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The layout will need a lot of custom-cut sections. So, I have started to lay track, roadbed and wire feeders on the outer loop. This sets the clearances that the rest of the layout will play off.

The funny thing is that it doesn't look like I've done much since the last update.....but it's been another 8 hrs of work to get here!

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Peter, laying track carefully is the key for reliably running trains for the rest of the life of the layout. I took my time with this step and I never regretted it. It’s a big boost to see the layout come alive, but it’s ok to work at your own pace. You’re the boss, if it doesn’t meet your standards, rip it out 👍🏻. What you’ve done so far looks great.

Andy

The track laying is coming along.......

I need to finish the sidings; cut the track for the Mianne Lift Gate (which I will only do with an experienced chaperone). Then it will be the Ross Transfer Table.....followed by wiring. Before ballasting, I will superelevate the curves.

I am very pleased with the design. I have lots of space for structure building, which I really enjoy.

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The place where I will put the TW TrainWorx New Haven switch tower.....

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You can see two sidings where I bring the track down to table top height......the Brennan's Oblong Box Company and the TW Tranworx' Rock Island freight house work better with the track lower (off roadbed).

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The parallel tracks approximate the engine house on the other side of the transfer table.

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You can imagine the transfer table's spot from this view.

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I am very happy with my progress!

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Have a great day, everyone.

Peter

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Last edited by Putnam Division

Peter, are you using one of the pool devices to grab things(pool meaning the game, not what you jump in when it's hot) or is that some crazy garden tool? Progress looks great. Now, when you get way, way, way down the road, are you going to have Gilly and company lend a hand with the scenery? I do know Gilly would ask if he could run some great N&W trains on the layout once completed.

Peter, are you using one of the pool devices to grab things(pool meaning the game, not what you jump in when it's hot) or is that some crazy garden tool? Progress looks great. Now, when you get way, way, way down the road, are you going to have Gilly and company lend a hand with the scenery? I do know Gilly would ask if he could run some great N&W trains on the layout once completed.

Dave......the areas where I need a step stool to get to, will have static sceney and buildings. If I discover that I need a hatch, I will do that later.

Gilly has already helped me tons. I rely on his expertise (and also of my modular group friends Kanawha and RickS) for their carpentry, electrical and trackwork skills. I suspect that I'll do most of my own scenery work......with the added fact that I will constantly consult them for advice and skills. For example, I'm getting close to the point where I need to cut the track on the lift gate....I won't do that by myself......

Peter

After a month of almost continuous public displays......I asked some of the gang to join me in a work session on the new layout.

My goal was to cut track for the lift gate and plan the next step. This would be a minimal work and a maximal think and plan session.

My thanks to Tom, Ken, PeterM, Dexter and Jerry.

We got a lot done. The lift gate track is cut and we planned the wiring. The Ross Transfer Table is out and we planned for its installation. An improvement to the engine yard lead was discussed and planned.......The  next session will be to motorize the lift gate and actually install the transfer table.

Here are a few pics!

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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, folks!

Peter

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Last edited by Putnam Division
@Mark Boyce posted:

Hey!  The lift-up fits!!  I see the meeting of the minds while the transfer table rests on the couch.  It all looks great, Peter and gang!!

Mark.......I figured today would be a lot of "brainstorming" for the Transfer Table.....now, we have a plan.

I'll shoot some close-ups on the lift gate span....Tom did a magnificent job cutting track. I asked him to do it because it needed to be perfect, and, it is!

Peter

Looking great, that's going to be a really fun layout to run on!

For example, I'm getting close to the point where I need to cut the track on the lift gate....I won't do that by myself......

Surprisingly Peter, that was very easy, and it came out great.  What I did was lay the track like the liftgate wasn't there, and then used my Dremel with the 90 degree attachment to cut at a slight angle so they just drop in.

The bigger issue is to make DOUBLE SURE the liftgate is perfectly leveled and mated with the adjacent benchwork, that took more work in my case. Time spent leveling everything is time well spent as I discovered.

I also strongly recommend my mod for the lower limit switch, you'll thank me later.

Mianne Lift Bridge Lower Limit Switch Enhancement

@Mike g., Mike, I’m like you, we need more folks in our areas that share our interest in model trains, so many of my friends have passed away. Yes, Peter, you’ve come a long way with your layout, and you have some great help, a lot to be thankful for in a big way. ( I can see the meeting of the minds helping you figure out how to install the wonderful lift gate, Wow )… It’s going to be nice.
Keep the pictures coming, we learn from your ideas. It’s going to be a fun to run railroad. Merry Christmas.
Happy Railroading Everyone

Mark.......I figured today would be a lot of "brainstorming" for the Transfer Table.....now, we have a plan.

I'll shoot some close-ups on the lift gate span....Tom did a magnificent job cutting track. I asked him to do it because it needed to be perfect, and, it is!

Peter

@Putnam Division and/or @Gilly@N&W, how does he cut track that it's "magnificent" and "perfect."  I'm serious, of course.  What tool(s) does he use and what does he do from start to finish.

And I'mserious because with our club's traveling layout, we need to replace a fair amount of Gargraves and Ross track that's been damaged.  And we need to do it soon since our next show is the Greenberg show at Hampton (VA) Coliseum, 2/4 and 2/5/2023.

So please; how do you do it?

Lots of progress with infrastructure......

I took advantage of the Spring-like weather this past weekend to get all the RossBed spray painted.....

In addition, Tom (Gilly@N&W) came over today to put up my shelving.....hopefully, one more day and we'll be done!

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Progress is being made!

Peter

Thought I'd pull up Peter's post from 1 year ago (12/28/21). You've accomplished a lot in the past year Peter.

Trains should be running soon.

Happy New Year!

Bob

@RSJB18 posted:

Thought I'd pull up Peter's post from 1 year ago (12/28/21). You've accomplished a lot in the past year Peter.

Trains should be running soon.

Happy New Year!

Bob

Thank you, Bob.......it has been a big year. It doesn't look like much as you go through it.....but, when you see the pictues......Wow! That's a lot accomplished (with all the other stuff I'm doing!).

I am privileged to be blessed with many talented friends.

Thanks to all you you for your encouragement and support.

Peter

@Pingman posted:

@Putnam Division and/or @Gilly@N&W, how does he cut track that it's "magnificent" and "perfect."  I'm serious, of course.  What tool(s) does he use and what does he do from start to finish.

And I'mserious because with our club's traveling layout, we need to replace a fair amount of Gargraves and Ross track that's been damaged.  And we need to do it soon since our next show is the Greenberg show at Hampton (VA) Coliseum, 2/4 and 2/5/2023.

So please; how do you do it?

Here is the machine Tom used, my Ryobi 7" saw.

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I trust Tom's skill and judgement much more than mine. I made 90% of the cuts for the layout. But, I did some "do overs"......

No option for "do overs" here.......

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Peter

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@Apples55 posted:

Well, that explains why you trust Tom and why my using a regular blade was such a mistake!!! That blade looks like it makes a nice clean, smooth cut. Thanks for the detail.

The right tool for the job......

I have a variety of blades for my circular saw and miter saw on hand.

A cutoff wheel in my Dremel does a good job for an occasional cut too.

Bob

@RSJB18 posted:

The right tool for the job......

I have a variety of blades for my circular saw and miter saw on hand.

A cutoff wheel in my Dremel does a good job for an occasional cut too.

Bob

I also have a hard wired and rechargeable Dremel, but I’ve never been able to get a good straight 90 degree cut, especially across all three rails Have to look into a 10” cutoff wheel.

Last edited by Apples55

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