Appalachian Southern

The project of the day was to complete walk-through access for the lower level staging area. The results worked out better than I expected. I only have wooden blocks serving as gate ‘locks’ right now.  Tomorrow, I will need to replace these with a locking mechanism of some sort.  This gate should be very handy in the future.  The top level will just be an easy duck-under.

Walk-Through Gate in Closed Position

Walk-Through in Open Position

Closing the Walk-Through Gate

Walk-Through Gate Alternate Angle

This afternoon I am preparing to start laying the track in the staging yard.  I am a little reluctant to start before I draw the return loop at this end of the staging yard. I need to make sure the main line switches are in the appropriate position. Where did I put that piece of string….  I have a hard time finding things sometimes.

Anyway, the track centers worked out to be 1-3/8″ in the staging area. The 19″+ radii  inside the  staging yard will work nicely with this spacing I suspect. I staged a little scene for myself this afternoon. I thought I would share it. Here you can see the #7 switch I built using the Fast Tracks jig. I think it turned out great. Many more of these have to be constructed before this staging area is complete

Have a good afternoon everyone.

Laying Out the Staging Yard

Here are some of the finishing touches on version 8, but I just now realized that I left out some switches needed between the two mains to work the city areas and stub ended yards.  I still need to add the city and industry names for both levels. Still plenty to do.

Version 8 Upper Level

Yesterday I made a significant miscalculation. I did not leave enough separation between the lower and upper level. So the task of the morning was to raise the upper level to a more reasonable height. Now the upper level is just below eye level for my height of  6′ 3″.

The process of moving the upper level upward was easy enough, just remove ~500 screws and replace them after moving each piece.  The process was not as bad as it sounds. These are the measurements I settled on after the move:

Lower Level Height : 47″

Upper Level Height: 68-1/2″

Distance Between Levels: 17-1/2″

These dimensions aren’t correct for everyone, but due to my height I had to raise the upper level just a bit to get the desired effect of eye level viewing. I hope it all works out as I am not moving it again.

I have the plywood under-layment just sitting in place.  I don’t think I will fasten it down until I get all the holes drilled for the DCC bus lines and get the fluorescent bulbs, ballasts, and wiring in place.  I thought I was going to lay some track this week, but I may just focus on getting the lower level lighting completed. As the track plans for both levels are nearing completion, things are going to get busy here really soon. I just have to remind myself that this is a marathon and not a sprint.

Upper Level Bench Work

I was able to get the upper level staging bench work completed today. I cut circular notches so my fluorescent bulbs will recess up into the bench work. I think it will work out well.  I am cutting plywood to fit now and need to go out and purchase some cork sheeting for this staging area.

Plywood will only be used in the staging, yard, and city areas. The rest will be cut out and supported on risers for the proper elevation.

Neala is bored and ready to go home and eat.

Round Notches for Fluorescent Bulbs

Upper Staging Level Overview

Sorry for skipping versions 1 through 4 of the upper level track plan. They actually didn’t have a very long half-life. Anyway, here is a rough layout of the upper level. Subject to change of course.  Click the image for a larger version.

Upper Level Version 5

Quite a warm afternoon; a great day to make some progress. It is nice and cool here in the office and Neala is laying in front of a cage fan on her bed keeping cool. I did well today to finish the reworked staging bench work. Here are some pics from the new 5D Mark II. Nice.

I still need to do the lift-out section where you walk into the staging area, but there is no rush for that at this point.

I am pretty sure I will be laying some staging track this week at some point.

Finished the Staging Bench Work Modifications

Another Angle

A Wide Angle Room Shot

Neala (aka Tinkie)

Not quite finished, but at least a good start. I am still working. Just wanted to see the new camera in action.

Constructing the Modified Staging

Today my goal was to change the bench work for the revised staging lines. I had to remove a section up against the L in the dividing wall since it was too wide. I got that section removed and I am ready to frame in the new section.  It is all going well, but I have to stop and get ready to go to  a wedding. It is 90 degrees here again today, I guess we skipped spring and went straight to summer. I didn’t even get to collect $200.00. I also realized that when I do frame this extended staging in, I will cut off my shortcut to the saw. Oh well, I guess a little extra walking won’t hurt me.

Ok…. I admit it, I was a little lazy today! Not quite ready for these temps yet. It looks to be a long, dry, hot summer. I am already anticipating the cooler fall weather and the leaves changing. I always eagerly anticipate that every year.

I have been struggling with the modifications made below. I think I have it worked out now and like the results. This was an idea proposed by Jamie of CSX Dixie Line. This may not be the final revision, but it is getting pretty close for the main level. I like the double ended staging. The two walk-through sections are not the best, but I think I can link the lift up sections so they will come up together to provide access to the layout. Now, I need to get the classification yard in and should be in business for the main level.  I am using Empire Express for the track design. Pretty nifty application.

As usual, you can click the image for a larger version of the plan.

Version 10