December Update - End of 2020

As 2020 draws to a close, I would like to post another update.

Progress on the LA Division is slowly picking up. I finished adding the small peninsulas. These stick out 3-4 feet. They add more switching as designed and fill a dead space. 

Here is space with blue tape outlining the footprint and the welding blanket protecting the floor.

Up next is the installation of the peninsula closest to the window. This was build extra strong as this is an egress point in the event of a fire. The roof is just outside of the window. The peninsula and the benchwork under the window will have solid plywood over the entire area to provide strength in the event of an evacuation. 

Following the completion of the window peninsula, I added the small peninsula to the right. 

 

Here is a look from the window side. Below is the opposite view.

The view below is the completed view with the blue tape pulled up. 

Up next is the installation of risers. First I have to fabricate them. I ripped a mix of plywood and osb that I had on hand. I have all the riser legs cut and its time to start gluing. I hope that will be completed in a day or two. 

Once all is installed, I will be able to begin laying track on the main level. That is exciting!

On December 15th, I celebrated 11 years of operating and hosted session 250. Below are a couple of pictures from the session. 

During our normal mid session break, we celebrated with homemade cupcakes from my wife. It was national cupcake day. And, a celebratory glass of Jack Daniels. Thanks Bruce for bringing it!

And a look back in time to the original shakedown session on the Exeter Branch.

Lastly, I decided to paint some roads onto the Exeter Branch. Too often do sessions end with roads blocked by spotted cars. I decided to experiment with painting some roads. At Walmart I found Apple Barrel paint called 'Pavement Black'. I thought I'd give is a whirl and like the color once applied. 

Apparently I'm not a civil engineer as the curve in the road below is a bit sharp. I'll have to adjust that. 

I think the addition of the roads gives a decent look. Certainly better than the pencil lines drawn on the benchwork. 

Up next will be to add more roads and break out the brown paint to cover the gray patches. Originally the top of the benchwork was painted gray and subsequently painted brown. 

Still more to do. I don't know if I'll ever get to scenery. I do need to make more buildings and I would like to eventually build some building silhouettes to be installed on aisle side on some of the spurs. 

I'd like wish everyone Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, and of course Happy New Year!