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Diary of a Mad Modeller....Expansion up and running now (very photo intensive)
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<p>First, sorry for the many photos in this history of my layout and expansion. Yet, I know that often the most useful info in a thread is in the photos. Perhaps I can help someone thinking like me. </p> <p> </p> <p>FOUR OR FIVE YEARS AGO I BOUGHT A PRESIDENT'S CHOICE IHC 2-10-2 STEAMER FROM THE SUPER MARKET (CANADIAN CONTENT POPS UP IN THIS THREAD FROM TIME TO TIME). I BUILT A SMALL LAYOUT DESIGNED TO SLIDE UNDER MY DAUGHTER'S BED, WITH THE WIRING SEALED UP IN CHANNELS.</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/12.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p> WIRES TAPED BEFORE BOTTOM BOARD SCREWED ON THIS FIRST LAYOUT</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/Picture004.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>THEN I MOVED TO A LARGER TOWNHOUSE AND EXPANDED THE LAYOUT TO MODULAR 5X15....STILL ON THE GROUND</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/copyshowingboards.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>ELEVEN MONTHS AGO I MOVED INTO A HOUSE. I COULD EITHER PUT THE LAYOUT IN THE FAMILY ROOM AND USE UP THE ENTIRE SPACE, OR USE THE CRAWL SPACE FOR AN EXPANDED LAYOUT</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/Balsam131209117.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/Balsam131209118.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>FIRST JOB WAS TO DETERMINE IF DUST AND HUMIDITY WOULD BE A PROBLEM. FOR A MONTH I MONITORED BOTH. NEITHER WAS A PROBLEM. <em> IN FACT, IT IS THE MOST DUST FREE SPACE IN THE HOUSE</em>. BUT I SPENT ONE MONTH SWEEPING AND WASHING DOWN THE ENTIRE CRAWL SPACE TO GET RID OF DIRT/DUST LEFT BY CONTRACTORS</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/Balsam131209115.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>THE FLOOR IS PAINTED CONCRETE, WITH UNDERLAY OF PLASTIC. I USED 8 OR 9 CANS OF EXPANDING FOAM JUST TO MAKE SURE THE PLASTIC WAS SEALED AROUND ALL THE PERIMETER. SUMMER HUMIDITY ROSE, SO I PUT IN A DEHUMIDIFIER...A NEAT LITTLE UNIT FROM SEARS THAT HAS AN AUTOMATIC PUMP WHICH I ROUTED TO EMPTY INTO A SINK IN THE GARAGE.</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01895.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>NEXT TASKS...MOVE THE HOT WATER TANK TO THE GARAGE FROM OFF THE AREA OF THE TRAP DOOR TO THE CRAWL SPACE. EXPAND TRAP DOOR BY THREE TIMES ALLOWING MATERIALS 3' X 8' TO FIT DOWN.</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01970.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01968.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>CALL IN ELECTRICIAL TO ADD A LIGHT CIRCUIT OFF THE PANEL (LOTS OF CAPACITY LEFT, LUCKILY) AND VERIFY THAT I CAN ADD ANOTHER 1000 W TO THE HEATING CIRCUIT ALREADY DOWN THERE</p> <p><img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01899.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>THIS GFI ACTS AS A CONVENIENT KILL SWITCH TO SHUT ALL POWER DOWN TO THE CRAWL SPACE</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02225.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>BUILT TO CODE, THE CRAWL SPACE DID NOT HAVE ANY VENTILATION BECAUSE PERIMETER COVERED WITH HIGH R VALUE INSULATION BATTS AND POLY. HOWEVER, I WANTED FRESH AIR CAPABILITY SO I INSERTED TWO MOTORIZED VENTS/DAMPERS WHICH I COULD CONTROL FROM LAYOUT THROTTLE AREA. VERY HANDY, BUT DARNED EXPENSIVE!</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/moh-drawing-sm.png" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/moh-picture-sm.png" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>ADDED TWO SIMPLE CASE FANS MOVING 100CFM IN AND OUT. SEEMS TO WORK VERY WELL. NOISY, BUT NEED ONLY RUN THEM 10 MIN. OR SO TO FEEL FRESH AIR FILLING THE CRAWL SPACE. THEN SHUT DOWN WHILE RUNNING TRAINS, OR JUST LEAVE THE DAMPERS OPEN OR CLOSED........AND FOUND THREE CHEAP (UNDER $30) CEILING FANS TO HELP MOVE AIR AROUND THE LARGE, LOW SPACE AND OUT FROM UNDER BENCHWORK ETC.