JPT Sub - my new layout project

BNSF FAN Mar 14, 2019

  1. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    At the beginning of summer last year (2018) I took down my bedroom sized layout. I had really never named the layout but always had an idea of a name for it. It was built on hollow core doors so when I took it down, I removed all the structures, trees and anything else that went vertical and then (with some excellent advice and moral support from a couple of Trainboard members), made crates and stored the layout. I had hoped to be able to have a space in whatever new home we found to put it back up. Well, we found a house with a basement and moved in early December but the space I could take for a layout did not lend itself to an around the walls layout. The room is actually a little bigger but has doors on 3 of the 4 walls. So, the old layout will sit in the crates for now. Over the past 3 months or so, I have been deciding what I wanted to do. I even entertained the idea of just dumping it all and moving on but I knew I'd miss it too much. What it has come down to is that a smaller layout than my previous couple would be just what the doctor ordered. I could go as big as a 4x8 and am trying to decide if that would be just right or if I should go a little smaller and use a 3ft x 6ft 8inch hollow core door base. I roughed up an idea of a track plan that would fit the smaller size but could easily be expanded to the larger 4x8 by just adding a few sections of straight track to accommodate longer and wider. The inner track would have 12 5/8 radius curves and the outer would be 13 3/4 radius. I know bigger is better on curves but this will work okay. I had a 21/2ft x 4ft layout with almost this same track plan back when I was in high school. Despite the sharp curves and small size, it was the most fun layout I can remember having. I'm hoping to recapture some of that fun again and see if I can spark some interest in model RR'ing in my teenage son as well. His initials are JPT so I decided the layout will be named the JPT sub and be a fictional sub of the BNSF or ATSF depending on which way I decide to go there.

    So, with all that said. I'd like to welcome you all aboard the beginning of the JPT sub. :)
    layout v1.JPG
     
    Last edited: Mar 14, 2019
  2. Tony Burzio

    Tony Burzio TrainBoard Supporter

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    I mostly like the design, but the sidings are very long. Can you make several sidings instead of one, out of each? You’d then very nearly have enough industry to create a card order operating session, using trains from off scene (the rest of your layout).
     
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  3. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    Thanks Tony. Yes, I have thought about that as well and it is actually a good idea. For now though, I'm planning on using Kato Unitrack for this layout so my thought is, I am going to put this basic set up in place and see how I like it. Then it will be easy enough to tweak it with more sidings or splitting up some sidings if I feel like I would like more before starting on scenery.
     
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  4. JMaurer1

    JMaurer1 TrainBoard Member

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    Also, if you want to put any cars into or pull them out of the siding, unless you are going the right way you have to go to the single crossover track. Add at least one more crossover so you can run around any switching move easier without having to journey half way around the layout. Instead of an expensive double crossover, you can use switches instead. Shorter switching leads and, personal preference, more switching. Going in circles is okay for awhile, but at some point the railroad has to make some money.
     
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  5. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    Acquired this earlier in the week. Leaning toward the 4x8 size. Heading to Lowes later to get some additional benchwork material.
    2 inch foam.JPG
     
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  6. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    Finally was able to pick up a sheet of 4x8 waferboard and some 2x4's and got started last night. Will be able to add legs easily if I decide I need them. for now though, these shelf units will be my base and pit the layout at just the right height for using my office chair while working on it.
    20190402_184154.jpg

    Once that was fixed in place, I then applied the first of 2 layers of 2" foam sheet and put some weight on it to help hold it in place while the adhesive dries.
    20190402_185706.jpg
     
  7. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    The other good news from yesterday is the order of track arrived!
    20190402_190122.jpg
     
  8. JMaurer1

    JMaurer1 TrainBoard Member

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    Looks like you have the same problem that I have. Whenever I clear or create a clean space, books and other misc. stuff instantly jump up on it :lol:
     
  9. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    LOL, at least this time I welcomed the clutter as it is helping hold the foam in place until it dries. :D
     
  10. MK

    MK TrainBoard Member

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    Forget the foam and wood for the layout :LOL:, I like what you did with the mugs display! (y)
     
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  11. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    Clutter disappeared.
    20190403_190442.jpg
     
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  12. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    Then it looked like a rather large bird flew over...….. actually, I've always had good luck using latex caulk to glue foam sheets together.
    20190403_191920.jpg
     
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  13. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    Next up came the second layer of 2 inch pink foam. Look at that nice wide open space. :)
    20190403_192500.jpg
     
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  14. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    I turn my back for just a few minutes and look what happens, all that clutter flew right back in...…. guess it will just have to stay like that until my next free evening.
    20190403_192956.jpg
     
  15. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    To keep the fans happy, here are the mugs. Better looking than my mug of course. Three different sections. Didn't turn out as nice as I envisioned but at least they aren't just sitting in boxes now. The former owner of the house had a workshop in this room and left the peg board in place when he moved out. I'm trying to put it to good use.
    Mugs1.JPG Mugs2.JPG Mugs3.JPG
     
  16. MK

    MK TrainBoard Member

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    That's a great way to display them! I'm stealing that idea! :D
     
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  17. catfan

    catfan TrainBoard Member

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    You lost me with the Auburn mug.
     
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  18. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    LOL, it's where dad went to college. I went to Middle Tennessee (there is a mug for it) and my son is hoping for Ga. Tech so that will be yet another mug to add in a few years.
     
  19. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    Go for it as long as you share some pics. (y) I used some hooks I got from Amazon and they were just barely big enough. I recommend trying a few different sizes to see what works best before purchasing a big quantity.
     
  20. dualgauge

    dualgauge TrainBoard Member

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    I also like your storage boxes and labels for the trains. Makes it a lot easier and quicker to find equipment.
     
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