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Hello out there. I'm Barbara Dunham, Clarke's wife, and a working member of the  Dunham Studios team. Generally at Dunham Studios we design and build complex complete layouts museums, corporations or private clients, mostly model railroaders. The evolution of a projectStraightforward Layout plans on computer 2-11-16Straightforward Layout, Roy, Clarke, Fletch straighten ruggingStraightforward Layout frame being set into placeStraightforward layout base pieces in barnStraightforward Layout basic set up, with Ray Wood starts with a meeting between Clarke (design), Fletcher (graphic development) and the client. Usually the client has a dream that he (and sometimes she) can visualize but not follow through with either because of lack of specific skills or time. (We figured that for one person to build the layouts on our iconic Citicorp Station- minus the 30' station building itself- it would take 25 years of working full time 7 days a week. Who has that much time?) The client whose layout I would like to share here wanted a 'naked' layout, a basic layout. He had built a rather large layout himself but it never got finished and never ran properly. He wanted to scenic the layout himself once it is installed but he wanted Clarke to design the layout and track plan, Fletcher to develop it to fit into his Manhattan brownstone and The Studio to build the basic layout, lay the track and do the wiring. (With us a 'basic' layout included a finished T1-11 skirted base with entry doors for under-the-layout storage.) What I would like to share with you, as this layout is presently evolving at the studio, is photos of it as it grows. We'll start with the plans and take you to where we are now which is the base on the studio floor getting ready for the first level of track.

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  • Straightforward Layout plans on computer 2-11-16
  • Straightforward Layout, Roy, Clarke, Fletch straighten rugging
  • Straightforward Layout frame being set into place
  • Straightforward layout base pieces in barn
  • Straightforward Layout basic set up, with Ray Wood
Last edited by Dunham Studios
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I admit (and apologize) that this has been a long time coming, but we've got three complete, all O Gauge, projects from basic (see above) to hugely complex -- and ongoing (see our embedded video post)-- to a fascinating "walk-around" layout built for a father and his seven-year-old son (Currently on our OGR half-page Ad) featuring a layout loop at "seven-year-old height"--about twenty inches above the floor--complete with handheld (LionTech, of course) control.  We're not quite sure whether to do these one at a time or to work them in together, or in three separate OGR Forum posts.  What's your opinion?

Clarke

I'm very interested to see the layouts and the building process and how the professionals go about doing these things. I have admired some of your completed layouts on the TM videos. 

I would prefer separate threads. I think it would make it much easier for the followers to keep them straight and not get mixed up. So many good threads are posted on the OGR forum, the really long ones on just a single subject are sometimes difficult enough to keep up with all by themselves. With a separate thread for each layout it would be much easier for us to follow along and keep the related questions/comments straight. I think it would be highly unlikely, but some members might not want to follow all of the layouts? If so they could follow just the ones they wanted to.

 Hello REDJIMMY55:  "The Barn", was designed by me (and built by our staff)  in the Adirondack Style with slash-wood siding (siding with the rough edge left on) from a now long-gone local sawmill.  The Barn used to have windows on each end but "progress" involving constant shop expansion over the years (from 2500 to 8000 sq. ft.) closed them off.  But we'd be sealed-in without the front windows.  They actually bring the outside in.  The locals still call it "The Cathedral of St. Barbara of the Adirondacks".  St. Barbara likes it too.

Hello CBQER:  That was our first really-huge HO Scale layout, built for Willie Theisen, the Pizza King in 1990.  750 square feet, I think and in a building built just for it.  Willie soon moved from Omaha to California, donated the layout, and we moved it to the Omaha Western Heritage Museum.  We can always do these things because Dunham Studios layouts are always built to move.  That's always a given.  And you know what?  If you know how, it's simply easier, and cheaper, to do it that way.  It resided at the Museum for many years.  I never knew where it went after that until I received an e-mail with photo attachments from someone in your group.  You've done a great restoration job.  Model Railroader Magazine and I traveled back to Omaha in 1991and did an extensive photo shoot for a story that was never published (the then-new MR Editor Andy Sperandio didn't like the way I typed it, if you can believe that).  You really ought to get with MR and get the story of the layout's travels covered.  You've got a great website, too! 

