looks good so far...would

looks good so far...would love to see a little more of it

Awesome modeling!

Awesome modeling!

Do you have a track plan to share?.  Are you modeling the modern era, aren´t you?

Track plan

The track plan of this module is quite simple:

Nevertheless one can have a lot of fun with only this single module; for operating sessions a small extension board is attached to the right side.

More modules are coming, the benchwork is already done - I'll keep you updated!

The era I'm modeling is the diesel traction area. I'm trying not to be too specific with my structures - so it could be e.g. either 1970 or 1990, only the rolling stock and also cars and trucks have to be changed.

Excellent

Would love to see some more pictures....The backdrop blends in really well.

Two new views

Here are to other views from the opposite side:

still love this layout.....

this is the layout that REALLY got me building again

Looks real

Outstanding model workmanship. Are the backdrops photos that you took? It really adds a lot of depth to the overall effect. I hope you post more photos in the future.

Thank you for your

Thank you for your comments.

The photos were took by myself in Arizona.

Arizona?

I thought that you were in Germany (due to the link to your stuff listed in Eruo's and the .de domain name).

I would REALLY love to see your models in person

Location

Indeed - I'm in Germany; the pictures were taken during my last visit in Eloy.

Eloy? only 2 reasons to ever

Eloy? only 2 reasons to ever go there, the railroad and sky diving! I am about 30 miles from there

In this case the latter one -

In this case the latter one - Skydive Arizona.

Backdrop

ModSwitching layout

Great work. If you have not seen it, I recommend Lance Mindheim's book on operating a modern switching layout. Useful for modelers of all eras, he focuses on modeling the actual operation of the train, operated by a single engineer and conductor/brakeman. You include time for the brakeman to unlock and throw turnouts, set and release brakes, maneuver over crossings, unlock factory gates, walk the train to couple or uncouple, etc. Really makes you feel that you are there, performing an actual switching work session. Much fun.

Roger Thomas

Skydive AZ

you might have landed a mile from my house...I live a mile from one of their many drop zones

Second module finished

I've finished the second module - here are first shots as an overview of it:

Some small details still have to be added - trash bins, air conditions, a mailbox, lighting. The grade crossing is complete and working - with light and sound.

How did you scratch build "Little Italy?"

It looks great - with that big ventilator on the roof, I can almost smell Italian cooking from here!  Is the restaurant going to have lights like the buildings in other parts of "Industry Avenue?"

Remember to fill up the parking lot at happy hour!  In fact, if that gravel lot across the street doesn't already have a plan, it might be a good place to park a semi-truck or two while the drivers duck in for dinner . . .

I like scratchbuilding, and always enjoy seeing scratch projects that turn out well  - gives me hope! 

Nice work!

Styrene

Lights will be added - inside and outside. Inside lighting is easy, outside lighting with tiny tiny SMD-LEDs needs some time and patience. The pole with the large sign will also get two lights.

Right, the gravel lot is meant as a parking lot for hungry drivers ...

I used styrene sheets with 1 mm and different styrene stripes. The doors and windows are parts from Auhagen. The window glasses are made out of a sheet of overhead transparency printed with brown color in my laser printer to simulate a colored glass.

I will add two air conditions on the track side and two trash bins on the backside - again as 3D-prints.

Very impressive

The work on these modules is top class  Looking forward to more updates.

Mike

Scratch built spices wholesale

I completed the next scratch built structure for my third module of "Industry Ave" - a spices wholesale:

A few minor additions will follow prior to install it on the module: A cooling unit on the right and lighting over the two doors.

I tried a new mounting technique for the roof: The structure will be screwed to the module with its base plate, so I wanted the roof to be removable. I'm using three really strong magnets for this purpose:

The magnet is glued on the right (underneath the red marking), on the left you can see a nut glued to the bottom side of the roof, shown here upside down. The roof is hold just right, not too strong, not too weak - the styrene between magnet and nut helps a lot.

I love the magnets idea! I'm

I love the magnets idea! I'm going to have to copy that I think.

I like it

I like it, very pleasing to the eye. I would like to see more of that

Operations Video Part 1

I just added the first video of operating "Industry Ave" - at the moment only two modules:

The next modules - and videos - will follow asap.

I liked the way ...

... you swapped the automobiles around at the railroad crossing!  Clever!  

Very nice scenery and details, and love the look of that loco!

How do you determine what cars are going where?

Might want to see if you can reduce the noise of the switch mechanisms?

Wondering how one could better control that "surging" action the cars have when being moved (sort of like a slinky) ... more drag on the wheels?  I'll be dealing with this soon on my O-scale layout, I'm thinking ....

Nice video, enjoyed watching it.  Thanks for sharing.