I have the 1954 300-54 layout that my dad bought after Christmas from the Phelps Dodge Mercantile Store in Morenci Arizona. I was 8 about then. I still have everything but the original tunnel and unfortunately I threw it away years ago. In the Marshall McClintock book, "How to build and operate a model Railroad", he shows the construction of the tunnel and there is a picture of my layout in the photos section. The layout is two 4-1/2 by 5 foot plywood tables on a wood frame and is covered in colored sawdust like he mentions in the book. That was a common size as it fit a table tennis table perfectly. Unfortunately I don't have any space to set it up right now but am trying to clear out a space in the garage for it.
That is so cool! I love that book and to have the actual layout is really awesome. My friend Dale Smith would love to hear about it on his website American Flyer Displays and History if you’d like to share the story. He is adding a section on helpful tips to do restorations on these layouts. 5’x9’ is an awkward size to have set up, but luckily it breaks down into smaller chunks for storing. That would be a great layout to see. I hope you get it up and running soon. Thanks for sharing! -Richard Trotter
@MygrandpasTrain, yes the ModPodge will dry clear as long as it’s not on too thick. It comes in matte and gloss finishes although the matte finish doesn’t dry completely flat. I used it full strength for the asbestos , but it could be thinned with water if someone wanted to try that.
@ronalddevine9587 ModPodge is available in spray form. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen it on the shelf at Walmart and craft stores. It might be worth a try. I went with the thicker bottle kind to encapsulate any dust from the mountain in a thicker layer. Thanks for the heads up on the asbestos safety. I think because it’s such a small amount of the material it’s easy to overlook the hazards. That said it only takes one good inhale to do some lung damage. Gloves and a mask would be a mandatory item I think. Definitely no cutting with tools that make dust. And I’m happy to say that brush has seen the end of asbestos mountain restoration and will be retired properly. Thanks!
Is Mod Podge available in spray form? I hope you wore a mask and gloves, and discarded the brush and remaining Mod Podge, all of which are contaminated. I've had considerable asbestos training in my career. Don't mess with it.
I have the 1954 300-54 layout that my dad bought after Christmas from the Phelps Dodge Mercantile Store in Morenci Arizona. I was 8 about then. I still have everything but the original tunnel and unfortunately I threw it away years ago. In the Marshall McClintock book, "How to build and operate a model Railroad", he shows the construction of the tunnel and there is a picture of my layout in the photos section. The layout is two 4-1/2 by 5 foot plywood tables on a wood frame and is covered in colored sawdust like he mentions in the book. That was a common size as it fit a table tennis table perfectly. Unfortunately I don't have any space to set it up right now but am trying to clear out a space in the garage for it.
That is so cool! I love that book and to have the actual layout is really awesome. My friend Dale Smith would love to hear about it on his website American Flyer Displays and History if you’d like to share the story. He is adding a section on helpful tips to do restorations on these layouts.
5’x9’ is an awkward size to have set up, but luckily it breaks down into smaller chunks for storing. That would be a great layout to see. I hope you get it up and running soon. Thanks for sharing!
-Richard Trotter
@MygrandpasTrain, yes the ModPodge will dry clear as long as it’s not on too thick. It comes in matte and gloss finishes although the matte finish doesn’t dry completely flat. I used it full strength for the asbestos , but it could be thinned with water if someone wanted to try that.
@ronalddevine9587 ModPodge is available in spray form. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen it on the shelf at Walmart and craft stores. It might be worth a try. I went with the thicker bottle kind to encapsulate any dust from the mountain in a thicker layer. Thanks for the heads up on the asbestos safety. I think because it’s such a small amount of the material it’s easy to overlook the hazards. That said it only takes one good inhale to do some lung damage. Gloves and a mask would be a mandatory item I think. Definitely no cutting with tools that make dust. And I’m happy to say that brush has seen the end of asbestos mountain restoration and will be retired properly. Thanks!
Is Mod Podge available in spray form? I hope you wore a mask and gloves, and discarded the brush and remaining Mod Podge, all of which are contaminated. I've had considerable asbestos training in my career. Don't mess with it.
So the ModPodge dries clear?