The Transcontinental PRR

[eric220]

Well, after 13 years of dreaming and 3 years of planning, as well as over 30 major design revisions, my alternate history of the Pennsylvania Railroad is finally coming to life in 1:160!  Starting on April 19, 2011, construction began on my planned double-deck layout (I guess three levels if you count staging).  It all began with the peninsula that will support Panther Creek and Walnut Hill on one side, and Newark and the Rockies on the other.





Next, work began on staging.  I find it somewhat ironic that staging was one of the first parts to be built, as it has undergone the least revision of the three levels.  By the end of the day on April 21, most of staging was installed.





After the benchwork for staging is done, I'm going to lay track down there.  The lower level is only going to be 7 inches above staging, so it will be much easier to lay track before the lower level goes in.  I've been debating whether to do staging in code 55 or code 80.  I've got a couple of leftover pieces of code 80, and I'm thinking that it might be a little more reliable.  Any thoughts?

[cv_acr]

We did the hidden trackage and staging yards on our HO club layout with Atlas Code 100 flex, because it's cheap, reliable, fast to lay and unseen.

All the visible trackwork is handlaid code 83 and 70.

I guess that'd be roughly equivalent to something like 80/55/40 in N scale.

[Philip H]

If I recall from the Snowpocalipse work session Lee has Code 80 in his hidden staging.

[eric220]

Sounds like code 80 will be the choice.

I got a little more work done on the ol' layout yesterday.  With a little help from the wife, I managed to finish the benchwork for the staging level.  I also built my new workbench (which will have the end of the staging tracks across the back).  Eventually, I'm going to move my computer in here, and my workbench will do double duty as my desk.

[eric220]

When I got back from the CRHS RailBQ, I had two packages waiting for me.  The crew is coming over on Tuesday to work on staging.  I think there's a reasonable chance that we might actually get it done!

[Philip H]

When I got back from the CRHS RailBQ, I had two packages waiting for me.  The crew is coming over on Tuesday to work on staging.  I think there's a reasonable chance that we might actually get it done!

Always goo to see progress.  As usual, fuzzy, half lite overly shakey photos of the action are a must!

[wm3798]

Phil, you're thinking of the fuzzy, half-lit shakey help.  The photos are usually crystal clear...

[Philip H]

I may have been compromised, but I wasn't shakey when that was taken. . . not yet anyways . . .   :-*

[DKS]

I may have been compromised, but I wasn't shakey when that was taken. . . not yet anyways . . .   :-*

Lee, on the other hand...

[eric220]

Well, it has been far too long since my last update.  The supplies that were waiting for me after the RailBQ have been put to good use.  They have been transformed from a couple of USPS boxes into a staging yard.  Here it is in all its code 80 glory.



This will be a semi-hidden staging yard under the main layout, which, among other things, will house my modern fleet.  I still have to install the return loop at the far end.  I've got a work party scheduled for the 18th with some locals to help build the other levels, and the staging level needs to be done by then, so I've got a deadline looming!

[John]

Eric .. make sure that you have access to the switch machines .. those things are notorious for burning out ...

[wm3798]

Agreed.  I went with Pecos in my staging yard.  They're pretty much eternal.

Lee

[davidgray1974]

Well, it has been far too long since my last update.  The supplies that were waiting for me after the RailBQ have been put to good use.  They have been transformed from a couple of USPS boxes into a staging yard.  Here it is in all its code 80 glory.



This will be a semi-hidden staging yard under the main layout, which, among other things, will house my modern fleet.  I still have to install the return loop at the far end.  I've got a work party scheduled for the 18th with some locals to help build the other levels, and the staging level needs to be done by then, so I've got a deadline looming!

Now thats a staging yard!

[nscalemike]

Now thats a staging yard!

I'll second that!  How long is it?  My best guess is about 10 feet, if I'm counting the flex track pieces correctly.  That should hold some nice trains!

Mike

[eric220]

The shortest tracks at the left are 10'6" long.

I should have figured that the Atlas motors would be cheap.  They were also inexpensive.  Oh well, that's a bridge that we'll cross when we get to it.  The next level will be 7" above this, so I should be able to squeeze a small screwdriver in there.