Hoboken Manufacturers Railroad Micro-Layout

[Chris333]

I've since filled in the "harbor" with dry land so I can add more buildings. Mostly I did this to improve the sea of track created by the four concentric lines, the idea being to break up the view and sort of "bury" the track in a brick canyon as much as possible.

Here's an updated version of the plan--

We'll call this revision number one 

[DKS]

We went from being snowed in to being frozen in, which was good for modeling progress--that, and receiving the order of track.

First, I printed the track plan at 1:1 on full-sheet self-adhesive label stock, and applied the labels to the Gatorfoam subroadbed panel.



Next I assembled the track to verify the geometry (it's a testament to AnyRail that everything lined up perfectly). That allowed me to cut the subroadbed panel with a jigsaw to separate the levels and make the grade.



To the base I attached a subroadbed part for the hidden track, then attached support strips for the subroadbed panel.



Finally I bonded the subroadbed panel to the base, and laid the track. The track is bonded to the subroadbed with thick CA.



Access to the hidden track and wiring will be through openings under the buildings, which I'll cut after kitbashing them

[pwnj]

YESSSS! 

[Chris333]

Did you do anything special with the joints, like solder them?

[DKS]

Negative.

[packers#1]

Very very nice...it's stunning how well that would work for me in college...sitting at my desk now and dreaming...at any rate, looking forward to seeing more!

[Scottl]

The idea is a bit addictive.  I've been thinking of a petroleum refining complex served with a similar type of small track plan.  Lots of prototypes in different eras.

[Noah Lane]

wastin' no time!  this is going to be rad.

[wazzou]

Did you have to address the vertical easements as anticipated or was it pretty painless?

[DKS]

Did you have to address the vertical easements as anticipated or was it pretty painless?

Totally painless. Once the track was firmly bonded to the Gatorfoam, it followed the same smooth contour with no need to pre-bend, kerf or otherwise modify any track.

If you get a chance, I'd like to see photos of the [potentially updated] turnouts.

Here ya go. The points are indeed blunt, but no more so than many other commercial switches that work fine. I haven't found any issues with these switches yet, but if I ever do, I know what to do about it.

[DKS]

First kitbash under way:

[Scottl]

Are you going to bury the "uniballast"?

[DKS]

Are you going to bury the "uniballast"?

I'm burying everything except the railheads.

[Scottl]

Thanks, great progress.

[chicken45]

It's still a shock to me to see how quickly Unitrack layouts come together.
I think of laying track to be this long arduous process, then boom, Unitrack layout. Done in 20.