@Putnam Division posted:Progress!
The room is divided into a 10x30 storeroom and an irregular 20x30 train room.An overview of the train room.....
Room for bookcases between the dormers......
Another view of the stairwell enters the room to the right.....
The storeroom......
The room from the other end......
I’m getting very excited......
Peter
You're a very smart man, Peter. I'm not - I would have one big 30 by 60 train room if I had that much space. LOL.
I would love to have a layout half this size one day
That's looking great Peter, can't wait to see what you build in there! Very smart having lots of storage, that's one area I'm lacking in here, I'm going to be filling the space under the layout, and I'm already halfway there. 
Lookin great from my house. Picture updates are great!
Looking good, Peter.
It appears the ceiling is uninsulated - will you be adding any as part of the project ?
Looks great, Peter! That looks like a lot more material than what I saw in the pile in your driveway!
Time to party! Looking forward to seeing this come together.
Peter, congratulations on the beginnings of your new train room. Looking forward to watching your progress!
Meeting with the electrical contractor tomorrow!
Peter
Yes indeed! Now's the time to get all the wiring in the walls! I think you are going to have to increase your service to what Clark Grizwald needed in Christmas Vacation!! 
@Putnam Division posted:Meeting with the electrical contractor tomorrow!
Peter
"You want how many circuits in your ATTIC???"
@Putnam Division posted:Meeting with the electrical contractor tomorrow!
Peter
Now it’s getting serious. In this case more is always better, 😉
Truthfully, unless you are going really extreme, more than a couple dedicated circuits for a train layout is probably overkill. Think about the actual power you'll be using, not how many devices you may have to power.
Peter you are really making progress. The fun is just beginning.
HVAC here today and tomorrow.....then the electrical contractor comes back Monday and Tuesday.....pictures later.....
Peter
HVAC is done!
The 10x30 storage area......
The view of the layout room from inside the storage room through the framing......
The view of the layout room from inside a dormer....
I am getting very excited.....I am starting to really take the layout plan seriously......my wife and I have been to the flooring place. The electrician arrives next week. Then, it is time for drywall installation. I'm thinking 4-6 weeks?
Peter
They didn't waste any time! Looking good, Peter!!
That's the granddaddy of train rooms, looking really good! 
A few pics from current progress.....the electricians have been here all week......
The flooring is picked out.
After the electricians finish, then comes drywall, then flooring and then painting. I suspect a May 1 finish......
Then the rest of the current layout comes down and dismantled with the Mianne parts going up to the attic.
I am talking to Tim at Mianne this week and I will figure out what I need and figure a delivery in June.
I have made a contact with Steve at Ross and he says a 3-6 week time for orders. I will aim for July.
Later I will post some track plans.......with explanations of what I am doing......and listen to suggestions for changes.
A lot of different angles to give you an idea of the fixed obstacles (doors, ceiling hatch) that I will have to work around.
I get more excited each day!
Have a great and safe weekend, folks.
Peter
Looks great Peter. I hope all of those hihats will be LED's- otherwise you are going to feel like you are under a blast furnace. 
Your contractors are doing a great job. Very clean and neat work. We are all jealous for sure. Who has a house with an attic for the attic?
Looking forward to seeing the track plans.
Bob
Peter,
Things are moving along smoothly. Can't wait to see the track plan.
Dave
Peter things sure are coming along nicely! I am sure someone has asked this already but your are going to have it insulated correct?
Looking great, Peter! I'm just a tad jealous...
BTW, what are you doing for insulation?
Also, I see the cans for the top hats. Are you also going to use track lighting? May I presume everything will be LEDs?
Chris
LVHR
It looks great, Peter. Neat work is one sign of quality work. I’m with Bob, I hadn’t seen an attic above an attic, but looking at the exterior shows why.
I have had a crawl space under half the basement, and our older daughter and her husband have one now. That’s what you get building houses on steap hillsides like we do here!
That looks awesome, Peter!
I am so excited for you.
Looks like you're taking care of the important business first, too.
That's crucial, because it's very difficult to put in the correct walls, HVAC, insulation, backdrop (don't ask me how I know 
), lights, etc. after you start building the layout.
You're doing great! Just keep on keepin' on. 
George
Wow Peter, it has been way too long since my eyes got in here and on the forum in general. It's almost like I have been hibernating like most of my friends say I do during the winter months. With spring officially sprung today I guess it's safe for me to come out of my cave(den) and see what's going on in the world. I really need to pop out and say "hi" more often.
BTW, your work looks great. Soon that attic will have the right feel of climate that the trains will smile as they come up the stairs anxious to begin running. Of course they'll have to wait for all the necessary things like bench work, track laying, wiring, testing, and more testing before the really fun stuff begins. Main lines will be in before you know it, and then we'll see some NYC magic as well as all the other rail lines you enjoy.
