Burlington Northern's Scenic Subdivision

[GaryHinshaw]

Beautiful workmanship so far - please keep the updates coming.

It took me a while to figure out your plan, but I think I get it now: the levels are ordered 1-4 from top to bottom, and there is a long helix in the upper left to go from the bottom (4) to the top (1), then short helices elsewhere that let you zig-zag back down to 4, correct?  If your main goal is to have a lot of locals doing switching, this is a nice plan, but if you anticipate much run-through traffic on the main line, all of these helices could become very tedious.  I don't intend this as criticism, it's just my gut reaction.

It's a nice prototype and it's looks like you'll really do it justice.

[Kevin C]

Thank you Gary. I understand what you mean about all the helices. When I start to get the whole layout level, I am hoping to make the height between each level as small as possible so that the number of turns in the helices can be kept to a bare minimum. I have designed the height and depth of the benchwork to enable an operator to see the back of the level below without having to crouch and bend over.
The main helix, as you mentioned correctly, will be the largest as it will connect Levels 1 and 4. To prevent the trains being out of sight for too long, I am extending every second level out onto a small balcony which will end up being a diorama. ( I hope I am making myself clear, but details will follow ).   I have followed on with the photo of the main helix. Will add details as I progress. Thanks again.

[svedblen]

To prevent the trains being out of sight for too long, I am extending every second level out onto a small balcony which will end up being a diorama.

Interesting idea, the helix balcony! Can't wait to see the progress on that.

[GaryHinshaw]

Two other quick thoughts:

1. How does the short helix between 2 and 3 interleave with the long one between 1 and 4?  Can it just wrap around the outside? You'll want to make sure the balcony doesn't interfere with that.

2. The turnouts in your schematic are awfully short.  Have you tried laying level 2 or 3 out using real turnouts?

-gfh

[Kevin C]

1. How does the short helix between 2 and 3 interleave with the long one between 1 and 4?  Can it just wrap around the outside? You'll want to make sure the balcony doesn't interfere with that.

That is correct. The helix base is wide enough for 3 tracks, which I will call the inside, middle and outside, ( refer to the photo below ) . The two mainline tracks above and below the leads to level 2 and 3 will be on the middle and outside marks to keep the radius to the maximum. Just before the lines approaches the inlet/outlet to level 2 & 3, the two main lines will curve in gradually to follow the inside and middle lines so that the level 2 to 3 single line can follow the outside mark. (Diagram to follow).

2. The turnouts in your schematic are awfully short.  Have you tried laying level 2 or 3 out using real turnouts?

I have only drawn two or three turnouts to scale on the one section of my trackplan to get an idea of space available. The remainder is only drawn as such to get a view of my intended track plan. Once the benchwork is in place, I will place the turnouts in their positions and make adustments where required. All my track will be Peco Code 80 with large radius turnouts only on the mainline with the smaller turnouts in the yards. I have set up the level 2 bench so that I can start marking out the turnout and industry positions as this is where the Industrial Park will be situated.
The following photo shows the benchwork.

[Jeff AKA St0rm]

Great start. Can't wait to see the progress

[Kevin C]

Thanks Jeff.

I have posted two more photo's below.

All the uprights have now been assembled and are in position. The first view is directed towards the corner where the container port will be situated, while the second view is towards the opposite end of the room where the main helix is positioned. I have placed the level 2 benchwork in position temporarily to get the modules to the correct size. The module leaning verticaly against the bridge section in front of the window will connect to the level 2 corner module.

[Kevin C]

My latest update.

The three modules for level one are complete and in place together with the light box frames.

[Kevin C]

Christmas Day 2012. I laid the first length of track on my new layout and moved it into position.



Happy Christmas to one and all.
Kevin

[Kevin C]

I have only made a small amount of progress on my layout during the past few weeks.
I managed to get the level one backdrop into position along the long wall and in front of the window. " I placed a temporary board in front of the window to reduce the glare". I will place an order for roller blinds before the end of the month.
I also glued the risers into position and set the grade on the main line, in addition to laying a few more lengths of cork roadbed.

Below are a few photos to show the progress.

[Specter3]

Awesome progress! Love me some bridge scenes.

[wazzou]

Christmas Day 2012. I laid the first length of track on my new layout and moved it into position.

Kevin -
Speaking from early experience, I would urge you to relocate that track joint to a straight section rather than entering the curve where it appears to be.  You'll be much happier in the long run.

[Kevin C]

Thanks guys... Bryan, I have had a close look and should be able to trim the track and move the join onto one of the straight sections.

[Kevin C]

How does the saying go?. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy!!!.

I return to work tomorrow after four weeks of holiday, so I decided to have a bit of fun before going into the garage to clean the mess that I have made while building bench work.
The only time I will have from now to work on the layout will be the odd hour or two each evening during the week and on the weekends.

I placed some of my structures,  a few lengths of track and a couple of trains onto the layout to get a feel for the space, and to show what I have in mind for my layout.
The majority of the modules for three of the levels have been placed in what will be their final position. The following photos give more detail.

The first photo shows the 3 levels that are positioned in front of the window. Level 1 has the bridge, Level 2 is where the Cargill shore to ship grain facility is positioned,
with the Container Pier in the distance. Below that is Level 3 with the town ( with no name ). Refer to my track plans posted earlier in this blog.



The next photo shows an empty spine car train being pulled up the grade on level 1. A Burlington Northern mixed freight train is making its way past the Industrial Park on Level 2,
and the remnants of a tank train is on the arrivals / departures track in the Balmer Yard on Level 3.



The next two photo's are taken from different angles.
 




I plan to make a list of jobs that need to be done on the layout from this point on. These include the Level 1 and 2 backdrops to be fastened in a couple of places,
backdrops to be painted, laying track, etc, etc. The list goes on. 

[Bsklarski]

This is coming along nicely!