Photos of the history of my layout

[dsmith]

Here is my 5' x 9' Lionel postwar 027 layout from its initial concept in 2006 until its present state since 2009.

The initial layout design was tried out on top of the pool table in Feb. 2006.  Here I learned a lot about how to use blocks to control  inclines, declines and level track areas.
 

In April 2006 a train table and stand was completed and the permanent layout started.
 

Nov. 2006
 

2007 backdrop is started
 

2008 a 5' x 2' siding was added to accommodate a transfer table for 11 engines.  Backdrop and selving completed.
 

2009 a small addition was made on the front corner to accommodate the barrel loader.

[cnw1995]

Very nice layout - and great to see the progression - did you plan all this as such from 06 or did it evolve over time?

[laz 57]

DAVID,

  Nice job on the layout and love the room too.  keep up the good work!

laz57

[traindood]

hello: what a great layout! looks like a retro from the 50's. i know a few fellas who give up some body parts for a layout like that! WOW.

[rtraincollector]

Great pics. I have always said to my self as I build my layout it will  be photographed at least once a week but preferred on a daily work day progress so I can look back and share the building of the layout on my shutterfly account.

Now with that said layout hasn't been started yet but getting close to that day I'm starting to see the light lol. and I plan to even photograph the building of the bench work for it.

nice pics again and I see that at some point you decided to do an add on thats why I'm looking into building a workbench/desk on one side of the room and the train layout on the other side with a walkway between them to the back door. So I'm back to thinking my layout will be 8' X 16' so its not going to be super large but it going to be what is considered a large layout. but because of ready available funds its going to be a on going product for a few years.

[RockIsland52]

Dave's video of his layout in action.  You may have to cut and paste the first one into your web browser.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mI5SrbCNeKM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=est5JftaW4I

Jack

[Demay]

David,

Your layout is great, and thanks for sharing the photos and the videos.  I especially like the finished look of the table and benchwork, it looks very sharp in the room.

Joe

[balidas]

That's pretty cool!  Thanx!

[train doc]

I enjoyed seeing the progress of your layout, great job. I was very impressed with your table work, and its ability to display and store trains. I may use this idea on my own pike. Keep up the good work.   Glen  Train Doc   

[Northwoods Flyer]

David,

Your layout and train room are wonderful.  I can't imagine a kid of any age not wanting to spend hours "playing" with the trains.  I like the compact and packed concept that you have developed.  Thanks for sharing your photos with us, and please accept an official Tip of the Fedora.

 

Enjoying the World's Greatest Hobby

Northwoods Flyer

[Otimo]

Great layout, and great videos on your Youtube site!  I'm your biggest fan!  Do you have any more info on how you use the small motors to power your switches that are featured in your videos, like a schematic or what voltage the motors are, or how you keep them from burning out when energized?   I also noticed that your semaphores in the videos don't make a sound when they operate. Mine buzz, even when I use D.C. current.  Do you have a secret, or is my hearing just going?  Love the videos, the layout, and the articles you write in the magazine.  Keep up the good work!

[runtime]

Just looked at some of your videos. Great Layout with great action! You do more in 5 x 9 than I would have thought possible.

I like the 'roadbed' under the trestles (luan?).

Also was wondering how you kept two trains running on (presumably) one conventional power circuit from gaining on each other?

And finallly, what are the timing mechanisms for stop/start of the trolley and at the station?

Thanks,

runtime

[dsmith]

cnw1995

 - did you plan all this as such from 06 or did it evolve over time?

The layout evolved over time.  

1.   In 2006 I started with a really great looking plan in the December 2003 CTT Magazine.  The plan was for a 4' x 8' .

2. I wanted to do more but I wasn't sure what I wanted, so I made the layout 5' x 9'. This allowed me to add a second track loop around the outside.  I then added switches to go from one loop to the other. 

3.  Next I realized that the space between loops was wide enough that I could run a trolley line in that wasted space. 

4.   Next I found that there was just enough room to  add a siding between the outside loop and the front edge of the layout.

5.  I added a 2" strip across the back of the layout and this allowed just enough room to add a siding between the outside loop and the back of the layout.

6.  I toyed with the idea of a transfer table to hold all 9 of my engines so I added a 2' x 5' L off the right side to hold it.  See my article on how to build a simple operating transfer table in the October 2009 CTT magazine.

7.  Over the next couple of years the layout scenery and buildings were constantly moved around in order to maximize every available space.

8.  Lastly, I aquired a Lionel barrel loader but I had nowhere to put it, so i added an 8" x 20" addition to hold it in the front left corner.

[mgbbob]

Great layout.  I love the transfer table.  I think I need one!