18 January 2024

2. Stage 6 - 18 January 2024 Area for the Indoor Section cleared

The wall that separated the two parts of the shed has been dismantled and I now have a clear space to work in (a blank canvas so to speak).

The plan at the moment is to continue the two levels of the layout into the shed with a slight grade on the upper level and avoiding the rail on the bottom level having to have a steep grade.

To achieve this I have decided to use the existing HO benchwork (with out the expanded areas that were needed to give the required radius for my HO locomotives). 

The benchwork is 1320mm high and the upper level is 1000mm high while the lower level is 900mm.  

At 900mm I will be able to fit my storage shelving underneath it, moving the shelving will then allow me to open the door that is blocked off at the moment.

The backdrop of the HO layout will be retained and a mine building is being trialed in the corner. with a line running through it, thiswill give me a purpose for the coal hoppers that I have just 3D printed.

Hunter Valley Coal Hopper 

The mountain hiding the steel framing post "Post Mountain" is going to be retained but will need trimming and the tunnel entrance facing the door filled in. The other end of the tunnel may be left in place and a small railway run from it to to the mine.  An O Gauge loco and skips 3D print files are waiting to be done if that goes ahead.

Left Hand End of the Shed

Looking into Old Work Nook Area

Looking into Left Hand End Corner

 
Benchwork from Shed Door including Post Mountain

Looking along HO Benchwork


Coal Loader/Mine in Corner



14 January 2024

1. Stage 6 - 14 January 2024 Work Begins on new Loops

 Work on rearranging the shed to clear space for construction to begin started at the beginning of the New Year.

The work nook I had for modelling was disassembled and an area on the main workshop bench was cleared.  My soldering bench was moved to the end of the main bench.  

This gave me an opportunity to downsize and dispose of some tables that weren't needed and de-clutter.

This gave me an open area along with the old HO area in which to build the loops and sidings dimensions 5.3M x 4M.  .

The work nook before.


 Work Nook Empty

New Modelling Area


 Soldering Bench


 Old HO area


 Looking out at layout from HO area.