Hello All,

 I have been a reader of MRH for a little over two years now, and have been slowly trying to find my way in the real world as well as the hobby world. I have been a model railroader ever since I got my first train set around the age of 7 and have been on and off with the hobby since then. I have been building radio control warships and submarines the last 10 years or so, and have found myself slowly building back into model railroading. I grew up next to the former Seaboard Line (CSX/ South Florida Regional Transit trackage) as well as The Florida East Coast, but have been fascinated by mid-western railroads, in particular the Soo Line and Canadian Pacific. I have begun construction on a new layout, but I am slightly limited as I move every 3 or 4 years as an Active Duty Coast Guardsman. My goal is to have a detailed, "proto-lanced" shelf layout that can travel and grow as my family and career continue.

Overview:

I acquired two hollow core closet doors from Lowe's in the scratch and dent rack. They measured 15" x 80" and were less than 20$ out the door for the pair. I then purchased enough 1" x 4" and 1" x 2" lumber to make a bench work frame and legs. I also layered 3/4" foam over the doors as a starting point. Florida stores only stocks1/2" and 3/4" foam insulation, so 3/4" will make do for my narrow and mostly flat shelf. I went to Hobby Lobby and found 5/8" cork sheets, and used a coupon to get an excellent price for a 2' x 4' roll, which will be plenty of road bed material.

Here are some photos of my progress to date:

I have completed one of the free standing modules, and am 50% complete with the other. I have a pack of Peco flex track in route, and already have my #6 Atlas turnouts on site. Power will be an MRC Prodigy Express DCC which will be ample for my single or possible two loco operations. 

Track Plan to follow, but will include several industries and a team track:

LPG Facility (1 or 2 spot) , Building supply facility (3 car spot), Grain Terminal (3 car spot with storage for 3) and a team track for pulpwood loading.

Included are photos of the materials, construction, my locomotive collection (I plan on using the GP38's and MP15 primarily and possibly the SD40-2 as I get them converted to DCC.

Please be patient with the posting as this is my first time, I will improve the photo layout and everything as I go along. I will draft up a track plan once I get things arranged properly. I hope you enjoy my journey and look forward to meeting some fellow builders.

Eric

Jacksonville, FL