Thanks, Mark.
I completed Phase 3 of the project this past weekend by connecting the new main track line where it exits the right-hand closet and has to cross a doorway to hook-up to the main layout. I needed to construct a lift-out across the door.
I started by using a doubled-up 2 X 4 (drywall screws keep them together) at the end of where the track comes out of the closet. It's overkill, but one board basically supports the track overhang and the other provides a wide mounting spot for the locating pins for the lift-out. The 2X4's were paintyed white to match all my other vertical supports.
In order to keep it plumb, I screwed a left-over 1X4 oak board between the 2X4's and the wall near the bottom with L-brackets - it will also make a nice shelf to put something on.
The lift-out plate is 1 X 4 oak. I ran a new power line from underneath the main layout over to the new lift-out area. Power wires to connect to the new line were already sticking out from the main board in the closet and I ran them through the double 2X4's. I next ran a twisted 14 ga. wire pair underneath the lift-out and connected it at each end to the power wires with Anderson Power Poles. They are a pita to assemble, but they are bullet-proof and excellent connectors. I drilled a hole in the board up through to the Fastrack and soldered wires to the underside and then down through the board and connected them to the main wire with T-Taps.
The connecting track from the lift-out to the main layout came together nicely with an O-36 curves and an O-36 switch. I cut one of the curves in two, so one half lifts up and away from the layout with the lift out. I had to cut some small block pieces to glue and screw to the main layout edge to make a landing area for that side/edge of the lift-out. I used brass pins and dowels with locating pins to set the lift-out in place.
Came out well and the entire new line is operational and provides plenty of running room for multiple train operation. With 5 boxcars and a caboose hooked up to it my Legacy Rio Grande GP9 took 2:45 at 70 scale mph to get around the outer loop. Only thing left is some cosmetic touch-ups and edging.
I'll post one final time when that is done and insert a video.
