Here's a tour of my SPSF Meadow Sub, which is set in late summer 1998 in southeast Nebraska, an ex-Rock Island branchline.  Layout construction began in March 2010 and the layout has evolved a little since then with some track reconstruction and the addition of the Belt Line extension about a year ago.

Details follow in the next post.

Making some slow progress on my layout. Since my last post about how I recycled parts of my 20+ year old train table, I have finished the first part of the 8' by 2' benchwork. I added some 1" by 1" wood cleats to the joists so I could screw the plywood from below. I used 2 pieces of 2' by 4' birch plywood for the top.

First attempt at a laser building and posting a picture

I just now (on the 3rd) sent an email to Model Railroader Magazine. This was the default reply:

Virginian and Lake Erie (Rob in Texas) I just noticed your comment on last months post:

The 5 year plan - Is to completely rebuild the layout one section each year. So no tie in to old layout as it will be removed piece by piece as I go and all the material reused in the new layout. Why 5 years? I will be 65 at that time and will be close to retirement from GM so this will be the last layout for me.

Changes to layout:

November update for bench work in the new section - I am complete with the roughed in part. Wife says no more wood or foam work until after Christmas. We are hosting the family this year and I have to keep it cleaned up for the kids who will want to watch "Uncle Mikes" trains run.

Forgive the video & picture quality just using my phone and not good at it at all.

Well the basic structure of Middleton Mills is done. Painted and weathered. Have to add the details like vents, pipes, chimney, crates on the loading dock, some workers etc.

The web site for rail explorers states: "These custom built Railbikes have never before been available in America. "  This six mile ride is in my plans for next summer !

That crazy huge liftout between "our space" and "her space" now
has a place to go between sessions.

For background information and construction details see my original post.