Not much happened over the summer on the layout but with Code 55 flex, #5 and #7 turnouts having shown up about 3 weeks ago layout progress has begun.

Over the summer I did spend some time working on the start of my city. I have the base roads installed and a few building in place. All still need weathering and details.

I have installed the 4 A/D tracks for the yard and mainline 1 has been installed around the whole layout. I don’t have the #10 turnouts that I need for the mainline cross overs yet so I have used paper cut outs to mark where they will be going. It is great to be able to see trains moving even though it is only part done and the power for the whole layout is coming from one power drop. This is also my first time using code 55 track, it is not as robust to handling as code 80 so I am taking track layout slower than I normal would. Also I have always laid track with water based contact cement but on this layout I tried DAP latex caulk for the first time. So far so good with the caulk. I always thought it would make a mess but if you only use a small bead and then a putty knife everything is kept neat and tidy. I had a few spots where I had to much caulk but was able to scrap it off after it dried with a knife. I have not glued within 2 feet of anywhere where I will be installing a turnout so they will install easy.

This is the one side of the peninsula

And the other

Here is a video update of the layout so far.

I have also started the wiring for the layout. At this point in time I will not be installing occupancy detectors and signaling, but the layout will be set up now for their installation at a later time.

Thanks for looking

April Update

Wow I haven't made a post since November. There hasn't been a lot done on the layout because I am still waiting on track and also because we are rebuilding the layout at the club so most of January - March was spent working there.

First I have the layout fully corked and ready for track. Here is a video tour of the layout.

Here is the most current track plan that goes with the video.

I have started to work on building for the layout as well. 

Here is the grain elevator. I am thinking of cutting it down to just 1 loading shed as in real life they would not load 2 at a time like this.

 I am going to have a rundown trailer park in one of the corners this is the first of 7 trailers i need to build.

On the opposite side of the yard will be the city. I have started to build building for here as well. I have also drawn out some streets.

This bridge is near my house and I am using it as the prototype for my bridge scene. Mine will be just a river under the bridge no highway and a double track bridge but you get the idea.

I am also kitbashing 2 George Roberts Printing building into a bigger building. Still working on how that will work.

Finally got my swing down entrance way built. Right now it is nice and stiff and fits well. We will see how it holds up over time.

That is all for now.

After twisting my ankle on the golf course yesterday I spent today unable to walk and there for had some time to do some modeling.

Today I finished the base of my McDonalds. Vollmer put this kit out almost a year ago and I have been waiting to find time to build it. I have the restaurant itself built but I still need to do some detail work. I need to find a place on the layout for it so I can build the drive through, as well as make an out door eating area. I am planning on lighting this building so there are some people in line waiting to place an order. I also need to find more sitting people so they can be eating.  

Pre-Fab and Custom painting update

Since my last post I have done some custom painting and also finished off the Pre-Fab building.

The Pre-Fab building is now ready for the layout. After gluing on all the details I spent some time work on the last of the painting. At some point I will have to weather the building but for now it is done.

Also did some painting over the last few weeks.

First a Via F40PH.

Then 2 CP GP38’s

And 2 Via RDC’s

Woodlands Scenics Pre-Fab

Have been working on the Woodlands Scenic Pre-Fab Fresh Market kit. For years I have built the DPM buildings with details parts like the night life kit. This kit is really easy to put together. What is tough is the painting just like DPM buildings. The detail parts all have pre-drilled holes and fit easy. I still have some details to add and lots of weathering to do. Not a bad kit for $22.

I have not done a lot of work on the layout lately but I have started to fit building and sper tracks.

Building

With all the track in place other than the industry siding I though I should start to work on building to use. Over the last few years since I last had a layout set up I have been building buildings for friends to use on there layouts and have gotten a lot better at building. I have pulled all my build building out of storage to see what can be used on the new layout. Most of my old buildings were unpainted when I put them together so I have been painting built building. This is not easy and you should always paint first, also something I have learned since the last layout.

 Here we have the Water Street Freight Terminal. Painted after building

Also Al’s Victory Service had to be painted after it was built.

I wanted to have a nice big corner hotel so I had to bash to DMP kits together. I am planning to light this building and as you can see after I painted on the Blinds from the inside I painted some windows black and left some open so the light will only show through in some rooms. I think it will add to the realism of the building.

I built this small diorama for a friend. It came out so well I just hope I can do it again for my own layout.

I built the DPM Night Life kit and sold it to another friend so I will also have to rebuild this kit as well.