Prewar Layout Build Thread

Starting the wiring. Notice the gorgeous track plan written out on the back of a manila envelope. Who needs computers?

Layout will be powered by two 'Z' transformers. I am using 12 gauge braided wire for the track. Terminal strips are 'ganged' with 12 gauge solid wire. (FUN to hook that up.)  I found out that by temporarily attaching the terminal strips to the bottom of the layout with Velcro, I can wire up the drops much more easily in my hands, then simply stick it back up in order to run the correct length of wire. Of course they will be screwed in when done.  Running wire with this style benchwork is neat and doesn't require any drilling, although I am holding up some of the slack with small clips.

Working on the Control Panel. Using old switch controllers and knife-switches.  The switch controllers and knife-switches are in the basic (if not really squashed) shape of the layout and most likely will not be numbered or named. Still going for building clearances as I run different sized pieces. 

Looks great. I love the old knife switches, sure gives it a twenties/thirties look. I'm enjoying seeing each step of your progress.

I agree.  I prefer to use the original tech whenever possible.

Control panel, all wired-up and secured.  All tracks powered and fully functioning. Next up is wiring some of the street lamps, then a few more scenery details. After that will be molding around the edge of the benchwork.

Have you given any thought to an overlay for the knife switch panel to create this look? I know you have a lot on your plate getting to this point and finishing.

Really nice build to show off the trains.

Nice work on the control panel! I really enjoy the fact your are using period specific tech. It only adds to the ambiance, so to speak. You have a layout to be proud of. I will enjoy continuing to follow your adventures. 

Moonman posted:

Have you given any thought to an overlay for the knife switch panel to create this look? I know you have a lot on your plate getting to this point and finishing.

Really nice build to show off the trains.

 

Hi Moonman, thanks for the question. It's an interesting suggestion, but I kind of like the plain look of the control panel. This layout is all about the muted gray and blue tones. I see with those colors to heighten the look of the colorful trains. I even resisted the usual illustrated track plan overlay (showing the switch locations), and instead just put them in their general positions in relation to each other on the layout itself.

Dreyfuss Hudson posted:

Moonman posted:

Have you given any thought to an overlay for the knife switch panel to create this look? I know you have a lot on your plate getting to this point and finishing.

Really nice build to show off the trains.

 

Hi Moonman, thanks for the question. It's an interesting suggestion, but I kind of like the plain look of the control panel. This layout is all about the muted gray and blue tones. I see with those colors to heighten the look of the colorful trains. I even resisted the usual illustrated track plan overlay (showing the switch locations), and instead just put them in their general positions in relation to each other on the layout itself.

Good thought process, like the rest of the build. I thought it would blend the two transformers together, but, it would most likely be a visual distraction as it is front and center.

Added a molding around the edge of the layout. It wasn't easy due to the half inch of ply and half of Homasote on top.  It was tough to attach and I ended up gluing some of it and nailing some. Came out fine in the end, although I invented some new curses.

Experimenting with a fence around the two open sides of the perimeter. Don't know if I like the look as yet.

Put in some #56 Lionel lamps and an AF lamp. It really adds a great feel to the layout.

Dreyfuss Hudson posted:

Experimenting with a fence around the two open sides of the perimeter. Don't know if I like the look as yet.

Can you add a small edge to the bottom of the front of the Benchwork? Then, mount the fence as a 3D detail for the fascia under the recent trim.

I am not a fan of the fence where it is located.. It draws the viewer's eye. Perhaps vertically in between the tracks on the left. The open space in the above photo, from switch motor to switch motor.

Moonman posted:

Dreyfuss Hudson posted:

Experimenting with a fence around the two open sides of the perimeter. Don't know if I like the look as yet.

Can you add a small edge to the bottom of the front of the Benchwork? Then, mount the fence as a 3D detail for the fascia under the recent trim.

I am not a fan of the fence where it is located.. It draws the viewer's eye. Perhaps vertically in between the tracks on the left. The open space in the above photo, from switch motor to switch motor.

I tried that already as I thought it would be a neat look. I decided against it because I am going to be covering up the front lower benchwork  with either beadboard or removable curtains. Haven't decided. I am still on the fence with 'the fence'. PS the open space on the left will have 3 Lionel bungalows.

Dreyfuss Hudson posted:

Moonman posted:

Dreyfuss Hudson posted:

Experimenting with a fence around the two open sides of the perimeter. Don't know if I like the look as yet.

