Waterville & Washington Railroad

I've been working on installing static grass on my Coon Creek bridge module. I've tried different techniques and I've decided that I like applying 2mm grass and then immediately applying 6mm grass while the glue is still wet. The other method that worked good, but is more messy is applying 2mm thickly then waiting for the glue to dry and then using hairspray to apply the 6mm. I like how thick it makes the 2mm grass, but I don't like the extra mess and clean up the hairspray makes. I had an issue with my grass being too thin in one area and I used the hairspray to thicken the grass application and it works well for that use. The scene I'm trying to replicate without the snow. Static grass is one of those applications that looks much better in person instead of when photographed. My application is much more varied and patched compared to what the pictures show. Next step is to complete the grass application, then add the fence, shrubs, and brush.

My static grass application from earlier. It came out spotty and not very even. I worked on my applicator and I think I've fixed it. I need to work on layering the grass a little better and try the hair spray technique.

Working on installing static grass on the Coon Creek bridge module. I got spurred on by a friend and I'm hoping to continue with my progress. My static grass did not go on evenly. I think loose grounding wire is the culprit. I now have soldered my leads and wires so everything should work good again. Since it's late, I'll fire it up tomorrow. Hopefully with pictures to follow.

I have installed the Scale Segmental Bridge sections to my bridge. Off to the right in this picture you can see one of the metal deck plate girders that I'm building. I used it to unsure the cement sections were placed correctly. Time to get busy on the bridge. I don't think I'll have it complete in time for the RPM meet, but I'll just substitute a block of wood or something for the bridge so I can run trains on it. The rail is all soldered together and I just have to weather it today and then install it. I hope I can get some grass and other scenery started before the meet. Side view of the bridge. A few late minute tasks like wire up the Digitrax DCC plug ins and table legs which I hope to finish next weekend at the latest.

I have stained my Scale Segmental Bridge Co. cement sections with three different washes of diluted craft paint. The pans are currently being glued. Next step will be to drill holes in the piers to accept brass pins and then glue everything together. This has turned in to a fun project. I thought ahead this time and installed the bridge number before assembling everything together unlike my last bridge I built.

Below is the overall view of the module. I've smeared patching plaster on one side of the fill to smooth the joints between the foam pieces. I still have to cut the small stream channel and lay the old roadbed on the left side of the picture. This view is of the "hilly" side of the Coon creek channel. The thin layer of foam I plan to replicate a rock outcropping that was cut when the railroad cut the hillside for the roadbed. I also still need to carve the foam back more to fit in the bridge abruptment and piers. A closer view of the plaster and long fill. Once I finish with the plaster. All will be painted with my tan "dirt" color including the plywood. I'll then use static grass and plant trees.

This week has the completion of installing foam. Once the glue dries, I will carve the foam in to the final shape. Next, I will cut down the sides of the module frame to make the frame follow the ground contour. After that step, I will begin the bridge installation.

I've completed the splines for the roadbed and have wired the layout. I still have to add the feeder to the track once installed. Plus I have to wire for the Digitrax deal (I run NCE so I don't have to worry about it until I want to run it as a freemo module). I'm excited because my Genesis Mopac GP15-1 has arrived finally. Time to get some track laid so I can hear and watch this beauty run.

I have finally been motivated to do a little work on my model railroad. First is a picture of the new module I am building. Greg Baker designed and built the initial frame and I've been working on installing the spline roadbed and building a few additional support sections for the bridge. Where you see the level is where the Coon Creek bridge will be located. Next you see the progress on the metal plate girder section. Scale Segmental Bridge Co. cement bridge sections are also located in the picture. I have not forgotten about Waterville. It's on hiatus until I can finish the Coon Creek bridge section. I hope to have the bridge ready for show at the Mid Continent Prototype Modelers Meet in November.

Yes, I have yet to complete a single module and I'm embarking on building a new module that focuses on the Coon Creek bridge located just west of Waterville, Kansas. I'm going to use Scale Segmental Bridge Co. pre-cast Mopac bridge sections for the bridge. As you might note, the bridge sections match exactly with the SSBCo parts. I'm going to scratchbuild the DPG bridge. Micro Engineering bridges are close, but I want exact. I hope to have this short module complete (ready to run maybe not scenery) by the November RPM show near Wichita. Thus starts the adventure.