Appalachian Southern

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

After some long days lately,  here are  a few  pictures of the layout. The homasote was installed in the upper and lower level staging areas.  I plan to lay the atlas code 55 track right on top of it.  The lights are working out well above the lower staging level. I was very pleased to say the least.  Not an inch of it is dark. The lights are so bright, it is almost difficult to photograph. The plan for today is to get to work on building several #7 switches so I can begin laying track as soon as possible.

Update 05/12/2009

A reader asked for the specifics on the lighting setup; here are the details.

I bought a four bulb florescent ballast and some low profile single lamp holders. Here are the part numbers:

Ballast: ADVANCE (4)F32T8 RS/IS Centium ICN-4P32-SC Instant Start Electronic Ballast

Lamp Holders: ADVANCE Model FRBP Medium Bi-Pin Lamp Holders Low Profile

I mounted each ballast that I would need under the bench work. There is a wiring diagram on the ballast. I ran the appropriate wires to the ends of each bulb, most of the wire had to be extended due to my bulb spacing. I ran a switched power lead to each ballast. One ballast for every four bulbs. Of course the one switch on the wall turns all the bulbs on. I will just continue this around the room as the bench work progresses.

Homasote Installed in Staging Upper and Lower

Lower Staging Area Lighting

What the Room Looks Like Now with Lighting

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