First, let me apologize for the fuzzy layout picture - a result of my capture process.  I'm looking for advice on layout construction, but specifically on how to build my expansion (which will be single deck) to allow for easy double decking later on if the need arises.  For the diagram below the red & blue lines (and supporting benchwork) would represent the expansion.  Regarding double decking I know that along the walls I can easily add a second deck by using brackets off of the wall.  My main question is how do I support a second deck for areas that aren't along

Thanks to all the soldering advice and great tips, and that's what I need, a better tip, well smaller.  I have this old radio shack station and the only place to get replacement tips is through a similar tip at Sears, three weeks and and still waiting, if it ever gets here I can improve my clumsiness.  I was using water soluble tinning flux paste, so the tip was tinned well, but the flux paste was not conducive to clean joints.  The next day I picked up liquid flux.

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Pictures added of Main Line completion and bench work completion come visit .  

http://www.grandepacificmodelrr.org/html/_rock_ridge_pictures.html

The Town of Rock Ridge with Interchange.

 This question comes up frequently. In doing some research for ship models on my layout I came across this US Navy document. It is interesting. Note the lack of styrene as an acceptable material.  Also gives you an idea why government contracts are so expensive, note the documentation section.

Okay, I think I may have goofed, rather expensively, here. When I bought my two new Trainman GP39-2 locomotives I thought that Atlas had converted over to using the new Gold Master chassis with speaker ports in it exclusively - just putting extra weight in when they didn't actually install speakers.

This is how my non-sound MP15DC came.

So when I bought a QSI Revolution-A to put in one of them, I was happy that it came with a 1" speaker. No problem!

Take out the couplers, pop the top off... problems.

I finished this book a few days ago. I still like the book whish is well written, entertaining and and informative.

However, one remark you'll find in the book did hit a note that I found extremely entertaining. You'll find it on page 88 of the book and I'll quote it:

I'm finally getting my hands on enough streamline passenger cars, most lettered for Santa Fe, to make a respectable Chief, still having to use heavyweights for the headend though!

Real progress recently on my Donner Summit layout. The graders are above Colfax pushing for the summit!

Here is a link to a video update I made.

www.tamvalleyrr.com/blog/donnersummitprogress.html

The subroadbed is made of 1/2" gatorfoam as is the 3-level swinging entry door.

And of course all the turnout motors are RC servos :-)

Any comments are welcome.

Duncan

www.tamvalleyrr.com

Day two:

Fast Tracks N code 55 #6 Double Slip Switch kit, #6 Double Crose and extra bits, not nearly enough but plastic is forever.  Yeah right, I'll start with the slip switch, don't think those quick sticks will be unwrapped anytime soon.

Long night of solder theater, nothing like coffee with milk, nickel and lead.