P.S., I've got to work on my own small space.
So here goes.....I have some room constraints......2 doors, the stairwell and HVAC ceiling access.
The following is an older plan.....not one that I'm using.....but it maps out the room. You see where the dormers are. On the top, on the other side of the wall is the 10x30 storage room.
The walls on the top and the right will have floor to ceiling Glenn Snyder shelving....if the trains aren't easily available, they won't get run.
I need an area for a small couch and my desk. The aisle minimum is going to 3 feet. There are bookcases built into the space between the dormers. I want to have area to move around.
I will wait for the finished room to finalize everything.
Here are the latest plans that I am considering.....for background, please note that I prefer and model industrial/urban landscapes.
On both plans, I will use a Mianne Lift Gate to enter the layout from above into a 2x5 open area.
This is called 8L. It has 3 main lines with a wye and reversing loops.
A lot of track.....this is a revision, removing a part of the 3rd Main Line. This plan is called 10L
On both plans, underneath the main level, on the right will be the Subway.....2 loops covering a 6x7 area. A station will be visible like on my current layout.
The electricians are finishing up today......next will be drywall.......
Peter
Looks good, Peter!
I'm a little late here, but looks like a great space and you are making good progress getting it ready. I am sure you are excited too! Looking forward to following along, and good luck with the project.
Peter @Putnam Division, the progress looks great. Are you planning to have a small dedicated work station area for tinkering, locomotive maintenance and small repairs?
My desk in the attic will function as a minor work station. However, my major work station will remain in the garage (and in the basement itself, when it’s real cold). All my tools would not fit in the attic.....so just a small toolbox up there.
In the summer months, I always move a work table outside.
Peter
Electrical is now complete (except for the final details).
Insulation is next.....then drywall....then trim.......then paint.......then flooring.....I am hoping for a May 1 finish.....
....bookcases.....
Peter
It looks like you have lots of light! Everything looks great Peter!
Looks great Peter.
A thought just popped into my head.
What are you going to do for display shelves? If you are planning shelves on the walls, have your carpenter install blocking between the studs. You will be thankful later when you don't have to go hunting for the beams to drive a screw.
Bob
@RSJB18 posted:Looks great Peter.
A thought just popped into my head.
What are you going to do for display shelves? If you are planning shelves on the walls, have your carpenter install blocking between the studs. You will be thankful later when you don't have to go hunting for the beams to drive a screw.
Bob
Great suggestion, Bob! I always have trouble finding studs.
Peter things are really starting to look like a room. Nice to see everything moving fast for you! Dont worry if you forget Bob's advice they make the thingy called a STUD FINDER! LOL
Looks great Peter!
Sooo many bar jokes there.
Amazing work!
times I have trouble getting out of my chair. so I Thank you for sharing. Living Vicariously through the magnificent journeys of friends that include others. thank you
Looking sweet Peter.
Late last week, we got insulation installed......
.....and, after an inspection on Monday, we are getting drywall!!!!
I continue to get excited!
Peter
Wow Peter! It is starting to look like a train room!!
Flying right along, looks great!
Shaping up nicely, Peter.
Peter
A suggestion for the high ceiling area above the new attic-based layout ...
I presume you'll add insulation and then cover the ceiling and walls drywall. Paint the ceiling dark blue, add some wispy clouds with glow-in-the-dark paint, and string white mini-Christmas lights in random patterns to simulate starlight. Bonus feature: arrange some mini-lights in the Big Dipper configuration. Some stargazers will recognize it!
Mike Mottler LCCA 12394
lookin good
Very nice, Peter!
I was curious if you were going to go the spray foam route. Now we have the answer...
And I'll take Mike's comment about one step further: Find an astronomer to put some actual constellations on your dark ceiling with glow-in-the-dark paint. Then when you dim the lights for night running, voila! The glow-in-the-dark will not be obnoxious in full room light. Rust-Oleum makes it. Look in art supply stores.
Chris
LVHR
Excellent!!!!
George
Coming along nicely Peter!!!
It's going to be a great space Peter. One question, do you know why some of the insulation dosen't have paper backing?
@coach joe posted:It's going to be a great space Peter. One question, do you know why some of the insulation dosen't have paper backing?
Because the vapor barrier is not required in those locations. It is probably already in place behind what was added. A double vapor barrier can trap moisture and cause mold growth, dry rot, all sorts of fun stuff!
@RSJB18 posted:Because the vapor barrier is not required in those locations. It is probable already in place behind what was added. A double vapor barrier can trap moisture and cause mold growth, dry rot, all sorts of fun stuff!
