Latest Progress on the "K & M" Railroad

strut Jan 15, 2022

  1. strut

    strut TrainBoard Member

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    Earlier posts have highlighted the layout and early construction of what has now been named the "K & M" after mine and my wife's nicknames for each other. I'm very close to having all the track laid and secured and am ready to start wiring. However, before I get started on this next phase I used a mover's dolly and some scrap lumber to build a creeper for working under the table. I'll be adding a work light of course and maybe a headrest, but still trying to decide if a cup holder and stereo speakers are really needed. I'll post more here as things progress! Creeper.jpg
     
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  2. CNE1899

    CNE1899 TrainBoard Member

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    Strut,
    Nice bench work. I think you need to consider upholstery before the cup holder and stereo speakers.

    Scott
     
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  3. strut

    strut TrainBoard Member

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    Here's a photo of the bare bench work:

    Benchwork.jpg
    [​IMG]
     
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  4. strut

    strut TrainBoard Member

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    It's taken more time than I originally thought (big surprise), but I've finalized the layout, secured the track and applied rust to the rails, wired the blocks and am in the process of testing for smooth running (see video link below). The updated layout includes two mainlines that serve as reverse loops for each other. The first line will include rough representations of Cuba, Missouri and the spur to the AMAX lead mine in Viburnum, Missouri. The second will pay homage to the Frisco yard in Newburg, Missouri and the nearby spur to Fort Leonard Wood including the Bundy Junction wye and the iconic Big Piney bridge and trestle near Devil's Elbow, Missouri. I've inserted insulators that will allow for the two mainlines to be operated either as one long run or separately with the trains traveling in the same or opposite directions (with isolated passing sidings of course) as well as having the option of operating a switcher loco in the yard via a third cab. Next, I'll be constructing a drawer under the benchwork to house the block control system and eventually all the turnout controllers.

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/9y83e52fxsn8j6y/IMG_9068.MOV?dl=0
     
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  5. rray

    rray Staff Member

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    It looks like things are running pretty darned well! And the layout design looks very nice for running and watching trains, nice work.
     
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  6. CNE1899

    CNE1899 TrainBoard Member

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    Strut,
    Nice work so far. That looks like really smooth running trains!

    Scott
     
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  7. JoeS

    JoeS TrainBoard Member

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    Indeed I was thinking you run 50 plus car trains on a layout like that. Nice!
     
  8. strut

    strut TrainBoard Member

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    Maybe someday, but I've got a lot left to do before I start collecting rolling stock! :)
     
  9. strut

    strut TrainBoard Member

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    At some point I'm going to be able to start on the "fun stuff" and begin working on scenery, but for now I'm finishing up on the basics. I've just finished the control panel for my blocking system which will fit nicely on the retractable drawer under my layout with my turnout controls... when I get around to building them!

    IMG_9204.jpg IMG_9205.jpg
    IMG_9203.jpg
     
  10. CNE1899

    CNE1899 TrainBoard Member

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    Strut,
    Nice clean build with good graphics. Like the retractable drawer.

    Scott
     
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  11. rray

    rray Staff Member

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    Yes, I agree, very professional looking build!
     
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