module 1 completed It's Saturday afternoon and Module 1 framework is completed. It's a 24" x 30" module using 1x4 select pine. Framework secured together using drywall screws and the leg assemblies fastened on using 1/4" x 3" carriage bolts. All I have to do now is drill the holes down the center of the cross-members for wiring and attach the leg levelers and then move on to the next module. It feels good to get started.
modules 2 and 3 completed Modules 2 and 3 completed and connected to module 1. Module 2 is 18 x 24 and module 3 is a 18 x 36. All that's left is another 18 x 36, 30 x 36, 12 x 18 and a 12 x 24.:teeth: I might have time during the week to complete some more, but it will get there eventually.
What looks good on paper... doesn't always translate well in the real world. I have a total of 4 modules completed now and when I started doing some more measurements, I discovered that the plan will encroach into the computer and printer area and just won't work out. I removed the existing shelf unit that was in the corner and now I can extend the plan along the long wall for a total of 11'. I would have to compromise and shorten the leg with the yard by 12" due to the closet door swinging out into the room. I guess life is all about compromises. Since a good portion of the benchwork is done, I feel I need to keep somewhat to the original plan, but with the additional space the only solution I have come up with is to elongate the run along the back wall and some on the front edge. The new plan is attached and the question is does it look okay or is there any thing I need to change? To make it easier to compare, I have attached the old vs. the new. Original: Proposed new plan:
It is a shame to lose some of the yard but for your size layout you still have four tracks that will hold four or more forty foot cars, so not too bad. You might consider seeing how you could re-work the run-around/passing siding at the front (which is now pretty long just for use as a run-around) and bring the turnout to the industries on the left forward. If these spurs can fit more into the lower left loop might have room for a short spur off the longer back mainline into the upper inside portion of the loop for a freight station or team track. You can bring almost anything into and off a freight station or team track spur for more operational interest. The longer run along the back is nice to have. Gives a better feeling of space between your industrial areas.
Mark Smith: Thanks for the comments. I'm going to work this week on the track plan before tackling any more benchwork and make sure everything is going to fit. In addition, this evening when I get home I'm going to temporarily remove the closet door and see how much more I can gain and then just hang a curtain in the doorway since the closet will only be used for storage. When I get some of the track issues ironed out I'll post a revised plan and see what everyone thinks. Thanks again.
You might also think of bi-fold or by-pass doors for the closet if the General Superintendent objects to curtains.
For additional "storage" please see my "Cassette / Display Shelf" idea here: http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=88640 Might be an option in terms of yard space.
update... ...the good news is that the full yard is back without having to remove the door. There is just enough clearance with the door open that it will not impede the operation of the layout. The bad news...can't think of any.:teeth: I have modified the track and added a short spur coming off the top. My intention is to have a distribution center where I can bring in a car loaded with dry goods, paper products or even a refrigerator car to offload perishable items and then loaded onto trucks for distribution elsewhere. This will allow for more diversity in the rolling stock. The revised plan: I'll work on the rest of the scenery as I go along, but for now I think it's important for me to get back on track and continue with construction. As always, comments welcome.
The weekend saw... the completion of all benchwork framework. Since the room is small, it is hard to get one overall shot so I have attached two images: Modules 1-4 Modules 5-7 The blue area at the yard end is foam board and was checking to see if it will be sturdy for the backdrop, the height and to determine how to hide the seams. I have some backdrop scenes from Sceniking that I will be using. I will spray them with adhesive and attach to whatever backdrop material I ultimately will choose. Next it is "plywood and extruded foam city". A friend of mine has some scrap 1/2" plywood and I gave him the benchwork plan and he is going to cut the pieces for me and that is going to save some time and worry about hauling 4x8 sheets home. In the meantime, I'm trying to decide how I am going to run the bus wires for DCC before attaching any plywood and foam. Just will make things a lot easier. No turning back now!:teeth:
Accomodating the railfans Sitting at work today and looking at my track plan, I got an idea for the scenery between the main line and the yard thanks to a Railfanning post by friscobob. As depicted in the drawing, I moved the lake back to its original location except this time it will be an "eco-friendly" large pond built by ADM and the railroad. In between the yard and the main line I will scratch build a covered observation deck for the railfans to watch action into and out of the yard and as it passes along the main line. In addition, if any of the railfans are nature lovers, they will be able to observe the wild geese and other fowl at the pond.
Now a railfanning platform is not something often modeled. Glad I was able to help in some way. And wetlands to boot.......
The weekend saw... all of the plywood base has been installed: and the start of the foamular: Since I work as a property manager for a real estate firm and new home builder, I am able to get some scrap foam and use at no cost. The foam is secured using Liquid Nails for Projects and my fancy weights are large stock pots filled with water and empty milk containers filled with water. All of the plywood has been secured and now the task at hand is laying on the foamular. The thickest foamular we can get here readily is 3/4" without having to special order. I will just have to sandwich them to get 1 1/2" which is approximately 20 N scale feet. That should do me just fine for carving the scenery since this will be agricultural land with just a few rolling hills and the wildlife habitat doesn't need to be any deeper than that anyway.
Planning ahead on motive power... and would like some input. I have just a little more of the foam base to apply and the budget being what it is, I have the track and turnouts on order for the yard and will begin with that. My question is that on the main line the curves are 12.5" radius Atlas Code 55 so will 6-axle diesels look okay or will it look awkward? The rolling stock will be primarily 40' airslide covered hoppers. Here is a 3D overhead shot of the layout: I don't want to invest in any 6-axles if it won't look right. Any input and comments are welcome.
