Appalachian Southern

With a little time to work on the layout this morning, I made all the progress that I could, but I am still short two right hand turnouts. I will need to start building these now to make further progress. My experience with liquid nails is growing now and I can apply it a little more accurately and still hold the track securely.  I did a few checks with the long RC autoracks and they clear each other fine on the adjacent curves of the staging yard. It won’t be long and I will be able to wire up a few Tortoises and get the Digitrax system installed and functional. I can’t wait to run some trains in this ‘huge for me’ staging yard.

Staging Yard Progress Lower Level

Staging Yard Lower Level Alternate View

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

Here is version 7 of the upper level plan. Looking good. Click for a larger image.

Upper Level Version 7

Here is another idea, maybe good, maybe not.

Oops. I see a problem. Laughing at myself…..

Version 11

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

Another version…. Click on photo for larger version

Version 4