Treasure Ridge Build Diary

The Original Mountain (v1)

Week 1-2

With the help of Bruce, I have installed the footpath, the basic track support, and some of the scenary elements at the base of the mountain.
This is close-up of the left-side mountain profile.
Here is a close-up of the new lake. In the near future, I will add a river feeding into this lake and out of it as well as a mine sluice.
And here is the close-up of the right-side. In this picture, you can see the mining tipple, the cut-out for the generator shack, and the prospectors camp.

Week 3

Here is the result of the third day. A number of 3D printed objects (lower tunnel entrance, camp fires, tents, foot bridge, etc) have been placed on the module.
In this picture, I have installed the lake with Bruce's help. In addition, the mining sluice has been positioned on the module.
In this picture, you can see the support electronics for the generator shack and dump truck. In the original design, the electronics were difficult to access since they were located under the module.

Week 4

Here is the progress for the forth day. In this picture, you can see me carving one of the waterfall ponds with a butane torch.
In the middle of this picture, Bruce Jahn has created a tunnel interior for the mining train. In the lower left, there is the lower mine entrance.
In the center of this picture, I have installed a modified power strip with a removable power cord. The removable cord will help simplify transport and allow us to store it in a tub with other support materials (ie: mine train, touch up paint, glue, etc).
In the folowing pictures, Bruce and I added spray foam to the pond and part of the surrounding scenery. Once it dries, a hot cutting blade will be used to trim the excess and help shape the foam.

Week 5

And here is the result of week 5. I have performed the first wave of shaping the lake/pond. Bruce and I have begun the second pass of adding the mountain side with spray foam. Also, the second camp site has been added and a feed-wire will allow us to install the power for the flickering campfire.
Here is sky view of the bridge and the mountain side foam.
In this picture, Bruce has added the spray foam to lock in the second camp site and work has begun on the second tunnel entrance.
Here is a closeup of the second tunnel entrance (a resized 3D print from the Thingiverse website). In the future, there will be bracing and lighting installed which will flicker with the generator noise.

Here is the bracing cut for the second tunnel. We will install it after the tunnel has been painted/decorated.
In this picture, I have installed a 3A motor controller to replace the large Bachmann transformer (seen in previous pictures). The new controller is a fraction of the size and weight of the transformer and should help with transportation of the module.

Week 6

For week 6, Bruce and I have begun skinning the mountain and adding foam board to fill some of the gaps.

Here is the back side of the mountain.
In the next few pictures, we have begun adding more of the spray foam to the gaps.


In this picture, you can see part of the mountain side near the tipple. We are planning to add a tunnel portal for the dump truck.

Week 7

Here are the pictures for Week 7. Bruce and I have begun framing the mountain on the right side of the module.


In this picture, I have moved part of the point-to-point intelligence onto the hollow-core door. In the future, I will add a number of relays to control the train and other special effects.

For this picture and the next one, Bruce and I are test fitting the lower tunnel.
As you can see, the hanging lights appear to be working and flickering in time with the generator noise.
Here is a close-up of one of the waterfalls. Basically, it is a sheet of plastic that I have etched with a soldering iron. Once I am happy with the appearance, I will begin dry-brushing varying shades of white on the sheet.

Week 8

For week 8, I have begun moving the point-to-point system inside the mountain. After some reprogramming, this system will control the following: Train On/Off, Train Direction, and Track Feed (Mainline or Siding)
In this picture and the next, we have added the large mountain waterfall section. To create a 3D water effect on the waterfall, I slowly pulled the edge of a hot soldering iron across a sheet of clear polyester plastic sheet.

To reduce the visibility of the speaker, we have added another "closed" tunnel portal.

In this picture, Bruce has added a tunnel portal for the dump truck.
To finish up this week's progress, here is a closeup of the larger "gems". These "gems" are broken up pieces of sea glass which were cleaned using a tumbler.

Week 9

And here is the beginning of the pictures from week 9. In this picture, we have framed the lower tunnel entrance and temporarily connected the lighting.
In the next few pictures, we have started adding more of the resin surface to the mountain. I have also added part of the track so we can test the train's clearance.


In this picture and the next, we have installed the main line and siding inside the mountain.

Week 10

Here is the first picture of week 10. In this picture, we are checking the Arduino-generated gem deposit LED lighting pattern.
After some minor adjustments, Bruce installed the gem deposit wiring harness on top of the lower tunnel. Next to the tunnel, I mounted the Arduino board and ran a +12V power cable.
Here is a picture with the lanterns flickering and the gem deposits illuminated.

In this picture, I have installed the reed switches and connected them to the point-to-point logic for the mine train.
In the final picture, we have modified the right (closed) lower tunnel and installed it.

Week 11

For week 11, I started with running the track feeds for the point-to-point mine train. This picture shows a close-up of the corresponding terminal strip and the wiring.
In this picture, you can see an overhead view of the wiring in the east side of the mountain.
And here is a close-up of the 'Smokey Joe(s)' after a quick track feed test. Both engines appear to be working perfectly and the attached magnets are triggering the reed switches as expected.
In this picture, we have begun adding the rock castings to the area behind the trestle (coming soon).

Finally, I have added some foam around the 'closed' tunnel portal to prepare it for scenery later.

Week 12

And here are the photos for week 12. In these pictures, you can see the results of several rock castings.




Week 13

For week 13, we continued adding more rock castings to the left side of the module. Hopefully, we can finish next week and begin painting the mountain.

In this picture and the next two, I have begun adding castings to the area between the mountain paths and the trestle.


In this picture and the next two, Bruce and I have added spray foam to the top of the mountain. This should help adhere the mountain to the rest of the support structure.


