Construction Progress

(click small images to view full-size images)

03/13/2010 - Yes, along time between updates. I'm all moved in, and construction has started (see track plan page). Two sections of benchwork have been built, and today I put down some track and roadbed. The first place I started ins the staging yard, which will be hidden behind a removable backdrop. Clearance is tight overhead so it's hard to site down the track, so I decided I would get this more difficult portion out of the way first. Here are some photos of what I did today.

07/05/2009 - Almost 2 months since the previous update. But next month I will be moving to a larger apartment with room for a full room-size layout. Once I'm moved in and have accurate dimentions, I will start workign on a new track plan. This time I hope to include most features of the C&F Branch. In the meantime, I've been aquiring some locos and cars, and I purchased a set of Fast Tracks turnout jigs to work on building my own turnouts. I finally finished my first complete turnout, and amazingly enough, a truck with Proto2000 metal wheels will roll through either route with no clicks or bounces over the frog. I haven't attached it to the QuickSticks wood ties yet.

03/08/2009 - I know, a LONG time since the last update. I've been aquiring rolling stock kits and seeing what tidbits I can pick up at train shows. Also trying to develop a workable track plan. But finally some progress. Picked up a couple of 2x4 luan 'handy panels' and a couple of 2x8x2" pink extruded foam. Both modules have been built and connected together, and I installed the luan. Next step is trimming the foam (it's slightly over 2' wide..darnit) and attaching the bottom piece to the luan. Pictures to come - I took a couple but they are still in my camera.

12/21/2008 - Yes - I tend to work slowly. Today I built a Locobuffer II using Hans Deloof's circuit board. But at least I took pictures of the progress as I was solding it all together.

12/07/2008 - Made some legs for the modules. Took a tip from the Jan. 2009 issue of Model Railroader and made the legs like they made them for the Beer Line modules - L shaped with a short chunk of 2x2 at the bottom to provide a place for the leg leveler. Given that none of the wonderful "home improvement' stores around here sell anything resembling a straight 2x2, this works out very well. Instead of the usual T-nut and bold, I found these felt-bottomed pieces. They come with a plastic T-nut and have about 1" of threads on top to allow for adjustment. Since my floors are all hardwood, this should be good protection against scratches.

11/30/2008 - Wow, finally back into it and construction has started. I built the first 2x4 module which will be part of an overall 8x12 L shaped switching layout. Here are some pictures of the module, with my test track stuck on top for a reference. The tops will be two layers of 2" thick extruded foam insulation. I still have to add the diagonal braces for the legs on this one.