Eagle Scout Project - Success!

Well, finishing the installation of the final piece was more work\time than anticipated.

 

The good news is that some more volunteers attended and some other needed tasks were completed.

 

All three track levels are installed and fit. We need a few little straights to complete the run on that level. Not bad, after 12 years of storage and moving.

 

Next weekend we'll make the feeder connections, install a few feeds to the other side and give the entire layout a run. I'll have a video of that. We have been getting smooth running traversing the various routes between Level 1 and Level 2. It will be fun to run it between all three.

 

Here's a few photos. Some of the old scenery is still attached. It's gives hints of how cool this layout will look.

 

Tough work by Moonman and Scout.

Looking good Nice work you all

Inspiring.

I think I'm going dive under and play with wires today too 

so do you guys still need anything?  my dad passed away late last year due to pancreatic cancer and I know he would have wanted to help out. I have a bunch of engines and passenger car sets from MTH also. let me know if there is anything specific. most of the stuff I have was never run or was barely run and most was never taken out of the boxes. I would rather donate a few things before trying to sell them. I may also be doing a show in glassboro, nj next month which is about half hour from where I live. thanks.

Darren,

Thank you for asking. RichO and I have our email in our profiles. if you would contact one us, we can let you know.

 

I most likely live closer to you than Rich, so I could pick up any items.

Adriatic,

I wish it were just the wires. The 1/2" ply warped slightly from being stored in an outbuilding attic. We were try to find the sweet spot for the supports to level it out. It is a big section, close to 6' x 6' and puts a lid on Level 1 & 2. It's creeper city now.

 

The bite is that the first level is at 24". It was built for a 6 year old.

Question 1 how tall is complete layout out now? reason asking if your going to move it and set it up and your lower level is only 24" high it's going to be hard for most to see. What I'm wondering on the inside of each leg if it would be possible to screw a 3' 2"x4" to give you 3' height to the bottom layout and you for crawling under to wire. you would have to start at one side and go evenly as you go deeper and deeper into the layout 

The first level is 24" above the floor.  The next two track levels are 6" higher than the first bringing the highest track level to 36".  This level has an engine service facility and two track yard. Then there is a scenery only level 6-8" higher than that to cove the helix.  The Museum has asked not to have steps or platforms for kids to stand on.  Since this will be a layout for kids and not a "Model Railroad" it should be OK.  We hope to have seating areas for adults to watch trains and their children.  None of the adults working on the layout have complained about watching the trains running so far!

While I can see doing the wiring underneath is a bear, I understand the reasoning for making the layout 24".  It is coming along very nicely!

 

I would have liked to have earned the Railroading merit badge when I was in the Boy Scouts in the late '60s to early '70s, but I couldnt find a sponsor.  Excellent Eagle project!

After posting the above it dawn on me 

1 it may be for children

2 1t may be situated where you can walk around it so it would be fine at 24"

3 your not there they know what there doing 

Advice is always welcome!  I lowered my layout for my kids and suffered the consequences as I got older.  Attached is another view of the levels.  The fourth scenery level will be installed on the left.

Bill(RT),

There is also something special here in trying to rebuild it as it was for the child that was the original operator.

 

The tragic story of his passing at 6 years old, touched all of us that have worked on this project. Every time we think of changes or something we think would improve it, we ask " would he have liked it".

 

The first level, lowest and 2nd level appear ok when a train is running as it disappears and appears. Even on the third level it goes through the fourth scenic level (see my photo in a previous post today) , a mountain the covers the helix , popping out to cross a girder bridge.

 

We have had train operators and others and never have heard a comment about the height. We discovered a surprise for the children. The operators side of the layout is not covered with scenery so that the train can be seen most of the time and the mystery of the reversing crosses and helix is revealed!

 

I believe it was the second work session last September when I wanted to raise it with taller legs. (of course, I was crawling under it most of the time). We had a lengthy discussion at the end of the day and the result was that it stays as built.

Mark,

Yes, Luke(the Scout) is having a tough time managing this work crew. We really want to make his learning experience meaningful. He's doing well and growing as the layout grows. Thanks for reminding me...I have to ask him if he's updated his project timeline.

 

I was able to stand until the third level. It covers the lower two. Looking at the pictures reminded me that I have put terminals on the feeder ends to connect to the bus bar under the layout this time. I was too focused on fitting and supporting this piece that I passed on that while it was on a table.

 

Thanks for your nice comments and viewing the project.

Saturday's progress.  Track work complete.  Mainline wired and operational.  Ran through all three levels and helix. Retaining wall pieced together but looks poor.  We'll need to install stone retaining walls like the North East Corridor. Any ideas?

 

Level 4 added today!

I think in the first pic I see a PA-1  just not on the track running with its passenger cars

Looking great it's really coming along

This is really looking good. Neat Eagle project and have to show to our troop when they return from Philmont this week.

 

The Pilot ? How did it come off ? 

 

okay was just wondering who knows I was worry it was broke in shipping

 

Progress from 7/25/15:  Laid building on layout to see final arrangement.  Lots of scenery repairs after it's relocation.

Looking great Nice layout will be enjoyed by all I'm sure

This is one of the threads I really look fwd. to.

Thanks again for sharing.

 

Bravo gentlemen

 

Now get back to work....

It's looking nice!  I'm a Life Scout trying to get my Eagle, not sure what my project will be.

Doug,
Congratulations on making Life.   That is a major accomplishment.  Choose an Eagle Project that is beneficial to others, but also something you will be proud of in the future.  Luke's project is one like that.  The regular team each have 100+ plus hours in so far and probably an equal amount to go.
Good luck with your project.

       

Congrads you can do just keep working at it

RichO and Luke, I really like your Eagle Scout Service Project, and I am following your progress. Between seeing your project and the posts about the switching layout, my son (looking over my shoulder) decided to go for the Railroading Merit Badge as the last badge for his Silver Palm. He leaves Springfield, MA, on Amtrak Lake Shore Limited Sunday afternoon for NOAC2015 (some 14 hours on the train to Toledo, OH). This will wrap up the railroading merit badge for him. Thanks for posting: you really are inspiring others. Keep up the good turns daily.  YIS, Joe

Congratulations to your son and you for this Eagle!  This is a great chance to bond with my son and forum members and we have really enjoyed it.  Thank you for the encouragement.

Not much to show today.  Cut an access hole and made the cover.

Lots of cleaning.  Wife and daughter started window treatments in the houses.

Christopher's Mom received the pictures of the railroad with the buildings in place.  She was thrilled!

She also said that Christopher's favorite train was his MTH Bantam Daylight set. (She sent me a picture) 

 

Anyone have one of the old PS2 trains that needs some run time at a good new home?

 

 

I don't think that we mentioned it, but one of regular crew members is an Eagle Scout.

 

His project was the  restoration of a small train station for a railroad that runs. He became an engineer for one the engines and operated the train for a few years.

 

He is attending college and is a life-long model railroader. After hanging out with us on this project, he recently took a job building layouts for an LHS.

 

By the way, did Rich mention the we need an MTH 30-4039-1 or the train from that set?

Here's a unique view of the layout with Christopher's favorite train.Thanks to OGR members for helping us put this together for his Mom!!

 

Powered up the MTH gas station today.

Too cool love it

Working on getting the space ready for the layout.