Archive for September, 2008

Well here it is as promised, some pictures. This time they are not near as cluttered as the first ones you seen , Yup not much in there now except what I need to work with. All the “stuff” that was in there is now in the unfinished games room and my work shop. The only problem I have right now besides doing the crack filling (Did I mention I hate crack filling before?) is my workshop is uninhabitable at the moment. Some of the……….no all of the bulky stuff was put in my workshop and now if I need to cut or work on something……….well, it ain’t gettin’ done in there!!

Well there is not a lot to say since last week. I have managed to get all the sheetrock up and started to apply the mud(crack filling). I had to work out of town last weekend and my youngest son Mark has started playing Football so extra time just doesn’t seam to be plentiful these last couple weeks. I’ll try and get some pictures and post them for my next update.

See Ya

Al

Well I did have a request to see some of my layout drafts. I just got back from taken my oldest son to work and no one is up yet so I thought this would be a quite thing to do. I have been working on putting up the Sheetrock in the basement and should be able to finish it today. Then on to the crack filling, a job I can say I almost hate doing……yup, pretty close to hate.  

I have been using XTrkCad to design my layouts. This cad program is free and you can download it here if you would like to try it out for yourself - xtrkcad-download . There is, like most software, a bit of a learning curve but well worth it if you like playing with layout ideas. There is also a Yahoo group that you can join. There is a wealth of knowledgeable members always willing to help out and no question is too dumb to ask, believe me I asked plenty when I started. You can find the group here – XTrkCad .

Well here are the JPEG files of my first plan. I really do like this draft a lot but the only reason I am not going to finish designing or build this is there is no way there would be enough room in there for all the operators it would take to run the railroad (The room is only 12X12). This would be a double deck layout although at first glance you would think it was three. The 3rd picture is only to show the branchline and a continuous run for “breaking in” or testing new loco’s.

Also there are a few more drafts I’m “playing” with:

Please by all means, if you have any comments or suggestions do not hesitate. I am open to any and all suggestions…..good or bad. Thanks

 

See Ya

Al