2013 Layout progress review pics and video

Wow. Now we are jealous. Huge layout. If not cabinets, how about stained bead board panels that you can hook under the facia but be able to unhook them for access?

35' X 54' PLUS there is a game room!! Nice. No need to ever go up stairs.

Wow Patrick, nice space and proof that good things come to those who wait. By the way, a little FYI. The honeydo list is never complete.

I had some thoughts of cabinetry under my future layout as well. Below is a pic of tambour. If it was turned vertically you could simply plumb down from the curved fascia on the top to the floor and make a track for this tambour to ride in on selected areas of your layout.



Keep us posted, you must be very excited with such a great space to run trains.

Not sure what beadboard is?
Is it similiar to the sliding door picture of that cabinet?

I ve seen one or two other ones that where completely finished and stained.
I m thinking im am gonna have to build another wall on 16's all the way around the contour of the edge and attatch it up under neath. My big problem is gonna be where the walk way inside radius is only 36".

What bends that tight? Maybe this is where i should put the 12" cabinets. I d have to hold them back a little though.

This is Papa3rails layout, you can see more pics on MTJ. He used bead board

Let me get this right.
You started yesterday morning and got all that done?
Holy cr@p!!!
At this rate you could be running trains tomorrow night.

Very nice BTW. We are all seriously envious of that huge space.

Rod

Let me also say...Holy !#$. It took me that long to find my pencil and tape measure. Great space. Fantastic start.

I ve been going over this in my mind even before they poured the concrete in the basement. LOL

Yes it is true , The first set of pics was all done in one day ,Saturday. Its a mixture of standard framing in each anchor point then running 2 L- beams to connect them. Drop all your laterals on top and cut them to radius shape you want.We started with 3 levels from base down, to give it some drop downs for bridges and canyons etc, now will cover with 3/4 , but not screw down yet,lay track, cookie cut around track , then raise tracks with 3/4 to different heights.

I have been trying to figure exactly what i will finish underneath with.

I could use more ideas. I am going to check oput the bead board to see if can make the tight radius.

After a couple suggestions so far. I was thinking maybe that .88 a sq ft prefinished wood flooring stood up on end and attatched to trim board. Then use a panel cap.

I would like to find more pics of how others have done it.

quote:

Wow. Now we are jealous.

OH yes we are! that is one BIG BAd A++ Basement!

are those 2x4's? that looks like $1000.00 just in 2x4's alone!

LOL, Thats the advantage of a one story house. only at 220 2x4 so far , its the 3/4 plywood thats gonna hurt. I had to tear down my layout at the old house and had been itchin for a long time.

Patrick,
Please do not stop keeping the forum up-to-date with photos of your progress. It seems to me that when a person shares the development of a project like this with other hobbyists, it just makes model railroading a really great pastime for all of us.

BTW, I would go for something darker in color (stained or painted) than the rest of your layout environment. Something that does NOT draw the attention of the viewer.

Good luck.

Hi Patrick, being a cabinetmaker I thought of a couple of thing that might help you cover the bottom of your layout. Which by the way is going to be impressive.

The first thing is 3/8 bending ply which should get you around those bends but it is not real smooth, it will have a grain pattern to it. It can be fastened with screws or nails. The second one is 1/4" kerfed mdf. It dose have a smooth face and bends really well. The only drawback to it is fastening it. A screw or a nail will go through in between the kerfs so you need to watch how you fasten it. You could glue with wood glue as long as you have a piece on the floor that also follows the curve.

As for the price, I don't know exactly what it is at this time. We go through Russel Plywood for most of our stuff and I think they will sell to you, it just won't be the same price we get. I haven't looked on the net as to where else you might be able to get it.

Maybe this is more than you'r looking for, but I just thought it might be a different approach. Good luck and keep the pics going.

Patrick
Here is another link to bending plywood. http://www.woodmagazine.com/ma...ods-selector/?page=4 Depending on your skills and tools a 36" radius is not that tight of a bend. Bending plywood comes in different thicknesses and you may have to glue it up in multiple layers.

Also tambour is strips of wood that are attached to a mesh or cloth so they will flex going through a curve. Think of this for an area where you may want a door in a curved part of the fascia. Hope this helps.

Dan thanks for the advice, the wife had me stain EVERYTHING in the house dark,

Ralph,
Definately not more than i was looking for . I do glass block for a living , even though i literally built most of this house , i dont know what s all out there. If it dosnt have a big sign on it at lowes or home depot, i probubly never heard of it.Very good idea.