Clarke

 

Last edited by Dunham Studios

I was just looking back over REDJIMMY55 and RATPAK's comments about winning the lottery, and what I noticed was the idea that we're very expensive.  We can be if we're doing a million dollar exhibit, and we have done a couple.  But we also just delivered a 5 x 9 layout for $8500.00 complete with track, scenery and controls.  So, it all depends what expensive is. Or isn't.  See us at York in April for some surprising small and affordable Hi-Rail Displays. 

Clarke

Last edited by Dunham Studios

I just want to add, on the price issue. If you've spent 5 years, eight years, ten years on your layout do you have any idea of what it actually has cost you? (And your free labor doesn't count.) We've done layouts (and not small ones) for clients who've told us that, aside from the fact that we brought their dreams to fruition, we actually did it for less than they spent on the home layout they had built  themselves that our layout was replacing.

Straightforward Layout, Ray cutting holes in platform framing for electrics passageStraightforward Layout, Ray lifting platform off table in carpentry shopStraightforward Layout, Ray & Bob carrying platform to place on layoutStraightforward Layout,Bob & Ray placing platformStraightforward Layout, Bob & Ray checking out framed base level in placeStraightforward layout, Bob & Ray lifting spreader ready to place it.Straightforward layout, Bob & Ray lowering spreader into placeStraightforward layout spreaders-2Straightforward layout, Roy painting baseStraightforward Layout, Ray cutting holes in platform framing for electrics passageStraightforward Layout with first track level on right endI'll keep things separate (and try to keep Clarke doing the same.) Anyhow, on the basic layout above (way above!) we're at the point of fitting the first track level to the base. It won't stay there for long because Roy is about to mix the paint to get a first coat on the T-111 base. After that we'll proceed to install supports and lay on the rug-covered tops so John can start laying track.

We experimented with attaching the rugging (one step above indoor-outdoor carpet but with some texture) to the plywood and then cutting the platform tops to shape with the rug on it. This allows for creating complex shapes without having to redraw the track plan onto the rug, then cut the rug while worrying about having to patch in odd shapes thereby changing the visible rug texture. The experiment was a success. I'll show you as we go along. Meanwhile let me show you where we are as of today 2-29-16.

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  • Straightforward Layout with first track level on right end
  • Straightforward Layout, Ray cutting holes in platform framing for electrics passage
  • Straightforward Layout, Ray lifting platform off table in carpentry shop
  • Straightforward Layout, Ray & Bob carrying platform to place on layout
  • Straightforward Layout,Bob & Ray placing platform
  • Straightforward Layout, Bob & Ray checking out framed base level in place
  • Straightforward layout, Bob & Ray lifting spreader ready to place it.
  • Straightforward layout, Bob & Ray lowering spreader into place
  • Straightforward layout spreaders-2
  • Straightforward layout, Roy painting base
Last edited by Dunham Studios

Hello out there. I can't make heads or tails of how to post so what has happened is that I've just added photos (I seem to be able to do that!) without explanations. Bear with me as I try to play catch-up. Clarke, in conference with the client, designed this Basic Layout: frame faced with painted T-111/rug covered track platforms/track (as per clients needs)/wiring/controls. We went from the design phase to Fletcher Conlon (Clarke's assistant) working out the details on the computer and printing out the plans from which Bob & Ray (our carpentry/comedy team) built the base. When the base was assembled (and note the T-111 facing) an inner framework of spreaders was built and inserted to support the trackboards which are framed and made into 'little platforms' which will be bolted onto the base. (There will be several levels of track so you'll see them growing from the base track board platform). Do note in the photo of the track platform there are 'portholes'. These are to run the wiring through. Since Clarke spent some 40 years designing scenery and lighting for shows and operas many of which had to travel, Dunham Studios layouts are built and wired in segments for easy travel and assembly. (And ironically disassembly as a number of our clients have moved at least once and we've had to disassemble their layouts and reassemble them at their new location. But that's another story.)Anyhow, the photos you see (somewhere) above illustrate the thread we're following on the Straightforward Basic Layout. Do bear with me. A computer whiz, I'm not. Computer semi-literate is closer to it.

