Layout Progress Updated: 3-2-15

Please keep us posted.

Those plans do look neat.  I also used Gargraves track and Ross switches on my layout.  Looking forward to more updates.

I like that proposed layout. Should be fun operating it.  Lots of room for accessories, buildings and scenery.  Good luck!

Will do Spence!

 

Thanks, I really like how the track looks.

 

Thank ya!

 

Tomorrow I am off to Menards to pick up all the wood and the base will be starting to get built this weekend. The fun will soon commence!

Nice.....looking forward to updates.

Peter

Made it to Menards today. Got me a new Dremel on sale too! Decided to go with 3/4 inch ply so I don't have to worry about standing on it lol.

Wise choice

Ups brought another batch of switches today. Still waiting on 2 more and I believe I will have all the track components!

Lance,

Looks to me like you mean business!

 

I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.  Looks like you have a good plan and are buying quality materials!!

Thanks Mark! Figured id do it right the first time around haha.

It's always exciting when boxes of track and lumber show up!  Can't wait to see your progress.

 

 

Lance

We will look for the build pictures.

I love it when a plan starts coming together.

 

Larry

Looking good Lance, you are a good forward planner.  

I probably missed it--but what type of switch motors are you planning and what type operating system[Conventional, DCS, TMCC?].

Power supply?

DZ1000 switch motors. I am going to be running the DCS system. Right now I am running it off a z1000 power supply. Eventually going to upgrade in the future to either 2 power bricks or a z4000. Haven't decided yet.

Made some framing progress tonight. Was slow because I'm working with a torpedo heater since my hanging unit isn't up yet. Trying to decide what height I want the legs. 3' seems to be what I am aiming for since I am a pretty tall guy.

Sit on the floor and measure to the top of your head. Then add some clearance.

 

That way you can sit comfortably under the layout for the eventual under layout the time.

 

Also, if no littles are involved, a height of 40"-50" eliminates some of the helicopter view and improves viewing angles for adults.

 

36" is too low for you.

Though it's personal preference, I tend to agree with Moonman.

36" will wear you out crawling under it...repeatedly...

Ya I started realizing that after I mocked up some legs for one of the boxes last night. I just hope stability on a taller leg will still be fine. I made the legs into an L shape with 2x4s like I've seen many people do.

The legs should be fine if you add some angle braces from the top of the table.  I agree with the others who like a layout higher, as it is easier to get under, and gives a view that is more like standing on a small hill trackside instead of in the helicopter, or drone as I've seen in some recent videos.  My past layout was 48" high but when the kids were small, I had to hold them up to see the trains.  If you have small children, you may want it lower as Carl inferred.

Make sure you drill a few holes to run your wire before you put the top on.  You will thank me later.

 

I second Jmiller suggestion about holes for wires. 

Get a large diameter drill bit -3/4inch or 1 inch and drill several holes in each cross piece under your plywood.  It will make running wire much easier.  I made this mistake and was drilling holes under the layout after the fact.  And after drilling one or two holes - then I realized that I needed more holes - and the bigger the better ( not so big you loose structural support )    I have a modest sized layout but with track switches, track power, signals, UCS tracks and accessories.  ( I have a lot of wire under my benchwork )

 

Steve

Definitely going to be raising the height. Gotta run to menards tomorrow to get some more 2x4s and a 1" hole drill bit. Going to put 3 holes in each spaced out.

Thanks for the replies!

Another tip-don't brace the legs parallel to the floor.  You'll get tired of crawling over them real quick...

 

Post pictures when you've made progress.  Can't wait to see it.

Made some huge progress tonight! And it's almost dead on level too! Proud of myself!

Decided on a 42" height. It's just right for my angle and I am happy with it! Also I did drill all the wiring holes through the braces before laying the base. Very glad I did too!

Nice solid table. Did you do the "I have train table" dance on it to celebrate? Now it's time to nag the heck out of the heating contractor.

 

All of us can relate to the feeling you get when the table is completed.

 

Congratulations!

Lance-

I remember the great satisfaction I felt when I finished my benchwork.  Congratulations!

Two comments -

1)  I do not see holes drilled in the cross members for running wires.

2)  Get some homosote or celotex sheets to cover the plywood.  Get a gallon of cheap white latex paint and give them a base coat.  ( both sides and the edges )  Then paint the top a neutral earth color ( Tan - Light Brown )  This will give a good surface for sound reduction and will hold screws well when laying track.

 

Keep up the good work

Steve

Great job!

Doing good Lance.

 

Out of curiosity is that drop down attic stairs above the layout?

 

Larry

       
       

Not yet haha. Still a few more braces I want to put in lol! And yes I'm getting antsy waiting on the heating people!
   
       
       

They are there. I took some of the pics mid drilling them. Battery was getting low on the drill so I had to charge it up a bit. Was going to paint it but haven't decided if I want to go a darker color or not. Thanks!
   
       
       

Thank Ya!
   
       
       

It's not a drop down, lazy builders only put a piece of drywall up there lol. But it's and illusion because the layout it about 8 inches away from it when standing directly under it.

Congratulations, Lance!!!

Lance,

 

As a former co-worker used to say, "Now you're cookin' and cleanin'!"

The table is up now and soon the fun will being.

Started laying the track out tonight and tracing it for the roadbed. Never realized how big a pain tracing it is. Made a styrofoam pattern of the track rails and a marker and it worked out pretty well! Also kinda getting the hang of cutting and bending track since I've been practicing.

Lance, you are off to a good start, carpentry work looks real good, solid deck with 2"x 4' legs, track design allows for sidings, track radii looks very good for long truck center freight and passenger cars, well devised track plan, adequate open areas for buildings, houses or industrial scenes, framework below plywood deck has large open areas for wiring and switch locations with actuators ( I use Tortouse motors), track plan will allow you ease of operation and hours of operating enjoyment, you must have converted the garage into the train room this may allow for future expansion of this layout, keep us informed on your progress.

Looking real good. You've made very good progress.

Congratulations!  Remember, few things worth a **** come easy!

So cool!  Your layout is becoming a reality!

great job so far! keep up the great workmanship and you will have a layout to be proud of....

Lance, May I make a suggestion?

 

Stop where you are, cover everything with a tarp or plastic, and get out the spackling! Let it dry, lightly sand, then prime the wall. I won't go into all the details, as there was a thread about 4-5 months ago that covered this subject in detail. When the wall is ready, follow with a coat of cobalt blue. I know, it is a lot deeper than what you are expecting. But when you do your clouds, they will really pop! You may even what to think about what background you want, and get it installed or painted. Doing the wall now will be a whole lot easier than later, after you have everything up!

 

Also, check your lighting. Do you have enough? Again, much easier now than later.

 

Chris

LVHR