Greg,

Thanks for the link, it really makes a big difference when you have people on the forum give you suggestions. Even when i think im Mr Know it all I ask anyway, then i find out im Mr know a little. But at least i know where to ask . Im gonna look into all the suggestions . I obviously have a little time but like to keep my eye out for deals.

Regarding bending plywood around corners, we have had luck using regular plywood intended for furniture (3-ply plus veneer, quarter-inch, I think; I'd have to go look to be sure). If it won't make it around a turn on the layout fascia, we stop, throw it into the swimming pool for 10 or 15 minutes, and then try it again

We have gotten around some really tight turns this way, and even S-curves. Though we have not tried this with a piece more than about 4 inches wide, I don't see why it could not work with a larger sheet if there is something solid to fasten it too, top and bottom. Also, it is important that the plywood be "clear". Knots don't bend too well!

Patrick;

Are you going to be using any of the space underneath the layout for storage of any type? If so, I would opt for some type of flexible material to make sliding panel doors. That way, the underneath storage would not be visible.

I'm sure this has been done before, but I used corrugated aluminum, and its industrial look is consistent with the train theme.

Why all 2 x 4 construction? 1 x 4 legs with 1 x 4 and 1x 2 for L-girders and 1 x 4 joists is more than strong enough.

I am definately leaning towards a wood product that can be stained and cut to allow for yes ,cabinets and shelves. The corragated is also an excellent idea .Would like to see pics of that.
The 2x4 construction is because I am planning to go all the way to the ceiling with mountains on a skeleton framing,3/4 only under where track and some of the buildings will sit. I tend to walk on my benchwork alot.Epecially in the areas where it is only 16" off the floor.
Being that there will be alot of cantiliver to create the curves and drops, i wanted some meat in the areas where they would hang over so they wouldnt get snapped off before it was completed with the final trim board because i usually put in more drops and rearrange curves with the track work and building placement.
Finally i usually go and pick up 100 2x4s at a time. Dont know about where you live but finding even a small amount of long , lightweight , straight 1x4s for a decent price isnt easy.
If youve seen the module i posted on here(York Module) we used 1x4s for that ,but had to add alot of wood fill ins where the drops where. .I see the HO guys skeleton and cantiliver the 1/4 s as well. But IMHO the 2x4 in the long run is the better option for my situation,strength and money wise.

I just got from vaca, i will post some more updates soon.
Thanks for you ideas so far on finishing the skirting .

Patrick:

Awsome job! I can't wait until the open house.
harleyhouse

Beautiful layout in progress. Very nice job.

I am currently in my own "right of way" negotations with the "owner" of our basement laundry room. I will use the pics of your layout as an example of what could be were she to allow egress through her "domain".

Once again, fantastic looking bench work and a great layout in the works. Thanks for sharing it.

Patrick
GREAT START!!! I tried to find you at York back in April to comment on the excellent quality of your modules. Looks like the quality is following here. Start keeping a diary of the work as what you have here will kilely end up in a magazine and or video.

What track are you planning to use?

quote:

Originally posted by harleyhouse:
Patrick:

Awsome job! I can't wait until the open house.
harleyhouse

Mark,
wait until open house? What days cant i put you down for a hand? LOL
Your welcome anytime.
DV,
Good luck with negotiating, However I would be a little worried about putting my equipment at someone elses place permanently. If i didnt have anywhere to build . I would go outside.
LI,
Sorry missed you at York, im sure their be more chances .
I am going to use Gargraves Phantom flex with ross radius turns and switches. I was lucky enough to have a member from our club Matt Irvin get me a large load of used Ross radius turns and switches from another forum member on here.

Today i will be ripping homasote all day for road bed. Will update pics soon.

2nd level started.

Post more end of weekend.

Terrific job with the benchwork, what I consider the most diffiicult part.
The layout is bigger than some clubs
Are you modeling any particular railroad or location?


for sharing

Hey Charlie,

Yes The West Virginia mountains. (N&W) and whatever else I own LOL.

updating

WOW....wonderful....I am enjoying watching your progress. You must be very excited when you compare the pics over time and see how it is progressing.

Thank you for sharing.

Peter

Patrick
Great progress and one heck of a layout. You have embarked on a layout most train clubs would envy. I am enjoying the progress reports keep them coming

how many Transformers will run this layout and are you using legacy or mth dcs?
Seem like a big wiring job, maybe you can should just that process.
Great looking layout.

quote:

Originally posted by Zigmont:
how many Transformers will run this layout and are you using legacy or mth dcs?
Seem like a big wiring job, maybe you can should just that process.
Great looking layout.

