Today I finished up the benchwork by adding the bench-top.  I first installed several risers on the outside edge of the layout.  These risers will let me contour the terrain down a few inches on the scenic side.  It also makes installing under-bench hardware like tortoises easier as there’s no cable-ways or crossbeams in your way.

Once I get track down and see where turnouts will go, I’ll add some more risers in the middle for additional support.

Then it was time for the top.  I used 1/2″  birch bought in 2×4 sheets cut as needed.  I was able reuse everything from the old layout again, along with 1 new purchased piece.

Not shown is some changes to the legs. I decided to remove the wheels and make the layout stationary.  The layout was a little heavy for the wheels on these thing legs.  So those got pulled off, and I then I added 2 additional legs on each side where there was a module joint.

Next up I’ll be printing out the latest track, shown below, in full 1:1 size to layout and plot the backdrop (and then track).

Shaun Benchwork, Track plan

So today I was in the garage when I looked at the layout and thought, “Hmm… that 4′ wide section looks longer than it does on the plans.” And sure enough, it is.  Stupid me only made it 2′ long rather than 4′ long.

So… that means I’ve got some extra space to fill. I thought I’d toss in some kind of mainline junction here running off the layout.  Might be useful as a little staging track or something.

Here’s the plan I’m playing around with now.

Shaun Track plan

Here’s the latest plan.  Still kinda playing with the spur lines to the car shop and superior paper.

I think I’m might move the switch to the the car shop sw to the left more. Looks kinda odd having the turnout wayyyy over on the right.  I could even move the superior paper switch over to the right some and get rid of the crossover, though I think it could add nice visual element to the area.

Also thinking of maybe moving one of the crossovers on the mainline up to just after the bridge, to just add some visual elements there.

Also gonna clean up the backdrop so there’s not so many little bends in it.

Shaun Track plan

Here’s what I’ve done so far on the track plan:

The general feel is similiar to the original Salt Lake route in the magazine, but I was pretty much guessing on what radius curves were being used at spots so it’s not exact. But that’s ok to me. I like how it turned out.

Overall, I think it’s a good plan. I have two spots on the industry side to do light switching and a double track main for continuous running for railfanning the layout.

Right now I have a few choices I could use for the main industry on the right side. My top choice though is the Superior Paper mill buildings I already have. I’ll have to draw up all the buildings and see how they fit, though.

Shaun Track plan