Layout Update

[clickaus]

Hi Guys
I am finally starting to see some progress on my layout
  






I have also decided to scrap the east St louis idea and model the layout after the Port of Tillamook Bay Railroad a shortline track from Tillamook - Hillsboro

I have circled it on this map
http://i29.tinypic.com/2vw9q40.jpg

I think the area would be alot better for my layout

Here is a bit of history on the railroad
http://www.american-rails.com/port-of-tillamook-bay.html
and
http://www.uprr.com/customers/shortline/lines/ptb.shtml

The line runs through an area call Salmonberry River which is really scenic
Here are some photo's I have found on random sites
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheryl_hill/sets/72157600191936399/
http://oregonpaddling.northwest-rivers.com/images/salmonberry4.jpg
http://www.trainweb.org/potb/trackside_main.html

Also I found this story here http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/governors/Kitzhaber/images/salmonrepair.htm
about the railroad being repaired after a flooding. I thought I might use this for my abandoned track area of the layout.

As for a name
I like Tillamook or Salmonberry River  
What do you think  ???

Paul

[DKS]

Awesome! Thanks for the update and the photos! I see you decided to go double-track; the kids should like that.

The construction looks really robust. You sure spent some time drawing all of those grid lines, though, I'll bet.

[MichaelWinicki]

Wow!

Great progress!

[clickaus]

Thanks for the comments guys
I am really enjoying getting out in the shed and just messing around and thinking off how the layout is going to turn out. I wished I had got into the hobby earlier 

Awesome! Thanks for the update and the photos! I see you decided to go double-track; the kids should like that.

The construction looks really robust. You sure spent some time drawing all of those grid lines, though, I'll bet.

The grid lines did take a while but it was worth it as it made transfering the plan really easy.
Also with the double-track plan it was my wife that ended up deciding. I couldn't pick between the two.
Paul

[clickaus]

Just finished cutting out all the sub roadbed.


I also reversed the industry on the right side of the layout so it would be raised
The grades aren't right but hopefully it will look something like this


Now I have to fix up alot of the benchwork underneath the layout and get the grades right by adding some risers.
Also could some tell me if this is high enough for a tunnel entry/exit, bridge clearance and it is also the height of the back part of the layout. I read it has to be 5cm but I am not sure if that includes track and roadbed

[tom mann]

That looks like great construction so far!

[Philip H]

5cm should be plenty, even for modern double stacks and enclosed auto carriers.  Of course if you plan to hang catenary, you might need to go higher.

[ednadolski]

I have also decided to scrap the east St louis idea and model the layout after the Port of Tillamook Bay Railroad a shortline track from Tillamook - Hillsboro

Are you going to model the GP9 #101?   That would be really cool 




The POTB was also known for its ex-SP and ex-BN SD9's.

Ed

[clickaus]

I have also decided to scrap the east St louis idea and model the layout after the Port of Tillamook Bay Railroad a shortline track from Tillamook - Hillsboro

Are you going to model the GP9 #101?   That would be really cool 






The POTB was also known for its ex-SP and ex-BN SD9's.

Ed

I did read about the cow train when researching Tillamook. I think it would be pretty cool to have one going around my layout in future.
Thanks for the picture
Paul

[clickaus]

Quick update guys,
Just finished all the benchwork and screwing down all the grades which was abit of a mission. I am pretty happy with the results and I have started laying down the foam roadbed.
Some of you would know that I am building the layout for myself and my kids. I thought I would asked my 4 year old daughter about the names I had in mind for the layout to get her involved . "Tillamook or Salmonberry River" Her reply "I like Salmonberry River because it has berries in it."   So with that great logic I now have a name for the layout Salmonberry River it is





Paul

[Philip H]

Paul,
Her logic is impeccable!  And probably better then many of us here can muster.  Keep up the good work.

[wm3798]

I never liked that foam stuff.  Ballast never quite bonds to it the way it does to good ole cork.  I also don't like the way it works through curves.  But your results may vary!

Looks really good. 

What will you be doing for back drops?

Lee

[davefoxx]

Yeah, I would claim to be a proponent of cork roadbed, too.  I've heard about too many bad experiences with that foam roadbed.

Also, just a thought, is there any concern with moisture and what appears to be particle board subroadbed?  Should clickaus consider sealing the subroadbed (or better yet, replace it with a better grade of plywood) or am I wrong to be think that warping and sagging could be a problem with particle board?

Hope this helps,
Dave Foxx

[wm3798]

Geez.  He's been married for 4 weeks and he's already an expert on warping and sagging... ;D

[DKS]

Also, just a thought, is there any concern with moisture and what appears to be particle board subroadbed?  Should clickaus consider sealing the subroadbed (or better yet, replace it with a better grade of plywood) or am I wrong to be think that warping and sagging could be a problem with particle board?

My recommendation would be to seal all of the top surfaces and edges with shellac or a similar sealant before proceeding with tracklaying.