Altoona Backdrops

Looks like a stormy day in Altoona.

Gallitizin Backdrop- Part Trois

Bernie attended a Friday evening work session to repaint the Gallitzin backdrop area. Let's hope it works this time. Next step is to install the actual rough scenery here and see if any adjustments are needed. Part of the problem has been the difficulty in envisioning how the final scene will come together and getting the backdrop to blend. JD also does not have many good photos showing this particular view of Gallitizin. Most rail fans focus on the trains or the tunnel and omit the area just west of the tunnels.

July Work Session

The hot weather has not detered the PRR crew. Here are some shots from the 26 July work session.

Bernie painted the Gallitizin Tunnel backdrop for the second time. His N scale calibrated eyes are  gone and he tried painting O scale buildings on the backdrop. It may need a Mark III version. He'll keep doing it until he gets it right. He suggested that they rough in the scenery before painting the scene as it is complex with a tunnel and road over pass.

Jeff works on the terrain at Cresson.

Christian Peck making believe he is working. He actually serenaded the group with a rendition of a Nirvana tune.

Rock Carving on the Curve

The latest rock cravings on the hill behind the curve. The tape needs to come off and some final painting and drybrushing to come.

The gang's (almost) all here!

We had a productive session this week, with a pretty good crowd. In addition to making some great progress, we proved that the layout will fit six people reasonably comfortably. Good to know once we get to running trains.
Roughly from bottom to top, here’s what we accomplished.

Leonard finished up the electromagnetic uncoupler (for detaching snappers) on the Tunnelhill module.




Steve continued installation of DCC wiring, running the next-to-last buss wire for track power. We also test-fitted DCC panels to the new fascia.





Mark continued to make progress on the fascia, installing a segment at MG tower.

Bernie carved the rock face at Horseshoe curve, requiring an emergency trip to Home Depot for more Durham’s Water Putty.




On the top of the mountain, JB continued planting trees. We are close to the 100th acre I’m sure.




Much fun and many cookies!

New Year's session

Even thought we have moved from Wednesdays to Tuesdays for 2011, we had a good turnout (actually a #7 left hand).

Steve Jackson is on winter break so came over to begin DCC installation. He and Mark Andersen were scribbling madly coming up with shelving designs for the electronics, programming track and other components.

J.B. Weilepp worked on Horseshoe Curve scenery and your humble narrator got almost all of the wiring finished underneath Tunnelhill.



The West Altoona trackwork is complete and switch machine installion is progressing nicely. This shot shows the Hollidaysburg Secondary branching off the main.



East Altoona trackwork is well underway. This shot shows the shops in the right foreground and the sidings for the Altoona Freight Station in the background.

Fascia Installation

With the help of layout master plumber / chief carpenter Mark Andersen, fascia installation has begun. Mark has built one each of almost everything in his career so is an excellent source for suggesting material and techniques.

We had used Masonite (C) on the previous layout but wanted something more flexible. Mark suggested using 1/4" bending poplar which is sometimes used to wrap around exposed pipes to create a more finished appearance.

Here, Mark is constructing installation points out of 1 x 2 ' s.



Here's a shot of the first installed section. The poplar is plenty flexible.