More construction - pictures included

[Anonymous]

Here are some more updated pics...

Me working on the second level mockup (RTC - that is one of the B&O Passenger cars in tunnel behind me):

Just about done with the second level reverse loop mockup. There are two switches missing here, one goes just to the left of the upright on the far left corner (where the two tracks meet, but are not joined), and the other goes just above the tunnel portal just below the passenger car:

Overview of the entire layout - the arch-under bridge is back in place, the #38 water tower in the distance (there will be a small depot to the right of the tower), where the gantry crane is located in the yard, and where I hope to put my burning switch tower. I also have the shelf installed for the C&O Allegheny and the display shelves are mocked up, these are going to be redone because the plywood was so warped:

Couple shots of the three sister bridges:

Looking across the tracks and down the valley:

Soon there will be a tunnel portal blocking the unsitely view:

Up close view of the bridge abutments:


Not sure what to do with the abutments... need recommendations please. I was thinking that I could make piers out of some 5 quarter stock then paint them concrete color and weather them, behind the bridge I was going to install some 1/2 stock and paint concrete as well... thoughts?

[Jumijo]

Brent,

You might have to use toupe glue to glue the ballast down to the rug padding! Call Cy Sperling and ask for the 5 gallon drum.

Seriously, I'm impressed with the progress you've made in such a short time. Keep the updates flowing. 

Jim 

[Anonymous]

Bill,
They are tucked away safe and sound in their boxes (actually one coach is on the layout for clearance testing with the Allegheny). And after the continually collapsing second level, I think that is where they will stay until I get the rest of the track laid.

Jack,
There is ceiling tile between the plywood and the carpet padding. I have gone back through and trimmed the carpet padding down to just the width of the ties. I am concerned that the padding will not adhere to the wet white glue mixture that will be used to bond the ballast to the track and carpet padding (we will see). Actually this is also why I turned the carpet padding over so the rubber is down and the felt is up.

Thanks for the thoughts guys! I really do take everything into account as I am designing, mocking up, and then finishing everything...

[envfocus]

This is the type of thread that can really inspire others.  Thank you for taking the time posting pictures and keeping this thread updated.   Not only is it helpful for those already in the hobby, but its a great thread for anyone just getting started.  Oh, and your layout LOOKS GREAT!

[RockIsland52]

Brent, when do you sleep?  Love this thread you have started with your layout construction, especially the pics with commentary.

I understand that because of excess and undesireable operating noise it may be preferable to avoid laying track directly on wood. The choice is some sound deadening material between the board and track.  You are using some non-slip carpet padding.  Does this cause problems down the line with landscaping adherence?  I realize that the correct glue and technique go a long way.  But I was reading in other threads and looking at great pics of gravel roads, the weathered asphalt effect, ballasting, and that "perfect" dirt yard.

Does one's choice of sound deadening material mitigate landscape adherence issues?

Jack

    

[Brutus]

Looks great, 88!  As usual, you are really making incredible progress!

[rtraincollector]

Okay I seen some real nice items you have but haven't seen the B&O passenger cars that go with the shark's lol.

Looking real nice brent I may be wrong but you room there looks bigger than my whole place I'm jealous lol

[Anonymous]

Jim,
I had to give up on the contact cement. The fumes were too much for Susan to handle. I'm trying to get as much done as possible because she is going out of town in a couple weeks and if I can get a considerable amount of work done I could use the contact cement while she is away.

Gantry Crane?  What Gantry Crane?

John,
Scenicing will take a while. I have a bunch of stuff on my list already that I want to look for at York, and a large order to place with Brennan's as well. I really need to get as much of the track laid as possible before I start worrying about scenery though. Still contemplating how I am going to do the river....

[johnandjulie13]

Hello Brent:

Your layout looks great!  I agree with Jumijo, you seem to be really rolling along.  If you keep this pace up, you will have a finished layout before I do.

Regards,

John

[Jumijo]

Brent,

I am amazed at how much progress you are making. And it all looks great. Be careful of those fumes from the contact cement!

Oh, can I have that gantry crane? 

Jim 

[Anonymous]

I noticed it has been a while since I posted progress pics...