All sorts of fun stuff?? LOL
Thanks Rob.
Dry wall is done. Trim carpentry next. Then painting. Then final electrical and HVAC adjustments. Then flooring.......
Trim materials getting delivered......
Basement layout deconstruction continues......I have decided that since I am a month and and half short of 68, no more subway......I will look into EL structures by BridgeBoss!
The view from "down under"......
Have a great and a safe day, folks!
Peter
Moving right along Peter, that's a great looking space you're creating!
Looks awesome Peter!
Really taking shape Peter.
I like the "El" idea. Seems appropriate for a guy who's screen name is Putman Division.
Bob
You have got to be excited over the progress being accomplished and the memories being formulated. Keep at it!
The attic room looks great!
I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up!!
I’m 3 years behind you Peter, and that under the layout stuff is for the birds! No subways!
Progressing nicely. Hope you have an enjoyable experience constructing the new layout.
Peter the room is coming along nicely. I can tell it's going to be a great space for your layout.
Dave
Putnam Division, Peter, All I can say is Wow, this is an amazing thread and it’s getting very interesting. Thank you for the beautiful pictorial update. Your going to have a wonderful room to enjoy running those fun to run trains. Happy Railroading Everyone
Beautiful, Peter! Excellent progress.
George
@Mark Boyce posted:...I’m 3 years behind you Peter, and that under the layout stuff is for the birds! ...
In this particular "race", being behind is a good thing!
Peter, things sure are looking good! It looks like you still have a little sanding to get done on the drywall! LOL I am so happy for you to finely getting the room done for your future layout!
Rocking along......1st.....old layout is down:
....and.....we have paint!
Grand Dogs Rufus & Winnie think it is a wrestling arena.....
2-3 weeks and done!
Peter
Cruising right along Peter, you'll be running trains in no time!
Peter,
The room looks great! Looks like you have a bit of competition for a play area.
Dave
Rufus & Winnie will be surprised next time they visit and you have a train empire in their gymnasium!!
It's all looking great, Peter!!
Awesome Peter! Our dog Loco has been running around my new train room as well. I guess the dogs approve.
Great progress!
Peter, things are looking great! It's funny when I was building my train room Tank the inspector, (AKA English Bulldog) came in all the time. Once I had trains running he won't come near it! LOL
Joe, your comment about Loco running around the train room reminds me of when our youngest was in high school, she was in all the plays and musicals. Her senior year, they performed Wizard of Oz and had tryouts for Toto as well. The gymnasium doubles as our auditorium. Our mixed breed beagle/shi-tzu was about 2 years old. Annie had a great time running around the gym chasing the boys. Needless to say, she didn't get the part. She never paid attention to me in the train room unless trains were running, then she would bark endlessly at them.
We just got a 5-year old rescue Yorkie/something else 6 weeks ago. Bentley comes running no matter what he hears me doing in the train room. It is all new to him!
Looking great.
Steady progress.....
We now have a functioning climate control system.....
The trim painting is now mostly finished......
The flooring went in today.....
I spoke to Tim Foley at Mianne earlier this week. I'm sending him a tentative plan so that we can discuss the benchwork I will need. Critical to that is the tally I have of my current Mianne components......Tom (Gilly@N&W) is going to cut down my tall posts to regular height since I'm no longer going to have a cantilevered section.
My goals for June are:
1. to finalize the track plan and order the benchwork.
2. to transfer the contents of my two 10x10 storage units back home into the 9x29 storage room.
3. to participate in modular group activities as we start free train displays at the storefront next month.
4. to furnish the room and relocate my model railroading and prototype railroading library to the attic shelves.
5. to figure out how many more pieces of Glen Snyder shelving I am going to need.
I am not rushing....I want to continue to go slow and think about each step....if my June goals spill into July/August, no problem.....
Peter
Holy wood flooring, Batman!!!
Peter, that room is going to be too nice to mess up with sawdust, foam cutting, plaster carving, and the list goes on!! Looking absolutely great!!!
Awesome, awesome, awesome!
Wow, “Nothing Stops a Trane”, beautiful room, excellently prepared for a Fantastic model train layout. Your choice of air conditioning is great, your floor looks beautiful and now the fun begins. Thank you very much for posting the pictures of this nice room. Congratulations on a job well done. Your area and Gunrunner Johns area for layout building are both great. Happy Railroading Everyone...
Slow and steady wins the race Peter. Everything looks great. I think now is a perfect time for my slow and steady, catching "z's". Ni ni.
20x30? Designing, building, and operating that BIG layout will be as close as you can get to a never-ending project while on this planet. Put another way, it'll be "The Eternal Life Layout."
