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Ephrata Valley RR "Mainline" - the 4'x8' project

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RP model railroads
Big Boy

Status: offline

Posted - October 04 2021 : 10:06:32 PM

Many of you will recall the free 4'x8' layout I picked up a long time ago.....

Long story short, I pondered what to do with the layout, and developed a track plan, for a bi-level HO fictional layout, but never made any progress. The plywood sheet on top was badly warped, due to having no cross support under the tabletop. So, I built a "benchwork" frame out of 2x4's, flipped the original 4x8 plywood sheet over on its unpainted side, and screwed it down to the frame, preventing any major future bowing. Then, I installed new "banquet" folding table legs while reusing the original caster wheels (bought 1 new one), adding three extra inches to the height of the table through the use of fabricated 2x4 pieces for the table leg brackets to attach to the underside of the tabletop. The final result is a much sturdier, heavier, and non-bowed 4x8 table! The only additional costs, beside hard work, was the $40 spent on the new table legs and caster wheel - all screws, 2x4s, and the original 4x8 sheet of plywood were already owned.

Then, thin green carpeting was cut and affixed to the tabletop with rug adhesive.

Around this time, I officially decided to name this layout the "Ephrata Valley RR Mainline" - with a rapidly increasing locomotive roster thanks to the incredible work done by the Anderson Shops, the 4'x4' Ephrata Valley Railroad has at last become too small. After selling off the N-Scale Santa Fe Paradise layout and some other train stuff, with further plans to downsize, I decided to focus on what I enjoy most about model railroading - my Ephrata Valley Railroad. With this 4x8, I plan to focus primarily on realistic railroad operations, with 2 separate lines, 1 siding, and a decent train yard with engine shed and locomotive maintenance facilities - while still keeping the autumn theme. I do Not intend on tearing down the original 4x4, simply because the layout has 6+ years of memories invested in it, not to mention countless photos and videos, and being my first HO layout ever.

So, without further ado, here's how much track I've laid so far - the train yard is decently sized, with 6 sidings which can and eventually will, be used to store locomotives. It should be mentioned that I bought and built a Pola 2-door engine shed for the layout, which helped me to improve the train yard trackage. I still have time to change the track, as I plan to tackle wiring next, which needless to say, will be challenging - considering I want to wire-in blocks for all 6 locomotive storage tracks in the yard, as well as for the 1 siding connected to the inner line.

Thank you for reading, and I will post updates here when further progress is made.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16

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Edited by - RP model railroads on October 04 2021 10:10:38 PM

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USA ~ Posts: 4669 ~ Member Since: August 11 2017 ~ Last Visit: July 20 2023