Hi All - its been a while since I have given an update on my layout (almost 4 years to be exact) with the exception of little snippets here and there. The original topic with my initial development of the layout (12 x 20) with rough track plans and then the stages of the build from the 1st level through the passenger yard on the second level. Here is a link to that topic. For an overview of the layout:
- The lower level's mains are an inside/outside configuration with 3 staging tracks in between and a ramp going up to Level 2. I also added a siding for accessories/caboose track and a pass through track that can be powered via the main or independently which I use for my test track (it is the one with the milk car that goes over my desk).
- The second level is two mains with a spur going to my coal dump, one for the Morton Salt Plant, and one leading to my 6 track passenger yard which then branches out into my turntable.
- The third level is a 4 x 7 city with a track running around the perimeter and two street tracks in the city. It also branches out and dead-ends into a wall with a tunnel portal (to hide the end).
- Originally, the coal spur and the 3rd level branch were going to meet as a ramp, but I changed my mind as I didn't want to ruin the view of the second level main.
- I put in a drop-down on Level 1 and a removable bridge on Level 2 so I can walk in, although I typically don't lower/remove them. All curves one Levels 1 and 2 are 0-72 minimum and most are in the 80-90 range.
- Each level has a dedicated Postwar ZW phased correctly, each leading to an individual TIU on the variable channel so I can run every track as Conventional or Command (by adding each track twice, once as variable and once as set to full voltage). The TIUs are set that I can run each one off the same remote. The TIUs then run to 10 Amp fast breakers and then on to the respective tracks.
- I have accessory button located around the layout for when kids come over.
- Replacing my old GarGraves switches (ones from the 80s) with Ross. I did put in better guide rails to make them better.
- Putting in a ground plane under the passenger yard (I had to go back and do that retroactively).
- Painting the plywood before laying track so it would be easier to add scenery to hide the board.
Since that time, I've changed my plan, especially the third level. It went from being a 2 track path to a 4 x 7 city with a loop and street tracks. The passenger yard goes under the city as what happens in Chicago (which my layout is a rough model of). I scratch built my Chicago Union Station, made a Coal Dump Spur, and put in turntable with two leads. I 3D printed the columns on my station platform, and I started scenery on the 1st level. Most of my work lately has been on upgrading engines (conventional to TMCC) and passenger cars (to LED), so my work on the layout has slowed down. I've also started helping my dad on his new HO layout as he just moved to Austin.
Here are some pictures I took tonight of the layout so y'all can see the changes in the last 4 years.
The Engine Yard:
The 1st Level Passenger Platform:
The End of the 2nd Level Passenger Yard and Icing Station:
Milk Platform on Test Track and Lower Level Staging area:
Barrel and Cattle Accessories:
Lower Level Staging Tracks:
Middle Level Passenger Platforms:
A Look Through the Engine Yard Towards the Passenger Station and the City:
The Passenger Yard Lead and the Morton Salt Factory:
The Coal Dump:
A Closeup of the Lower Level Passenger Station and Crossing:
An Overhead View of the City:
Blimp View Looking South (The String is from the Ceiling Fan):
Blimp View Looking North (Same String):
I have a lot more work to do on it, but I'm pretty happy with how it has turned out in the first 6 years, especially since we had a daughter just after I started working on it. 
