I have been asking a lot questions here over the past few months (seems like years). Anyway I had a layout in the same room as pictured, the first few pictures have some of the remnants (now used as shelves), wasn't level, not very sound construction so know we are making very sound benchwork. See pics! Not seen are 2 pennisula's one measuring 4x4 and the other 4x8. I will have 3 foot aisles all around and the height will be 51 inches. Don't you just love the basement of a 112 year Victorian home. The inspector stated that the foundation is in better shape than 50% of the homes built in the 70's. Unfortunately poor basements for trains, but I wouldn't trade the uniqueness of it.
The layout is still in progress in regards to actual curve radi, elevations and industries. The road will be the Milwaukee Road during the 50's. Since the layout is large I will try to have one side represent the west end of the line (read mountains, bridges and the Galatian Inn) and the east end will be in IA (read cornfields, Manilla turntable and Perry's recently closed Hotel Patee). I am excited just to get started!!!!!!!
Looks like you have the basics sorted, I like what I see. What scale is your new rail empire? Be sure to post your track plan as you are probably aware, there are lots of members only to willing to help sort out problems and offer sound advise. Happy modelling, Ken.
Looking good so far. Can not wait to see the rest of it! We do not have basements here where I live in Texas but I am familiar with the concept of basements having family up in Kansas. One thing that I might recommend perchance in case you have not thought of it is that you design your layout framework/structure so in the event of a flood from a water leak or water heater failure etc at least the layout would not be effected by it. Maybe it is not an issue at all but just in case. Make sure and keep us posted on your progress. Mr X
Jeff, It looks like Dr. J has a backdrop going almost to the ceiling. Are you talking about painting the ceiling black? What's that do for you? I'm just starting my benchwork in a spare bedroom - is the reason I'm asking. My backdrop stops about 21/2' below the ceiling by the way - it being a continuous sheet of 20" aluminum flashing. MARV
The ceiling, yes. I have open joist in my basement layout room. I saw somewhere where a guy was building a massive layout in his basement and he painted all of the open joist, duct work and wiring black. This way once the lights are in there is nothing competing in your sight. Everything above is black with the exception of your light source. I think it's very cool. My wife thought I was nuts, but once she seen it she asked me to do the rest of the basement. I'm not sure that depth is the right word, but I think it looks really good.
I don't normally raise a nasty topic, but I'm wondering about the heating pipes (or ducts) over your layout. It looks like they are wrapped in an insulation material. Old Victorian style houses often used asbestos to wrap the heating system pipes. Please have this checked out. Asbestos is a nasty substance that causes serious health problems way down the road. It may not affect you, but it could surely hurt that little girl in one of the pictures (your daughter?). Asbestos treatment can be either removal or containment. Either way gets to be expensive. There may be test kits at the big box stores for a home test. I don't know how reliable the test would be. If I'm wrong, at least I will sleep better knowing that I was wrong. Also if I'm wrong, as Rosanne Rosannadanna used to say, "Never Mind!" Darrell, quiet...for now
dgwinup You are correct we are looking to see if it is truely asbestos. Don't have the answer yet! And yes that is my daughter! Jeff
Looks good so far! I wish we had basements out here. If that is asbestos, have it professionally abated now, before you really start the layout work. I found a small amount in my 1950s home, and it was permanately buried under some new construction.
It looks alot like my 110 year old victorian basement. I was not fortunate enough to have a large basement though. It looks like you have plenty of space for a nice empire. I didn't see what scale you plan on doing. Can you take a picture of you standing in the room for more size perspective? ( I assume your wife could shoot it for you)
Looks like a great start. Often just getting started is the hard part. Don't let the momentum stop and keep on rolling.:thumbs_up:
More is done! I have a few pictures from this weekend. The first is of the southeast corner with a 'frig' for reference. There will be a pennisula there that is 4x8. The height will be 48 inches (I will be using a chair with wheels to operate). The second will be the north end and will have a pennisula of 4x4. The third pic is the northeast corner. And the final pic is the southwest corner that is where the first pic was taken from! Thanks to all that replied! Jeff PS the first image is in "trainboard attached images" and 2-4 is in "trainboard attached thumbnails".
