I can't believe it's been almost a year since I last raised this subject, after almost fully recovering from surgery I got started on the project in the spring which was delayed to very hot sunny weather which then changed in to the wettest summer for many years. All these delays gave us the chance to reflect on what we wanted to do. This may sound an odd way to do business but I decided to move my 2 other hobbies to the railway room freeing up space in the family home. I therefore built my benchwork frame around my other hobbies (flight sim & slot cars) and looked for plans to fit my benchwork.
We had narrowed the layout choice to 3 MR project railroads after posting many topics within the forum,the first was the BN in N produced back in 1990 I think which had plenty of merits, another was the Wisconsin Central project produced back in the late 90's 2000's I think but it meant changing the plan from an island to around the walls. But we settled for the Washita & Santa Fe by Mr Sperandeo from MR 1982/3. We have also decided to follow on from an idea mr Sperandeo put forward in the article by adding Lindsay & the Lindsay district so if anyone has any info on this area it would be appreciated.
Progress has slowed again due to our family holiday this year will be to go back to the USA to visit my wife's family (I already have a full shopping list) I also let the timber adjust to the room conditions for 8 weeks before constructing the benchwork frames. Progress will speed up after our holidays so expect further updates in the Autumn & Winter, all I have now is some photos of the completed benchwork which is pretty boring to look at.
A big thanks to all those that replied to my other posts providing me with valuable information. Also a big thanks to mr Sperandeo for a superb article 7 project (albeit I only have 4 the first articles)
Shaun
You make a good point about letting the lumber "get accustomed to the room." I tried to let my lumber (and homasote) go through at least an entire cycle of humid summers and furnace heated dryness and it seems to help. It also helps to be able to store it correctly during this process. I also tried to buy my dimensional lumber from a source that stored it indoors rather than exposed to the elements outside.
Perhaps in an upcoming visit to the USA you'll be able to buy old used MRs and complete the series of articles which I recall as one of the better project railroads -- rather more involved than the project railroads MR tends to run these days.
It is also a good reminder that it has been a long time since we have seen progress photos on Andy Sperandeo's home layout.
Dave Nelson
I often buy up mags off ebay and have them shipped to our family who in turn send a large parcel surface mail to us which is often cheaper or we pick them up or other family member bring them over. It's very hit and miss with ebay here in the UK, you can pick up a real bargain or sometimes they can go for silly prices.
The timber has done well I recentley sealed the timber too as I read about a guy who had his empire ruined by wood worm.
Never thought about sealing the benchwork but it is a great idea.Keeps critters from eating it ( the aforementioned wood worm)Might have to do this myself for all of it I was going to do the legs up in a nice stain to make it look good.
BTW ebay like you say can be a great thing.If the price goes silly as you say check to see if the guys at Kalmbach can help you out.Might be a tad cheaper.
BTW again welcome back!
Yes we are on time but this is yesterdays train
I have found in the past that it has also helped with the stability of the layout, there's probably some science behind it somewhere but I have never had benchwork distort or rot on me. The climate here in the UK can be quite varied from season to season and past layouts have stood the test of time one layout I carried around for years while I was serving in the RAF (David Barrows South Plains District). So I seal the wood with an oil based paint usually matt black.
I also need some help with developing the layout, in the article Mr Sperandeo mentions he simplifyied the track design at Pauls Valley. I would also like to remodel the oil terminal to something like the article in MR November 05 page 56 by Jeff Wilson but I'm not sure it will be suitable?? any suggestions.
As I am building this project in N scale I still have some space left to expand the original plan approx a L shaped space along 2 walls measuring 6' by 24' ;so I would like to add to the original plan either by adding extra mainline between the respective towns on the plan or by addding an extra town or online industry again any suggestions?
Sorry I can't show a track plan as the copyright belongs to Kalmbach, but the plan is in MR January 1982 if you wish to see it.