The new layout 2023

[RhB Michael]

Nice work. I like that white fascia board. I might have to think about painting mine in white. It's been raw wood since building it, but since I can't decide on a color, I just let it be. I like wood. I thought of staining it too, but pine doesn't stain really well without multiple applications.

 

[rgeiter]

Nice work. I like that white fascia board. I might have to think about painting mine in white. It's been raw wood since building it, but since I can't decide on a color, I just let it be. I like wood. I thought of staining it too, but pine doesn't stain really well without multiple applications.

Thanks.

The hardboard came this way. It’ll definitely make painting it blue a lot easier. But first I have to set about 200 nails! Ugh!

 

[rgeiter]

 

[rgeiter]

Tomorrow is backdrop day. I’m using 5/4 studs fastened to 3/4 inch plywood strips. It’ll make more sense when I post some pics tomorrow. I’ll need to go to the lumber yard tomorrow for 6 more 8 foot 5/4 boards. Then to Lowe’s for a proper brad nailer. Then it’s backdrop time. I’m pretty excited to build this since I’ve never built one before. Stay tuned!

 

[rgeiter]

Worked a 10 hour day on the layout. Got the backdrop done. I have a 30” piece to add but I need to cut the tunnel portal in first. Here are a few pics, enjoy.

 

[KB02]

Just went back to the beginning pf this thread to see the progress you have made on this layout and in this space. This has been amazing!

 

[rgeiter]

Thanks! A lot of work indeed! Hopefully I’ll be laying track in a few months!!

 

[rgeiter]

If all goes well, I should have blue backdrops this week. Currently setting nails, sanding the nail holes and filling them.

I was also able to finish the backdrop where the city scene will be. I had to disassemble part of the bench work to make some cuts. Now I will have access to the two tunnels.

Also picked up some new Walthers turnouts. They look nice. Don’t know what kind of switch machines I’m using yet. It will not be the air machines I’ve always used.

 

[BigGRacing]

If all goes well, I should have blue backdrops this week. Currently setting nails, sanding the nail holes and filling them.

I was also able to finish the backdrop where the city scene will be. I had to disassemble part of the bench work to make some cuts. Now I will have access to the two tunnels.

Also picked up some new Walthers turnouts. They look nice. Don’t know what kind of switch machines I’m using yet. It will not be the air machines I’ve always used.
View attachment 217885

Are you putting track right on the plywood? Or putting foam next?

 

[rgeiter]

Are you putting track right on the plywood? Or putting foam next?

No foam, just cork. There are places where I will need to climb up on the layout to get to water shut off valve to the outside spigots. I’m hoping I will never have to do that but, just in case.

 

[rgeiter]

Well, I didn’t get as much done as I wanted, but what I did get done is nice. I’m not a Sherwin-Williams paint fan, I prefer Valspar, but this particular formula really laid out nice, really nice. Covered great in one coat! It’s the top line Lowe’s sells.

Here’s the little progress I got done to the backdrops.

 

[troyphoto]

Are you planning on bracing the legs? I look at those and ask "How klutzy would I be, and what will happen when I slip and kick one of those legs? I'm a klutz, so I try to think of those paths of opportunity for destruction.

 

[santafewillie]

I braced all of my table legs with an "L" bracket into the plywood at the bottom.

 

[rgeiter]

Yep, kicked a couple last night when I was painting. I’ll be running a gusset from the leg to the table. Just haven’t got around to it yet. Once I get my outlets in place and wires pulled, that’s the last thing I need to do before I start laying track.

 

[PMW]

There are places where I will need to climb up on the layout to get to water shut off valve to the outside spigots. I’m hoping I will never have to do that but, just in case.

I love how you prioritized the layout. You'll use the layout a lot more than you'll need to get to that shut off valve

 

[rgeiter]

T

I love how you prioritized the layout. You'll use the layout a lot more than you'll need to get to that shut off valve

Truth!

 

[rgeiter]

Little by little. Another 64 feet of backdrop done!

 

[rgeiter]

Done with backdrops! Going to paint the fascia next. Some of it will be removed and/or modified when the upper level gets installed. I’m on schedule for track laying by summer!

 

[rgeiter]

Fired up my 20 year old Samsung. She still works and looks good. I found a nice spot for my old Xbox so I can watch YouTube and prime video when I’m working on the layout. (Currently using an extension cord)

Picking up my 12/2 wire tomorrow to start the wiring of the layout outlets. Going to try to pull the 97 feet myself. I have a plan…

 

[ctclibby]

Fired up my 20 year old Samsung. She still works and looks good. I found a nice spot for my old Xbox so I can watch YouTube and prime video when I’m working on the layout. (Currently using an extension cord)

Picking up my 12/2 wire tomorrow to start the wiring of the layout outlets. Going to try to pull the 97 feet myself. I have a plan…View attachment 219817

Bob: 12/3 is needed unless that was a typo. Since you are buying individual wires - do some sort of color change between the 2 circuits. Make it easier 2 years down the road when you want to change something.

L8r