The benchwork on the new layout is progressing quite nicely.\u00a0 All five of the major sections have been completed.\u00a0 Next I will be connecting a couple of the major sections with shorter “bridge” pieces, including the swing (or drop) section across the room’s doorway.\u00a0 I also have to put in a number of angled pieces at intersections of the major sections, and I want to put in some reinforcement material in key places.<\/p>\n
The framework is quite strong and is very light.\u00a0 In fact, it is so light that it is easy to move by bumping into it.\u00a0 I hope the added mass and weight of the (future) joists, risers, roadbed and scenery is enough to anchor the whole thing down.\u00a0 The legs aren’t secured to the floor as I don’t want to drill holes through the carpet into the concrete.\u00a0 I will be depending solely on layout weight to keep it in place.<\/p>\n
I could probably wrap things up in about two weekends, however next weekend will be cut short while I take a break to do some railroading over at Lou Schultz’s C&O layout.\u00a0 I’m looking forward to the operating session.\u00a0 I also want to do one more evaluation of the roadbed elevations (heights above the floor) of his layout while there.\u00a0 I’ve tentatively set the various elevations of my roadbed based on my experiences operating at Lou’s.\u00a0 This will be my last chance to confirm my comfort with these elevations since my roadbed will likely start going in sometime in September.<\/p>\n
The startling revelation has hit me recently that I need to start working on much more than the layout structure itself.\u00a0 I have an entire fleet of locomotives that need to be cleaned, adjusted, lubed and have DCC decoders installed.\u00a0 And only about 15% of my car fleet is assembled and ready.\u00a0 Only one structure that I plan to use is ready, and that is a mere shack.\u00a0 So much to do!<\/p>\n
But the layout, after years and years of delay, is finally under construction.\u00a0 And that is good and I am pleased!<\/p>\n
-Jack<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The benchwork on the new layout is progressing quite nicely.\u00a0 All five of the major sections have been completed.\u00a0 Next I will be connecting a couple of the major sections with shorter “bridge” pieces, including the swing (or drop) section … Continue reading