The following tasks have been completed: Sketch Layout Test lay all tracks on actual bench and marked off all track lines. Can you guys double check my final sequence to make sure I'm doing this in order. I dont' want a OHHHHNOOOO incident to happen. Lay Bridge over recessed water stream. Glue roadbed Glue Tracks/Tracks Wire Tracks for DCC Wire Turnouts Test run Trains Install Tunnels and Hills Ballast Place Structure / Streams Add scenic Details Does that sound right? What concerns me is whether to glue track first, or Wire first? Any good links on Soidering wires to Flex? Thanks
Be sure to wire and get all track working as planned, before scenery. Otherwise, if there is a problem, you'll have difficult access, or possibly damage trees etc. After ballasting, test thoroughly before going any further. To make sure all track and switches are clean and clear. Boxcab E50
You might think about ballasting before adding your tunnels and adding any hills that might be in the way of that process. For the tunnels I like to run it a short ways into the tunnel so that it doesn't look like it ends abruptly at the portal and by doing it before you have easy access and you can make sure none of it is stuck to your track or causing any other track problems.
Lay Bridge over recessed water stream. Glue roadbed Glue Tracks/Tracks Wire Tracks for DCC Wire Turnouts Test run Trains Ballast Install Tunnels and Hills Place Structure / Streams Test run Trains Add scenic Details Ok, I've made the adjustments as per your advices. So my steps 2,3,4,5 are correct?
My list would have to include one or more "Change layout" steps between each existing step. :tb-biggrin: Looks good, and have fun.
You have the primary basic steps down. However it really is much more complex than you might think. Here are some examples... Part 1 may include some scenic elements. You may need to do scenery under where your bridge will go if you cannot reach under it once it is installed. Part 2 obviously needs to go down next, however 3-5 are really somewhat interchangeable. I like to solder feeder wires to my flex before I lay it. Then when I finish laying the track I run the bus wires and connect them all up. Just a personal preference. You can also wire your turnout control before your track power if you so desire. As you have it listed it will work. Part 7 should include locating the portals for your tunnels so you know where to ballast to. Leave these portals up and test your trains again after you finish ballasting. This will make sure all your wiring held, you properly cleaned up after ballasting, and address any clearance issues. Test your trains again after Part 8 to make sure your clearances are ok. Use your biggest freight cars and engines. The basic rule of thumb for test runs is to make one after you do anything near/on the track that could affect its running quality. Once you finish your mountain I see no need for additional "test runs" unless you are adding structures that could foul the track (such as industries or station platforms). And if you are, I would probably test-fit those structures as you lay the track.
When I built my first layout I did not think much about structures. After all the track was laid, I started setting down the structures only to discover that half the stuff I bought would not fit. I moved some track for those items that I just had to have and put the rest in storage for my next layout. I knew at that point that I would be building a new one.
I usually do ballasting last, or at least after the basic scenery ground cover, I think it looks better because that's the way the real stuff goes down. Ballast spread over the ground rather than ground spread up to the ballast. The main principle you've got right, get everything looking and working the way you want it before it gets covered up by the next step and is harder to make right. Do plenty of step No.6.
