Decided to document my HO model train layout build. This is not my first layout, however I am hoping its the last. From my simple benchwork design to detailing. I will show you progress as it happens.
The most recent photos will be at the bottom of this post.
November 2020
Above is the plan for phase one. Thanks to all the extra covid year time this got completed ahead of schedule. As you can see it is a L shaped layout. the long Leg of the L ends with the yard and turntable which you can see to the right side of the diagram. There are 2 doors into the room. One at the end of the short side of the L on the left side of the diagram. The Other door gives you access to my workbench area and the walk in "Middle" area of the layout. If you stand there the layout surrounds you which will be a pretty neat viewpoint.
I spent a lot of time on the design trying to maximize my space. When all trackwork is in you will be able to see that there are distinct viewing locations. Because of the design, the room shape, and features that will be rising up from the base of the layout certain areas will be separated from others.
January 2021
Simple 1x4 benchwork with 2x4 legs, we are not holding up a tank just some model trains.
Yard was saved from my old layout at my last house, what a time saver, all switch machines are in place! The turntable got installed at the end just to the left of the yard.
View of the long leg of the L shaped layout from the farthest corner.
View from the end of the short side of the L looking toward the corner that I took the previous picture from.
Simple and light 1/4” plywood for subroadbed. When Phase 2 kicks in and we get some higher elevation, I will cut some holes for access to install switch machines if needed.
Typical cork roadbed gets glued and tacked down, tried and true.
Atlas code 100 flex track and mark iv turnouts with tortoise switch machines.
mocking up the staging tracks and lining up the wiring to the control panel.
When you are in the yard area you really can't view the rest of the layout. This lets you feel as if it's a journey to the other side rather than 4 ft across the room.
Phase 1 is complete. All Operational.
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November 2021
Once phase one was completed I went right on to phase 2 the upper level which will be home to a few sidings and all the industry that the railroad serves. Check out the viaduct that leads up from the yard. Keeping things simple using 1x4 uprights glued and screwed in place to support the upper level 1/2" plywood, remember model trains are light you just dont want the wood to warp.
Mocking up the curve radius for the upper-level main line and sidings. How about that viaduct that rises up from the yard. When you are viewing from the perspective in the above picture the viaduct is a natural vertical separator from the back side of the layout so you can't see across. You have to walk around and view the yard from the opposite angle. This lends to more depth of the layout than the room actually allows.
some more pics of phase 2 upper level trackwork on the way....
December 2021
Had to take a break from all the track work and wiring and start some scenery. Decided to spruce up one side of the viaduct. First had to make some molds then pour lots of plaster.
For the viaduct facade I needed some archways that I could not find so I made a mold of the above tunnel portal then used the outer retaining walls to fill in the inside of the archway...then made a mold of that and poured all the viaducts arches....lots of pours....lots
Archways fit to both sides of the viaduct. As the height gets above the archway section, I am using a mold of a more finished cement block looking masonry wall. I researched pictures of this type of viaduct and saw all sorts of masonry combinations. In NJ there is new railroad built on top of old and other combinations. So the older stone archways remained and they at some point refurbished the higher elevations of the retaining wall with more modern block. That is what happens in real life.
The viaduct and tunnel area came out nice still lots more to do...some blending, weathering and hiding of seams. When I finish the scene you wont notice that the viaduct facade is made up of what felt like 100 sections... Thats for later down the road. I got a bit ahead of myself with this simply because I wanted a change of pace and wanted some color to look at.
December 2022
First official building built for this layout is the roundhouse. Did some great work making it look like 100 year old brick...the picture doesn't do it justice.
January 2023 update pics
Buildings are just for mockup of space most are garbage.
The control center is so long I can't quite get it in one pic from the angle I have available.
