New Scenic Ideas please

[Graeme Dunbar]

I'm fairly sure rock type has a lot to do with appearance. If the the rock is strong and stable rock on a low-cost and low-capacity railway, if it does not need to be lined or have portals, then I doubt the builders would do so.

I'm sure there are better photos, but see -
https://www.leverton.org/tunnels/aberglaslyn/index.html

[Dave Cooper]

Thanks Graeme - very inspirational !

Could be tricky to model but definitely worth a go...

Will post some shots as work progresses.

Regards,
Dave

[Graeme Dunbar]

Your rock faces and retaining walls look good in your photos. It could be something similar - but with a hole in it ;D

How far back the tunnel actually goes depends partly of the viewing angle. Sometimes just the back wall, as the roof of the tunnel and the viewing side are not visible.

[Dave Cooper]

Yes, I think I'll continue the existing rock face look 'upwards' with a few grassy tufts here and there.

If it doesn't work out, I'll gouge it off and maybe try a 'slanting slate' type of look instead. I think matching colours could be important though....(Thinks bubble - now, what did I use all those years ago ?!!).

Dave 

[Dave Cooper]

Started trimming work on the 'cliff face' yesterday - seems incredibly steep and will probably need some safety netting to prevent falling rocks etc getting on the line !

Still, this could add to the realism I suppose...will post some photos soon for you to judge progress.
Dave

[Graeme Dunbar]

It will be interesting to see what you come up with to represent the mesh. On the other hand it could always be very stable rock and never be known to fall.  ;)

There may be other methods of retaining rock fall that might be suitable too.

[Dave Cooper]

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Experiments with off-cuts of blue foam for the tunnel mouth scenic break. The idea would be to extend the cliff /rock face down and over the tunnel entrance and then, down again to the canal with similar rock structure. The rest of the cliff /hill will then blend in. (That's the theory anyway !)

[Dave Cooper]

Don't know what happened there with the photo - we'll try again...

[Dave Cooper]

Having to lay a short bit of 'in-tunnel' track to link to the base board edge. This should make it easier to subsequently join up to the next board (fiddle yard).

I did consider a short "lifting section" to the tunnel roof but, all the ones I've seen show a join line in the scenery.

Photos to follow once work is recommenced on the tunnel /cliff face proper...
Dave

[Graeme Dunbar]

Given the short distance involved I wouldn't expect it to be an issue. It would be another matter if you could not reach derailed stock easily.

[Dave Cooper]

Fair point Graeme. On further thought, it was just easier to make the necessary track base / connections before starting work on the tunnel proper.

Photo of track extension with link to fiddle yard now possible. Tunnel side supports now in - fun bit comes next !

[clayliner]

You could always soften the scenic break with some vegetation on the viewing side to partly obscure the tunnel mouth.

David.

[Dave Cooper]

What, and obscure all my beautiful rock artistry David ! (Screams of hysterical laughter....).

Seriously, yes a few bushes, maybe a small tree could work wonders there. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll post a few more photos when such items are 'dry placed' for evaluation.

Cheers,
Dave 

[Dave Cooper]

Track extension now ballasted and tested for electrical continuity.....MOD diesel on Kato chassis rather a snug fit with the tunnel roof !

PECO James on Grafar 0-6-0 may need a bit more clearance I think. Will probably add some curved card sides to take up excess side clearance, and relieve the roof central portion for taller cabs /chimneys on other 009 locos - making more of an inverted "U" shape but retaining the 'raw rock' feel.

[Graeme Dunbar]

Coming along nicely! If it is a bit snug some carving/blasting should bring the roof down/raise the roof.  :D

If it is a tunnel mouth carved directly into the rock it won't be a perfect lintel or arch and if it is going to have a brick/stone/wooden face added to it then what is behind doesn't need to be perfect.

In terms of clearance, I don't have measurements but I think in general clearance is often quite tight at the sides but there is ample or at least sufficient space overhead for the air to move out of the way and for smoke to pass over the train. Also a narrow tunnel should be more stable than a wide one.