New Layout Built- Pictures added

Looks like you will have reach problems on the right side, at least.

It's open all 3 sides. Only the left side is against a wall.

Are you installing the Lionel Bascule Bridge #313. If so, you maybe correct in that I have heard it is difficult to get it to operate well consistently. The reissues are reported to be more reliable and much quieter.

Finalized the track plan.  The client had a track pack with a pair of 36 manual switches so in order to use them, I of course, had to take it a bit further, added 2 more switches and a 90 xover.  They are manual switches.  The two that can change the direction of the train are right in front together, so they can thrown manually while athe controls, and I'm not worried about the outside switches being turned the wrong way.  A train will throw them when passing through, being Fastrack.  I am installing the clients bascule bridge, but it will be stationary for now, it doesn't have a controller.  It will span a river and on the outside track will be a Lionel bridge with flashers.  I will install a xing gate with bells and flashers in front of his station.  Also install lights in the client's buildings.  Power is a Lionel CW-80 for track and accessory power.  Conventional operation.  This should be fun.  One day install on Friday.  I will post pics of the project. 

The benchwork was already built with 1 1/2" foam on 2X4 framing.  I screwed down the foam,  careful to keep the holes small so the screw heads hold.  Not a big fan of foam.   The carpenter who built the benchwork put the 1X6 fascia flush with the top of the foam.  I would have held it up, but I don't criticize another man's work and it probably made it easier trimming the paper, so it's fine.  And it looks good too.  

I used double sided carpet tape on the perimeter and 1 run down the middle, then rolled out the green carpet.  Worked great with a bunch of help from Ed, the client.  Roll it tight white side out and be careful.  The tape is super sticky and it's best to do it once.  Glued the edge of the overlapping seams and trimmed with a knife.

Next, I laid out the track.  It worked beautifully.  I had to run to the LHS for 2- 5" straights to finish.  I had some track left over and was going to return it for credit, but I brought it back so they could set up a loop on the lower level.  I designed the track plan and I think it's great.  Both switches that will change the trains direction are right in front of the operator at the transformer.  They are manual for the sake of simplicity and I think are perfect.  The outside swtches will throw on their own depending on the train's direction.

note: the captions and pictures got messed up, but you'll get the idea

As predicted the old bascule bridge was problematic.  Just being stationary for now it still presented problems.  The track where it joins to the regular track was/ is much higher than the track next oi it, so I spent some time filing and fine tuning to get the engine rolling smoothly through it.  Both bridges will span a river to be built Monday when I finish up.  I am going to put in some power drops, it really only needs one in the rear corner due to the bascule bridge, but Im going to put in three.  The Fastrack really does have great conductivity.  I'm also going to light up some buildings.  Oh, and build a platform for the transformer.  Here is Ed at the controls of his beautiful postwar Sante Fe Fe ABA set. It runs and looks great. He also has Berkshire with no tender, but we didn't run that.  Everyone is happy!  Finish up Monday, then I'll be really happy.

I don't know why the pictures and captions got messed up, but, that's it for now.  Cya on Monday, with the wrap up

I finished the layout today.  Well, my part for now.  A layout is never finished, right?  It came out nice.  I forgot my camera, but I'm stopping by the job tomorrow to snap some photos and I will post them tomorrow with some construction notes.  I was planning on three or four hours to finish.  It took seven, so that is about right.  And I got paid, which is downright righteous!

They are delighted.  Ed has trains that were given to him by his grandfather and has wanted a layout for 43 years.  Well, he's got a real nice one now.  I will show off some of his postwar collection in action tomorrow.  I may bring a train to run as well. 

This was a very satisfying experience.  I met a super nice family and they are delighted with their layout.  My goal is to give the customer more that they were expecting.  The two sons think it's cool also.  That's a bonus as well. 

I was able to get back today and take some pictures of the layout.  I cleaned the track as well.  It's running great.  These pictures show the river installed in order to utilize the bridges.  Came out pretty nice.  Boy, that river is sky blue!  I wanted it to be bright and show out rather than be a realistic darker color.  That's Ed.  He likes it!

Nice job William!!

A nice project and a nice story to go with it!