Some observations so far

Some observations so far:

Wiring and power:

- Those suitcase connectors are a wonderful thing.  It keeps you from having to solder anything underneath the layout.
- The NCC Power Pro system had a lot of plain-speak directions.  I had a tough time with the programming function at first but I got it to work eventually.
- I've found that the system provides enough power so far, but the train will hit some spots were it sputters.  This didn't happen at first.  Best guess, the track needs to be cleaned.
- Soldering hasn't been too bad, except for trying to solder the programming wires to a piece of track.

Track:

- If you can afford it, spend the extra money on nicer flextrack.  You can save a couple bucks on Atlas but Peco track is so much easier to work with.  You can flex it and it will stay in that configuration.  Well worth it.
- I was advised to use one brand of track throughout and I have.  I noticed that code 83 Atlas sectional pieces didn't quite line up right with Peco track.  So unless you have a way to fit those together somehow, I'm going to stick with one.
- This being Western New York, we see a range of seasons, temperatures, and humidity.  While I painted the table's surface, and I have a de-humidifier in the basement for the summertime, I left a few small gaps here and there when I could between rails to allow for expansion.  That said, I've already had to fix a few sections that came undone from the Liquid Nails projects adhesive.  Best guess - movement of the wood beneath it due to the cold.  I may have to go back and drill some holes in some of the ties and nail them down, to make sure everything is secure.

Benchwork:

- I built the sections with a basic frame construction of 1x4's, with 2x4 legs.  The risers allowed for a level surface, accounting for an uneven basement floor.  It's probably incredibly overbuilt for the amount of weight that's actually on it, but I still wouldn't sit on it.
- I had a tough time counter-sinking screws into the hardboard backdrops.  So they stick out, but after they were painted you can't see them too much.  And hopefully most may be covered by photo backdrops in the future.
- I didn't realize it at the time, but I ended up building the layout high enough where I can sit upright underneath it.  While I do keep a count each time of how many times I hit my head, building enough clearance was an unintended benefit.

Progress photos

January 2015 - assembled benchwork sections with carriage bolts

 

October 2015 - homasote layout surface pieces cut, working on backdrops

June 2016 - backdrops painted, finishing risers supporting the surface

December 2016 - working on second mainline trackage

Welcome to a blog documenting the construction of a basement HO scale train layout.  I really enjoy following the progress of some other layouts being built (you can check in on them as I do with the links to the right), so I thought I should do the same.

I got started in the hobby like many do as a youngster with a simple set and a 4x8 table.  My dad set it up and built several building kits, most of which I still have.  My uncles had a 4x10 layout in their basement which was always a source of wonderment, as was a friend's father's double-tracked layout made from two 4x8 tables.  I got out of the hobby for a long time until I had a house of my own, with enough space for a layout, and a budget that could allow me to do this right. 

The layout is meant to represent the present day, inspired by actual locations without being specific to anything in particular.  I've tried to separate the scenes, with the help of a backdrop, to allow it to feel like it's traveling somewhere.  One side will features a steel mill complex with a blast furnace, rolling mill, and coke ovens.  One end has two bascule bridges which will cross a navigation channel for freighters theoretically going to the steel mills.  One side will have an industrial area and hopefully some residences.

For the physical design, I considered how I wanted to keep it away from the basement walls, and how I needed enough clearance beside it for any replacement appliances.  I entered into this project knowing very little about benchwork, little experience with flextrack, and none with wiring.  So I'm going to learn as I go.  I have plenty of time to do this right.  I've used the Model Railroader guides to benchwork, track, and wiring so far to good effect.  At this point, the benchwork is mostly complete (everything except fascia) and I'm working on laying track and connecting the wiring.  My wiring plan worked (so far), the first mainline successfully ran a train all the way around on Dec. 1, 2016.

Specifications:

6.5 ft wide at one end, 9.5 feet at the other end, 17.5 feet long.
Double-track mailine with passing tracks and industrial sidings
Power - NCE 5 amp wireless DCC system
Track - Peco code 83 flextrack and switches
Wiring - 14 gauge track bus lines, 20 gauge feeder wires, connected by suitcase connectors