Track work is done!

After taking some time off to install gutter screens on our house, I finished laying the last of the track in ‘Illinois’ yesterday. Illinois is the south bedroom. The track layout looks nothing like what I had envisioned when I was designing the railroad in CadRail. It’s much better. Having the actual physical track and turnouts on the benchwork gave me a better vision as to the placement and positioning of the track and future buildings.

The next steps will be to add feeders in Sutton and Groveton. The mainline though the tunnel and Fairfax already are feedered.

Fairfax has a 3 track yard and industries along the front edge.

Groveton has industries on both sides of the mainline along with 2 sidings. This was the last section I put down and took a lot of time envisioning different switching scenarios.

Sutton was tricky to lay out because of the short length and the door notch on the right side. Originally, I was going to have a 90 degree crossing right in front of the tunnel but decided to eventually use a building to hide the tunnel.

Once the feeders are installed, I’ll slide in the missing ties. The track layout can be changed. Nothing is 100% permanent. Once I get the railroad JMRI’d and run some virtual sessions, I’ll make that decision. But as it stands right now, I’m very happy with the configuration.