The initial plan was based on the Wisconsin Central layout in Model Railroader.  I had to reduce the size to 11′x11′ to fit my space, then I adjust the mainline a bit to make the minimum radius 15″ and the max grade aobut 2.5% instead of 4%.

Originally, I had staging in the peninsula like the MRR plan, but I wanted to keep the construction of benchwork pretty simple since I’m aiming to build everything in sections.  Instead of triple decking the peninsula, I decided to wrap the staging around the entire layout and basically create a “twice around” layout. One time being on staging, the 2nd time on the mainline.

I don’t have elevations yet but the staging starts at 0″ at the lower left to the upper right.  Then a grade up to 2.5″ for the mainline.  The main will drop back down to 0″ as it wraps around the peninsula.

I also removed the liftout bridge in place of a duck-under right now. I may revisit that later, but having a bridge with 5 tracks on two levels… would be interesting to do for sure.

Insulated the garage door and added a new 2nd floor seal.

Extended the T4 lights on the side walls from 2 fixtures long to 3 fixtures.  Also moved the switch to be closer to the door.

And then carpeted the garage floor.  Nothing fancy, though.  Just a 11′x16′ roll of basic, $0.50/sqft carpet laid out right on the concrete. Makes a world of a difference on the feet though and pretties up the room.

Labor day is coming up next week and I have the entire week off, so I’m planning to make that benchwork building time.  Hoping to have all of the benchwork built by the end of next week while I have some “alone” time from the wife and kid.

So I decided before I get to much more into the scenery work, and while almost all the track is re-useable, to call it quits on the Elmwood & Marigny.

Here’s a basic look at the plan now. It’s based on the Wisconsin Central layout from Model Railroader.  Since all my trains are UP based, it’ll continue to follow a UP theme.

The layout will be built with a series of sectional pieces, with all aspects of the layout (roadbed, track, scenery base) built within the confines of its’ section. That way whenever the time comes for us to buy a home and move, the layout can moved in smaller pieces up to around 4′x4′ sections.  The total size is 11′x11′.

A lift out section will allow access into the inside of the layout.

Looking to use Spline roadbed this time around for the continuous grade around the layout.  Max grade is 2.5%.  The staging areas will be cookie cut plywood.

Average train length will be about 8.5′.  Sidings are 8-10′.

Just tossing an idea around. Stay tuned!

First I cut out a piece of foam board to fit the open space.

Since the original Rubber Rocks were shorter than what I needed, I had to cut ‘em up and rearrange them like a puzzle to fill in the space.

I glued the molds to the foam using Liquid Nails for foamboard, and then placed in on the layout for the initial “How does it look” test.

The next step will be to secure the piece to the backdrop permanently, fill in the gaps with Sculpt-a-Mold, and paint.

Still debating on how I want to tackle the area behind the bridge and hide that one support post.

1) Tunnels portals #1 and #2 are for the most part done. Just need to paint #2.

2) Got the framing in place for the river banks. Need to pick up a new roll of masking tape to finish it off.

3) Trimmed the fascia on the Marigny side down to profile.

I used some Soot colored weathering powder from Bragdon and sponge brushes to apply the powder.  I also used a paper towel to help feather out the edges of the powder so it blends into the road.  The camera & lightning don’t really give the weathering it’s best appearance here.  It looks softer in person.