</p> <p><img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01900.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02173.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>COLLECT AND SEASON BUILDING MATERIALS...THIS IS NOW JULY...THREE MONTHS IN. USED OVER 4 DOZEN 2 X 4s, EIGHT OR SO SHEETS OF 1/2" AND 1/4" PLYWOOD, FIFTEEN 2 X 8 SHEETS OF EXTRUDED 2" HIGH DENSITY FOAM BOARD. 2 X 4s ARE OVERKILL FOR BENCHWORK, BUT TIED IN NICELY WITH STUD WALLS IN CRAWL SPACE FOR INSTALLATION, AND WERE MUCH THE STRAIGHTER PIECES OF WOOD IN THE STORE. </p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01889.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>OK, THE CRAWL SPACE HAS DRAWBACKS, LIKE EXPOSED PLUMBING. BUT BEGGARS CAN'T BE CHOOSERS. IT WAS HERE OR NOWHERE. SO I CUT OUT THESE AND MOVED SOME PIPES AROUND OUT OF MY WAY...EASIER THAN I THOUGHT AND GAVE THEM A BETTER SLOPE THAN THE ORIGINAL CONTRACTOR.. . </p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01890.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>EXPANSION IS TO LOOK LIKE THIS. AT THE TOP IS THE EXISTING 5X15 OVAL LAYOUT SITTING IN THE GARAGE AT THIS. POINT IN 6 PIECES. DOWN THE CENTER OF THIS IS THE EXISTING STUD WALL IN THE CRAWL SPACE. ANYTHING TO THE RIGHT OF THE CENTER LINE IS A TUNNEL RUN ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE LOW STUD WALL</p> <p><img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/wholelayoutforadvice.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>PUT IN SOME ADDITIONAL STUDS FOR BACKDROP AND BENCHWORK SUPPORT. YOU CAN SEE I USED THE OLD CARPET FROM UPSTAIRS TO COVER THE ENTIRE CRAWLSPACE FLOOR. COSY.</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01894.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>FIRST BENCHWORK WAS FOR THE SOUTH YARD WALL. </p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01896.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>THEN PUT UP THE MASONITE FOR THE BACKDROP . VISIBLE ALSO IS THE LIGHT FIXTURE PREFERRED. THESE SWING AWAY WHEN I HIT THEM WITH MY HEAD. USE OF ECO/FREAKO LOW WATTAGE BULBS MEANT ADDING 16 LIGHT FIXTURES IS OK </p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01921.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>BACKDROP IS FROM BACKDROP WAREHOUSE. VERY NICE QUALITY HEAVY-DUTY PLASTICISED PAPER AND NICE 12' ROLLS. SETS OF TWO ROLLS ARE DISCOUNTED, BUT I LEFT ONE ROLL SHORT ON PURPOSE RATHER THAN SPEND A LOT FOR THE ODD LAST ROLL. I'LL HAVE TO DEAL WITH THAT WALL LATER. MUST HAVE HELP WITH THIS...... BROTHER-IN-LAW IN MY CASE.</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01934.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>BEST TECHNIQUE IS LOTS OF RUBBER CEMENT. ALLOWS SOME REMOVAL IF NECESSARY. HAD TO DRIVE ALL THE WAY DOWN INTO THE USA TO FIND HALF A DOZEN CANS OF THIS. NOT SOLD ANYWHERE IN CANADA I KNOW OF IN LARGE TINS</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01928.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>BACKDROP WAREHOUSE WEBSITE HAS LOTS OF TIPS FOR USING/INSTALLING THEIR PRODUCT.</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01924.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>BENCHWORK TO SUPPORT EXISTING 5X15 LAYOUT IS NEXT. </p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01916.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01918.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>WANTED TO USE SOME SORT OF LEG LEVELERS BECAUSE THE CRAWLSPACE FLOOR DIPS HERE AND THERE. ADAPTED A FURNITURE CASTER INTO A THREADED METAL RECEIVER UNDER THE 2X4 LEGS. </p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01920.