Been working (slowly) on a 23"x41" n-scale layout based on the cannery industry along the Columbia River (Oregon) in the early 1900s.

Thought I'd share some construction picts since its start at the beginning of the year.
[The full play-by-play can be found here]

I am getting ready to lay track on my second level. I was going to go with ME cd 83 rail, but given how hard it is to work with and getting it just right, I am considering using Peco code 83 flex track instead.

I know it will not look as good in photos, but the tie detail is not bad,  and it will go down quicker and easier than ME. This will allow me to get the level up and running much sooner.

Hi Jack from Star, Idaho.  A week or so ago I posted a blog about dying ballast.  I appreciate the advice to try Scenic Express.  I have purchased from scenic express before but I never looked close at the actual stone ballast they sell.  I only looked at the first page because I thought it was for the larger scale trains.  However, to my surprise they make it for HO and N scale.  Thanks again for leading me to the right place because I found the dark grey ballast that I was looking for.  I received it today and the color was perfect.&

In my previous post I had asked your opinion on how to control my turnouts manually and I thank everyone for their input and ideas.  After looking at all the information I'm going to attempt (notice the word attempt) to use a 2 postion SPDT rotary switch as the actuator.  The switch will be mounted in the fascia (probably flush) and will use the same method as Joe Fugate uses with his barrel locks to connect to and control his turnout.