The Harpers Ferry Layout II - Extension Inner & Outer loop testing

Looks like a great start. Keep the progress coming.

Dave

I think that's going to be an awesome layout.  I assume you are aware of the article in the attachments?  Perhaps even using the track plan?

Best,

George

Harpers Ferry is one of my all-time favorite places.  Looking forward to seeing your work unfold, Obsidian!

Glad to see you finally getting started on your new layout!!

Have to agree, Harpers Ferry is a pretty special place for sure. Walked all over the place with a Volksmarch group, and the scenery is spectacular! I didn't see John Brown driving any of those engines!

ECI

Looking forward to more pics......the former layout was great and I anticipate that this one will be too!

Peter

I'm glad you are finally able to start building the new Harpers Ferry layout!  I'll look forward to seeing your progress!

Hi Neighbor!

thank you for all this work in sharing your layout!  That is a very impressive video for the benchwork (still have to watch some others).  What a great area to model.  Our Leesburg troups have hiked all over that area and my boys and I would take the train from there to DC union station every chance we got.  Go over to the museum in Brunswick.  I think it has so much great history at Harpers Ferry along with Point of Rocks.

I am a recent convert from HO to O (trying to do both) and currently only have an oval to run my EM-1 and the capitol limited on but am trying to expand in my basement and planning a larger layout in our loft in NC that is being built.  Just got a hold of the book on building O gauge layouts from here on the O gauge site and that was good information.  I did L grid benchwork for HO and have done 1x4 and birch plywood on 2x4 48" saw horses for the oval.  Your approach is much more in line with the book (compendium of backshop articles I think it is, dont have it with me to reference).   This is all new to me so your videos and work are very helpful in figuring out what a next step layout in VA will be.  Thank you for all the work it takes to share this!

BTW are there any clubs in out area?

You’re off to a good start. The plan looks great.

Andy

I blocked out some time and got some help on the layout benchwork over the weekend.   Here is a my latest video that details the 'modified L-Girder' technique that I'm using.  Also, I added some overhead LED lighting bars to the train/storage room.   Next step is to buy 4x8 sheets of either OSB or Plywood.   I know ply is the best but also more expensive choice.   If you have used OSB please let me know your pros/cons.   As always, thanks for watching and please show your support by subscribing and liking.

Ken

The videos are a nice precursor for what will follow. Well thought out and executed benchwork is the key to a great layout. Nicely done.

Andy

Nice video showing what you are doing Ken!  That will be nice as you proceed!

Ken, looks great.  I used osb on my 40x50 layout, been up about 12 years and no issues.  Less costly than plywood.

The OSB on my current layout was reused from my previous layout. If you brace it every 24" it will not sag. Has been in use since 2011.

Ken.....love your videos......I love the way you explain what you are doing!

Peter

Hey thanks all for your helpful comments and encouragement.   I'm documenting my progress with videos in part because most other layout builds don't show benchwork construction.   I may go with OSB since I won't be making grades with cookie cutter (planning on using Woodland Scenic 2-3% flexible grades).   Cost is a consideration as well.   My joists are 24" on center and I know 1/2 inch OSB will span without sagging.    I plan on gluing and screwing decking to joists.   Also thinking I should get my masonite backdrops painted sky blue AND mounted BEFORE decking gets in the way. 

@Mark Boyce posted:

I'm glad you are finally able to start building the new Harpers Ferry layout!  I'll look forward to seeing your progress!

Mark, thanks in part to you selling me that great Western Maryland RS diesel I'm thinking the phase II extension should be Cumberland.   Would make since it is 'up river' from Harpers Ferry.   I am also glad to get this layout going.   Been suffering train withdrawal since I haven't run trains in months (took down temp loop to make room for layout last winter).

We went with MDF on the last benchwork. Cost basis was about the same at the time. Definitely quieted the layout down from Plywood. Didn't need to use any foam so saved some money there.

@Obsidian posted:

Mark, thanks in part to you selling me that great Western Maryland RS diesel I'm thinking the phase II extension should be Cumberland.   Would make since it is 'up river' from Harpers Ferry.   I am also glad to get this layout going.   Been suffering train withdrawal since I haven't run trains in months (took down temp loop to make room for layout last winter).

Ken, I’m glad you like the RS3!  If you have room, an extension to Cumberland would be great!  If I had room, I would run an extension down the mountain and along the Potomac to Cumberland from the other direction!  The Cumberland station would be a great model.

Latest progress video (Episode 3).   Last (Harpers Ferry) table has been raised onto legs and joist added to form Potomac river shore.   These tasks would be nearly impossible without some help and I'm lucky my son is around to give his dad a hand.  Bought a few 4x8 sheets of 3/4" OSB for decking over 4th of July weekend.   Will feature in next video.  Wife thinks I should have had room finished with drywall before starting.   But then the room would have been "too nice" for a model train & storage.   This room is perfect, no windows, hvac & farthest from stairs with a single door.   I'm enjoying sharing my journey with you, please feel free to ask questions or comment.

@Juniatabilt posted:

Harpers Ferry is one of my all-time favorite places.  Looking forward to seeing your work unfold, Obsidian!