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>5X15 LAYOUT FIT WITH LAST MODULE NICELY ON OTHER SIDE OF CENTER WALL ....CAN BE A TUNNEL RUN. HAD TO MOVE ONE STUD. OTHERS FIT NICELY IN SLOTS CUT IN MODULE SURFACE.</p> <p>LOTS OF SHIMMING WAS REQUIRED TO GET ALL OLD PANELS MATED AFTER PULLING THEM APART, MOVING, KICKING VIRTUALLY ALL TRACK ENDS OFF THE EDGES BY ACCIDENT </p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01947.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>NOW RE-LAY TRACK OVER OLD LAYOUT BOUNDARIES AND CAULK DOWN</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01959.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>CONTINUE WITH OTHER BENCHWORK...HERE THE TWO TABLES FOR TUNNEL RUN ON FAR SIDE OF CENTER WALL</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01977.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>BECAUSE OF NARROW CRAWL SPACE HATCH I COULD USE ONLY 2-3 FOOT WIDE SECTIONS OF PLYWOOD ON DECK. HENCE LOTS OF SUPPORTS UNDERNEATH FOR SCREWING DOWN MARGINS. I COULD PARK A CAR ON THE BENCHWORK, I THINK. BUT HAD TO BE.</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01978.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>ADD FOAM EVERYWHERE....WANTED TO MINIMIZE ANY PROBLEMS OF HUMIDITY MOVEMENT UNDER THE TRACK. HUMIDITY SEEMS NO PROBLEM THOUGH. PROBABLY COULD HAVE BUILT ON STRAGHT PLYWOOD. SHEEN IS FROM LEVELIING LAYER OF TRANSPARENT CAULK TO EVEN UP MARGINS OF FOAMBOARD. </p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01998.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02004.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p>OLD LAYOUT IS JOINED TO EXPANSION VIA 60 DEGREE CROSSING UNDER OLD TRUSS BRIDGE. TRACK IN AND TRACK OUT HAVE SWITCHES WIRED IN PAIRS AND CONTROLLED FROM BOTH THE CONTROL AREA NEAR THE OLD LAYOUT AND THE NEW CONTROL AREA.</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01994.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01997.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>TRACK INTO OLD LAYOUT HAD TO BE VIA DUCKUNDER SO I COULD REACH ALL AREAS OF OLD LAYOUT. </p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01988.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>USED L BAR SET IN SLOTTED BRACKET FOR ADJUSTMENT IF NEEDED. </p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02032.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02034.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>ADDED 1" FOAM</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02037.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>TEST TRACK</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02038.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>THEN WANTED SOMETHING MORE, SO ADDED WEATHERED ATLAS WARREN TRUSS BRIDGE WITH ATLAS THROUGH PLATE GIRDER APPROACHES. WILL HAVE TO PAINT OVER FOAM LATER.</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02106.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>SEEMS TO WORK</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02109.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>DUCK UNDER ALSO AT SOUTH END. THIS ONE IS S-CURVE AND ADDED SOME SHORTENED TRESTLE BENTS TO GIVE NEW LOOK...MAYBE CROSSING DRY CREEK BED?</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02103.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/trestlebent.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>CONTINUE LAYOUT OF ROADBED THEN MAINLINE TRACK AND NORTH AND SOUTH YARDS</p> <p><img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02008.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /> </p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02009.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02016.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02049.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>LAYING OUT NORTH YARD. UNSEEN AREA TO LEFT WILL BE FOR DCC TURNTABLE ON ORDER... DELAYED UNTIL SPRING BECAUSE WALTHERS HAS ISSUE WITH WIRING FROM MAKER. OH WELL, LOTS TO DO IN THE MEANTIME</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02046.