Barb

Barb,

We can bear with you learning how to use the forum.  We just had to learn a new way to add photos when the forum was given a new look by Hoopla the software company OGR contracts to host the forum.  We are just appreciative of you taking the time to post.  As one who has moved several times, I can appreciate building a layout in modules that can be moved, and I have already picked up new ideas of how to do it.  Thank you!

Fascinating. I've often wondered if there were people out there wealthy enough (and/or time-constrained enough) to hire out for the building of a layout.  I enjoy the building part of the hobby because, frankly, I don't "work with my hands" for a living and I love the diversion of doing carpentry and electrical work.  My workmanship still sucks, but it sucks less today than it did on my first layout.  If I ever hit the lottery, I'm converting to scale, moving to a place with a bigger basement, and hiring someone like this. 

Our "Basic" Layout is progressing. Yesterday the guys got the first level of track platform established in its proper place. You can see Fletcher (our Graphics guru and plan creator) and Bob, half of our Bob & Ray carpentry team, nudging the platforms millimeter by millimeter into place towards Roy(mold-maker/sculptor/painter), Ray (carpenter), John (track/electronics/controls) & Clarke. After which, Fletcher shows John the track plan. More will follow.Fletcher & John go over Basic Layout track plancrew inching left end 1st level platform into placeFletch & Bob inch right end 1st level into place.

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  • crew inching left end 1st level platform into place
  • Fletch & Bob inch right end 1st level into place
  • Fletcher & John go over Basic Layout track plan
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It's time to begin adding the second track level. Roy starts to space out the risers to roughly set the % of rise. (John is working in background on wiring for another layout which I'll try to document in another thread.) 2nd level platforms waiting to be installedAs you can see from the track plan lying on the platform, the track goes beyond the Basic Layout itself. We're already building a set of platforms (below) for the addition which will hold the switching yard and turntable ( attached by a trackboard umbilical cord).Basic Layout, 2nd level going upBasic Layout, 2nd level right side

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  • Basic Layout, 2nd level going up
  • Basic Layout, 2nd level right side
  • 2nd level platforms waiting to be installed: Wrong title. These platforms are for the turntable & switching yard which are attached by trackboards to the Basic Layout.

SELECTION-OF-DS-STOCK-GRADE-&-PLATFORM-SUPPORTS

Hi Guys,

This post is especially for John DeAlto, but also especially about how we do things here.  When you build as many layouts, and in all styles, I tend to carry around in my mind a series of "qualifications" such as "Hi-Rail", "Scale", "Traditional" and "Fantasy".  I could use these uprights (which came right out of our parts box), in the Hi-Rail, Traditional and Fantasy groups, but not in the others.  There are other, more realistic, solutions that can serve exactly the same purpose, as on our NYC/Long Island layout (see our separate OGR Forum thread for that). That's just my thinking.  As you can see there are several different approaches here, including the "little guy" who functions as the edge detail on a platform face to complete the sense all the risers on the layout have set.  You'll see this happen on this project, later on when we get to the upper center level.   Note that the Grade Angle has been cut into the top member of all the supports.