This pic shows a close up of the rounded corner (pre skinning)


This pic shows an overview of the layout as of this morning. The styrofoam will eventually be the hill under the town. You can make out the second level mockup in this distance.


Closer view of the second level mockup


This pic shows the second level reverse loop


The reverse loop from the other side. The second track in this pic will be the return to the other side of the layout. I am missing two switches that will enable me to complete this side of the second level, then I'll need two more switches to get me started up to the next level of level 2. There will also be an underground station on this level as well.


When I was organizing things the other night I found my AMC/ARC Gantry Crane, so of course I had to see what it would look like in the yard.

[traindaddy1]

nice work you have going there. you really makr me miss my layout even more the more i look at yous and even everybody elses. keep up the great work as i will live through your layout. keep us posted on your progress.

Reggie: Miss you too....How about them GIANTS?

[johnandjulie13]

Hello Brent:

Very nice.  I am glad to hear that the ceiling tiles are giving you the sound deadening that you were looking for.  It is a creative use of that material. 

Regards,

John

[Anonymous]

OK here's what's been accomplished since the mid-week photos:

1. Ceiling tiles in place on the entire length of the layout's right side. Only the first 2 feet has been tiled, there are three sections that get 2 more feet of tile, two of which (the two closest to you in the picture) require some cut-outs which take time to get right.


2. Susan's cousin had some extra 'non-slip' carpet padding that he used under his area rugs and was kind enough to donate to the cause. This stuff is awesome! It is the same thickness as the foam roadbed I am using (Scenic Express?) but costs 1/3 the price and is easy to install in large areas:


3. Area where the carpet padding mates with the foam roadbed. The foam is flexible enough to 'curve' under the curves:


4. Mock-up of the bridge area. You can see the gallon of contact cement that I am using to bond the ceiling tiles to the plywood. You have to make certain that both surfaces are clean and dry for the contact cement to work... oh and it STINKS! Good thing the oder only lasted about 12 hours.


5. This shot gives you a perspective of how high the bridge is.  That is 7 inches from the top of the lower level ceiling tile to the top of the Arch-Under bridge (the boxcar was a christmas gift from another of Susan's cousins... and a tribute to Laz):


6. Same shot as #5 but with some C&O streamlined passenger cars in the foreground:

[Anonymous]

Ozzy these are from about 5 - 7 years ago.

Lionel doesn't produce everything they make every year, in this case the under arch bridge hasn't been available since FasTrack was released.  My guess is they were trying to modify it in such a way that it could be used with FasTrack (I don't think the older version would work with FasTrack as I think FasTrack is too wide).

[Anonymous]

in the last pic here who makes the 2 silver bridges in the pic?  are those the 6-12770 lionel bridge?  "under arch bridge"? 

ozzy those are Lionel under arch bridges. I need one more to complete that scene... from the mock-up I did it looks really neat.

 

when did you get them? i did not think they was released yet??????   i was going to get some, but after seeing them in your pics,  i would have to put some tall blocks under them,,   as i want to run a train under them with lionel standard O husky stacks . i need 6" clearance to be safe with the stacks,  well 5 and 3/4 inch might work,  but it be close. im useing fast track,

 

you  have the makings of a great layout there tho,,, keep posting pics. 

[Anonymous]

in the last pic here who makes the 2 silver bridges in the pic?  are those the 6-12770 lionel bridge?  "under arch bridge"? 

ozzy those are Lionel under arch bridges. I need one more to complete that scene... from the mock-up I did it looks really neat.

[Anonymous]

Stopped by Lowes on Friday and picked up 3 sheets of plywood, had the fella cut them into 30x48 sections.

When I arrived home I started laying them out on the frame work:


This shows the plywood pretty much in place.  There is one section that needs to be cut into 30x24 sections and one on the layout has to be trimmed the same. Here you can also see the crossover between the two mainlines, the lower level reversing loop, and the two switches that will be used to transition into the yard (right side just above the blue switch boxes, and the second level transition spur (just to the right of the box os O-45 curves)


View from the other end of the layout:


Beginning of the yard taking shape:


Yard in place and the second level transition spur starting:


Close up of the yard:


Closeup of the far end with the RS-2 and some High-Cubes... 491 Yellowbelly makes an appearance:


Looking back toward the opening... the second level transition spur is missing a few sections of track! No trains heading out there.... yet.


