ATSF Redlands Loop (c. 1956)

[Fireexplorer249]

Progress may be slowing a tad this week as I have reached the point where I have to kitbash a Redlands station together, because unfortunately, Redlands Depot doesn't exist within TS. Here is what I have so far. Any pointers and suggestions will be a big help. And for reference, the first photo is what the real thing looks like.

Note: It is not my photo.

[Fireexplorer249]

Update Time!
At long last, after weeks of work, a lot of progress is being made. I have been messing with how I do my grass and I have finally found a method that looks very nice. So what has been done in this long span? I have refreshed much of the older 2D orange groves with 3D trees and have greatly expanded around the tracks, filling in the empty voids. Along with this work, I have filled in many of the gaps near the tracks and have finished many of the blocks surrounding the track. The route is coming along nicely and I plan to continue the push eastward toward Highland before returning to Downtown Redlands to finish up there and push west toward San Bernardino. Here are some shots of the recent progress. Enjoy!

[Fireexplorer249]

And here are a few more for y'all.

[cnwfan]

Wow... nicely done! The route is really coming along. Personally, the kitbashed Redlands station that you have is close enough. And I love the orange groves.

[AmericanSteam]

I was born in Redlands in 1948. My parents and I lived in a converted chicken house for 3 years before we moved to Mentone. If you have any orange groves you will need a few grove heaters aka smudge pots. I remember my mother telling me that if she had left clothes out when these were running everything would be covered with soot.

[ozinoz]

Spectacular

[cnwfan]

If you have any orange groves you will need a few grove heaters aka smudge pots.

Now that brings back memories. Don't forget the citrus crates with all the different label art. Just do a Google image search for riverside citrus crate label. The labels were truly works of art. You can get reproductions on Amazon. Here's a link to a store that specializes in citrus labels.

https://www.citrusroots.com/citrus-label-store/

[Fireexplorer249]

Thanks everyone!

@cnwfan I think I'm going to still mess with the station. It is a pain to find parts that would look halfway decent, but that is for another time to figure out.

I was born in Redlands in 1948. My parents and I lived in a converted chicken house for 3 years before we moved to Mentone. If you have any orange groves you will need a few grove heaters aka smudge pots. I remember my mother telling me that if she had left clothes out when these were running everything would be covered with soot.

That is awesome. This area is just a short drive down the road from me, hence why I'm building this route. Ah the smudge pots. Those things are in about every antique shop in the area. Those would be a nice asset to have in game.

[Fireexplorer249]

Update Time:
The past week, I have focused on expanding eastward from Redlands toward Mentone. I have been able to get as far as the Colton Ave. / Wabash Ave. crossings. Below are shots of the progress at the interesting Lincoln St. / Sylvan Blvd. crossings and the Dearborn St. crossing. As far as a timeline for completion, I have no idea when this will be done, but I am focusing on a stage system and I will outline it below for y'all.

Stage 1: San Bernardino - Mentone ( Initial Release )
Stage 2: Mentone - Highland Junction / San Bernardino
Stage 3: Highland Junction - University St. ( ATSF First District )
Stage 4: Pacific Electric Arrowhead Line

After the initial release, each stage will be a subsequent update. Hope y'all enjoy the progress and now have a visual of how the project will take shape over the next few months.

[buzz456]

[ET44C4]

Great work! Loving all the detail.

[krellnut]

Awesome! Love those rocks in between the tracks.

[Fireexplorer249]

Thanks everyone! Here is a little preview of the work taking place at the N. Dearborn St. crossing. I'm making good progress toward Mentone.

[Fireexplorer249]

Update Time:
I've been focusing efforts on getting the area between N. Dearborn St. and Wabash Ave. done. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to move closer to Mentone, because my maps overlay isn't working right and placing orange trees is a long and tedious process... But none-the-less, there has been progress. Hope y'all enjoy! This is becoming one of my favorite scenes...

[DanSSG]

This looks awesome