New layout progress (Some scenery)

I'm digging the retro-look Norm!

Thanks man. That industrial look is pretty trendy now so I'm trying not to overdo it..

cant wait to see your track plan.  Have fun sure this will be as spectacular as the last one.

Looks good Norm, hope you post your progress as you go.

Dan

Omg!!! Awesome. So glad your starting a new layout. Are you going to be doing your blog too? I hope so. You are a big inspiration. Place looks promising. It's going to be a cool look. Very exciting.

Thanks guys. I can't believe how much work has gone into this so far. It should be worth it though when it comes time to start building the layout.

 

The worst task so far was spray painting the ceiling black.

 

Next on the agenda is the installation of track lighting for the layout then I will move onto the backdrop. Benchwork won't start until those two major tasks are complete. Somewhere in there I'd like to get the workshop set up too. I am really looking forward to having a new shop.

Sweet Norm. It's going to be an exicting ride.

Wow! The whole thing is going to be fantastic!

 

I'm jealous.

 

Jim

Great space.  Your decor so far screams cold war era hidden bunker to me.  Great for a post war layout.

wow im jealous of how much space you have!

Nice Norm. The Cold War Industrial look of your room deserves a 1950's Steam to Diesel   transition era layout.. Looking forward to your new layout updates.

Looks fantastic Norm,

 

bet your really excited.

 

Is there a story behind findind them Lampshades, or was that the easy part? I really like them alot.

Thanks Patrick, yes I am pretty stoked. All the track lighting is up and I have a line of work lights up too. I moved some plumbing around and might do a bit more.

 

The general non-layout lighting consists of industrial style items from Menard's and Ikea. All the exposed wiring in the layout and chillout area is done with MC cable. I looked around for vintage fixtures but with this stuff being popular now it was just too much money. Menard's has a few nice pieces in their Farm and Barn Series made by Patriot Lighting.

 

Eventually I will put up some of my railroadiana and beer signage. Not sure if I want to display trains on the wall. They just become dust magnets.

 

Looking good Norm... I'm way behind you on getting my basement ready.. they are just digging it tomorrow

Great looking room I'm just getting started myself,I am having a hard time with a good track plan.

That's true if one uses open shelving.  Hard to avoid the dust issue.  HOWEVER, you might want to consider a couple (or more) closed wall display units to show off particular favorites on your roster.  Because I really hate having to dust my trains, I have a good number of closed display cases in various locations throughout my home.  These are very nicely done wood wall cases with sliding acrylic doors on the front.  They are available in a variety of finishes and sizes, and are, in my opinion, reasonably priced (prices also include shipping)..  Most of the ones I have came from Trackside Displays in Pennsylvania. 

 

You might want to check them out at http://tracksidedisplays.com

 

I have a good number that I use for O scale, and also a couple of very large ones that I use for a part of my G gauge collection.  I am very happy with the quality of the construction, and their packaging for shipping is nothing short of phenomenal.

 

I really could use a few more, but I've pretty much run out of wall space.  The joint already looks like a train museum.

 

P.S.--  It was great to see you at York, my friend!

Norm,

 

It's all been said before. Looks Great so far!

 

Please, keep us layout challenged forum members posted on your progress.

 

Mike R

Thanks Allan for the shelving advice. That is worth considering. I do have a bit of an investment going in Glenn Snyder shelves though. I may be able to hang them up but not until most of major benchwork construction is done.

 

I have been playing around with some 3 rail trackplans based on my past layout. Here is one that is L-shaped with a two track main and a freight switching branch. I have to be honest and say I'm just a loop runner. I like to run big steam so an oval design like this gives me maximum straights and curves. There are no grades on the mains but it might be worth trying to grade separate the front yard an inch or so, and maybe even step up the spur along the back wall.

 

This plan gives me old layout back with a chance to make the distances seem even greater along the mains. I can space the scenery out a bit more with the added 14 feet in length. I gain a bit more depth compared to the old layout but not much. I am liking the stretched steam era engine yard as opposed to my old folded one. I am stuck with duckunders but I like the depth of scenery this design offers. I also get to raise the layout height a bit compared to my old one.

 

I am definitely open to ideas if anyone's willing to take a look. I also have an around the walls rough plan with the engine yard coming down as a peninsula. I like it for the fact there are no duckunders. I have written off staging at this point but wouldn't mind a plan that might allow for it to be added later.