Another overview:


Started messing around with second level transition area. Here you see two Lionel underarch bridges, the one in the foreground is where the first level to second level transition comes up, there is a 10 inch section right after the bridge, this will eventually be replaced by an O-45 rh switch that will cross another Lionel underarch bridge and lead to the underground passenger station.  The underarch bridge in the background is the begining of the river line.

 

in the last pic here who makes the 2 silver bridges in the pic?  are those the 6-12770 lionel bridge?  "under arch bridge"? 

[johnandjulie13]

Laz,
I installed some ceiling tiles this weekend as well as Foam roadbed and carpet padding roadbed. Here is what I have found:

1. Plywood - noise is a bit loud, but tollerable - you can hear the wheels running on the track, but also some 'hollow wood noise'.
2. Plywood with screws - don't bother - noise is about 1/2 again as loud
3. Ceiling tile reduces the noise a lot - no 'hollow wood noise'
4. Ceiling tile with foam roadbed OR carpet padding - even less noise
5. #4 with screws... sounds closer to a real railroad. Can hear the 'clickity click' of the wheels running over the joints - very nice.

I have to try and find more carpet padding because I ran out of what I was given and at $1.50/sq ft vs $13.95 per 3 sq ft of foam you just can't beat it for large area coverage. The stuff I am looking for is about the same thickness as the foam subroadbed. But the carpet padding is too stiff for curves, so I am planning on using the carpet padding for large areas and straights and the foam for curves. Also the carpet padding has a think rubber coating that is grey so it will blend nicely with the balast and can be painted. Pics tomorrow.

Show us some pictures!  I can't wait to see how it looks.

Regards,

John

[Anonymous]

Laz,
I installed some ceiling tiles this weekend as well as Foam roadbed and carpet padding roadbed. Here is what I have found:

1. Plywood - noise is a bit loud, but tollerable - you can hear the wheels running on the track, but also some 'hollow wood noise'.
2. Plywood with screws - don't bother - noise is about 1/2 again as loud
3. Ceiling tile reduces the noise a lot - no 'hollow wood noise'
4. Ceiling tile with foam roadbed OR carpet padding - even less noise
5. #4 with screws... sounds closer to a real railroad. Can hear the 'clickity click' of the wheels running over the joints - very nice.

I have to try and find more carpet padding because I ran out of what I was given and at $1.50/sq ft vs $13.95 per 3 sq ft of foam you just can't beat it for large area coverage. The stuff I am looking for is about the same thickness as the foam subroadbed. But the carpet padding is too stiff for curves, so I am planning on using the carpet padding for large areas and straights and the foam for curves. Also the carpet padding has a think rubber coating that is grey so it will blend nicely with the balast and can be painted. Pics tomorrow.

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys!

Fife - the incline is just right. The Chessie F3s can pull that entire 15 car train up the grade, have to give her 100% power but she'll do it... won't be running trains that long so I think upgrading the other A unit to PS2 is definitely in the books.

John - I'm having problems with 2 switches, and yes I too will be dropping power on all three sides of each switch... that is going to be a bear.

Laz - The sound is 'tollerable' with the track sitting right on the plywood. I am going to be installing ceiling tiles this weekend between the track and ply, then putting foam roadbed under the track between the track and the ceiling tiles. The track will be secured to the ceiling tiles using track screws. I'll let you know how it sounds when that is all done...

[laz 57]

BRENT, really looking good.  Is the track on the plywood have any sound issues.  I used homeosote on top of 2x4s.  Seemed to deaden the sound.  Just though I let you know.  Looking great though.  Keep on keeping on.

laz57

[johnandjulie13]

Hello Brent:

It looks great!  Keep it up and keep the pictures coming!  I am anxious to see how your layout looks with the ceiling tiles affixed to the plywood.

I will also be interested in seeing how your Atlas switches hold up.  My small layout also employs Atlas sectional track. While I really like the look and construction, the switches have been ...tempermental.  It has taken significant additional work (removing the black from the center rails, placing power feeders on all three sides of the switch and adjusting the linkage to ensure full movement) to get them working at a reasonable level.

