tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61859125591618817072024-03-13T11:05:20.506-07:00Mine Train Thru Nature's WonderlandSam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-73310106220818695282018-01-07T10:57:00.001-08:002018-01-07T10:57:20.525-08:00Visit the Nature's Wonderland model! At Walt Disney's Barn!Last May, the model made another appearance at Fullerton Railroad days. While I had "retired" the model from visiting places and I was mentally calling the model "finished", there was a special circumstance for bringing the model out to the public again. Not only would the model be on display at Fullerton Railroad Days, it was incorporated into the Carolwood Pacific Society and Walt Disney's Barn booth.<br />
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But wait, there's more!<br />
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After a weekend run, on display next to Disneyland Railroad's C.K. Holliday, the model would travel up the 5 freeway to Griffith Park to it's new home-- Walt Disney's Barn! The barn crew has decided to have the model on"extended loan" right inside the place where Walt Disney built his Lilly Belle. Since the work is underway on restoring the original NWRR #1 to eventually be on display, having this model was a nice tie-in. Since I moved to Burbank from Fullerton, and the model was stored in Rancho Cucamonga, having the model just on the other side of the 134 is very convenient! Credit goes to Mark Eades, formerly of the OC Register, for getting the ball rolling on making all this happen.<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ITFoSnaOcos/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ITFoSnaOcos?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Before the layout spent a weekend in Fullerton, I filmed and photographed as much as I could when it was the San Bernardino county area. Some of the footage is slowly trickling onto the web as I edit it. Eventually there will be an "ultimate" ride through video of the model. </div>
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In that same photoshoot, I had some fun with the 8mm app, mimicking home movies of the 60's</div>
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<b>For more updates and photos, I've been updating the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWRRModel/"> Facebook Page</a> frequently. </b><br />
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<b>You can see the model in person at Walt Disney's Barn-- open every 3rd Sunday!</b><br />
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Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-3333200255561341832017-04-28T15:55:00.003-07:002017-04-28T15:55:37.908-07:00Nature's Wonderland returns for Fullerton Railroad Days!Once again, the Nature's Wonderland model will be on exhibit at this year's Fullerton Railroad Days!<br />
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<br />Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-81033435958070204542017-04-05T14:42:00.000-07:002017-04-08T01:04:06.637-07:00Finish Line: Spring 2017 UpdateWell, some time has transpired since the last update. Some big things have happened with the layout since and this update is merely just catching up. Let's pick up where we left off!<br />
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For many years I had thought how fun it would be to participate in the exhibition line-up at Fullerton Railroad days. I've been attending as a patron since it's beginning and have been every year. Seeing other models on display had inspired me to join them with my model railroad. One day I thought, when it's finished, it would be an experience and those who have followed my work can finally see it in person.<br />
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For years I would mention this, and my ever supporting lady in my life finally told me to stop talking--and just do it. So in January of last year, I decided 2016 would be the year NWRR would make it's public appearance.<br />
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Just one big problem..... I had to finish it!!<br />
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So off I went, frantically pulling bits and pieces together and kicking my progress into hyperdrive. If you follow the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/NWRRModel/">Facebook page</a>, you probably notice the sudden abundance of updates leading up to the May 1st deadline. Rainbow Ridge had to be built from the ground up, new trains had to be constructed, the massive tangle of wires had to be dealt with, and 1001 other details that needed to be added<br />
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<b><span style="color: #ffe599; font-size: large;">ALL ABOARD!</span></b><br />
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Picking from the last update, the 4th generation of trains were being built from scratch. I would finally have the chance to have more than one train running, and to make things easier (and to save time), the trains were built simultaneously. Construction was staggered slightly so any problems in the first train would be solved, and the fix captured in the second train.<br />
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The headlights are LED, and the PVC boilers contain an array of zener diodes that form an H-bridge so the LED can be lit even if the polarity is reversed (in other words, whether the train goes forwards or backwards the headlight is on)</div>
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For the cars, I scracthbuilt a master model that was molded in silicone and 14 copies were made. And then they were sprayed with Krylon "Safety Yellow". Upon pulling the last casting, #14, the mold split in half and discarded.</div>
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For the first two cars of each train, I outfitted them with power pick-up trucks from Ring Engineering. Through my experience, 4 wheels is not enough conductivity, so 12 should be plenty. </div>
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Then came all the little detailing, times two.</div>
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Through a lot of research and cross referencing I found all the names and numbers for each car. Here they are listed, for train one (train two would be listed "201, 202, 203 etc")</div>
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101 BEAVER VALLEY</div>
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102 CASCADE MOUNTAIN</div>
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103 BEAR RIVER</div>
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104 OLYMPIC ELK</div>
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105 SAGUARO FOREST</div>
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106 LIVING DESERT</div>
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107 RAINBOW CAVERNS</div>
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And a video of train testing in the Living Desert</div>
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<span style="color: #ffe599; font-size: large;">Rainbow Ridge Returns</span></div>
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Enlisting the help of a few family members to help save time, the laborious task of painting all the buildings in Rainbow Ridge began. Over 20 custom shades and washes were mixed for the colorful town. Decals were either drawn in Photoshop or pulled from photographs. </div>
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Mineral Hall and Casa de Fritos got some color</div>
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Then little areas around the town began to wrap up, like the tunnel from Rainbow Caverns</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZpNOaizjEs/WNigbEO5eZI/AAAAAAAACnc/ETHfCrMePr0cylHoQbZkpTLhaxNCMeVDgCEw/s1600/IMG_2374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZpNOaizjEs/WNigbEO5eZI/AAAAAAAACnc/ETHfCrMePr0cylHoQbZkpTLhaxNCMeVDgCEw/s400/IMG_2374.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And the hill behind Rainbow Ridge</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYZWSNoAda8/WNigcSruMNI/AAAAAAAACnc/Eoomeeb2sp4VtH81PvCVIrjyeYG14pxZgCEw/s1600/IMG_2379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYZWSNoAda8/WNigcSruMNI/AAAAAAAACnc/Eoomeeb2sp4VtH81PvCVIrjyeYG14pxZgCEw/s400/IMG_2379.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>The silver disc is a speaker to broadcast sounds from the saloon</i></div>
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The distinctive "slurry" of 60's Disneyland went in the pathways</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Md-Q3vRzxFQ/WNigeVvyVaI/AAAAAAAACnc/ZLadrOnCITIOJ6Pg1voiJeKhNBbW5t4NACEw/s1600/IMG_2393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Md-Q3vRzxFQ/WNigeVvyVaI/AAAAAAAACnc/ZLadrOnCITIOJ6Pg1voiJeKhNBbW5t4NACEw/s400/IMG_2393.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Over on the other side of Rainbow Ridge, The very first structure to represent the Pack Mules was built. To represent the natural look, strands of aluminum armature wire were used to create the shade structure. Unfortunately, to save time, the buildings that would have occupied the load and unload for the Pack Mules were cut to save time. Maybe they'll appear sometime in the future. </div>
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And of course, the Pack Mules themselves! These are actually S scale mules from <a href="http://www.theaspenmodelingcompany.com/SScaleFigures.php">Aspen models</a>, to represent the smaller scale animal in this scale. For all the figures, I broke apart their legs and with enough super glue and accelerator, I re-positioned the legs and repainted them. These were added just days before Railroad Days so only two trains of pack mules, and only one with people</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WQXDDcZU16o/WNigszuX-QI/AAAAAAAACnc/7vW8S3EjJIow234yfbDWwRUw3qLMNRojwCEw/s1600/IMG_2528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WQXDDcZU16o/WNigszuX-QI/AAAAAAAACnc/7vW8S3EjJIow234yfbDWwRUw3qLMNRojwCEw/s320/IMG_2528.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RlE3B4ZR9x4/WNifwVO8Z2I/AAAAAAAACno/3BVWesyRf0IuJ6CymzO76E7spq_o2NDNACEw/s1600/IMG_1831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RlE3B4ZR9x4/WNifwVO8Z2I/AAAAAAAACno/3BVWesyRf0IuJ6CymzO76E7spq_o2NDNACEw/s320/IMG_1831.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #ffe599; font-size: large;">Mission Control</span></b></div>
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One of the biggest things to complete for the layout--and the most anticipated by me-- was the control panel. There was a massive bundle of wires coming off the front of the layout, and they had to be dealt with! Like I discussed in the last update, I've had an odd obsession with the control panels used at Disneyland and I've wanted to replicate one on the layout for a long time. I made a list of all the functions I wanted to operate on the layout and I designated the appropriate button that would have be on a "real" panel at the park. Using my knowledge of when I worked at the park (and my girlfriend's expertise, who is an ex-attractions CM) I was able to fabricate a nice console that would control every feature on the layout. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v3tmfeZb1pI/WNigNzvjg-I/AAAAAAAACnc/R8pShjovuugrOE5xXKiqC2r0N1_tEB2pQCPcB/s1600/IMG_2293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v3tmfeZb1pI/WNigNzvjg-I/AAAAAAAACnc/R8pShjovuugrOE5xXKiqC2r0N1_tEB2pQCPcB/s400/IMG_2293.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Of course, for a miniature, I had to take a few liberties and make up my own functions, such as the throttle control for the trains themselves. I hacked apart a MRC TECH 7 ampac 760 transformer, which is an excellent transformer with a great feature of momentum control (with a brake button!!). I wanted all these features to be utilized on the control panel so I took the controller apart and soldered wires to new switches that would do the same operation, just on a different interface. </div>
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Here's a video of train testing demonstrating that transformer</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/CK7QfCqh1ew/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CK7QfCqh1ew?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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And modified....</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FB8oL3MpAQk/WNigUv4D49I/AAAAAAAACnc/6a8i7iUV9l4OcjaN8wLLHX_rGcUPro7VgCPcB/s1600/IMG_2305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FB8oL3MpAQk/WNigUv4D49I/AAAAAAAACnc/6a8i7iUV9l4OcjaN8wLLHX_rGcUPro7VgCPcB/s400/IMG_2305.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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For all the buttons and switches, I used what the theme parks used: Allen Bradley. This brand of buttons and switches are heavy duty and industrial grade meant to withstand grueling conditions and constant operation. And their prices reflected their durability--up to $200 new, a pop! Luckily, after about a month of tracking, I was able to find all my parts for much cheaper used on eBay. A lot of machine operators list them after they get near the end of their life and get replaced so they don't sacrifice reliability. In my case, they work perfectly fine since these aren't on a full size attraction with real people and real safety at stake! </div>
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One day I will do a video of all the functions, but here's a general description from left to right. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tTUThVgm56M/WOR4ATOyxZI/AAAAAAAACpY/Lj4Cqtsq2SAEmFgsMgYElwKHJuIdtmRwQCLcB/s1600/PanelFinished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tTUThVgm56M/WOR4ATOyxZI/AAAAAAAACpY/Lj4Cqtsq2SAEmFgsMgYElwKHJuIdtmRwQCLcB/s400/PanelFinished.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Throttle</b>- Very straightforward, applies power to the track to make the trains move. Green is a nice speed, yellow is Big Thunder mode-- very fast and un-prototypical, and red is danger, derail possible!</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Brake</b> - as shown in the train testing video, this slows the train down if Momentum Control is Active</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Direction</b> - switches the polarity in the track to change train direction</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Dispatch</b> - mimicking whats on Disneyland attraction panels today. Through some complicated circuitry, when a train enters the station, it triggers a sensor that starts a timer and cuts out the track power. The train stops and waits until the "dispatch interval" has elapsed and the button will flash! The operator pushes the button and the train starts its journey into Nature's Wonderland!</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Momentum Control </b>- this turns on and off the function of momentum on the transformer, demonstrated in the video above</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Ride Stop </b>- This cuts power to all tracks, effectively stopping the trains if theres an issue.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Turnouts </b>- Changes the servo positions for the turnouts, moving the track switches to the spur or main track.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Track Status - </b>These indicate where the ride vehicles are, like a real attraction. In this case, it shows if a block is occupied (hooked up to my relay system for the block control; whatever block is red, the indicator for that block lights up)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Dispatch Mode - </b>In manual mode, the dispatch button will flash forever and the train at the station will not move until someone presses the button. In Auto mode, once the interval timer is up, the dispatch button flashes once and the train leaves the station, all on it's own. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Dispatch Timer - </b>When it's on, the train will stop at the station and wait out the interval. When it's off, the train will blow right through the station without stopping! This is helpful for testing or cleaning the track. Interval changes how long the train is at the station</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Zone Override - </b>This turns on all the blocks and lets the trains go through every block without stopping, even if the lights are red. This is mostly for testing or if a sensor wasn't triggered correctly and a train is stopped in front of a red light when the block ahead is actually empty.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Animation - </b> This turns on and off all the animated scenes: Balancing Rock Canyon, Marmot Tunnel, Battling Elk, and Geysers</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Night Lighting </b>- Turns on the 100+ LED's hidden in the layout</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Caverns Lighting - </b>Exclusively turns on the LED's in the Rainbow Caverns</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Sound - </b>Turns on all the speakers, which broadcast 4 channels of audio. This is run by two mp3 triggers with a left and right channel each. Cascade Peak has the sound of waterfalls and the Mark Twain going by every 10 minutes. The forested areas like Bear Country and Beaver Valley have the sounds of running creeks, bears, and other wildlife. Living Desert has the sounds of Coyotes, rock crashes, geysers, and cicadas. Rainbow Ridge has the sounds of the rowdy townsfolk at the Last Chance Saloon</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Spiel - </b> This one is pretty cool. It's all the sounds above, but has the Dal Mckennon spiel mixed into it. But not only does it broadcast the original narration, using the panning of the different left and right channels, the spiel actually "follows" the train through the model! Took a couple tries to get that one right! </li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Mute - </b>Simply cuts out audio. In actuality, the mp3 triggers are playing a blank track.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Emergency Stop - </b> Ah yes, the infamous E-Stop. There was no way I couldn't include this. This stops all trains, and cuts all show effects-- animation, sound, lighting-- but with the extra feature I thought would be cool: play the breakdown spiel for the Big Thunder. "Sorry for the hold up folks, there seems to be a slow train ahead". </li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Power Disconnect - </b>Basically the master switch for power for the entire layout. </li>
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So as you can see, a lot of thought went into the little control panel. All to make it more fun (for me!) to operate. I worked as a sweeper in the park, so I never got to run an attraction, but once my lady had me go through training (she's the official trainer for the model Nature's Wonderland) I was authorized to run the mini attraction and finally be an attractions CM, unofficially. </div>
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Here's a look inside the belly of this console; hundreds of feet of more wire, slightly more organized then before!</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TR8FpGBI8Yk/WOSB1pILPLI/AAAAAAAACps/Uhgcr9B_p-Uy-FKUXjU5X3s9_PVmZuMmACEw/s1600/IMG_5007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TR8FpGBI8Yk/WOSB1pILPLI/AAAAAAAACps/Uhgcr9B_p-Uy-FKUXjU5X3s9_PVmZuMmACEw/s400/IMG_5007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #ffe599; font-size: large;">Nature's Wonderland in Nature</span></div>
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A week before the layout was set to make it's journey to Fullerton Railroad days, to shake things out and test it's portability, it was moved outside and set atop it's new table. From here, more detailing would be added and the "big pour" of the resin Rivers of America would happen</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hplzG_KOMo8/WNigkyo-6LI/AAAAAAAACnc/SCMQarULF3kJ2Ro0zCnMTPyC7NujFdg6QCPcB/s1600/IMG_2456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hplzG_KOMo8/WNigkyo-6LI/AAAAAAAACnc/SCMQarULF3kJ2Ro0zCnMTPyC7NujFdg6QCPcB/s400/IMG_2456.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The layout actually looks pretty neat in natural daylight!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LtXMb4WDrOw/WNiflySpXPI/AAAAAAAACnc/3cFECipncC0_4ys5vFzwVLVujIx2PACewCPcB/s1600/DSC_5076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LtXMb4WDrOw/WNiflySpXPI/AAAAAAAACnc/3cFECipncC0_4ys5vFzwVLVujIx2PACewCPcB/s400/DSC_5076.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I finally finished up my Gullywhumper Keelboat and prepared to set it in the scene, right in front of Big Thunder Falls. </div>
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To achieve the water, I dumped about 3 kits of Enviro-tex resin with a few drops of moss green acrylic paint to tint it. Once the "water" started to get tacky, I took an air compressor and started blowing against the surface back and forth to create the ripples until the resin hardened further. I ended up adding some Woodland Scenics water effects to enhance the waves later. </div>
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Just days before the event in Fullerton, I added any little detail I had time to put in. Some of which were homages to my time as a custodial cast member at the park</div>
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<span style="color: #ffe599; font-size: large;"><b>On the Move</b></span></div>
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And finally, on Friday April 29th, the layout made it's first trip outside the comfort of home. Using the help of a few family members, the ridiculously heavy layout was wrestled into the back of Uhaul truck and made it's trip down Harbor Blvd. </div>
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Under the big model railroad tent, set-up time began and the layout was prepared for it's first public appearance the following day.</div>
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The trains were transported in a custom box since they are technically one piece. A flat piece of styrene on the open end creates a smooth transition to rail so on the straight section in the Living Desert, I can roll the trains right onto the track without picking them up. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QyP4s3Ggvq8/WNigsecB1JI/AAAAAAAACnc/iMwvOmBQM_IDWpq-MduzvrBTbN3TaCLygCPcB/s1600/IMG_2524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QyP4s3Ggvq8/WNigsecB1JI/AAAAAAAACnc/iMwvOmBQM_IDWpq-MduzvrBTbN3TaCLygCPcB/s400/IMG_2524.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Goodnight model railroad, see you at the big event!</div>
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<span style="color: #ffe599; font-size: large;"><b>Build it and they will come</b></span></div>
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And boy did they come. At the blast of a whistle from SF 3751 at 8:00 am sharp, Fullerton Railroad days 2016 was open. Even before the tent was completely open, patrons gathered in droves to see the model, many of whom had been long-time followers of this blog. Visitors got a kick out of being able to see the model up close and in person. </div>
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It got so crowded at times, I was 15ft away from my own model!</div>
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<i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thundermesaminingco/">Thunder Mesa Mining Company</a>'s Dave Meek, center, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JungleNavigationRR">Jungle Navigation Railroad Company</a>'s Robert Kurner, far left, were among many that visited the layout. </i></div>
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It was an experience to see people's memories jogged and many reactions like "I remember this as a kid" were great to hear. Many former mine train operators came by and expressed their compliments to model version of an attraction they were very close to. </div>
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And even the Disneyland Railroad crew stopped by to see a former railroad attraction cousin in miniature form!</div>
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<span style="color: #ffe599; font-size: large;"><b>Recovery and Retirement (or so I thought)</b></span></div>
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As exhausting and hectic preparing for such an event was, from figuring out the logistics of moving the layout to actually finishing it, I would say Fullerton Railroad Days was a success. Times got a little stressful trying to squeeze every little detail I could into the layout, but it was a rewarding experience to follow through with an idea I've had for many years. </div>
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I had rushed a lot of things to get the model finished for the event, omitted several details I would have loved to add. But even with those little things-- and once I can get pass my own critique--the layout turned out amazing. I finally reached a point that I felt comfortable saying something I didn't think I would be saying for a long time:</div>
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The layout is finished.</div>
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The days following the event, work proceeded back on other projects that had to be put on hold until Railroad Days had passed. Of course, you can never say a model is "finished"; just like Disneyland, there's always room for improvement, and this layout has definitely had it's fair share of improvements. But when the time comes, maybe some new things will be added. Some day.</div>
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Even with some unfinished ideas (and some unfinished pieces on the model), I had decided that it was time to move on from Nature's Wonderland. I had much bigger things on my plate to tackle (and still are) in both life and career. So in the months after Railroad Days, the model went into quiet retirement, tucked away in storage in sunny Rancho Cucamonga. </div>
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But then I got a call....</div>
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<span style="color: #ffe599; font-size: large;"><b>By Order of the Red Handkerchief</b></span></div>
