The pictures

Here's the transition from the west helix to the upper deck. You can see where the previously laid track work ends.

Coming into the upper deck from behind the scenic backdrop.

The town of Liberty is just to the right of the last picture. Here's a view from both ends. The plywood backdrop will have brackets installed for a light valence over this section of the layout since there are no overhead can lights here, and a masonite backdrop will then be installed over the brackets. 

You might notice a difference in the cork roadbed in various areas. The last batch of Midwest cork I bought was really different from previous batches. They've added a lot more rubber to the cork mix. I don't like it near as much as before. It smells like truck tires, and doesn't cut or sand as easily. You can see the difference in this next picture. The older cork is on the left, newer on the right.

Continuing eastbound on the upper deck now...

At this point I needed to install more support brackets for the "east" end of the upper deck. Here they are going in. I found mounting a valence board at the end of the bracket supports really helped stiffen things up. Eventually a 3" wide valence of masonite will be added over this plywood for a more finished appearance.

Sub-roadbed for the "east" end of the upper deck has been installed, but still needs risers to bring it up to the correct elevation.

As at the other end of the upper deck, a light valence will be mounted over this section and into that dark corner to provide better lighting for the upper deck. 

That stub piece of sub-roadbed in the last picture will continue around to the left over the helix. I have to figure out though how best to support that section of track and provide a support for a curved backdrop in that area over the helix. Pictures of that will have to wait for the next post. 

With the upper deck bench work nearing completion, I'm getting excited about the prospect of installing the rest of the mainline track and finally getting the chance to run some trains again! Can't wait...I feel the kid coming out in me again!  

Looking very  well done. I

Looking very  well done. I had the same  issues with Midwest cork. Heats up the sandpaper  faster  when sanding it. But then I thought would more rubber in the mix make the roadbed quieter? Look at all that  track work, outstanding, some times I wonder if I should of stuck with N Scale.

Regards Phil

Where from?????

Paul, do you by any chance hail from Aurora, Illinois?  I was baptized 71 years ago and 22 years later married by Rev. Paul G. Krentz.  I was wondering if you might be related.  Thank you, Bill Gellert

Replies

Rob:

Your kind words always give me a chuckle. Thanks! Although I'm questioning the amount of your shame with that smiley face!  

Phil:

Thanks for the compliment. Your layout has been an inspiration for me as I go about my construction. 

Never thought of the rubber making the roadbed more quiet. I think that will depend how the track is held in place. I glue mine down with white glue, which I've read transfers noise more, but we'll see.

Not sure if I understood you right, but just to make sure we're on the same page, this is an HO scale layout. I used to model N scale however, and know what you mean about the amount of track N scale makes possible. When I switched to HO scale, I wasn't sure I'd be able to have the kind of layout I desired given space limitations. But so far it's worked out just fine, and HO is a lot easier on aging eyes!

Bill:

I grew up in Michigan, and now live in Minnesota. My middle initial is D. So far as I know there's no relation, but Krentz isn't too common of a name, so maybe somewhere in the past there's a connection. My mom and dad are both from Canada, and most of my relatives reside there. Sorry to disappoint you on that account, but glad to hear about your past, and I hope your baptismal faith continues to grow!

Phil:Thanks for the

 Thank you for your kind commnets.I must of been mistaken, re it being  N scale. Or I mis read saying u were in N  etc. opsy   Yes, one of the reasons I went to HO was for sound. I will be  following your  blog, since if ever I grow tired of  UP and deserts, my  Plan B  is CSX and lush green hills  hauling coal

Regards Phil

@ Phil

Given the quality of your work, the beautiful scenery you've made, and those gorgeous weathered UP units you now have, I don't think you'll be switching to CSX any time soon! 

I am coveting my neighbors

I am coveting my neighbors layout.....oh the shame of it. Great job Paul it is really moving along.

Wow...

moving right along! Looks good Paul.      John

Nice Job

Great progress and the layout is looking good.  I paint my n-scale cork before I lay track to seal in the smell.  I agree, the newer cork has a different texture and smell.

Replies

John - Doesn't seem like I've been moving right along lately as you mentioned. I got a lot more done during the winter months than lately, but your encouragement definitely helps. Thanks!

John (jmt99atsf) - The smell of the new cork roadbed seems to disappear after a while, or could it be maybe I've just gotten used to it? Not sure. I like your idea of painting the cork though. I might have to consider doing that myself. Thanks for the support! 

Finally Complete!

I'm not as fast as some of the people I've seen here on MRH, but after 8 1/2 months since beginning construction on my N&W Pocahontas District layout, I've finally installed the last bit of bench work and sub-roadbed. Yay! 

Here's a couple pictures of the last segment that needed to go in over the helices.

So in review:

Beginning...

End...

Next item of business...installing the upper deck back drops, and putting down some more cork and track to complete the mainline.

Paul that looks fantastic.

Paul that looks fantastic. That will be a very enjoyable layout to operate and to work on. You will have a great time with it.