Niagara Falls backdrop and more

During the week of April 13, we measured and hung the masonite backdrops in the Niagara Falls area. Installation was tricky, because the rear wall is curved, we wanted coved corners, we had to accommodate the angles of the sloping ceiling, and we had to cross back and forth over the track that leads to staging. Piece of cake! Thanks to Matt, Otto, Ryan, Max, and others.

We test fit one corner and also quickly mocked up where an overhead highway bridge will cross the scene. Even though it is not in its exact position, it helps give an idea of how the scene will be constructed with this raised element.

Here's a rendering of what the Niagara Falls scene will look like. The heavy lines are backdrops, and you can see how we are using them to disguise the return track to staging. (Click for larger image)

Alumni member Otto ('99) stands with some of the test-fit pieces a couple of days before their final installation.

The Niagara Falls deck with all of the backdrop hung.

The Niagara Food Terminal scene will be in the foreground, as the mainline ducks behind the backdrop, but then emerges once again to descend the ramp down to Bailly Jct. and the helix to staging. Easy!

This end will be home to some chemical unloading tracks, and was further complicated by the number of angles that had to be cut. The exit for the main line tracks will be cut out with a Dremel since the exact position is not yet known, and we want to make the smallest hole possible.

We also made a jump start on some of the benchwork that will support our Irondequoit Yard scene near the entrance. The black cabinets will be relocated higher to accommodate the trains.

We'll be hosting our first Open House as part of the Imagine RIT Festival on May 4, 2013! We can't guarantee trains will be running into Niagara Falls, but we'll have plenty to show off. Come join us!

The peninsula takes shape April 6

We held another work session on Saturday, April 6, to build out the center peninsula that will hold our Rochester scenes and return the main line back to staging. We also started preliminary work on the framing that will support the curved backdrop in the Niagara Falls scene. Here's a few photos from that day. Make sure to follow us on Facebook for more updates!

The center peninsula takes shape...

Ryan and J.C. install braces on the peninsula.

We tacked up some pieces of masonite temporarily to show how the fascia will flow smoothly around the perimeter of the benchwork.

Phillip and Otto construct framing to support the curved backdrop in Niagara Falls.

The view from the tower shows the peninsula taking shape.

Where we left off at the end of April 6 work session. Additional cross members will be installed that will support the various levels of track and scenery throughout.

March construction progress

It's been a while since we posted any construction progress... We paused to figure out some additional design issues and then it was the end of the quarter, which meant finals. Then it was Spring Break. Upon our return, we had to go out and purchase additional construction materials (up until this point, we had actually recycled a lot of wood from the old layout). Finally, we got back to making sawdust during a work session on March 30.

 

Connor and Matt make some elevation adjustments to the benchwork deck near the entrance to the helix (called "Bailly Junction").

 

David, Connor, and Phil start reconstructing benchwork for the deck that will support our scene representing Albion, New York on the Falls Road Railroad.

 

Connor, David, and Phil take measurements while Ryan and Matt plot devious plans for world domination (or building more benchwork).

 

Matt uses one of our 1:1 scale "check" drawings to being transferring centerlines to the benchwork that will support our Niagara Falls scene.

 

Phil, David, and Connor prepare to mount the Albion benchwork to the wall.

 

Phil, Matt, and Ryan mount the benchwork that will support our scene of the Genesee Brewery as well as the lead to Irondequoit Yard.

Here's a preview of our full track plan... Missing from this drawing are backdrops, buildings, roads, and so on... But this should give you the basic idea of where we are headed. For those of you who remember our old layout, this is certainly a more ambitious plan that uses more of the room and gives us a lot more operating and modeling potential.

Don't forget to check out our RITMRC Facebook page for more photos and updates!

Are you an RIT student? Want to join the club? We meet Tuesdays at 7:00pm in our Room A-420 (basement level of the Student Union). Come on down!