John's Alaska Railroad HO Scale Layout

January 3, 2024

Note to self: Do not use Styrofoam as a base for a diorama as it will warp as scenery materials are added. After putting the diorama in place, the ends rose up several inches from the base. Screws were used to hold the ends down and then scenery glued on top to hide them.	Although the diorama work is complete, track ballast was added next to the diorama to fill in any gaps. This material still needs to be glued into place.	The ties and rails of the high speed switch at the north end of the Anchorage yard need to be painted for realism. In the past, John used a diluted camouflage paint to cover everything. As John likes to experiment with different materials, he decided to try Woodland Scenics Track Painters. First, he used the Weathered Tie Track Painter.

The directions state to shake the pen for one minute and then press down the spring loaded tip to initiate paint flow. The paint flowed smoothly, but it was challenging to cover the tie plates and spikes. One advantage is the user has exact control where the paint flows. This is important when coating the ties at the points and throw rod so paint does not get underneath thus causing them to stick. A disadvantage is it takes a lot of time to do this process. This method would be impractical for Clayton's Alaska Railroad with 258 feet of mainline. Therefore, it should only be used just for the turnouts where painting can causing switch mechanisms to stick.	Weathered ties is just a first step. The second step is the Steel Rail Paint Marker. John chose not to use this, but instead go to the third step using the Rusty Rail Track painter. This marker is used to touch up places exhibiting rust, but John decided to have rusty rails on the entire turnout.	After following the directions, John added rust to the rails. It was very difficult to get the paint on the rail just above the spikes. This can be tedious and somewhat time consuming. It also can reek havoc on the tip of the marker. Fortunately, an extra tip is included with each marker.

Here is a finished view of weathered ties and rusty rail. The top rails are in focus and you can see the detail of the markers. The bottom line: Use diluted camouflage paint for mainline, siding and spurs. Use the markers for all turnouts.	In an effort to track down the short power loss problem, Rick added wires from the mainline at the Anchorage yard under the bench work to a location along the isle so he could quickly hook up his multimeter.	Video: Running a 20-car hopper train shows the short power loss problem (at 5 second mark) just northwest of the double crossover. Rick cut the train in half in an effort to track down the problem car. As it turned out, each half had the problem. Rick spent the rest of the evening trying to pinpoint the problem cars without success. Well, there is always next week...

January 10, 2024

Rick continued to hunt for power drop problems around the double crossover. He discovered two of the segments lacked a break between them on one of the rails. He used a Dremel to create the necessary break, but found this did not correct the problem. The search goes on.	John worked on the area north of the Whittier Depot. First, he painted the area with pavement colored paint. Next, he added Vallejo 2mm Yellow PM Tape to serve as caution tape north of the rails.	This area provides truck access to trailers brought off the barge.

Whenever John and Terry visit Anchorage they are the house guests of Curt and Renee Rudd. Curt served the railroad for 42 years and held many key positions. Curt and Renee also have an off-grider cabin about 15 miles north of Talkeetna. When Curt retired, they named the spur near his cabin, "Rudd Spur." Terry asked if the train night crew could add Rudd Spur to the layout.	A location near Mount Denali was selected. First, Rick unsoldered the joints. He worked carefully to cut out a section of track the same length as the turnout. Initially, he left the ends too long and then repeated cut them shorter and shorter until the rails fit perfectly.	The high speed turnout was inserted and temporary cork road bed put in place.

Video: An initial test of the new spur provided operations were smooth as glass.

January 17, 2024

Continuing work to the south of Terry's cabin, John began preparations for a new scene. He mixed the dirt from his yard with Woodland Scenics Blended Turf Earth Blend T50 and glued it onto the cork board. Parchment paper protected the backdrop from glue or scenery material.	John used a bit of his Christmas money from mother-in-law Jan Reynolds to purchase Woodland Scenics A1860 HO Scale Hobos Scenic Accents. He also went through the storage boxes and found this 54' boxcar with the McKinley National Park Route logo. This was perfect to use as an abandoned box car.	Using more of his Christmas money from Jan, John bought the Woodland Scenics Realistic Tree Kit TR1113 containing 24 Pines, 2½ in - 6 in tall. Step 1: Bend and twist Tree Armatures into a realistic, three-dimensional shape.

