The SBT is dead, long live the SBT. You can find my new layout here:
http://hobigblackfootrailway.blogspot.com/
Thanks for reading, we'll see you in the timber!
May 1, 2009
Apr 29, 2009
Apr 28, 2009
Simplicity
We've all heard that tis a gift to be simple. I think this layout will live up to that gift. And this more focused approach will hopefully help this layout end up closer to what I have in mind. But on the simplicity.
This railroad will have one purpose and that is to serve the sawmill. Loads in, empties out. The sawmill is much like the one I work on, a portable mill powered by portable power. Manpower is limited and our production must balance our operating costs. The product remains local after sale and it's a family run operation.
The idea of a sawmill based railroad came from a digital book I came across about how to build and operate a sawmill. I plan on perusing this book a bit more to learn how you plan to build a railroad to serve your mill and what the cost vs. benefit is.
-The railroad will be single track built on little to no ballast. This will be my first layout based around Code 83 as opposed to Code 100.
-There is no interchange with another railroad. I hope to make this railroad insular as defined by current FRA standards. The sawmill company will own all the land the railroad occupies.
-Minimum radius will be 18". I would like to go 15" but operating at those extremes limits my motive power and rolling stock options.
-Grades will minimized as much as possible to allow for ease of operation. There will be a single switchback en route to the upper camp. Lower landing will occupy this switchback.
-I want every piece of scenery, track, motive power and rolling stock to have a reason for it's inclusion on the layout.
The layout is to be L-shaped foam core on a wood grid base. Deck level will be optimized for operation and it will be conventionally powered with blocks for two locomotive operation.
This railroad will have one purpose and that is to serve the sawmill. Loads in, empties out. The sawmill is much like the one I work on, a portable mill powered by portable power. Manpower is limited and our production must balance our operating costs. The product remains local after sale and it's a family run operation.
The idea of a sawmill based railroad came from a digital book I came across about how to build and operate a sawmill. I plan on perusing this book a bit more to learn how you plan to build a railroad to serve your mill and what the cost vs. benefit is.
-The railroad will be single track built on little to no ballast. This will be my first layout based around Code 83 as opposed to Code 100.
-There is no interchange with another railroad. I hope to make this railroad insular as defined by current FRA standards. The sawmill company will own all the land the railroad occupies.
-Minimum radius will be 18". I would like to go 15" but operating at those extremes limits my motive power and rolling stock options.
-Grades will minimized as much as possible to allow for ease of operation. There will be a single switchback en route to the upper camp. Lower landing will occupy this switchback.
-I want every piece of scenery, track, motive power and rolling stock to have a reason for it's inclusion on the layout.
The layout is to be L-shaped foam core on a wood grid base. Deck level will be optimized for operation and it will be conventionally powered with blocks for two locomotive operation.
Slide Ass Jammer
We have one of these on the log train at our local historical museum. Cheap and easy to make and maintain they allowed lumberman to easily load and unload timber at the logging camp with no preparation required at the site. A wonderful fit for Salmon Bay Logging and Lumber. Here is a shot of the prototype in the far left corner.
And here are a few pictures of my attempt.
For my second scratchbuild it's not bad considering my first one was a dock. Looking at it now I can see the hundred flaws that this "resemblica" has and that annoys me slightly. But I am very proud of it and intend on pressing it into service. I think I may build another down the road closer to the real thing but for now SBL&L has a means to load the timber. All they need now is a layout.
And here are a few pictures of my attempt.
For my second scratchbuild it's not bad considering my first one was a dock. Looking at it now I can see the hundred flaws that this "resemblica" has and that annoys me slightly. But I am very proud of it and intend on pressing it into service. I think I may build another down the road closer to the real thing but for now SBL&L has a means to load the timber. All they need now is a layout.
Apr 27, 2009
Major News!
There have been some huge changes for the SBT. The layout as you've seen it is no more. Our landlord asked that it be dismantled. We have however secured a new location closer to home and will begin construction as soon as we can. This will also bring a few changes to the concept of what will continue to be, the Salmon Bay Terminal Railway.