 

Some things to note - my center beam is actually offset about 22" in favor of the layout width. I am keeping the layout at least 3' away from the support columns (shown as black dots).

 

I attached the RRT file. I am running v4.02.

 

Norm,

 

I am going to paint my basement cielling black this summer. Can you offer any advie? I think I am going to spray it. Is that what you did? Anything you would do differently in terms of that job.

 

Thanks.

 

Dennis K.

Yeah, I have some advice on that - PAY SOMEONE!! Haha. Oh man, that was pretty gnarly but I do have to say I like the results.

 

I sprayed Glidden latex HD 9034 from Home Depot using a Harbor Freight HVLP setup.  This is the one here:

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/p...y-gun-kit-93305.html

 

I was told there are some latex paints specifically made for spraying ceilings but I just went ahead with what I had.

 

If I was to do it again, I'd mask and tarp off a lot more stuff. I let the dried overspray hit the floor since I was going to repaint it anyway but it was like a horrid soot. It reconstituted itself when I hot-mopped everything during cleanup. It would have made a nice weathering wash...

If I understand things correctly, you will still have access around the perimeter of the layout.  Is that correct, Norm?

 

I'm far from an expert at layout design (or most anything else), but I know that I wish I had left far more space around the full perimeter of my layout so I could get to the left and right sides of it without venturing up top.  I can access it from the front, of course, and from the back if I move the transformer/DCS/Legacy stand out of the way and crawl under a 3' wide section.

 

Every situation (and train room) is different, but I sure am envious of the space you have available and I know you'll put it to fine use.  Thanks very much for keeping us posted on the progress.

Allan, the layout will run along four walls. At the far left, the layout butts right up to the north wall of the utility room which is 10' long. Like my last layout, it will have a ~3' aisle in the center. There will be several duckunder locations along the front of the layout. The engine yard section will be 3' to 4' in width with a wider bump-out for the roundhouse. My old engine yard was 5' deep.

 

I have been kicking around the idea of some reverse loops with a (flat) crossover in the center of the layout. That might look pretty cool and could be the source of a few interesting sidings. Maybe someone might have a better idea?

 

I should probably show a rough outline of the benchwork edges.

Norm,

 

Thanks for the info. I will look into the paint and sprayer. I wa wondering where to even get black paint!

 

One more question. I appears you did not paint your HVAC duct work. My duck work  is very similar to yours in that it is below the floor joists in certain areas. I was going to paint it as well for that reason. Why didn't you paint yours?

 

Thanks again.

 

Dennis

 

Norm

I have a similar track plan with two loops. I did add a reversing loop. All I did was add a 4x4 platform mounted lower than the rest of the table the  area in the 4x4 section is a in the process of becoming a water scene with a bridge. Its nice toi divert from loop running to change directions.

Dennis, I used my Harbor Freight 21 gallon compressor to run the sprayer. I'd suggest getting the plastic baggie liners for the sprayer reservoir. That sprayer was suggested by my builder and it worked well. You can put a bit more than a half gallon of paint in at a time. I did thin the paint a little, like maybe 10% or so tap water.

 

I just peeked at the paint cans a minute ago, seems HD changed the codes to GL 9034. I even have a can of EM 9034. I used that paint for the benchwork and scenery quite on my old layout.

 

I didn't paint the ductwork because I thought it looked cool as is, that's all. I could have gone either way I suppose. It matches up with the wiring and light fixtures in the non-layout zones.

LI, I wouldn't mind a reverse loop but I am thinking another reverse loop with a crossover would be nice to return a train to normal right-hand running. I am on the fence about adding more trackwork through the center though. I am afraid of crowding up the space too much and spoiling the sense of distance this space can give me. Hmm.

Norm,

 

Thanks for the info on the sprayer. I have a compressor, and actually I have a sprayer, but wasn't sure if it would work in this application. I will go with your unit. Also thanks for the tip about thinning the paint. Someone else had mentioned that to me and I had forgotten it until your comment.

 

OK on the duct work -- I was just curious. I have a lot of it because we have two furnaces so there is an area in my basement where the warm air mains run parallel to each other and I am considering what to do in that area. They also are proud of the floor joists so it may be easier to just leave it alone. I may leave it alone as you did. We will see. Also the cold air returns are boxed in between the floor joists so I may paint those regardless.

 

Thanks again for all the info. I may pick your brain again in the future.