Clarke

clarke@dunhamstudios.com

PLATFORM-UPRIGHT-DETAIL-WITH-TAPECLOSEUP-OF-'STACKED'-SUPPORT-MEMBERSPLATFORM-UPRIGHTS-ON-GRADE----GRADE ANGLE-CUT-ONTO-TOP-MEMBER

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  • CLOSEUP-OF-'STACKED'-SUPPORT-MEMBERS
  • PLATFORM-UPRIGHT-DETAIL-WITH-TAPE
  • PLATFORM-UPRIGHTS-ON-GRADE----GRADE ANGLE-CUT-ONTO-TOP-MEMBER
  • SELECTION-OF-DS-STOCK-GRADE-&-PLATFORM-SUPPORTS
Last edited by Dunham Studios
Seacoast posted:

What are the dimensions of this layout and what size curves are you using?

Hi George,

The main layout is just less than 18 x 18 feet and the Turntable/Yard area is approximately 4 x 18 feet with a slight bump out on the yard's return loop.  The ruling radii are O72 & O-63 to the Upper O-54 level.  All levels are interconnected so that you can run to any loop/level from the Yard/Turntable area and return.

Clarke

JPC, as the title of the thread states this is a "basic" layout. Good custom builders work to a number of price points. This layout appears to me to not using 3D CAD or CNC machining from a 3D CAD file. The carpentry work here is well done and appears to be a good and cost effective approach for this layout.

I am having a layout built that would be considered "way beyond basic." It is completely modeled in 3D CAD and all the structure was CNC cut. The appearance and assembly is completely different from what is pictured here.

Quite untrue, Tom.  There is no "better price point" than computer aided design and CNC routing.  If you had followed this thread from the start, you would have seen that this is all 3D designed and all CNC cut.  In fact, because of the CNC side of it all, we've been able to adhere the rugging to the plywood before cutting on the CNC router.  Further, we were able to precisely draw the track and turnout locations on the rugging after mounting it on the plywood using the CNC to draw the lines with a Magic Marker directly on the rug.  "Basic" or no basic, you can't make money by cutting out the technical side of it. 

All, of us in the business have different professional backgrounds and different technical approaches.  Mine comes from fifty years in Stage Design.  As  result, I would rather die than have an Architectural CAD approach to my designs or construction.  It is limiting and un-artistic, and I regret the direction it has taken American Architecture.  As this is architecture "writ small", the same applies here.  Check Page One of this Thread.  That's where all the 3D and CNC stuff is.

The difference in construction appearance you've noticed is that we use construction techniques from the Broadway Theater.  Everything in a Broadway Set has to break down into "truckable" sections.  This is a lesson well learned, but not applied by all in the hobby.  As a result, we've been able to install large and complex historically accurate layouts through tiny third story windows in 17th Century Farmhouses and Historically Certified California homes as well as the huge 32-train multi-gauge Station At Citicorp Center layout, which had to pack, section by section & piece by piece, into two 53 foot tractor-trailers and then assemble over a weekend into a thirty-foot-high Victorian Station Building with all those trains and all those layout sections inside.  Year-after-year for more than twenty years.

Last edited by Dunham Studios

Clarke, I have followed the thread from the start. I am really pleased you are taking the time to post these pictures to encourage others to contact you about a layout. There are many who would like to have a layout that either do not have the time or skills to make what they want. I think you offer a viable solution for many of them. Our hobby will benefit.

Regarding the CAD, I saw the screen shots and the plotter, I guess I did not recognize the program. I thought it was 2D with 3D rendering capability. I still do not see the CNC equipment. Apparently you are saying the plywood layers and other shapes were CNC cut. Keep the posts coming.

For Tom's question raised about the CNC Router, it's my fault. I didn't think the picture I had was 'sexy' enough, but take a look. Here's Fletcher, our computer guru at the router on this project. I may be able to scrounge a couple more photos as I go into other projects. At the moment we're working on 4 projects at once so I occasionally miss a day of photo ops and let things slip by. Sorry. (I do promise to start at least 1 more thread on a more complex layout...or 2.

