Layout Updates

Work on the layout has been on and off. Part of the reason for that is I'm at the stage where I really need to do all the track on the lower level, but there are 3 problems which are coming up:

1. How will the turnouts get thrown (switched)?
   Should I use the caboose hobbies turnout throw stands, build my own (probably a bad idea), or do the wire-under-the-table method? I need to figure this out really before I proceed.
   
   
2. Should I use the turnout throws I already have?
   I have some Caboose Hobbies turnout throw stands, but they're for regular sized HO turnouts. That means they plunge about twice as deep as they should. I don't know if that's really usable for my application.
   
   
3. Do I get a different sized PCB tie?
   The wooden ties that I have are not the same height as the PCB ties. That's kind of a problem, but I've been making due and hiding the size difference. I need to decide if I should continue using them or buy the correct size (which is lame because they're not exactly cheap).

Well in all of that I've still managed to do some things on the layout.

Firstly, I built the right-most lower level tunnel...

I did some experiments in freehand rock formation and painting. I'm not completely happy with this, so I'll probably replace it with something else. The experience of painting the rocks in the color scheme I'll be using though was good.

I've also finished installing almost all of the roadbed...

I'm kind of tempted to actually do all the track laying for the upper level on the workbench, and then glue it in place after. In fact... that's probably what I'll do.

Beginning to Come Together

Last night and later this afternoon I put in some more time on the wooden roadbed. It's starting to really come together now! Because the bottom layer will have to be built before the upper layer can be installed over it, I think it's starting to get close to the time where I start dealing with track and scenery sub-structure....

2 ore hoppers sit, waiting for track to be installed so they can get to work...

Checking the height of the overpass in a very loose fashion. A side from an unfinished Railway Recollections Excursion Car is held in place to eyeball clearance. It will be a little higher with the track, but not by much.