Campground (2017)
Basic Information
Name: Campground
Built by: George Barrier in October 2017
Size: 3ft outside corner
Introduction
“Campground” is the second NTrak module George built after joining the NTrak Express club. The setting of this module is the North Carolina mountains in early fall. The trees are starting to change colors and shed their leaves. A wooden trestle bridge spans the river valley. Some campers are enjoying the great outdoors. A small cabin offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city life.
Construction
The Table
This 3ft corner module was built to the exact shape of a 3ft corner as described by the NTrak manual. A small portion of the table surface is cut away to allow a river to flow under the main lines. The main lines themselves are still attached to the table surface. Two holes are cut on either side of the main lines to give the illusion that a bridge is needed. Reinforcing beams are added under the banks of the river so that the main lines will not sag. The four legs are designed to fold in half and tuck away under the module for easy storage.
The Ground Shape
Rigid sheets of styrene foam are cut, glued together, and sanded to the shape needed for the mountainous terrain. There is a (green) mountain division in the back with an 11in radius curve atop what will be a wooden trestle bridge.
The Green Grass Grows All Around
The river flows down the center of the module between the two hills. Grey rocks of various sizes line the banks of the river. The water is painted blue and white with a gloss coat on top to make it shiny. A small campground begins to take shape to the right of the river. Happy campers arrive to enjoy the great outdoors.
The Trestle
With the main tracks operational, work begins on the wooden trestle. Vertical supports are held in place by diagonal braces. Each support structure is trimmed to fit the uneven ground below the track.
The Trestle Part Deux
All of the vertical supports are trimmed and then glued to the bottom of the top deck. Strips of wood are cut and glued to the top deck to support the track. There are so many strips of wood!
The Trestle Part Trois
With the main tracks operational, work begins on the wooden trestle. Vertical supports are held in place by diagonal braces. Each support structure is trimmed to fit the uneven ground below the track. A few train vehicles are staged on the scene to generate a little drama on the module.
The Trestle Completed
The wood is painted a dark brown and then sealed with Dullcote. The ground under the bridge is given a more complex combination of Woodland Scenic products.
More Trees
The rest of the module is populated with fall-colored trees. A small mountain cabin is added on the left side of the river. Some canoers are making their way down the river, frightening some deer grazing on the bank of the river.
Campfires Burning
A couple of DCC decoders are added to bring the module to life. The campfires flicker with red light. The cabin glows with warm white. The forest is not a lonely place on this layout!
Skirt
A visit to a local fabric store revealed an opportunity to add another element of flair to this module. A fabric was found to have printed on it many of the camping elements from this module. There are trees, tents, and deer. Thanks to Holly Barrier for sewing this together. Perfect!
