My Triple Level Layout - Anthracite Hi-Railers Visit - 1/5/24

@Putnam Division posted:

Fabulous trip and a great haul!

Peter

Thanks Peter @Putnam Division! It was a great little train-cation with plenty of goodie’s following me home!

MY LAYOUT’S CURRENT STATUS

Here’s the photos you asked for @texgeekboy. I took two videos also. Once I get my bottom level benchwork finished going into the second closet, I’ll start placing more buildings over near the farm. I’m also looking to add track lighting on the ceiling above the layout so that’s another thing I should have done in the beginning. Like others say, have the room completely prepared prior to starting the build.

The sections of painted mountains you see are temporary and from the old layout.

The layout looks great, Rich!  You are doing a lot in a small space.

@Mark Boyce posted:

The layout looks great, Rich!  You are doing a lot in a small space.

Thanks Mark! Soon I won’t be able to fit in the room! 🤣😂 I picked up an additional large landscaping contract so that’s funding the Ohio purchases. I’m probably going to grab some supplies to proceed with the benchwork. I’m getting antsy especially after EnterTRAINment Junction. LoL

NEW PURCHASE UPDATE!

On Sunday I went to the flea market at our local drive in. There was a guy there selling a decent amount of KLine stuff. I saw a PRR GP7 diesel and grabbed it for an incredible price. The wheels and rollers showed enough wear from maybe a test run and that’s it. I also picked up a few cutting tools for the scenery. My previous post has videos of it running. It’s always a fun day at the flea market!

UPDATE #22

I’ve been busy the past few days with adding the remaining benchwork that expands into the second closet along with the wall above my little work desk. Had to make two trips for wood since I needed a second sheet of plywood. Heat index’s into the 100’s wasn’t ideal.

It’s getting tight in here but it’s still manageable thus far. The desk can still be slide out for me to use when necessary. My layout has officially become a crawl under layout when I need to access the back section. Good thing I’m in my 30’s! LoL.

Yesterday I picked up 2 more sheets of homasote sound deadening board, took my utility knife to them and cut them down to size. Screwed all the pieces in place and here’s where the project stands now.

Everywhere that I just added benchwork will have an identical second level added. The second level will have the buildings and scenery while the bottom level will have my hidden yard storage for the first level trains. All the plywood and homasote for the second level are already cut and waiting on the side. Next step is to put a coat of brown paint on the benchwork, then track placement with roadbed plus I need to figure out which switches I’m going to use for the hidden yard storage.

UPDATE #22.5

I realized in my last update that I said “the remaining benchwork” so instead of editing it I decided to actually do it. LoL. I have NOW finished the remaining benchwork that expands into the second closet. It’s less than I expected but I needed a big enough area for me to pop up inside the closet. Here’s a few pictures along with my tunnel into the closet. LoL!

I’m thinking I can fit 4 tracks on my 17inch wide wall expansion. I need to leave room for the supports holding up the second level so 5 tracks won’t fit with the 2x4 supports. I’m also uncertain to what switch tracks to go with for the most track storage space. SUGGESTIONS NEEDED PLEASE! This is a small area and I’m trying to utilize it for hidden track storage to get the most out of it. Photos of the measurements along with testing track placement for this section.

Now into the closet. Like I said it’s smaller than expected so I’m open to ideas for the bottom level left storage area. I tried placing some tracks but I really don’t get much out of the inner tracks. I was thinking that if I ever get the will power to cut a whole in the wall and having the bottom line come through but it’ll defeat my entire track storage idea so I nixed that. It might just be a blank area, who knows.

Rich, congratulations on your layout expansion.  It looks nice and sturdy.  Yes, it is a good thing you are in your 30s for crawling around to less accessible spaces.

@Richizzle07 posted:

UPDATE #22.5

Rich;

I’m with Mark… since (in my experience anyway) derailments alway happen in the least accessible area, you need to be young (or a contortionist!!!) to get to the back of that closet!!!

That being said, if you turned the 2 supports in the two pics above 90 degrees and moved them to the very end of the shelf, would that give you room for a fifth storage track???

Thank you @Mark Boyce andPaul  @Apples55! I’m still a bit limber despite getting hit by vehicles on 4 separate occasions (former traffic control technician). The trains running inside the closest will be extremely rare. The more I look at it, I’m pretty limited on space for bigger yard switches. I’m probably going to us a Lionel o72 switch leading into the expansion. Once I get that, I can try to figure out what I’ll do for yard switch’s. Maybe Ross, we’ll see.

As for turning the supports, that’s a great idea except I’m going to need supports towards the middle and at the other end. I just came across 2 scrap piles of wood I forgot about and there’s some nice narrow pieces I’m going to test out. I think I’m limited to just 4 tracks because it’ll stretch out too far transitioning into 5. It might even be too far for 4 so I’ll possibly just add a test track on the edge.

I’m going to have to put an order into Menards for some more new tubular track. Building those rebates back up already LoL!

