In this video journal you’ll learn about the flexible rock castings that Model Railroader managing editor David Popp used on the HO scale Virginian Ry. These casings will add a lot to the scenery on the finished model train layout. David also takes you behind the scenes during a photo shoot on the model railroad.
Building the HO scale Virginian Ry. part 9
By Angela Cotey | February 19, 2012
| Last updated on November 23, 2020
A photo shoot and flexible rocks on the HO scale Virginian Ry. model train layout
Not real crazy about using all this variety of track, especially snap switches and having to cut and piece these. What variation of the track plan would there be if just plain Peco switches were used? Meaning, would there be several tracks eliminated? Less space for buildings and other details on the layout? Tighter radius? I also plan to keep everything as a manual switch, so don't plan to use a "juicer" for anything powered, and plan to use Peco Insulfrog switches. I already have these ordered, and already have all my Micro Engineering flex track. One last question. Somewhere you mentioned on the wiring on the "branch where the track loops back on itself". Does this mean a "reverser" is needed for the DCC wiring? Thanks….
These video's you guys are making are excellent and all of this combined with the Model Railroader Magazine is making the hobby a lot of fun, it's true, this really is the "Worlds Greatest Hobby!" Keep up the good work and thanks to you all at MR!
Thanks David for answering these questions and clearing up some issues, it's much appreciated again for those novices building for the first time…
This is I believe what I meant by a more precise diagram or explanation on wiring, for example, why so many of these connectors, are these all from the yard feeder wires, or? I'm happy to hear you'll have a revised plan showing the feeder wire locations……:)
Again, thanks for clearing up these questions!
I have looked all through the Virginian videos and I cannot find the video that describes how to "raise" the track and create the second level. Did I miss it?
Hello all,
For whatever reason, Walthers does not list ISLE Laboratories or Mountains in Minutes on its website. You can find Flexrocks in the current Walthers catalog on page 355. The stock numbers are 473-501, 473-502, and 473-503. Those numbers do work on the Walthers website, and at the time I wrote this, all three types were listed as in stock.
Also, we are now aware of some of the problems with the Atlas Snap-Switch numbers listed. The Snap-Switch numbers for the 18" and 22" turnouts has been reversed in the article. You still need four 18" rights and one 18" left, however the correct Atlas numbers are 540 for the left and 541 for the right. Although the 22" Snap-Switch numbers are also reversed, it doesn't matter as you simply need one of each.
We'll try to post a revised plan with feeder locations, however, with DCC wiring, there's no plan for installing the feeders on this layout other than keeping in mind that you'll need a feeder for any track that you've installed insulated rail joiners on (mainly the powered Peco no. 5 turnouts).
And, the unmarked switch on the upper level of the branch is a Peco no. 5 right.
For those puzzled by the elevations on the layout, see my extensive response on page 2 of the comments field of video part 5 for help.
And, the steel pins connecting the layout sections are covered in video installment 18 or 19. Sorry for the wait. I didn't add them to the layout until after almost all of it was constructed, so that's why they didn't appear in the benchwork section. They are offered by C&L Finescale in England as part number C1191. Here is a direct link to the website: http://www.finescale.org.uk/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=59
They are very easy to install, but you'll need a 1" Forstner drill bit to countersink them flush with the layout's fascia.
Thank you again for following the project, and best wishes on your model railroads!
David
I cannot find these flex-rock products online or at Walthers. Walthers has two flex-rock walls, neither look like what you used and they are only 12 inches long. Do you know where the ones you used might be found. If they are out of stock could you convince I.S.L.E. to do another run of them. they look perfect for what I and probably lots of other model railroaders would like to use.
Sorry to be a party pooper, but we REALLY need some answers to some pressing questions and problems we have seen arise while building this layout.
1. Need information on metal "pin" connectors between staging yard and added module to layout
2. Need more precise info or diagram on exactly how layout was wired
3. Need more on exactly where risers added
4. Track plan in March issue has one switch on upper level of branch deleted….no idea what # switch it is
5. March issue also has incorrect Walther's sku numbers for some switches
6. When laying out track radii on tabletop, it doesn't fit with current center points listed, ex, roadbed where cabinet company siding is located at current center point causes roadbed to come right to the edge of the table, not leaving room for siding or building flat, so either center points are incorrect, or curve radius is tighter than 22 or 18"
Fellows, for those novices building a layout for the first time at this kind of expense, we really need some answers and responses, before some of us rookies throw up our hands in disgust. Thank you MR…..
Thank you I learn so much about products and techniques which I list out for my layout
David,
Very informative installment. The "behind the scenes" photo shoot was great. I noticed the foam rock strips you used seemed to keep their shape once bent into a curve. Is this a normal characteristic of the product?
Thanks!
I'm really enjoying this series. The flexible rocks look like a neat product – definitely worth a closer look. Thanks.
It's really cool to see how you guys make the magazine! After reading MR for almost 40 years I've always wondered; How do they do that?
Great David, it's good to see behinds the scenes from time to time. I wish I had a job building a layout. How enjoyable to be paid for it.
David, You do very good work with both modeling and film presentations. I enjoy all of your presentations Hope you stay with KPC.
I want to know about that rig that was holding the camera.
I have never seen anything like that before.
LOVE THIS! Okay, it's still winter… but I'm cleaning out the garage and the other half has approved the swap! (I don't park the pickup in there anyway!) "N" Gauge to the rescue! Love the photo hints. I'm conciderin putting together a journal on my build. Hmm, time to put up the shop lights!
Very well done and informative segment. The photo tips are a good idea. Nice to also be able to see some of the other behind-the-scenes personnel and things we normally would not think of.
Keep up the good work.
Medium format seems pretty neat. I agree that SLR is a great thing to have, especially if you take the time to practice with them.
It is good to see people enjoying their work and doing it well. Now that we all have digital cameras with video capability, sharing our work is easier and more productive. All your careful approach to The Virginian has kept me from trying to create a layout prematurely and suffering the consequences. 1 Set the goals. 2 Plan the work. 3 Execute the plan. As easy as 1 2 3.
This was a particularly interesting video for me because of your work with the flexible rocks! Also appreciated the photo tips from Jim Forbes.
Interesting video, reminds me of one of those Behind the Scenes to a movie. Good job Dave.
Great Job, and the tips is very interesting !
I'm with Sam great video segment! Keepup the good work
It would be nice if you could include a list of products you use in each shoot, great series keep up the good work
Dave really enjoyed the photo shoot, it gave me some idea about what to do with my darkroom area in my train room area. Thanks for the information.
Charles G.
Hi,
Nice job with the layout.
I too plan to use the flexible rock walls on my layout…..just having purchased 4 of them from Scenic Express at the trains show in Timonium MD this past weekend.
My layout is a modified version of the Wabeek and Sunmount that was in a 70`s or 80`s issue of Model Railroader mag.
Keep up the good work.