Terry, I use Dick Blick brand, but they are all basically the same. It is a acrylic material that cleans up with water, but once it sets, it is impervious to liquid, yet remains somewhat flexible.

Artists use it to add body to paint, so that they can build up areas off the artboard. It comes in gloss, matte and semi-gloss. I just by gloss as I can use it for water, but if it is diluted for gluing ballast, the water kills the shine. The EZ track was bonded at full strength.

Chris Lane

I noted that the E-Z Model Railroads book is still cataloged in the new version and that pleases me to no end. I am happy that the book has enjoyed the shelf life it has and new modelers are still finding it helpful.

With that, I need to give an update on the fate of the layouts featured in that book, as the last of the scenicked ones that I had, the Iowa Central is no more. It was pulled from my garage to check for a potential plumbing issue (luckily none was found), but once out the decision was made to dismantle it. I had used it off and on as a test track, but hadn't for several years and I needed the space. This layout was displayed at several of the early World's Greatest Hobby shows, and its simple framing and foam construction proved to be light yet rigid. But it was no match for the sledgehammer and Sawzall. I had keep this one, as even though it was simple, it provided good operational possibilities and was easily expandable. It was one of the better designs in the book.

My favorite was not a layout at all, but the diorama used for the cover photo. I love that one because it showed how you could take simple foam and stock E-Z Track and end up with a completely realistic layout. The rocks are carved foam, the stream was Woodland Scenics water products, (since improved!) and a mix of commercial trees. Obviously, the sky was Photoshopped in, but the rest is exactly as it was modeled. I keep this for a bit because I was really happy with the concept and scenery execution, but it was good only for that photo and I disposed of it years ago.

The opposite was the Pelican Cove Railway. This layout was really neat in person, but it didn't photograph well for the book. If I remember correctly, it was a combination of scenery coloring with a camera I later found had the white balance mis-calibrated. The result was a much darker appearing than it actually was layout. This layout was given to my neighbor, as I needed space for other layouts in the book. He enjoyed it for a time and passed it on to a handicapped gentlemen, who to the best of my knowledge, still has it.

The Midwest Quarry layout resided with my friend George, the king of the mini-layouts for a number of years, and we'd run it whenever I was over at his place. Eventually he ran out of space, and with a desire to build more new mini-layouts, the Midwest was recycled.

Chris Lane

When I did the EZ Track book, I used thin soft foam under the roadbed of the track. Quick, cheap and effective. Likely not as effective as the full underlayment above, but good for most applications.

In my experience, the method used to fasten the track to the board makes a huge difference. On some of the layouts, I used full strength artist medium to attach the track, and all things being equal, those were noticeably quieter.

Chris Lane

Hey Jerry,

No offense taken. Just wanted you to know "I feel your pain" regarding shipping times. They simply make no sense.

I can assure you my good man, that our shipping guys are positively anal about getting them out in the order received.

However, the USPS thwarts our efforts at every turn. The shipping times make no sense whatsoever. People on the east coast received magazines days ahead of people that live mere miles from our warehouse. I still haven't gotten my copies yet here in Colorado, and I'm the friggin' Editor! Sigh....


Chris

Quote from: jkemp on April 20, 2018, 01:22:02 AM
Just received mine today.   Another great On30 annual.

I'm not upset or anything, please don't read between the lines here, but fulfillment obviously wasn't a first come, first serve.  I had placed my order, literally, just a few hours after announcement of pre-order.

Really, just a little jealous as reports, both here and on several email list, so many others reported receiving their copy over the week.

To everyone here who contributed/sold an article that is in this years annual, thank you.  So many great articles and projects.