 

Dennis

Norm, how about an around the wall plan? You said no duck unders if you go this route.

Is there a staircase in your room? As you know around the walls will expand your mainlines quite abit longer will still keeping a shallow depth for benchwork, 3'. 

George, here's a comparison of how an around-the-walls plan compares to an L-shaped one. The stairs land toward the bottom of the diagram.

 

 

A couple things I don't like about going around the walls - the S curve  (too tight for big steam and scale length passenger cars) and the loss of non-layout floor space for hanging out. I am intrigued by the photo potential for the roundhouse. I'm also concerned that the space along the west (left) wall is too tight for yars/sidings etc.

Norm,

 

I'm so looking forward to follow your progress, Look's like a beautiful open area to build a very nice layout. Please keep the progress photo's coming.

 

I heard you were at this past York meet, I wanted to meet up with you and talk trains.

If you attend York in October I will hook up with you .

 

Thanks, Alex

Norm, I'd echo George's suggestion of looking into the around the wall design.  How about a single, two track loop following all the walls, crossing the hallway entrance from the stairs.  (doesn't have to follow the walls, but on a 30" to 3' wide table, you have lots of room for curves, scenery, industries, towns, etc)  Yes, it would require a lift out section, but that way the whole center of the room would be open.  Your dimensions are large enough for a couple of bump outs for your engine terminal and another for a town scene, industry, yards, whatever.

I'd kill for that much space!

Hey Alex, sorry we didn't get to meet up...maybe in October?

 

Peter, thanks but I'd like to avoid lift-outs. I don't like them due to the scenic discontinuity they create. I am intrigued by the around-the-walls approach but it will be a tough sell due to loss of floor space for other things. The L shape is such a clean package and presents itself well with a 30'+ front.

 

I should also mention that I'd like to stick with my Atlas investment and don't want curves under 99" diameter on the mains (planning for 108" if/when Atlas sees fit to deliver).

Started tacking up the 1/8" masonite for the backdrops. Started in the city corner...brad nailer is a must-have for this. I plan on 'painting in' some drywall tape on the seams to keep them from cracking. See what happens.

 

Hi Norm,

 

  This is going to be awesome to watch this all come together, I'm really looking forward to see all the progress.Norm keep us posted with lots of photo's

 

Thanks, Alex

Nice space, looks like it'll be a winner.

Made a bit more progress hanging the backdrop but nothing worth sharing at this point. I continue to play with the trackplan now that I have decided on the general footprint (29' by 36' L-shaped).

 

This one is just a two-main loop like the one above with some slight tweaks. I am experimenting with some bridges in the rear section of the layout and some grade separations like I had on my old layout. I also fooled around with the x-over locations so signalling them will look OK. If I raise the mains along the back wall to about 3" the curves will climb and descend a slightly less than 2% grade on the curves which is my self-imposed max grade for big steam. Anything more starts to look nutty. The front yard is 1" above the mains at the front edge of the layout. RR Track file is attached if anyone's interested.

 

 

This one is much like my old layout before it was tore down and rebuilt in January 2011. I have three mains with 90", 99", and 108" curves. I really don't want to go less than 90", again so my big scale engines don't contort themselves too badly. This has some grade separations and bridges too. Like the layout above, all switches are #5s. I will not use O72s or anything else since most long wheelbase steam tends to flop all over them clumsily.

 

Both layouts will let me fart around with some switching and goof off around the roundhouse while two trains can run unbothered.

 

Really looking forward to this Norm!!

 

Thanks,

Alan

Thanks Alan, it really stinks not having a layout!!

You are so right !

Nothing wrong with loops, Norm. Many tend to overcomplicate things by putting in too much track just for the sake of having it. It's refreshing to see a fairly simple track plan that will be fleshed out with scenery. 

Thanks Jumijo, I am keeping it simple like I did on the last layout. The old Greenbrook layout was influenced by my time with the Glancy modular layout. At the time I had an O31/O54 apartment layout and I always liked it when we would just set up a big oval with O72 curves. Big stuff just looked and ran better on the comparatively wider curves. The long straight shots always looked good too.

 

I considered an over/under design but I just couldn't resolve the grades. I wanted to keep them under 2%. I think the slight grade separations are just enough to add some scenic interest without making an operational headache.

 

I am hoping to finish tacking up the backdrop this weekend so I can move onto patching the seams and painting...

