This is coming together nicely Bruce! I’ve been following along and it looks like you are well on your way!
Thank you, Lance and J. Motts!
I have been meaning to post an image of my track plan, and also want to mention one of my favorite aspects of the train room: the integrated workbench. So I'm posting this as a new update.
Track plan: I used SCARM to create the basic plan, and made lots of little alterations as the actual layout progressed. I'm happy to say that the Fastrack has all been fitted together successfully, although no cuts have been made for the lift-out bridge and the buss wiring is not yet connected. My primary goals were to have a two-track mainline with two trains running continuously. I also wanted ample space for structures, roads, and scenery. This meant making some compromises due to the narrow depth of the benchwork, namely that trains on the inside loop will have to snake through a couple of turnouts, all of which are 060. The good news is that the dimensions of the room (10 x 28) allow for 060 minimum curves, with 096 on the outer track and 084 on the inner mainline. The wider portion of the benchwork, to the left of the entryway, will accommodate a 24-in Millhouse River Studios turntable. The SCARM image shows it as being in conflict with the inner mainline track, but that's actually not the case. In my wheelchair I can duck under the entryway bridge, which rises to approximately 40 inches above the floor ("zero" level on the benchwork is 32 inches).
The workbench: I remodeled my kitchen a few years ago and kept some of the cabinetry, including the base cabinets that formed a built-in desk. They were repurposed to create a workbench that is integrated with the layout, with the mainline running on a shelf at about eye level. I have to add trim to the edges of the plywood top, and I haven't decided yet on the material to cover the top: something that will be glued down, but that can be scraped off and replaced fairly easily when necessary.
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Bruce, I like how you integrated the workbench into the layout room. The SCARM plan looks great! You will definitely be able to have two trains running and even change routes a bit. I have always wanted a turntable, but never had the room to make it practical. Doesn't every steam era modeler and even diesel modelers want a turntable? 
Amen to turntables. They're a fascinating example of engineering and machinery. I am really looking forward to installing mine, which has been sitting ready for several months. I think I'll have enough room for a scratch-built 3-stall roundhouse as well. Like the turntable, it will be limited to locomotives/tenders of 24 inches.
It's shaping up to be a neat layout. The long straights run about 20 feet in length. At the rate I'm going it will be months and maybe years before all of the scenery is complete. It will include a large mountain on the right side of the layout, with a tunnel about 8 feet long. A lift-out section in the middle will allow access in case of stalls or derailments. But that's a long ways off. Still, I'm hoping to have trains running within a few weeks.
Where does the time go during the COVID-19 lockdown? Hard to believe that more than a month has passed since my last update, but I'm pleased with the progress overall.
I spent a lot of time wrestling with different ideas for the bridge spanning the entryway into the train room. The doorway is 36 inches wide and the bridge supports two tracks, which meant it had to be sturdy. Also, both ends of the bridge extend several inches beyond the door frame to accommodate future abutments and scenery, which brings the total length of the bridge to 50 inches. To span that length without sacrificing strength, I chose to use 3/4" plywood (or whatever equates to that these days) with two lengths of 3/4" square aluminum tubing underneath to prevent sagging. The tubing also serves as a conduit for the track wiring, which has quick-disconnects at both ends. Micro-switches will be installed at both ends to cut track power when the bridge is lifted out.
Lifting a bridge of that size is awkward from a wheelchair, so it will stay in place about 95% of the time as a "duck under." An elevation rise of about 8 inches from "ground zero" puts the bridge at roughly 40 inches off the floor, so I can roll right under it by bending over slightly. When the bridge needs to be lifted, I'll use a pulley system suspended from a hoist point a couple of feet above the center of the door frame (future project).
As luck would have it, Menards has been selling their two-track through truss bridges for less than $100 shipped. So I purchased two, and they fit perfectly end-to-end. I plan to fill in the horizontal gap in the center by cannibalizing beams left over from another Menards bridge that was modified (see my earlier post on 4/8/2020).
The track has been connected to the buss wires and is just about ready to screw down. Trains are running smoothly! Soon it will be time to start the remaining scenery projects and really bring the layout to life.