The reality of the location is going to be changed drastically. The feel of the real Salmon Bay will be retained but the emphasis will change. Timber will once again be king and the coastal forest of Northwest Washington the setting. Mainline interchange traffic will no longer be the bread and butter and the railroad will be self contained, the mainline railroad running parallel at the end of track. The time period will still be variable depending on the mood of the operators but the transition period will be the default time setting.
So I will continue to keep you updated and keep your ears perked for the sound of whistles echoing in the deep forests and the sound of heavy logging locomotives as they go about their business.
The reality of the location is going to be changed drastically. The feel of the real Salmon Bay will be retained but the emphasis will change. Timber will once again be king and the coastal forest of Northwest Washington the setting. Mainline interchange traffic will no longer be the bread and butter and the railroad will be self contained, the mainline railroad running parallel at the end of track. The time period will still be variable depending on the mood of the operators but the transition period will be the default time setting.
So I will continue to keep you updated and keep your ears perked for the sound of whistles echoing in the deep forests and the sound of heavy logging locomotives as they go about their business.
Oct 26, 2008
On DCC and Sound
Detailing very close as to why the SBT is remaining DCC and sound free. It almost was once. Should be noted not ALL the points are correct for my case, but pretty darn close!
http://1-160.blogspot.com/2007/10/dcc-is-not-for-me.html
http://1-160.blogspot.com/2007/10/sound-off.html
http://1-160.blogspot.com/2007/10/dcc-is-not-for-me.html
http://1-160.blogspot.com/2007/10/sound-off.html
Oct 21, 2008
Modern day on the SBT
Note: I seem to think in stories when I work on the layout. Here are my latest thoughts.
Morning still comes early in Salmon Bay. Fishing boats head out towards the locks and cars begin the morning commute. The paperboy still rides his bicycle though and even the milkman can still be seen. And amazingly enough, the trains still run. Past the main road and down a small embankment another day begins on the Salmon Bay Terminal as it has for over 100 years. In the East Ballard Yard the sound of steam giants being coaxed into life has been replaced by the sound of General Electric diesels snorting to life. Thanks to the locomotive equivalent of a block heater, the engine's can be shut down for the night. A lone hostler busies himself with the job of getting power for the day awakened, has hostlers have been doing for generations. The sound of an air horn shatters the air as the East Ballard Local, a grandiose name for a BNSF Geep pulling a single boxcar, rumbles into the yard. The crew trades jokes with the hostler, the car is cut off and the locomotive returns to other duties. This is the only traffic this morning. A far cry from the past, where five railroads vied for a spot to park their cars. But business is still going, which is more then can be said for some of the other railroads that used to use this interchange. Minutes after the local departs the day's road crew arrives in the pre-dawn fog, stamping and rubbing their hands together. Quickly the plan of the day is discussed, special orders are read, and the crew take their places, brakeman on the rear step, hogger and conductor in the relative warmth of the engine cab. The train foreman jumps into his Dodge Ram and heads for the lower crossing to flag for the train, no automated crossing signals here. At least none that work.
No longer a saddle tank switcher or a geared former logging engine, the power today is the most powerful locomotive to ever grace the rails on the Salmon Bay Terminal, The Eighty-five Hundred. Number 8500 is a 4000hp GE Dash-840B, a real road locomotive. And currently the roads only motive power. It's massive weight required the rebuilding of some of the older track, but it handles the 4% grade of Dirks Hill with ease. Bought for a song from GE Leasing, the engine still wears it's old paint scheme, now faded and weathered but there are plans afoot to get it into SBT green. A lantern signal from the back end, three shorts on the horn, and the day begins.
Backing down the yard lead to couple to the boxcar, the brakeman jumps off to see the joint is made properly. Soon the the engine begins down Dirks Hill long hood first, dynamic brakes whining softly. It's slow going on the tight curves and steep grade but with flanges and brakes squealing the train makes it to the bottom in one piece.