My favorite rail fanning location.   I love that the track layout has changed multiple times, thats why there is 3 bridges.   The fact that they picked up and moved the station to its current location, just like we do as modelers when we change the plan to make curves broader & safer.   I'll tell you a secret.... I'm looking forward to recreating the 'stretched rope' derailment that happened a few years ago on the Shenandoah sub.   My original plan had O54 curves on the Shenandoah sub but I used O72 for bigger engine compatibility.  I plan to include a trestle section through town.   Here is a video of the accident:  https://youtu.be/CQWw

@Robbin posted:

Hi Neighbor!

thank you for all this work in sharing your layout!  That is a very impressive video for the benchwork (still have to watch some others).  What a great area to model.  Our Leesburg troups have hiked all over that area and my boys and I would take the train from there to DC union station every chance we got.  Go over to the museum in Brunswick.  I think it has so much great history at Harpers Ferry along with Point of Rocks.

I am a recent convert from HO to O (trying to do both) and currently only have an oval to run my EM-1 and the capitol limited on but am trying to expand in my basement and planning a larger layout in our loft in NC that is being built.  Just got a hold of the book on building O gauge layouts from here on the O gauge site and that was good information.  I did L grid benchwork for HO and have done 1x4 and birch plywood on 2x4 48" saw horses for the oval.  Your approach is much more in line with the book (compendium of backshop articles I think it is, dont have it with me to reference).   This is all new to me so your videos and work are very helpful in figuring out what a next step layout in VA will be.  Thank you for all the work it takes to share this!

BTW are there any clubs in out area?

Howdy neighbor.   Would like to have you then perhaps when I'm running trains, your troop come by.  Hiking to Maryland Heights above Harpers Ferry is on my to-do for this summer.   I want to take some panoramic photos that may become backdrops.   Let me know if I can help with your track plan design.

Ken

Ken, It is looking good!  Gad your son was able to help you.  Whatever you want the walls to look like is good.  I have seen other modelers post photographs with that kind of basement insulation.  What is it made of, and how easy would it be to inadvertently poke a hole in it?  I'm sure it is much more resilient than what I imagine.

@Obsidian posted:

Latest progress video (Episode 3).   Last (Harpers Ferry) table has been raised onto legs and joist added to form Potomac river shore.   These tasks would be nearly impossible without some help and I'm lucky my son is around to give his dad a hand.  Bought a few 4x8 sheets of 3/4" OSB for decking over 4th of July weekend.   Will feature in next video.  Wife thinks I should have had room finished with drywall before starting.   But then the room would have been "too nice" for a model train & storage.   This room is perfect, no windows, hvac & farthest from stairs with a single door.   I'm enjoying sharing my journey with you, please feel free to ask questions or comment.

Great video, Ken........I love hearing about your technique!

Peter

Thanks for the video Ken, I enjoy the step-by-step.

Andy

Latest progress video (Episode 4).   Added OSB decking/table top and laying outer loop track.   As always I appreciate your questions and comments.   Thanks to all who recommended OSB.   Other than its weight it is working out good so far.   As always, please like the video and subscribe if you haven't already.   I've heard 'If you build it, they (in this case FedEx) will come.   Now that I am building a minimum O72 layout, I couldn't help but buy a MTH Premier articulated engine.   Will do a unboxing/test run video soon.   Going to have to make sure bridges are well supported since this thing weighs a ton ;-)

Looks great!  I forgot how wide the Potomac River is on your plan!  The bridges over it will look great!

@Mark Boyce posted:

Looks great!  I forgot how wide the Potomac River is on your plan!  The bridges over it will look great!

The railroad bridges over the Potomac are the most dramatic aspect of the location.   My previous layout river was about 3 feet.   This one is 4.  Still not even half the scale of prototype.   I plan on making/contracting the original Bollman Truss bridge that will be in front.  

I agree the river and bridges make the whole scene.  Harpers Ferry is so interesting!  That Bollman bridge will be great!!!

Excellent work Ken. I agree with you and Mark that the river and bridges will be the focus. You are showing the river off very well in the allowable space. I also prefer Atlas track and use it on my layout.

Andy

Love the videos, Ken.....and, especially love the concept......those bridges will be spectacular!

Peter

Latest progress video - Episode 5   Outer loop has been laid and partially test run.   I'm going to try to avoid the temptation of running trains since I would need multiple connections to run reliable.   Next I need to build the Potomac riverbed and get backdrops in place.   Right now the table tops are resting in place and can be moved so I can easily access backdrop 2x4 supports.   Can any of you eagle-eyed viewers tell me the name of the viaduct I plan to model?   Hint, B&O ;-).   As always, I really appreciate your comments and questions.

Your progress is looking good, Ken!  Are you planning to model the B&O Thomas Viaduct?

@Mark Boyce posted:

Your progress is looking good, Ken!  Are you planning to model the B&O Thomas Viaduct?

Ding, ding, ding!   Right answer.   Yes, I will have a viaduct that will resemble, albeit not nearly as long.   When the I get to that point in scenery I plan to swap out the existing O81-O90 curves (with short straight in middle) with a 108-99 curve track.   That curve is one of the first features visitors will see when they come through the layout room door.

Summer's almost over and time for me to refocus on the layout.   Been doing a lot of cycling, some travel, taking care of the fam and work.   I added a second power drop to the layout which is all that was needed to create a continuous powered loop.   So instead of putting up backdrops and building the river.... I RAN TRAINS! 

Looking good Ken. Nice smooth running with the additional drop.

Andy

It’s great when a layout gets to the point yours is.  You can work on so many things or just run trains!  😊

Thank you for sharing. Please continue to do so. I have never been to Harpers Ferry but from watching it on YouTube is looks like a fantastic place to go to. Please continue to post videos of your progress. Have a great day.