It has begun. The initial phase of the "deconstruction" of The Greater Nickel Plate took place yesterday with part of the layout down to the bare framework. Trying to save as much as possible (did I really install that much wiring?) to be re-used on the new railroad. Planning includes a modification by a designer in Akron, Ohio who is going to incorporate some of the REAL trackage of the Nickel Plate Road from the Cleveland area where my Dad and I worked. Should be interesting. 

 

I've decided that the long axis-es will grow to 36" in width (over a 13 foot run) while the sides of the rectangular layout will stay at 30" over their 5 foot lengths. Essentially, a rectangular layout with a rectangular "hole" in the middle (built around the two support poles) which will allow access from the back sides of each section. I am planning on only a 1 1/2 or 2 foot high Gaterfoam (read lightweight) backdrop.

 

Peggy was sad to see the beautiful stream with the fishermen taken apart, but I managed to save the figures, although they will stand in the new stream a bit deeper next time since part of their legs remain in the water resin of the old one. The big thing will be solid trackwork with NO derailments and NO spaghetti wiring. The scenery work will be inproved with lighting, figures, trees, flowers, junk, sidewalks, vehicles etc. - - that part I can do.

 

Photos and progress reports to come.