SVL Extension: Foam Tabletop

I added the foam tabletop to the extension. I used some leftover foam that I had saved from other projects. Some was green and some was pink. That is why it is two colors in the pictures below. The green is 1.5 inches thick and the pink is an inch. This gives me a 2.5 inch thick base to build on.

I attached the foam with tub & tile adhesive. I used this to attach the foam to the wood cross pieces and to add the second layer. The process was simple, cut a piece to fit, apply the adhesive, stick down the foam, and then add weight so it dries flat. I used model railroad magazines that I have in cardboard storage boxes but you can use anything you have on hand.

Now I am ready to start transferring the trackplan to the table surface in full size. I am anxious to see how things fit as I have drawn them on the plan.

You will also notice that I added cleats to support the fascia. A couple are not straight so I will address that but it will be covered later by the fascia.







Please let me know what you think so far.

SVL Extension: Pre-Wiring

I did a little work on the extension this weekend. Before I lay the foam on top of the benchwork, I decided that now would be a good time to run bus wires for the track wiring.

I drilled two holes in each cross piece approximately where the mainline will run. Then, I ran two wires, one through each hole. These are 14ga ROMEX wires used for house wiring. I stripped off the plastic covering and ran a white and black wire around the entire extension. I will tie the ends of these wires into the existing track bus later.

You will also noticed that I primed the backdrop.

Sorry if these pictures are a little fuzzy.





Next, I will start laying foam.

SVL Extension: Backdrop

Over the weekend, I was able to build the backdrop that runs down the middle of the pennisula. I used 1x2 pine to construct this. I made a frame and covered it with 1/8" hardboard. Construction is pretty straight forward as can be seen in the photo below. The two longer legs at each end will anchor it to the benchwork.



I covered the framework with 1/8" hardboard on both sides. I attached the hardboard with Liquid Nails construction adhesive. It was easier to attach it while the frame was laying on the floor. I laid one piece of hardboard on the floor, applied the adhesive, laid the frame down, applied more adhesive to the other side of the frame and laid the other piece of hardboard on top. Then, I weighted it all down until the adhesive set.

To attach it to the benchwork, I first cut two slots in the cross pieces so the legs of the backdrop would slide into the slot. Then, the whole backdrop is attached with screws to the cross pieces. Later, I will remove the backdrop and paint it with the sky color.

Here is how it looks installed.





Next up is a little pre-wiring. Stay tuned.

SVL Extension: Benchwork

I got started making the benchwork for the new extension. For the main layout I built box frames that were supported from the wall and a few legs. I decided that this type of benchwork construction would not work well for a free standing pennisula as I would have to use too many legs to support the framework. So, I decided to use the "L-Girder" style benchwork. With this design you have two main girders running the length of the pennisula and attach cross pieces to support the decking surface (which in my case will be foam). Two sets of legs will hold the whole thing up.

I also decided to rip a 4x8 sheet of 5/8" thick plywood into lumber-sized pieces instead of purchasing the same size regular lumber. I did this with the existing railroad and it has many advantages. It's cheaper than buying individual boards (for those who know me, this is very important) and because it's plywood, it doesn't warp as easily. The disadvantages are you have to cut it yourself and you can't screw into the edges very securely. I minimized the disadvantages as you will see shortly.

The first thing I did was rip the 4x8 sheet of 5/8" thick plywood into "boards". You could use 3/4" thick if you want but try not to use 1/2" (it's too hard to join on edge). You need an 8 foot cutting guide and a circular saw. I used a sheet metal stud found at the home center. Then I cut the "boards 4" wide by the 8 foot length. You need four pieces for the girders. Put wood glue on one edge and join two boards to form an "L". Next, drill pilot holes for coarse thread drywall screws and fasten it together. Do the same for the other girder. I then made my leg sets the same way but using 2" wide boards. Take a look at the pictures to see this in more detail.

The cross pieces that support the foam are made with a 4" wide plywood board and a 1x3 pine board. I used pine here because I would be screwing into the edge of these pieces and needed solid wood (these will not be glued). I also attached a 2x2 block at the bottom of each leg. This is so I could screw in a lag bolt that I can use to level the pennisula.

Hopefully, you can see from the pictures how it all comes together.







That's all there is to the benchwork. Next, I will make the backdrop that runs down the middle of the pennisula.

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.