SVL Extension: Demolition Begins

I have taken the first construction step in adding the new addition to the existing Southview Lines. I started demolishing where the new pennisula will join to the layout. Demolishing is such a strong word, I should call it selective demolition. I started by removing the front fascia and scrapping off the liquid nails adhesive that held it on. I feel good about the stability of the rest of the fascia because this section was attached very firmly! Next, I directed my attention to the trackwork. Luckily, I have not started scenery in this area yet. It was pretty easy to pry up the flex track (it was secured originally with tub & tile adhesive) using a putty knife. Then, I removed the turnouts. I never solder the rail joiners at turnouts so this was easy. I also clipped the wiring going to the turnout throws and any feeder wires. The last step was to pry up the cork roadbed which was held down with white glue. This just peeled up off of the foam surface. I am left with what you see in the pictures. I will fill any ditches with scraps of foam as I lay the new track and fill the rest when I do scenery on this section.




Next is benchwork. I plan to build the new pennisula using the L-girder method. I also plan to make my "lumber" out of plywood. Stay tuned.

SVL Extension: Design

I have been playing around with a design for the new Southview Lines extension. I really enjoy trackplans that feature an urban switching design and taller structures that impart an "urban canyon" kind of feel. So, that is what I was after when designing the new extension of the SVL. My goal was to have more complex trackage in between large warehouses and multi-story brick buildings. I wanted to have the operator look over the buildings to see his train navigating the right of way. Hopefully, I have accomplished that.

First, to give you a better idea of how the new extension fits in with the existing layout, I have included an image of the layout as it stands today.




I was never really happy with the way I had to squeeze the small yard in the city area. The trains don't navigate this section too easily as there are too many turnouts too close to curves and it just doesn't flow too well. This seemed like the ideal location to add an extension and turn my "L" shaped layout into a "U" shape.


So here is my proposed design. I tried to maintain larger radius curves and provide that urban switching feel to the layout.

Next up, DEMO!

Expansion of the Southview Lines

If you have been to my website (http://www.southviewlines.com), you know that my current railroad is built in my garage. The original layout was designed to utilize one and a half walls of my 2-car garage and still allow room to park a car. Over time I have been parking less and less in my side of the garage (of course I can't have a railroad on HER side). One day I decided to use some of the space formally reserved for my car and expand the Southview Lines with a new peninsula. The new peninsula will be designed to be detached and moved out of the way if I ever need to park the car and my side of the garage.

Stay tuned for future posts as I plan to document the construction of the new layout space in this blog.