Bill’s been back in touch – and he’s been busy adding to his HO scale benches to turn his 4×8 in to a 4×16 layout!
“Hi Al
I’ve finally made some additional progress on my layout.
Over the past several weeks I’ve been working in the garage building vertical storage on one side so I can add in the second 4×8 section of benchwork on the other.
I have the storage project complete and I tore down a tool work station that was in my way and now have the space for the full 4×16 layout.
This weekend I put the benchwork together on the next module. I now have it next to the existing section.
This section will have more yard trackage and more switching. I’ll start setting out trackage next weekend to explore some options.
I’m planning on having a small coaling yard, a small bulk fuel facility and a large old industrial factory complex.
As with the first section I’m going to do my best to make it look realistic and as complicated as I can in the space I have.
Once I land on the track plan I’ll send in an update
Thanks!
Bill in Virginia”
(If you missed Bill’s last post, it’s here.)
And now more from Dave:
“Hi Al, I know I keep posting, and a lot may say enough is enough…
But I just had to show how I have added extra passenger services to deal with the rush of passengers trying to get away for there Holiday…
Regards
Dave”
Seen the latest ebay cheat sheet yet?
That’s all for today folks. A big thanks to Bill for sharing his HO scale benches, and to Dave, both Hall of Fame members.
Please do keep ’em coming.
And if today is the day you get started on your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.
Best
Al
PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.
PPS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.
Interesting to see such slender timbers on Bill’s new under frame. I guess the castors move freely on such a beautifully smooth (and clean) floor, so you can get to the storage. I think you use foam board for the base board – is it the extruded polystyrene type? It looks to be about 1.5″ (38mm) thick – is it only supported around the edges? Sorry for so many questions – one more – does the car stay outside whenever it comes home in the rain? Looking forward to your next instalment…
Dave – I doubt many people complain about the frequency of your postings! Keep them coming, whether running or tearing down and rebuilding. Interesting sound from the Deltic – are there any running anywhere in the UK, do you know?
DustyK UK
I’m new to the hobby. Just wondering about the wiring of such a project?
The best thing I love about Dangerous Dave’s layout is that the trains actually run. I also like the Bob Darcher music.
Hi Keith – Bill here. The benchwork is built lite so it can be moved and eventually taken to shows. The wood I use is select so costs a little more but is free from defects. What the pictures don’t show is I glued a 5/32 piece of plywood to the top section. This is glued at the ends and along the stringers. On top of this rests a 2” thick extruded foam board. The castors are heavy duty poly wheel casters that can support the weight ( which really isn’t that much) and can navigate over a nonjointed floor pretty well. I can one car in the garage with the layout as shown. The car gets kicked outside on the weekends when I wheel the layout to the middle to run the first section and building the second .
As for the wiring question there are a number of great books out there on the topic. I personally enjoy DC but I have a lot of older parts that are DC so I’m putting them to use and spending elsewhere. Probably st some point I’ll explore DCC. Buts that just me personally. You need to follow your thoughts as to what is the best route you want to take .
I love looking at and going through Dave’s videos. His layout never ceases to amaze me.
Genius design having the trains in the background and Street seems to the foreground just like you see in real life. For me it adds a great deal of realism to the scene as I watch the video. This layout also has the best transition to a backdrop I have ever seen, you just don’t even really notice it. I think for a backdrop that’s the ultimate measure of success. Really nice layout.
The boxed turnouts look like dual guage. Is the mining operation narrow gauge?
I love your videos as I am very new to this they have given me a lot of help thank you keep them coming
Thank you Dusty re my video, yes still a few Delticss running , but on heritage railways , we do get one visit the North Yorkshire Moors Railway from time to time …Nice job with the benchwork Bill ..Dangerous Dave
Love the layouts
is there anyway you can send me the plans you have for the 4×16? My wife just bought 2 tables for me that together measure 5×16 and this is me and my sons first attempt