The city scene behind the station I'm hoping to get a backdrop made to place behind the station. With some of the new technology we have today making backdrops should be a snap. Ha ha! I'm thinking that the scene will be at least 24' feet. Tying it into our current module system will be some what of a challenge. Were thinking we need to build a large "Y" transition module to handle that.
The LCL (less than car load) dock will be constructed to represented by an open-air concrete dock. I had to put in the concrete dock supports in first so that I could begin to make the loading dock driveway pad. I used sanded and sealed "hard wood" strips for the dock supports, two (2) full length outer strips and 4 inch inner strips on each end.
The concrete driveway was created with drywall mud. Using both hardwood strips and masking tape I made the template for where I wanted the pad to be. Once the template was in place I used a putty knife to spread the "mud", keep in mind you'll have to put on two (2) to three (3) coats depending on how thick you need to make the pad. You will have to sand between each application. Unfortunately I did not think to take pictures of that process while I was doing it, I'll come back and reference it when I need to make another one.
In the picture below, I had already carved in the joint lines in the pad and painted it. Here's how it was done.
1st - I scribed the joint lines using the back side of a dulled-down #11 exacto knife blade. You will need to make several passes to get the your desired depth. You will need to vacuum the area frequently to ensure you can see what you have already done.
2nd - I used a black was mixture I made using latex flat black paint (roughly 50/50). Dip your brush in without removing the access fluid and brush down all the lines. This will help make the joint lines "pop" once you paint the pad.
3rd - Again using a mixture of latex paint, I made a light gray mixture the looks like concrete to me. You'll have to use your own judgment on the mix. Using my airbrush I painted the pad, you will have to make several passes near the joint lines to cover the black the you got on the pad itself. In most cases the paint will not go down into the joint unless you spray the gun directly over the joint.
Creating LCL Unloading Dock - Part 2
At this point I put in all the bases for the transfer docks for the Railway Express Agency (REA) building (it was pictured in an early photo). Once the dock bases were glued down, I glued the 1/8'' Masonite decking just on the REA docks. At this point I decided to put in the ballast and basic scenery around the docks.
In the below pictures I placed weights evenly spaced down the docks to ensure that the wet ballast did loosen the dock bases. If your wondering why I did it this way, it's because I'm going to be using printed paper plank decking for the tops. I didn't want the paper subjected to large amounts of water that could damage it. The deck bases were painted in a dark brown color similar to "Floquil" Roof Brown. I no longer have the real deal.
If your what the heck is on top of the interchange tower, it's two (2) weights taped together to hold down the building after I initially glued in place with "Walthers Goo" I typically leave the weights in-place until after the initial coat of scenery has been installed and dried.
Creating LCL Unloading Dock - Part 3
Just to the right of the LCL is the location of the smaller steam locomotive servicing area that will feature a coaling and water tower. I'm not sure if you noticed or if I mentioned it earlier, but the coal tower loading track runs through the middle of the load driveway.
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