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>LAYING OUT TEST TO SEE IF TRACK CURVES NICELY BETWEEN 16-INCH CENTERED STUDS.</p> <p><img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02002.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p><br />IT WORKS. ALL CURVES IN NEW SECTION ARE 30" OR LARGER RADIUS....MAKING REALISTIC LOOKING TUNNEL OPENINGS IN THIS PANORAMA IS GOING TO TAKE SOME CREATIVE THINKING THOUGH.</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02006.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>IT WAS CONVENIENT TO HANG BENCHWORK TO EXISTING STUDS OR FROM BRACKETS...BUT BRACKETS WERE EXPENSIVE....$16 EACH. I COULD HAVE DONE MORE CARPENTRY BUT WANTED TO COMPLETE THIS BEFORE XMAS. THIS SHOT TAKEN IN SEPTEMBER</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02062.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>NOW ON TO WIRING 33 ATLAS SNAP SWITCH MOTORS FOR 33 #6 CUSTOM LINE SWITCHES AND THREE TORTOISES FOR 3 LARGE CURVED SHINOHARA TURNOUTS. WOULD HAVE LIKED TO USE ALL SHINOHARA AND TORTOISES BUT WOULD HAVE PUSHED THE COST UP BY $2000.</p> <p>I USED A VARIETY OF CONNECTION TYPES...3M SUITCASE, BAR, ETC. BUT MY PREFERRENCE ARE THE WHITLE PLASTIC 12-PLACE MINI TERMINAL STRIPS SHOWN. I CUT THEM DOWN AS NEEDED</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02170.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p><img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02167.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>LEARNED FROM OLD TIMERS ON THIS FORUM THAT THE CIRCUITRON SNAPPER IS A GOOD WAY TO PROTECT SNAP SWITCHES OPERATION.</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/capdis.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p><img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02222.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>WIRED IN MY SOUND SYSTEM BUILT TWO YEARS AGO. USES 6 DECODER IN STATIONARY FASHION PLAYED THROUGH TWO AMPS AND EQUALIZER TO SPEAKERS AND SUBWOOFERS.</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02174.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>HERE IS EARLIER PICTURE OF SOUND BOX WIRING. I LEARNED LOTS ON THIS PROJECT</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/StationaryDecoderBox001.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p><img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/rotaryswitch.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /> </p> <p> </p> <p>SUBWOOFERS AND SPEAKERS ARE PLAYED FOR LOCOS WITHOUT SOUND DECODERS. I HAVE 118 OR SO LOCOS. ABOUT A THIRD HAVE SOUND DECODERS. </p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02219.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>COMPLETED NEW CONTROL AREA IT IS NOW BOXING DAY. I LIKE THE RADIO-INFRA RED HANDS FREE THROTTLE FROM DIGITRAX</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02108.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p><img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02169.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p><img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02221.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p>CONTROL AREA OF OLD LAYOUT. FOUR SWITCHES ARE CONTROLLED FROM BOTH AREAS</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC01965.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>PAINTED OVER THE FOAMBOARD WITH TEXTURED SANDSTONE PAINT I USED ON OLD LAYOUT. GIVES A FAIRLY GOOD-LOOKING SANDSTONE BASE TO MATCH SEMI ARID LOCATION I WAS SHOOTING FOR.....BUT NO FINISHING NEEDED ON COMPLETED SURFACE OF LAYOUT IN "TUNNEL ROOM"</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02213.