Can you add a small edge to the bottom of the front of the Benchwork? Then, mount the fence as a 3D detail for the fascia under the recent trim.

I am not a fan of the fence where it is located.. It draws the viewer's eye. Perhaps vertically in between the tracks on the left. The open space in the above photo, from switch motor to switch motor.

I tried that already as I thought it would be a neat look. I decided against it because I am going to be covering up the front lower benchwork  with either beadboard or removable curtains. Haven't decided. I am still on the fence with 'the fence'. PS the open space on the left will have 3 Lionel bungalows.

 

Is this the primary viewing angle? The fence may be ok. I am getting the impression from the photo that the freight platform is detracting from the depth. The smaller in the front, larger in the back concept, leading to the city on the rear most wall.

Like this angle, only from the transformers:

Then, one would see through the fence.

Hard to tell, when not there. I looked at a photo taken earlier, from the left. The freight platform would good in the open space. Perhaps the bungalows could cluster in the corner to the right of transformer.

Hey, it all looks sweet. Just playing devil's advocate with only photos.

Any way to leave a gap or two in the fence?  A gap near the station and maybe one or two for roads leading to grade crossings would help break up the uniformity of the fence.  A lot of people used them back then so it does "look right" for a layout of this vintage.  But it also does look like prison or birdcage bars in it's way.  Maybe if the red posts were repainted in a more subdued color scheme?  The green is complimentary but the red is competitive.

I actually like the look of the fence. Can you explain who made it? If it is not secured to your table top, you can have some flexibility to alter the look of your layout by removing it or keeping it in place. I had a smaller one on the edge of my last layout, but it was glued down. 

Tom 

 

Is this the primary viewing angle? The fence may be ok. I am getting the impression from the photo that the freight platform is detracting from the depth. The smaller in the front, larger in the back concept, leading to the city on the rear most wall.

Like this angle, only from the transformers:

Then, one would see through the fence.

Hard to tell, when not there. I looked at a photo taken earlier, from the left. The freight platform would good in the open space. Perhaps the bungalows could cluster in the corner to the right of transformer.

Hey, it all looks sweet. Just playing devil's advocate with only photos.

No, the front of the layout is the transformer side where I set up some temp fence. This is the left side, close the the front corner.  I tried the 155 shed in every spot possible, and this is where it worked the best for me. Yes the perspective was part of the design. More 'scale' -sized stuff closer to the front, then 'smaller' scaled stuff in the distance. Actually the Hellgate and certainly the 140 Mountain/tunnel as big as they are are of a much more smaller scale than the 56 lamps, 155 shed, switch tower, etc. The tin houses fit in with this plan as well. So yes, there is a concentration on 'scale perspective as much as you can with classic toy trains.

And for sure it is really tough to tell the spacial relations from the photos.

MNCW posted:

I actually like the look of the fence. Can you explain who made it? If it is not secured to your table top, you can have some flexibility to alter the look of your layout by removing it or keeping it in place. I had a smaller one on the edge of my last layout, but it was glued down. 

Tom 

The fence is a Schray (Schrey?) toy fence. Probably 1920's 30s. Bought a bunch of it at auction. I think there is some on eBay now. 

pennytrains posted:

Any way to leave a gap or two in the fence?  A gap near the station and maybe one or two for roads leading to grade crossings would help break up the uniformity of the fence.  A lot of people used them back then so it does "look right" for a layout of this vintage.  But it also does look like prison or birdcage bars in it's way.  Maybe if the red posts were repainted in a more subdued color scheme?  The green is complimentary but the red is competitive.

 I will be experimenting with some gaps. I've set up this fence ten times now. at moments it looks really cool... like Disneyland, and other times I gasp and pull it down. Weird. 

Dreyfuss Hudson posted:

 

Is this the primary viewing angle? The fence may be ok. I am getting the impression from the photo that the freight platform is detracting from the depth. The smaller in the front, larger in the back concept, leading to the city on the rear most wall.

Like this angle, only from the transformers:

Then, one would see through the fence.

Hard to tell, when not there. I looked at a photo taken earlier, from the left. The freight platform would good in the open space. Perhaps the bungalows could cluster in the corner to the right of transformer.

Hey, it all looks sweet. Just playing devil's advocate with only photos.

