Now that the Trainbarn is effectively finished I'm starting to install some of the 'permanent' displays, which of course I have dreamed of doing for so long! The first is in the entry area and is what I call the 'Scale and Gauge' display. Long term readers will have seen a preview of this display quite some time ago, but now it's complete!
The most recent addition to the display is the print on canvas showing the iconic image of the Santa Fe Super Chief, and I think this photo goes very well with the collection of locomotives. I have collected a Santa Fe 'warbonnet' F 7A diesel locomotive in every model railroading scale, from Z to G scale. In front of each loco and track is the scale's name, the scale proportion and the track gauge, the intention being to help clarify the often confusing terms and sizes for someone new to the hobby. The photo of this display was kindly made by my son-in-law, who is a professional photographer and is way better than my usual snapshots!
On the far left of the picture above you can see a piece of OO/HO track (the same gauge- 16.5mm) with two British Brake Vans on it, which at first sight might seem a bit out of place. Not so! One is the 'normal' British OO scale (4mm/one foot) and one is the much less common (in Britain) HO scale (3.5mm/one foot), both running on the same gauge track, and the difference in size is very noticeable.
Here's a closer view from a different angle showing the sizes of the locos more clearly. The smallest is Z scale, then N, TT, HO, S, O, 1 and G scale.
It is extremely exciting setting up these displays at last, which I've been planning for many years!
My daughters always advise anybody who will listen not to get me started talking about 'Scale and Gauge' as they relate to model trains, knowing that once I get going on the subject it's hard to stop me! Probably true. But with commencement of construction of the Trainbarn imminent, I thought I had better get serious about the details of some of the displays that I plan to build for it. Probably the first display to be built will be- you guessed it- my Scale and Gauge display!!
Most, if not all, of the trains displayed in the Trainbarn will be what I call Toy Trains, that is they are representative of real trains, rather than being accurate models of them. So the Scale and Gauge display, relating as it does to Model Railway sizes, will be a little bit out of place amongst the Toys, but hopefully will fit in reasonably well. It'll certainly be an attractive and hopefully informative display. As a reminder I'll show a picture of all the actual models that will be in the display, which are all based on the same type of locomotive- a Santa Fe GM-EMD F-7A in Warbonnet colours.
The display cabinet will be slightly smaller than this table. What I've been working on today is all the labels that I need to make in order for the display to be meaningful. Since I am useless with computers, or perhaps I don't have the right program, (my excuse) I have drawn the labels out on paper the 'old' way, hoping that I can entice someone capable to put them onto a computer and then print them out neatly!
Here's an example of a label for the TT scale locomotive. I'll place them just in front of the relevant loco so comparisons can be made.
There will also be small labels defining 'Scale' and 'Gauge', which hopefully will clear up any confusion visitors may have about these terms. If in fact anyone apart from me really cares!!
Defining the track gauge of each different size is very easy, they're almost literally set in concrete!! The scale however is another matter indeed! There are many variations from country to country, or dependant on exactly what sort of railway someone is representing. I have chosen the scale that is perhaps the most widely used for each size, or that best applies to the locomotive that I've chosen, which obviously is American.
So, if you visit the Trainbarn in a few years time and wish to come to grips with the different model railway scales and gauges, you can spend as much time as you like studying the display. If I start heading your way perhaps a quick exit somewhere- anywhere- might be advised!!
As this post is starting a new century of Whistlestop blogs, plus the fact that it was my birthday yesterday, I thought it was time for another summary of progress.
Suffice to say that I am very happy overall with how things are going, perhaps with only one exception. The exception is that the plans for the Trainbarn have not been forthcoming, although they are still 'promised'. Obviously if things don't progress soon another avenue will need to be explored, but I'm still hopeful of a good result from this Engineer.
Otherwise, the good stuff!! The Trainbarn site is completely ready for construction, with the exception of one big tree which needs to be removed. I'll wait for the go-ahead with the plans before removing this. Very satisfying indeed to see the large space all ready to go. I can very much visualise what the Trainbarn will look like here- it'll be great!
I have also been working on my 'portable' layout, which will be in two main sections, plus two smaller side sections. One main section is completely finished, and the other almost ready for painting. I'm really happy with how these have turned out. Mainly this layout will be British O gauge three rail, but can be used for anything. As if to prove a point, I decided to set up my Scale/ Gauge collection of Santa Fe F-7A units- the first time they've all been together.
The smallest is Z scale, followed by N, TT, HO, S, O, 1 and G scale. They will eventually be set up on their own board, which will have a blown-up photo of the Santa Fe's Super Chief behind it, and small placards explaining what scale and gauge each of the locos are.
Here's an overall photo of the board, with some other F-7 items added.
I'll make a curtain/skirt to go around the legs when it's finished.
Another really good thing that has been achieved is a lot of cleaning up in what is effectively our 'back-yard'. There were three really big stacks of dead tea-tree and rubbish, and these were burnt, with appropriate permits! Goodness, didn't they burn well, being quite dry!! A lot of other brushcutting and mowing has been done in this area and it's looking really good. We tend to look out from the cottage in this direction a lot (washing-up!) and it's really nice to have such an enjoyable view!!
The next project is to start widening the main track, clearing back the tea-tree scrub from each side to allow room for drains and the actual widening and surfacing of the track. I'm looking forward to this very much! Although it will be a big job, it can be done in stages as and when I'm inclined. The clearing will open up 'views' of nice rocky outcrops and original, undisturbed bushland, which I know will eventually look great. This main track, apart from being our 'driveway', will really be the main 'spine' of the whole Whistlestop project- connecting all the various aspects and areas. It will eventually share this function with the Miniature Railway, but in the meantime it'll be great to have this attractive track winding through our bushland.
Good times ahead!!