Pulling even with the cement plant, the switch is lined to the main and the train heads into Salmon Bay, the bell muted by the fog.
The track is overgrown with weeds, the rails rusty from disuse. There are some new ties though, replaced last spring. Not like the old days at all. On average nine carloads a week enter the the industrial area served by the SBT and four leave. The waterfront served is but a shadow of it's former self, just the railroad that still serves it. The Cement plant is thankfully still in operation but their product is mainly hauled direct by cement trucks anymore, but they'll send out the odd hopper car as the market dictates. The scrap yard is more antiques dealership now and the cannery is closed. Ships no longer dock to off load the catch of the day, or take passengers and cargo. The intermodal yard is still in operation, the giant crane standing watch, but the shorter containers it's designed for are being phased out and it's days are numbered. Only Seitz & Son Mechanical has any real business and they get what they put into it. Large machines of every shape and size are shipped via the BNSF and Union Pacific across the country to Salmon bay where they are tuned and repaired. Flatcars and boxcars are always in the Seitz spur, sometimes stacked into the old scrapyard and lumber yard leads.
The pick-up and drop off of cars takes the better part of two hours, and as they make the final switching moves the fog lifts. As the two boxcars of machinery make their way past "Pier 65", a local name for he rundown fishing wharf, the engineer gives a noisy salute to a boy and his dog trying to get something fishy out of Salmon Bay. Soon the slightly labored sound of four thousand horses can be heard as the train winds up the short, steep grade. The cars are set out for "Uncle Pete", the engine tied up. Paperwork complete the crew heads for beans at Ma's Family Restaurant. Rumor has it a cement shipment will need to be taken out this afternoon and the Salmon Bay Terminal stand ready to get the job done. Just as they always have.
Morning still comes early in Salmon Bay. Fishing boats head out towards the locks and cars begin the morning commute. The paperboy still rides his bicycle though and even the milkman can still be seen. And amazingly enough, the trains still run. Past the main road and down a small embankment another day begins on the Salmon Bay Terminal as it has for over 100 years. In the East Ballard Yard the sound of steam giants being coaxed into life has been replaced by the sound of General Electric diesels snorting to life. Thanks to the locomotive equivalent of a block heater, the engine's can be shut down for the night. A lone hostler busies himself with the job of getting power for the day awakened, has hostlers have been doing for generations. The sound of an air horn shatters the air as the East Ballard Local, a grandiose name for a BNSF Geep pulling a single boxcar, rumbles into the yard. The crew trades jokes with the hostler, the car is cut off and the locomotive returns to other duties. This is the only traffic this morning. A far cry from the past, where five railroads vied for a spot to park their cars. But business is still going, which is more then can be said for some of the other railroads that used to use this interchange. Minutes after the local departs the day's road crew arrives in the pre-dawn fog, stamping and rubbing their hands together. Quickly the plan of the day is discussed, special orders are read, and the crew take their places, brakeman on the rear step, hogger and conductor in the relative warmth of the engine cab. The train foreman jumps into his Dodge Ram and heads for the lower crossing to flag for the train, no automated crossing signals here. At least none that work.
No longer a saddle tank switcher or a geared former logging engine, the power today is the most powerful locomotive to ever grace the rails on the Salmon Bay Terminal, The Eighty-five Hundred. Number 8500 is a 4000hp GE Dash-840B, a real road locomotive. And currently the roads only motive power. It's massive weight required the rebuilding of some of the older track, but it handles the 4% grade of Dirks Hill with ease. Bought for a song from GE Leasing, the engine still wears it's old paint scheme, now faded and weathered but there are plans afoot to get it into SBT green. A lantern signal from the back end, three shorts on the horn, and the day begins.
Backing down the yard lead to couple to the boxcar, the brakeman jumps off to see the joint is made properly. Soon the the engine begins down Dirks Hill long hood first, dynamic brakes whining softly. It's slow going on the tight curves and steep grade but with flanges and brakes squealing the train makes it to the bottom in one piece.
Pulling even with the cement plant, the switch is lined to the main and the train heads into Salmon Bay, the bell muted by the fog.