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I was contacted by Scott Fleener from the Order of the Red Handkerchief-- the alumni society of original Cast Members who use to run the original mine train attraction. He explained that the group was hosting their annual lunch in November and he said it would be a great addition to showcase my layout at the gathering. He also mentioned that this would be the 60th anniversary of the Order of the Red Handkerchief and the mine train attraction. As tiring and expensive moving the layout is, this was an opportunity that I didn't want to pass up! </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ktXh1RsGCfk/WOSS84ZhmmI/AAAAAAAACqI/wXedxN4ZlV80Fmbv3HDb_gk-lUna_mB8gCLcB/s1600/IMG_2617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ktXh1RsGCfk/WOSS84ZhmmI/AAAAAAAACqI/wXedxN4ZlV80Fmbv3HDb_gk-lUna_mB8gCLcB/s400/IMG_2617.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So after some dusting, track cleaning, and some tuning up, the layout was once again loaded up into a Uhaul truck and whisked away towards the Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach, on a brisk November Saturday. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3u1UvLkHl_c/WOSTVIN-gxI/AAAAAAAACqo/wjZevAQFSHUXgvRuKg1Go47cXjoz41E2ACLcB/s1600/IMG_4981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3u1UvLkHl_c/WOSTVIN-gxI/AAAAAAAACqo/wjZevAQFSHUXgvRuKg1Go47cXjoz41E2ACLcB/s400/IMG_4981.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Even though the layout was intended to be brought upstairs where the lunch was, it's size and weight said otherwise. The model spent it's day in the lobby of the country club while a large group of former operators and cast members from the time the mine train was around dined upstairs. Luckily, until the lunch guests descended downstairs to examine the model, the miniature railroad entertained guests of a nearby wedding! But when the members of the society made their way to the lobby, it was a thrill to see them point to an area on the model and tell stories that started with "I remember one time I was running a train through the Living Desert, and once I made the turn by the geysers, all of sudden...."</div>
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Upstairs was a delightful gathering of old friends. Stories that can not be repeated here about the antics of mine train operators were shared, and many memories were reminisced upon. The society treasured their time running this attraction and the bond they made with each other as they grew up since the mine train closed was evident. Some showed their pride in full miners outfit! The group has grown to include other non-mine train cast members from the era. </div>
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Yours truly, perhaps 30 years younger than most of the crowd, gave a presentation on the history and creation of the layout. I was then presented with becoming an honorary member of the Order of the Red Handkerchief. I was given a name tag with a silhouette of the iconic 0-4-0 locomotive, and was sworn in after reciting the oath: "Clean the track, keep it clear, stay on time". As someone who was a cast member at the park (even from a different era) and had a close connection to the mine train (in a much different way obviously) this was an honor. Despite being from a different generation, I felt like I fit right in!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7LknO-kHwmk/WOSS_F4vuPI/AAAAAAAACqc/U5zOHUpigPUKPfT7tm7xwl-nUZT7XJkpgCEw/s1600/IMG_4984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7LknO-kHwmk/WOSS_F4vuPI/AAAAAAAACqc/U5zOHUpigPUKPfT7tm7xwl-nUZT7XJkpgCEw/s400/IMG_4984.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #ffe599; font-size: large;"><b>“Well, I see we’re comin’ back to Rainbow Ridge again. I hope you all enjoyed yer trip into Nature’s Wonderland"</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-36HYgYdDLuE/WNifdwutc5I/AAAAAAAACnc/vCi5zUZlOhI8FBwM-7Rl3K-I5w-Bw26DQCPcB/s1600/DSC_4959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-36HYgYdDLuE/WNifdwutc5I/AAAAAAAACnc/vCi5zUZlOhI8FBwM-7Rl3K-I5w-Bw26DQCPcB/s400/DSC_4959.JPG" width="266" /></a> As of this writing this will be the last update for the layout for quite a while. In terms of updates, this will be the last "construction update". I'm in the process of slowly documenting and filming the model so there will be more of that in the future. But until then, there are so many more things to do and work on, in both life and career at the moment. Nature's Wonderland has really been an incredible journey, starting as a high school student's little model railroad and turning into a professional art piece. The skills and knowledge gained on the hobby have been invaluable and the history of this attraction that I uncovered piece by piece has made this an extremely fun project. The model has opened opportunities that I could have only previously dreamed of. My focus will now move on from the model railroad, going on to much bigger projects (ones that pay!) both professionally and on the side. Hobby time hasn't been much since I took up some large scale work, but when I get a chance I'm still able to do a few home projects. I recently moved to Burbank to be closer to work in nearby Glendale on 1401 Flower St, which in turn has moved myself away from the layout. I still visit and check-up on it every now and then. </div>
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A big thanks to everyone who has been following my work, some from the very beginning of the 12 year journey. Once I found my outlet to show this model, recreating something from history that others enjoy has been a treat. I never got to experience this attraction in person, and as the number of people who share that notion grow, it has been a rewarding experience to share what it would have been like, albeit in miniature form. Showcasing the model has become the new chapter in this layout's history, although it has been rare for it to make it's way outside. The model will be in hibernation until it's next appearance, when I have the means, time, and opportunity. </div>
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I will say though, there are some interesting plans for the layout on the near horizon. I will keep things updated on the Facebook page and here on the blog when possible. Until then, so long! </div>
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Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-87261871847424321382016-03-20T15:00:00.000-07:002016-03-20T15:00:22.159-07:00Spring 2016 UpdateA LOT has been going on on the layout, so lets get started!<br />
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<span style="color: #ffe599;"><b>Rainbow Rehab</b></span><br />
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As I was starting to work on the fascia that surrounds the layout back in January, I started to look at the Rainbow Caverns scene. There have always been two windows, one was the main scene you looked at, the other was a housing for the soundboard that runs the audio for the scene. That housing was usually covered up with a panel held by a magnet. I decided to move the soundboard to the other side of the Caverns, the same side as Mineral Hall, to streamline my wiring. As I cleared out the housing, I was surprised at the amount of space. They it occurred to me: What if I put another scene in?<br />
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I was always disappointed with the size of the Rainbow Caverns, compared to the previous versions that were in the same spot. One waterfall that always caught my eye was Staircase Falls, so I felt it was appropriate to add that feature to the extra space and give the miniature riders more scenery to see.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lT-jb6mZCag/Vu5tBuxQX0I/AAAAAAAACPg/IBEx18Bz_IMR9JFUfof6t6dPzgGUBtW2A/s1600/DSC_3496.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lT-jb6mZCag/Vu5tBuxQX0I/AAAAAAAACPg/IBEx18Bz_IMR9JFUfof6t6dPzgGUBtW2A/s320/DSC_3496.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I started by clearing and sealing the area where the new falls would go. I carved the rock formation out of a dense foam (balsa foam)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AS7VgiFORbk/Vu5tPjiEMTI/AAAAAAAACPo/57PaNXw5PWAXn_YhLB42D4mqofeT-ul7A/s1600/DSC_3909.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AS7VgiFORbk/Vu5tPjiEMTI/AAAAAAAACPo/57PaNXw5PWAXn_YhLB42D4mqofeT-ul7A/s320/DSC_3909.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once painted black, I shaped waterfalls out of thin clear plastic and roughed them up with a soldering iron, a standard for waterfalls on this layout.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5VNYoEcC4pU/Vu5v_HwAwkI/AAAAAAAACP4/ZgaBi9H0ZgADy6M-iDYYsNcza9T3N7_xw/s1600/IMG_1393.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5VNYoEcC4pU/Vu5v_HwAwkI/AAAAAAAACP4/ZgaBi9H0ZgADy6M-iDYYsNcza9T3N7_xw/s320/IMG_1393.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I painted the waterfalls with blue black light paint and as a bonus, the pools where poured out of Enviro-Tex resin, tinted with blacklight paint so the actual water would glow under the UV LED's.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1GGQtjVrzbg/Vu5wQD3PaoI/AAAAAAAACQI/oaBLbn7u_DkmWPK20ITskxIi0TwA164Gg/s1600/DSC_4169.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1GGQtjVrzbg/Vu5wQD3PaoI/AAAAAAAACQI/oaBLbn7u_DkmWPK20ITskxIi0TwA164Gg/s320/DSC_4169.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Since I was in the Rainbow Caverns mood, I went back and spruced up the rest of the caverns. New black paint, new resin water, and new UV paint helped refresh the scene.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EB9sB-2vJTw/Vu5wdvS231I/AAAAAAAACQQ/yGcq1bUed4QzwtoAMhWo-z-Wc_CM9Cq0A/s1600/IMG_1401.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EB9sB-2vJTw/Vu5wdvS231I/AAAAAAAACQQ/yGcq1bUed4QzwtoAMhWo-z-Wc_CM9Cq0A/s320/IMG_1401.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2Ho1lzwu6k/Vu5wdxHI3zI/AAAAAAAACQY/7295kxlzTG48jP-VHPsxQ_94w8LjLDS1g/s1600/IMG_1392.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2Ho1lzwu6k/Vu5wdxHI3zI/AAAAAAAACQY/7295kxlzTG48jP-VHPsxQ_94w8LjLDS1g/s320/IMG_1392.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And here's the two scenes next to each other, as seen from the fascia.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a00aRNuC-HY/Vu5wsqo92CI/AAAAAAAACQk/O-zCxoqxX0AA2Uoc28WKpDJ6wtbMvS6Qg/s1600/IMG_1406.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a00aRNuC-HY/Vu5wsqo92CI/AAAAAAAACQk/O-zCxoqxX0AA2Uoc28WKpDJ6wtbMvS6Qg/s320/IMG_1406.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #ffe599;"><b>World of Motion</b></span><br />
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A continuing trend, something breaks on this layout, and needs to be fixed. This happened on the spinning rock animation in the Balancing Rock Canyon area. The gearing had become dislodged from it's mounting, because it comes from the era where I hot glued everything instead of securing it more solidly. Knowing I had to dig up scenery, I thought this animation could use an improvement and enhancing. Seems pretty easy, but this section of this post spanned a period of 6 months!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VhXxwbzVeRQ/Vu7ndSAP7DI/AAAAAAAACQ4/Hrwoh5ByWe86dmiHkjvFHZRG2BJxw7Jxw/s1600/DSC_4427.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VhXxwbzVeRQ/Vu7ndSAP7DI/AAAAAAAACQ4/Hrwoh5ByWe86dmiHkjvFHZRG2BJxw7Jxw/s320/DSC_4427.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Going back many years, I had sketched out how to make the spinning rock move like the one in the attraction did. The spinning rock would spin and traverse to the end of a teetering it was spinning on, and the teetering rock would tip up and send the spinning rock back the other way. You can see this to great effect in the Disneyland show "People and Places" quite well when the ride was the Rainbow Caverns Mine Train.<br />
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Check the 13:30 mark<br />
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It looks a little cartoony, as did the majority of the first incarnation of the mine train.</div>
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Later for Nature's Wonderland, the effect was improved. It's really hard to find footage of this thing in action, but sharp eyes will see it in action in the background of "40 Pounds of Trouble" with Tony Curtis</div>
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Check the 3:23 and 3:39 mark.<br />
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Translating this kind of motion to miniature proved to be quite a challenge. In fact, it would have been easier to build on full size because of the size of the mechanics!<br />
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The main challenge is getting the spinning rock to spin and translate in a very small space, which also has to tip, and not have any mechanical aspects exposed, especially where the tipping rock meets the main stationary rock.<br />
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I started with building the spinning rock carriage, which would traverse on top of the tipping rock. Again, this would be a lot easier in full scale, not 1:50 scale. The easiest solution was to have a thread (in this case "Ugly Braid" fishing line because of it's strength) pull a brass square tube segment back and forth on a brass square tube track. The thread would bend at each end through an aluminum tube and return to the center of the pivot point, so nothing would be exposed underneath the tipping rock.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R2JlzWk7jhY/Vu7tSrvISVI/AAAAAAAACRI/wO3ML53h7vc2yfT_c98ygDj-Y-OiYU43w/s1600/IMG_9058.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R2JlzWk7jhY/Vu7tSrvISVI/AAAAAAAACRI/wO3ML53h7vc2yfT_c98ygDj-Y-OiYU43w/s320/IMG_9058.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I apologize for my messy desk for this batch of photos.<br />
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For the dynamic motion of what the spinning rock had to do, and for space compactness, I chose to animate with hobby servos. Taking my success from programming Arduino's for my Tiki Shelf and many other projects, I figures I would control the servos in a very dynamic and fluid way automatically as well as control a gearmotor which would spin the rock and have that motor slow down, and reverse direction with precise timing.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63VgPoq6-wo/Vu7t6jxmffI/AAAAAAAACRQ/rDXg_bK1t-UeqplOaUOYJlBPKfqsCEJWQ/s1600/IMG_9076.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63VgPoq6-wo/Vu7t6jxmffI/AAAAAAAACRQ/rDXg_bK1t-UeqplOaUOYJlBPKfqsCEJWQ/s320/IMG_9076.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here's the mounting for the gearmotor in the center, and the two servo motors. The one with the white horn tilts the tipping rock and the carriage for the spinning rock, and the one with the red pulls the thread to traverse the spinning rock.<br />
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Because of how complicated this animated "figure" is, this build would only reach the prototype phase, an improved one would be built for layout installation. So there's a decent mix of materials here, a little quick and dirty.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I4BJKNfjskY/Vu7ugxpUDKI/AAAAAAAACRc/SQdgA1GdsbQm6qWcvr48IsABzvZT-JBNg/s1600/IMG_9156.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I4BJKNfjskY/Vu7ugxpUDKI/AAAAAAAACRc/SQdgA1GdsbQm6qWcvr48IsABzvZT-JBNg/s320/IMG_9156.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The early tests for motion came out great, it was when programming started, the project became a nightmare.<br />
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First off, I'm a mechanically and artistically based person. I make things that move that achieve a certain creative intent. Those who have tutorials on how to program Arduinos are not. Most videos on how to program a servo with an Arduino show you a boring sequence that moves one servo back and forth with no real application. I was able to program the servos to move, but only in a basic "key frame" style; meaning, I needed to have the servos accelerate and decelerate and switch directions in a very smooth manner--at the same time. This proved quite a challenge to do with Arduinos. I'm sure there's someone out there that could code something together, but I needed to animate and be able to adjust the timing of the motions easily, without having a long messy code to wade through (and I'm an animator from the graphics world that understands motion graphs, not lines and lines of code)<br />
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With coding becoming an issue, running the gearmotor became another. For some reason, the gearmotor would cause the servos to freak out and not obey the signals given from the Arduino. I tried many ways of filtering the signals and the wiring to the servo motor and I even tried a motor shield for the Arduino. Nothing quite worked. Knowing the servos worked good together I tried switching the gear motor for a continuous rotation servo which is basically a DC gearmotor with a digital driver. Audible noise from the gearing of that continuous rotation servo became a problem so I experimented with switching the DC motor with another 6V gear motor which worked better, but was "stepping" because of the digital signal. Again, I'm a mechanical and art person, not an electronic and coding person.<br />
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I tried looking online for smoother operation of servos and gearmotors together, but no one has ever done such a thing. The final nail in the coffin for ditching using an Arduino for animation was programming the gear motor and trying to accelerate and decelerate servos at different time intervals at the same time.<br />
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Then I found my solution:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ENYsqXS4XcI/Vu7xv6zGmfI/AAAAAAAACRs/FzTTzHqLXqg9qWl6FwlpqFHsIBt9lwIPw/s1600/0J2330.200.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ENYsqXS4XcI/Vu7xv6zGmfI/AAAAAAAACRs/FzTTzHqLXqg9qWl6FwlpqFHsIBt9lwIPw/s400/0J2330.200.jpg" /></a></div>
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The Polulu Mini Maestro.<br />
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THIS THING IS INCREDIBLE!<br />
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With this tiny little board, I was not only able to move the servos to where I needed them, but also adjust them IN REAL TIME making animating and programming easy, and I can adjust the acceleration and timing parameters fast. This things does a lot of things the Arduino could only dream of for moving servos. Spinning the gear motor still became a challenge since DC motors can't be rigged to this board directly. Through lots of experimenting, I acquired a Simple Motor Controller 18v7 which takes RC signals and converts them into DC current for a DC motor.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cS5gHSZKmQQ/Vu7zMrS3-_I/AAAAAAAACR4/fkQGnRUdJBQ-8GQHPq0YQj-ak7gq_pyjg/s1600/41XhVt43iEL.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cS5gHSZKmQQ/Vu7zMrS3-_I/AAAAAAAACR4/fkQGnRUdJBQ-8GQHPq0YQj-ak7gq_pyjg/s400/41XhVt43iEL.jpg" /></a></div>
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So now the spinning rock portion could slow down and speed up with precision!<br />
I haven't done much programming with the spinning rock itself, but I did get a "walk cycle" of the tilting rock and traversing motion on camera.<br />
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This first part of the video shows the figure moving with the Mini Maestro, the 12V DC motor for the spinning rock just running at 5V with no programming. I sculpted a rock formation and vacuum-formed it in plastic to serve a hollow shell. This is only for demonstration purposes. The second part is using the original Arduino set-up with the "keyframe" basic programming without all the finessing.<br />
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You will notice a bunch of machine nuts spinning around the gearmotor. Those are acting as weights to keep the cable for the spinning rock down. Since the spinning rock moves up and down the the tilting rock, the cable needs to extend. This is done with a square brass tube sliding inside another square brass shaft on the gear motor. The weights bring the whole cable down so rock doesn't float when the tipping rock tilts back down. A flange on the spinning rock itself pulls the cable up as the tipping rock tilts. </div>
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Once things proved out on this design, I went to prototype #2.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds4ileAUl9w/Vu74xRESSEI/AAAAAAAACSQ/0M5NGE6sKgko8lYOKTNeveCeHPfC7haTg/s1600/DSC_4146.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds4ileAUl9w/Vu74xRESSEI/AAAAAAAACSQ/0M5NGE6sKgko8lYOKTNeveCeHPfC7haTg/s320/DSC_4146.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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I wanted to streamline and make the whole rig more durable so I went full brass and metal construction which took the fragility out of the whole thing. I simplified the design with less parts. The thread to traverse the spinning rock now converges at the pivot axle for tipping rock. The support structure is minimized and simple.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JZqPVRhaqzY/Vu74y8AKs9I/AAAAAAAACSY/rXTNbmuDwnE8aX1wgGCV_-kXni_c20Qkg/s1600/DSC_4437.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JZqPVRhaqzY/Vu74y8AKs9I/AAAAAAAACSY/rXTNbmuDwnE8aX1wgGCV_-kXni_c20Qkg/s320/DSC_4437.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dhVAHVWm8L4/Vu75kXK6xPI/AAAAAAAACSs/PfgqpEnAHHQi-ZGXukg_S9XT4jDQAkfkw/s1600/DSC_4148.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dhVAHVWm8L4/Vu75kXK6xPI/AAAAAAAACSs/PfgqpEnAHHQi-ZGXukg_S9XT4jDQAkfkw/s320/DSC_4148.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The biggest change is the gearmotor for the spinning rock. I went with much smaller gearmotor (still 12V, but different RPM). This motor is about the size of your thumb, so size isn't a problem. Instead of having the brass tube extending feature, the motor moves with the tilting rock and traversing rig at the top. No need for a cable, just a rod provides motion to the spinning rock. I figured I didn't need to hide the cable in the previous version as much so a solid rod work just as well. Again, less parts.<br />
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I don't have a video of this one yet, but I will at some point. I've focused my attention on other parts of the layout so this experiment has been shelved. At this time, it won't be installed on the layout, since I'm actually enjoying it more as a stand alone study. In the mean time, I did repair my spinning rock on the layout, with another gearmotor like the one in version 2 of the "enhanced" spinning rock.<br />
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As I repaired my spinning rock, I took the opportunity to rehab the rest of the Balancing Rock Canyon mechanics. The original LEGO motors began to show their age as they became noisier and noisier. I cleared them out and installed 60 RPM gearmotors. Much quieter!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iAaE6ucgqYI/Vu78uU8CGRI/AAAAAAAACTA/UgYVW6IZc_wYLBY1bPw8e3w_kY5BbVg_A/s1600/IMG_1782.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iAaE6ucgqYI/Vu78uU8CGRI/AAAAAAAACTA/UgYVW6IZc_wYLBY1bPw8e3w_kY5BbVg_A/s200/IMG_1782.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e7PO2ImmHcg/Vu78uXEJ2RI/AAAAAAAACS8/acw3RophW3UrFMfbZ7AHxl0dKQhQdSAFQ/s1600/IMG_1781.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e7PO2ImmHcg/Vu78uXEJ2RI/AAAAAAAACS8/acw3RophW3UrFMfbZ7AHxl0dKQhQdSAFQ/s200/IMG_1781.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #ffe599;"><b>Rainbow Ridge Revisions</b></span></div>
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Going back to Rainbow Ridge, I started back up with building the town structures. I began to pick out windows for the El Dorado Hotel when I noticed something with my buildings. For some reason, they didn't really feel right. I couldn't quite pin what it was. Then Davelandweb posted a photo that revealed what it was.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kwFUTcFJLJs/Vu8EaxiRSTI/AAAAAAAACTQ/ZNb9tzby5Xk7jIW8hc_EqngidFCoBlQ1Q/s1600/CTCT_5_63_N07C5-d1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kwFUTcFJLJs/Vu8EaxiRSTI/AAAAAAAACTQ/ZNb9tzby5Xk7jIW8hc_EqngidFCoBlQ1Q/s320/CTCT_5_63_N07C5-d1.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
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Ha! The buildings I made were too big! It turns out, as I was drafting my drawings for Rainbow Ridge, the forced perspective fooled me pretty good and I drew the buildings pretty much full size to the scale of a proper person. After noticing a few other details I didn't quite get right, I needed to rebuild the buildings I pretty much just recently built again. ARGH! </div>
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But this wan't a bad thing, luckily I caught this problem now and not later, otherwise the all the buildings wouldn't fit on the platform! So off to the work table! </div>
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I scaled my drawings down 20% which felt about right looking at the photo above. I started with the Assay office which really shows the scale difference. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CpLxV-qWGB0/Vu8Fq3AspeI/AAAAAAAACTc/7whs_BaS8A4YPWV2eY7CU1JNvImK48Hog/s1600/DSC_4193.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CpLxV-qWGB0/Vu8Fq3AspeI/AAAAAAAACTc/7whs_BaS8A4YPWV2eY7CU1JNvImK48Hog/s320/DSC_4193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The rest of the buildings and their properly scaled rebuilds followed. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t9OVoXM2B2A/Vu8F1D5MgRI/AAAAAAAACTk/4eaai6z90Dc2OKiflSGNGxDn1qs57cy_g/s1600/DSC_4221.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t9OVoXM2B2A/Vu8F1D5MgRI/AAAAAAAACTk/4eaai6z90Dc2OKiflSGNGxDn1qs57cy_g/s320/DSC_4221.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now that I was caught up with the buildings that needed to be rebuilt, I moved forward to some new buildings. </div>
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El Dorado Hotel was the next new one the be made. I was able to document the general process of this building. I only have a few photos of the other ones since I'm able to churn these buildings out so fast I forget to take photos of them . </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VTLo0x6TyjI/Vu8Gt9irY_I/AAAAAAAACT4/9d_tsc5KEhIp9xGF8QwFCA6Ms5oIPjERA/s1600/IMG_1608.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VTLo0x6TyjI/Vu8Gt9irY_I/AAAAAAAACT4/9d_tsc5KEhIp9xGF8QwFCA6Ms5oIPjERA/s320/IMG_1608.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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First, I start by laying out windows from Tichy that could be matched or modified to fit the buildings I'm gonna build. The Tichy windows (I'm using a combo of HO and O scale windows) help speed up the tedious process of making windows, but can't be used all the time. Half of the windows from Rainbow Ridge had to be built from scratch, which isn't hard, just cumbersome. </div>