 

 

 

Looks like your plan is coming together nicely, Norm!  Do keep us posted on the progress, and post a photo or two once you get that backdrop in place.  I would be interested in knowing what you are using for a backdrop and how you are mounting it to the walls (mostly because I have to take care of that task myself one of these days, and face a much harder time because the layout is already in place, although nowhere near being finished or even partially finished).  My bad!  Fortunately, I can still walk/crawl atop the thing.

 

Heading over to Mercer Junction today to see if I can perhaps help keep the lights on at our mutual friend Dave's place.

I put masonite over the drywall because I couldn't think of a better way to do the transitions. I didn't want to mud the transitions into the drywall so I just went with all masonite for the backdrops. I thought about using 1/4" drywall with supports for the corners but this setup seemed easier. Plus, you don't need to support the transitions as long as you can tack to two studs on either side.

 

I am also trying to avoid gluing to the drywall, so each piece is cut to land on studs. If/when we decide to move, it can be taken town without too much damage to the drywall (at least I hope!).

I am fooling around with the plan a bit more on this lazy Saturday. These two are the same idea with some added sidings at the right side. I can add some industries all around the layout and space them out a ways. I am trying to keep stuff apart for a better sense of distance.

 

 

 

This one here has a slightly bigger yard at the front of the layout with a kind of integrated crossover to the innermost line at the left. This plan may be a little harder to grade-separate.

 

 

If it's unclear, this will be a sort of donut layout with a long aisle in the center, about 3' wide. That makes the back part a shelf, with the center an isthmus. The TT/roundhouse is kept far away from things to keep from crowding up the scenery.

 

I have been looking over Linn Westcott's 101 Track Plans for months now, so I don't feel so bad about loops. He liked putting the TT and roundhouse right in the middle of things though, which is cool but I like it out on its own shelf so you can get up close and personal with some scale steam.

 

As for progress, all the backdrop is up and it's sanded out. I decided to mud and tape with drywall products. I may start putting the basecoat on today.

Thinking about some dogbone designs.

 

This one is intriguing because of the engine yard being out on a peninsula. I can't figure out how to get a nice yard along the mains without making it cluttered-up. No ducks other than access to rear spurs.

 

 

This one has an embedded engine yard and keeps a lot of floor space open for future peninsula-type expansion. Better straight shots along the front and I like the angles. The double-ended yard is a plus. Narrow duckunder under yard for access to spurs.

 

 

Both of these plans are more expandable than the oval style and offers more layout 'shoreline'. I could split the outer main off the upper right section and send them into my workshop for staging and an O81 turnaround.

NORM

LATEST REVISIONS WITH DOG-BONE LOOK GOOD AND SHOULD ADD TO THE FUN OF OPERATION. KEEP US POSTED ON YOUR PROGRESS.

 

PS- THOROUGHLY ENJOYED YOUR SEGMENTS ON THE HI RAIL CLASSIC VIDEOS AND HAVE GOTTEN INTO WEATHERING ROLLING STOCK AND BUILDINGS, HAVE NOT YET GOT THE NERVE TO ATTEMPT AND ENGINE

STEVE

Hey thanks Steve, glad you liked those videos despite having to hear me drone on.

 

I got to playing with the second dogbone plan. This shows how the layout could be expanded in stages. The yard on a peninsula on the second one could also be used for a strip of freestanding switchable industries.

 

 

 

Go get a couple cases of beer. Dave and I will be up.  Lets get this started!!

 

Kurt

Norm

Outstanding, so long as you can take the space go for it and don't look back. Wish I lived closer to help out.

Hi Norm,

 

Either one of theses plans look awesome, Love the idea of the track going through

the workshop area. You also still have plenty of open space to move around and have  lots of visitors. 

 

Thanks,

Alex

I'm into those!

 

Ready for a road trip.

 

Dave

Thx dudes...I am having some fun thinking about setting this up as a dogbone. I keep thinking about where I'd like the RH/TT so I moved it out to the peninsula for full access. This setup gives me ducks along the straight edges and more layout access. The yard on the upper right could be arranged to serve a group of industries or a big coal mine. I am trying to keep away from the poles as much as possible as I don't want them blocking access or showing up in photos.

 

 

Looking good Norm,

 

I wouldnt shy away from putting layout around poles.Looks to me more advantages with the room you have,especially since theres 3 feet next to them to get by. IMHO- its wasted space in the first place and can easily be hidden with some scenery foam or buildings. Unless you plan on pointing the camera  high in that one area.(in that case they'd still be in the background) I believe they are even  more in the way outside the layout  than in it.More of a chance to walk into them while following trains around.