The track is overgrown with weeds, the rails rusty from disuse. There are some new ties though, replaced last spring. Not like the old days at all. On average nine carloads a week enter the the industrial area served by the SBT and four leave. The waterfront served is but a shadow of it's former self, just the railroad that still serves it. The Cement plant is thankfully still in operation but their product is mainly hauled direct by cement trucks anymore, but they'll send out the odd hopper car as the market dictates. The scrap yard is more antiques dealership now and the cannery is closed. Ships no longer dock to off load the catch of the day, or take passengers and cargo. The intermodal yard is still in operation, the giant crane standing watch, but the shorter containers it's designed for are being phased out and it's days are numbered. Only Seitz & Son Mechanical has any real business and they get what they put into it. Large machines of every shape and size are shipped via the BNSF and Union Pacific across the country to Salmon bay where they are tuned and repaired. Flatcars and boxcars are always in the Seitz spur, sometimes stacked into the old scrapyard and lumber yard leads.
The pick-up and drop off of cars takes the better part of two hours, and as they make the final switching moves the fog lifts. As the two boxcars of machinery make their way past "Pier 65", a local name for he rundown fishing wharf, the engineer gives a noisy salute to a boy and his dog trying to get something fishy out of Salmon Bay. Soon the slightly labored sound of four thousand horses can be heard as the train winds up the short, steep grade. The cars are set out for "Uncle Pete", the engine tied up. Paperwork complete the crew heads for beans at Ma's Family Restaurant. Rumor has it a cement shipment will need to be taken out this afternoon and the Salmon Bay Terminal stand ready to get the job done. Just as they always have.
Oct 14, 2008
Progress
Just some news. As I built the layout, acquire buildings and rolling stock, the layout has taken on a life of it's own. Ah, the many plans of mice and men. Some major changes are coming to the SBT, mainly to it's history and purpose.
-The railroad is now modeled from the late 1950's to the present day. The transition period is one that is attractive to many modelers. The SBT can hold on to it's steam a little longer, but more modern rolling stock and changing times mean dieselization is inevitable. To that end my roster has changed considerably. I've been buying higher end models and enjoy running them. Some of my less detailed models will not be used.
-The railroad is now a bit more insular and more operation defined. With three "yards" the possibilities for operation are expanded. I'm beginning to put in place my industries and how they will be served. I'm not sure if a full car card and waybill system will be implemented but it is very tempting. In the end my railroad is about operation.
-The scenery changes. I'm going now for more of a dense Pacific Northwest woodland scene then a true dockside scene as I had envisioned. Of course this is what the real Salmon bay looked like before all the houses. It was fun to think I can accurately model the prototype, but this is simply too much fun.
The name will not change, but look for an updated history sometime in the future. In the meantime, work continues.
-The railroad is now modeled from the late 1950's to the present day. The transition period is one that is attractive to many modelers. The SBT can hold on to it's steam a little longer, but more modern rolling stock and changing times mean dieselization is inevitable. To that end my roster has changed considerably. I've been buying higher end models and enjoy running them. Some of my less detailed models will not be used.
-The railroad is now a bit more insular and more operation defined. With three "yards" the possibilities for operation are expanded. I'm beginning to put in place my industries and how they will be served. I'm not sure if a full car card and waybill system will be implemented but it is very tempting. In the end my railroad is about operation.
-The scenery changes. I'm going now for more of a dense Pacific Northwest woodland scene then a true dockside scene as I had envisioned. Of course this is what the real Salmon bay looked like before all the houses. It was fun to think I can accurately model the prototype, but this is simply too much fun.
The name will not change, but look for an updated history sometime in the future. In the meantime, work continues.
Oct 4, 2008
Sep 24, 2008
We got gas!