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Once windows are picked, they're modified if needed.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TEqyw1FfoNo/Vu8G0LR1S1I/AAAAAAAACUA/9DeFaxwxvn4s1D400nQcwXeB9jstf1lXg/s1600/IMG_1611.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TEqyw1FfoNo/Vu8G0LR1S1I/AAAAAAAACUA/9DeFaxwxvn4s1D400nQcwXeB9jstf1lXg/s320/IMG_1611.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The structures are built from sheet and strip styrene. I use a lot of Plastruct and Evergreen styrene. Clapboard and groove styrene is used to great extent in Rainbow Ridge. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NAdDzQYqHtU/Vu8HM4yvRRI/AAAAAAAACUM/PK5ksWuSeqkJ6bNgg78aYN7_sq4ziPfkg/s1600/IMG_1612.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NAdDzQYqHtU/Vu8HM4yvRRI/AAAAAAAACUM/PK5ksWuSeqkJ6bNgg78aYN7_sq4ziPfkg/s320/IMG_1612.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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For the more detailed trim, especially on the El Dorado Hotel, I did this with layering multiple strips of styrene. Many different sizes were used. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9PTzOU4kNlw/Vu8HhhzPKeI/AAAAAAAACUY/fjsy5tKc93Azcf_n1dktA0veqva5Ov_fA/s1600/IMG_1620.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9PTzOU4kNlw/Vu8HhhzPKeI/AAAAAAAACUY/fjsy5tKc93Azcf_n1dktA0veqva5Ov_fA/s320/IMG_1620.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Some more detailing at the top</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sigZBRyJGGo/Vu8HkX3z3TI/AAAAAAAACUk/1H6uRv37kdkhHo_GpB47iVnKtnWI0uvIg/s1600/IMG_1621.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sigZBRyJGGo/Vu8HkX3z3TI/AAAAAAAACUk/1H6uRv37kdkhHo_GpB47iVnKtnWI0uvIg/s320/IMG_1621.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Then the building become more 3-dimensional with the facility walls, done with more clapboard and groove styrene pattern sheets</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--uSVM56nY6Q/Vu8Hu0tWviI/AAAAAAAACUs/2PeoGIwGrdQ6-gfnEmkjD9GfxbBQwWMog/s1600/IMG_1626.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--uSVM56nY6Q/Vu8Hu0tWviI/AAAAAAAACUs/2PeoGIwGrdQ6-gfnEmkjD9GfxbBQwWMog/s320/IMG_1626.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I modified a railing from Plastruct for the railing on the hotel</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5k05dSwBMi8/Vu8H55S9cTI/AAAAAAAACU4/pHkE0tjicRQ1Za8PAvtqlXg-9skQvwAzg/s1600/IMG_1627.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5k05dSwBMi8/Vu8H55S9cTI/AAAAAAAACU4/pHkE0tjicRQ1Za8PAvtqlXg-9skQvwAzg/s320/IMG_1627.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And here's the first decal test, done with Micro Mark inkjet decal paper. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKYd2gOB-Hw/Vu8IDw3z9gI/AAAAAAAACVE/fnZzRtKz75oy1XYXh9ux-l7kYVND-TXPg/s1600/IMG_1744.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKYd2gOB-Hw/Vu8IDw3z9gI/AAAAAAAACVE/fnZzRtKz75oy1XYXh9ux-l7kYVND-TXPg/s320/IMG_1744.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here's some shots of the Saloon and Clarion being constructed, each with their own unique details</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wXqlGpEQ540/Vu8JAC81odI/AAAAAAAACVU/H7oNIUYCilMccRhWi-TgEby6DPv2j0nqA/s1600/IMG_1747.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wXqlGpEQ540/Vu8JAC81odI/AAAAAAAACVU/H7oNIUYCilMccRhWi-TgEby6DPv2j0nqA/s200/IMG_1747.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_TZo0m3NVKg/Vu8JAXn9heI/AAAAAAAACVc/yG3nUo4hka4FioETWQYOXGqNrUwBjd1ug/s1600/IMG_1745.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_TZo0m3NVKg/Vu8JAXn9heI/AAAAAAAACVc/yG3nUo4hka4FioETWQYOXGqNrUwBjd1ug/s200/IMG_1745.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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Like the Miner's Hardware, the General Store had to reflect the adobe construction style. This was done with a combination of dense foam and wood for the rounded look. </div>
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The Opera House followed, as well as the tunnel portal right next to it. Both built from my own drawings. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-840BYFhyMho/Vu8KuMuPKHI/AAAAAAAACVo/TG2B7k_Fc9sMaiqR79lnON_j3U4kFbPIg/s1600/IMG_1790.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-840BYFhyMho/Vu8KuMuPKHI/AAAAAAAACVo/TG2B7k_Fc9sMaiqR79lnON_j3U4kFbPIg/s200/IMG_1790.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vzAOekbE0qM/Vu8Kzw2KGoI/AAAAAAAACVw/ZDa-FU22UxUYoqBecp8ThKjlPFsLPy4Rw/s1600/DSC_4222.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vzAOekbE0qM/Vu8Kzw2KGoI/AAAAAAAACVw/ZDa-FU22UxUYoqBecp8ThKjlPFsLPy4Rw/s200/DSC_4222.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XS8yY3-UAsE/Vu8MJUtv7bI/AAAAAAAACWM/B5D2_OyQX1QqV7zVYKcNoHlrtbWCuNljA/s1600/DSC_4454.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XS8yY3-UAsE/Vu8MJUtv7bI/AAAAAAAACWM/B5D2_OyQX1QqV7zVYKcNoHlrtbWCuNljA/s320/DSC_4454.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And here's an overall look at the model. The buildings are gray for now, painted with primer. Once they're all built, I can look at their shape and slowly add in color. The color palette will be done last so I could use less paint, but also use the same colors in multiple areas so everything has a cohesive look. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1mTFepW4n0/Vu8LTTfkO_I/AAAAAAAACV8/zlBn0n5skJc5mhl0NNnMOrfMZldh9HNww/s1600/IMG_1816.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1mTFepW4n0/Vu8LTTfkO_I/AAAAAAAACV8/zlBn0n5skJc5mhl0NNnMOrfMZldh9HNww/s320/IMG_1816.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Across the track, Casa de Fritos and Mineral Hall came into existence for the first time. These were built using the same techniques as the General Store and Miners Hardware. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Izj3BsSC48k/Vu8MdCsjTHI/AAAAAAAACWU/KBYgyghxjaUihP3SasQwXnXrRSJN04Ckg/s1600/DSC_4457.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Izj3BsSC48k/Vu8MdCsjTHI/AAAAAAAACWU/KBYgyghxjaUihP3SasQwXnXrRSJN04Ckg/s320/DSC_4457.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U96RvjkpMmM/Vu8OZGTZo0I/AAAAAAAACWk/dSRhK3evToAgPDQP4pTlxUQ4SoHWaDkhA/s1600/DSC_4512-1%2B%2528dragged%2529%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U96RvjkpMmM/Vu8OZGTZo0I/AAAAAAAACWk/dSRhK3evToAgPDQP4pTlxUQ4SoHWaDkhA/s320/DSC_4512-1%2B%2528dragged%2529%2Bcopy.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #ffe599;"><b>"All Aboard the Mine Train..."</b></span></div>
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The next generation of trains for the layout is being developed as of this writing. Brand new trains will soon be rolling through Nature's Wonderland, with the Kato drive being the key player, as discussed in previous updates. </div>
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Building the tender shell was difficult, but was able to materialize by slowly tweaking the design. </div>
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I started with making a frame that could screw to the motor truck, making it removable to maintenance. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g2Ix0LzV1SQ/Vu8PDzaj6zI/AAAAAAAACWw/Cw6eSXZ8QXoqMA_RtuJ2Bxv867uJuLp2A/s1600/IMG_1815.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g2Ix0LzV1SQ/Vu8PDzaj6zI/AAAAAAAACWw/Cw6eSXZ8QXoqMA_RtuJ2Bxv867uJuLp2A/s200/IMG_1815.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HEOlp3tseJw/Vu8PEBoUbwI/AAAAAAAACW0/FE6PoThpeQAKS_VEfBSTuLeR796ybjgjQ/s1600/IMG_1809.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HEOlp3tseJw/Vu8PEBoUbwI/AAAAAAAACW0/FE6PoThpeQAKS_VEfBSTuLeR796ybjgjQ/s200/IMG_1809.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The majority of the tender was done out of brass strip, for ease of construction and rigidity. I remember making the last tenders out of styrene which was pretty tricky. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jkwEozvMJUs/Vu8QV9kjqnI/AAAAAAAACXI/3RyfIxFWykUJMsRB9NqYzhZCWIJusJ3EA/s1600/IMG_1829.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jkwEozvMJUs/Vu8QV9kjqnI/AAAAAAAACXI/3RyfIxFWykUJMsRB9NqYzhZCWIJusJ3EA/s200/IMG_1829.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-upHWr6o2Tgw/Vu8QWNWwP5I/AAAAAAAACXM/1jg7uyegLwgEfu2kOr4GfzC5AZj4ouKOg/s1600/IMG_1828.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-upHWr6o2Tgw/Vu8QWNWwP5I/AAAAAAAACXM/1jg7uyegLwgEfu2kOr4GfzC5AZj4ouKOg/s200/IMG_1828.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, with the Kato unit, adjustments had to be made, which sacrifices being prototypical. Luckily I can live with these changes. Mostly it was raising the toolbox on the back to hide the motor, and adding a block for the driver to sit on on the other end. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YCciBa99xR0/Vu8QynRQ3oI/AAAAAAAACXU/5BvYDK22_i4IwDF5gRtENt5DWPiXmMRdg/s1600/IMG_1830.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YCciBa99xR0/Vu8QynRQ3oI/AAAAAAAACXU/5BvYDK22_i4IwDF5gRtENt5DWPiXmMRdg/s320/IMG_1830.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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For weight, I added some tungsten weight which will give the tender a LOT of pulling power, moreso than the bachmann porter I have now! </div>
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Here's the tender shell with the toolbox modification. And below with the Cast Member seat. </div>
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Another issue is the wheel spacing. Far too spread apart, but luckily, you don't notice it when it's on the track. I'm considering adding some faux wheels to where the wheels should have been.<br />
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Here is the tender on the spur track in Rainbow Ridge. The Bachmann porter chassis will serve as a base for the new locomotive that will be pushed by the tender. That's where it is now, more to come!<br />
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<span style="color: #ffe599;"><b>"I'm Mike Fink, king of the river!"</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://nwrr.blogspot.com/2012/08/junejuly-2012-update-water-special.html">After building the hull many years ago</a>, I'm proud to say that the Gullywhumper is almost ready to set sail! I made a new hull from dense foam and the super structure out of sheet and strip styrene. This vessel was built from a drawing I saw on eBay a long time ago and many photo references. Just a paint job with weathering and people will prepare her for the miniature Rivers of America! </div>
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The lighting is slowly getting refined for Rainbow Ridge. After deciding to simplify the lighting package for the area, I switched out my lanterns for LED ones. Since the incandescent ones were hot as heck, these are much appreciated. I had to rebuild them since they were so tiny, but it went together fairly quickly. These are warm-white 3mm LED's. </div>
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Unfortunately, I lost the flickering effect to the lanterns. The wiring just got way out of hand for an effect that was hardly noticeable. I am going the route of <a href="http://thundermesaminingco.blogspot.com/">Dave Meek over at Thunder Mesa</a> (Which is AMAZING by the way) and going for the less is more approach and using flickering tea light LED's. The saloon above has one inside as a test. Here's the General Store with another test. Looks pretty good to me! </div>
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Oddly enough, one of my favorite things about this layout is something I have yet to build and it didn't even exist on the real thing: the control panel. </div>
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I have a weird fascination with control panels, especially for ride systems like at Disneyland. Over the last several months, I've been collecting parts for the control panel that will be able to activate and control every feature on the layout. From animation, to sound, to lighting, to turnouts, to relays, to dispatch intervals, and the trains themselves. I've studied the control panels at Disneyland from the time I worked there and I've collected buttons and switches and dials from eBay that are identical to what's being used to send boats on Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and others. I'm modeling my panel off Big Thunder and few other attractions and giving it my own mild spin, graphically. For the function of all the buttons and switches yet to be installed, I've consulted my girlfriend who worked west side attractions for a number of years to verify how the "station stop" and the infamous "E-Stop" worked as well as the general layout of everything. It's a little high-tech for the 1960's attraction I'm creating, but it's sure fun to design. I considered a retro version with toggle switches, but this for some reason seemed more intriguing. </div>
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Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-26556130239055739142015-08-19T22:22:00.001-07:002015-09-15T20:51:38.194-07:00Summer 2015 UpdateHowdy all! Things have been slow around here you've probably guessed. So here's an update for the sake of an update!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #ffe599;">Power Struggle</span></b><br />
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Something that always seems to be in development on the layout is the power units that actually drive the train around the route. From the early beginnings of the layout, the scale was actually dictated by what was available for locomotives of the same porter type. In 2005, there wasn't much out there when it came to locomotives close to the Nature's Wonderland engines. The closest thing however was a Bachmann On30 porter. Other than a big ugly saddle tank, this was the best option and it was the first time I entered the On30 world.<br />
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The porter was purchased second-hand and was an older version. My mechanical skills at the time couldn't quite keep it maintained and so when I had enough pennies I bought another one, brand new which ran silky smooth.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JPdLw9U1530/SqhyyDFQnjI/AAAAAAAAAXY/CLM839BZiS4/s1600/DSC00006.JPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JPdLw9U1530/SqhyyDFQnjI/AAAAAAAAAXY/CLM839BZiS4/s320/DSC00006.JPG.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It wasn't until a year or two later I decided to ditch the saddle tank for authenticity. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_tC6A1TuoRU/Squ2ot8YuGI/AAAAAAAAAZI/N2csVh1Z07o/s1600/DSC03487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_tC6A1TuoRU/Squ2ot8YuGI/AAAAAAAAAZI/N2csVh1Z07o/s320/DSC03487.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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I did this by removing the tank and grinding off the support tabs for the tank so the boiler would be flush all the way around. Again, my maintenance wasn't the best so this locomotive was eventually retired when the gearbox conked out and I couldn't get replacement parts (repair budget from the high schooler that I was at the time wasn't much!)</div>
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Then the third generation of the NWRR train debuted, this time with brand new cars, cast from a custom mold out of resin. This time it was the proper number of cars: 7, not the usually four or five I've had previously. </div>
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This locomotive I kept pretty basic in terms of kit-bashing. Rather than grinding off the support tabs for the saddle tank, I kept them on and dressed them as running boards as a prototypical way to hide them. I built a new boiler and cab that act like a shell that slips around the frame. A brand new tender was built to scale and the engine has put on several hundred circuits around the layout since; probably thousands! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-voQ6fDSihRQ/Squ6MrmVi5I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/eUMDGoTbuTo/s1600/DSC04273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-voQ6fDSihRQ/Squ6MrmVi5I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/eUMDGoTbuTo/s320/DSC04273.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now 7 years later, the train still waddles it's way around the track, it's wheel base slightly worn from carrying thousands of happy plastic people through Nature's Wonderland. Always looking for something better, I thought it was time to upgrade. </div>
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After some decent research--even 10 years later--there still isn't anything close to the Nature's Wonderland prototype out there that would be usable on my layout. Of course, I'm a stickler for detail, so it would be best to scratch build for 100% accuracy. That thought put another technique in my head--what about tender drives?</div>
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That would certainly be the most prototypical way to do things, at least by Nature's Wonderland standards! </div>
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The tender drive is tricky, as there are many things to account for:</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Small enough to fit in the scaled down tender</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Enough power to pull the train up the grade to Living Desert</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Enough room (a little) to add weight </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Reliable and durable</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"> Good power-pickup </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Excellent slow-crawl movement</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Affordable (for the most part)</li>
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This isn't anything new, in 2011 I looked at tender drive solutions, first one being a cable car power truck. While it fit, it didn't seem that powerful, and the power pick-up was horrendous. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_xPPN-jpLE/S09fWAFbAdI/AAAAAAAAA7c/8ZYk_aAc8Hg/s1600/DSC08987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_xPPN-jpLE/S09fWAFbAdI/AAAAAAAAA7c/8ZYk_aAc8Hg/s320/DSC08987.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Several years went by, casually searching for the perfect application. I looked at NWSL Stanton drives, but they seemed to be geared higher for high speed. Nature's Wonderland isn't Big Thunder, so the higher speed threw that one out. I looked at Hollywood Foundry's Bull-Ant drive, while promising, seemed too rigid for the layout. I did like the customization of them, but they were also a little noisy and not exactly cheap; I'm planning on building two trains simultaneously, and the cost would put me over $200 for the power drives. </div>
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I kept searching. I kept getting frustrated with the fact also I kept finding solutions that were meant for HOn3. That was the weird part; perfect tender drives available, for a scale smaller than mine? That's been the challenge, finding something small enough to fit. </div>
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Then I found it.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71amrxNJ9a8/VdVbpNMGOSI/AAAAAAAACLw/Jdho-4JEF4s/s1600/DSC_2392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71amrxNJ9a8/VdVbpNMGOSI/AAAAAAAACLw/Jdho-4JEF4s/s320/DSC_2392.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kato's coreless motor power truck, developed for the P42 Amtrak locomotive model. The best part, it's self contained and small! After doing some research, I ordered two--about $50 a pop! The nice thing also is that you can order just the trucks--no model to sacrifice and you can replace the unit as needed! </div>
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Once they made a few laps around the track, I was immediately impressed. Ultra quiet and ultra smooth. The flywheel really helps negotiate the tough spots. The really awesome part about this particular truck is that the axles pivot; that way the wheels are always touching the rails, no matter how shoddy some track joints are on my layout, installed during my younger years. The trucks are also powerful, enough to haul the train up the hills easy. </div>
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I started to play with and improve the trucks as I did my heavy cycle testing. The wheels pick up power through the axle points (another cool feature) and transmits power through the frame to the motor. To give the motor the most direct power, I soldered on two small wires directly to the motor, which helped performance significantly. I also put a styrene plug to keep the phosphor-bronze wiper on the axles and pivot joint in the middle. The dime size circle is a magnet to trigger my relay sensors during testing. </div>
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Overall, I was very pleased with how these trucks performed. Now that comes at a cost--accuracy. The wheel spacing is off, and it's a tad long. I can fix the size issues by having the operator figure sit over the front .25 of it and the flywheel end will have to hangout in a stretched out vertically toolbox on the back of the tender. Unfortunately there isn't much I can do about the wheel spacing other than accepting it. I thought about adding faux wheels to cover the real wheels, but there isn't much space to do that. Only time will tell when I get to actually building the tender shells to go over these power units. But with the power drive in the tender, that makes making a totally accurate locomotive to be pushed up front possible! Exciting! </div>
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<b><span style="color: #ffe599;">Rainbow Ridge takes shape</span></b><br />
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One building at a time, Rainbow Ridge continues to progress. This time around, since the the original 2005 cardstock buildings, things are quite a bit more accurate.<br />
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These are being built out of styrene sheet and strip. I'm using textured sheets for a good majority of the buildings, like clapboard siding and the roofing--all available from Plastruct and Evergreen. Some of the adobe buildings, like the miner's hardware building, are done out of balsa foam and super sculpey for that softer-edge look.<br />
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The windows are being done with windows and doors from Micro-Mark. This 200 piece pack has a variety of different windows and doors from Tichy. These certainly help speed up the process and create a cleaner look! </div>
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As I progress down the line of buildings, I'll be sure to post more details into how these are made. Maybe even a time lapse! </div>
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<b><span style="color: #ffe599;">This and That</span></b><br />
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I've received a LOT of comments regarding my tiki shelf in my last post. The most common being a tutorial. Being that my time is limited, it is possible to do a tutorial. I am however in the process of still cycle testing it and working bugs out, so I want that to go well before I publish anything. I'm also planning on messing around with some other boards to refine the design.<br />
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On a personal note, recently most of my model making efforts have been turned into a career, working out of a nondescript building located on 1401 Flower street in Glendale . As much fun as it is to work on Nature's Wonderland, there are other exciting attraction models to be worked on! ;) That should explain the lack of progress for the most part on this project.<br />
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That should do it for now, until the next eventual update, so long!<br />
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Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-38391438971424347862015-02-20T23:41:00.001-08:002015-02-20T23:41:24.121-08:00Winter 2015 UpdateHowdy! How about an update eh? As you may have guess, things have slowed down out in the wonderland. But luckily there has been a couple developments.<br />
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Naturally, as the layout has been progressing over its 10 year (!) construction, other projects and ideas have taken over my interest from time to time. Not because I've gotten bored with the layout, but new techniques and gadgets have provided new ways and ideas of doing things. Take this one for example: Arduino</div>
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After many years of hearing about Arduino, I've been interested in what it can do. I've seen many example of how it's been used, such as wifi controlled robots, game controller triggered sound effects. I wanted to give a try at this Micro Controller. I finally buckled down and got the basic one, the Arduino Uno. </div>
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What was my first project? My tiki shelf. One of my many obsessions, my tiki mug collection was slowly growing and I wanted a cool display for them. Inspired by Trader Sam's at the Disneyland Hotel, I was able to program the board to change LED colors and sync with sound to have a rainstorm come in and a volcano to erupt every couple minutes. Whenever I come home late from a tiring work day, I just flick it on, mix a fruity drink and I feel like I'm at my favorite bar. </div>
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The key here was that I was able to get it to run automatically; no interaction at all-- which is a feature every Arduino example seemed to have, such as controllers and remotes. I had to teach myself all the coding to do all of it to do that. </div>
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In addition to learning Arduino, I acquired another board to play with: Mp3 Trigger. </div>
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This board from SparkFun solved a lot of my problems; being able to playback quality sound instantly without a CD player and without special chip programming. This is one of the easiest boards I've ever used, as it worked flawlessly with the Arduino and was able to playback the storm and volcano sounds perfectly. </div>
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That was my first breakthrough with "show programming". Up until now it was CD players that probably didn't hit the mark at all, and cam controlled animation and boring, not-so-dynamic lighting on projects. </div>
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I learned more and more about Arduino. I figured out how to make a jar of fireflies for my girlfriend for Christmas, using an Arduino Nano</div>
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And just recently, I was able to make thunder and lighting happen for my Dad's studio door entrance, which is Haunted Mansion inspired. I don't have any photos of that, but check YouTube in the future for a video demo of it. That project used another mp3 trigger board and an Arduino Uno with a relay shield. </div>
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This is all fine and dandy you're thinking, but what about Nature's Wonderland?</div>
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Well, this is where it gets interesting...</div>
