Still under construction but close to power-up. Track changes have been complete. This view shows the dual helix -- an inner spiral from the Deseronto yard up. And a second outer helix that spirals down and then across the layout midway to connect to the train elevator on the wall. This view also shows the modular grid construction of the benchwork and the turnaround loop inside the helix.

Turnouts wired and seem to operate, at least most of the time. Modratec levers installed to operate the Deseronto yard turnouts. Some of the levers operate multiple turnouts that needed to be operationally interlocked. The control panel is being redone to allow for changes in trackwork/turnouts, this is the old layout. Turntable and elevator controls are being moved to the space to the left of the levers. 

Above the Zephyr is a DCC power meter showing current power usage. The blank area of plywood is for a small townscape and the depression to the right is for a river valley modelled loosely on the Napanee river under the railroad viaduct.

End view of the Deseronto yard. At the back will be a small industry area -- the plastic bases for the planned structures mark out the rough arrangement. Behind the lower turntable is space for an engine facility -- coal, cinders and sand. The left hand side will be for a passenger station. The tracks are blocked with a stick as in a future iteration a fold-out extension is planned. Some day...

DCC power management, block detection and turnout control circuitry are mounted on panels like this at the three corners of the layout. The black box strapped to one leg is a flatscreen TV power supply that provides a solid six amp 12 volt DC feed for all the accessories (but not command stations) through small fuses. The AC outlet is one of three under the layout -- all fed from a central disconnect and heavy duty plug. When everything is wired up there will be perforated panels to cover up the plumbing. The underside shows the holes that were drilled for wiring -- barely adequate. If I were to do this again I would build it with two runs of network cable trough down the length. Need to keep the underside clear because certain parties want to slide their worktable back under here as well as all the boxes of assorted... sigh.

The legs all sit on plastic furniture pads. On the carpet it is easy to move the entire layout should access to the window, heat pump or train elevator be required. When slid into position, there is a row of metal alignment dowels on the backside of the layout that mate into a board with sockets screwed across the front of the elevator frame. A table top clamp (like would be found under an extendable dining room table) locks the layout to the elevator.