Yes, a gasification (Coal/Gas) will be modeled on the upper deck of my layout. Upper deck? Well as originaly concieved, the SBT was a logging railroad, with a switchback that lead to an upper deck. Those plans were abandoned as it was simply going to be impossible in the space I had aloted. But with the new extension the grade can be maintained with or without a switchback. As most are aware, the Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern served one of the largest Coal/Gas plants in the nation, now the site of Gas Works Park. It would only make sense I model such a plant. Although smaller in size, it will serve the Ballard and Salmon Bay metro with it's "city gas" and also ship the gas to other local municipalities.
And while doing some wikisearch I found out a few other important historical facts about the SL&E. It had a connection with the Canadian Pacific and was known as the Seattle & International Railroad for awhile. Those may come in to play. It seems the more research I do, the deeper this rabbit hole goes.
And while doing some wikisearch I found out a few other important historical facts about the SL&E. It had a connection with the Canadian Pacific and was known as the Seattle & International Railroad for awhile. Those may come in to play. It seems the more research I do, the deeper this rabbit hole goes.
Growing Pains
The SBT is expanding. As near as I can make out, the landlord of the space I'm using (My mom) has stated only two rules since I started my project in her furnace room. And those are "Keep stuff off the floor and put my tools away." So I'm adding Salmon Bay to my layout as an L shaped addition. This will really add to my industry locations as well as allow for passenger service between Ballard and Salmon Bay. And as a bonus I'll be able to flesh out the engine terminal and service area with a dedicated location. This will mean a pretty intensive rewrite of my route history, but it should be fun. As a side note, the history is kept up to date, so I'll be editing the original post to reflect current trends. I've decided to model the war years to the present, as that seems to be the greatest era for operational interest. I'll also be introducing the SP and Union Pacific as a partners in this enterprise. That means more traffic, and not three but five (GN, SP, NP, CMSt&P, UP) transcontinental lines using the railroad for interchange as well as the SBT itself. Of course in the present it is just three railroads total UP, BNSF, and the SBT. Look for the updated history later next week.
Sep 21, 2008
Success!
I made out well in the train show. Enough cars to finish my fleet and a Southern Pacific 44-Ton switcher. I look to complete track work this week. That is all!
Aug 13, 2008
Finish?
Work has been slow on the SBT. I've added a BN caboose, and an undecorated ballast hopper to the roster. I need to finish the run around track and wire it all up and I'll have the railroad finished to the point I can play, er operate in a prototypical fashion with it. I have heard news my Heisler is nearing completion. This is wonderful news.
Jul 31, 2008
New additions to the SBT
We've added a short BN caboose and an unlettered hopper car to our roster. And the Ballard Terminal Building is in place and complete!
Jul 23, 2008
Working 1:1 Scale
I am still around, and the SBT track work will be completed by the end of the summer. But here is the train set I've been playing with. It's the prototype for the Bachmann On30 2-8-0 released a couple of years ago.
Jun 28, 2008
Busy
Steam season is upon us and I've been busy working on 1:1 scale things that run on steam. I've obtained my Minnesota Hobby License while attending the University of Rollag College of Steam Traction Engineering. Had a great time. Running the 80hp Case engine at Fort Missoula during the 4th and my Virginia City season starts in two weeks.
Here is a video of the 353 at Rollag
Here is a video of the 353 at Rollag
Jun 3, 2008
Offline Staging
I'm very certain this is not unique to the world of small model railroads, but I thought offline staging would help save space. In traditional staging you have fiddle yards to the side or behind. I don't have room for that right now. My solution? Use the NP mainline as staging for the yard. Cars waiting for pick up are placed on the main, when their time comes 0-5-0'd to the appropriate yard lead for switching to their destination. I plan on only running around 12 total cars on the layout so they'll all fit up top. But once my waybill system is implemented I can sort cars on and off staging and not worry about space. I'm still not sure how to implement waybills. More reading is needed indeed.
Jun 2, 2008
Bargin Hunting
I had $30 dollars to spend on trains today. With a bit of looking I came away with three 40' boxcars (2x SP&S, 1 GN), one tool shed, ballast for the NP mainline and Kadee #711 couplers to finish the boxcab with some change to spare. Two of the boxcars are done with one awaiting some Kadee #5's, the boxcab is ready for tweaking but it will pull five cars and the shed has been painted. The shed it should be noted is now the Salmon Bay ticket office.