Regards,

John 

[fifedog]

Really taking shape, B.  Make sure you use every inch of that incline to ascend that grade.

[Anonymous]

A few mid-week update pictures:

Overview: Here you can see the yard layout and the corner has now been cut, I need to sand it smooth still. Also the transition from level 1 to level 2 can be seen more clearly, as can the pop-up areas.


Overview: This is looking back toward where I saw standing for the first pic. This is the other end of the transition track. I need to add a support brace under the subroadbed where the YellowBelly is sitting as the track sags ever so slightly in that area but it is enough to uncouple cars every now and again.


Lower Level Reversing Loop: This shows a bit closer how the gingerbread is working under the mountains. All the plywood will be covered in a layout of ceiling tile - this is the next step in the construction. Then between the ceiling tile and track will be foam roadbed. The track will be secured through the foam roadbed to the ceiling tile with track screws. The ceiling tile will be attached to the plywood using contact cement.


This weekend I'll be cutting the ceiling tiles and attaching them to the plywood. Cutting the corners on the end of the layout near the computer area, and then hopefully working on the curved ends. Have to get this step done so I can work on the second level.  The plywood base for the second level is going to be attached to the curved ends (plywood) and to risers attached to the 1x3 subframe. This will make it possible to send a train to the second level and reverse it to come back down to the first level. Then it will be on to cutting the subframe for the river.

[Anonymous]

Hello Brent:

Sorry to keep asking questions, but your layout is very intriguing.  How will you be using the ceiling tiles?  Will the entire layout be covered with them, or just the track right of way?  If it is going to be on the entire plywood base, how will they be secured?  How will you handle the spaces between the tiles? Caulk?  Are the tiles 2'x2'?

Regards,

John

John,
no problem, the more you ask the more it forces me to think things through! The ceiling tiles will be used in a conjuntion of full tiles (2x4) where I can use full tiles, under the mountains they will just be strips as wide as the track. I'm planning on using construction adheasive to secure the tiles and maybe a screw here and there, but mostly the adheasive will be adhearing the tiles the ply. I am attempting to make the sections as light as possible because this is intended to be movable in 12 sections. The space between the tiles will be filled with landscaping material, but I won't know for sure till I start working on that aspect.  Still a few months away from that because I have to get portions of the second level done so I know where the river is going to be... that is important because I have to cut two of the sections and drop that area below the current bench work... be patient it will all make sense once I get there...

[Anonymous]

Wes,
I honestly have no clue right now.  That area is about 1 - 2 years from actual construction so anything is possible!

yeah, 1-2 years my butt....

Probably closer to one year... I have to get the rest of the track for the second level, including the underground passenger station tracks, and with 12 switches in that mix it is definitely going to be a while.

[johnandjulie13]

Hello Brent:

Sorry to keep asking questions, but your layout is very intriguing.  How will you be using the ceiling tiles?  Will the entire layout be covered with them, or just the track right of way?  If it is going to be on the entire plywood base, how will they be secured?  How will you handle the spaces between the tiles? Caulk?  Are the tiles 2'x2'?

Regards,

John

[fifedog]

Wes,
I honestly have no clue right now.  That area is about 1 - 2 years from actual construction so anything is possible!

yeah, 1-2 years my butt....

[Anonymous]

Brent,

That is really shaping up! Can't wait to see more photos. Keep posting your progress.

Do you intend to use a sound deadening layer like Homasote? Or are you going to just use something like cork roadbed?  

Jim 

Thanks! Wanna take a trip and help?

I'm going to be using ceiling tiles between the plywood and foam roadbed. The tiles will give me the sound deadening and the foam roadbed will give me the 'lift' to create the proper look with the ballast. I also have some carpet padding from Susan's cousin that I am going to use in place of the foam roadbed in the tunnels as it was free and the foam roadbed is a bit expensive. I have to find the 'sheets' of foam roadbed to use under the switches and the yard.

Stopped at the LHS this evening to get some more supplies and showed the owner the pics... he was rather surprised. Said it is nice to see the progress because not many people come back and show him their progress.  I can't see just going in and spending all that money and letting him ponder what I'm doing.  He gave me some tips too.