It’s been over three weeks since my last post.  This time of year gets kind of hectic with all that’s going on.  But even so, some significant progress has been made on the layout.

I’ve been on a benchwork binge for several weeks now.  I mentioned back in November that I’d started cutting out the sub-roadbed for the two turn back loops contained within the alcove in the train room.  That has been completed and installed along with the cork roadbed.  Track can now be laid.

But I didn’t stop there.  Coming out of that alcove, one enters the second peninsula of the layout.  This is the 5th and final major section of layout construction.  I had previously installed the joists in this area in preparation for the sub-roadbed.  As of today, all of the Louisiana Central sub-roadbed has been installed through the town of Oneida (located on said peninsula).  I’ve cut the sub-roadbed out for the Spencer trackage that will be in the mill site, and will probably get it installed within the next few days.

The only sub-roadbed work left now is the big loop at the end of the peninsula orb, then the mainline run back down the back side.  The track will then traverse the bridge across the room entry and enter Monterey (the end of the line).  The mainline has long been completed in Monterey, so I simply need to connect there.  Wow! the end (of sub-roadbed construction anyway) is actually in sight!

I’ve been saying for months now that I’d post a few photos of the recent construction.  As soon as I complete the work at Oneida near the mill, I will snap a few shots and get ’em posted.

I’ll likely shift to track laying soon as I’m getting way ahead of myself with benchwork.  I can put down about 35 feet of mainline right now, plus a passing siding and quite a few feet of industry trackage.  The Spencer mainline can also now get into Oneida, so I need to put that down (about another 35′ of that).

Again, I’m pleased with the progress.  I’ll be starting the new year on a positive note!

I’d like to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas!

-Jack