Layout Updates - 1/12/25

[@NEC_Amtrak]

Great layout. For the backdrop support on the end, I would suggest using the largest size diameter wooden dowel (or old wood broomstick handle) that fits between the two backdrops. Attach a short piece of 2 x 4 under the benchwork, drill a hole the same size as the dowel through the benchwork and 2x4. A few screws and you should be good to go. No need to mess with your ductwork.

[@CSX_Bennett_Subdivision]

Thanks much for your feedback! I ended up mounting a 2x4 underneath the layout as you suggested. I ran 3 screws thru my vertical 1x4 support and into the backdrop and that actually ended up being quite stiff! It helps that this section of the backdrop only had minor curves

[@SCL1970]

Nice track plan and i build size 11 1/2 feet wide and 19 1/2 feet long and trying decide between a 30 inch radius to 32 inch radius and leading towards prototype or freelance and going to get a track planner to design it and based on SCL seaboard coast line division.

[@CSX_Bennett_Subdivision]

Sounds awesome! I've definitely wondered how different my layout would be if a "professional" track planner had designed it. Probably a lot 😂. If I were to have a redo I think I'd save myself the time and have someone else design the trackwork. That planning phase had some fun parts, but for me it's not what I enjoy spending time on the most. Hope it works out well, and thanks for watching!!

[@KandWRailroader]

Not sure how you feel about drilling holes in your duct work but you could maybe install an aluminum L bracket that could hang down and secure the top of your backdrop end there. In fact, you could probably run your wood support from the benchwork all the way up to the bracket for full support. Just spitballin'...

[@CSX_Bennett_Subdivision]

Thanks much for your feedback! I ended up mounting a 2x4 underneath the layout and running 3 screws thru my vertical 1x4 support and down into the backdrop and that actually ended up being much stiffer than expected! It helps that this section of the backdrop only had minor curves. I picked out a couple L-brackets that should work nicely to attach to the duct, but I might not even need em by the time it's done. Thanks for watching!

[@KandWRailroader]

@@CSX_Bennett_Subdivision My pleasure! Glad it worked out for you. Sometimes it's just hard to know how much support something needs until you just throw something in there. I've run across that kind of situation several times on my own layout. I enjoy these little problem-solving adventures on our layouts...part of why I love the hobby.

[@christopherwilson6825]

Great looking layout . Good update. My question is a lot of engineers of these layouts that they build, they want to be prototypical. But one thing I see that a lot of layouts lack is doing DPU's just like in real life. But keep up what you doing it looks great. Oh ! If you can talk in mic more.you:re fading in n out. Couldn't understand everything..

[@CSX_Bennett_Subdivision]

Christopher - Yeah you're right that DPU's aren't frequently ran. I think I'm part its probably because people get discouraged about speed matching locomotives. I plan to get all mine synced up eventually, but for now I have a few pairs and trios of locomotives set up into consists that run well together at lower speeds. I'll have to set up a long train with a DPU for my next video for ya! Thanks for watching 🙂