Right now , Im running 4 bricks (temporarly) directly on the bottom level, which is the two main lines.It seems it will be plenty with 2 trains running on each mainline. Its around 400 ft of track per main line.I bought all 14 gauge wire for track wiring. Some People say Lionel dont smoke that good, well run em with some bricks and see what happens.
Anyway I ll test to determine exactly How many bricks and sections I will use. My rule of thumb is 1 brick per 2 (w/smoke units)engines or 1- 6 car passenger train. But that was on other layouts. This is my first of this size.

I only own Lionel engines, nothing against Mikes, just thats what me and my Dad chased since i was young.So i ve stuck to one brand.

Im running Legacy 1.3. I started putting up some foam prematurely because (not mentioning any names) a dealer in Delaware took 4 weeks to get me cases of radius track sections. He already took my money so i had to wait.I wont bend flex to the O72 and O80. Think it makes a better job to buy them. O88 and higher I ll bend.And I dont want anything under O72 on the layout.

Sure, I will show how i end up wiring it .After i figure out a way to get the track work on a RR file.
Right now I still have another week or so of laying track and figuring out the exact way I am going to break it up.

For starters I know Im gonna put the Mainline on TPCs to run conventional engines if need be with the Legacy. Not sure if I m gonna do that for the second and third level with all the grades , might not be worth worrying about non Odeyssey engines up there.

Thanks for the kind words guys and incentive.

do the levels connect or are they independent?

They all connect but independant, 2% or less grade.
With two main lines on 1 st . 2 Main Lines on second level and connected to the yard and option to climb the mountain from 2nd to third level or downn to the 1st.
With the vision and legacy out now I wanted some slight "Roller coaster" runs to get the laboring and let up sounds going.LOL.
The first level is perfectly Level, again for Non oddysee and Conventional if need be.

great!

Starting on the yard and engine service area. Ordered turntable ,sandhouse, 3 track coaling tower. Gonna try to fit them all in + plus 1 or 2 ash pits and a caboose track.

WOW.....would you adopt me?

Really spectacular....I cannot wait to see it all landscaped...you did such a great job on that module for York!

Peter

Here is a man with plan Awesome progress!

Incredible! Awesome job to get so much done so fast!

Patrick,
Dont forget to run a copper plane on your over\under track conditions to avoid Legacy signal issues.

That is shaping up to be one dynamite layout. Truth is, it already is, even in its formative stages.

Hi Patrick ,
I sent you and email regarding your layout ,
Bernie Winkler (wink9999) is email address.
You have a great layout. You must be drinking 5hour energy !!

Patrick,

Just Excellent work!

This is very nice, and thanks for sharing the photos.

Patrick;

It has been really entertaining to see the fantastic progress you have been making with this wonderful layout.

Your benchwork is very well done, especially for such a complicated layout with all of the twists and turns. It is also beneficial that you have documented your progress along the way because when the layout is done and the scenery is completed it would be difficult for many of us to realize the amount of work that led to the final product.

Congratulations on your wonderful achievement!

Steve Tapper

What are you doing about power drops? That is one fantastic layout.

Thanks guys I appreciate that very much.

I Just finished all track work today finally. Except some bridge and yard stuff I cant do until Al sends the turntable.

I will address the power drops soon.
As stated earlier I have 2 bricks on each mainline which seems more than enough direct. It may be a different story when I put the TPC between them and the track.
My next step is to clean the giant mess and get started fresh on the wiring and switches so I dont have to crawl around on dust ,cut wood and homasote.

I have marlite to go all the way around the top so there is no corners and hide the doors. . Wasnt sure if spending the 1500.00 on Backdrop is worth it. Either way I am gonna paint it or put backdrop on it,first, before putting it up( 7 panels - 12 ft x 36")



























I hope its ok i posted so many pics. Hope your enjoying it as much as me.

Now hard part is behind and the fun stuff can begin.

Wow what a layout. Look great.wonderfully done

Patrick H.

Please don't stop on the pictures they are just great an all the rest of the guys think the same. You have no idea how much you are helping me with my layout.


Sonny

Patrick AWESOME work!

I would love to come out and help!
You should sign up to be on the Ligonier Valley Railroad Layout tour in 2011.