No, the front of the layout is the transformer side where I set up some temp fence. This is the left side, close the the front corner.  I tried the 155 shed in every spot possible, and this is where it worked the best for me. Yes the perspective was part of the design. More 'scale' -sized stuff closer to the front, then 'smaller' scaled stuff in the distance. Actually the Hellgate and certainly the 140 Mountain/tunnel as big as they are are of a much more smaller scale than the 56 lamps, 155 shed, switch tower, etc. The tin houses fit in with this plan as well. So yes, there is a concentration on 'scale perspective as much as you can with classic toy trains.

And for sure it is really tough to tell the spacial relations from the photos.

yeah, reversed that forced perspective thing.

Anyway, the only thing that I see when I look at the transformer view, is the red and yellow shed. I have to make my eyes move away from it. I really like how it looks when looking through it. Try an O scale tinplate shed. I couldn't find a number on a prewar O shed.

or tell me to STFU - I am liking the fence - that was on so many layouts in the 20's & 30's when one looks at the photos. perhaps to keep the kiddies hands off.

Dreyfuss Hudson posted:

Experimenting with a fence around the two open sides of the perimeter. Don't know if I like the look as yet.

Personally I like the fence. I find it to be very appropriate. I might try to place some gaps near the stations or such but other than that, I think it works well. The lamps are nice. The station may be larger than desired but I don't much mind that either. All these elements just add to the magical ambiance that is tinplate trains (especially in Standard gauge) I can smell the ozone and hear the clickety- clack as I type this.

Kudos to you sir!!!!

I would go with the fence. It's not permanent, you can always relocate it. I think it looks odd because you took a photo of it at a low angle. Your table top is 41" tall, that comes up to about my hip plus the height of the fence which is about 4". One would most likely be looking down onto your layout, which is awesome btw! It fits the time period well.

Dreyfuss Hudson posted:

 I will be experimenting with some gaps. I've set up this fence ten times now. at moments it looks really cool... like Disneyland, and other times I gasp and pull it down. Weird. 

Nah.  Nothing weird about it.  That's the creative process at work! 

Here's a short video of the layout. For some reason my old iPhone doesn't grab the true colors, it really washes everything out. Things look much more rich and deep. Anyway, here's the two independent loops running. The outer loop can 'park' at the rear straight (block) and the other train can switch thru all three loops.  Still to come: Lionel 840 Factory in the center, and a #116 station (cream and green) on the left side, facing left.

It looks really pretty sharp. You should take another one with the fence and see how that looks when you have time. 

 Tom 

The layout looks great. There is a bunch of fun to be had there. Did you decide against the fence? 

spider1969 posted:

The layout looks great. There is a bunch of fun to be had there. Did you decide against the fence? 

Haven't decided as yet. Been cleaning out the rest of the basement and organizing the storage under the layout. I am going to do a temp set-up with the fence and see how it looks.

I always felt that fence belongs on a Christmas Putz. I would go with the pot metal Dent fence.

This stuff.            

I have some wooden fencing that looks good and can be made at home.          

Here's two videos taken with a much better camera. It features some of the fence up. I put it in the corners. I like the look. Having it all the way around looked decent in 2d photos but when seen up close I think you would agree it was just too much. So this is the way it will stay for now. In the second video, you will see the 400e stop in the rear block on the mainline. The 390 then switches around all three loops. 

Just caught up with this thread. Great videos, Dreyfuss, and great piece of work!

Nice work. I enjoyed the videos. There is something special about watching those tinplate trains make the rounds. To some of us toy train guys, it is truly mesmerizing. Thanks again.

The fences in the corner appears to be good. Only caught a glimpse of it. Perhaps, I was just admiring the trains!

Yes, I think you have maybe found a good location for the fences, on the 2 corners. They are sort of like bookends for your layout.

Tom 

80 year old train set, beautiful

A little night view.

Great to see your layout again.  The videos look fantastic, I hate to be greedy but I want to see more. I love seeing and hearing  standard gauge. You have done an excellent job.

JohnnieWalker posted:

Great to see your layout again.  The videos look fantastic, I hate to be greedy but I want to see more. I love seeing and hearing  standard gauge. You have done an excellent job.

Thanks! I'm gonna try to make a 'ride along' video later tonight.

A night time ride along thru the 140L tunnel.

Thanks ! Well done having the camera facing sideways. The Hellgate and the switch tower looked fantastic, Personally I would put a few manoil figures in the tower. Looking forward to seeing more photos and videos as your layout evolves .