July 4, 2023
My goal is to have one 35′ scene done for Proberta by mid-August. I started a couple of hills using 2″ foam a neighbor had. Using foam is a new experience for me. I bought a cheap set of foam carving tools (Amazon.com: 4 in 1 Foam Cutter Set With Digital Voltage Controller, GOCHANGE Electric Cutting Machine Pen Tools Kit, 100-240V /18W Styrofoam Cutting Pen with Electronic Voltage Transformer Adaptor : Arts, Crafts & Sewing) and the bow cutter has worked out great. Liquid Nails glued things down. One section could have been pressed harder to eliminate any gap on the layout base. I thought using foam in this area would make it easier to plant oak trees.
Feeders were 22-gauge wire. A 3/32″ hole was drilled as close to the outside of the rail as possible. Dozens were made ahead of time with a small bend at the top. A little water-soluble flux (Superior No. 30 from H&N Electronics) was applied to the rail before soldering. The wire pretty much disappears when painted and ballasted.
The track was painted with spray paint. First brown straight down, then spurs received rust colored primer at a low angle. A few ties were sprayed with gray, but it seemed too light. All ties will be hand painted with acrylics. The existing paint should give a good tooth so paint does not flake off during ballasting which happened to me when I did not use a primer first on my previous layout. A block of wood with a lacquer thinner soaked rag was used to clean the top of the rails. I did not mask the switches since the points are not power routing. A little thinner on a micro-brush cleans the throwbar if needed. The door was open and an organic protective mask worn (Respirator Mask Reusable Half Face Cover Gas Mask with Safety Glasses, Paint Face Cover Face Shield with Filters for Painting, Organic Vapor, Welding, Polishing, Woodworking and Other Work Protection (Medium): Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement.) I’m going to buy a couple of box fans to place at either end of the room before continuing. This worked well for me in the past.
Happy Independence Day everyone. Please remember those who fought to give us our freedom and those who currently serve. My wife, who is my great supporter, and I are ready for a neighborhood parade and then fireworks.