Great work, You are an inspiration, Now if I could just finish the darn Honey-do list my wife made me. I could start bench work.
Mark Harley

How do you even begin to think about the wiring?

GREAT JOB!!!

Great looking layout and your progress is amazing. Your timing is great, it has helped me in visualizing what my next steps will be. A few weeks ago at York I finalized my plans after talking with some great guys that have been willing to listen, review and give advise on my layout design. Been working a year on design while 20x60 room was built onto my home. Started bench work a week ago and pleased with my progress so far. However, I knew the benchwork would go fast. I am amazed that so far every measurement is within a quarter inch of the RRTrack plan. I enjoy doing the benchwork and feel like I know what I am doing. Can't say that about the next step of laying track. I am using MTH ScaleTrax and have several custom radius curves to do. I have watched Rich Battista's video a few times but need to watch it again before starting. Rich has been great in providing assistance. Keep the pictures coming they are very inspiring. I will post a few pics of my benchwork after I post this. It is under this same thread "gsn1".

speechless

Patrick.......I am blown away by your layout. I can't imagine anyone being able to envision a layout with the sheer size and complexity of what you are building, and have it all come together as quickley as you have made it happen.

I am in the middle of constructing my own layout, which pales in comparison to yours, and my hats off to your talents. Thank you for the pics, they are an enjoyment.

REV

Patrick,

I am in awe of the size and scope of your layout. What I really like is that your mainlines "snake" along the mountainsides. That is very prototypical AND it makes your layout longer. While mountain scenery requires more work than flat lands,it's hard to beat the drama of a big engine running on the edge of a cliff. Thanks for the timely updates, fast progress, and great photos. I'd sure like to see a "ride along" or "pacing" Youtube video of any of your trains in operation.

Great job for the fast progress on your layout. It is an inspiration. It is getting me motivated to start my own now.

IC Man

Thanks you guys for the kind words.
I have not been able to touch the layout for the last 2 weeks, our club has been at shows and getting to shows . So I finally got saturday and sunday to restart.
I am putting foam everywhere first then gonna carve it to allow for the buildings etc........( i have a general idea where everything is going) Because I have family(alot of family) coming for Christmas , I hope to at least have it carved and painted by then. After that I can relax and really detail it up . Might be wishful thinking unless I take some time off.

As for the wiring , right now i am heading toward a different approach from my other layouts. I am actually planning 4 locations for "contol panels".Or should i say Information Stations.

[quote]Patrick.......I am blown away by your layout. I can't imagine anyone being able to envision a layout with the sheer size and complexity of what you are building, quote]

I cant imagine how so many are good with that RR software I am envious of that. So I have to make up for it with alot of paper and imagination.LOL

Quote"What I really like is that your mainlines "snake" along the mountainsides."quote


Nothing like a long train snaking through "Thunder Mountain."


[Quote""It is an inspiration".Quote]

Thats what I like about the forum the most. Most everyone has good things to say and inspires each other. Id still be building the legs if the wife was inspiring the layout.(just kidding)
Ive seen your plan IC man. Let me know what track and switches your gonna use so I can invest in that company.

Also Greg had mentioned to put in a "ground plane" . I havnt had any signal issues even in the one tight outside corner where i have 2 tracks stacked on 4 tracks stacked on 4 more tracks .

Should i plan for this anyway?

4 days to work on layout really helps . Going down the stretch then can kick back and enjoy taking my time detailing. Hope to have at all foamed carved and painted for Christmas.

Simply amazing!

I'm waiting for your posts to see your new photos!

Congratulations, it's a great work!

Leandro ...

just how manny of you are there working you seem to fly through this effortlessly!

I enjoy seeing your progress looks good hope you find time to enjoy some train running-$oo

LOL

I have been Solo since the very first weekend. The guys from the club have been super busy at shows this time of year.
(I wouldnt ask anyway except for pointers) The whole entire construction to detailing is as enjoyable to me as running trains.
However it would be nice to get past the carving.

quote:

Originally posted by gregj410:
Patrick,
Dont forget to run a copper plane on your over\under track conditions to avoid Legacy signal issues.

I am sorry to go off topic...but what exactly is a copper plane?

OMG......thats about all I can say......you must be using about 50 sheets of foam. I just built a foam "Rock Wall" where 2 tunnels pass through into another room, which is only about 45" long and 16" high and was pretty proud of myself, but yours........WOW.......simply amazing.

P.S. Keep a good vacuum around, your gonna need it.