Step 2: Liberally apply Hob-e-Tac (S195, not included) to the branches. Although this step takes steady hands, some parts of the tree trunks accidentally received adhesive. John didn't seem to care about this problem and ultimately discovered it really didn't matter much.	Step 3: Shred the foliage into smaller pieces. The directions didn't indicate final size, but twice the size of a BB seemed to work. The Hob-e-Tac needed to dry about 45 minutes before applying the foliage. John spun the trees as he dropped foliage. He picked off any excess.	Step 4: John sprayed the trees with hair spray and applied Woodland Scenics Burnt Grass T44 as a highlight.

Initially, John was concerned if enough foliage material was provided. However, there was more than enough with plenty left over for use on other projects.	Terry determined placement for the trees. The Woodland Scenics trees would be in the front. Since Jackie/John's pine trees were smaller, they were placed in the background. John glued the tree trunks into place.	Next, John applied Modge Podge followed by an application of Scenic Express Super Turf Ground Cover (tundra). Once this is dry, John will apply watered down Modge Podge to the entire area to secure all material.

All turf, trees and hobos are now in place. Over time additional scenic materials will be added.	Hobos Bird Eye Nick and Witch Dunagan cook their dinner over the fire. Boxcar Willie waves from the door of the boxcar while Popper John imitates the long, lonesome sound of a train whistle on his harmonica. At right, Hobo (and future multi-millionaire) Monte Holm arrives on the scene.	One more view of the hobo scene.

Tonight, Rick will finish up his work on Rudd Spur. First, he cut cork road bed for the spur. The cut angle is very important as it ensures a proper fit and no additional fill material will be required. John started the effort, but did a poor job. Fortunately, Rick, and his big knife, were able to make it all come out right.	Rick secured the cork bed to the foam board using rubber cement. The 15 minute drying time allowed repositioning if necessary. Next, he laid the flex track on top of the cork bed. More flex track was needed, so Rick grabbed some loose track next to the Anchorage yard. Using a Dremel, he cut it to the proper length.	To ensure proper track positioning, Rick used a Bachmann Adjustable Parallel Track Tool (two silver bars in the distance). The spur was perfectly placed and will provide "smooth as glass" operation.

This turnout will not be operated remotely by the RailPro system, but instead by Caboose Industries sprung ground throw. Rick used leftover cork to create a base for the throw.	Rudd Spur work is now complete. All that remains is track painting and ballasting plus ground scenery material and sign boards.	Video: Rick ran the bicentennial locomotive and two North to the Future boxcars to test out the operation of Rudd Spur. Operation was indeed "smooth as glass!"

January 24, 2024

It's time to elevate Rudd Spur to the next level and add some realistic detail. John used Woodland Scenics Weathered Wooden Tie and Rusty Rail Track Painters. The cork track bed was painted with Apple Barrel Burnt Umber paint. Afterward, the top of the rails are cleaned by rubbing them with a Styrofoam block.	Extreme care was used when working around the high speed turnout as paint and glue can gum up operation. The switch stand for the turnout was painted with the Woodland Scenics wooden tie painter..	The end result looks good! Although the colors seemed to be too pronounced, ballast will tone them down a bit.

John placed painters tape next to the base of the cork road bed to prevent glue from getting onto the surrounding area.	Next, Modge Podge was brushed onto the angled profile of the cork road bed. The painters tape was removed and then ballast added to the angled profile. After the ballast dried, the excess was vacuumed up and reclaimed.	Next, ballast was applied to areas between the ties, first in the middle and then the outsides. A total of six passes were made for both lines, each one placing an exact amount of ballast between the ties.

John's next step was to apply wet water and glue. The turnout was covered to prevent anything from getting into the working mechanism.	Tools of the trade: Modge Podge was used as glue as it tended to dry clear. A mist sprayer applied the wet water (water with a squirt of dish soap). The Tom Koole condiment bottle contained a 50/50 mix of Modge Podge and water.	First, wet water was sprayed thoroughly onto the ballast. Next, the 50/50 Modge Podge mix was squirted over the ballast between and outside the rails. Finally, a fan was placed nearby to help everything dry quickly.