Some of you might have noticed that I have not yet named this little railroad empire. That will probably be the final step.
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Those bridges across the door look great, nice work making them fit in.
Outstanding work Bruce! Coming together nicely! I like the bridges across the doorway.
Looks great, Bruce.
I just ordered a 24" TT from MRS and, like you, have a limited space within which to work. Remember that the TT needs a 25" hole.
I also ordered and am assembling the smaller, 3-stall Korber Roundhouse - #320. You will need approximately a 25 1/2" square footprint (plus the length of your whisker tracks in that direction) but, at less than $200, it may be a viable alternative to a scratch-built one.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Those bridges across the door look great, nice work making them fit in.
Thank you, John. The jury is out on whether the Menards bridges will hold up. They are made of thin particle board glued up piece by piece (in China, hopefully not in a sweat shop), and are delicate. That's why I don't intend to lift it out very often.
@Richie C. posted:Looks great, Bruce.
I just ordered a 24" TT from MRS and, like you, have a limited space within which to work. Remember that the TT needs a 25" hole.
I also ordered and am assembling the smaller, 3-stall Korber Roundhouse - #320. You will need approximately a 25 1/2" square footprint (plus the length of your whisker tracks in that direction) but, at less than $200, it may be a viable alternative to a scratch-built one.
Thank you! That's good info on the smaller roundhouse. I'm also toying with the idea of a two-stall engine shed, with a whisker track alongside it.
@BruceG posted:
I plan to fill in the horizontal gap in the center by cannibalizing beams left over from another Menards bridge that was modified (see my earlier post on 4/8/2020).
I wouldn't mess with it. I think it looks great as is, and there's plenty of prototype examples of multiple trusses spanning a gap. You're forgiven that you don't have the supporting column underneath the middle.
Everything looks great Bruce. I like the bridges the way they are too. Call it poetic/ structural license 
Bob
@BruceG posted:Thank you, John. The jury is out on whether the Menards bridges will hold up. They are made of thin particle board glued up piece by piece (in China, hopefully not in a sweat shop), and are delicate. That's why I don't intend to lift it out very often.
Great work!
Reinforce by gluing/screwing a 1x4 underneath?
@Boilermaker1 posted:I wouldn't mess with it. I think it looks great as is, and there's plenty of prototype examples of multiple trusses spanning a gap. You're forgiven that you don't have the supporting column underneath the middle.
Yeah, it's those little engineering quandaries that make life interesting!
@Mallard4468 posted:Great work!
Reinforce by gluing/screwing a 1x4 underneath?
The bridge span is really sturdy. It has a plywood base supported by two long stringers of 3/4" aluminum tubing screwed into the plywood from underneath. I was referring to the upper works, which seem like they might break if you look at them too hard.
Bruce, I have one of the Menards bridges. I have been contemplating whether it will hold up as a lift-up bridge, which I’ll open every time I run trains. I think not. I’ll use it around the bend where I never touch it and use something else more substantial for the lift up, I think.
@Mark Boyce posted:Bruce, I have one of the Menards bridges. I have been contemplating whether it will hold up as a lift-up bridge, which I’ll open every time I run trains. I think not. I’ll use it around the bend where I never touch it and use something else more substantial for the lift up, I think.
That is probably a smart choice, Mark. The bridges are quite amazing works of art considering their relatively low cost, with excellent detail in the trusses and beams. But I've already had to repair a couple of pieces of thin particle board that detached from the structure, apparently during the shipping process. On the flip side, it's easy to repair using CA glue and accelerator. As long as people don't grab onto the bridge structure or lean against it, I'm hopeful these will hold up. If my plan for a hoist system succeeds, I won't have to touch the structural pieces at all.
@BruceG posted:Thank you! That's good info on the smaller roundhouse. I'm also toying with the idea of a two-stall engine shed, with a whisker track alongside it.
@Richie C. posted:Looks great, Bruce.
I just ordered a 24" TT from MRS and, like you, have a limited space within which to work. Remember that the TT needs a 25" hole.
I also ordered and am assembling the smaller, 3-stall Korber Roundhouse - #320. You will need approximately a 25 1/2" square footprint (plus the length of your whisker tracks in that direction) but, at less than $200, it may be a viable alternative to a scratch-built one.