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Like I said earlier, the layout gets put aside while I discover (and quite frankly, distracted) by new gizmos. After experimenting withe the Arduino boards, I've cooked up a few things of what they can do for the layout:</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Sound:</b> This was a biggest challenge back in<a href="http://nwrr.blogspot.com/2011/06/june-2011-update.html"> June of '11</a> when I was figuring out how to bring sound to the layout. I ended up hacking CD players that would switch between playing sound effects and the spiel. Those CD players are still sitting on my shelf collecting dust and will continue to do that ever since I discovered the Mp3 Trigger. With the Mp3 Trigger I can have sounds as long as I want, and I can switch to the spiel track quickly without the downfall of one of the CD players skipping or not triggering. And even better, editing is easier to change; should I need to remix something, I just re-upload the SD card, not burn a whole new disk! </li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Block Control:</b> Although this is something I won't implement, it is fun to think about.<a href="http://nwrr.blogspot.com/2011/02/february-2011-update-bits-and-pieces.html"> The system I have now </a>is tried and true with my reed switches and latching relays. If I were to start this layout today, I would instate an Arduino controlled layout, with even more blocks, speed control, and dispatch intervals. So many possibilities! </li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Lighting: </b>After developing a <a href="http://nwrr.blogspot.com/2013/01/january-2013-update.html">flickering circuit for Rainbow Ridge</a>, and then <a href="http://nwrr.blogspot.com/2014/03/march-2014-update-thats-right-update.html">deciding that was overkill,</a> I developed some code that would create a realistic candle flicker when I was programming my Tiki shelf. This way I don't need any cumbersome circuits and the system would be electrically efficient. This is very likely to happen! </li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Animation:</b> I haven't messed with it yet, but Arduinos are capable of controlling servo motors, which would be awesome for animation. Rather than the less-controllable cam method I've been using for a decade, I could program a routine to a figure that would have a less than predictable movement. How about the mountain sheep on Cascade Peak? The geysers could also use an upgrade.... </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">There's so many possibilities! </li>
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So that's that when it comes to what's been distracting me, but also what newfound knowledge could help the layout! The the next update will be about the new power units for the planned new trains, new Rainbow Ridge structures, and more! (hopefully...) </div>
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Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-62312324451813165932014-09-07T13:41:00.003-07:002014-09-07T13:41:47.005-07:00Summer 2014 Update<div class="p1">
Since updates are gonna be sporadic, I've decided to make "seasonal" updates, since I can't seem to get the monthly thing back in routine. An update is an update, nonetheless!<br />
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One of the most common things about the layout is it's ability to make progress, but at the same time, go back and have things redone. Most often the case is making things aesthetically better, whether it's the sculpting or paint job, or accuracy or detailing. But this time around, it was just ease of maintenance and mechanical efficiency. </div>
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As with anything mechanical, It was inevitable that the Battling Elk would go down for some sort of issue. Unfortunately, I didn't think it would be the issue that it was, and this case it was a motor that went 101. </div>
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When I originally installed the Elk, I put in a hatch so I could access the mechanism. While it was fine and dandy, really all it provided was a visual access port, to confirm that the mechanics were working or not. Since it appeared the gears were no longer spinning, I shut off the motor and tried to diagnose the issue. From my little "viewing port" I determined that it was a gear getting out of alignment and also the motor having issues turning. It was clear that I had to dig up the scenery and perform an extensive rehab. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-KIlcrPRhU/U9IQtRoEqBI/AAAAAAAACFo/ji4_SdCYdEE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-06+at+12.23.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-KIlcrPRhU/U9IQtRoEqBI/AAAAAAAACFo/ji4_SdCYdEE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-06+at+12.23.52+PM.png" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
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For pretty much all the mechanisms on the layout, I've used AC 3 RPM synchronous gearmotors from Micro Mark. While they worked for most of the time, occasionally they would get really loud, get really hot, or quit all together. Since the Elk were the latest mishap regarding a motor to occur, I decided to switch the motor type with the rehab. </div>
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After many experiments over the years with different motors, ranging from different sizes, voltages, and RPM's, I was able to determine the proper motor for animation on the Nature's Wonderland. The criteria for the motors that I needed were they needed to be ultra quiet, low voltage, little heat, and most importantly, reliability. I found one such gearmotor that I can run off my 12V power bus. It was a DC motor, so there was no chance the rotation would change when started up, which was an issue I had with the synchronous motors. </div>
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What's nice about the DC gearmotors, I can get one with a decent RPM for animation, and then dial down the voltage so the motor would turn slower for the speed that I needed. This also makes the motor a LOT quieter, which is a major plus. The motor I used matched the same RPM as the original Micro Mark motor, so I was able to keep the same gear ratio, and animation cam. </div>
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While it would have been nice to be just a replacement rehab, it was clear that the entire mechanism needed a rebuild. For it's time, the mechanics that I built for the battling elk worked well at installation, overtime some of the flaws I didn't expect or anticipate began to pop up. I needed a more solid system. </div>
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I built a new motor mount and mechanical infrastructure. I eliminated the counterweight and pulley portion and replaced that with a spring. This way, the return pull was guaranteed, since the counterweight would snag sometimes. Every part was either screwed together, or glued. In some cases, like the brass portions, the parts were welded. The main focus of the rehab was reliability, so building something that had little play tolerance and mechanically solid was mandatory.<br />
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Here's a video of the new mechanism in action</div>
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Another requirement, which started this whole rehab, was maintenance later on. The layout for the mechanics was revised. Rather than having the motor and gears under the elk themselves, I offset everything so the motor, gears, slides and springs would be located under the access hatch, all in plain view. This way, in the event of another issue, or just routine checks and lubing, anything could be looked at with ease. <br />
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When I got the position of the mechanics properly, I screwed down the entire module into the layout. From then on, I took existing portions of the scenery and pieced them together to match the new mechanics without having to start from scratch completely.</div>
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I made a new maintenance hatch that is ingeniously attached to magnets to the layout. This provides a secure mounting for the hatch and there's a perfect alignment every time. </div>
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As part of the rehab I added a new LED light for the elk. The original incandescent bulb hidden in a tree that I had was always odd to be, so I was glad I could retire it. As a replacement I took a warm white LED and drilled out a tunnel in the natural arch bridge. This way the bulb is completely recessed, out of the way, hidden, and yet it lights up the whole scene. You can see it on in the picture above. Running the wiring was a little tricky, but wasn't impossible. I ended up cutting a trench in the bridge for the wiring to the closest bus bar and patched over it later. </div>
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Instead of completely sealing the mechanism, I opted for an exposed one, to a certain extent. The original mechanism worked on a slot that overtime created a lot of friction. This time around that isn't the case and the open set-up make inspections and adjustments quick and easy, and usually without opening the access hatch. </div>
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Then it was a matter of patching up all the scenery around the elk, and just like that, a scene is fully rebuilt and improved. </div>
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Rainbow Ridge FINALLY got it's first building in years since the very first ones were built back in 2005. After doing scenery work on the layout mostly, I thought it was time to change gears and start getting some buildings made for Rainbow Ridge. I also wanted to make sure my skills were still up to par, since it had been some time since I've done actual styrene modeling. </div>
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The first building I started with was the Assay Office, right between the Opera Hose and the Miner's Hardware store. </div>
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Based off drawings I did <a href="http://nwrr.blogspot.com/2012/05/april-2012-update.html">back in 2012</a>, I constructed the building out of styrene. I eyeballed all the measurements based on the elevation view I drew</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lBfgjeZN184/VAzB24HNuHI/AAAAAAAACG8/fA540kXeCdI/s1600/AssayOffice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lBfgjeZN184/VAzB24HNuHI/AAAAAAAACG8/fA540kXeCdI/s1600/AssayOffice.jpg" height="142" width="320" /></a></div>
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So far, the building is just a primer gray. I'm thinking of keeping it unpainted until all the buildings are constructed, then I can knock out all the color palettes and the decals that go with them</div>
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Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-76501786412216698312014-03-16T00:01:00.000-07:002014-03-16T00:01:00.689-07:00March 2014 Update (That's right, an update finally!)So yeah, it's been awhile. Mostly life has gotten in the way, but a few other projects stole my creative time. The layout itself also hit a few snags too.<br />
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I had a few issues last year that kind of put off my interest in working on the layout:<br />
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<li>Part of it was Rainbow Ridge. While it was really promising when I developed it, the flickering circuitry for all the buildings and lanterns turned out to be more of a headache than a cool effect. Also, the amount of wiring: Holy crap, it's a lot of wiring. Just running cables under the decking for the load/unload platform was a lot to do and I had a big mass of wires I had to deal with. And that's just a handful of lights. The main platform with all the buildings is gonna have more!</li>
<li>LED conversion: This was a project I started last year for changing all the incandescent lights to LED's. Mainly for brighter and more vivid color, but also better power consumption. The problem I have with the flickering circuitry is the fact that it's not very power efficient. It soaks in a lot of power to get all the lanterns to flicker and requires another power supply separate from the rest of the night time lighting.</li>
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Access: The only real way to get to the wiring for all of this is in the hill between Rainbow Ridge and the Living Desert. Trying to develop ways to maintain--but also build-- Rainbow Ridge is becoming more impractical the more I think about it, in terms of getting other areas worked on.</div>
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With those things in mind for just a simple lighting effect, that really stalled this project as a whole. I've decided now that I'm going back to square one a little bit with Rainbow Ridge, and keeping things simple. For now, there won't be any flickering lanterns except for a few key lights. While it seemed like a cool idea, having every single light on it's own flicker pattern was a bit too ambitious of an idea. While it still can be done, there are better ways of doing, with more power efficiency and simplifying of the wiring. I've started to use Arduino a bit, so maybe that may be an option.<br />
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Now before I deal with Rainbow Ridge, there's another area I need to get finished up while I'm at it: the Living Desert.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1C-LSf71QE8/UyNtM5UstAI/AAAAAAAAB_0/etpcTg2YvAM/s1600/DSC_0274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1C-LSf71QE8/UyNtM5UstAI/AAAAAAAAB_0/etpcTg2YvAM/s1600/DSC_0274.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Because of it's proximity to Rainbow Ridge and it's mass of wiring, and because I have to lean over Rainbow Ridge to work on it, Living Desert was the focus before and more major work could be done. </div>
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The Living Desert was the first section on the layout to go LED. Right now it's in the process of being completed converted over from incandescent bulbs, which were installed a few years ago. Since the conversion process requires ripping out the old bulbs and installing the newer, bright LED's, quite a bit of touch-up work and patch work is needed to be done. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ncBiWjoQJtE/UySuWUKnGmI/AAAAAAAACAM/38BZ8UJpICI/s1600/DSC_0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ncBiWjoQJtE/UySuWUKnGmI/AAAAAAAACAM/38BZ8UJpICI/s1600/DSC_0100.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Here's a look at the LED's installed. So far the total is over 25 individually wired orange diodes</div>
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Since there was a considerable amount of painting---and re-painting-- that had to be done, I took a look at all the nearby rock features. Over time they've begun to look a little dull. Part of that is the dust in the room anyways, but I've felt the paint job could have been a little more punchier, especially after looking at Carsland and the recently refurbished Big Thunder and how vibrant the colors are. Of course Nature shows much more colorful hues than I previously observed. So while I was painting up the sculptamold patch jobs, I took an airbrush to the existing structures and cranked the saturation up a bit. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eb6yA9luBWA/UySvR48dSRI/AAAAAAAACBQ/osDgPHpsDKk/s1600/DSC_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eb6yA9luBWA/UySvR48dSRI/AAAAAAAACBQ/osDgPHpsDKk/s1600/DSC_0192.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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And here's the desert from it's recent rehab. </div>
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As well as doing some repaints to a lot of the desert, I went in and did some scenery work I hadn't done, mainly with more rocks around the crevices in this section. Just some small little detail areas</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4RZWXc7Rq9A/UySvt40mx_I/AAAAAAAACBw/m6ro5IRvPrQ/s1600/DSC_0264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4RZWXc7Rq9A/UySvt40mx_I/AAAAAAAACBw/m6ro5IRvPrQ/s1600/DSC_0264.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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And now, for some psychedelic night shots! (The exposure got really funky when I uploaded them)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5lLG5VBpezI/UySu7zQle2I/AAAAAAAACA4/ZHyFRUDSJjg/s1600/DSC_0158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5lLG5VBpezI/UySu7zQle2I/AAAAAAAACA4/ZHyFRUDSJjg/s1600/DSC_0158.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H4edCA159KE/UySuovodjRI/AAAAAAAACAc/Y7o_o3bro2I/s1600/DSC_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H4edCA159KE/UySuovodjRI/AAAAAAAACAc/Y7o_o3bro2I/s1600/DSC_0130.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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But here's a more proper shot, showing off the now FULL LED Living Desert</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U70W7Hn1wcE/UySu4ZCzKcI/AAAAAAAACAw/zY0MzmfcyE4/s1600/DSC_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U70W7Hn1wcE/UySu4ZCzKcI/AAAAAAAACAw/zY0MzmfcyE4/s1600/DSC_0147.JPG" height="195" width="400" /></a></div>
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That will do for now. Since most of the heavy work for the Living Desert is done, I no longer need to lean over the Rainbow Ridge area for prolonged periods of time. We're hoping that's the next focus! So long folks!</div>
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Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-30390768312013318002013-06-01T12:15:00.002-07:002013-06-01T12:15:37.437-07:00May 2013 UpdateI wish there was more to post for May, but being the end of a hectic semester, other stuff takes priority. However, being that it is May, traditionally in the last few years, it's "Aerial Update Month". So here's what the layout looks like as a whole as of May 2013.<br />
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This photo has also been added to the "Aerial Photos" page, where you can see the progression over the last few years. Some things to note between this shot and the one before is the addition of water to Bear Country and Beaver Valley. The waterfalls have been updated with the latest technique, and Rainbow Ridge is receiving it's decking. The Pack Mule portion of Rainbow Ridge is taking shape as the big hill in the middle. </div>
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And here's a video from above as I've done in the past showing the entire layout, which shows off a lot more than the photos.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DHmrGy6s6EQ" width="480"></iframe>Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-13307605127265737052013-04-22T14:34:00.000-07:002013-04-22T14:34:10.664-07:00April 2013 UpdateA brief update for April, as the layout is on the back burner under a backlog of other side-jobs. However, the photography is quite good, so hopefully it's enjoyable.<br />
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Although installed over a year ago, I finally got the geysers spruced up enough to be filmed for YouTube. Blew off the dust and added a coat of Mod Podge to make them appear "wet" once again.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KVaDa0UyD3c/UXWptjDioZI/AAAAAAAAB68/Sm5j__yO3xk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-22+at+2.17.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KVaDa0UyD3c/UXWptjDioZI/AAAAAAAAB68/Sm5j__yO3xk/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-04-22+at+2.17.49+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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When it got dark out for night shooting to show of the lighting effects, I took some real great long exposure shots<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GKHKtTU9SvM/UXWpn6YpBVI/AAAAAAAAB64/YPDvvNss6s4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-22+at+2.17.54+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GKHKtTU9SvM/UXWpn6YpBVI/AAAAAAAAB64/YPDvvNss6s4/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-04-22+at+2.17.54+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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And here's the video, seeing the geysers in action!</div>
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Something a little more new, over in Rainbow Ridge: Performed the first lighting test for the Load area lanterns. This was done by just crudely tying the wires together to the LED flicker controller I built two updates ago. Everything seems to work pretty well, so more should come with few bumps.<br />
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I've also begun the process of adding the railings to the deck made out of strip styrene. </div>
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The lanterns at night, via long-exposure shots. </div>
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To show off their flickering, here's a video of the lanterns under power. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bum2yU5HTuI" width="480"></iframe></div>
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Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-75171372859730890702013-03-07T20:55:00.001-08:002013-03-07T20:55:21.071-08:00February/March 2013 UpdateA few things caused a delay for February's update, so it's being combined with March. Since March hasn't ended, this post is likely to be updated as the progress moves along.<br />
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Rainbow Ridge continues to take shape and the rough forms give way to finer details. At this point, knowing those finer details now are critical, as going back to fix any mistakes would be a headache and bothersome to fix later. This is the second time Rainbow Ridge has been redone and I plan on not scheduling any rehabs in the future!<br />
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This section of the layout is being planned very meticulously from the ground-up, most notably for this month was the wiring for all the lighting. As mentioned in last month's update, the lighting for Rainbow Ridge will have a special difference compared to the rest of the layout. That difference being the flicker effect, generated by some custom circuits utilizing tea light flickering LEDs.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XJT6f9EEV2E/UQtmtk1Pw9I/AAAAAAAAB2I/3gpXyka_Tms/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-31+at+10.33.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XJT6f9EEV2E/UQtmtk1Pw9I/AAAAAAAAB2I/3gpXyka_Tms/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-01-31+at+10.33.45+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, these circuits require a LOT of extra wiring, as parallel wiring wouldn't work for randomly flickering lights. Each light needs it's own wire running to one of 16 flickering LEDs. They can share the same ground wire. For example, the Load/Unload area for Rainbow Ridge requires 7 flickering lights. In traditional parallel wiring, I would only need two wires if they were constantly lit, or all on the same flicker circuit. Since I want each light to have a unique flicker for a more realistic appearance I'm running 8 wires to the Load/Unload to drive the lighting. </div>
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This results in a couple bundles of wiring being fed up, around, and under Rainbow Ridge. Putting in that amount of wiring in now while in this state of construction certainly will make construction much smoother than putting it in later. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KhyU2z2jDao/UTlbAjIByuI/AAAAAAAAB4M/ASk69ppWl-A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.12.07+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KhyU2z2jDao/UTlbAjIByuI/AAAAAAAAB4M/ASk69ppWl-A/s200/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.12.07+PM.png" width="132" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P_yOKBstStQ/UTlbB_MypRI/AAAAAAAAB4U/Xcbr5B7jnxU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.12.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P_yOKBstStQ/UTlbB_MypRI/AAAAAAAAB4U/Xcbr5B7jnxU/s200/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.12.01+PM.png" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JY1HnL9MVhA/UTla9l-KBhI/AAAAAAAAB4E/3l1o7HOm1RE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.11.56+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JY1HnL9MVhA/UTla9l-KBhI/AAAAAAAAB4E/3l1o7HOm1RE/s200/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.11.56+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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While the wiring infrastructure was installed, I finally developed the lights themselves. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7A75Hwt5LBc/UTlbTk6rTVI/AAAAAAAAB5A/JKI7w0sFSOw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.12.36+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7A75Hwt5LBc/UTlbTk6rTVI/AAAAAAAAB5A/JKI7w0sFSOw/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.12.36+PM.png" width="211" /></a></div>
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While I would have loved to just buy perfectly scaled ready-to-go On30 1800's lanterns, like everything else on the layout, they have to be scratchbuilt. Looking at photos and even existing lights around Big Thunder at the park, I was able to figure out a way to make fairly decent looking lights with scrap material. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aktE7Fd4tlU/UTlbiBylKFI/AAAAAAAAB5g/rKZqlxKs2Bg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.13.17+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aktE7Fd4tlU/UTlbiBylKFI/AAAAAAAAB5g/rKZqlxKs2Bg/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.13.17+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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The process starts with feeding the wire leads through a piece of .125 square styrene tubing to serve as the post. To give the bulb a slightly more bulbous shape, I applied a drop of super glue, while the bulb was spinning in my drill, for equal distribution. Next I flattened a #6 lock washer and glued that to the top to form the "hat". For the top section I cut a piece of brass tubing. I could have used styrene, but I wanted the metal parts to absorb the heat from the bulb away from the glue. The support arms on the far right light in the photo were formed from a standard office staple. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-518LDwLWqbw/UTlbgimbgUI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/zo5xTGLrJn4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.13.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-518LDwLWqbw/UTlbgimbgUI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/zo5xTGLrJn4/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.13.03+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next a coat of black paint completed the light. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kv9wllIr4rQ/UTlbohZG-3I/AAAAAAAAB5o/FT9T5P-epjs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.13.22+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kv9wllIr4rQ/UTlbohZG-3I/AAAAAAAAB5o/FT9T5P-epjs/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.13.22+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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And heres a test fit on the platform. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fmts_WwEf_A/UTlax2VGUqI/AAAAAAAAB34/ZMt9WSZd3jc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-18+at+5.47.17+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fmts_WwEf_A/UTlax2VGUqI/AAAAAAAAB34/ZMt9WSZd3jc/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-02-18+at+5.47.17+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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The platform itself is the masonite base that was cut in the <a href="http://nwrr.blogspot.com/2012/12/december-2012-update.html">December update.</a> To create a scaled down wooden appearance, a sheet of styrene wood planking was spray adhesive'ed on. I made sure to keep the plank direction pointing towards the track, as with the real thing. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hk1l3njblsc/UTlbI7n1EDI/AAAAAAAAB4g/-FmvbY-zAak/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.12.12+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hk1l3njblsc/UTlbI7n1EDI/AAAAAAAAB4g/-FmvbY-zAak/s200/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.12.12+PM.png" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Al76JkJljXs/UTlavYJErrI/AAAAAAAAB3o/phZJAvAeAtk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-10+at+5.16.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Al76JkJljXs/UTlavYJErrI/AAAAAAAAB3o/phZJAvAeAtk/s200/Screen+Shot+2013-02-10+at+5.16.59+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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To make styrene look like wood, countless paint tests were created. Many refinements later, I developed a quick, easy, and very realistic way to make plastic look like timber--using only three colors. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-C3owIGyaM/UTlaxqnNG0I/AAAAAAAAB30/24odG17ec_c/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-13+at+11.03.09+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-C3owIGyaM/UTlaxqnNG0I/AAAAAAAAB30/24odG17ec_c/s200/Screen+Shot+2013-02-13+at+11.03.09+AM.png" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-damym_WM2W8/UTlbO7mrqBI/AAAAAAAAB4o/BYoluEAsocY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.12.17+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-damym_WM2W8/UTlbO7mrqBI/AAAAAAAAB4o/BYoluEAsocY/s200/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.12.17+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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When I get onto the deck sections on the other sider of the tracks, I'll do a tutorial on this paint technique. </div>
