Skip to main content

I've finally started benchwork on my new and improved Harpers Ferry layout.   We moved to another house a couple of years ago.  I built my first Harpers Ferry layout in my previous house.   See my old layout videos here: The new house has a 13x29 unfinished room in the basement which will be the home of the new layout.   This layout will eventually be about 26 x 13.   I plan to build it in 2 phases.   The first phase will include Harpers Ferry and a Point of Rocks loop.   I've been planning this layout in RRTrack ever since we moved.  It improves on my last plan with larger radius curves (a O-72 loop) and Atlas O track (versus MTH Realtrax).   Here is the phase 1 plan and some initial benchwork pics:

Attachments

Images (2)
  • mceclip0
  • 88580441-2C96-4C5D-866F-703CFDF2E42C
Last edited by Obsidian
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Hi Neighbor!

thank you for all this work in sharing your layout!  That is a very impressive video for the benchwork (still have to watch some others).  What a great area to model.  Our Leesburg troups have hiked all over that area and my boys and I would take the train from there to DC union station every chance we got.  Go over to the museum in Brunswick.  I think it has so much great history at Harpers Ferry along with Point of Rocks.

I am a recent convert from HO to O (trying to do both) and currently only have an oval to run my EM-1 and the capitol limited on but am trying to expand in my basement and planning a larger layout in our loft in NC that is being built.  Just got a hold of the book on building O gauge layouts from here on the O gauge site and that was good information.  I did L grid benchwork for HO and have done 1x4 and birch plywood on 2x4 48" saw horses for the oval.  Your approach is much more in line with the book (compendium of backshop articles I think it is, dont have it with me to reference).   This is all new to me so your videos and work are very helpful in figuring out what a next step layout in VA will be.  Thank you for all the work it takes to share this!

BTW are there any clubs in out area?

I blocked out some time and got some help on the layout benchwork over the weekend.   Here is a my latest video that details the 'modified L-Girder' technique that I'm using.  Also, I added some overhead LED lighting bars to the train/storage room.   Next step is to buy 4x8 sheets of either OSB or Plywood.   I know ply is the best but also more expensive choice.   If you have used OSB please let me know your pros/cons.   As always, thanks for watching and please show your support by subscribing and liking.

Ken

Hey thanks all for your helpful comments and encouragement.   I'm documenting my progress with videos in part because most other layout builds don't show benchwork construction.   I may go with OSB since I won't be making grades with cookie cutter (planning on using Woodland Scenic 2-3% flexible grades).   Cost is a consideration as well.   My joists are 24" on center and I know 1/2 inch OSB will span without sagging.    I plan on gluing and screwing decking to joists.   Also thinking I should get my masonite backdrops painted sky blue AND mounted BEFORE decking gets in the way. 

@Mark Boyce posted:

I'm glad you are finally able to start building the new Harpers Ferry layout!  I'll look forward to seeing your progress!

Mark, thanks in part to you selling me that great Western Maryland RS diesel I'm thinking the phase II extension should be Cumberland.   Would make since it is 'up river' from Harpers Ferry.   I am also glad to get this layout going.   Been suffering train withdrawal since I haven't run trains in months (took down temp loop to make room for layout last winter).

Add Reply

Post
The Track Planning and Layout Design Forum is sponsored by

AN OGR FORUM CHARTER SPONSOR

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×