Looks like Jim at BridgeBoss is coming out with new engine sheds that may fit your needs.
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Today is the 6th anniversary of moving into my little country house near Madison, GA. The feature of the property that caught my attention first was the detached garage. Starting in April 2019, a project to expand and remodel the building got underway. It is now almost complete with a 10 x 28 addition and HVAC. The addition on the rear wall provided, at long last, a dedicated room designed from the floor up for the sort of layout I have envisioned for much of my adult life. An so, on this sixth anniversary, it’s time to finally announce the name of my fictional empire.
Welcome to the Happy Valley Railroad!
The name isn’t really all that original, but it suits my needs very nicely. As I mentioned in my first post, I’m hoping to create a layout that is really kid friendly while still providing plenty of serious modeling. It’s a challenge to find the right balance, and I’m always up for a challenge! From a kid’s point of view, the name Happy Valley is pretty much a sugar-coated delight. And if that isn’t a strong enough foundation, I happened to grow up in the real “Happy Valley,” the regional nickname for the postcard setting of State College, PA and University Park (the main campus of Penn State). So the name gives a strong nod to my childhood home, which was within an hour’s driving distance of many of the great Pennsylvania Railroad’s renowned sites: the Horseshoe Curve, the Rockville Bridge, the Altoona works, and much more. Therefore my logo is meant to look almost like an authentic subsidiary line of the PRR. Many thanks to my older brother, Larry, for some inspired ideas. I also "borrowed" some styling cues from logos found online, particularly at the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum.
I was born in the late 50s and will have fun modeling that transitional era with a mix of diesels and steam on the roster. Passenger trains will be PRR, but my grimy work trains will have HAPPY VALLEY lettering on long hoods and tenders in the same font and color as the famed PENNSYLVANIA. Structures and scenery will fit the time and place, but I won’t mind if some modernity creeps in from time to time, or even if a few LEGOs appear. Whatever lights up someone’s imagination. I plan to avoid things that are easy to break, such as telephone poles, tall trees, and street lights—and that’s because of my own periodic clumsiness while working from a chair.
One last observation: obviously this isn’t a cheap hobby, especially when prices of over $2,000 for a single Lionel locomotive, albeit a highly desirable one, are considered almost commonplace, and brass imports command many thousands of dollars. I’m making a strong effort to keep the budget reasonable by searching for good deals on lightly used or store-display items where appropriate, and so far I’ve been thoroughly pleased.
This promises to be a fun journey!
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@BruceG posted:Where does the time go during the COVID-19 lockdown? Hard to believe that more than a month has passed since my last update, but I'm pleased with the progress overall.
I spent a lot of time wrestling with different ideas for the bridge spanning the entryway into the train room. The doorway is 36 inches wide and the bridge supports two tracks, which meant it had to be sturdy. Also, both ends of the bridge extend several inches beyond the door frame to accommodate future abutments and scenery, which brings the total length of the bridge to 50 inches. To span that length without sacrificing strength, I chose to use 3/4" plywood (or whatever equates to that these days) with two lengths of 3/4" square aluminum tubing underneath to prevent sagging. The tubing also serves as a conduit for the track wiring, which has quick-disconnects at both ends. Micro-switches will be installed at both ends to cut track power when the bridge is lifted out.
Lifting a bridge of that size is awkward from a wheelchair, so it will stay in place about 95% of the time as a "duck under." An elevation rise of about 8 inches from "ground zero" puts the bridge at roughly 40 inches off the floor, so I can roll right under it by bending over slightly. When the bridge needs to be lifted, I'll use a pulley system suspended from a hoist point a couple of feet above the center of the door frame (future project).
As luck would have it, Menards has been selling their two-track through truss bridges for less than $100 shipped. So I purchased two, and they fit perfectly end-to-end. I plan to fill in the horizontal gap in the center by cannibalizing beams left over from another Menards bridge that was modified (see my earlier post on 4/8/2020).
The track has been connected to the buss wires and is just about ready to screw down. Trains are running smoothly! Soon it will be time to start the remaining scenery projects and really bring the layout to life.
