Hello: I've never done this before. So bear with me. I am 80 years old, poor vision, slightly shaky. Last July, I was diagnosed with heart trouble. (I'm not here to dwell on that.). But I decided a bucket list was in order. Number One: Build a model railroad. I chose to build a shelf layout in a hallway and room, straight along one wall. I had 26 feet maximum. What equipment, etc. I do have is HO. Felt an 8' board cut in 3 would yield 24 feet long. Leaving a little fudge factor. But cut in 3, gives 16" wide and the hallway is 36". So, cut it in 4 and have an extra board for scenery or ?? Not having proper space to cut a board, and H-D wouldn't. I had a friend do the basic. Also had him paint it. Tan on top/sides and white on bottom. Decided the layout would be high. After discussion with fellow modelers, I decided on arm pit height. I can stand and work on it with No Trouble. And at only 12" deep, can easily reach anything. I mounted the shelf brackets and placed the boards loosely on them. So I can move them around as I work on them. I started with the left board as it will put at the far end that is easily accessed. Used AnyRail6 to draw. And draw. And I'm up revision #60+. But the left board design held and that is the first one I've built. One major problem that most people have is the decisions on how to spend money. Where do you spend the most? I chose PECO code 83 as track for one reason. Looks and quality. Or is that quality and looks. Because it costs more than competition, I have to cut costs elsewhere. Like "no turnout machines". And who need them on a 12" shelf. More tomorrow or whenever.

Morgan BIlbo, a PRR modeler in 1952