The Kell Blog

Avid readers of this blog will remember this post where I said I was working on a new layout. Well, I’ve made good on that promise. The idea was to make a semi-permanent layout that could handle two trains, and still go around a tree. So here’s what I did:

I took a 4×8 piece of plywood, cut it into two pieces with a big circle in the middle for the tree.
On top of that, two 1/2 inch sheets of fiberglass foam.
On top of that, Atlas True-Track
The layout will be permanently affixed to the segments, except for those pieces of track that go over the cut. Those will be attached during reconnection.

The images below show the track unboxing and the testing of the layout. The first is a diagram of the layout that I made using a simple CAD program called RTS. This is basically a copy of the layout at the bottom of this page.

So they I had to make the benchwork. After some suggestions from the kind folks at The Whistle Post, I found I couldn’t do a straight cut down the middle. I needed to make sure the cuts went through at least three inches of straight track. I’m not much for powertools, so I had Sarra actually make the cuts. The pictures below show the cut boards, the reinforcement boards, and my attempt at painting!

So now for the final results! These are the pictures of the layout all set up under the tree with running trains. I didn’t get around to painting the diesel engine to match the GSMRR pictures, but I’m happy with the steam engine. In this set you’ll see the final setup on the dining room table during which I took out a small gouge in the table. (Sorry, Sarra!) I also found some old plastic buildings that my father put together. I put some white felt on the roofs to simulate snow and put battery powered votives inside to light ‘em up. You’ll also see Benezia stealing a caboose.

And finally, a movie of the whole thing working. See you next year!