Like the best laid plans of mice and men, I had planned on starting this new project over the winter, but I needed a plumber to relocate a couple of pipes on the main stack and, when it's being done by a friend, sometimes your priority dips. The 45 degree angled pipe was too low to allow the new main track line to be placed close to the main stack and still have enough height for a train to pass under. It's done now and the project begins, but it will be slow as spring and summer activities take precedence.
The project is "simply" to eliminate the reversing curve at the far left end of the layout (see plan "A" existing and "B" new). The layout spans the entire length of the basement, so about 42' long and I will be constructing a new main line that basically parallels the existing main line and extends from the roundhouse curve across my workbench; through the closet; and then connects back to the main layout on the other side. Further complicating the build is that there is a door between the closet and the main layout for which I need to construct a lift-out (there is already a lift-out in place for the existing main line).
I got started this past weekend by cutting slots in the closet ends and middle divider using a drill to make starter holes and either a jigsaw or sawzall to cut out the slots, so I can insert a 10' long 1"X 4" oak board for the track to rest on. The slots will be enlarged to accommodate an actual train and the board has to be leveled, but at least we're started !
I'll keep posting as I make progress.
