Model Railroading > IAIS Benchwork Progress/What did YOU get done this week

Well, unfortunately, this five day weekend has come to an end. However, I was able to get a good amount of work done on my new, modular N-scale layout based on the Iowa Interstate and Metra in my Dad's hometown of New Lenox, IL. Originally, I had wanted to build Blue Island, but space and time considerations came into play, making this implausible. New Lenox, however, offers much of the same traffic in a much more manageable space.

The layout is 3'x10', and will simply feature a pair of loops for continuous running, but it's main purpose is to be able to build something to bring to shows, and to showcase the new releases from Fox Valley Models (GEVO's), Deluxe Innovations (well cars) and Kato (Metra), while building my own skills in a new scale. Did I mention I have a Kato UP dining car on its way to paint up as the "Abraham Lincoln?"

Photo 1: A very early mock-up of the layout, with Cedar Road in the middle, and elevator/original depot to the right, and the site of the current Metra depot at the left.

Photo 2: Clamping down the frame sides after gluing and screwing them into place.

Photo 3: As far as I made it this weekend, finishing up all of the module frames and the pockets for the legs. Work on the legs will come soon.

Enjoy,
- Jeff Carlson



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/25/12 20:38 by bnsfsd70.

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Jeff, Looks like a fantastic start.

Mike DeBerg
Bloomington, IL

I like your pockets for the legs and assembly techniques, definite sign that there's more than one
way to skin a cat.

Looks good so far Jeff. Just one question, why the use of underfloor laminate?
Charlie
MP 53 on the BNSF Topeka Sub

nikon1 Wrote:
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> Looks good so far Jeff. Just one question, why the
> use of underfloor laminate?
> Charlie
> MP 53 on the BNSF Topeka Sub

Its lightweight and gave me a solid top to screw into the frame for structural stability. There will be a layer of insulation foam laminated on top of this for scenery as well.

- Jeff

rehunn Wrote:
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> I like your pockets for the legs and assembly
> techniques, definite sign that there's more than
> one
> way to skin a cat.

Thanks. I'm not entirely won over by it right now, but it'll do. I spent a LOT of time thinking through various leg ideas, and this seemed to work out the best, I think. On the leg assemblies, I'll have a horizontal and a diagonal cross brace for stability.

- Jeff Carlson

Have you posted your track plan for these modules?