Tracklaying Has Begun

Here's a summary of progress to date:

Benchwork
Benchwork's complete. The layout is divided into five sections, bolted together. Section sizes range in length from 18" to 4', with widths between 18" and 3'. The 18" segment will, with the addition of the "water" attachment, actually wind up being 2' wide. Building benchwork in sections allowed me to do all of the messy, sawdust-producing work in the garage and then perform final assembly in our hobby room (spare bedroom). The only section that would ever have to be removed is the one on the far left (see plan in previous post) of the layout that is in front of the room's single small window, should that window need replacement.

I also plan to add a 6" wide fascia to the front of the layout.

Backdrop
The backdrop is complete. It is blue sky, with a few clouds and light haze, painted on 16" wide hardboard. It curves around the upper right hand corner (again, see plan) of the layout. Space restrictions on the left end, however, require that the 2' long backdrop across that end had to be placed at a 90 degree angle to the main backdrop.

Trackwork
As explained previously, I am able to reuse the track I laid before our recent move. I've been using a handheld jigsaw to cut out sections, place them on the new layout in the required new configuations and fix them in place with carpenter's glue. I will have to lay very little new track, with the exception of the wharf area. Otherwise, the only new track required will be for short connections between the salvaged sections. However, I will need to construct eight new turnouts and two crossings, owing to the more complex track plan.

Progress photos will be posted soon!