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When the main section of the platform was complete, The two Load and Unload ramps were made, as separate pieces and attached. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Td8-03cBjEo/UTlrJmEDARI/AAAAAAAAB6E/Uqkv0B7HqdU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+8.36.54+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Td8-03cBjEo/UTlrJmEDARI/AAAAAAAAB6E/Uqkv0B7HqdU/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+8.36.54+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Unload was a little trickier to do, since the ground was sloped, leading down to Mineral Hall. Before adding the ramp, the masonite ground was put in and the joints filled and sanded. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0LNt8cUXX1w/UTlbrYosoOI/AAAAAAAAB5w/0BN4bemT-1Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.13.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0LNt8cUXX1w/UTlbrYosoOI/AAAAAAAAB5w/0BN4bemT-1Q/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.13.28+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's the unload ramp, given a coat of primer. Unfortunately, despite going slow and careful with each step, I goofed with the main platform, creating an indentation where the two pieces meet. Rather than a continuous curve, there's an inward dent. Luckily, since there is a planter right in front, I'll hid this mistake with a decent size shrub and won't have to redo it. Even with my accuracy and quality anal-ness, sometimes it's not a big deal to let something like this go. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XW3XT9s8LL8/UTla42OcaJI/AAAAAAAAB4A/QxnlmLkskJw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.11.51+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XW3XT9s8LL8/UTla42OcaJI/AAAAAAAAB4A/QxnlmLkskJw/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.11.51+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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An interesting fun fact: This ramp was later removed and replaced with a section of stair in later years on the real attraction. This was presumably done to increase seating for Casa de Fritos. </div>
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Here's a sample railing made of strip styrene. The only revision to be made is the middle horizontal beams, which were made thinner, despite being scale accurate, for aesthetic balance. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0kr04EO4RhM/UTlbsqNOrqI/AAAAAAAAB54/QOsUILZKpQ0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.13.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0kr04EO4RhM/UTlbsqNOrqI/AAAAAAAAB54/QOsUILZKpQ0/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-03-07+at+7.13.34+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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That'll do for now. As mentioned early, if more is done for March, it'll be added. "So long!"</div>
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<br />Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-50628575989732303082013-01-31T23:35:00.002-08:002013-01-31T23:38:18.864-08:00January 2013 UpdateResearch and development continues as Rainbow Ridge slowly comes together. One of the big things to get figured out this month was the lighting. Not just regular show lighting like I've done in previous updates. Lighting in Rainbow Ridge will have a little bit more realism... a little 'flicker'.<br />
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Back in <a href="http://nwrr.blogspot.com/2011/11/novemberdecember-2011-update-full-speed.html">December 2011</a>, I added some flickering lanterns to the Bear Country tunnel. I was able to achieve this using some cheap tea-light LED candles from Target and wired them onto my own circuit. This subtle feature was a great addition and added another layer of realism and effects to the layout. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c2IxrTNSovA/TvEAPztrTqI/AAAAAAAABg4/bOR5mEg-7Ao/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-12-20+at+1.28.33+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c2IxrTNSovA/TvEAPztrTqI/AAAAAAAABg4/bOR5mEg-7Ao/s320/Screen+shot+2011-12-20+at+1.28.33+PM.png" width="320" /></a> </div>
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With Rainbow Ridge, I knew there would be a LOT of lanterns to add as well as all the buildings having interior lighting, plus the load/unload area lighting. </div>
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I loved the Bear Country lanterns so much I wanted to add them to Rainbow Ridge. My only issue with them is the color; much too yellow to be totally convincing. To combat this, I decided to go with a mix; yellow flickering LED's and a majority of warm-white LED's. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ECaVCSyUJs/UQtmXbP0UAI/AAAAAAAAB1U/sCASNo8ckwI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-31+at+10.33.08+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ECaVCSyUJs/UQtmXbP0UAI/AAAAAAAAB1U/sCASNo8ckwI/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-01-31+at+10.33.08+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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In an ideal world, having all the lights meant to be candles or lanterns should flicker in Rainbow Ridge. I tried a few set-ups trying to get the yellow flicker LED's to affect the warm-white ones for similar flicker effect. Nothing worked. I would plan to have the flickering yellow LED's and the warm-white LED's constant.</div>
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It wasn't until I discovered <a href="http://www.evilmadscientist.com/2011/does-this-led-sound-funny-to-you/">this article</a> I found a solution. Rather than trying to tie the flicker LED in-line with another or other LED's I found a way to have it be a micro-controller; have the flicker LED control another set of lights. The best way to do this was to use an electronic component I hadn't used before: transistor. </div>
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I spent about 3 days prototyping, testing and developing a circuit that both looked good and worked efficiently (as in no hot components!). What I came up with was rather surprising for myself. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J9giV9526hQ/UQtmYSQBg4I/AAAAAAAAB1c/aRHubMsP8Yw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-31+at+10.33.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J9giV9526hQ/UQtmYSQBg4I/AAAAAAAAB1c/aRHubMsP8Yw/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-01-31+at+10.33.14+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I posted a video over on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/NWRRModel">Facebook page</a>, much to everyone's intrigue of the circuit above</div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="281" src="http://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=10200321142221092" width="500"></iframe></div>
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Instead of using warm-white LED's I ended up going back and using my old 12V incandescent grain-of-wheat lights, which I haven't used since I started converting over to all-LED lighting last <a href="http://nwrr.blogspot.com/2011/11/novemberdecember-2011-update-full-speed.html">December</a>. </div>
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The reason for this being is not only is the color more realistic, but the actual flicker looks better; the incandescent bulb "smoothes" out the rather jerky flicker from the LED and looks much more like a real candle/lantern. While LED's have brought a whole new level to the layout, in terms of color, power efficiency, and vibrance, I guess Rainbow Ridge will have to make an exception here. </div>
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To explain how I did this, I drew up a schematic of the circuit. I'll also try and explain it as easily as I can to those not as electronic savvy. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eQ10Kn6_V48/UQtqJtQSxdI/AAAAAAAAB2o/Sdahv1FVfO0/s1600/Circuit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eQ10Kn6_V48/UQtqJtQSxdI/AAAAAAAAB2o/Sdahv1FVfO0/s320/Circuit.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
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The entire circuit--the "controller" flicker LED and the 12v incandescent lights-- are all on the same power source. The 1kΩ resistor brings down the current for the flicker LED and the 10Ω reistor also brings down the current, but to the transistor. The power coming from the LED connects to the base of the transistor, allowing current to flow from the 10Ω reistor, to the 12V Inc./Incandescent light. The transistor is a standard 2N222A I picked up in an assortment pack from Radio Shack for a couple bucks. </div>
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The reistor with the question mark is an override resistor; this can be any value; the lesser the value, the more "un-modified" current goes to the 12V light, making it brighter, but also flicker less. After the initial test video above and looking at Disneyland's own flickering lights, I determined a proper balance of subtleness and noticeability using a 47Ω reistor in this spot. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FOOEsCr0sQA/UQtmhF08vPI/AAAAAAAAB1w/QSSHUKexmw4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-31+at+10.33.31+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FOOEsCr0sQA/UQtmhF08vPI/AAAAAAAAB1w/QSSHUKexmw4/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-01-31+at+10.33.31+PM.png" width="195" /></a></div>
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This circuit only has capacity for 3 incandescent bulbs; any more and I'd have to beef up the components to prevent overheating (and more maintenance). This isn't a problem; having every light flicker on the same frequency wouldn't realistic, right? So, to fill out Rainbow Ridge, a number of these circuits, or modules, will be put together for a variety of random flickering lights. </div>
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Here's a module put together in practice:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i75tBbKGzS4/UQtmqwD0x1I/AAAAAAAAB2A/U0zItTvT4Ss/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-31+at+10.33.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i75tBbKGzS4/UQtmqwD0x1I/AAAAAAAAB2A/U0zItTvT4Ss/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-01-31+at+10.33.50+PM.png" width="160" /></a></div>
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The top red wire is coming from the (+) 9V source and the bottom red wire goes the incandescent light. The other lead for the incandescent goes to the (-) ground. In the photo above this one, you can see the next module marked out next to the complete one, to give you an idea of how this was wired together in my usual 'amateur circuit board' approach, aka nails on a piece of wood. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XJT6f9EEV2E/UQtmtk1Pw9I/AAAAAAAAB2I/3gpXyka_Tms/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-31+at+10.33.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XJT6f9EEV2E/UQtmtk1Pw9I/AAAAAAAAB2I/3gpXyka_Tms/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-01-31+at+10.33.45+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's the finished "Flicker board" with 8 flicker modules, with a capacity to power 24 lights in Rainbow Ridge. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DGZJXMYP3uo/UQtmub3Q5KI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/DysVBrXn8cE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-31+at+10.33.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DGZJXMYP3uo/UQtmub3Q5KI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/DysVBrXn8cE/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-01-31+at+10.33.39+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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As the lighting progressed, some more ground way laid down in the Casa de Fritos area. The tricky part here is the sloping ground to create the different leveled sections. This is also where some wiring will run, so the lighting project above had to be done first! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-je5mjIv9aiE/UQtmgV_2zqI/AAAAAAAAB1o/VGAJqw9O_lM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-31+at+10.33.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-je5mjIv9aiE/UQtmgV_2zqI/AAAAAAAAB1o/VGAJqw9O_lM/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-01-31+at+10.33.19+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-63477407705928608322012-12-26T23:13:00.002-08:002012-12-26T23:13:18.554-08:00December 2012 UpdateThe layout continues to move forward as the end of the year approaches. The last section of the layout finally got started on: Rainbow Ridge, more specifically, the Pack Mule area. This part consists of the two uphill and downhill trails that lead the teams of mules to and from Nature's Wonderland. While the majority of Rainbow Ridge has been laid out to be almost perfect in spacing and accuracy, this section remains pretty sketchy and this is where creativity and selective compression comes in. The actual trails leading to and from the load and unload area for the pack mules were shifted, moved, and shortened to fit on the layout base and at the same time not look too crammed in. The same goes for the buildings around the load/unload; moved slightly, and unfortunately for quite a few, eliminated.<br />
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The main section of Rainbow Ridge was planned out on paper for just about every detail. The Pack Mule area on the other hand was pretty much roughed in and the final decisions would wait until actual construction. Because of this, the Pack Mule area was first mocked-up in cardboard in order to figure out the layout of everything.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v7lofgRe0Y4/UNvWcfPxjcI/AAAAAAAABzg/ay62JwOQtt0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-05+at+4.35.24+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v7lofgRe0Y4/UNvWcfPxjcI/AAAAAAAABzg/ay62JwOQtt0/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-12-05+at+4.35.24+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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As seen in past posts, lighting adds another dimension to the layout and Rainbow Ridge is no exception. This part of the layout will feature probably half the lights on the layout just in itself. So, before hills could be put in, 12v bus wire was run to critical areas in the Pack Mule load/unload. This is also where the layout splits in half, so wiring can't be run from the other side of Rainbow Ridge. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQOBzqu_ZpI/UNvXWlNEOGI/AAAAAAAAB0w/vfKlksFQPNQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-26+at+9.05.51+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQOBzqu_ZpI/UNvXWlNEOGI/AAAAAAAAB0w/vfKlksFQPNQ/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-12-26+at+9.05.51+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once the wires were run, aluminum foil hills were formed and covered in a shell of celluclay. At the time they were put in, the hills were as wet and soggy as a Anaheim rainy day. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVs04pmFSfc/UNvXBPixFkI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/nOGoLMa3Kr0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-26+at+7.52.05+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVs04pmFSfc/UNvXBPixFkI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/nOGoLMa3Kr0/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-12-26+at+7.52.05+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yxIqtw-ECN4/UNvW7XAf1lI/AAAAAAAAB0I/cyFavw3iXhM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-26+at+7.51.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yxIqtw-ECN4/UNvW7XAf1lI/AAAAAAAAB0I/cyFavw3iXhM/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-12-26+at+7.51.49+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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The uncovered foil sections represent where the buildings will go. </div>
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Since it would take days for the celluclay to dry because of the high humidity, I changed gears and jumped to the other side of Rainbow Ridge: the train load/unload. This stage of construction is critical since any mistake now could be costly, since I can't just slap plaster and cover it with scenery (considering it's all buildings with hard edges). As a result, this area will be a slow process until all details are accounted for. </div>
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The first step is the platforms, for both the load/unload area and for the building facades across the track. These were cut from masonite and raised on spacers. This will allow for wires to run underneath for lighting in the buildings, light poles, and the sound speakers. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_E3dI-3w5so/UNvWhwIv_lI/AAAAAAAABzo/Gt-f4kKkA7I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-15+at+1.07.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_E3dI-3w5so/UNvWhwIv_lI/AAAAAAAABzo/Gt-f4kKkA7I/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-12-15+at+1.07.45+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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What's pretty amazing is this was done 7 years ago this month in 2005, but quite a bit more primitive. </div>
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Since wiring had to run to the Pack Mule area for lighting, the light package Beaver Valley was finalized. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4D5fbvUKD_s/UNvXROFMKWI/AAAAAAAAB0o/Ip8tEvQm3TE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-26+at+8.51.30+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4D5fbvUKD_s/UNvXROFMKWI/AAAAAAAAB0o/Ip8tEvQm3TE/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-12-26+at+8.51.30+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Marmot tunnel was also lit, with the usual all-LED lighting. </div>
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Speaking of the marmot tunnel, something peculiar has occurred at the prototype tunnel over in Anaheim...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ywwx0RgOmew/UNvWvIR7Y6I/AAAAAAAABz4/eIazX_ovkv0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-26+at+7.51.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ywwx0RgOmew/UNvWvIR7Y6I/AAAAAAAABz4/eIazX_ovkv0/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-12-26+at+7.51.16+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some fresh paint has been applied to the tunnel, however, this is simply no refurbishment. This is actually a color sample test for the upcoming lengthy Big Thunder Mountain rehab. After the rockwork job on Cars Land and the Matterhorn, Big Thunder should look fantastic. It's also nice that the ole relic is spruced up a bit, even if the whole thing isn't repainted. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kCNDOtALa-o/UNvW13DTpUI/AAAAAAAAB0A/sru7C8VZDbg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-26+at+7.51.21+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kCNDOtALa-o/UNvW13DTpUI/AAAAAAAAB0A/sru7C8VZDbg/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-12-26+at+7.51.21+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-40230162419062362742012-11-27T15:13:00.001-08:002012-12-01T12:03:35.905-08:00November 2012 UpdateWith the end of the year rapidly approaching, the extensive Cascade Peak rehab and waterfall replacement project is finishing up with the last set of waterfalls, Big Thunder Falls, finally installed. There was no update for October since layout progress halted during <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgsWSfxTrns&feature=plcp">a research and development special effects project</a> that was on the main burner. Since Halloween has come and gone, that project has lost inspiration and momentum which means gears are shifting into coming back to Nature's Wonderland.<br />
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Big Thunder Falls took the longest to do out of all the waterfall sets, despite gaining experience and practice with the other two sets. This was mainly due to the fact that not only are there more waterfalls, they're also bigger-- and there was a time lapse camera. </div>
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To somewhat "redeem" myself from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SUgoMJhO1I&feature=g-crec">the tutorial featuring waterfalls that will eventually fade and turn yellow</a>, I made a new tutorial video showing how to make miniature waterfalls the new way I developed. Of course, this slowed down production time, but it's a technique many other modellers will appreciate. </div>
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While the new technique is much more realistic, it's also much more tedious (as you'll see on the sped up clock in the video). This is the big waterfall the train passes under, clocking just over an hour to shape/form/melt. </div>
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It was well worth the time though! The usual followed, with enviro-tex lite resin pools.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hB9dO9tVxJk/ULVC9fa7f4I/AAAAAAAABxM/ngEKr0IDLIg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-11-26+at+1.54.24+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hB9dO9tVxJk/ULVC9fa7f4I/AAAAAAAABxM/ngEKr0IDLIg/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-11-26+at+1.54.24+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally, here it is all put together.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x1CAJ0H0DbE/ULVDFiA2buI/AAAAAAAABxc/3iEuwSCl_P0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-11-26+at+1.54.36+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x1CAJ0H0DbE/ULVDFiA2buI/AAAAAAAABxc/3iEuwSCl_P0/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-11-26+at+1.54.36+PM.png" width="265" /></a></div>
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And the waterfall tutorial itself:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LFhrPA5j_IY?list=PL88AD6ED5A40949A4&hl=en_US" width="480"></iframe></div>
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One thing to note is the special clip at the very end of the video, with the POV of the Mark Twain. This was something that was just a simple idea that grew into this crazy composite project. For some time I had been thinking about doing a POV from the Disneyland Railroad passing by the Living Desert, shooting the background from a miniature foreground. Since that won't be for awhile, I decided to try it out on the Rivers of America. Since my skills in computer modeling and rendering have greatly improved over time, I thought I'd give it a shot on this, well, shot. I decided to model the foreground in Maya rather than do it physically, since I can control the lighting, movement, and angle much more precisely. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-raLg3PviTqY/ULVH358EzaI/AAAAAAAABx0/KPDIjNDMz4c/s1600/Twain+railing.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-raLg3PviTqY/ULVH358EzaI/AAAAAAAABx0/KPDIjNDMz4c/s320/Twain+railing.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I shot the background plate, basically my DSLR on a PVC pipe as a steady rest, I matched the movement and tried to mimic the (unintended) camera shake as close as I could in the Maya model camera. Then it was a matter of modeling the Mark Twain railing and columns. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rG0NvKrALWM/ULVCxMr_ONI/AAAAAAAABw0/uTCHoS-fGGE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-11-19+at+3.05.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rG0NvKrALWM/ULVCxMr_ONI/AAAAAAAABw0/uTCHoS-fGGE/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-11-19+at+3.05.49+PM.png" width="320" /></a> </div>
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When everything looked right in test frames, the whole foreground was rendered and composited over the background (hence the blue screen above). </div>
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The result was a very successful and fun shot to work on! After doing this, the original Railroad POV mentioned above will be done like this when I get around to it. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tVbNSS_mK6w/ULVCvXpqIAI/AAAAAAAABws/5L1JXnHa3gs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-11-19+at+2.46.47+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tVbNSS_mK6w/ULVCvXpqIAI/AAAAAAAABws/5L1JXnHa3gs/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-11-19+at+2.46.47+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now that the waterfalls are finished, so is the lighting package for Cascade Peak! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9gIe2xLJbNU/ULpiQJ4kpNI/AAAAAAAAByI/dQpP60E0D6Y/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-01+at+12.00.24+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9gIe2xLJbNU/ULpiQJ4kpNI/AAAAAAAAByI/dQpP60E0D6Y/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-12-01+at+12.00.24+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-40462601119138738832012-09-25T22:43:00.000-07:002012-09-25T22:57:36.358-07:00September 2012 UpdateAs of today, the layout has been in production for 7 years. While at the snail pace that it progresses, it's still slowly becoming the finished and professional layout that it was intended to be.<br />
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If you haven't checked it out already, the layout has been getting updates posted over at FaceBook at<br />
<a href="http://facebook.com/nwrrmodel">Facebook.com/nwrrmodel</a><br />
