The oldest is at the bottom; the most recent at the top.

25 November 2003

Work has finally begun in earnest on the layout. The lower level benchwork along the front wall of the house (that supports Glenrock and the line south into Thermopolis), plus the first table along the side wall (that supports the north end of Thermopolis) have been built, and track work on the hidden NP mainline along the front wall has begun. In fact, the NP line along that wall is nearly complete, and boy, I'm really beginning to see the size of this project! Those stretches of only one or two tracks running through fifteen feet or more of scenery will really look great! (If, that is, I can build decent looking scenery). I've also built (with the help of my friend Walt) the benchwork that will support Cody and Laurel (those pictures aren't processed yet). Check out the photos on the NP Mainlines page.

Visit the Construction Progress page, which I've also re-worked with new sub-pages so it will load in a reasonable time, to see some photos and descriptions of the new work.

So what allowed the resumption of construction? Well, the re-wiring of the house finally got finished, so I don't have to try and get around that mess anymore, and I also don't have to worry about new construction being in the way of the electricians. Plus, I decided that if I ever wanted to get this layout underway, let alone anywhere near complete, I had to get started (makes sense, huh?)! So I'm splitting my off-work hours between working on the house restoration/ remodel (primarily rebuilding our second-floor bathroom at this time) and the trains.

So in the short term, here's what's on tap:

• The addition contractor will be removing the existing basement steps in the next month or so, clearing that obstacle from the layout room;

• I'll be removing the partition walls for the existing workroom, and what walls remain for the existing laundry room and utility room. That will eliminate all major obstacles for benchwork construction for the entire layout. The laundry will move out into the new basement area in the next few months, and all the stuff (read: "crap") that is in the workroom also will move out, hopefully somewhat sooner. Storage shelves will also go out there in the near-term;

• Remaining benchwork will be constructed for the Cody/Laurel peninsula, and one new table for the side wall (Thermopolis) will be built;

• I'll focus on laying track through Laurel, and also on re-connecting the track that was cut when the layout was moved from Wenonah. I'm not looking forward to that, and I may have to take up a couple feet of track across each cut, since tracks were cut on curves. I may do that almost right away, since I'm really not looking forward to it. That way what looks to be a real bug-a-boo will be finished, and I'll be even more charged up to press onward!

This is the last update to the site for 2003, so even though it is a little early, I'll say "MERRY CHRISTMAS!" to everyone, and here's to a good 2004!

Mark B.

5 September / 17 September 2003

We had a great time in Wyoming! There were some changes since I was last there three years ago (not generally for the better, either). We didn't have time to go everyplace I wanted to go, but then we only had two weeks, and it's a BIG state. But I learned a few new things and corrected a few of my own misperceptions.

The addition to the house is under way! The screen porch is gone, and there's a big hole in the ground where it used to stand. Over the next couple of weeks basement walls will be poured and framing will begin shortly after. Windows have arrived already, and are stacked against a wall in the living room. Completion of the addition is probably around the middle of October now.

The never ending whole-house rewiring we're having done has - still - not ended. We're inching closer to done, albeit painfully slowly, however. Significantly, the new breaker panel powers the entire house now, and the old panel is gone. All major basement work is finished, as far as the house rewiring is concerned. MOST importantly, the two (count them - two) 30-amp twist-lock outlets are installed near where the "helixes" set, to provide power for the layout. One will run the outlets I attach under the benchwork near the front edge (for soldering irons, hot glue guns, Dremel, etc.) and the layout lighting, while the other is reserved for the layout itself. You know - power stations, command stations, accessories, etc. There will be no energy crisis on this beastie! When I told the electrician I wanted two 30-amp circuits side by side right there.... well, did I get a funny look! There's a picture of them on the Construction Progress page.

At long last I have a couple of pictures of the layout's new home! They're on the construction page, and one is in the Main Page slide show (didn't notice, did ya?).

And finally, a week after we got back from vacation my employer sent me to Amarillo for two weeks, then again for two more weeks immediately following Labor Day! As in the morning after Labor Day. This cycle of two weeks in Amarillo, then two or three weeks home, then back again may go on for awhile, I've been told. Hmph! THAT'LL slow things down a little! Still, I'm aiming to make some progress on the train.

So check back in a couple of months - maybe there will actually be layout progress photos to see by then!

Mark B.

2 July 2003

Things are progressing, even if it doesn't seem so.

The construction of the addition to the house, beginning with the destruction of a large screened-in porch that sits where the addition will, will start in just a few weeks. Current construction timeline for completion of the shell is twelve weeks, putting the completion date around 1 October. This is just the shell; my wife and I will be finishing the inside ourselves, but of course the new area of the basement will be nearly ready for use, as it will only require some wiring and plumbing for the laundry and workshop to move into it.

Meanwhile, the whole-house rewiring we're having done is almost finished - another couple of weeks should just about do it. That's been a big headache - it's been going on since the 7th of April, and since the house is plaster walls, there's plaster dust all over everything! It's almost impossible to keep the place clean, so we gave up and just keep the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen clean.

I haven't completely neglected the railroad, meanwhile - Another wall is gone in the basement, meaning I can permanently locate the parts of the layout from the old house. Cleanup of all the basement wall debris is also in process. It takes so long because of all the other work we're doing around the house and yard. But within the next month or so I should have some photos of the layout's new home posted. 

See you then!

Mark B.

17 May 2003

Well, it's been four months since the last update, but in that time a lot of things have been done.

The addition to the house, which will grant me the entire existing basement for the railroad, is completely designed, and we're about to select a contractor to do the work. I've begun tearing out some partition walls in the basement, and in a week or two will be able to position the already-existing part of the layout, which I brought with me in the recent move, in it's permanent location.

I've also finished the new track plan, which allows me to keep the small sections of the layout already started, and which takes good advantage of the larger space now available. The entire site has been updated to show the new plans on all pages.

I'll try to show some pictures of the new layout location in the next couple of months, when I hope to also have a few pictures showing some new construction.

Enjoy!

Mark B.

10/17/2002 -

====>>>>    HISTORY SECTION ADDED!    <<<<====

The CB&Q in Wyoming will soon be undergoing a major line realignment, moving it's headquarters (layout location) about ten miles northeast, from Wenonah NJ to Merchantville NJ. While this means a temporary construction stoppage on the (barely started) rail line, in the long run it means more real estate will be available for construction of the line, and faster progress, as there is less grading work (room preparation) to be completed before line construction recommences. Initial survey work has been completed - interim survey for initial route planning will be accomplished Monday, January 14 2002, with final survey and detailed planning to follow over the course of several weeks or months. 

According to the Railroad's President: "While no construction will occur within the next several months, our web presence will remain uninterrupted, with periodic updates as planning on the new system progresses, and as additional information on the prototype is learned."

So don't be a stranger - drop by often and see what's new!