BarbStraightforward Layout Fletcher with platform topsSubway layout, Fletch & Kim watch platform tops being cut

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  • Straightforward Layout Fletcher with platform tops
  • Subway layout, Fletch & Kim watch platform tops being cut

We haven't exactly been hiding the CNC Router, but Barb didn't consider it to be "worthy" of a featured photo.  We'll take care of that ASAP.  It shows up a lot on our Website (www.dunhamstudios.com) on a lot of our HO Scale Layouts.  In terms of the design programs, there are several that, working together, provide a much more integrated and powerful design solution than an ordinary CAD program.  Notice that the track location has been routed into the platform tops in this particular layout.  We feel that it gives a more "Scale Appearance" that way.  Also, we will often lay indoor-outdoor carpet between the track and the plywood as a sound-deadening factor.

But now that you mention it, you should know that it joins a Computer-Driven team of The CNC Router, plus the large Laser-Cutter and three generations of 3D Printers.

Fletcher lifting off cut-away portion.Fletcher explaining a cut in the platformThe brains giving directions to the routerClose up of router working.Router at work cutting track depression.IMG_0163

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  • Fletcher lifting off cut-away portion.
  • Fletcher explaining a cut in the platform
  • The brains giving directions to the router
  • Close up of router working.
  • Router at work cutting track depression.IMG_0163

John Doty is laying track on the auxiliary section of the Basic Layout. This section houses the Engine Storage. and is attached to the Basic Layout by a track bridge. Notice that the indicator lines are marked for placement of the center rail.Although this part of the layout has its rugging and T-111 base, it still has to be painted.John does trackwork on engine storage areaEngine storage area of Basic Layout.

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  • John does trackwork on engine storage area
  • Engine storage area of Basic Layout.

Tilting the platform on edge makes it easier to work on. John is marking the underneath where he'll drill to insert the wires to the track. On Friday, John installed the 30" turntable into the next auxiliary section of the Basic Layout. Meanwhile, Delia's assembling the second level for the Basic Layout itself while Roy is finishing touching up the painted edges of the trackboards.

Barbturntable installed in auxillary Basic Layout platformDelia setting up platform for 2nd level on Basic LayoutRoy painting platform edgesplatform top with track in placeJohn marking wiring points on back of platform

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  • platform top with track in place
  • John marking wiring points on back of platform
  • turntable installed in auxillary Basic Layout platform
  • Delia setting up platform for 2nd level on Basic Layout
  • Roy painting platform edges

Please excuse the lapse. My camera wasn't working correctly. Here's Mike Burke working on track in center section of Basic Layout. The left side "teardrop" (the second level) has not been installed in the photo below. On the right side in the photo with John Doty you can see both levels.Now it's pretty much a question of finishing the track laying, wiring 'er up and watching 'em go! (It should be that simple!) Oh yes and getting the fascia on and painted.

BarbMike laying track on center of Basic Layoutleft loop lower level with track laid.tracks under tracks on Basic Layouttracks under tracks on Basic Layouttracks under and overright loop basic layout with tracks laid

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  • Mike laying track on center of Basic Layout
  • left loop lower level with track laid.
  • tracks under tracks on Basic Layout
  • tracks under and over
  • right loop basic layout with tracks laid

Sorry for the delay. Clarke  has been working at his 'other life' as a Broadway/Opera Designer readying his set model for a meeting on "Candide" (which Hal Prince is directing at the Rose theater in New York in January before it heads for Paris and other cities worldwide that are celebrating Leonard Bernstein's 100th birthday). The electrical/electronic part of the staff  has been working on the complex track wiring of the Basic Layout but I've neglected to follow along with pix missing shots of the layout upended vertically with the guys wiring it. Now back in its horizontal mode here's where we are.

