SP&S Shelf Layout

[mountaingoatgreg]

So I was told that you guys like pictures so I thought I would share a few of my current layout

This is will be the first layout I have built on my own. I have been a part of different clubs and have even helped others build their layouts but I have never had a layout of my own. I still do not have my dream space but I have a 13' x 12' "Train room" that has an empty wall that needed filling. I also have been active in the local Free-Mo group and thought that if I would build something I would incorporate a section of Free-Mo. I decided that I would place a 6' section of Free-mo and surround it by a shelf layout.

Here is the basic plan:


As always I find that design software is nowhere near what you can do in real life.

Here are a few photos of what I have so far:








For more photos check out my blog...http://oregontrunk.blogspot.com/

[faraway]

...This is will be the first layout I have built on my own....

With hand laied tracks and turnouts? That is remarkable, The benchwork looks robust and will be a solid base.

[mountaingoatgreg]

Reinhard,

The track is a combination of modified Walthers and BKE enterprises turnouts that I have been modifying. I replaced all the CV BKE ties with ones from Fast Tracks and fill the rest in with CVMW ties. I just do not trust the plastic ties allone to keep eveything in place. Also I am replacing all the frogs with new frogs from Proto87 stores. For final touches I also replace the throw bars with new ones that look more like the prototype again from Proto87 stores.

Here is what a BKE switch looks like in process:


Here is a completed one:


Here is a Walthers switch I am "fixing"


The rest of the trackwork is CVMW tie strips with ME weathered rail placed on it.

As for the benchwork it is for the fact I know I am going to have to move. It is all box girder construction made from cut down plywood screwed to the wall. When it is time to move I have to un-do a dozen screws and it is on its way to the next house. Also the two pieces on either side of the Free-Mo need to be able to hold up the section as it will not have any leg supports under it.

[nachoman]

That's a lot of work to do to modify the track - I am impressed. I model in HOn3, and once upon a time I had some shinohara turnouts that got damaged when my layout was in the sun for an hour or two (the ties warped). Being that Shinohara HOn3 turnouts are hard to find, I saved them thinking I would just re-spike the rails to new ties. I eventually decided that re-spiking to new ties would be about as difficult as building a new one from scratch, so I decided to just start making my own from code 55 rail .

[mountaingoatgreg]

Going forward I will probably pick up a set of jigs from Fastracks, that way I can modify the switches as I build them and customize them to my liking. I have been having a good time modifying the factory switches but I would not recommend doing a very large layout this way as it would eat up a lot of time to just get trains running. Being as I only have 6 switches on the whole visable section of the layout I figured I would tackle the challenge.

On another note:
I have started wiring my Toroise switches and track...which I HATE!! but like everything if its worth doing its worth doing right!! So even though it is not my favorite part of model building it gets me one step closer to running train I plan on having all the turnouts powered by tortoise with DPDT switches on the fascia. I may get bored and add a Digitrax stationary decoder, but not sure...

As soon as I have something to show for all my burns and cuts I will post some pictures!!!

[mountaingoatgreg]

As I sat there today looking at my new track and switches I thought to myself "I really should start wiring." Then I decided that I should take some cars and a locomtive out and take pictures as that sounded a lot more fun. This will also help me visualize what I am trying to do and get me motivated to hook up the wires, and tortoises and what not to actually be able to run a train.

so here is what I have so far...




As always more pictures on my blog...

http://oregontrunk.blogspot.com/

[Gary S]

Looks like some good progress there. So did you get some wiring completed?

[mountaingoatgreg]

I just crawled upstairs from the basement and am happy to say I HAVE THE POWER!!!!

Ok I hooked up 8 feeder wires and have not had any shorts yet. I was able to run a locomtive back and forth on the long track, closest to the backdrop, it stuttered (seriously dirty track) but it did move under its own power. If I have time tomorrow I will finish hooking up the feeder tracks and put the last section of rail in on the front track.

Once I have electrically tested this section with working tortie and what not I will need to decide what I do next.

Option 1
Finish this section with basic scenery landforms and structures

Option 2
Hang the rest of the layout on the wall and get all parts to work and test the operations.

Option 3
Complete this section as in done I never need to mess with it again...unless I feel like it.

What do you guys think???

[Gary S]

I like option 2.

[nachoman]

I agree with gary. You have to get the tracks working first - saves a lot of grief.

[faraway]

and it is good for your motivation to have something moving on the tracks. I hate it to have a none functional layout over a longer time. Building something is great but it should be in balance with some operation (playing around).

[Russ Bellinis]

One reason to finish the build before doing scenery is so that you can operate the layout and make sure aisle widths are comfortable, passing sidings are long enough, all spurs are designed for operation ( no spur tracks that need more cars than the lead will hold), etc. I would hate to complete the layout, start to operate and discover that there are sections of the layout that just don't work the way I want them to. It is much easier to modify a track plan or benchwork before the scenery is installed.

[mountaingoatgreg]

Okay guys,

Well the voice of reason has spoken...I knew it would.
My plan of attack...please do not hold me to this timeline
1) Wire in last tortoise TODAY
2) Stage corny ribbon cutting ceremony BY WEEKS END
3) take inventory of track and switches and get staging operational.
I am going cheap and putting in flex track and factory switches with caboose groundthrows being as this section is temporary
anyways. I may have to purchase a few items to complete this area. IN A COUPLE WEEKS
4) Get the last two pieces of benchwork in place. BY AUGUST
I already have the Free-Mo section built and will just need to put in the last section of "permanent layout"
5) Get the last sections of railroad operational BY SEPTEMBER

[Gary S]

Sounds like a plan, Greg. I'll be looking forward to some photos of the ongoing work.

[mountaingoatgreg]

As I stood trackside waiting for the Remond Switcher to finish his runaround move and intercahnge with the COP I heard a northbound train coming. I repositioned myself and caught the northbound SWG lead by GN 711 not bad for a lazy Wednesday afternoon.

In other news:

Phase 1A is COMPLETE
What is phase 1A you ask?...
On section A of the layout I have completed all track, switches, tortoises and wiring work.

Now I can move onto Phase 1B
This will be placing the flex track, two switches and wiring in the staging area.