Norm

 

If it were me I would make the loop near the utility room a foot shorter so I could walk around the loop for better access at the rear.  As we get older easier access becomes more important

Al Galli

Norm,

Really like the dog-bone variants.  My own layout is a folded dogbone.  I have a double cross-over in the middle to permit reversing directions.  From what I read above, you're keeping the grades small (no cross-overs or major elevations), right?

 

Anyway, as Flounder would say:

 

"This is great!" 

 

I look forward to the next progress report.

 

Best,

 

George

Patrick, I am trying to avoid wrapping the layout around the poles. There isn't much room between the lower one and the workshop wall. I really don't want any radical scenery features either. I am going for a nice mellow panoramic view. It would be nice to walk in to middle of the layout and have all the views of it unobstructed even though I still have one by the engine yard area. (My old layout had pole 5" from the center front, and that kinda stunk!)

 

George, I was sort of reluctant to deal with the dogbone style but after tweaking stuff around I think I can deal. I was hoping to have some nice straight sections along the front edge of the layout and I was thinking a dogbone/around the walls wouldn't work for that.

 

This plan will also allow me to build in phases so I don't sick of doing one thing for too long.

 

 

 

Thanks Chris. Since I worked on extending the backdrop another 5' along the upper right side, it looks like I will be pursuing some form of the dogbone plan. The inherent advantage is the almost doubling of running length and some interesting movements as the trains reverse themselves. The biggest challenge is how to do it clean. I am trying to keep the curves as wide as possible and I am trying to stay away from the support columns.

 

I have cleaned up the version with the RH/TT embedded a little bit. I tweaked the angle of the TT approach and played around with the sidings (scissored xover). I am not sure if I care for the sidings set up like that.

 

I also thought about putting the RH/TT out on a peninsula again, this time with the entrance coming in from the opposite way. I am liking this plan because I think it will allow me to do an industrial city scene at the lower left end and a smaller town scene at the upper right. The TT approach isn't as nice as I'd like in regards to access from the inner loop. Aisle space tightens up a bit also. If I do a slight S-curve into the TT, I can skew the whole thing to the right a bit. I need to think about xover placement a bit and also how to set up blocks for signalling. This setup would present itself well as you walk into the layout space from the short hallway.

 

Either version would be a 'phase one' effort, with the workshop staging added in a few years down the road (rails).

Norm,

 

I really like the peninsula in version 2.

 

Dave

 

 I don't know Norm, I was trying not to post, but..............

THE SUSPENSE IS KILLING ME!!!

If you need somewhere to test ideas, I'll open up my house??

Norm....I agree with Dave above, version two is the nicest plan that allows your expansion in future years as well as highlighting the locomotive facility...WITH the side benefit of the option of expansion of the loco facility and roundhouse area if you decide to do so.  Nice photo opportunities too of the facility with the layout as the backdrop.

 

Alan

Version 2 definitely has a "wow factor" when you enter the room.  Another reason I like it better than version 1 is that the loco service area is adjacent to the yard (not so in version 1).  You might want to consider extending the inbound and outbound tracks to the turntable all the way back to the yard as opposed to splitting them closer to the table as you have now.  A long inbound track provides space for water, coal, sand, ash pit and maybe even a wash rack.  A long outbound or "ready" track would allow you to display a few locomotives ready for their next assignment.

Norm,

 

I like the second option shown.  I also like Bob's comments on the long  inbound and out bound tracks, I found I could use a bit more space on mine.

 

You may also find working with something like the 4 way switch from ross allows you a bit more space in the yard.

 

I like the idea of the TT/RH out on the peninsula too. Not only is it much easier to build and work on, but many more photo opportunities with 360 access. 

Thanks for the opinions guys. I think I will go with the TT peninsula setup. Bob, I couldn't figure out how to bring the second track all the way to the yard without making a mess, so I shortened the 'throat' a bit. I was planning on having an ash pit/hoist along with water and coal (will probably build a new tower at some point).

 

Rich, at some point I will have to order your laser cut windows to dress up that old Korber RH. Whenever I visit Mercer, I admire Dave's job he did on his.

 

LOS, I agree about the peninsula being easier to work on and the photo potential is intriguing. I'm a bit worried about access to that yard where it connects though. There will be some form of duckunder access inside each end of the loops.