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While the layout is rotated into the orientation that allows easy access to the waterfall side of Cascade Peak, I took advantage of that. Continuing the new look of the waterfalls I redid during the summer (scroll down to the June/July update) I worked on the middle set of falls to reflect the updated style.<br />
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First order of business was to rip out the silicone falls and get the base part of the falls ready for the new ones. Since the silicone is extremely flexible, it was easy enough to peel off the pools and falls from the layout with minimal repairs. However, with the addition of the new LED lighting, those minimal repairs were just a starting point.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QEzoDLdegXA/UGKTUUfyICI/AAAAAAAABus/AUdu-0ObaFU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-09-25+at+10.23.31+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QEzoDLdegXA/UGKTUUfyICI/AAAAAAAABus/AUdu-0ObaFU/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-09-25+at+10.23.31+PM.png" width="211" /></a></div>
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I punched a couple holes through the scenery to run wiring for the LED's. Unfortunately, in the process I knocked the speaker that broadcasts the sounds of falling water out of position and it need to be re-attached (hence the bigger hole in the middle).<br />
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Once the wiring was finalized and the LED's soldered on, patchwork commenced with celluclay and paint touch-ups were applied. Good as new!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cRpqqJdllCc/UGKTatDiyKI/AAAAAAAABu8/LrN3S2aqEbg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-09-25+at+10.23.46+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cRpqqJdllCc/UGKTatDiyKI/AAAAAAAABu8/LrN3S2aqEbg/s200/Screen+Shot+2012-09-25+at+10.23.46+PM.png" width="132" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJltTNo2jVY/UGKTd8hG5LI/AAAAAAAABvE/hQbQwwQNZ70/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-09-25+at+10.23.53+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJltTNo2jVY/UGKTd8hG5LI/AAAAAAAABvE/hQbQwwQNZ70/s200/Screen+Shot+2012-09-25+at+10.23.53+PM.png" width="132" /></a></div>
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The falls themselves were fabricated from 0.040" plastic sheets and a soldering iron was dragged across in vertical streaks to create the shimmering look. I'll go into much more detail when Big Thunder falls get their rehab in the next update. </div>
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As with the last set of waterfalls, the pools were poured with Enviro-tex resin and later coated with a layer of Mod Podge to hide the glass-like finish. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQvsUEdKn7c/UGKTRM5NRQI/AAAAAAAABuk/HwnkyoFeZ7Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-09-24+at+3.27.56+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQvsUEdKn7c/UGKTRM5NRQI/AAAAAAAABuk/HwnkyoFeZ7Q/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-09-24+at+3.27.56+PM.png" width="205" /></a></div>
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A plastic sheet protects the resin from unwanted dust while it sets. </div>
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And finally, the new waterfalls! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDFP1b-XyTM/UGKTOhxHOhI/AAAAAAAABuc/Jk1WJmsYu0g/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-09-24+at+10.39.31+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDFP1b-XyTM/UGKTOhxHOhI/AAAAAAAABuc/Jk1WJmsYu0g/s640/Screen+Shot+2012-09-24+at+10.39.31+PM.png" width="431" /></a></div>
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Not only do they look great during the day, they look even more spectacular at night! </div>
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Even though Big Thunder falls haven't been updated yet, the lighting package had already begun installation. The greenish light at the top of Big Thunder Falls is the last incandescent light that was once the standard for the layout before LED's took over. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CjBqmrm4xCA/UGKTirkVwCI/AAAAAAAABvM/40cKcof3Irs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-09-25+at+10.23.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CjBqmrm4xCA/UGKTirkVwCI/AAAAAAAABvM/40cKcof3Irs/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-09-25+at+10.23.59+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-36693166963434417862012-09-01T02:22:00.003-07:002012-09-02T03:11:14.988-07:00August 2012 UpdateStill got a bunch of things keeping me from working on the layout, but I still managed to get something done. As I slowly ease myself back into working on the layout, I started with something small before jumping into something more complex. This corner of the layout next to Cascade Peak has never been fully scenic-ed until now.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lb28TVsKJ4M/UEHQ6YyEqBI/AAAAAAAABtg/5mBJGqQ70Mk/s1600/481968_449696625070788_2075347937_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lb28TVsKJ4M/UEHQ6YyEqBI/AAAAAAAABtg/5mBJGqQ70Mk/s320/481968_449696625070788_2075347937_n.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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This work included finishing off the actual layout base corner properly and continuing the fascia until it reached the edge. </div>
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Then it was matter of applying the various scenic materials to the hillside. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wGdBl5Yc3hg/UEHSFC6pwMI/AAAAAAAABto/x3VJIVYaKl0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-09-01+at+2.12.36+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wGdBl5Yc3hg/UEHSFC6pwMI/AAAAAAAABto/x3VJIVYaKl0/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-09-01+at+2.12.36+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DhU91AZPe9Q/UEHSjZ7CGVI/AAAAAAAABtw/XEt9Fg-L-6I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-09-01+at+2.16.19+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DhU91AZPe9Q/UEHSjZ7CGVI/AAAAAAAABtw/XEt9Fg-L-6I/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-09-01+at+2.16.19+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's not much, but that'll do for now!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qEHsq_PXLIs/UEMwMFruS8I/AAAAAAAABuI/5_jQv8VGosE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-09-02+at+3.07.54+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qEHsq_PXLIs/UEMwMFruS8I/AAAAAAAABuI/5_jQv8VGosE/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-09-02+at+3.07.54+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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By the way, I've created a BookFace page for the layout. Basically it's what's on the layout, but with more random photos and blurbs. If you're into that sort of thing. </div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/NWRRModel">http://www.facebook.com/NWRRModel</a></div>
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<br />Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-32897536194086502392012-08-01T00:34:00.000-07:002012-08-01T00:34:14.890-07:00June/July 2012 Update: Water Special!<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>Water</i></span><span style="color: #ffe599;">ways, finally poured!</span></b><br />
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June saw a major step forward in the layout progress: the waterways in Bear Country and Beaver Valley were filled with.... water!<br />
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Once all the details and figures were completed and installed, it was ready to pour the Enviro-tex resin. I tinted it a dark green color and did the first pour to get the waterways "level".</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9tzbov_uRA/T6LcA2hpZnI/AAAAAAAABow/XWECJSkt7ds/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-04+at+7.04.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9tzbov_uRA/T6LcA2hpZnI/AAAAAAAABow/XWECJSkt7ds/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-04-04+at+7.04.39+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Beaver dams just before the resin pour and figure installation.</i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0LDGKfyrI6g/UBjLUZkdWuI/AAAAAAAABsc/sDDArBHVTVw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.10.21+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0LDGKfyrI6g/UBjLUZkdWuI/AAAAAAAABsc/sDDArBHVTVw/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.10.21+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a look under natural lighting...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dnzHzsBanR4/UBjKbpy8ExI/AAAAAAAABqs/y-dVuEJd6R0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.08.18+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dnzHzsBanR4/UBjKbpy8ExI/AAAAAAAABqs/y-dVuEJd6R0/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.08.18+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Beaver Valley getting it's water for the first time ever.... </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xc2Y9bqeZkw/UBjLaS-UJRI/AAAAAAAABsk/YxQF35il6LQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.10.31+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xc2Y9bqeZkw/UBjLaS-UJRI/AAAAAAAABsk/YxQF35il6LQ/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.10.31+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another layer of clear was poured to fill any nook or crannies that didn't get hit. While a perfectly glass-like surface looks great, it isn't quite realistic or not good at hiding dust. To create waves, I dabbed Modge Podge--a gloss medium-- all over the surface. This also conceals any issues with the paint or scenery below the surface that could be visible. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jmoU71aaJ5I/UBjK2m_3lcI/AAAAAAAABrY/ceMrGzB2tEg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.09.10+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jmoU71aaJ5I/UBjK2m_3lcI/AAAAAAAABrY/ceMrGzB2tEg/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.09.10+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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A long-lens look at the creek between the two areas: </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pUdTuGEpAKw/UBjKq5ReoPI/AAAAAAAABrI/yVqhfBgl4TM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.08.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pUdTuGEpAKw/UBjKq5ReoPI/AAAAAAAABrI/yVqhfBgl4TM/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.08.52+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's the finished Beaver Valley, captured with a wide angle lens:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WqNU3XT2fgI/T-D5__5IOTI/AAAAAAAABp8/VbQoDHDptp8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-06-19+at+3.14.26+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WqNU3XT2fgI/T-D5__5IOTI/AAAAAAAABp8/VbQoDHDptp8/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-06-19+at+3.14.26+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p0YNOVyTcbo/T-Frrc6-GdI/AAAAAAAABqI/MkGnU3wH1zI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-06-19+at+11.17.46+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p0YNOVyTcbo/T-Frrc6-GdI/AAAAAAAABqI/MkGnU3wH1zI/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-06-19+at+11.17.46+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>Water</i></span><span style="color: #ffe599;">falls: Cascade Peak Rehab part 2</span></b></div>
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Over two years ago, I finished a complete rebuild/upgrade of the Cascade Peak structure. The crowning achievement of that project was the waterfalls. They looked spectacular when first installed and really added a sense of realism to the layout. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-elpDAfm0co4/S-Qt5DDxDKI/AAAAAAAABFc/3CWLV5nGagE/s1600/ea1a4b21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-elpDAfm0co4/S-Qt5DDxDKI/AAAAAAAABFc/3CWLV5nGagE/s320/ea1a4b21.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Fast-forward to today. Unfortunately, time and UV lighting have taken their toll on the once glistening waterfalls...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4aj42MXVsY/UBjKeZeS5JI/AAAAAAAABq0/eUjzCoffb0s/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.08.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4aj42MXVsY/UBjKeZeS5JI/AAAAAAAABq0/eUjzCoffb0s/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.08.34+PM.png" width="212" /></a></div>
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Now, it's one thing to have water with a slight color tinge, but to have it turn COMPLETELY yellow to the point it looks like sewage is not right! While the silicone caulking I used looked great first installed, demonstrated here, it's not the right choice long term. </div>
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Looking for a replacement, I looked over the materials I used on similar projects. If I were going to redo the falls, I had to use materials that didn't fade or yellow. The silicone Caulking is out of the question. Modge Podge was used on the Rivers of America section at one point, but that turned yellow too. Perhaps thick quantities is the culprit. As with any waterfall technique, I started with a piece of clear plastic or polyester sheet. Rather than adding to it with caulking or mod podge, I decided to shape the plastic instead, since I knew the plastic itself wouldn't yellow (I've used this stuff for years; some examples I used in the past still haven't been affected). </div>
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As a test, I dragged my soldering iron across the plastic strip in vertical streaks. I later formed the curve in it with a heat gun. Even as is, it looked great! I added shavings from grinded/drilled out casting resin to simulate the water breaking up at the bottom. I locked the bits in with a coat of Modge Podge (only lightly so if it did yellow it wouldn't be noticeable). As in the last set of waterfalls, I added faux spiderweb to create the mist. A little white paint on the top edge added a little punch in highlights.</div>
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Here's the test waterfall and the original waterfall it's replacing (the one on the left was actually the demo waterfall in my YouTube instruction video). You can tell how much the silicone caulking yellowed!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pEN3W24eOFw/UBjLf6zvdQI/AAAAAAAABsw/QtAEePqLeCc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.10.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pEN3W24eOFw/UBjLf6zvdQI/AAAAAAAABsw/QtAEePqLeCc/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.10.50+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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After the test waterfall, here's the rest of Twin Sister falls put in. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYHANRPbIBA/UBjSmf36S9I/AAAAAAAABtM/f0HIFuY3VnE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.52.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYHANRPbIBA/UBjSmf36S9I/AAAAAAAABtM/f0HIFuY3VnE/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.52.50+PM.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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Wow! Even better than before! Not only will these not fade or yellow (at least for the next decade) they are more accurate in scale, proportion and form.</div>
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While the falls look great as is, I had to plus-it. As with the rest of the layout, I decided to add LED's for nighttime layout running, not just to Cascade Peak (which has never had lights up to this point) but also the waterfalls too. Inspired by the Matterhorn's latest rehab with it's new cool-white lit waterfalls, I decided to do the same. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EFc7yENiNuU/UBjLjVhx6PI/AAAAAAAABs4/hwOVJNuuSBs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.11.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EFc7yENiNuU/UBjLjVhx6PI/AAAAAAAABs4/hwOVJNuuSBs/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.11.01+PM.png" width="216" /></a></div>
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There's one LED under each fall. Of course, that led to some scenery destruction to run wiring, but it was worth it. Here's Cascade Peak with it's flood lights underneath. The rest of the waterfalls are next for this major upgrade!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S7dgpSrQAbA/UBjLETuIj0I/AAAAAAAABr0/WZN6s3tlinI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.09.37+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S7dgpSrQAbA/UBjLETuIj0I/AAAAAAAABr0/WZN6s3tlinI/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.09.37+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Onces the LED's were in position, I poured the pools for each waterfall with enviro-tex. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P4yv_hkGbhE/UBjLPHYskGI/AAAAAAAABsU/xX6s-ao0G80/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.10.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P4yv_hkGbhE/UBjLPHYskGI/AAAAAAAABsU/xX6s-ao0G80/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.10.01+PM.png" width="209" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ckBBCEzjPA/UBjLKGud2nI/AAAAAAAABsE/UDJRdJv-zyI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.09.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ckBBCEzjPA/UBjLKGud2nI/AAAAAAAABsE/UDJRdJv-zyI/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.09.50+PM.png" width="211" /></a> </div>
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A neat thing about these waterfalls is that the way the streaks were formed, the melted plastic literally makes them shimmer and shine in the light! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jEZkpt_-N-0/UBjLMjCRCZI/AAAAAAAABsM/KUiGVWNJ7zI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.09.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jEZkpt_-N-0/UBjLMjCRCZI/AAAAAAAABsM/KUiGVWNJ7zI/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.09.55+PM.png" width="211" /></a></div>
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At some point I'll have a new tutorial to show this technique. </div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>Water</i></span><span style="color: #ffe599;">craft: Adding Another Attraction</span></b></div>
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When Bear Country and Beaver Valley were finally tackled with their waterways, I knew the next section to get poured with resin would be the Rivers of America side of Cascade Peak. The main issue is the large spanse of resin that has to be poured in front of Big Thunder falls. Of course, to break-up the space, you need to add something.... </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5hwGN2Va9FE/UBjK7idpE1I/AAAAAAAABrg/_5NciNzhd-Y/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.09.24+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5hwGN2Va9FE/UBjK7idpE1I/AAAAAAAABrg/_5NciNzhd-Y/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.09.24+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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A Keelboat!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wioVQxrw7J0/UBjK_qcm7sI/AAAAAAAABrs/RDjXZYhylzI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.09.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wioVQxrw7J0/UBjK_qcm7sI/AAAAAAAABrs/RDjXZYhylzI/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-07-31+at+11.09.28+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Currently, a 1:48 version of the Gullywhumper is being made, so far only the hull has been fabricated. This will be the third attraction to be featured on the layout; something I didn't anticipate 7 years ago!</div>
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<br />Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-70679946703556285892012-07-16T18:16:00.001-07:002012-07-16T18:16:26.044-07:00"Sorry for the hold-up folks...."Although an update for June (and July) are due, I've got too much on my plate to do one at the moment. Sit tight, there will be one in two weeks!Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-8405531893222286652012-05-31T12:11:00.004-07:002012-05-31T12:11:53.934-07:00May 2012 UpdateI don't have anything new to update on for this month, unfortunately, been busy with other things. However, I do have a new photo for this month; a shot of the layout, one "foggy" morning...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YJLnABKCaUY/T8fCQ0dvohI/AAAAAAAABpw/mIPUdPvUH_s/s1600/DSC_9731+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YJLnABKCaUY/T8fCQ0dvohI/AAAAAAAABpw/mIPUdPvUH_s/s320/DSC_9731+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-79636673321777509012012-05-03T12:47:00.003-07:002012-05-03T12:47:28.851-07:00April 2012 Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OAjNWGWQq64/T6LbiGc1_zI/AAAAAAAABn8/UubsHTHUfw0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-04+at+1.15.53+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OAjNWGWQq64/T6LbiGc1_zI/AAAAAAAABn8/UubsHTHUfw0/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-04-04+at+1.15.53+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Slowly but surely, Bear Country is slowly coming together--and populated. I finally painted up the bears that were cast months ago and they are in place in the pond, awaiting the water to be poured from enviro-tex resin. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kV_gr-Gh6zI/T6LbrNNcsTI/AAAAAAAABoQ/I5tBBSqICdA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-04+at+1.16.25+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kV_gr-Gh6zI/T6LbrNNcsTI/AAAAAAAABoQ/I5tBBSqICdA/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-04-04+at+1.16.25+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ry8Dpn25wAo/T6LblRAntsI/AAAAAAAABoE/R02ELzDFR00/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-04+at+1.16.06+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ry8Dpn25wAo/T6LblRAntsI/AAAAAAAABoE/R02ELzDFR00/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-04-04+at+1.16.06+PM.png" width="207" /></a></div>
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Meanwhile, on the other side of the "forest" section, Beaver Valley took another step in progress. The dams were made from backyard twigs and sticks and the building animal itself was painstakingly sculpted. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xog1MvBHmq8/T6Lb3hldkJI/AAAAAAAABog/R6ksreoil9Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-04+at+5.29.47+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xog1MvBHmq8/T6Lb3hldkJI/AAAAAAAABog/R6ksreoil9Q/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-04-04+at+5.29.47+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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At this time, miniature counterparts of birch trees were "planted" which helps define the Beaver Valley section.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KHp1WSSGYFg/T6LbdWyIVWI/AAAAAAAABn0/AB30-BfkHJQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-04+at+1.15.38+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KHp1WSSGYFg/T6LbdWyIVWI/AAAAAAAABn0/AB30-BfkHJQ/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-04-04+at+1.15.38+PM.png" width="217" /></a></div>
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I sculpted two versions of the beaver, one in the standing position as shown above, and another in the swimming position, which will soon be embedded in the enviro-tex water. </div>
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Since I needed multiple beavers, rather than just the two that I sculpted, I molded the two sculptures in silicone rubber for casting. Until I could get around to that, I decided to change gears and focus on a section of the layout that has been needing some work for quite some time: Rainbow Ridge. </div>
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To really get started on Rainbow Ridge, and to get every detail right, planning and drawings need to be done. </div>
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When I mean detail, I really mean it; every lantern, every railing, every exit ramp, are all being meticulously accounted for in the planning stages so construction can go smoothly and I won't have any "Oh, I should have added that earlier" situations. I started the main block of Rainbow Ridge elevation drawings, and recently I've done the Mineral Hall complex and the massive plan-view drawing that brings everything together. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TXXkZYJFVCg/T6LelwgtiQI/AAAAAAAABo8/QQtdSUAylxw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-03+at+12.35.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TXXkZYJFVCg/T6LelwgtiQI/AAAAAAAABo8/QQtdSUAylxw/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-05-03+at+12.35.55+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Of course, I can only get as accurate as I can with the space given. For example, on the real attraction, the Opera House is aligned with the curvature of the track, so that it faces the loading area. Well, my track is a little more straight, so it faces away from it slightly. The load area was also downsized in one area so it would actually fit on the layout. Little things like that will have to be compromised later, but you get the idea. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5wWnP1dKUjg/T6LerQqtmCI/AAAAAAAABpE/4SAJ1u1Hm1k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-03+at+12.36.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5wWnP1dKUjg/T6LerQqtmCI/AAAAAAAABpE/4SAJ1u1Hm1k/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-05-03+at+12.36.03+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tZ44-3w6oM8/T6LewxkfJ3I/AAAAAAAABpM/rSDCjhBP0AI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-03+at+12.36.12+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tZ44-3w6oM8/T6LewxkfJ3I/AAAAAAAABpM/rSDCjhBP0AI/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-05-03+at+12.36.12+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are still plenty more drawings to do, especially in the Pack Mule load area. Once those are done and the mock-ups are satisfactory and everything about right, construction can finally begin!</div>
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<br /></div>Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-41068787040050069452012-03-31T19:08:00.000-07:002012-03-31T19:08:37.476-07:00March 2012 UpdateNow that spring break is underway at work, hours on the layout aren't what they were when we were in slow season. Whenever I could, I made a tree or two, or detailed the edge of a waterway. Thus, this update will be short.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OnAi5sbYBRA/T3e30AX7R8I/AAAAAAAABmM/41y2Lx4jpRc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-03-31+at+7.03.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OnAi5sbYBRA/T3e30AX7R8I/AAAAAAAABmM/41y2Lx4jpRc/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-03-31+at+7.03.34+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fascia work along the backside of Bear Country continued, touching the pack mule trail as it descend from Cascade Peak.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Foliage and tall grass were put in anticipation of the enviro-tex water pour. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the current state of Bear Country as the Pack Mule Trail wraps around in the foreground. The trail has been detailed with railings that go as far as the stretch along Cascade Peak in the background. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-50369894044334125982012-02-29T19:25:00.001-08:002012-03-31T17:03:11.313-07:00February 2012 UpdateWhile the dinosaur bones section finished well, there were other areas still needing a rehab. Since it borders the Living Desert and Rainbow Ridge, the Rainbow Caverns "show building" needed some cosmetic and structural repairs before any work can be done to transition the two areas together in the future.<br />