Rich, thank you for detailing your trip, it looked amazing! Congratulations on the expansion, it’s shaping up very nicely. You are coming away with some excellent hauls, wow…

Andy

@Steamfan77 posted:

Rich, thank you for detailing your trip, it looked amazing! Congratulations on the expansion, it’s shaping up very nicely. You are coming away with some excellent hauls, wow…

Andy

Thank you for the compliments Andy @Steamfan77! I actually spotted something  on the gentleman’s layout that made me think of your park. It’s a figurine flying a remote control plane. It really caught my attention!

That’s cool Rich! Thanks for thinking of me. I might add that…

Andy

UPDATE #23

More progress! I finished up with a coat of brown paint on the new layout extension.

Next step is to start preparations for the second level extension. It’ll be identical to what I just added on the first level. This will give me a better idea with the supports and track placement.

Looks good Rich. I know that I could never fit in the back of that closet so.....

A thought on the supports for the upper level. Since it won't be holding a lot of weight, you could rip pieces of 3/4" plywood, or 1x4 dimensional pine for supports. 2x4's are overkill for what you are doing. The upper level could even rest on ledgers screwed into the walls of the closet and you would eliminate all of the obstructions below.

Also, watch your clearances on the curves for the closet extension. Check with a few longer cars and engines before you screw the track down.

Bob

@RSJB18 posted:

Looks good Rich. I know that I could never fit in the back of that closet so.....

A thought on the supports for the upper level. Since it won't be holding a lot of weight, you could rip pieces of 3/4" plywood, or 1x4 dimensional pine for supports. 2x4's are overkill for what you are doing. The upper level could even rest on ledgers screwed into the walls of the closet and you would eliminate all of the obstructions below.

Also, watch your clearances on the curves for the closet extension. Check with a few longer cars and engines before you screw the track down.

Bob

Thanks Bob @RSJB18! I have some smaller pieces of wood I’ll be using, I believe 1x4 sanded pine but not sure since I pulled them out of a pile of wood that was left over and to be burned. I did think about building it like a shelf in the closet but I’m afraid it’ll transfer too much noise into the walls. It’s a small area so a few supports shouldn’t obstruct too much, so I hope. The curves are definitely going to restrict the number of storage tracks I’ll have in the closet so that’ll give me more room for supports I suppose. I shouldn’t be climbing on the second level but hey, you never know LoL.

NEW PURCHASE UPDATE!

Yesterday I received my recent order from Menards. I ordered a case of 10 inch straights, a case of 30 inch straights, and a case of 031 curves. I also picked up a bunch of diecast vehicles and a Soo Line boxcar since inventory was getting really low.

Here’s a photo of the entire purchase. Building up those rebates for my next visit!!

That’s a great haul, Rich!  I like the Furys, and pickups.  I bought a red Fury, I must have gotten the last one or you would have it!  😄

Have you used Menards track before?

@Mark Boyce posted:

That’s a great haul, Rich!  I like the Furys, and pickups.  I bought a red Fury, I must have gotten the last one or you would have it!  😄

Have you used Menards track before?

Thanks Mark! They have a dealer pack with the red one along with a few new colors so I’m eventually planning on getting that. Trust me I’m trying to get them all!! LoL!

I’ve also upgraded nearly all my Lionel track to Menards track and have been very pleased, especially with the price!!! Works flawlessly with the Lionel 022 switches and the few pieces of Lionel track I’m still using. I’m ordering a Lionel 072 switch soon for the entrance to my new extension so I’ll have an update when that happens. Menards has o31, o36, o42, o54, o72, and o96 track. Plus 10 inch and 30 inch straights. They also have transition pieces from tubular to fast track! It’s nice having new track at great prices!

That sounds great about their track!

NEW PURCHASE UPDATE!

It’s been awhile since I’ve been on the forum and it’s been even longer since I stepped foot in the train room. Decided to do a career change and start making myself my own money and stop making others rich off my labor. Starting my own lawn care and property maintenance company. It’s been great and I honestly haven’t looked back at all! Heavily investing into equipment and loving every bit of it. I’ve got open spots in the schedule if anyone is local LoL.

My purchases haven’t stopped but have temporarily slowed. Over the past month I ordered my first Lionel O-72 switch for the lower level entering the new yard addition. It came with an extra brand new switch controller which wasn’t even advertised.

I also purchased the Gunrunner ultra fast acting circuit breaker kit from one of the forum sponsors. Always a great purchasing experience! Thanks again @TinMan3rail!

With the holidays approaching fast, the store shelves are starting to fill up with goodie’s. I picked up another bucket truck from Tractor Supply since this one is slightly different with the black fuel tanks. Building a fleet for my Menards National Power and Light building.

I have a few items currently out for delivery today so I’ll have another update soon.

Rich, congratulations on the success of your lawn care business!  What are your plans for winter?  Are you still working for ‘The Man’ and doing lawn care on the side?  That is what the guy who just sealed my driveway does.  I can’t handle those 5-gallon buckets anymore. ☹️

On to the purchases.  The bucket truck looks great!  Having worked for the power company until I was 39, and the telephone company until I retired, I’ve been around a lot of bucket trucks.  True, most of my time was on the ground, but some of my earlier years I was up in the air.  The buckets will make a good scene with the power house!!!

