Post #27

Hi and welcome to 2026. It was last year some time that I did my last posting so we are due for an update.

The first blog was dated March 2024 so it won't be long before it has been two years since I have gone back to traction world. In some of the earlier blogs I revealed how I am revisiting traction modelling again. It seems every layout I get involved with becomes 'my last layout ever' but I seem to prove that wrong. I guess the desire for creativity overpowers longevity. I have enjoyed every layout built in the past and can only hope that my modelling skills have improved along the way.

So after a year or so I have been collecting ideas, research material, obtaining models, importing the required overhead wiring hardware from the states. I have only five books (currently) on electric traction including the two inspirational books - The Time of the Trolley and The Interurban Era, both William D Middleton books. My original copies from fifty years ago have long gone, hopefully someone else has been enjoying them.

The tilting baseboard has been assembled and is armed with a leg in each corner to prevent accidental turning. I don't want that yet as there is too much crap on top and would all end up in a pile on the floor. Some track has been laid, the depot has track in it although the sides and roof are yet to come (another day). Buildings have been sourced, I have assembled one and the others are patiently waiting in their boxes for their day on the layout. When I spot something on the web that might work on the layout I obtain it if I am quick. My bargain so far was ten trams for $50 which included the brass Brill four wheel sprinkler car.

One corner of the layout has been cut away to form a part river and will be my interpretation of the Aurora terminus. I am still looking for plans of the platform shelter.

Fan trip to South Aurora

 The trolleys are still away having their DCC decoders fitted and the track is not ready yet so no rush with that. I am tossing up whether to obtain one of the new Rapido Toronto cars being released. When you start adding up exchange rates and postage and other dreamed up government taxes, it will be a later decision. But when you consider what you now get in a model, it is very tempting.

When setting priorities it should be obvious that you get the track laid first. I have obliged this in a few areas but the temptation to do some scenery work comes in strong. I feel that this is what brings a layout to life and I am happy with the small amount done so far. The photo above show the river scene done so far and I was looking for another area to try some work.

Location of work area

The above diagram shows where I chose to do some more scenery work. In previous plans the boxed section was to have been a roadway but the chance to have some double track right of way proved stronger. I also wanted to have a trolley stop, this not only adds operation interest by having to stop there for passengers but will serve a few houses that will reside on the right hand side of the stop. At this end of the baseboard the board has been raised around 20mm to get away from the flat earth policy. The climb is very gradual and in typing this I have come up with the location name 'Hill End' Indeed that is the name of a town in outback New South Wales.

The track through this section is Peco code 75 flexible track, chosen for its finer appearance that the code 100 track. The rail head is smaller as well as the height. It has easily been curved to an eleven inch radius curve to accomodate the Electroliner.

As can be seen in the top photo the track crosses a single industry line via two 90 degree crossings, these were Atlas code 83 as they don't make the 90 degree ones in code 75. A bit of filing will see them sit OK.

The platforms were made with some thin cork. I painted the rail head with some water colour and then laid the cork over the rail. This then gave an accurate 'where to cut' guide. I have used this method in the past ventures. The shelter shed was gifted by a friend James when we attended a model rail exhibition last October. It is perfect for this location, made of metal and already painted. 

The two platforms have been connected by a wooden walkway so passengers can exit the location towards the houses, a mistaken direction the other way would certainly lead to death over the edge of the baseboard. (Reminder: Install fences). The platforms were coated with some coloured plaster I have had for years and look ideal to represent a tarred platform. There is a lot more scenery, namely fences, lights and plants to be installed here yet. The cork readily absorbs the paint and has a mottled finish rather than a plain finish of say styrene.

 

I chose the reddish ballast from a choice of leftover I have had from over the years. It is probably meant for N scale but I think works better than a course HO type. It is set in place but the tried and tested method of watering down with the spray bottle plus a few drops of detergent and then some watered down PVA glue. Sets like a rock and then this allows the initial track pins to be removed. (Ain't going nowhere). The rail edges were also painted, an essential in my book. No where in the real world is the side of the track 'silver'

The weeds are coming

I looked in my scenery draw and found some Mininatur foliage for in between and around the track that looked suitable. I am sure weeds were the last thing on the minds of the traction bosses when trying to run a company at a profit. My company is no different. So I pulled a chair up to the edge of the layout, music in the background, some tweezers and a dab of PVC and the planting commenced. Slow work but the end result came out OK. The edge of the cork will also be blended in with more weeds. At the moment I have only used the one type of weed but to add variety more varieties will be included. You don't just get the one type of weed in real life, (If only)

 

 The connection walkway between the platforms are representitive of an era when you knew to take care and lookout for yourself. There will be no heaps of warning signs, flashing lights etc to warn you, like today. I am modelling a back in the good old days era where you had some personal responsibility. (Also quicker to model) The shelter has been glued into place and some flowers have already started growing around the back.

 So some more work to be done around this area before overhead can be erected. I am happy how it has turned out. I placed a photo yesterday on the Facebook Traction Model Railroading site and it seems to have been well received. So I will keep going.

Not sure what will be on the next post or when, so keep checking, thanks for your interest.