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Post by Joe Saggese on Oct 19, 2019 17:59:51 GMT
I would like to use this thread to show the progress of my layout and have you all offer any advice you may have. Thank you First off I have 2 curves near the edge of the table which made me nervous. So I used an old bridge girder I had which I believe it was a flatcar load. So this is what I did for one of the curves......
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Post by josef on Oct 19, 2019 18:45:07 GMT
On the curve, might want to check any large engines you have, and make sure there is clearance.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2019 19:55:58 GMT
Joe, I see on the back side of the last picture you have high density foam under the buildings. Before you get too far, you might consider covering the entire top of the layout with homasote or high density foam. It will cut down on the noise, but more importantly it will make it possible to dig out ponds, ditches and slopes. It is not the end of the world. But, I did not put it down and now I wish I had.
PS. I bookmarked this thread and will gladly help, if I can.
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Post by ptc on Oct 19, 2019 20:35:33 GMT
Nice fix for the curve. I would also recommend that you check for clearance with your largest steam engine.
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Post by Country Joe on Oct 20, 2019 1:01:11 GMT
Good fix Joe. I agree with Josef's advice to check your longest engines, especially steam engines, for clearance.
I second Wood's suggestion to add a layer of extruded styrofoam or homasote.
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Post by Joe Saggese on Oct 20, 2019 1:41:09 GMT
Thank you everyone. My biggest steam engine is the 4-4-0 and the Pennsy Flyer. So I can make sure they clear then add some for when I get a larger engine!!!!! (one day soon)
I was going to leave the tracks on the plywood so thanks for the tips. Most likely Im going with the homasote.. Best to do it now.
Thanks again!!
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Post by ptc on Oct 20, 2019 18:19:55 GMT
"Best to do it now."
You got that right, Joe.
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Post by laz57 on Oct 20, 2019 18:42:21 GMT
JOE, On my corners I cut clear acrylic plastic at about 6-8 inches high and maybe 36 inches long just in case a engine is a runaway. At least it will keep the engine from hitting the floor three feet beneath the layout. And it still allows clear viewing.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 20, 2019 19:06:09 GMT
JOE, On my corners I cut clear acrylic plastic at about 6-8 inches high and maybe 36 inches long just in case a engine is a runaway. At least it will keep the engine from hitting the floor three feet beneath the layout. And it still allows clear viewing. I do the same thing. Nobody notices it and it doesn't appear in pictures unless you use your flash.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 20, 2019 19:15:09 GMT
Joe, after you put the Homasote down, paint it a flat earth brown. It gives it an instant dirt color and makes it easier when doing ground cover.
Andy
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Post by josef on Oct 20, 2019 19:29:00 GMT
Don't forget to add extra track connection. I added extra every 4 feet and connected them to one, then to my DCS and Legacy. Never had a signal problem. I didn't on my first built and paid for it. Even the track I ran conventional only.
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Post by ptc on Oct 20, 2019 19:53:52 GMT
"JOE, On my corners I cut clear acrylic plastic at about 6-8 inches high and maybe 36 inches long just in case a engine is a runaway. At least it will keep the engine from hitting the floor three feet beneath the layout. And it still allows clear viewing."
Laz, that is a super option to avoid fly-off-the-benchwork issues.
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Post by 4dogsinjersey on Oct 20, 2019 20:14:31 GMT
The plexiglas option is a great idea. Often long, narrow strips (4 or5”) can be had for free at your local hardware store as the long skinny pieces are usually scraps from larger cuts...
Tom
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Post by Joe Saggese on Oct 20, 2019 20:35:45 GMT
A lot of good information here. Thank you!!!
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2019 16:27:22 GMT
If your room varies in temperature summer to winter I would stay away from the Homasote. My traincave stays at good temps all year round but with two heat radiators it gets toward warm in the winter. The Homasote was swelling and shrinking. More shrinking than swelling. I filled in the cracks three different times. The Homasote issue was part of the reason I decided to rebuild my layout.
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