Layout 9 x 18 Progress - Update 12/18/20

Quick post here to show progress on the CJB Robotics building.  I needed to finish this because I have to work on top of the layout to reach.  Now I plan to start on other projects that can run concurrently.  Thanks for looking.  Chris

Looks great Chris!  I’ll be looking forward to seeing the new projects!

Great layout and pictures. Lots of fantastic ideas here! 

Thank you.

Peter

Chris, any updates?

Mike

Hard to believe this thread is over 5 years old. Just goes to show what preserverance and hard work can accomplish.

The pics below show what I have been up to.  Mainly the three sidings that will be next to a small town area.  This is not in the original plan.  However, I think this work better than cramming the entire area with track and still gives some of the same functionality.

Note that I decided to use manual throws for the turnouts here.  This was done to save as much space as possible for a road over the “main line” tracks and into the town.  Plus I figure that this will make moving cars in and out a bit more interactive.

Next I plan to weather and ballast the sidings and start the area below.  I am still trying to decide how to shape this corner and blend the terrain with the building (Carter’s Lego Factory) and the wall. 

Thanks for looking, 

Chris

I think it looks great!  There will be plenty to do switching cars there.

Latest update pictures attached. I have decided to focus on scenery on an empty corner of the layout. Many things were learned here! Basically, I followed the methods shown in Eric Siegel's videos. I would change a few things next time but overall I am really liking the results. The pics below show the progress. It is pretty much complete with the exception of more plant life and debris.

Next, I am planning to continue track ballasting and begin fascia installation.

Thanks for looking,

Chris

Nice work! Would like to see the rest of your layout, Had to downsize after moving mine is about the same size.

That is a great new scene in the corner!

Quick post here with some recent progress. Starting fascia, continued ballasting, and starting road construction. I'm hoping to have the roads complete and buildings in place and lit before Christmas! Thanks for looking.

Chris

Chris, It is looking good.  The fascia always makes for a more finished look.  What are you using for the streets?

One goal achieved ahead of the deadline! The "town" buildings are in place and lit. Street markings are also in place. Originally, I intended to weather all the buildings. I may come back to that at some point, but for now I want to make progress.

It looks like the Christmas train has arrived!

Below is a picture of some remote controlled outlets. These things are working great for powering the layout. I did not want to run wire back to the control panel to power lights. Especially because I intend to have a combination of AC and DC (LED) lights in the future. The remote outlets allow me to power from wall outlets under layout that are closer to the actual location of the lights / devices. The remote outlets that I chose come in a set of five with two remotes. Each outlet can be toggled on and off individually. Science!

Thanks for looking,

Chris

@MrAnderson posted:

What product did you use for the retaining wall?

Chris, Everything looks great!  The remote controlled outlets is a great idea!

Layout looks great! That's a really slick idea with the outlets too! Saves you some wiring or some crawling around under the table to plug things in. Nice thinking!

Thanks Mark and Bill for the replies.

@Mallard4468 - The retaining walls are self made. Basically, they are foam insulation board carved with a hot knife. You can see a few progress pics in an earlier post in this topic. Here is a close up pic in a more finished area.

Chris