Some of you might have noticed that I have not yet named this little railroad empire. That will probably be the final step.
Fantastic job so far. Very impressive. I can't wait to read your OGR article!
So what's that sitting in the garage under the cover? GNX?
Bruce, Happy Valley Railroad is a great name. Congratulations on a 6 year anniversary in the house and getting the railroad moving forward! I'm looking forward to seeing your progress!
Great concept, great execution, great logo. Hope that running it brings many years of enjoyment.
@Chris Lord posted:So what's that sitting in the garage under the cover? GNX?
You get the "Sharp Eyes" cookie as the first person to ask. Heck, maybe you're even the first guy to notice! The car under the cover is my 1967 Mustang convertible, a vehicle I've had for almost 26 years. Model railroading is not my only hobby.
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@BruceG posted:You get the "Sharp Eyes" cookie as the first person to ask. Heck, maybe you're even the first guy to notice! The car under the cover is my 1967 Mustang convertible, a vehicle I've had for almost 26 years. Model railroading is not my only hobby.
'67, nice! What engine and tranny? I had a 64 1/2 262 automatic convertible years ago. I had a girlfriend, apartment and the car but couldn't afford all of them so I sold it (the car that is!) I married the girlfriend so I guess it was the right decision but man do I wish I still had that car!
Been looking for a mustang for years...just brought my wife this mustang a couple of months ago. I wanted something cool and nasty but not offensive. I was thinking H-pipe on 69 fastback...she was think this...this is in our garage...not just a train guy either!
Not in progress...but this is my layout. I enjoy daily and share with my neighbors.
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@Team Ridley posted:Been looking for a mustang for years...just brought my wife this mustang a couple of months ago. I wanted something cool and nasty but not offensive. I was thinking H-pipe on 69 fastback...she was think this...this is in our garage...not just a train guy either!
Also very nice. I'm still a convertible guy but I've gone the retractable roof route. Absolutely love it. I'm getting a little tired of this one though. It's a 2008, 12 years is a long time. My next one will be an M4 Comp.
Oh, it's a Volvo C70 with the Polestar upgrade.
And I also have a layout under construction. When the world gives you lemons make ......................... A LAYOUT! (5/7 Update)
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@Chris Lord posted:'67, nice! What engine and tranny? I had a 64 1/2 262 automatic convertible years ago. I had a girlfriend, apartment and the car but couldn't afford all of them so I sold it (the car that is!) I married the girlfriend so I guess it was the right decision but man do I wish I still had that car!
If you have a good marriage, then you definitely made the right choice! Old cars are fun but at the end of the day they're just things. Mine was a rusty basket case when I found it in 1994, but it was loaded for that era: front disc brakes, factory a/c, power top, and more. Still has the original 289, but the old 3-speed automatic was replaced ten years ago with an AOD. Having that 4th gear is superior in every way. The car has a lot of other modifications now, including Dakota Digital instruments and cruise control, among other things.
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@Team Ridley posted:Been looking for a mustang for years...just brought my wife this mustang a couple of months ago. I wanted something cool and nasty but not offensive. I was thinking H-pipe on 69 fastback...she was think this...this is in our garage...not just a train guy either!
Not in progress...but this is my layout. I enjoy daily and share with my neighbors.
The GT Premiums are surprisingly nice cars. I have a 2013 (not all that new anymore) that now has over 100K miles, mostly highway, and it's so much fun to drive. Those 420-plus HP Coyote engines are beastly--yet the car is smooth and quiet on the interstate.
Love the fact that you enjoy your layout daily and share it with neighbors. For kids from 1 to 92, right?
Well...my layout is in my basement...so age 92, and the stair case to my basement may not agree
But all are welcome! Good to hear you have over 100K on a 2013...I look forward to putting those same miles and more on our new toy...once we are able to hit the road again!
@Richie C. posted:Looks like Jim at BridgeBoss is coming out with new engine sheds that may fit your needs.
Hey Bruce.
Here are (2) pics of the above Diesel Shop that Jim built for me back in 2011. At that time it was a prototype that he designed. Mine was not modular but came fully assembled.
