First thing this morning I headed to Lowes with my Grandson Caleb and got a 3/4 4X8 piece of plywood. Got it home, made some measurements and cuts and the gap in the benchwork is now bridged.
The two mains will tie into what was going to be a hidden yard. Now it will be a double track main with a siding. (It will all still be hidden once the ATSF Line benchwork goes over it.)
Only about 15ft to go with new cork to tie into what I already have. Should have that done today/tonight.
The loop return leg going to the right will be cut off and the main will go straight and tie into the right 'yard' track.
Jerry, I'm a big naysayer to modeled smoke. I hate it. It looks fake no matter what methods I've seen used. I'd rather see no smoke (and use my imagination), then painted static cotton balls. Just my opinion, but it's the first thing I've removed on two club layouts as Scenery Committee.
Thanks Matt.....Yeah....I dont want the painted cotton ball look. Can ruin the looks of a good scene.
Outside SP Mainline cork is down on the new alignment. If I get this one completed, (Easier of the two.), I will be able to run trains on it.
Cork down for the inner SP Mainline also. This just will tie in to the existing 'yard' area, but I still have alot of cork and trackwork to do on this end before it will see a train.
Smoke can always be added with Photoshop if a photo really needs it. Personally, I think one's imagination is a wonderfully creative ability.
The original run on the main was about 86ft. Adding these tracks will add about 30ft to that, and with two lines operating independant of each other.
Jerry - if you want smoke (and I was being semi facetious the other day, since I also mentioned a flare - no open flames near a layout!) how about installing a small smoke generator in the back, that uses the smoke-oil for larger scale locos? Haven't fully thought this through, but I bet you could even get one of the stacks to be the chimney for it.