BarbJohn Doty programming train for Basic LayoutJohn Doty testing train on Basic Layouttrain with cleaning car on 2nd level track of Basic LayoutLayout controls for Basic Layout

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  • John Doty programming train for Basic Layout
  • John Doty testing train on Basic Layout
  • train with cleaning car on 2nd level track of Basic Layout
  • Layout controls for Basic Layout

The turntable for the Basic Layout's auxiliary section finally arrived (after a wait of several months) and John got right to setting it up. (Note how he worked with the section in vertical mode so as not to have to keep crawling around underneath.) The turntable has been bolted in place and is ready for Roy to 'rug'  its platform after which John will give it a whirl (so to speak).

BarbJohn working on installing turntable on Basic Layout auxiliary platformturntable in verticle modeBasic Layout auxiliary section turntable in place

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  • John working on installing turntable on Basic Layout auxiliary platform
  • turntable in verticle mode
  • Basic Layout auxiliary section turntable in place
Dunham Studios posted:

The turntable for the Basic Layout's auxiliary section finally arrived (after a wait of several months) and John got right to setting it up. (Note how he worked with the section in vertical mode so as not to have to keep crawling around underneath.) The turntable has been bolted in place and is ready for Roy to 'rug'  its platform after which John will give it a whirl (so to speak).

BarbJohn working on installing turntable on Basic Layout auxiliary platform

Nice work. We have a Ross turntable and it works great. I wanted to pass on a suggestion, though, that you install a "slip ring" underneath it for the wires. It allows electricity to pass to the track (and bridge if you want) on top, but prevents the wires from eventually twisting over time. We put one under ours years ago and it still works great. You only need a small piece of wood across the bottom beams to mount it in. I'll post a photo when I go to the club this weekend.

Last edited by AGHRMatt

Hi George,  In this case, there is no scenery at all. So, partly for the look and much for the sound-deadening qualities we use carpet, this time a high quality, low pile indoor-outdoor type.  If there were to be scenery we might well use an even flatter/no pile industrial type carpet that quiets everything and also takes scenery well.  Whatever combination works for the job-at-hand, but with Hi-Rail and Conventional O Gauge Trains, layout "quietness" is a major consideration for us.

 

The Auxiliary Unit attaches to the Basic Layout by way of a one-track umbilical. The reason for the seemingly strange way this layout goes together is that aside from his "train room" the client has trains running through other living spaces, past windows and over furniture. It will be interesting to see in place. But wait! We're not there yet. The Basic Layout has been painted:its fascia has had one coat and the Auxiliary Unit has its base coat on the T-111 but doesn't yet have its fascia attached. We still have to run trains on the Auxiliary Unit turntable and deal with glitches as they show up. You train folks know that there's nary a layout created that's 100% glitch-free from the git-go.

Barbumbilical to Basic Layoutcontinuation of umbilical connectionfirst coat of paint on Basic Layout fasciaThe base of the auxiliary unit painted

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  • umbilical to Basic Layout
  • continuation of umbilical connection
  • first coat of paint on Basic Layout fascia
  • The base of the auxiliary unit painted

We had requests to see trains running on the Basic Layout. They CAN run. They DO run. And they ARE running. Not just an engine or two, but good long TRAINS!

Those white dots on the fascia are spackle over the screw-heads. Roy is sanding them preparatory to a finish coat of paint. The areas without fascia are areas where the fascia needs to be attached on installation.

Barbtrains on Basic Layout-2trains on Basic Layout-1trains on Basic Layout-3

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  • trains on Basic Layout-3
  • trains on Basic Layout-2
  • trains on Basic Layout-1
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The large turntable on the Auxiliary Section of the Basic Layout is ready for action. Here's an engine on the turntable. And here's the same engine exiting the turntable. I actually tried to do a really sexy video of the turntable turning with the engine aboard; but as I've said before, I'm technically challenged. Two stills is what you get. Maybe next time?

Barbengine on the turntableengine exiting turntable

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  • engine on the turntable
  • engine exiting turntable

Please excuse our dropping out. Our internet company Frontier Communications took 8 days(and a lot of useless "tech" support from India) to find that the problem was in their DSL wiring 5 miles from our house. So, a bit of catch-up. Everything is running beautifully. The tracks, the switches, the turntable etc. So a quick look at the Basic Layout, a train on the umbilical that connects them and a reminder of how the Auxiliary unit looked. (I haven't shot it finished yet. Naughty me.)

