Starting a new Layout

I am not a very good layout designer, but hopefully some of the folks around here that are good at this will come by to comment. 

It looks like a nice, large space and a good plan. I like the yard off in the other room too, yards are nice to have. Sounds like you have thought things through pretty well too. Good luck and I will be following along to watch things progress. Please keep us posted and add lots of pics as you go.

Nice track plan!Nick

Last week, I started putting up some tables and wanted to post some progress pics.

Hey everyone,

I finally finished the tables. 

Be sure to check out my Facebook page for more pictures.  The link is in my signature below.

The latest progress on my layout is up on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kyt7jXY28w0

Check it out!

I suggest you give some thought to lighting before installing track and scenery. I don't like the spotlights. There are a variety of options. Flourescents come in many different types, for example. Think about lighting that can be changed with electrical switches. Also think about installing a drywall ceiling, over at least a part of the layout. It will be impossible later on. If not consider spray painting the ceiling beams. And putting led lighting underneath the layout.

Tommy,

Thanks for the feedback.  I will give the lighting some thought.  I can't drywall the ceiling because I have to leave the pipes exposed in case they have to be worked on and the ceiling is low as it is so adding drywall would probably lower it even more.  I was thinking of covering some of the ceiling with black plastic.  I might add fluorescent's  but not directly over the layout and put them on a separate switch.  I do like the track lighting I put it over the tables.

What did you mean by "putting led lighting underneath the layout?"  Does that add a lighting effect from underneath the tables?

So I've been weathering my Lionel Fastrack.  I learned about it on YouTube and I decided to give it shot.  I'm happy with the results.  I have a lot of track to weather so it will take a while.  I posted a video on YouTube on my channel explaining how I'm doing it, https://youtu.be/XFdqkpNH3ho

I've just posted a new video with the latest updates to building my layout.  It took me over three months to weather the Lionel Fastrack but I'm finished and the track is layed.  Here is the link to the video:  https://youtu.be/_XHFcup6d7s

Looking good.

I haven't updated the progress of my layout on this thread in a while, so I thought I would do it with pictures.  I just finished painting the mountains on the main part of my back drop (which is over 25 feet long!).  For the clouds, I used the New London Industries stencils.  The next phase is building the elevated section of the track and then wire it all up.  

Be sure to follow me on Facebook and my YouTube channel in my signature below.

Thanks for the update. What program do you use to post your YouTube vids?

I use a program called Cyberlink Powerdirector 15 to create the videos and then I upload it to YouTube.

jroc747 posted:

I use a program called Cyberlink Powerdirector 15 to create the videos and then I upload it to YouTube.

Thank you!

I wonder if blue plastic is available for the ceiling. Looking at the fact you have pipes it probably would be a good idea to use Lionel or some form of modular system to make moving the tables out of the way for work and avoid damage far easier. Possible to do now, impossible without severe damage and work later

You ceiling may be too complex, but they have ceiling tile that doesn't use the standard drop, the tiles are held by flexible strips that allow the tiles to be popped in (the track is flexible, in other words, and is screwed to the joists). It basically doesn't take any space, and allows easy access above it. My basement ceiling is low (7'), and what I did was use tongue in groove with screws (If I need to get to something in the ceiling, it isn't that hard to take down). if instead of tongue in groove you used thing boards and screwed them into the joists (ie the boards touch but don't lock together), you can take them down if need be by unscrewing them. If you stain/paint the wood, the screws will be the same color so won't stand out. 

I finally wired up one of my loops of track and have it up and running.

I've added a video of my first running session to my YouTube Channel.  Here's the link: https://youtu.be/jLOlzg4uvHs

I realized I hadn't posted a progress update on my layout.  Progress is slow but coming along.  I still only have one loop up and running but I'm getting closer to wiring up and running my second loop.  That will make the layout more exciting to watch because I will have two trains running at once plus I will have trains going over and under each other.  Below are the latest pictures of the progress of the layout.  Keep  in mind, since I haven't posted in a while, some of the top pictures are about a year old while the bottom pictures were just taken a couple of weeks ago:

J.R.

Looks awesome!  Some of your elevated sections are on plywood.  Is it 1/2", and more importantly, how wide is the board?  I plan on an elevated O72 loop for my layout.

Kirk R.

        looking GREAT  J.R.  

Kirk R posted:

J.R.

Looks awesome!  Some of your elevated sections are on plywood.  Is it 1/2", and more importantly, how wide is the board?  I plan on an elevated O72 loop for my layout.

Kirk R.

Kirk,

I use 1/2" plywood.  On the narrowest elevated sections, the plywood is 5" wide so that there is enough room to install ballast on either side of the track.  Hope this helps!

briansilvermustang posted:

 

 

        looking GREAT  J.R.  

 

Thanks!

JR,

Things are really looking good at this point. Keep it coming.

Dave

Looks like you have really gotten a lot done.  I know none of us makes as much progress as we hope for.  Slow and steady wins the race!

Very nice work. I hope you can reach all areas of the layout.

MELGAR

MELGAR posted:

Very nice work. I hope you can reach all areas of the layout.

MELGAR

I have a hatch in the deepest part of the layout for access.