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The caverns building had been slowly falling apart, mainly due in part to me putting materials and tools on the roof while I worked on other areas. Since some severe warping had taken place, it was time for a rework. The two roof panels and some cross beams were removed and the whole structure was clamped and re-glued together, this time a little more square than when it was originally built.<br />
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Instead of two roof access panels, I made one big one that fit snug over the whole structure; this way there are no exposed gaps or seams, and should warping ensue in the future, it won't be noticeable.<br />
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While the roof and rafters were apart on the inside, the caverns themselves got a retouch; a fresh coat of black paint and the lighting package was upgraded and streamlined-- this time the UV LED's have proper drop reistors and wiring so they can be tapped into the main 12v line on the layout.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Caverns structure with the roof taken off to reveal the inside. This is after the roof and lighting upgrade/rehab</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To add a sense of realism, I added vents to the top of the "show building". Unfortunately, the real Rainbow Caverns show building didn't have much when it came to roof details, so I had to use a little artistic license to make it more interesting than just a flat concrete colored roof. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The vent design was borrowed from the nearby Fantasyland show buildings from the time, with these cylindrical vents made out of styrene. A little weathering and the caverns refresh is complete. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Carrying over the fascia from the back corner of the desert, more masonite paneling made it to the caverns with viewports and accessports cut into it. The silver button in the middle plays 20 seconds of the orignal Rainbow Caverns music. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a new shot of the caverns, taken with my Nikon, something I hadn't done since I got it a year ago.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since I was in the same area--right above the Rainbow Caverns actually--I decided to get some more work done on the Saguaro Cactus forest. While I did have the Woodland Scenics cacti already in place and with more to come, it was still missing those memorable ones, the cactus that looked a little more "life-like". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo of a more "life-like" cactus from Davelandweb.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These cacti were definitely something that I had to sculpt from scratch. Although they aren't terribly hard to create in terms of shape and form, it was the texture that was downright difficult to do, especially in this scale. Scribing the lines in my first sculpey test didn't come out as well as I'd like, being how small and delicate the cactus is. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When it came to the second figure test, I came up with a genius idea. The arms were the hardest part to create that cactus pattern and I thought they should be done with a different technique. I ended up using scrap extension cord wiring--the hot wire part that was ribbed--and stripped out the copper strands. Next I put in florist wire, so I can bend the arms into any shape. The main body was still done out of sculpey, but this extra electrical wire step saved time and improved the quality of the figure(s). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Since all the cacti put in beforehand was already painted, painting the new "custom" figures the same shades and highlights made them blend in very well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Scenery work jumped over to the other side of the layout at Bear Country. Before any of the water can be poured with Enviro-Tex, all the foliage had to go in first. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At this time the pack mule trail was formed out of celluclay</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Unlike the Living Desert, the foliage is a lot more dense and more green. Although the real ride had much more greenery as the attraction aged, from a modeling perspective, it looked better to back off bit. When I started adding trees and bushes, it started to look a little chaotic and since it was going to be viewed from above, it was easier to see things with less foliage. Since I am modeling the ride in it's earlier years, fewer trees is still prototypical. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the things I've been wanting to do for a very long time is see what the layout looks like from the train itself. I've finally been able to do that, from one of the oddest gadgets I've come across: a Hot Wheels Camera Car. While looking for miniature cameras, this one popped up in my search. I looked at sample on YouTube and was quite surprised of it's quality, being that it is a toy. I picked one up and began experimenting. It doesn't do well at all in low light, but if I have all my studio lights on and window blinds open, I can achieve a pretty good picture. I edited a few variations of the footage and stuck it all together on YouTube: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><object height="315" width="420"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/ikoUkCKPskQ?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/ikoUkCKPskQ?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've also added a new shot to the <a href="http://nwrr.blogspot.com/2011/01/aerial-model-shots.html">Aerial Photos page</a>. The main noticeable difference between this one and the last shot is the addition of the Dinosaur Bones and the new roof on the Rainbow Caverns building. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The lighting is a little different now that the layout has changed it's orientation in the room. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-11336144050347172322012-01-16T00:11:00.000-08:002012-01-19T22:55:40.117-08:00January 2012 UpdateFor the first time in the layout's history, something new has appeared that has never existed (and will never need to be redone!): the dinosaur bones.<br />
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Using a handful of reference photos, I sculpted the <i>"the sun-bleached bones of an ancient animal" </i>from scratch out of sculpey. Unfortunately, there weren't any suitable toys or models of T-Rex bones that were the right scale, or if they were, the right quality or accuracy. As with anything on this entire project, starting from the ground up was necessary. Since there were some angles missing that would have been helpful, I researched T-rex bones in general and found proper reference for a few aspects. Of course, there were some discrepancies between modern day research and what the sculptors in the early 60's knew about dinosaurs. Keeping with the era, I stuck with what was in the ride for this project.<br />
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Also for the first time, the part of the layout where the bones will go is being developed pass the initial paper mache layer. The last time this section of was touched was three years ago, and that yellowed paper towel foundation was ripped out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BDm_HlmoJqM/TwtwcmdcpAI/AAAAAAAABio/GcC8ptSSq8Q/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-09+at+2.54.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BDm_HlmoJqM/TwtwcmdcpAI/AAAAAAAABio/GcC8ptSSq8Q/s200/Screen+shot+2012-01-09+at+2.54.15+PM.png" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nAcVn_KEPAo/TwtwTYTQNTI/AAAAAAAABig/eE4pDLGgIwI/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-09+at+2.53.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nAcVn_KEPAo/TwtwTYTQNTI/AAAAAAAABig/eE4pDLGgIwI/s200/Screen+shot+2012-01-09+at+2.53.55+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can see the mess of wired and cables right under this spot. As with new installations, everything is done on a piece of masonite, worked on comfortably at my desk and then fixed into place when scenic work is done. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AVi9ZZzoZmA/Twtw1aOdcGI/AAAAAAAABiw/-ni6VfYW8vU/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-09+at+2.54.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AVi9ZZzoZmA/Twtw1aOdcGI/AAAAAAAABiw/-ni6VfYW8vU/s320/Screen+shot+2012-01-09+at+2.54.03+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's the bones on the foam rockwork and the hillside with the first pass of celluclay. This is a test fit, and once all the adjustments are made, the next step is to paint and apply scenery. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lc4du-lCgjM/TxijoKuOjYI/AAAAAAAABjA/jFV3SvkoZZY/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+3.11.40+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lc4du-lCgjM/TxijoKuOjYI/AAAAAAAABjA/jFV3SvkoZZY/s320/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+3.11.40+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Above is the entire vignette ready for primer and below is the first paint and scenery pass.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_QJvmQ5wz0/TxijsitijeI/AAAAAAAABjI/f-NoBaQBJIg/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+3.11.48+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_QJvmQ5wz0/TxijsitijeI/AAAAAAAABjI/f-NoBaQBJIg/s320/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+3.11.48+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once put in it's final resting place (no pun intended) final washes were applied to the bones and the edges were blended into the nearby scenery. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2JxBM24ySY/TxijuxBUZdI/AAAAAAAABjQ/2NyiZ0oCkck/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+3.11.58+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2JxBM24ySY/TxijuxBUZdI/AAAAAAAABjQ/2NyiZ0oCkck/s640/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+3.11.58+PM.png" width="420" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once the scene was installed and the edges blended, scenery work began to "bleed" into other nearby areas, even as much as jumping to the other side of the tracks at the watering hole. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This small "water feature" in the back section of the desert was first installed almost exactly two years ago when I was experimenting with different kinds of ways of representing water. The method I used was a piece of clear plastic over a sunken hole to represent the water surface. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8haBinKlUHA/Txijy-75UcI/AAAAAAAABjY/V7Svp9ijxt0/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+3.12.12+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8haBinKlUHA/Txijy-75UcI/AAAAAAAABjY/V7Svp9ijxt0/s320/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+3.12.12+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As with anything built on the layout over two years back, it was looking rather tired and needed a quality update. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lately I've been experimenting with the common model railroad water material: Envirotex Lite. This two part resin cures to a hard, shiny surface and can be layered to create that impressive illusion of depth. After some tests on a few scrap pieces, I decided that this was the material of choice for not just the watering hole, but also all the waterways for Bear Country, Beaver Valley, and even the Rivers of America. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This watering hole is the first application on the layout to use Envirotex Lite, and refinements will come after this for other sections. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rCy3Cexhyy4/Txij2eormWI/AAAAAAAABjg/j6C1ibDahh8/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+3.12.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rCy3Cexhyy4/Txij2eormWI/AAAAAAAABjg/j6C1ibDahh8/s320/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+3.12.19+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since this material is self-leveling, rather than actually pouring the resin right on the model--where I'm unsure of it's slanting--I did the new watering hole on separate piece. The above photo shows the first layer of Envirotex in a foam basin, which will be installed once all the layers are poured and cured. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The old watering hole was ripped out and the new one was put in once all three layers were poured and cured. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cq-EPC0xkeM/Txij6kVBSJI/AAAAAAAABjo/zzRdXGR5apc/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+3.12.27+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cq-EPC0xkeM/Txij6kVBSJI/AAAAAAAABjo/zzRdXGR5apc/s320/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+3.12.27+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bottom left photo shows the new piece placed into position and the bordering areas blended in. Rather than having a glassy smooth surface, mod podge was applied to add a little ripple to the water (and hide the dust).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fEH4R4O3BPo/TxkJwZdyDpI/AAAAAAAABj4/s0zQPhFXtkI/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+10.19.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fEH4R4O3BPo/TxkJwZdyDpI/AAAAAAAABj4/s0zQPhFXtkI/s200/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+10.19.52+PM.png" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oGY02fp8FjU/TxkJ1fh9lKI/AAAAAAAABkA/dw23p5ZZq4o/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+10.19.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oGY02fp8FjU/TxkJ1fh9lKI/AAAAAAAABkA/dw23p5ZZq4o/s200/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+10.19.59+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As soon as that dried, the new watering hole is complete!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jbVQubdlH6I/TxkKEHMuiVI/AAAAAAAABkY/YQG33vbxtD4/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+10.20.27+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jbVQubdlH6I/TxkKEHMuiVI/AAAAAAAABkY/YQG33vbxtD4/s320/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+10.20.27+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It looks even better when viewed from a lower angle!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ht0Wu9uVin0/TxkJ_ultgWI/AAAAAAAABkQ/1AnjELuIgSY/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+10.20.20+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ht0Wu9uVin0/TxkJ_ultgWI/AAAAAAAABkQ/1AnjELuIgSY/s400/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+10.20.20+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More than 40 pieces of miniature cacti are ready to be installed. The Woodland Scenics "Scene-A-Rama" kit cacti were given extra treatments like the proper color and highlights before being planted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUdWKNxnyZs/TxkJrtgGGxI/AAAAAAAABjw/fUAhnB51wEk/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+10.19.46+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUdWKNxnyZs/TxkJrtgGGxI/AAAAAAAABjw/fUAhnB51wEk/s320/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+10.19.46+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have to say, this area made quite a transformation over the last few weeks. It has never looked better and it further amps me up to keep going on other sections. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mGJpTMnB08/TxkJ6Qor4MI/AAAAAAAABkI/cDWhY9SYz_w/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+10.20.09+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mGJpTMnB08/TxkJ6Qor4MI/AAAAAAAABkI/cDWhY9SYz_w/s200/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+10.20.09+PM.png" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-4aRw0q8ZI/TxkKKxELDaI/AAAAAAAABko/NhTWyqxLhIY/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+10.20.51+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-4aRw0q8ZI/TxkKKxELDaI/AAAAAAAABko/NhTWyqxLhIY/s200/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+10.20.51+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This whole back section, from the dinosaur bones to the faux spur tunnel--the area of attention for the last 3 months--is the result of a lot of new and restored work. Hopefully it will never need another facelift again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N7qkRC0RmyM/TxkKGSApfYI/AAAAAAAABkg/7k5miHutyF4/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+10.20.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N7qkRC0RmyM/TxkKGSApfYI/AAAAAAAABkg/7k5miHutyF4/s640/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+10.20.44+PM.png" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For kicks, here's the same area as it was 2 years, 6 months ago, and as it is now from the same angle, with a total refresh.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1B6FjfZc2c/Sv93mztLP-I/AAAAAAAAAm0/EEMjizw8Dy4/s1600/nwrrpano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1B6FjfZc2c/Sv93mztLP-I/AAAAAAAAAm0/EEMjizw8Dy4/s400/nwrrpano.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Tqd59N2ZcE/TxkKSJf2BJI/AAAAAAAABkw/xt_z1HA-Fc4/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+10.28.20+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Tqd59N2ZcE/TxkKSJf2BJI/AAAAAAAABkw/xt_z1HA-Fc4/s400/Screen+shot+2012-01-19+at+10.28.20+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Quite a difference, huh?</div><br />
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</div>Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-33764589635744912882011-11-17T13:00:00.001-08:002012-01-09T14:51:06.052-08:00November/December 2011 Update: Full-Speed Ahead<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Geysers in Motion</span></b><br />
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Changing gears from the paint pots prototype that didn't work out, I proceeded to work on the mechanics that would control the geysers. Using the same cam wheel and lever design as my previous animation controllers, the new mechanism would require a larger space to operate in, due to range of motion required by the geyers rods themselves. The water columns are suppose to come out of the ground roughly 4-5", and retract fully into the ground. This fairly large movement requires large cam wheels to control them, unlike the marmots and elk that only move about 1/2" each way or less.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5hE7R8xjkM/TwtvPyrcHrI/AAAAAAAABiQ/alV2x1mr5Mk/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-09+at+2.47.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5hE7R8xjkM/TwtvPyrcHrI/AAAAAAAABiQ/alV2x1mr5Mk/s320/Screen+shot+2012-01-09+at+2.47.03+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The mechanism was designed based on the speed of the motor, which would time how fast the geyser columns come out of the ground, pause, and then retract into the ground. When I was cutting and machining the cam wheels and figuring out the timing, I pulled out the cam wheels used on my <a href="http://20kmodel.blogspot.com/">20,000 Leagues Project</a> as a test. These disks were used to control the motion and timing <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FHkitbRpRU&feature=player_embedded">of the divers in the shark attack scene</a>. To my surprise, the motion produced by these disks turned out to be near perfect for this project and so I ended up using them as is for the geysers! Part of the 20,000 Leagues project relives in Nature's Wonderland!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0CmGlwW9EFU/TtDDgKTt6xI/AAAAAAAABeA/OfI3KkjREL8/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.41.32+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0CmGlwW9EFU/TtDDgKTt6xI/AAAAAAAABeA/OfI3KkjREL8/s320/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.41.32+AM.png" width="300" /></a></div><br />
When the mechanism was ready, I installed the geyser themselves, consisting of the acrylic rod with Mod Podge and the styrene containment tube. The styrene tubes actually sink down past the original masonite layout base and into 3" of void space from the frame that was added when <a href="http://nwrr.blogspot.com/2010/09/september-2010-update-big-retrofit.html">I retrofitted the layout last September</a>. (The combined height of the two empty spaces, from the frame below and the elevated scenery, dictated the height of the geysers).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fpylk9DVlR0/TtDDn0BhkaI/AAAAAAAABeY/iXLpGrA1PnA/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.41.53+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fpylk9DVlR0/TtDDn0BhkaI/AAAAAAAABeY/iXLpGrA1PnA/s320/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.41.53+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
To add a dynamic effect at night, the geysers were rigged with white LED's that shine upward. Since the geysers are clear acrylic rods, the light fills the whole rod like a fiber optic and looks spectacular at night.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H3_CUi_ahcc/TtDE7usrPLI/AAAAAAAABf4/ni47Jj7aBvI/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.51.37+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H3_CUi_ahcc/TtDE7usrPLI/AAAAAAAABf4/ni47Jj7aBvI/s320/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.51.37+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The rockwork scenery that provides a backdrop for the geysers and paint-pots has been neglected along with the rest of this corner for some time. Since the layout rotated during my studio revision during the summer, this corner is the first thing you see when you enter the room. Unfortunately, the view isn't pretty, with the exposed backside of foam rocks, and a countless wires from the <a href="http://nwrr.blogspot.com/2011/08/july-2011-update.html">circuit board to the relays that was put in. </a> To really fix-up the rockwork, and totally clean up this corner, I had to install the first piece of fascia on the layout--starting here. With a few pieces of masonite, I cut the contours of the rockwork and screwed in the piece (over the nicely-stained frame below-- Oh well!). This piece created quite a bit of space between the rockwork and the masonite for scenery; it wasn't until now that the "end" was defined and the scenery on the hill behind the rockwork can finally be put in. The void space was filled with aluminum foil and my favorite "miniature concrete" aka Celluclay was poured over the surface as the base for scenery.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--KadsSC3atg/TtDDRYEhgNI/AAAAAAAABdY/Fs0xNnO_jGI/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.40.52+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--KadsSC3atg/TtDDRYEhgNI/AAAAAAAABdY/Fs0xNnO_jGI/s200/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.40.52+AM.png" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8lOzHa6eBZY/TtDDUuCZYcI/AAAAAAAABdg/cmsZ5ISWSsg/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.40.58+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8lOzHa6eBZY/TtDDUuCZYcI/AAAAAAAABdg/cmsZ5ISWSsg/s200/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.40.58+AM.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MytOfvU9fQU/TtDDXnHiU8I/AAAAAAAABdo/vDh5zvF9Tpo/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.41.04+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MytOfvU9fQU/TtDDXnHiU8I/AAAAAAAABdo/vDh5zvF9Tpo/s200/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.41.04+AM.png" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNZpBNBJdHI/TtDDd54XiPI/AAAAAAAABd4/YB2pyxUQddo/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.41.26+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNZpBNBJdHI/TtDDd54XiPI/AAAAAAAABd4/YB2pyxUQddo/s200/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.41.26+AM.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Since there is quite a bit of electrical including LED's, relays, and many other wires yet to be installed below the rockwork, I cut "windows" into the masonite fascia so I can access the circuits and also create a neat viewport for showing off the complexity of the wiring. "Worklights" were also installed so I can swap out relay's easily or trouble-shoot wiring without trying to hold a flashlight.<br />
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The faux spur line leading to the tunnel was created using scrap track. This time it came together perfectly; unfortunately, it took four versions to get to this one!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_hZPw1nWWM/TtDDa7GHuDI/AAAAAAAABdw/hOVsVhhS4dI/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.41.16+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_hZPw1nWWM/TtDDa7GHuDI/AAAAAAAABdw/hOVsVhhS4dI/s320/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.41.16+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RCzeavsqpTY/TtDDvwpuqKI/AAAAAAAABew/WdZx_-Kc53M/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.42.15+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RCzeavsqpTY/TtDDvwpuqKI/AAAAAAAABew/WdZx_-Kc53M/s320/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.42.15+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Also at this time, the speaker for the Living Desert was installed. This speaker will broadcast sound effects that will include coyote howls, geyser spurts, tumbling rocks and blowing wind.<br />