More work to do.
More work to do.
May 31, 2008
Work today
Got my GS-4 and Santa Fe F-unit up and running again. They have no place on my terminal railroad but power is power, right? I mean I suppose you could switch with a Northern type if you wanted to. My water areas are now blue. It's a start. I've decided to model the NP mainline to Snoqaulmie so I threw up some of my old EZ-Track along the top of the layout. I plan on ballasting it fine brown when the times comes. I'd like to do another movie. Look for it soon.
May 30, 2008
5 Hours to do that?
Left Hand Short Radius Peco Switch: $19.99
Strip of balsa wood the rough dimensions of an HO railroad tie: 25¢
Foam paintbrush: 40¢
Spending five hours laying, soldering, and ballasting track, adding details to a dock and running in a new locomotive? Priceless
I discovered that last night my track had wandered left. I'm not sure how, but wander it did. I'm using Locktite adhesive to keep my track in place, as suggested here. Maybe that has something to do with it. So I vacuumed what I could and re-laid and re-ballasted the track.
I'm laying track on the fly because I've discovered my nice little plan I had sketched out is simply not going to work. But all the industries in Salmon Bay will have rail service. I laid and ballasted the track toward East Ballard. Due to the fact the fiddle yard is not going to be built in my time in Missoula, nor is East Ballard itself, I've added a bumper modeled after the ones used at Fort Missoula.
I grabbed the medium ballast as opposed to the fine so it looks chunkier then that seen on the real SBT, but it looks wonderfully like that seen at the fort. Just dumped in place and enough to get the job done. This is fine because the SBT uses 152lb rail.
I also added some detail to the dock. Mainly a railroad tie at the end of the dock so my trains don't just keep going. That new tank car rolls like nothing and after one near miss I decided it was time. I added some more dowels to make it look more "docky". Still have no idea what I'm going to put under it. It's amazing how the Dark Walnut stain I'm using looks like cresote though.
My next job is getting the cannery spur in place. The cannery is built at the other end of Salmon Bay and included the run around track. Space keeps getting tighter and tighter on the layout, but it will be done.
The Davenport arrived today, and after running for about an hour has started giving me fits. Not sure why. Look good though!
I'll get pics up tomorrow.
Strip of balsa wood the rough dimensions of an HO railroad tie: 25¢
Foam paintbrush: 40¢
Spending five hours laying, soldering, and ballasting track, adding details to a dock and running in a new locomotive? Priceless
I discovered that last night my track had wandered left. I'm not sure how, but wander it did. I'm using Locktite adhesive to keep my track in place, as suggested here. Maybe that has something to do with it. So I vacuumed what I could and re-laid and re-ballasted the track.
I'm laying track on the fly because I've discovered my nice little plan I had sketched out is simply not going to work. But all the industries in Salmon Bay will have rail service. I laid and ballasted the track toward East Ballard. Due to the fact the fiddle yard is not going to be built in my time in Missoula, nor is East Ballard itself, I've added a bumper modeled after the ones used at Fort Missoula.
I grabbed the medium ballast as opposed to the fine so it looks chunkier then that seen on the real SBT, but it looks wonderfully like that seen at the fort. Just dumped in place and enough to get the job done. This is fine because the SBT uses 152lb rail.
I also added some detail to the dock. Mainly a railroad tie at the end of the dock so my trains don't just keep going. That new tank car rolls like nothing and after one near miss I decided it was time. I added some more dowels to make it look more "docky". Still have no idea what I'm going to put under it. It's amazing how the Dark Walnut stain I'm using looks like cresote though.
My next job is getting the cannery spur in place. The cannery is built at the other end of Salmon Bay and included the run around track. Space keeps getting tighter and tighter on the layout, but it will be done.
The Davenport arrived today, and after running for about an hour has started giving me fits. Not sure why. Look good though!
I'll get pics up tomorrow.
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