Just do it

Hi Mike,

Although I'm far from being one of the experts, it strikes me that something about this plan appealed to you and that's enough reason to get going. If you can arrange for fiddle/staging/cassette arrangements on either end there are good operational possibilities here. 

Your instincts seem to be telling you to start with something manageable - good! Treat it as a learning experience and try to discover what you find satisfying. Go easy on the perfectionism, at least at first. 

If you like what you end up with I think you're correct - this can easily be expanded. 

The important thing is to get started! Good for you!

Jeff

That plan has everything you need

to learn the craft of model railroad building. I see many many hours of enjoyment there. Some may tell you to add more turnouts or move the ones you have, but I think you have enough to get the hang of building turnouts and enough track to show off your rolling stock. After you put down the track, I suggest you work in sections-- build, say, everything left of the river, then the other side, and by the time you've gotten to the end, you will have increased your skills enough to go back and improve the first parts. Take the same approach to the buildings-- start with a couple of simple kits, try a craftsman kit or two, then you will be ready to replace any plastic with scratch built.

pqe

I think it looks like a nice

I think it looks like a nice plan.  I like the flowing lines and imagine the scenery will make it look much larger once it is built.  It is hard to fight the temptation of adding a ton of turnouts and track to a smaller plan (ask me how I know) LOL. 

Guys, thanks so much for

Guys, thanks so much for replying.  Really appreciate the support and positive responses.  Been doing a ton of research on benchwork, as this will be the first thing on my punchlist to accomplish.  I hope I end up with 10 fingers afterwards.

Trying to figure out the best way to curve fascia, what to use for material to run from the fascia to the floor, how to mount it, what the best lumber to use to build the benchwork, top-grade plywood, standard pine, etc., etc.  (I'm beginning to see why I waited 35 years to start this.)  Hoping to get started on the benchwork in the next 2 weeks.

Thanks again guys.

Mike

150 pages of sweating the details

Fully aware this reads like a blatant plug, may I suggest you browse through the LK&O blog. I faced the same questions as you when I began. I documented in detail, some say too much, my methods and results. It may help you in your decisions or at least demonstrate one way of going about it.

http://www.lkorailroad.com

Curved Facia

I used 1/4" S2S plywood laminated together into 2 layers to build my curved benchwork. I used regular carpenters glue with lots of cheap clamps to bond the pieces.

I will attached 1/8" MDF to it to make the finished fascia layer later and then I will hang a brown cloth below it to finish the look.

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/16874

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/16370

For the really tight curve on the far right of the photo, I used a single layer of Masonite.

I would suggest reading what

I would suggest reading what Allan calls a blatant plug. It is very well written and full of information and could easily be converted into a how to book on building a railroad. Granted it does not discuss a lot of methods Allan did not use, but it makes a great read and there are ideas that can be converted to your own use.

Guys, thanks again for

Guys, thanks again for responses.  Bill / Alan, you guys aren't model railroaders, you're artists / masters!  Spent the entire morning going through lkorailroad website, and looking at all of Bill's work.  I won't be able to come close to reaching those heights, as the bar is set pretty high here.  But, we're going to give it a try.  I've convinced myself that with the mistakes I'll make, I'm just going to hide them with paint, spackle, curtains, whatever it takes.

Also have decided on going with plywood for all of the benchwork.  And boy have I fallen in love with 'pocket holes'.    Probably don't need them, but boy do they look cool.  Have to get me a cheap Kreg jig and screws.

Mike

"Trying to figure out the

   The "best" material and method is the stuff you can get the easiest and work the best with. Layouts are built with everything from simple sheets of foam or hollow core doors to complex laminated wood or welded steel framing and each was best for the guy who built it.  First you need to assess the track plan and your shelf location and decide how the framing could best be arranged to suit. Then take into account your available tools and work space, then look for materials that best suit both. As long as it comes out the right shape, is stable and easy to maintain, and strong enough to support the layout it doesn't really matter what's under the finished scenery, you'll be building structures and running trains and forget all about the benchwork.  .....DaveB

vote 2 for Alan's blog