Construction

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 IMPORTANT NEWS  The James River Branch layout will be for sale when it's completed! If you're interested in purchasing it, please read the details.

Layout

Bringing a layout into the world is rarely a straightforward process, and despite its small size, this one has been no easier or quicker to build than a layout ten times larger. The steps—as well as many of the missteps—are documented in the following chapters.

Design

• Modeling Background
• False Start
• Revised Plan
• The Prototype
• Location & Lighting

Benchwork

• Base
• Roadbed
• Backdrop

Track

• Sectional Track
• Handlaid Track
• Code 25 Turnout
• Access Panels

Power & Control

• Power Supply and Wiring
• Control Panels

Design Revisions

• Fine-Tuning the Town
• One Thing Leads to Another
• The Town That Won't Stay Put

Scenery

• Rock, Part 1 | 2 | 3
• Terrain
• Ballasting
• Greenery, Part 1 | 2 | 3
• Streets and Roads, Part 1 | 2 | 3
• Water, Part 1 | 2

Specific features of the layout are detailed in the following project pages. "Progress bars" roughly indicate the status of each project.

Bridges

Structures

Scenes and Details

Rolling Stock

Copyright © 2007-2010 by David K. Smith. All Rights Reserved.