 

Anyway, I fooled around a bit more with the latest iteration, cleaning up some of the sidings and spurs. The section along the upper right may host a couple of the old Greenbrook factories so the sidings were tweaked a little.

 

Then I thought about putting in a couple of reverse loop cutoffs on the inner line. That might be kinda fun to move trains around each other and hit the industry spurs.

 

The reverse loops are a great addition. We have a reverse loop incorporated into all 3 mainlines on both levels, so it makes running trains a lot more interesting. Makes you really pay attention when running multiple trains at the same time, especially where those trains are at in relation to the crossovers and direction of travel. I've had to use the "Emergency Stop" button a couple times because of an "oops".

Some very impressive and well thought out designs.  I really like the thought you are putting into this, not only the consideration being given to operation, but also the thoughts on how it will impact scenery as well as fit the room itself.  The space is excellent and a fine layout will compliment the man-cave nicely.  I'm looking forward to watching your progress and have no doubt it will be another masterpiece.

 

I fully agree with Chris!  A deliberate and comprehensive approach to layout planning is a delight to see.

Thanks guys, I think we're getting closer. This will probably be the final plan with some minor tweaks. I got some bad news that Atlas 108" curves are still not available until November.

 

I want to start the benchwork soon but may hold off until I get some ventilation installed. After thinking about the options, the best one seems to be modifying my existing glass block windows. I want to be able to move dust out of the space so I am getting a power vent installed at one of the main (layout) space and a regular hopper vent at the other to draw air across the whole space.

Keep it going Norm! Nothing is more exciting than planning that new layout. Keep us posted! And if you need any cheap labor, let me know. Pizza and Sodas work wonders!

 

Benchwork started last weekend as I continue to fool around with the trackplan a bit. I decided to roll with Atlas O99 curves to stay within the 10'2" wall at the lower left. This gives me a clean line along the front of this part of the layout. Trying to use O108 curves in my plans wasn't getting me much and I was mostly OK with how things looked on O99 curves on my last layout. I put up 30" by 96" modules set at 36" high along the walls and now I am setting in place the 42" high sections. The track mean level will be 42" although I may raise the back set of curves in the upper left a couple inches for interest (grades shall be 2% or less, the reverse loop cutoffs give me a low grade line just in case). The tracks may traverse some fills and/or retaining walls along the walls.

 

As I mentioned, I keep playing with the trackplan as things progress. At this point most of the effort is aimed at keeping things simple. I removed the long passing siding that ran around the lower left as it didn't add much. I can still hold a train on the extended reverse loop cutoff if I want. The three curves on my old layout looked awful when loaded up with trains, much too crowded. I also slimmed down the mini yard and kept one passing siding in place. I am stressing on the RH/TT yard as I am not fully convinced it will look good or even be useful in its proposed location. I may embed it in the upper right and use the peninsula space for a nice set of industries. I will see how the benchwork shapes up as it goes together.

 

 

 

The RH/TT lead is in a better spot by the extension of a short bit of straight section before the lower line turns back on itself. It still bugs me though as it is not as clean looking as I like. This may turn out to be a better entrance into a nice set of detailed industrial buildings on a shortened peninsula. That x-over location is causing me a bit of grief too. It gives the inner line access to the RH lead but the spot it's in doesn't lend itself to a clean set of signals being in the middle of that passing siding. I am worried this thing is getting into being a mess.

Norm,

 

Looking Great!

 

Nice a clean.  This is going to be a great train room and layout!

Gee, Norm, when you get "started" on benchwork, you sure don't mess around!

 

Armchair modelers and procrastinators take note! 

 

 

Hey, bring my cordless drills back!

 

 

That is a nice space you have there, Norm. Congratulations on the nice looking benchwork, looking forward to seeing your progress.

Hi Norm,

 

Looking fantastic so far. I use to be a finish carpenter, and I like when I see such neat, clean, and square woodworking . !!!!!!!

 

Thanks,

Alex

The bench work looks very good, definitely a great start to a great layout.

Looking sharp Norm.  Bet it feels good to get started.

Some more minor tweaks to the trackplan and a bit of thinking out loud. The whole reason I decided to put the RH lead off of a straight section was to offset the centerline of the whole RH/TT setup. I took out that little dog leg I had going there for a minute. Also put the x-over up between the reverse loop cutoffs, sort of where it was before. I wanted it closer to the RH lead but it didn't look right. I am hoping to fit a tower in the x-over cutoff set of switches.

