More progress on the new layout. I have finished the installation of the uprights; added power with several outlets; put in a panel for building lights and accessories to be powered by a separate power pack; put in a panel for track power with most of the elements.

After a short stint in the hospital for a bout of pneumonia, I have managed to get some more work done on the layout reconstruction.

Now that all the visitors and Christmas cookies are gone, I finally got started on the new benchwork/layout re-construction of the left side of the railroad. Having saved most all the track, switches, buildings and lumber from the previous layout, my investment so far has been eight 2x2's and a box of Tapcon Phillips head screws.

Photos of the progress in the next post.

Work on my new layout will start next month. The two halves (wye tracks on the left and right drawings) are connected by a double track bridge that spans a doorway leading to the outside of the basement and can be easily removed in an emergency.

Christmas is a time for fun . . . . and trains! Video from the past.

What my wife thinks about when I say "Honey, I just bought a train I really needed". . . . .LOL!

Deconstruction is underway and the new railroad will hopefully lay track in early January! One tends to forget how many hidden screws were covered up by scenery, buildings, ballast etc. I am saving as much as possible, including the lumber, for re-use on the new layout. Plans are for a cantilevered wall mount with a 30 inch depth and 40 inches height from the floor by 27 feet in length.

It's Done - 354 Juniper Street - the bungalow gift for Vivian, the wife of my friend and modeling mentor, Bernie Kline, who passed away earlier this month before they could retire to their dream home. Hopefully, now, it will become a cherished memory even as his model railroad "estate" finds new homes.