Donald
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Bruce
OK, now you hit another soft spot. Besides your outstanding layout work you like Mustangs, NICE!
Me to, here is my latest 2019 Highland Green Bullitt 6 speed 480 HP.
Old people can still have fast cars for the heck of it.
Larry
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@BruceG posted:If you have a good marriage, then you definitely made the right choice! Old cars are fun but at the end of the day they're just things. Mine was a rusty basket case when I found it in 1994, but it was loaded for that era: front disc brakes, factory a/c, power top, and more. Still has the original 289, but the old 3-speed automatic was replaced ten years ago with an AOD. Having that 4th gear is superior in every way. The car has a lot of other modifications now, including Dakota Digital instruments and cruise control, among other things.
Wow! What a difference. You're really making me feel bad about not having my 64 1/2 anymore. Mine had AC and a power roof also. And of course I put in an 8 Track!
@Chris Lord posted:Wow! What a difference. You're really making me feel bad about not having my 64 1/2 anymore. Mine had AC and a power roof also. And of course I put in an 8 Track!
Sorry about that, Chris! You can still find them. My favorite of that 1st generation was the '66: best front grille. The 67/68 years had the best overall appearance (IMO) of the various Mustangs in the '60s. The new ones are even more fun because they handle so well and have gobs of power.
@Larry Sr. posted:Bruce
OK, now you hit another soft spot. Besides your outstanding layout work you like Mustangs, NICE!
Me to, here is my latest 2019 Highland Green Bullitt 6 speed 480 HP.
Old people can still have fast cars for the heck of it.
Larry
Absolutely! That's a great-looking Bullitt!
@3rail posted:Hey Bruce.
Here are (2) pics of the above Diesel Shop that Jim built for me back in 2011. At that time it was a prototype that he designed. Mine was not modular but came fully assembled.
Donald
That's truly impressive. And right in line with some of the off-topic stuff in this thread, the cars parked in the lot are some of the best of the 1960s and early 70s: Pontiac Grand Prix, Ford Mustang Fastback, and what looks like a Ford Bronco. I'm more interested in the cars! What's the source?
@BruceG posted:That's truly impressive. And right in line with some of the off-topic stuff in this thread, the cars parked in the lot are some of the best of the 1960s and early 70s: Pontiac Grand Prix, Ford Mustang Fastback, and what looks like a Ford Bronco. I'm more interested in the cars! What's the source?
Hey Bruce. Most of my diecast collection was purchased a number of years ago thru American Excellence or EBay (for the older Matchbox). On my Layout you either drive a muscle car or a truck!
I do have a "Bullitt" for you....
And for all you Ford guys, here is some true American muscle. The '69 is a fully restored numbers matching museum piece. I just sold it to a collection out in Michigan and it gets picked up in a few weeks. The Stingray is my current ride.
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@3rail posted:Hey Bruce. Most of my diecast collection was purchased a number of years ago thru American Excellence or EBay (for the older Matchbox). On my Layout you either drive a muscle car or a truck!
I do have a "Bullitt" for you....
And for all you Ford guys, here is some true American muscle. The '69 is a fully restored numbers matching museum piece. I just sold it to a collection out in Michigan and it gets picked up in a few weeks. The Stingray is my current ride.
Sweet! I'm not a Ford guy, necessarily, though I do have 2 Mustangs. I also have a 75 Camaro that's partially restored. Currently it has no interior other than seats and the steering wheel.
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Bruce - great looking railroad! I like the conduit under the bridge idea! I've seen many bridges with piping hanging underneath so there is a prototype. Could even be disguised as a sewer or water pipe.
My available time to work on the Happy Valley Railroad took a hit this summer. No, I wasn't laid up by COVID or some other ailment, it was simply a matter of putting a big priority on other projects--which includes getting my 8th nonfiction book underway.
But I haven't been completely idle, and just uploaded a video to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...JY&pbjreload=101
I hope y'all enjoy it!
Bruce, I was just thinking of you and your layout the other day. I'm glad all is well with you! The video is great! All the train activities you visited were great, and your photograph of your boyhood layout was great! The photographs of your grandson with the controller and big grin was priceless!!! That is a really nice addition you put on your garage for the layout!