 

 

I keep going back and forth but I think I should try to make the RH/TT peninsula happen. As I build the benchwork I will be able to see how things lay out better as far as clearances, access, and those dreaded duckunders.

 

Owen, I was just remarking to my pals yesterday who stopped over that I am actually impressed with my Ryobis for layout building/household use. I find the 18V stuff is OK as long as I can still get the batteries. The newer batteries seem better than the old. I definitely like the 5" circular saw too. Even the 14.4V stuff seems to be hanging tough with the newer batteries.

 

As always, thanks for the nice comments everyone...

I agree about the Ryobi's. I have the saw, too, and I love that little bugger. I don't need it often, but when I do it is a joy to have. I recently picked up a couple new batteries. I considered getting the new style batteries, but the cost is a bit steep and you need new chargers. I have 4 of the old chargers and a half dozen batteries so I am going to stick with that until I can't anymore. My layout has been on hold for a while. I have the main portion of the track laid, it is high-time I get motivated and start doing some scenery. Good luck with your projects and thanks for sharing.

So,  Where's the missile silo going???? 

 

Kurt

Uh, right next to....??

 

Anyway, here's some more benchwork progress. You can see the 6" drop from the front sections of the layout to the back. My theory is that when looking/photo'ing across the front of the layout and the RH/TT peninsula, the layout edges on the backside won't be as visible on low angles. I envision embankments and retaining walls as you look across in the background. I hope it works, there is a lot more cutting and tweaking as opposed to just building tabletops.

 

 

That's sweet!!!!

 

Kurt

Looks great Norm. Can't wait to see your progress. 

 

Andy

Norm,

 

Looking good!  I love the elevation change.

 

Dave

 

 

 

Looks great, and an excellent idea of lowering the back to eliminate seeing the front edge, especially for photography. If you move the Rh/TT back up to the top right corner of the layout, it will really restrict the lead going to the TT. I like the peninsula idea for the TT/RH especially because it has that really long lead for all those service structures. 

So happy to see your progress....I so enjoyed your previous layout can't wait for this one......

Loving the progress, the drop is a great idea.

The basic skeleton of the layout is now put together and I am starting to lay in the city section curves and yard. This is the basic bones of the layout that will support the trackwork (minus the TT/RH trackage). As the scenery progresses, I will bump out portions of the benchwork to support it.

 

The curves are O99 and O90. The inner curve is staggered back one inch to open up the spacing at the center of the curve. In this shot below you can see the raised subroadbed along the back of the layout. The benchwork is built on 16" centers for stiffness and support of the subroadbed.

 

Nice work Norm. I enjoy the pictures and updates.

NORM GREAT PROGRESS, YOU DOING THE BENCH WOK ALONE OR SO YOU HAVE HELP

THIS IS A GREAT START TO FINISH THREAD

Wow all that work and not a beer bottle in sight

Nice work Norm! Can't wait to visit.

 

Kurt

Looking good Norm.  Like that track plan.  I enjoyed your previous layout and looking forward to seeing updates to your latest creation.

LI, just me and my chop saw down here making a mess.

 

Kurt, a couple of these helped to get the yard started.

 

 

 

This is about it for this weekend...heading toward the junction. Now that track is going down I think I have gotten the sidings and spurs figured out. I found a nice spot outside the curves to fit a nice detailed industry at the front of the layout as you walk in.

 

 

 

Thanks for all the kind words!

Looking great Norm!

Norm,

 

Glad to see the progress!

 

Oberon...the family label.

 

Dave

 

Right next to the Lionel Atomic Reactor, of course.  You've got to defend that, right Norm?

 

Earlier in this thread you described yourself as a loop runner.  And I certainly remember those wonderful videos with the Pennsy big steam locomotives rolling through the big curves and industrial scenery (fantastic).  And the weathering clinic you gave at the Pittsburgh Model Railroad Jamboree a few years ago - a big inspiration to me. 

 

So I have a few dumb questions (please pardon them) regarding how you plan to operate this layout (they are some of the same questions I asked myself). 

 

Will trains travel in both directions and will your road be signaled for both?

Any thought to the twice around concept (or maybe thru switch alignment that's already possible)?

Any embedded directional flow of materials and products in the design?

 

Again, terrific!

 

George

Norm, Looking really good !