REV

Pat
Simply amazing. I watch for your updates

from all the pink foam I guess your layout will be well "insulated".

After posting my design on this forum , i have come to realize that I think this was intended for software design layouts.I think. Just in case , I started a RR file also on the first level and soon will post RR file for second and third level because there are 2 areas i am saving for a secondary siding/yard and mining /coal area, that I would like some feed back and help with. I will get my RR file alot more EXACT as i go.

Ok here are some more pics if you would like to see them and the RRfile





















As I stated above I am just learning the RR file and my track on the benchwork is pretty even compared to the software file i have so far.. I will add the next couple layers and get RR file more exact.

Incredible!

Peter

Patrick...beautiful work!! Can you explain in more detail how you created the striations in the layers of foam??

Thanks,
Alan

Patrick are you going to have an open house for Christmas so all of us admirers from the Pittsburgh area can come over and ogle? Rick

quote:

Originally posted by leavingtracks:
Patrick...beautiful work!! Can you explain in more detail how you created the striations in the layers of foam??

Thanks,
Alan

Alan,

Oh boy, I think i better go over to the scenery forum before i get yelled at.LOL

If the foam is stacked(which I think looks the best) Take a 12-14 inch cats paw(nail puller) and just beat up the foam . Take more here and there or pull trenches and steps out of it in different directions. Then I use a 4 inch grinder with a thin 6-7 inch masonry cutting wheel(wear gloves) Just run the grinder back in fourth keep going horizontal(slight tilts are good to) lines from 1/2 to 1/8 apart, you will cross the line above and below the one you are scoring, it will look more realistic but try not to cross two lines while scoring if you can. try not to go to deep or you will need a sprayer to get paint in the cracks later. Sometime after scoring it with grinder Ill knock some of the layers off with a couple more whacks. It goes fast. I did 30'x1 yesterday in about 3-4 hours taking breaks for the grinder. Same for standing foam but not as good results for me.

Now I know were a lot of the stimulus money went for new infrastructure.

LOOKING GOOD

quote:

Originally posted by RICKC:
Patrick are you going to have an open house for Christmas so all of us admirers from the Pittsburgh area can come over and ogle? Rick

Christmas 2011 you mean right? My goal is to have all the foam carved and base coated and a couple trains running for Christmas(Family coming from all over US this year) Then I plan to take one section at a time and detail it up nice.

Sure after the holidays, probubly end of January forum member in the area will be welcome to come over and run trains and give me some ideas on the real finishing.

I am going to start with all the accesories that me and my father have bought since I was a kid, but eventially will corner them(the ones I keep) all in one area and replace with scratch built scenes and kits.
Thats my big dream as of now.

Charlie ,dont tell the wife!

Patrick,
I see that you have multiple layers of foam stacked and also see evidence of spray foam expandable insulation. What did you use to glue/fasten each successive layer? I am in the middle of creating my own 9x18 christmas layourt and am up to the foam stage.
Frank

quote:

Originally posted by frankr:
Patrick,
I see that you have multiple layers of foam stacked and also see evidence of spray foam expandable insulation. What did you use to glue/fasten each successive layer? I am in the middle of creating my own 9x18 christmas layourt and am up to the foam stage.
Frank

Minimium expanding foam/(for windows and doors) It dries in less then a hour. Make sure you put a weight on your foam until it dries, do not use max expanding foam.(big crack filler)use gloves

Your progress is outstanding. I like the texture you ended up with after grinding the foam....very nice detail. Keep the pictures coming.

Forget about the texture of the foam, and how to glue it together, what the Heck do you put in your coffee and where do I get some!! Great work Patrick, I enjoy your progress. stunning layout. . Since everybody is watching this post... to all a wonderful Christmas !! We put the "O" in HO..HO..HO.

i think I can see a stop over either b/4 or after Trainstock '11.

It is simply amazing.

I am curious, have you thought about how many trees and such to use for scenery?

That's killer!!

Please forgive my late arrival to the party.
What material did you use to make those flexible fascia?

quote:

Originally posted by Patrick H:

I also have a question;
What are you using for roadbed under the track?
I'm about to start revamping my layout with Scaletrax and will need a roadbed material.

Well it looks like i ll have a few trains running for the family coming over for the Christmas get together.

Thanks to all for the kind words.!!

D&D----Its called OBSEESSSSSSED like most of you crazy train nuts on here. I took off work for the last two weeks, and yes Mountain Dew not coffee. I get motivated around 3 and stay up until 3.

