Post by papa3rail on Jun 19, 2022 14:08:10 GMT
I’ve decided to let my previous layout thread fade to the back pages and start one thread dedicated to the layout and another focusing solely on the Texaco build.
I love threads that show how people have gone about building their layouts. I am too far along to start re-posting everything I've done from the beginning, one image at a time (over 900 images) instead I’ve made several videos using the images in a somewhat chronological order. This format will cover the entire build without using so much page space.
I began work on the layout in March of 2007. Here is my original track plan.
I hated the fact that trains couldn't run through the depot so that changed pretty early on in the build.I added the two Bridges giving me a Y coming out of the platforms and a reversing loop.
I had intended that the Layout would be populated with our D56 C.I.C. collection. Then I started perusing the train forums and saw all these really cool kit and scratch built scale models and I was hooked. I love scale modeling and my trains are scale for the most part, so the D56 is the major component to my "Million Dollar Backdrop". So on the track levels the structures will be scale and the backdrop will be its on little world.AS the plan evolved I also added some more real estate to put structures on.
The layout is 20 x 13 with Atlas track and switches. It was designed using AutoCAD software. I currently run only Lionel Legacy Locomotives I have nothing against MTH I just prefer to deal with only one control system. I have rolling stock from all the major manufacturers but, the majority is MTH Premier.
The layout is located in what was once the formal living and dining rooms so it's the first thing you see when you walk in the front door.(yes I married well)
The layout is located in what was once the formal living and dining rooms so it's the first thing you see when you walk in the front door.(yes I married well)
This is the final version of the benchwork.
I have two levels of track I had intended to have a track to connect both levels but there just isn't enough room for it. The fist level is 45 inches up from the floor and has two freight loops and a yard.
The second level is 52 inches up from the floor, it is comprised of two passenger loops and a multi-track depot area with covered passenger platforms with an open service platform between them.The station is designed but I have not stated the build as of yet.
I've made 17 videos of the construction images, after I get them all posted I'll put up a link to a Photobucket album with all the images if anyone wants a longer look.
The layout was originally a duck under, well I got tired of banging my head so that had to change.
The backdrop is 60 inches up from the floor. It is still a work in progress it has my favorites from our Christmas in he City collection with an over-scaled skyline silhouette behind them.There is a ledge on the silhouette 4 1/2 inches above the D56 level that I plan to put scale building fronts on.
Another big part of the backdrop is Christmas Mountain.
I'll be posting the rest of the videos over the next couple of days, then we can finish with the past and move on with the present.
