Layout Update

Greetings followers of the A.P.R.R.

For those who may not know, I'm a member of the NMRA (National Model Railroad Association) and Northeastern Region. Every year the regions host a meet where they have displays, seminars, meetings, railroad tours, operating sessions and layout tours. In addition, some have non-railroad events for the guys who bring their spouse or other guest. 

Last summer I was asked if I wanted to participate in the regional meet with an operating session or layout tour. Since the room is not that big, and I don't use car cards, waybills or any type of switch list, I felt it would be better to participate in the open house layout tours. I was officially notified a couple months ago (maybe more) that I'm on the list, and a picture of the yard was shown in the email blast to the members. 

And now the countdown begins.... 

The goal is to have the following things in place on the railroad: 

Rock Ridge Yard - Currently there is one flat structure in place (American Hardware). It's an industry that can be switched during an operating session. 

That leaves space for two more flat structures as the divider is close to 11'. Not all of that will be filled, especially the area where the switchers are parked when not in use. There will be 2 more flat structures that will be put in place. One will be about 30" long and non-functional. The other flat structure will be about 24" and non-functional as well. This one will be to the left of the 30" building. Here's how it will fit in on the railroad:

This building, while not 'named' will bear the name "Rock Ridge Freight Yard" 

The next two flat structures to be added will be placed on the south wall under the train showcase. Right now it has one flat structure and one building on the right end.

To the left of it will be a very wide structure. It will be a flat of a 'closed' industrial building. I'm using Design Preservation Models (DPM) Powerhouse as a flat with additional large windows. If you're familiar with their sections, each section is 2 11/16" wide. There will be 14 sections to it, plus the supports in between each section. In the middle will be 2 stacks. 

If I can find another kit to add, it would be for Ideal Auto Parts & Electronics on the same wall, next to the tracks for trucks loading or unloading. 

I need a Yard Tower on the south end of Rock Ridge Yard by CP South and then a new Interlocking Tower for both West Harold and Little Jamaica. All of these kits are in my possession; just need to be built.

I have 2 automobile ramps that need to be built and painted for the auto rack facility. Lots of small detail parts on them. Also one if not both of my Mi-Jack cranes for the Intermodal yard. 

One thing I am going to do is have the engine facility ready on the lower level below the Intermodal Yard. The original building I had planned won't work, so it will either go to the Florida layout or possibly swap with someone who may need it. It's fairly modern. We'll see. 

So what's next? I still need to paint some parts of the top of the layout shades of gray. I just picked up some pipe sections which will go by Shapeless Steel with some vehicles and maybe a fence. I have another signal I need to add on the mainline at the corner of the south wall across from Tropicana. A switch machine needs to be replaced by Ideal Auto Parts. Some type of backdrop or sky blue paint with clouds to cover the 4 sets of windows on both north and east wall. Oh yeah, one of my train friends asked if the elevated subway line will be operating. Asked him when he's coming to help me install the wood and supports..

The last thing to address, and one that needs to be done is some ballast work. The goal is to have ballast in place from the Amtrak station on the west wall, all tracks on the north wall, then over to the entrance to the freight yard track leads on the east wall. That include both mainline and helix/yard tracks in the middle. I have some help coming to teach me the best way and hopefully the easiest way to do this. I'll admit it, scenery is not my expertise and this is one area I welcome the help! 

Deadline? September 9th. Open house is either the 15th or 16th. Dates have not been assigned. I have my friends NJ John and Norman to run trains and the yard while I give the tours and speech. That means no more 6 visitors at a time due to space constraints and I'm sure not a lot of skinny people in the mix...

More updates to follow as they happen!