Week 14

Here is the progress for week 14. In this picture and the next four; Bruce, Eric, and myself have been adding more rock molds to the mountain.


And here is a close-up of the rock face under the mining train bridge. With some luck, we should be able to complete the rock molds next week and begin applying the gesso.


Week 15

For week 15, we finished up with the rock molds in preparation for the gesso.


In this picture, I performed a test fit of the bridge to make sure it still fit after the installation of the rock molds. Thankfully, it only needed some minor adjustments.



To finish up this week, I started preparing the wood for the 14 trestle bents. With luck, I should be able to build the trestle template and simplify the construction process.

Week 16

For week 16, Terry has applied the gesso to the mountain. In this picture and the next two, you can see the results of his work.


Here is a close-up of the trestle template. With some luck, it should help simplify the construction of the trestle bents.

In this picture and the next two, you can see the first nine trestle bents. Once I have completed the ~14 trestle bents, I will begin weathering the bents.


Week 17

As part of week 17, I finished up work on the trestle template and completed the 5 trestle bents. Since repairs will likely be necessary, I have also prepared enough parts for 3-4 more trestle bents.
In this picture and the next, you can see the progress that Terry has made on the mountain.

Since the entrance to the lower-left tunnel was a little rough, Bruce and I have added some more foam material.

In this picture and the next one, I have marked the location for each of the 14 trestle bents. Each of these spots is currently marked with a toothpick.

Week 18

For week 18, Terry began adding the first of the paint washes. Over the next few weeks, Terry will continue the process with different color washes.
In this picture and the next two, I have temporarily installed the trestle bents. Unfortunately, some of the bents needed trimming to fit.


Week 19

Here is the progress for week 19. In this picture, we have reworked the left camping area and it should be ready for decorating.

In this picture and the next, you can see the painting of the trestle bents. Once finished, all of the bents should appear identical.

Week 20

For week 20, here are some photos of Terry's progress on the mountain.

In this picture and the next, you can see a nice weathered mine car that Richard has provided. To complete the scene, I am hoping to add some 'ruined' track to the lower right 'closed' mine.

In this photo, you can see the last of the trestle bents drying.

Week 21

In this picture and the next two, you can see Terry's progress on the mountain for week 21.


To help complete the mine car scene, Richard has located a piece of 'abandoned' track. You can see it in this picture and the next.


Week 22

And here is the progress for week 22. As you can see, Terry has done a great job on the mountain.
In this picture and the next, you can see the installation of the trestle bents. Hopefully, I will be able to complete the trestle next week and begin installing the stringers.

Finally, I have glued the small piece of mine track to the "closed" mine. I plan on adding ballast in the near future.

Week 23

Starting week 23, I finished installing the last of the trestle bents. Next week, I will begin touching up the paint on the trestle bents and work on the scenery.


And here is the ballast on the 'ruined' mine track.

In this picture, I have added 'sand' to the lake.
Finally, I have glued the first layer of my ground cover to the first prospector camp. If it still looks good after a week, I will continue adding more.

Week 24

For week 24, I have started adding ground cover to the module. This started with the paths, the ponds, camping areas, and tipple area.


In this picture, I have added a blended mix of dried leaves to the left camping area.


In this picture and the next, I have added the blended mix of leaves to the right camping area.

For the final picture, I have added gravel to the area under the tipple and the tunnel. The leaf mix has been added to the rest of the area.

Week 25

To start week 25, I decided to add scenery to the front of the module and begin working on the trestle.

In this picture, you can see the new stringers on the trestle. Once these are painted to match the trestle bents (vertical part), I will install the track and appropriate wiring.

And here is the right side of the trestle. On the right side, I have temporarily attached the connection track for the tipple.
In this picture, I have installed the prospector's mining sluice.
Finally, I have added the scenery material on the right side of the module. The blue tape should stop any material from entering the foundation area for the generator shack.
And here is an overhead view of the tipple.

Week 26

For week 26, I started with some cleanup work on the camping and lake areas.
And here is a closeup of the lake bottom. In the coming weeks, I am going to add the Woodland Scenic water mixture in multiple layers to help simulate depth.

To prepare for the eventual operation of the mining train, I installed the track on the trestle stringers. Once it is running, I will add cross beams to the trestle.

In this picture, I am testing the clearance of the 'Smokey Joe' mine train.

Finishing up the work, I have installed the generator shack and tested the wiring (light and motor).

Week 27

As part of week 27, I decided to start with the wiring and the mine train electronics. In this picture, I have connected the firepit flicker circuit to the its power supply.
In this picture and the next two, I have added ballast to the mine train track. Next week, I will need to add more glue and some 'gem' deposits around the mine entrance.


The picture above shows the installed firepit for the prospector's camp site. I have also added a tree stump and some greenery.
In this picture, I have added some scenery material to the ground between the paths.
And finally in this picture, I have installed some more greenery and another tree stump.

Week 28

For week 28, I decided to work on the scenery since most of the major elements are done. In this picture, I have added a gem deposit next to the mine train entrance.
And in this picture, I have attached the three waterfalls. The waterfalls have been etched with an old soldering iron and dry brushed with white paint to create the water effect.
In this picture and the next, I have almost finished installing the horizontal supports to the trestle. I should be finished next week.

As part of the scenery update, I have added some leftover dirt to the abandoned mine cart and some greenery to the tree stump.
In this picture, I have added some greenery to the tree stumps near the prospector's camp. In addition, I secured the tent to minimize module setup time.

For the miner's camp, I have glued the dynamite boxes and tents to the ground material.

Finally, I performed the first pour of the Woodland Scenics Realistic Water. Unfortunately, it was still milky at the end of the day so I will need to wait before adding the next layers.