Holden's Layout Journal

[HCF]

Hey everybody,

I haven't posted in a bit but I've been busy. Last time I was here, I posted a Layout plan to get feedback. Since then I've adjusted the plan further. Here's the plan as it is now.

And here's the expansion plan.

The Layout will be 8 ft by 8 ft (with an access hatch up center stage). The lower level will be Gargraves track and Ross custom switches. The upper level will be traditional lionel tubular track. 

The setting will be 1948-1953. The railroads will be the AT&SF and the Southern Pacific. I may potentially add a Western Pacific train too. The left side of the layout will be a San Francisco inspired city (unnamed currently) with a terminal. The right will be inspired by Los Angeles and Phoenix. There will be a smaller train station, some industry, and a building or two to imply a larger city there. The center of the layout will have a mountain range and a canyon. The goal will be to block the line of sight from one side to the other.

 

[HCF]

Progress Report #1

To start off I began by screwing together four 2 by 4s together to make a square. I then screwed two 2 by 4s across in the center. 

I then screwed 4 by 4 posts into the corners and into points in the center. I also placed adjustable metal feet onto the bottom of the posts for leveling.

Then I nailed 3/4 inch plywood on top of the frame. Using leftover wood from a garden plot I helped my brother build, I made triangle braces for the legs. This helped reduce wiggle.

Yes I realize this means my table is incredibly strong, and probably overbuilt. My carpenty experience is in theater though so I felt most comfortable building it like a platform. Also, I wanted to be able to climb on top of the table if necessary. I think it will be useful for building the second level and for laying the track. Also I just like my table sturdy.

Finally, I cut the access hole in the plywood and I glued down two 1 inch layers of extruded polystyrene. The glue is currently curing as we speak! :D

Once the glue cures, I am planning on putting a layer of plaster on top of the foam to reduce denting.

I hope you enjoyed reading my update, and if you've read this far I'd love to hear your thoughts! :D

 

[Flintlock76]

Nice!  And let me tell you, better overbuilt than underbuilt.  If you've built it too weak you've got to tear it down and start all over.  You won't have that problem.

[HCF]

Does anyone have tips for motivation for layout work? I haven't worked on the layout in a while, instead procrastination by focusing on caring for or acquiring new trains. I've got a good base now as you can see in the above thread, but I've been putting off adding the second level. I have plenty of supports cut for the second level but I keep stalling on attaching them to the table.

I think part of my problem may be lack of a plan. Anyone have any tips for figuring out a good plan? I can't figure out where or how to place the second level supports. I also need to make the flats for the actual track to go on. I plan on using some scrap warped plywood but I'm thinking I need something better perhaps. Anyone have any ideas for something better? Or maybe I'm justing unsure of how to cut the strips into a curve with my hand circular saw. Maybe using the hand saw would be better? (More control)

[Flintlock76]

Motivation for layout work?  The best advice I can give is the same I give others, get some trains up and running as soon as you can.  Anything else on the layout like landscaping, streets, houses, people or whatever can wait. 

Getting trains running, even if it's just a simple loop or two, will give you a sense of accomplishment and spur you on to the next step. Worked for me.

Since you're involved in theater you'll appreciate this analogy.  The layout's the stage, the trains are the actors.  Good actors can give a great performance on a bare stage, but the best-dressed stage is useless without the actors! 

PS:  A hand saw would be more precise for cutting curved strips although a bit tedious.  A hand-held jigsaw would be better.  And don't be afraid to experiment.

[fifedog]

Nothing motivates my modeling more than the prospect of friends or family coming over to see the layout. It's like rocket fuel.

[anjdevil2]

Flint and Fife are both correct - my issue is TIME.....I'm involved in the fire service on the local and county level, plus planning for MY wedding and taking care of Mom.....

Trust me - I think this is the season to make it happen.  Inspiration is all around you, Holden.  AND if you are in the Central Jersey area, plenty of hobby/train stores.  Take a look all the displays in Philly and NYC - if you can't get motivated, i'm not sure what we can do.......

Look at train videos (Fife turned me on to the Train Garden in MD, WOW!!!) on YouTube.  I have TM Videos everywhere.....JUST for inspiration and ideas.

https://youtu.be/ffiq-VcQ9Iw

is my latest video - my channel is there, so check it out