Papa Bear's Layout Party

[Papa Bear]

OK, we have lumber on hand and some Diet Dr Pepper in the 'fridge so it's time to get started. This is going to be a 32" x 44" N-scale layout. This is the one that was discussed in the track planning forum and can be seen here.

I had started on the benchwork before the party began, but I decided to make some changes. So tonight, I had to disassemble what I built and reassemble it. Basically, the layout is a frame of 1 x 3's with some laid crossways to support a sheet of 1/4" plywood and 1" foamboard.

I got the frame reassembled and the plywood attached and then brought it inside so that Triscuit could give it a cat-scan. The cat-scan revealed one corner that needed to be repaired. Since it's getting dark and starting to rain, I'll do that tomorrow.

 

[shortliner]

Never thought you'd need a Cat-dozer to clear a Plywood Central site!
Shortliner(Jack)away up here in the Highlands

 

[Art67]

Look forward to seeing how the layout comes along, nothing like the thrill of bare plywood, and all the ideas of grandeur that come with it. One question though, why are cats so interested in model railroading? Triscuit reminds me of my two cats...ardent model railroaders. They have NEVER not "volunteered" to help in ANY project on my railroad-whether it was welcome or not. Good luck on your layout. Stuart.

 

[Catt]

Oviously Triscuit thinks your worksmanship is absolutely purrfect.

 

[Papa Bear]

Thanks Guys. Jack, Triscuit may be a small cat, but she's surprisingly effective at moving things around! Stuart, I don't really understand it either, especially at this stage when there isn't anything except bare plywood. I guess it's something else she hasn't jumped on yet. I have to agree with you, Catt. It must be a sign of approval. I guess it would be bad if she didn't want to jump on it.

Here is a shot of the underside of the layout to show how it all goes together. I had considered just using the foam and not putting in any plywood as I had on previous projects. However, since I was planning on making this a portable layout, I decided to go with more rugged construction.

Next project is the legs. For now, I have some folding tables that it can be set on, but I'll want to give it it's own legs. I have been toying with the
idea of putting it on a rolling cart. Matt Chibarro built one like this in the book Model Railroading in Small Spaces. The layout is a little too wide to fit through doorways, but it would make it more convenient to move around within the room for access, sweeping the floors, etc.

 

[TomPM]

Looks like you are making great progress!

 

[N Gauger]

Mid Party (Bump)

 

[Papa Bear]

Change of Direction or "Honey, I Shrunk the Layout!"

This probably never happens to any of you, but do you ever get started on one project and then suddenly have the inspiration to do something else? That's what happened with my project layout. Things were going along fine, but then after visiting Carl Arendt's website a few too many times, I suddenly had a craving for pizza...

and it grew...

and it grew!

This isn't exactly what I had planned for the layout party, but it's fun to build. At 24" x 24", it's a layout you can take into the living room and set up on a coffee table to build.

BTW, I still have the benchwork I started earlier. It's just "shelved" for now.

 

[N Gauger]

That's so cool!!!

 

[TomPM]

Looking good!

 

[Will_annand]

That "Cat Box" is turning into a nice micro layout there Papa John. :thumb:

 

[Drew1125]

This probably never happens to any of you, but do you ever get started on one project and then suddenly have the inspiration to do something else? ....

That sums up my entire experience with model railroading, John!
But hey, variety is the spice of life, they say!
Speaking of spice, I'm looking forward to some more of that "pizza"! :thumb:

 

[Papa Bear]

Progress

Mama Bear suggested that the lighthouse should go on top of the hill. But there's one thing wrong with that:

She didn't anticipate the erosion problem!

 

[Drew1125]

It keeps looking better & better, John!
:thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

 

[spitfire]

Cool! :thumb:

Val

 

[Papa Bear]

Thanks, everybody for your kind words! I have made some more progress on the layout. It still amazes me that there's so much you can do even on a layout as small as this.

On this last one, I tried out the macro feature on my new camera. Works great!

 

[Papa Bear]

Structures for the layout

The Bear Point Baptist Church - my attempt at a cardboard building. It is loosely patterned after one that is on the grounds of the Pioneer Museum of Alabama.

 

[N Gauger]

That's neat!!!!!

 

[Papa Bear]

Easter Sunday 1886. The Bear Point Railroad drops off passengers for the morning worship service.

Happy Easter!

 

[TruckLover]

Its cummin along great. Cant wait to see whats next!!!

Sometimes I wish I had gone with N Scale instead of HO Scale cause you just can fit so much more in an area. sign1 sign1 But I went with HO Scale and im not changin it now