All Done!

... painting track that is.  I finished up with the Mendota yard (staging) this afternoon and happily put the black paint on the workbench shelf.  I went back later in the day and used a Bright Boy track cleaner to return the shine to the top of the rails.  I also started running trains again and found that some of the switch points will need some detailed cleaning.  The paint has insulated the points as they come in contact with the outside rails.  However, that is a minor issue and I am very happy  to report that the painting is behind me.  I am now able to move on to base scenery and start covering up the foam board blue! 
All for now.
Happy Railroading!
Scott

Quick Update

I am still painting track.  The last week or so has been occupied by other priorities, so work on the railroad has been minimal.  I hope to continue and complete the track painting this week/weekend. 

Coming Attractions:  Start on base scenery work in and around Walnut, Illinois.

Thanks for checking in!  Stop back to see updates.

Happy Railroading!
Scott

Intermediate Photos...

I took several photos of the track painting progress, mainly because I was in the train room with the camera taking pictures of another project for a future post.  The photos are not too exciting other than to document some progress!  

The basic equipment I am using: a variety of brushes of varying sizes, flat black paint, and a working surface to keep things in order and to protect the layout.

After painting and a day of drying time, I go back over the painted track with a Bright Boy to clean the top of the rails being careful not to clean the guide rails in the turnouts.

This photos shows the mainline and passing siding at Walnut, Illinois.  In the foreground is the spur to Standard Oil and L.D. Spaulding Grain.

Check back for future updates and more pictures!

Happy Railroading,

Scott

Work Continues

I continue to work on painting the track.  My time in the train room has been more of an every other day routine rather than everyday, but I am making forward progress.  I am also happy to report that the painted track looks good.  The ties are now a dull flat black color- not the glossy plastic look of the new flex track out of the box.  So in that regard, I am very happy with my progress.  I would estimate my progress at 60% complete.  Pictures once I am 100% complete!

Happy Railroading!
Scott

Current Project

Recently, I have been working on painting the track.  I decided that this would be a great project that I can do as time allows.  I also decided not to airbrush the track, which was my original plan.  Instead, I am using flat black paint I had on hand and I am brushing it on.  My idea was to eliminate the glossy plastic look of the Atlas flextrack.  While it is true that most railroad tracks are a brown/gray color, I reason (and since it is my RR I can) that since only one train a day (maybe two) run the line, that these tracks are less than well maintained and therefore are black.  Engines leak oil/fuel on ties that have not been replaced in years!  Besides, once the ballast is down, the remaining scenery is in place, and the trains are rolling along, who looks at the track?  My ultimate goal for this railroad is to build a model that will help me simulate rail operations.  I am not interested in building a model where I can count the number of rivets on a boxcar.

I have the town of Walnut, Illinois done and I am working east.  I will post some pictures soon!
Happy Railroading,
Scott