With the constant help and coaching of the folks of this forum community, I having the benchwork and trackwork of my new layout mostly done. The only thing missing is the completion of the yard. I need to fill in some gaps in the foam before I can lay the tracks. Yesterday I successfully ran a fairly long UP passenger train all over the layout. My thanks to everyone. As a point of reference, here is the plan.
And here is reality (from atop a ladder).
And the switching control panel.
Two additional comments. First, the loop with the middle removed will be covering with a hill/mountain. Second, the loop that is offset on the short end of the “L” is designed to move as the layout grows. The track is close to the edge to give the maximum flexibility for attachment in the future. Again, thanks to all. This was truly a community effort.
I probably didn’t contribute to your progress, it’s nice to see the layout under way and even working. Thanks for sharing. Dan
Richard,
Looks as though, You are well on Your way. Trackwork looks like You invested some time in making Your straights, straight. LOL.
Have Fun, take Your time…remember getting to the top of the Mountain is fun, but the climb, is what is important also.
Take Care! [:D]
Frank
Frank,
I have been enjoying the climb. I have accomplished things I never thought possible. I had never done any carpentry or electrical wiring, well, at least not since ninth-grade shop class, some mumble mumble years ago. I honestly did not think I had the capacity to do either activity. Slowly but surely, I have been proving myself wrong. I am absolutely loving the journey.
Richard:
Congratulations on running the big train successfully!
Dave
Good looking work, you’re well on your way to bigger and better things. One thing I really like about our hobby is how it inspires you to learn and practice a wide variety of skills. .
Congratulations!
Richard, I started at age 57 in '08 after a “mumble mumble” years of absence. The members here really got me going and answered a bazillion questions patiently. I had/am having the same experience you are realizing I can do things I never thought I could (except electrical 
now. It’s amazing how we go through the “baptism of fire” to finally get our layouts 
Cheers, great start,
Jim
HA !!! Just wait until you get to doing the mountain and scenery. [:D]