Since I started building now, I decided to start a new thread, separate from my earlier design thread - see here: https://forum.trains.com/t/design-for-new-layout-input-welcome/405367.
To recap, after input from several here on the forum, I ended up with the track plan below:
My pike is strictly freelanced set somewhere between 1900 and 1930, I enjoy steam, on the smaller side. It allows for continuous running (because I sometimes just love train watching) as well as some switching. It will also serves as a diorama for various structure builds completed, in progress and planned, my favorite part of the hobby.
For the time being, this is a weekend project, so there won’t be daily updates.
I started on the benchwork.
I never “got” the idea of L-Girder benchwork and built previous layout attempts using open grid, until I decided to give L-Girder a try this time - I would never do anything else again. There are a couple more pictures of the initial benchwork build in the old design thread if you are interested.
This weekend, I started to build the backdrop. I decided to go with 0.060 polystyrene sheet, lightweight and flexible enough to be easily bent in curves. I did a previous backdrop with 1/8" Masonite, but wanted a more lightweight construction this time, and something that would bend through the corner in the upper left of the layout plan and avoid having to make a hard 90 degree corner.
I started out with two 4x8 polystyrene sheets (surprisingly cheap, at $27.00/sheet from a local plastic supplier), that I cut into two 20"x48" sections and four 20"x76" sections, leaving me 2 8"x76" sections.
I started with the harbor area:
I attached the backdrop to the layout, and am making it removable in sections for later painting or attaching a commercial backdrop.
The sheets are attached with velcro to 1x2s attached to the benchwork vertically, clearly visible in the below view.
Around the curve, from the front
and back
Ultimately, once I am done with the backdrop, I will work on making the seams disappear, but for now i want to be able to remove it in manageable sections.
Along the center of the peninsula, the backdrop will be doubled up, which I think will stiffen it up further.
This is how far I got this past weekend. More later.
Urs