The Harpers Ferry Layout II - N&W Class J comparison

I've been working on the backdrops for my layout lately.   The concept of attaching 4x8 sky blue painted masonite panels to the 2x4x8' benchwork posts is working.   

I've completed the panel installation and now need a printing service to print my 36"x72 backdrop photos.   I'll install the photos by trimming each print along the tree line like I did on my previous layout:

I need a recommendation for a large format (36"x 72") printing service that can print my backdrop photographs and ship to me.   Currently the decking is unsecured so I can move it out of the way and work on the backdrops without climbing onto the deck.  Once installed I'll be able to permanently attach my decks to the benchwork and lay track.

I added a couple of more 1x4 joists and 2x4 legs to reinforce certain parts of benchwork.  I've also stabilized my benchwork with angle braces.   Unlike my last layout which was secured to wall studs this room is unfinished and the benchwork needs to be stable on its own.

When we look at an unfinished room in the basement we see a train room.   She sees a storage room.   An element of any successful marriage is the ability to live together.   So for now the room looks a mess (I need to post a "Under Construction" sign on door).   She wanted me to have the room framed and drywalled.  Hah!  I know a trap when I hear it.  If the room had been finished she would have said it was "too nice" to be a dedicated train room.  When the layout is done I'll be able to hide storage items under the benchwork and behind skirts.   I do plan to have the studded wall shared with the rest of the basement drywalled so I can paint it sky blue as well.   Hmmm, should do that sooner (before laying track) than later since drywall finishing produces a lot of dust.

Ken, great video. I like the plan of working on the backdrops and leaving the room unfinished. Sometimes a good strategy is needed to keep the peace 😉

As far as a backdrop, I recently got one from here: https://railroadbackdrops.com/home/Contact

I’m happy with it, but not sure if they’ll use your photos or not. It’s worth asking.

Andy

Everything with the layout looks great!  The backdrop sheets seem to work well. 

Made good progress on the viaduct this week.

Nice! Rolling right along!

How do you like the battery powered jig saw? I'm still rocking the cord but I'm considering an upgrade. It would be awesome for stuff like this!

I retired just over one year ago. It appears I had a limited capacity to suffer fools gladly, and used it up. I went to a financial planner an old friend of my wife uses. I have no pension, only 401(k)/403(b)/IRA savings. He ran 100,000 Monte Carlo simulations and said there was an 89% chance our investments would last until we died (based on historical market performance).  He said if less than 86%, you should not retire. If more than 90%, your investing is too conservative. I second the idea that you must look after your health, meaning what you eat, regular exercise, and enough sleep. No point in being retired if you have to spend it in the doctor's waiting room, or hospital. I delight in retirement. There is no sense of urgency to complete things. I have accomplished many projects around the house and made much progress on my 20+ year-old layout, but don't sweat anything. It can wait. I began volunteering in the shops of the Wilmington & Western RR (historical steam), and continue to edit the Sentinel, the quarterly publication of the B&O Historical Society, as I have done for the past 6 years. I have ventured into new areas, including submitting an article to OGR that's supposed to be published later this year and a crossword puzzle I recently submitted to the LA Times. Continue to learn and stretch yourself, meet new people, get plenty of fresh air, and enjoy life. We all have earned our retirements. I heartily recommend it!

@BillYo414 posted:

Nice! Rolling right along!

How do you like the battery powered jig saw? I'm still rocking the cord but I'm considering an upgrade. It would be awesome for stuff like this!

The cordless jigsaw made this job so much easier.   I use to have a corded saw.  I have a collection of Ryobi battery tools so I already have a couple of batteries.   This saw was like $50 on Amazon without battery and came in 2 days.   My favorite tool for this project has been the cordless nail gun.   Next task is to cut the arches into masonite and bend across the front of the curve to make the facade.

Nice @Obsidian. The only downside to these cordless tools is the way you sort of get trapped in the brand haha but it's all good.

I still gotta catch up on your Youtube videos. I'm so far behind!

Ken, nice job. I imagine you have more control with the cordless? I might get one for myself. Can’t beat $50, not including the battery.

Andy

Completed basic construction of the viaduct.   Still needs scenery (stone wall facade).  Should be able to lay track and operate this section of layout soon.

@Obsidian posted:

Completed basic construction of the viaduct.   Still needs scenery (stone wall facade).  Should be able to lay track and operate this section of layout soon.

Ken.....magnificent!  Your craftsmanship is out of sight. Great choice of bridge to model!

I went looking for that bridge in 2015....it is only about 5 minutes off I-95 via Route 1 and I think it's a "must see" for train people......

Looking forward to the next set of pics/video!!!!

Peter

@Obsidian posted:

Completed basic construction of the viaduct.   Still needs scenery (stone wall facade).  Should be able to lay track and operate this section of layout soon.

I watched this morning when this was posted to YouTube.  Looks good!  Can't wait to see it finished.  I really like the step by step.  A dog bowl has been used in a few of my projects.

Ken, the viaduct looks great!  It has a very sturdy base too.  From the camera angle I couldn’t see where the missing underside of the arches were noticeable.  Of course if it is above someone’s eye level, they would see that.  

Peter, great photographs of the prototype!  Thank you for sharing them.

That thing is awesome! Definitely going to be a great place to rain fan on your layout.

Sorry for the long absence since my last layout post (death in the family & new work project).   Those of you who are subscribers to my Youtube already know that I've been running my new Lionel Chessie Greenbrier around the completed outer loop.   Benchwork done, bridges are now in place and inner/outer loop track laid. 

Very nice! The layout is coming along too. That river scene is going to be quite a sight.

Dave

Amazing. I love what you have done.

Ken, that engine looks and sounds great!  It is really a great match for the MTH passenger car set!  Wow! 

The river scene is going to look great!  You have done a nice job!

Latest addition to the layout.   Should look very prototypical running across the B&O bridge over the Potomac.  First video with with outer and inner loops going.   My 4K action cam takes a ride along too.