@Mark Boyce posted:

Rich, congratulations on the success of your lawn care business!  What are your plans for winter?  Are you still working for ‘The Man’ and doing lawn care on the side?  That is what the guy who just sealed my driveway does.  I can’t handle those 5-gallon buckets anymore. ☹️

On to the purchases.  The bucket truck looks great!  Having worked for the power company until I was 39, and the telephone company until I retired, I’ve been around a lot of bucket trucks.  True, most of my time was on the ground, but some of my earlier years I was up in the air.  The buckets will make a good scene with the power house!!!

Thanks Mark! I currently am a snow plow truck driver for a gentleman that owns 4 restaurants plus his residence. I also do some snow removal in my town with my ATV. Chores are fun with the right equipment LoL.

I am currently not working for “the man”. Had a falling out after I was outsourced from being their landscaper of 99 acres, only about 15 maintained. They are getting older and their son took over everything and his buddy can apparently do better for less. Well I drove by and the less part is pretty obvious. As they say, you get what you pay for.

As for the bucket trucks, figured I’d need a few with the town being built. Same with some construction equipment. It’ll make my scenes “live” throughout the build. I’ve never used one in actual life but it sure would make trimming trees easy! Or even decorating lights for the holidays. I already have a customer for that this winter too. Falls under the property maintenance side of the business.

Still waiting on FedEx to arrive with today’s delivery.

Rich, it sounds like you have a good plan.  Yes, work can be fun with the right equipment!  Snow removal with the ATV sounds right up your alley! 😄

I hope you get some time on the layout!

NEW PURCHASE UPDATE!

Fedex arrived yesterday with my recent purchase from Menards. It’s an automotive overload!! LoL. I ordered 2 dealer packs, one 1957 Dodge Sweptside dealer pack of 24 trucks and one 1958 Plymouth Fury dealer pack of 24 cars. Each dealer pack has 4 of each color. These are the recent releases which have new color schemes. Very nice looking vehicles!

With York less than a month away, I’m checking my inventory lists and preparing my “wanted list”. Let the excitement begin!!!

New car dealership-1958 version?

@Mark Boyce posted:

New car dealership-1958 version?

I was thinking of getting the Fury Motors from Menards but I’m running out of space on the layout extremely fast. There’s a couple of buildings I still want to buy for my main town section but I might alter those plans and switch one out for the dealership. My plans are constantly changing and evolving. LoL

Yes, space disappears so quickly.  I have sold larger buildings on the Forum that just took up more space as I realized I could do something else with smaller ones

UPDATE #24

Over the weekend I temporarily placed the second level expansion on so I can get a better visual of what to expect. I’m very happy with how it’s coming along and so glad I decided to do this expansion. Used smaller scrap pieces of wood for supports so it’s limiting the space taken up on the bottom level. Again this is only placed temporarily. I’ll be installing the bottom level tracks soon once I figure out a switch plan to optimize the hidden storage yard.

With York approaching, I figured I’d place a few buildings out to once again help with a visual so I know what can still be added. Apparently not much! LoL!! The clamshells are bulky so it’ll look better once everything is opened up.

That’s good to plan everything out 3D before moving forward!  

I apologize if you've covered this in previous pages, but where did you get the very large bridge on the upper level? Or is this scratch built? Thanks for sharing your photos.

@LT1Poncho posted:

I apologize if you've covered this in previous pages, but where did you get the very large bridge on the upper level? Or is this scratch built? Thanks for sharing your photos.

It’s 2 of the Railking single track arch bridges with a girder bridge on each end which is also from Railking. I chose the rust color they offered. Very nicely detailed and great prices.

Looking good! Nice work!

@Keith Bliss posted:

Looking good! Nice work!

Thanks Keith!

Rich, nice work on the expansion. I like the way it’s shaping up.
Glad your landscaping business is doing well, good luck.

Andy

@Steamfan77 posted:

Rich, nice work on the expansion. I like the way it’s shaping up.
Glad your landscaping business is doing well, good luck.

Andy

Thanks Andy! It’s really appreciated!

NEW PURCHASE UPDATE!

With York approaching fast I’ve been finalizing my needed/wanted lists. With all the train research, I sorta slipped up and had to feed my train urge. LoL. While scrolling Marketplace I came across a postwar 1583WS set with the set box and locomotive box. Price was really decent and the seller lives about 15 minutes away. This should hold me over for the next 2 weeks, key word “should” LoL.

After chatting with the seller a bit, he told me that he has about 12 other sets he’s willing to sell but just having a hard time letting them go. It eased his mind knowing that I’m building my collection and that several of his sets would stay together in a new collection. The best part is he’s willing to sell them off slowly over the next year which is great for me financially. It’s practically like a layaway agreement with a collection so over the next year I’ll be adding sets every so often. Just another example of the great people I meet in this hobby!

That is a great looking set!  The boxes are in great shape as well.  That sounds like a great mutually acceptable plan!

Great additions!

Thank you @Mark Boyce and @Keith Bliss! Expanding my postwar collection since I still only run conventional. I absolutely love how these things hold up!