Barbumbilical to Basic LayoutTurntable on auxiliary section of Basic Layouttrains on Basic Layoutvery large engine on umbilical track from Basic Layout

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  • trains on Basic Layout
  • very large engine on umbilical track from Basic Layout
  • umbilical to Basic Layout
  • Turntable on auxiliary section of Basic Layout

For Clint Martin (Mr Union Pacific) and anyone else looking for under layout cover.  Have you considered Convention Booth Drapery?  It is usually very fire resistant, looks great and allows you to store items easily under your layout.  It can be ordered hemmed in almost any length it almost any color.  It is also not very expensive for the 36" or so panels that layouts require.

Chris Sheldon

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  • IMG_0435

I believe that Clint Martin will discover that he's already on the "right track" with the T-111.  Doesn't gather dust.  Supports everything and gives everything that "extra-finished" look.  And you can really store stuff under  it securely.  Protects electronics too.  Besides, I'm totally biased against any form of fabric.  Makes exactly the wrong quality statement about the work you spent so many hours perfecting.

That's awesome.  I love designing and building layouts.  I really like how you fabricate certain pieces, and the whole process in general.  Great talent.  I have built a few layouts for people and after looking at your website, I was very surprised at your pricing structure.  Very reasonable.  And you say what the costs are straight up.  $8500 for a 5X9 is a bargain for the type of work you do.  I think you need a 55 year old intern to give you a hand.  Say the word and I'm packing my bags.  Keep up the good work!  Bravo!

Last edited by William 1

The client came to see and try out his layout on Saturday, which is something we strongly suggest. In fact we suggest several visits. He was thrilled. Now it's about ready to go to its new home in New York City.  John is testing out extra-long trains on the Auxiliary Section of the Basic Layout before beginning to pack them up.

Barbextra long train on auxiliary section of Basic Layoutextra long train on auxiliary section of Basic Layout-2multiple trains on auxiliary section of Basic Layout

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  • extra long train on auxiliary section of Basic Layout
  • extra long train on auxiliary section of Basic Layout-2
  • multiple trains on auxiliary section of Basic Layout

Well folks, Thursday was the load-out day for the Basic Layout (which was actually finished and waiting for the best time for installation for its owner.)  Since the layout was going into a residential area of Manhattan, a large truck was not legal to use or park. So we used two smaller rental trucks. I have some shots of the load-out. (I had more pix on the Dunham Studios facebook page) As I didn't go on the load-in, I'm waiting for one of the guys to give me what photos the took. The two trucks headed for NYC on Friday morning. By Friday evening the trucks had been unloaded and the layout had been carried to the second floor of the large brownstone. Then half the crew headed back upstate with the trucks. The remaining three set up on Saturday and into Sunday when everything was working. As I'm sure you all know, even with the best of situations, there's always tweaking. By Sunday evening the rest of our gang was ready to come home. They said it went well and looks great in its new home...and, best of all, the client is very happy. We aim to please.

Barbdismantling-1 [2)dismantling-6 [2)dismantling-9dismantling-10Mike wrapping wiresloading truck onetrucks ready to load-2

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  • dismantling-1 (2)
  • dismantling-6 (2)
  • dismantling-9
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  • Mike wrapping wires
  • loading truck one
  • trucks ready to load-2

The three Dreyfus 20th Centuries and two Dreyfus Empire State Expresses used to be the front face signs on the late lamented Railroads On Parade.  We brought them back here and they just fit on that section of Shop wall facing the road.  The Dunham Studios sign completes the image.  Tourists headed up Stone Bridge Road to Natural Stone Bridge and Caves are constantly amazed by what they see along the way.

Clarke

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