The train night meal celebrated John's 64th birthday. Hors d'oeuvre of cheese and crackers and shrimp cocktail were served along with Jackie's world famous salad bar. The main course was chicken strips, with optional Chick-fil-A sauce, and fresh cut French fries. Of course, dessert was carrot cake!	Video: Rick ran a colorful 30-car consist, headed up by GP40 #3007 and GP38 #2005, through TwentyMile.	Video: Here was the 30-car consist as it passed Whittier and crossed the swing gate. Rick continued attempting to track down the power drop issues.

We asked retired Alaska Railroad Trainmaster Curt Rudd what was his favorite locomotive. He said he enjoyed riding the RDC, as he and his sons were able to get up front, and watch the scenery from the windshield. Rick brought in the unpowered RDC to pose at Rudd Spur. The rubber band drive was no longer operational so we will watch eBay for a conversion kit.	The RDC at Rudd Spur.	Video: The front of the colorful Alaska Railroad consist barely cleared the caboose at the double crossover. Engineer Rick always handles the proper switching with skill and moxie.

Video: The colorful Alaska Railroad consist passed the hobo camp near Eppley Curve. Boxcar Willie gave the crew a friendly wave.	Rick installed Woodland Scenics Fancy Fins 1960's era coupe at the Whittier Depot. This coupe worked with the existing Woodland Scenics Just Plug system. It has working head and tail lights.	The brightness of the lights are set by a dimmer dial. This was a fun way of spending a little of my Christmas present money from mother-in-law Jan.

John spent part of train night installing tundra cover surrounding Rudd Spur. He still has a long way to go to fill in the entire area.	RDC at Rudd Spur.	RDC at Rudd Spur.

January 31, 2024

John thought he'd give Temu a try. He heard they were sketchy so he thought he'd give them a gentle air test. As it turned out, the shipping was free and tracking was great. As for the merchandise: The grass tuffs and static grass were very good. The people and animals were fine, but nothing spectacular. The flowers were smashed so John will have to revive them. He was satisfied enough to consider creating a second order.	One of the LED ceiling track lights decided to go belly up. The bulbs were touted to last forever so what the heck is going on?	Rick hopped up on a step stool and touched the middle light fixture. The whole strip came back to life. Rick had the magic touch! Apparently, ghosts turned the light housing slightly on the middle unit and this shorted out the entire strip. Pffftttt!

Rick had an idea to get the RDC up and running again (reference assembly instructions diagram). Instead of mounting the motor upright, he would turn it on its side, securing it in place with a metal L bracket. This would result in the drive shafts (11717) having less movement. He would then install a tube over the shaft couplings (90103 and 90108) to shore things up. If all else fails, we will turn to eBay and buy a motored (i.e. non-rubber band drive) RDC and adapt the existing shell. This shell was custom painted by Rick over 25 years ago.	John continued to work on the scenery surrounding Rudd Spur.	Video: A big sky and dramatic clouds are the perfect backdrop for a pair of F7s heading south with a partially loaded freight train. In the middle of the backdrop is Mount Susitna, also known as Sleeping Lady. The mountain is associated with a legend in which a woman belonging to a race of giants vows to sleep until her beloved comes back from battle.

Video: Rick has become quite the RailPro Master. This video captured the crossing of two freight trains. The lower train will continue on through the tunnel, exiting at the double crossover where Rick will have it reverse directions, with the front and rear of the train clearing by inches.	Video: A freight train skirts the southern limits of the railroad at the double crossover.	Video: Maintenance of Way crews cleared an avalanche just in time for a freight to move through the cut and continue onward to the Port of Whittier. Local rock climbers exhibit both strength and dexterity as they make their way up Mount Denali, unconcerned with the passing train.

Feel free to contact me at john@alaskarails.org
Page created 9/4/17 and last updated 2/2/24