British Railways (GBR) will integrate the railways, owning the infrastructure, collecting fare revenue, running and planning the network, and setting most fares and timetables.

The Government hopes that GBR will simplify the current mass of confusing tickets with new flexible season tickets starting from June 21, and a roll-out of more convenient 'Pay As You Go', contactless and digital ticketing on smartphones. A new GBR website is expected to sell tickets and a single compensation system for operators in England will provide a system for passengers to access information and apply for refunds.

Keen to stress that 'there will remain a substantial and often greater role for the private sector', the Government has stated that GBR will contract private partners to operate most trains to the timetables and fares it specifies, with a model similar to that used by Transport for London in its successful Overground and Docklands Light Railway services.

The first HITACHI bi-mode #802304 passing Stanton Gate on the Midland Main line between Hull to St Pancras on 17 Oct 2020

Celebrate Global Beatles Day with Hornby!

They have expanded their collection of Beatles themed models with four '00' gauge wagons featuring iconic album artwork from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Help! Yellow Submarine and the EP Magical Mystery Tour!

Have you heard of the Fibre Guild? Well it is a Facebook group that has been formed with the express purpose of helping people who are understanding the concept of Lighting without Wiring™ connect with each. Here is the link to the Fibre Guild Not decided yet? Well here are some of the benefits of belonging to it: Our Guild mission statement is to create a place to discuss and share fibre optics ideas for our model railroads, with cutting-edge designs and magical innovations.

Our goals for our online Guild are: To be a place to exchange ideas and “show and tell”; To learn new things from other creative people; To meet new friends online, connect and support each other; To be inspired and ignite your creative spark; You will also be able to see behind the scenes with the development of new products from Dwarvin Enterprises.

In addition to regular connection with like-minded folks, we do both live and pre-recorded podcasts that provide a great opportunity to learn in depth - including yours truly.

See you there!

Click on this image to see their video from the US Virtual Model Train Show uploaded in April or on the I Blessings, Michael Groves, Founder Dwarvin Enterprises, LTD JOIN THE FIBER GUILD

mages below to connect to their Facebook page

ONE MODELER’S CREATIVE SPACE-SAVING SOLUTION Peter Waldraff’s Hidden Epoxy River Railroad Gallery – Layout or Artwork?

Inspired by Peter’s love of travel, the layout follows the fictitious theme of a Pacific island resort with a short line passenger train to transport guests to some of the island’s attractions. The backdrop of his layout, which is inspired by a picture of Mount Fuji, was painted over the plywood backing of the frame using acrylic.

Peter Waldraff has always prioritized saving space when building a layout. His interest in this modelling niche first started when he was 27, when he built his first N scale layout in a custom built, glass-covered coffee table in order to maximize what minimal room he had in his 1,200 square foot house.

However, after the birth of his children, it would be a few years before he got another chance to build another space-saving layout. After returning to the hobby, his most recent project is a layout that can be folded up and concealed behind a hand-made piece of wall art when not in use. Currently hanging on the wall of his dining room, Peter Waldraff’s N scale Epoxy River Railroad, which took about 8 months to build, manages to feature mountains, bodies of water, and intricate details all within a 20” x 68” x 5” space.

The layout measures 68” x 20” tall x 5” deep and is attached to the wall using French cleats. Peter determined 4.75” depth is the minimum needed for the interior of the layout to allow all the structures and trees to fit when folded. To make this piece look less bulky and not appear to be sticking out from the wall too far, he chose a 1.75” depth reveal at the frames edge to give the illusion of a flatter appearance.

The epoxy resin art piece measures 60” x 12” and is made from .75” maple with a glued .25” plywood backing, and a wavy epoxy resin poured in between.

The most crucial part of this project is the hinged arms located at the ends of the layout/art piece, which hold the art to the frame with 5/16” bolts and skateboard bearings.

To fold the layout, Peter designed hinged terrain. The ground cover, trees, roadway, and fruit stand all get flipped over. The tallest trees (as shown in the photo) get folded neatly to the side on their own hinged base.

The rocky cliff terrain was carved from pink insulating foam board glued and scratched over with a knife, then painted with acrylic. All structures (barn, station, fruit stand, fence, and stairs) were scratch built from scrap wood, hobby sticks and toothpicks.

The trees, soils, and grasses are store bought, but the tall grass in the middle along the ocean coast were made from paint brush bristles cut, hot glued together, and painted.

An on edge vertical plywood wall is made from two laminated ½” thick pieces of plywood and positioned over the plywood and maple base and attached with wood glue and screws to keep the layout flat. This gives the structure for the rocky hillside terrain coverage Peter needed to conceal the backside of the track and train, to give the illusion of the train traveling into the valley towards the volcano backdrop.

The track is Kato (Unitrack) with 12” Radii laid directly on 1” foam and glued. The configuration is a very simple dog bone shape continuous loop with one turnout for the terminus train station. The track has two cut sections to allow the layout to fold up while allowing the back straight away section to remain intact and allow the train to stay on the track and eliminate the need for set up when folded down.