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When the geysers were operational and the kinks worked out (at least for now) a piece of masonite provided the ground level and once again, celluclay was used to seal everything off.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NOW4ouozUAs/TtDDz_TsWeI/AAAAAAAABe4/w4FRlsOsGUo/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.42.25+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NOW4ouozUAs/TtDDz_TsWeI/AAAAAAAABe4/w4FRlsOsGUo/s320/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.42.25+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The geysers themselves were remade out of foam, much more accurate overall than the previous sculpey one's used in testing above. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dlSATuSR4qY/TtDD3aelZyI/AAAAAAAABfA/G8NEL9DN884/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.42.31+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dlSATuSR4qY/TtDD3aelZyI/AAAAAAAABfA/G8NEL9DN884/s320/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.42.31+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also getting remade are the paint pots. Since the mechanized version was abandoned in favor of a simple-- just detailed-- static one, foam was carved to create the new paint pots. These ones are the most accurate depiction of the originals thus far. Once they were sealed, enviro-tex was used to "level-out" the liquid surface, which would be painted in the respective color of each paint pot. The paint job and color scheme is much better this time around. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DYW5x648lgQ/TtDD9yfqR-I/AAAAAAAABfQ/1QiIUW4TqWg/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.42.47+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DYW5x648lgQ/TtDD9yfqR-I/AAAAAAAABfQ/1QiIUW4TqWg/s200/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.42.47+AM.png" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5uDct6yfOkM/TtDEArRs3iI/AAAAAAAABfY/JnJrWo7v3c4/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.42.51+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5uDct6yfOkM/TtDEArRs3iI/AAAAAAAABfY/JnJrWo7v3c4/s200/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.42.51+AM.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Scenery work jumped to on top of the tunnel as greenery starts to take shape. Several pine trees will line the hillside. Here you can also see the geysers painted and the paint pots piece being placed. On the left rockwork is starting to cover the right side of the tracks for the first time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wslv2m2tUmI/TtDEEbRtIqI/AAAAAAAABfg/wkMXTIqezUk/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.43.01+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wslv2m2tUmI/TtDEEbRtIqI/AAAAAAAABfg/wkMXTIqezUk/s320/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.43.01+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Unfortunately, there isn't enough room (by about 2"!) for a strip of track to represent the Santa Fe & Disneyland RR. While this is a selectively compressed layout, there just isn't enough space between everything for it to feel natural and not squeezed. I guess it'll have to be something in the backdrop!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once the ground-cover went in and set, the colorful swirls once again appeared. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGqm33cnJ7I/TvECCgYL2TI/AAAAAAAABhQ/lr10J3aLFWA/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-12-20+at+1.28.42+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGqm33cnJ7I/TvECCgYL2TI/AAAAAAAABhQ/lr10J3aLFWA/s400/Screen+shot+2011-12-20+at+1.28.42+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next year (Ha! next year...) a video will be put up showing off the geysers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7Y12funrEk/TtDEIKXwiBI/AAAAAAAABfo/zbhT6A5peV8/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.43.07+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7Y12funrEk/TtDEIKXwiBI/AAAAAAAABfo/zbhT6A5peV8/s200/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.43.07+AM.png" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gms2pUf5-mY/TtDELse75XI/AAAAAAAABfw/TeqR2AV56yE/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.43.13+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gms2pUf5-mY/TtDELse75XI/AAAAAAAABfw/TeqR2AV56yE/s200/Screen+shot+2011-11-26+at+2.43.13+AM.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Farther down the track, at the bend where T-rex bones will bake in the sun, is the nasty junction where countless wires and the two sections of the layout meet. On top of that-- no pun intended-- is the Mule Trail which leads to Natural Arch Bridge. In order to "clean-up" this area, more masonite fascia made it's way over here to hide the mess. The left photo shows the bundles of wire exposed and on the right a streamlined look at the same area. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Let there be light! Part 2</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While areas of the layout are getting scenery and greenery, another aspect of the layout is given a second look: Nighttime lighting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://nwrr.blogspot.com/2011/08/july-2011-update.html">When I started installing the lights for night operation,</a> it gave the layout a whole new dimension. This was all done with incandescent 12V lights. While it was neat when I started putting the lights in, it wasn't until installing the geysers I knew they could be better. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With the geysers came the LED's to illuminate them. I was impressed by their vibrant-ness that made the incandescent bulbs look quite dull. At the time of the installation of the incandescent bulbs during the summer, I didn't really have much experience with LED's until a few experimental projects that made me learn a lot about them. Considering the transformer running the lights was getting overworked by too much power being drawn, I decided to go bold and ditch incandescent lighting and go LED. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While it was a bit painful having to tear out the bulbs already installed, it was helpful that wires were already run to those locations. Once I dialed in the right resistor for each LED, the results were very satisfying; much more brightness and color than what was achieved before. It was well worth the rework. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k85NEZ3XbjU/TuZjwuTC4xI/AAAAAAAABgw/gjVdtFR998k/s1600/DSC_7748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k85NEZ3XbjU/TuZjwuTC4xI/AAAAAAAABgw/gjVdtFR998k/s400/DSC_7748.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This corner of the Living Desert is the first section to go full-LED. Newer sections will follow suit, while previous areas already rigged with lights will be a hybrid of both kinds of lights, like Bear Country, for example.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T9STdwH9VHs/TwtvKtRA_MI/AAAAAAAABiI/8cHW1PpBQ1c/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-09+at+2.46.53+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T9STdwH9VHs/TwtvKtRA_MI/AAAAAAAABiI/8cHW1PpBQ1c/s320/Screen+shot+2012-01-09+at+2.46.53+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Bear Country Lanterns</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Speaking of night-time lighting, I decided to "plus" the tunnel portal at Bear Country a bit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few months ago I was doing a night photography session at the park and I took this photo of the said tunnel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ohqbg-dCQc4/TvEATIkNw7I/AAAAAAAABhA/NKnnSmD6rR0/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-12-20+at+1.37.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ohqbg-dCQc4/TvEATIkNw7I/AAAAAAAABhA/NKnnSmD6rR0/s320/Screen+shot+2011-12-20+at+1.37.28+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I thought the lanterns added another layer of dimension not only in the photo, but also the Bear Country environment. These would make a neat addition to the layout! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Using LED tealights that I got from Target for a few bucks, I stripped off the LED's and wired them onto the night-light power line. I wired the two in parallel so the flickering is a little smoother. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They came out pretty good. The video is dark, but it shows their flicker well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c2IxrTNSovA/TvEAPztrTqI/AAAAAAAABg4/bOR5mEg-7Ao/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-12-20+at+1.28.33+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c2IxrTNSovA/TvEAPztrTqI/AAAAAAAABg4/bOR5mEg-7Ao/s320/Screen+shot+2011-12-20+at+1.28.33+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object height="243" width="420"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/o2drSHfiEYM?version=3&hl=en_US&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/o2drSHfiEYM?version=3&hl=en_US&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="243" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As cool as they are, when I started doing research for the trestle truss, I realized after looking at early photos that the lanterns were a later addition and were not part of Nature's Wonderland when it was open! Oh well, screw accuracy on this one, I'm keeping these!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Still on the subject of LED's and lights, the first block signal went in; this one is at the geysers. There are four in total, and will allow two trains to run independently and not in each-other. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QqF8w4ayp2o/TvEB-m7nxtI/AAAAAAAABhI/o9s0wYqAhGA/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-12-14+at+12.34.32+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QqF8w4ayp2o/TvEB-m7nxtI/AAAAAAAABhI/o9s0wYqAhGA/s320/Screen+shot+2011-12-14+at+12.34.32+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Getting some "Support"</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Meanwhile in Bear Country, the trestle bridge that hadn't had any supports or truss-work ever since the track was relayed almost two years ago finally got what it needed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TOgoV0ND8uY/TvECF060cuI/AAAAAAAABhY/pMChk7HGTtU/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-12-20+at+1.28.57+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TOgoV0ND8uY/TvECF060cuI/AAAAAAAABhY/pMChk7HGTtU/s320/Screen+shot+2011-12-20+at+1.28.57+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Built out of balsa and basswood strips, this is the most accurate trestle to-date, with this one being the 3rd incarnation. I had to do my own drawings in order for it to fit right in the tight confines of Bear Country. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G5Bkd8Ieyk4/TvEGdnJiwhI/AAAAAAAABhg/N9k7VPmaOM4/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-12-20+at+2.03.09+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G5Bkd8Ieyk4/TvEGdnJiwhI/AAAAAAAABhg/N9k7VPmaOM4/s320/Screen+shot+2011-12-20+at+2.03.09+PM.png" width="208" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's the truss in position for a test fit. You can tell how tight everything is over here. Although shorter in height and length than the prototype, it doesn't look too bad!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Rainbow Ridge: Back to the drawing board... literally. </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After being ripped out and left vacant and untouched for two years, the little mining town of Rainbow Ridge took it's first step in progress. The new Rainbow Ridge will have an emphasis on details and accuracy, and order to do that properly, drawings as accurate as possible will have to be made. The first set of elevations have already been drafted, with more to come. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BUpJJUJcxFo/TvEGmmCnQiI/AAAAAAAABhw/s62MsB_ZWwc/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-12-20+at+2.03.26+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BUpJJUJcxFo/TvEGmmCnQiI/AAAAAAAABhw/s62MsB_ZWwc/s320/Screen+shot+2011-12-20+at+2.03.26+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once they looked fine to me, they were reprinted and pasted onto card with spray adhesive for mock-ups to give me a better idea of how they'll look. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oBBYj8dy9x8/TvEGiMh-IyI/AAAAAAAABho/zn8FTdAJcOQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-12-20+at+2.03.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oBBYj8dy9x8/TvEGiMh-IyI/AAAAAAAABho/zn8FTdAJcOQ/s320/Screen+shot+2011-12-20+at+2.03.19+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So far, that's only half the town! </div>Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185912559161881707.post-36630210119154618472011-10-14T13:47:00.000-07:002011-10-21T23:18:55.618-07:00October 2011 Update: Back to the Living Desert<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">EDIT 10/21: I've added to this post since it was initially published; scroll down to see more!</span></i><br />
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On the eve of the layout's 6th anniversary on Sept. 25, I thought it was time to get something done. While Bear Country and the other forest sections are progressing on the west side of the layout, over in the opposite corner, the geothermic area of the Living Desert has been on hold for some time.<br />
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This area<a href="http://nwrr.blogspot.com/2009/06/progress-report-6909.html"> was spruced up and rebuilt</a> after the <a href="http://nwrr.blogspot.com/2009/01/progress-report-1409.html">Big Redo of Winter '09</a> when the whole desert was elevated to accommodate the underpass to the caverns.<br />
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Since then, ideas of having animation, spurred after adding movement to Balancing Rock Canyon, to the geysers was always something in the back of my head.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9aIBhJRDxY/Sv93HASl5EI/AAAAAAAAAmk/fp6Izb4Ylew/s1600/pano2-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9aIBhJRDxY/Sv93HASl5EI/AAAAAAAAAmk/fp6Izb4Ylew/s320/pano2-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
For some time, the acrylic rod and spider-web material looked pretty good, the only thing that it was missing was movement.<a href="http://nwrr.blogspot.com/2010/02/progress-report-21210.html"> In February of 2010, I figured out a way to make air powered geysers</a> that worked by means of a pneumatic actuator.<br />
<blockquote><i>"I was initially thing of using a screw type with a motor and bolt, but I later figured out a way to do it with pneumatics. I started playing around with a few short lengths of small brass tubing and an aquarium air pump (the ones that are about 2-3 psi) to my surprise, it actually works quite well, more than enough power to push up a rod of plastic (I might even be able to power all the geysers off of the same pump).</i></blockquote><blockquote><i>I built a prototype and I've been playing around with it, adjusting the amount of air pressure, location of overflow holes, and a bunch of other things. Basically, with my brass tube pneumatic actuator, when the air pump is turned on, the column rises, when power is off, column falls. I can control the amount of air pressure by using a dimmer switch on the air pump (a 3-way gang with adjustable valves is probably ideal). Since it's all aquarium equipment, it's virtually silent, aside from the very slight rumble of the air pump. The next thing to figure out is making the column fluctuate and vary in height, probably with a valve on a cam."</i></blockquote><br />
While the prototype worked at my work table, the main issue was the size of the mechanics involved; in order to have the acrylic rod fully retract and have the actuator, the overall unit would have to protrude down several inches-- almost a foot if I recall-- into the table below (and my <a href="http://20kmodel.blogspot.com/">20,000 Leagues Project</a>, namely the squid fight scene).<br />
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Another issue with that prototype was the idea that the whole layout would become portable and break into two parts, thus scrapping that plan.<br />
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I went back to ultrasonic misters for my next idea. This one seemed promising due to the fact that it didn't go beyond the dimensions of the table, namely through the bottom. A few days of tonsillitis revealed my next idea-- an ultrasonic humidifier.<br />
<blockquote><i>"A few months ago I had a really bad sore throat (Tonsillitis!) and went over to Target to get a new humidifier to help alleviate it. I got one, and as it turns out, it's an ultrasonic one ( unlike the fan and filter ones I've been use to). Since it was suggested, I've been trying figure out how to get an ultrasonic mister to work for a geyser for the layout, through the use of containers, piping, and fans; it would have been trial and error to get it as efficient as possible. Enter the humidifier: it had exactly what I needed; an ultrasonic mister that outputted adjustable mist, but kept water contained-- all done efficiently and with a stylish look!</i><br />
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<i>Rather than lay down and rest my throat, I immediately started pulling out pieces of PVC piping and other bits of assorted tubing to test the limits of this humidifier. I was very surprised with the amount of power it had and the volume output of the mist (it's not really mist, more of fine vapor, like steam). I plugged a length of PVC with four holes to represent geysers, and even through it wasn't at full blast, each "geyser" was putting out a good amount to be called a geyser."</i><br />
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<i>Fast forward to a few days ago (now that I don't have tonsillitis!) I began playing with it again, and this time tried it with 1/4" tubing on the last leg after the mist leaves the 1 1/4" PVC before it actually goes to the geyser. I wasn't expecting much to come out since the 1/4" tubing is pretty much too small, let alone over a foot of it--but, to my surprise, a good size column came out! Again, this wasn't even at full power and I still got a good effect, doesn't really need to get any taller IMO. But, the 1/4" tubing has it's problems-- condensed vapor drops obstruct the tube easily after running less than a minute. No problem, just need a larger, shorter tube, and have it positioned so gravity does the work in getting condensed water out.</i></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="233" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1d5vQvr1_wc?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1d5vQvr1_wc?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="233" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div><br />
The humidifier did look really good in the video, but as I studied it more, the effect was something hard to look at without the proper lighting all the time. What the moisture would do to the scenery besides attracting more silverfish, concerned me slightly, and visually, this solution did really do it and it was scrapped.<br />
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Earlier that same year, the Devil's Paint Pots were also looked at for potential kinetic energy. Digging right into the scenery, I started experimenting:<br />
<blockquote><i>"I've also been looking at making the Bubbling Mud pots actually bubble. The basic premise here is to make tube full of water, and adding an air line to make it bubble like an aquarium. I built a few prototypes right in the scene, and so far, things haven't been that successful. Since I'm using 1/4" tubing, the water tends to get sucked out of PVC pipe mud pot when the air pump is shut off, and controlling the amount of air flow to get the right bubble interval isn't easy. Plus, in some tests, I found that the bubbles weren't popping easily (maybe the painty water that I used did that). I'm still working it out, and this element might need to end up being static."</i></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UwlpGYp0rig/S3WqHUIMPeI/AAAAAAAAA8U/fozd5RcGK1k/s1600/DSC09006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UwlpGYp0rig/S3WqHUIMPeI/AAAAAAAAA8U/fozd5RcGK1k/s320/DSC09006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> At the same time, I tried to get more "authentic" with the faux turnout at the "mine tunnel". In theory all I had to do was splice in an Atlas turnout and it would look a lot better than what I had before. In the end, all it did was roughen up the curve and kink it out of shape. The turnout is also too wide and shouldn't have been put in at all in the first place. My mistake. After that failure, this corner of the layout sat untouched while the rest of the layout expanded with progress, abandoned with unfinished ideas and effects that didn't work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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Fast forward to a month ago. A trip to Lowe's reignited my interest in geyser animation with their fog machine. While I did already have a fog machine, what intrigued me with this one was it's dimensions; if I wanted to use it for the geysers like the ultrasonic mister, it can fit perfectly below the surface of the scenery, without protruding through the table the layout is sitting on (remember, the layout has to be portable ). I bought the fog machine and began experimenting. Despite it's ideal size, the results from the fog machine were hard to achieve because in order to have the fog come out that tiny hole at the geyser, the container that the fog and machine would be in would have to be <i>perfectly</i> sealed-- which doesn't help when the machine needs to breathe with all the heat it generates. This fog machine also produced an oily film from the fog, despite using water-based fluid, which was something I didn't want to deal with when it comes to maintenance. So, while it excited me at first, like the ideas before, this one was scrapped.<br />
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While trying to brainstorm various ways to get geysers to materialize, one idea kept appearing-- or more appropriately, reappearing-- the acrylic rod. The very first geysers always looked the best visually, it was just getting them to move that was the tricky part. After numerous sketches, I found one that looked very promising and ended up being the simplest one.<br />
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As in the video below, the acrylic rod is contained in a styrene tube while in the down position. When the geyser "erupts", a thread pulls the acrylic rod up from it's base. The water column-- with an appearance like the Enchanted Tiki Room's "Enchanted Fountain" at this point-- drops when slack is given in the thread.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">A few coats of Mod Podge gave the rod a more organic look. At night, a bright white LED illuminates the water column from below. Cool!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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It's not quite as "airy" as the first static ones, but I think the motion of them bursting out of the ground will make up for that. </div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>EDIT: 10/21</b></span><br />
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While looking over reference shots of the geysers, I noticed that three of the four spewed quite a column of water. The fourth, however, was a little different. This one had more of a "spray" appearance, and was not as "persistent" as the other ones. It was on most of the time, while the others varied in hight and this one stayed constantly at the same height.<br />
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When designing the mechanism to control the geysers, I thought this smaller "spray" geyser could use a different approach, since it had a different appearance and performance. While I could use a little fluff material to represent it, a little movement would help it fit in with the other geysers, which are bobbing and fluctuating. So far I've come up with a very thin rod, wrapped in spider-web material (which is very abundant this time of year). The rod is on a motor, which spins at a fairly moderate speed. Haven't decided on whether to use it or not, but it looks pretty neat.<br />
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Meanwhile, still on my experimenting kick, I took a look at the mud pots. After the mess with bubbling painty water, I took a different route and instead of actually using liquid, I decided to simulate it. Using a piece of rubber from a dishwashing glove, I cut out a disk and glued it right onto the original prototype and gave it a coat of paint and mod podge.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">In the test footage, it looks pretty good, so I proceeded to build the mechanics to do this. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">With all the things being thought of and requiring a substantial amount of overhaul work, the only time to really get them done was at the same time. So when I was ready to install the geysers, mud pots, and a new stretch of track, I ripped up what was there leaving a gaping hole. Doing everything now reduces the amount of stuff I need to replace or rebuild (which I'm sick and tired of doing). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Above left is the hole cut into the scenery and entire chunk removed. That chunk was on a piece of particle board which made any renovations such as this one difficult. A jigsaw changed that. At right is the new piece of flex-track, perfectly smooth with no kinks or bumps like the mish-mashed track before it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On to the mud pots, I had to figure out the position of each colorful bowl mainly so I could determine the mechanics orientation, but also so I could be accurate to the real thing. In the past, I simply made up a composition of the Devil's Paint Pots, a sort of random pattern. This time around, I actually studied the real ones from numerous photos and drew up a map of the cluster. This map made it easier to determine which mud pots I would animate and which ones would leave static. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kuPR0-KHEG0/TpsoEb7oVzI/AAAAAAAABZE/j9Y2IzidaFc/s1600/GeyserPlot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kuPR0-KHEG0/TpsoEb7oVzI/AAAAAAAABZE/j9Y2IzidaFc/s320/GeyserPlot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The actual mechanism would consist of my usual cam and lever operation. Basically, the cam would slowly push down on a lever, raising a rod to push up on the bottom of the rubber disk-- giving the illusion that a "bubble" is rising to the surface. A notch in the cam would release the lever, dropping the rod, creating the illusion that the bubble "popped". Below is the mechanism in action, before the "surface" was put on top.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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When the mechanism was finished, I cut a piece of masonite for the ground surface and the mud pots themselves. The ones that would actually be working have a piece of PVC pipe to support the rubber disk. After cutting the actuating rod to the proper height, I glued down the rubber disk.<br />
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After doing three of these, seen below (two of them have a test coat of red paint), I let the mechanism run for a while to break-in. However, even after a few hours and few tweaks, the overall effect just wasn't that satisfying, after many adjustments; every time a bubble "popped" if made a loud clack noise, which is the sound of lever dropping. The sound can be dampened with a piece of foam, however at the cost of having the visual illusion diminished. After sound dampening the three I had, the minimal movement of the mud pot bubbles made this little project seem unnecessary; was it really worth it to have these barley noticeable tiny "bubbles" that raise no more than a 1/16th of an inch?<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not really, at least at this point. I've changed gear and I'm working on the geysers. Maybe if I find yet another solution, I might try. For now, Devil's Paint pots project is shelved. Who knows, I might go with what I predicted when I did the first prototype-- might make them static and just look good. </div><br />
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</div>Sam Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058747459962963791noreply@blogger.com0