NTS&B Phase 5 module track layout started

I am scrambling to get something running for the train club meeting tomorrow evening.  The outside loop is laid in for its final configuration.  The sidings in the middle are just temporarily put in to have some place to put spare trains during the meeting.  I thought it fitting that the first model Lionel GG1 from 1947 and its cars from 1948-50 make the maiden voyage.

NTS&B Phase 5 modules painted

For my first attempt at putting the final coat of paint on, I used some left over tan paint I had.  This resulted in a totally too light finish.  I then had to buy a quart of darker brown, which will be the final paint for this section.  I used brown, because this will eventually be the fall (autumn) area.  I also finished painting the small mainline extension where the light house will be located.

First attempt using tan paint

Final attempt.  Blue area will eventually be water feature.

NTS&B Phase 5 module Work Session

I had some volunteers Thursday and Saturday to help with the layout.  Thursday, John L picked up the 3 sheets of plywood to cover the modules.  Saturday Paul M and sons came over and we installed the plywood, and primed it.  Here are the latest pictures:

 New plywood has arrived

 Paul Jr. Cutting out the ocean bay

Plywood installed and primed. Center cutout is for future upper and lower levels

Plywood installed and primed-view from end of layout

 

Vincent M. inspecting my helix after work session was complete

NTS&B Phase 5 module Track Wiring Laid In

Finally got all of the track wiring laid in from the barrier blocks for the outer 3 loops.  Only about 4 of the pairs are connected to the tracks at this time.   There will multiple connections on each loop.  On the sidings, there is usually a connection on each end.  This is to provide insurance that a week pin will not cause power problems in the future.  Here are pictures of the block connectors, which will give you an idea on how many wires I have run so far.  The loose unlabeled wires are temporary connections. All black wires are to the center rail of the tracks, and the green wires are to the outer (ground) wires.  Control Switch and Accessory wiring have not been started.

Connectors on right are outside track (1), ones on left are loop 2

 Track 3 Connector

Common Debug Power Connector

NTS&B Last Phase 5 module

The last module of the fall layer has now been framed in.  Hopefully will get plywood by the end of the week.  With this 2x4 module, the overall footprint of the layout has now been laid in.  Still lots more work to do.  Also, have laid in quit a few track power lines for the outside loop, and established the power blocks for the 2 outside loops.  Here are some updated pictures.

NTS&B Phase 5-Bay and forth module

The weather has not been cooperating real well this week.  Seems that when ever I have a day to work on the layout, it's raining, or rained the previous night so my outside work area is still wet.  To make things worse, I offered to have the club meeting here in only 3 more weeks, so I've got to really get going.  I did manage to get a couple things done.  The first was to get all of the supports in for the bay area.  I then applied one of the oldest scenery techniques for making the water. It's commonly know as 'paper water'.  It's quick to apply, and doesn't need painting (April Fools !!).  I installed the paper so I would have a template to cut out the lake when I finally get the plywood installed.  I also get the next 4x8 module framed in.  Again, waiting for plywood, but at least I can now continue wiring if it's raining.  To make room, most of the 'stuff' that was on the end of the room is now under the layout, with a few more things to cut down to fit.

Bay area supports added, and paper mockup installed.

Another 4x8 module added. Room is getting smaller.

View from other side.  The big hole in the middle is where the upper level will be added.

View of overall layout