Russell --used homasote ripped for road bed 1/2 inch.

Springo--The flexible facad is temp but it is masonite and 1/4s.


Thanks Guys for the nice thngs you said.



I took all the foam sheets outside. I cut them 4-5 inches wide with the jigsaw. Takes about 10-15 min max to chop up a sheet. I did 3-4 at a time. Brought the strips inside. Once inside you have 2 options, If the 8ft long pieces will bend to the angle you want simply glue and screw it down with 3 inch screws. The first row will bite good. The next couple rows I used 3 inch screws and 16 penny nails to hold each row to the next. If you cant bend it that tight simply cut the ends at various intervals with a drywall knife. You omly have to get it close. The more you have to beat it up later, the better. Stack them 3-4 high. I used low expanding foam like mortar between bricks when stacking the foam.(very small amount) Then I would put heavy wire spools on them for weight as they dried.Maybe 30 min.

Take a cats paw or any tool like it and beat the foam up , taking big and small chunks out of it. The more chunks the better it will look later..

Wait until you have an entire day for the grinder.GLOVES AND MASK. If you have complainers in the house tell them to leave for the day,If you are only going to do small sections at a time nobody will be bothered.
Take the grinder and start horizontally making groves. the closer together the better. Try not to cross the line above or below the one you just made. Intersecting them is good but not X" ing them
You ll get the knack of it.

I did approx 30 ft x 12" each day. You will smell it upstairs during this process if you do more than 30 min at a time. But dosnt stay long.

Painting:
As for painting, i went and bought a 80.00 electric wagner sprayer. Regular cheap choclate brown water based paint and sprayed the whole thing(everything) in 2 days.
No primer etc...

Hope this helps

Here are a few more pics. Sorry about the quality. Hopefully i ll get a real camera for Christmas.

Backdrop still hasnt arrived, but Turntable has.

Gonna finish the basic ground cover first, then like I said earlier wait until after Christmas to take my time and detail it up.

Fabulatastic!

Now, will there be any steel mills on the layout?

Geeesh!

Rick.

I could see a trip to Murrysville PA in order when this masterpiece is done. Absolutely jealouse.

Patrick, how many sheets of foam and cups of coffee are we looking at here?

You can truly say you "set the trains up for Christmas".

Well Patrick....the progress you have made simply puts my 2 years of progress to shame!!! Unbelievable!! This will be one of the most impressive layouts in existance...great job!!

Alan

All I can say is WOW!!!!

Patrick,

Simply outstanding!

You do great work!

You have just been nominated for the 2010 layout Maniac of the Year award.

3 to 3 another midnight cowboy


Bill D

"Simply Mindblowing"........Patrick, you have done in what, 5-6 weeks, what most mortals would have taken months or years to complete.

If they every make "speed layout building" an Olympic sport, you will be the winner hands down in my book. If I hadn't seen the progress pics, I wouldn't have believed it possible.

REV

I am waiting for Patrick's next post to say "Layout finished. Tearing it down to build my dream layout".

Now thats what I call taking care of business, or pleasure. Awesome!

Patrick:

How many N&W hoppers have you found?
I looked at the TCA show but none there.
I emailed about a set on ebay,

Looks great!
Hope to be invited to your open house!

harleyhouse

I may have a source for N&W hoppers - what pn are you looking for?

Thanks guys !! I have 60 of the N&W MTHhoppers 8 atlas now. And Mark yes i seen the ones on the bay, Im watching to make an lower offer later. 130 is what i ve been payin. I think that is plenty for now. I think the front 12 will now have to weighted to not flip coming up around the mountain 2.2% grade.

Of course theirs always the shows.LOL

Awesome Layout... One day when I retire from the military and can plan to live in the same house for more than 3 years, I too will build big!

Just stumbled upon this thread by accident... all I gotta' say is:

WOWWWWW!!!!

Can't believe how much as been accomplished in such a SHORT TIME!

Excellent progress and a really GREAT looking layout! I will be watching this thread!

Good luck!

Andre Ming

A great Christmas present would be an article in OGR detailing this layout.

quote:

Originally posted by BNSF Mike:
I am waiting for Patrick's next post to say "Layout finished. Tearing it down to build my dream layout".

I almost just spit my beer all over the screen laughing at that comment!!!

Love it Patrick...........keep the pictures coming...love the foam too

Tim

Great job! Very, very nice scenery! And the fact you got so much done so fast is truly inspiring! Thanks so much for sharing.