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p>OK TIME TO LAYOUT SOME STRUCTURES AND DO SOME TEST RUNNING. AT THIS POINT I PUT OUT SOME STRUCTURES IN TEMPORARY LOCATIONS JUST TO UNPACK THEM AND GET THEM OUT FROM UNDER FOOT WHERE THEY HAVE BEEN FOR 9 MONTHS</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02224.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p><img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02217.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02218.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>I HAD MOST ENJOYMENT ON STRUCTURES WHEN BUILDING AND DECORATING THE DOWNTOWN AND FIGURING OUT AWNINGS AND INTERIORS ETC. I DON'T LIKE ALL THE CIRCULAR TRACK I PUT IN PLACE ON MY VERY FIRST LAYOUT ATTEMPT, AND CONSIDERED RIPPING A GOOD BIT OF THIS OUT BEFORE INSTALLING IT IN THE NEW HOUSE. I STILL MAY WHEN IT COMES TIME TO FINISH OFF MOTOR ROADWAYS AND ADD VEHICLES.</p> <p><img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02215.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02183.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>HAPPY TO SAY, PRETTY WELL SMOOTH SAILING. ONLY A FOUR OR FIVE SPOTS WHERE SOLDER POINTS NEED FILING, AND A COUPLE OF SPOTS ON BOARD MARGINS WHERE I RAISED THE TRACK BY UNDERCUTTING IT, AND RAISING IT BY TUCKING MORE CAULK UNDER</p> <p><img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02197.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /> </p> <p><img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02193.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02195.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p><img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02176.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02179.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>LOTS OF STORAGE SPACE UNDER BENCHWORK AND AROUND THE CORNER. THOUGH MOST LOCOS STILL KEPT IN MY OFFICE INSIDE THE HOUSE. HOPE TO HAVE AT LEAST HALF AT A TIME ON THE LAYOUT OR IN THE LAYOUT ROOM NOW.</p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02226.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p>ECLECTIC LOCOS COLLECTION AND BENDING THE REALITY OF THE LOCATION. ALTHOUGH I LOVE THE BNSF THROUGH ARIZONA LOCATION I HAVE CREATED WITH THE BACKDROP (WICKENBURG, ARIZONA) I WILL FUDGE IT AND PRETEND IT IS ALSO SOUTHERN, BRITISH COLUMBIA IF I WANT (IGNORING THE SAGUARO) AND RUN CN, CP, BCOL ETC. HERE IS ACTUAL WARREN TRUSS BRIDE OUTSIDE OF WICKENBURG, AZ. DOWNLOADED IT TO SEE HOW MUCH RUST OCCURS ON BRIDGES IN THE AREA</p> <p><img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/wickenburgbridge-1.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /> </p> <p>I ALSO PAY HOMAGE TO MY ROOTS. ONE CORNER IS ON THE MARGIN OF GRAIN GROWING COUNTRY AND THESE ELEVATORS REPRESENT THE THREE COMPANIES MY FATHER WORKED FOR AS A GRAIN BUYER AND WHERE I LEARNED TO LOVE TRAINS.....THERE WERE STILL STEAMERS DROPPING OFF BOX CARS FOR HIM TO LOAD WHEN I WAS YOUNG. (TEMPORARY PAPER LOGOS FOR NOW UNTIL I CAN GET DOWN TO THE CITY TO BUY SOME DRY TRANSFER LETTER SETS</p> <p><img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02208.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> <img src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/Layout Construction/DSC02209.jpg" border="0" style="max-width: 550px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Now on to more scenery and ballasting. Nothing is carved in stone yet. I may change thing up a bit in the final choice of scenery. I want to carve out a few gullies under some sections and add more through plate girder bridges.</p> <p>Hope the photos help anyone with similar questions about maybe using a crawl space for a layout.</p> <p>Be aware of safety concerns, though. There is only one exit. I keep fire extinguishers handy, smoke alarms, and I see a safety oxygen mask cheap at the hardware.</p> <p>But all in all, I'm pleased with 9 months work.</p>
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