Benchwork and Backdrop

Hi folks. Its been a busy time on the new layout build these last few days and I have my bench work almost complete. The frame was made of 1X4's and 1X3's and covered with 1/2 inch plywood and 2 inch insulation foam. The front fascia has been added and is ready to have the holes cut for the Lenz throttle panel as well as a DCC RampMeter (Tony's Train exchange). This will then be painted a dark forest green color.  A small shelf was added to the slotted track system underneath the layout to hold the Lenz Command station and transformer as well as the DCC Specialities PowerPax    http://www.dccspecialties.com/products/powerpax.htm  which is used to program sound equipped locomotives. I will also be adding a DCC Specialities PSX1 circuit breaker http://www.dccspecialties.com/products/powershield_x_pics.htm at the suggestion of Doug W. Even though the layout is small, and the Lenz DCC command station has a built in circuit breaker, this will just add another layer of protection for the command station. My wife volunteered to paint the backdrop (after I had primed it) and I must admit it turned out pretty nice. It is a simple sky scene. I may add photo backdrops down the road. I have also been working on some structures these past few weeks as well, so I have been busy. I hope to start the track laying and wiring soon and will give another update at that point. Till next time.....

Building has commenced

Hi Folks. Today I attached the Rubbermaid track shelf system ( that I purchased at my local Home Depot) to the walls of the room as my first step in construction. It was a relatively simple process, with attention being paid to ensuring the uprights were as level (both horizontally and vertically) as possible. I have determined that my rail height will be 51 inches from the floor. This was necessary due to the light switch that will be at one end of the layout, that I must maintain access to. I kept one of my On30 cars and a piece of flex track close by, so that as I put each new piece of slot track up, I could check to ensure that it was as level as possible and that a car didn't coast by itself - this was my indicator to check on my accuracy. So far so good. Next step will be to build the frame.....till next time.