Layout Construction Highlights

I've created a new YouTube Channel for the OASIS District Layout.

Here's a video slideshow of the construction of the layout.

Layout Update 11-17-22

Lighting System Ordered

The lighting fixtures I want to use for the layout are back in stock! I placed an order, and they should be here by Saturday. 

My layout room uses daylight LEDs, but as you can see in the photo below the valance produces a cast shadow at the top of the backdrop. I'll be using 6500k cool white fixtures behind the valance,and they'll be mounted to the top portion of the backdrop brackets. This should be a super easy install. 

Valance produces a strong cast shadow 

Backdrop brackets at top will hold mounting clips for light fixtures. 

The layout will be completed after the installation of the light fixtures. Well, as finished as a model railroad gets! 

Until next time, 

Tom

Track Ballasting Completed

 

Track ballasting for the entire layout is completed! 🎉🎉

I started working on the layout again this week. My earlier goal of completing the layout by June 2021 did not happen. If all goes well, I should be wrapping this up by the end of the year. I started this layout in July 2017, and I have been slow to work on it. The slowness is intentional due to a downsizing move into a smaller house. I really wanted to savor the experience since I have no room for expansion.

Things should start coming together quickly now. I am going to start adding additional scenic textures and static grass next. I need to affix a section of the photo backdrop, then blend it into the backdrop with acrylic paints. Additional details will be added to develop the scene. Lighting fixtures will be installed at the very end. My valance set-up will make this an easy install. 

Until next time, 

Tom 

Wordless Wednesday 7-29-20

Back to Work on the OASIS

Layout Update for August 2019

Work resumes on the Owensville Terminal Railroad after sitting idle for over a year.

The backdrop panels for the ends of the layout have been installed. Priming the backdrop starts with the first coat of primer. I'm using a flat white interior wall paint.

The sky color was applied with a foam brush. The first coat was streaky and looked horrible. I ditched the foam brush and painted a second coat with a soft bristle brush. It looks much better, but the sky is now a solid color without any variation. I will change the flat look by painting atmospheric effects and clouds.

The end panel on the right will one day have a photo of a railroad crossing applied to it. I'm still searching for an image online that will fit the bill. I still need to finish running bus wires to the right side of the layout. Feeder wires need to be soldered to the rails, then dropped down underneath the layout. I will be able to start with painting the track, scenery, and ballasting the track after installing the feeder wires.

Until next time,

Tom

OASIS Layout Update - Backdrop and Fascia 03

Backdrop installed.

End panels will be cut out and installed next. I have also been checking out various light fixtures for layout lighting.



Until next time.
Tom

OASIS Layout Update - Backdrop and Fascia 02

Cut out the fascia board/valance from 1/8 inch hardboard today. My carpentry skills are not the greatest, but I did manage to get the front fascia and valance installed today. I will be adding the backdrop and side boards next.

Tom

OASIS Layout Update - Backdrop and Fascia 01

Backdrop & Fascia Construction

Testing out some support brackets for the backdrop and valance. I'm wanting to achieve a shadowbox look with the front fascia.

New Poll:

I've created a poll which is located on the right side of this blog (desktop view only). I know many people do not use Facebook, but a whole lot of people utilize its services. I am thinking about creating a Facebook Page for the Owensville Terminal OASIS Layout, but it's not going to be a replacement for this blog. I'm still planning to update and support this blog.

I would really appreciate your input! Thanks!

Tom

OASIS Layout Update - Wiring Part 1

Ugh! My least favorite part of the hobby is wiring. At least it's half over!

Section 1 (left side) of the layout is wired up and connected to the Digitrax Zephyr. I ran one of my 70 ton switchers and everything went well, even with only one section wired. Section 2 will be wired up next.

Terminal strip, spade, and tap splice connectors used on the layout 

Cable ties used to keep things neat. Terminal strip jump wires will be used to connect with section 2.

Until next time! 

Tom 

OASIS Layout Update - Track Installation 02

Work Resumes

The layout is back under construction after a job change and a lengthy period of inactivity due to moving. The layout did suffer some minor damage during the move (1 Caboose Industries turnout throw broken), but it's set up in the new house and ready to go.


I prepped the track by snipping off some of the ends of the ties, and then painted the rails and ties with Rust-Oleum Camouflage paint.

The next step is to secure the homasote to the benchwork, replace the broken turnout throw, and begin wiring up the layout. 

Until next time, 

Tom

OASIS Layout Update 2 - Track Testing

The track is tacked down to the homasote, and the Caboose Industries ground throws are in place as well. I am now ready to test out the track plan on the actual benchwork. I am still undecided on what particular industries will be served, so this step of layout construction will help me decide. This may take me a few weeks or even a month or more of testing and tweaking before anything is finalized.

Once the track arrangement and industries are finalized, then I will proceed to paint and weather the track.

OASIS Layout Update - Track Installation 01

Good News!

I am happy to report that I have finished laying out the track for the new layout. I will be testing it for a couple of weeks to make sure it is going to work.
After testing, I will begin the process of painting and weathering the ties and the rails.




Here's a very short video clip of the new layout in action!

Tom

Track Plan 4.0

A new plan!  The layout construction phase has begun! This layout build is a variation of the TOMA (The One Module Approach) layout construction philosophy. It's known as the "Flexible" TOMA.  The TOMA method is discussed in detail at the MRH Web Site.  Future expansion is possible as well.

I will be posting a more detailed account of what is going on with layout construction in the future, but here is a quick overview...

• Track is being laid as of July 25, 2017. 
• Going with Atlas code 100 due to hobby budget and a surplus supply of code 100 track. 
• Testing of the track arrangement with locomotives and cars is planned for July 29

Updates may be infrequent, but layout work will be progressing over the next several weeks. Stay tuned!

Tom Conboy