Having purchased the full version of Atlas Track Planning, I discovered to my surprise, that you can print out your track plan full size. Long as your bench work dimensions are accurate, you will get a very accurate track plan. And so I did. And so it is.

December was a tear it down month. At least a partial teardown. January will be a build it back up month.

https://youtu.be/WvW1_EyWoZc

Hello all. I recently added some new topics on my blog. I hope if you have time you'll take a look. As always, comments are welcome.

I have created a blog where I can track the progress of the Johnstown and Maryville. Check it out if you are interested.

http://jmrailroad.wordpress.com

A very good first train test run around the entire layout including the lift out bridge.

http://youtu.be/GDq2_LKOWYI

After going back and forth with myself several times, I finally decided I did want a removable bridge for continuous running. Mostly when I am working at the work bench and just want to see the train go by. So here it is. Yes it's ugly. But it's functional. I will paint it dark brown and maybe add some type of bridge like structure, but it works. It's snug. Doesn't move at all.

http://youtu.be/HLTadXj-GIc

I am going to try and do a little step by step on some of the procedures to get the J&M up and running. My first sections of cork are glued down, sanded and ready for trackwork. I always try and start with turnouts as they have to be precise. Flextrack can move to accomadate turnouts. Trying something different this time when attaching feeder wires. Soldering them underneath the rail joiners and feeding through holes in the roadbed.

Almost done with the backdrop but first I had to finish running the bus wire. I had run out of 16 gauge and the hobby shop only had 14 gauge but that's okay. They will work just fine. Bus wire attached.

Blue sky backdrop almost done. All three corners are coved. Screw heads will be painted over.

We are into phase 3 now. Brought home 2- 4x8 sheets of pink 2" extruded foam for use as the subroadbed. Also 10 pieces of 2x4 Masonite or tempered hardboard for the backdrop. 1 gallon of a nice sky blue and 1 gallon of an earth brown.

I strung the bus wires tonight from one end to the other so that's done before I set the foam in place. And before that's done the backdrop has to be painted and mounted on the wall. Retirement sure is fun!????

Hello again, fellow modelers. Saturday I took a road trip into rural Northern Indiana to pick up the benchwork that was built for me by Benchridge Benchworks and to see Matt's gorgeous layout. This morning, in about 3 hours, I was able to get the entire thing built. And boy is it solid! Very easy to put together. Bolts and T-nuts and and that's all it took.