Mike Mottler LCCA 12394
Mike, either that or he cracks the whip on the River City 3Railers to help out; a lot. 😉
@Mark Boyce posted:Mike, either that or he cracks the whip on the River City 3Railers to help out; a lot. 😉
I certainly will have a lot of "much appreciated" help!
Peter
It is coming along nicely Peter.
@Putnam Division posted:Steady progress.....
We now have a functioning climate control system.....
Peter
THAT'S not a climate control system......THIS is a CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM
The room really looks great Peter. Don't forget to pace yourself when you have to carry all the trains back UP the stairs.
Bob
Peter, things are looking great! I sometimes wish I went with a wood floor, but only when I drop something on the carpet! Makes it kinda hard to find things! LOL
Peter
I looked but might have missed it, is there a floor plan posted? Just trying to get a feel for the space. It looks great!
Looks fantastic, Peter! A blank canvas ready to paint.
That's an O scale climate control system.
Jan
@MartyE posted:Peter
I looked but might have missed it, is there a floor plan posted? Just trying to get a feel for the space. It looks great!
Marty....I need to do that.....possibly later today.....prior to build out, the space was about 30x30 with an extra 3x9 area on one side at the top of the stairwell.
Ignoring the landing for the stairwell, it built out into two rooms:
~9x29 which is climate-controlled storage
~20.5x29 which is the main layout space. One corner has a 3x6 kick-out for the water heater.
There are 3 dormers which are about 3.5x4.5....and are separate from the main area.
I have bookcases built into walls between the dormers.
One crucial layout constraint is that I have to leave ladder access to the attic of the attic where HVAC equipment resides.
I also need to plan for my desk, a small couch, TV and computer.
I'll do that detailed drawing later today or latest tomorrow.
Peter
Peter,
Your regular progress is awesome and the room looks absolutely fantastic! I like your plan for June and also the fact you want to think each step through. Whatever you decide, we'll be here waiting and watching.
Dave
@RSJB18 posted:THAT'S not a climate control system......THIS is a CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM
The room really looks great Peter. Don't forget to pace yourself when you have to carry all the trains back UP the stairs.
Bob
Bob:
Hiring movers.....the attic is on the 4th floor! Three flights of stairs........
It took me a month and probably 50+ trips to the storage unit to get this stuff here.....and, there is also a second 10x10 unit with my kids' stuff....
....all this stuff goes into the 9x29 storage room......my kids stuff 1st, then the trains.....
Peter
The room turned out beautifully Peter. I'm sure the layout will be just as grand.
This Update is long overdue.....sorry.....getting the club layouts ready and organized for the VTC Train Show this weekend has been my #1 priority (also, the painter was staining the stairs and I couldn't get up there, anyway).
This is a rough sketch of the attic:
Ignore the layout plan.......it's just one I put up there for general size.....
Top is West.
Right is North.
Left is South.
Bottom is East.
This is the storage room behind the West Wall.
This is looking North, catching the stairwell.
This is looking South, catching the storage room door.
This is looking East. That is the stairwell. The door leads to our cedar closet.
Looking South again at both bookcases.
Looking West. Notice the trap door for attic access. A ladder is needed to gain entry. It is not a "pull down".
Another look (North), looking at the trap door placement.
This is looking South again with me practicing to be an N scale figure.
It should be finished next week......I will get up there and see what I can do with my current layout plan......I need space for a couch, a desk and a TV.
At the end of the day, I am just a loop runner....and jus t want to see them go round and round. This is my latest plan:
Have a great and safe weekend, folks!
Peter
Great progress Peter. Looking forward to the layout and trains running.
Excellent progress, Peter! Things are coming along nicely. Thanks for keeping us updated.
Chris
LVHR
Looks great; wonderful space.
Suggestion: edit the thread's title to reflect today's date @Putnam Division.
Looks great Peter.
For the attic- Werner makes a great telescoping ladder. I put one in years ago and it is great.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000...wID=&*Version*=1
@RSJB18 posted:Looks great Peter.
For the attic- Werner makes a great telescoping ladder. I put one in years ago and it is great.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000...wID=&*Version*=1
Peter,
The space looks absolutely fabulous! WRT attic ladders, the above looks very good. Make sure you get a substantial one and one that is solidly installed. If you are or will be going in/out of the attic with any regularity, stability and ruggedness are important considerations. Flimsy ladders are a hazard and the mounting hardware can come loose or fail.
George
In a word, "wow". That looks great. Be able to do long runs, stretch those wheels out, trains barreling down the tracks. Oh my goodness, this will be great.
Thanks to all for the great comments and encouragement. I'm very excited!
Peter
always enjoy your work.
Everything looks great, Peter!
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