Progress report #2

[ginzokid]

I locked the other thread. There is some good stuff in there that probably has been reposted in other threads. I'll check. In the meantime, here's another place to write. B-)

[taz-of-boyds]

Pete,

What kind of track are you using?

All the best,

Charles

[ginzokid]

I use Peco On30 flex track and Peco electrofrog turnouts laid over Midwest HO cork roadbed. The track is code 100. As I have pulled more up and cleaned it I find it very durable.

[taz-of-boyds]

Pete,

If you end up with an assortment of peninsulas in your new layout, you could put a little snow scene on the end of one.  With the track curving around the open end of the layout, it might look pretty neat with the white stuff just kind-of covering a 1/3 circle on the peninsula.  And it would be limited in how much area is involved for whatever mess and pain is involved in creating and maintaining a snow scene.

All the best,

Charles

[ginzokid]

All the track is up and I only lost about 6 feet of it. I'm destroying the scenery right now and have a lot of bags filled with foam.

My new plan is fomenting in my brain right now and keeps changing. Sorry Charles, but no snow scene. I'm sick of looking at it outside and don't need it inside too. 😉 There will be one or more peninsulas resulting in that horrible blob, but I have a plan for those too.

So, it's back to the dungeon......

[taz-of-boyds]

Bummer, no snow scene...    How about desert sand dunes?  Oh well...

Keep having fun!

Charles

[ginzokid]

Actually there is so much plaster dust out there right now that it could be a snow scene......;o

[ginzokid]

Still at it. Boy did I ever build this thing to last! While I am tearing it down, I am also trying to design the new plan. I do not plan on doing an operations oriented layout. Just someplace to show off my structures and watch trains run. I'm hoping that my buddy George will come over and paint the backdrop for me otherwise I'll have to use the printed paper ones. So much to do yet.

[ginzokid]

All torn down and yesterday I started putting the new configuration together. About 90% done. Will finish it up today and then the bench work will be ready for the ceiling tile base. I love that Seivers bench work. Goes together so easily.

[ginzokid]

So far I have left off the ceiling tile as it is easier to string the wires from the top. I have the branch line run and connected. Waiting for some power shields from Tony's trains but will continue to string the bus wires and AC/DC wires for the rest of the layout. Also strung and installed the control bus and plug in panels around the edges. I have 6 panels so there should be lots of room for people if they come to run. Three people can operate at one time on this new plan. That's enough for me as I do not plan on formal operating sessions. Just some fun running trains. The biggest challenge facing me is the desired switch backs over the gorge with two deck bridges and one trestle. That may be what I tackle first after all the wiring is done. I should post a picture if I can get it to work. Still having trouble with the camera. More later......

[ginzokid]

All wiring is done. Now for some special wiring needs like the DPDT switch for the program track. Still waiting for the stuff from Tony's and tracking says the package is still in NYC. I wired in the one reverser that I have.

Yesterday George came over and we brught down the buildings that were stored on the dining room table to plan out the town, industry and service areas. We laid the tiles on the benchwork temporarily. I may move some stuff around yet and will have to verify the track clearances, but it is starting to get exciting again.

[ginzokid]

The tiles are in place now and I plastered a few places to even things out. Now it is time to draw out the track plan full size. I could be laying track next week or sooner.

[ginzokid]

Track plan drawn and revised several times already. Today I will start laying cork.

[dl85vette]

Is it Newton's law of physics, for every action there is a negative action?  If you're corking the layout, then be sure to  uncork the wine.

sorry, been a looong winter.

Don't think the scooter or vette will be moving anytime soon.

[taz-of-boyds]

Yeah, winter has made lots of progress this season, we had rain yesterday, and woke up to a nice fresh covering of snow. Maybe this will be our last.
Charles

[ginzokid]

Trains are running. Cork and track down on the first reverse loop and the yard lead. There will be no cork in th yard though. I'll just lay the track down on the bench work. Waiting for supplies from Walters before I can go much further though. At least I can run a train around the loop, forward and backward.