The Sydney Project 10: Subroadbed and much more

In the previous installment, I built the second ramp up from the lower staging yard. This time, I'll work on the subroadbed through the fall scene and also take care of a few miscellaneous tasks. Next week, I'll build a large workbench under the harbor scene.
If you are in the market for a custom model railroad design and/or build, please contact me at: www.superiormodelrailroads.com

[@michaeldeckert6023]

I'm one who personally enjoys everything that you do! I'm more of the longer time than the shorter. But beggars can't be choosers either. Always a smile on my face when I see a new alert that you've put something out. Incredible to see this once in a lifetime type of layout. Best to you and the puppy!

[@kenr86]

Good to see your foreman (Zeus) is maintaining his quality control inspections.

[@rjl110919581]

THANK YOU FOR DETAIL VIDEO AS GREAT WATCHING VERY TIME FROM AUSTRALIA

[@SPSteve]

Epic layout and a challenge for you. Man, it'd be nice to have space for such a basement empire.

[@derekalexander4030]

I like the adjustments on the fly and that you’re not bound by the plan you created. This is going to be one heck of a layout.

[@PeterTillman3]

It’s really coming along Peter. Beautiful work 👍

[@jetstream5762]

Your work is strictly SUPERIOR! Thank you!

[@PietHoffenaar]

Very impressie Peter! I am just a couch-modelrailroader at the moment. In another life I picture myself building such a large layout. For now I thoroughly enjoy your videos. All the steps in designing and building. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! Piet Hoffenaar, The Netherlands.

[@charlesemerson6763]

I cannot wait to see a loco running on this layout. Your benchwork is impeccable. As to the Fast Tracks turnouts do you, or did you ever have problems with the frogs. I used to find that frog point rails would either sit up slightly or sit too far into the frog area causing derailments or tight spots. This didn't happen all the time but it was a problem I never really sorted out.

[@mpeterll]

I've never had these problems with FT turnouts in the 1000's that I've built. One thing I do recommend is to depart from FT's instructions and put the V in before the wing rails while it is still possible to solder it from the top. It will be necessary to file away the wing rails at a slight angle to miss the solder fillet. If the V sits too high, it's probably because you haven't cleaned up up enough. If the flange-ways through the frog are too tight, they need to be cleaned out with a knife-edge file. I hope this helps.

[@allenlandis4504]

Looking Good.

[@craigsummers131]

longer is good , what an awesome railroad that is going to be, kinda envious really :)

[@user-yq6xj1xo2b]

you got the big boy holding the plywood down!!!!! great vid

[@randydobson1863]

Hi Mpeterll & it's is Randy and i like yours video is Cool & Thanks Mpeterll & Friends Randy

[@donstratton6343]

Very good.

[@nickb.1095]

Hey Peter. Been a long time viewer of your work and absolutely love the progress your making on this layout project. My primary question though is, what wood do you use or think is good for constructing layouts with? I genuinely have a huge question mark over my head of what wood I should use. I know the various hardnesses of woods available on the market, but everything you'd think to use has an extremely high hardness scale rating to it. I don't particularly know what wood is easy to work with, cut, drill into, bend, etc. I really want to build a new expandable modular layout that doesn't have benchwork so thick that I can barely drill into or put track nails into it. My father got it for free off the side of the road 6 years ago, but its just a mess of a shoddily built 4x8 table.

[@mpeterll]

The best wood for model railroad construction is high quality plywood. Solid pine will warp and twist. If you can find it, "Baltic Birch" is by far the best choice. It's expensive but worth it in the long run. Otherwise, any furniture grade plywood is okay. Do NOT use construction grade. Fine something with lots of thin plies (at least 9 for 3/4" and 7 for 1/2").

[@nickb.1095]

@@mpeterll Thanks so much Peter. That helped me a lot and I genuinely was set on trying to find Birch actually. Good to know I should not use Pine. A British guy I watch used Poplar, would that also be an alright choice?

[@PaulFotschky]

Is this the largest by over all square foot layout you have built?

[@karintippett753]

It appears you had the work shop built large enough to build this customers layout.

[@mpeterll]

It was built specifically for this project.

[@legotrainchris]

When you are designing a layout that someone else is going to build, do you try to reduce the "tricky" spots? 🙂🙂

[@vincebreen3-55]

Hi Peter, I see a "rollout" section in your project, but not in the design plans or a reason for its location. Is it only for your build, or is there a reason for it that was explained? I know my "dream build" will require such an element to move every usage.