Basement Train Layout: 2020

Sun, Dec 27, 2020 thru Sat, Jan 2, 2021

This Week's Goals

1. Continue work on Clinton Ave. wall sections

Progress: Need to purchase more parts...

2. Continue work on California Ave. Coach Yard entrance off Sacramento Blvd.

Progress: Continue working on this and maybe finish during Week 335

3. More Weathering Locomotive Roster

Progress: Continue on CNW fleet - one finished more to go...

4. Coming soon: Work on streets/parking lots in Industrial Park

Progress: Concentrating on Goal #2 this week, will tackle this next year.

Sun, Dec 27, 2020

James, Natalie, Josiah and Lissette came out today for a few days.

Josiah said, "Let's go downstairs to trains."

I said, "OK." :)

We played a bit with Thomas the Tank Engine.

And then we set up the infamous oval track.

We got a train running...check this out.

Length: 00:00:20 sec.

Mon, Dec 28, 2020

Before Train Day, Josiah and I had some train time

Length: 00:00:20 sec.

Train Day!

with Rob Fair and Jordan Osborn

6-8pm 2 hrs.

Jordan Osborn greeting our arrival.

Rob Fair checking messages.

We'll be running some trains tonight.
First step, take the well car in the train shown and
add to intermodal train.

Metra Commuter Train heading to Chicago

Length: 00:00:30 sec.

Rob Fair continues work on Goal #2.
He's adding the wood work around the edges.

The AC6000 is putting together the intermodal train.
Once it's ready it will depart Proviso Yard.
Destination: Global 1.

Putting together Intermodal train at Proviso Yard

Length: 00:00:06 sec.

Intermodal Train arriving at Global 1

Length: 00:00:14 sec.

Work continues on the Sacramento entrance of
Metra California Avenue Maintenance Facility.

Moving piggy-back cars from Global 1 to Global 2.

Piggy-back train on the move to Global 2.

I think the sign is too large. I will re-print and re-
set the sign with better proportions.

The hardest part in this step is finding the dang end.

After taping the gaps between the foam board,
we covered with first layer of filler sand.

Final picture of the night.

Tue, Dec 29, 2020

I'm preparing paperwork for running trains next
week during our first ever Operating Session!

Progress on the Sacramento Rd. Entrance to
California Ave (UP/Metra) Coach Yard
(Note name change, from "Maintenance Facility"
to "Coach Yard").
I made the change after re-reading the sign.

Oops!

Wed, Dec 30, 2020

Materials ready for gluing on the top coat.

Sand filler in place.

Top layer in place.

Top layer now in place and waiting
for glue application.

Thu, Dec 31, 2020

This morning...

Glue now in place waiting for it to cure.
I used an eye dropper with 50/50 glue/water mix
with a squirt of liquid dish detergent

Same for section near the road that will meet the
lift-out section.

This afternoon...

I'm going to paint the concrete this afternoon.

Going around the bend in a minute.
I'll take a finished shot tomorrow after weathering
and letting the paint dry.

Sun, Dec 20, 2020 thru Sat, Dec. 26, 2020

This Week's Goals

1. Continue work on Clinton Ave. wall sections

Progress: Need to purchase more parts...

2. Continue work on California Ave. Metra Maintenance Facility entrance off Sacramento Blvd.

Progress: Will accomplish more on Train Day, Mon, Dec 21, 2020

3. More Weathering Locomotive Roster

Progress: Continue on CNW fleet

4. Coming soon: Work on streets/parking lots in Industrial Park

Progress: Will try to do more this week...

Sun, Dec 20, 2020

SPECIAL GUEST

Charlie Zielke

Charlie Zielke in action...

Length: 00:00:20 sec.

Mon, Dec 21, 2020

Ben's Birthday and also...

Train Day!

Rob Fair 6-8pm 2 hrs.

Jordan Osborn 6:45-8pm 1.25 hrs.

Working on Goal #2

We decided to use a different structure for the
building at the entrance of the Metra Maintenance
Facility. Here Rob recuts the foundation for this structure.

Crew assigned to put up the signage at the Metra
Maintenance Facility.

Rob Fair shows off his handiwork.

Jordan at the controls out on the tracks...

Length: 00:00:23 sec.

We lowered the door from the structure to the
foundation. Some intricate detail work.

Jordan stops by to take a look at the progress.

Here's the prototype next to the model

I was also able to make some progress on getting
the materials cleaned out and straightened up so
we can use this as an unobstructed isle once again.

Tue, Dec 22, 2020

Jan and my anniversary - 41 years (1979)

Plus I was able to work on the RR...thanks Jan!

What a mess!
Working from the prototype photo on the left,
I keep chiseling down on the foam board.

Removing the model and looking at all the remains.

Model in place. Now for some details.

More chiseling of the foam board.

Sidewalk in place plus the side walls.

Next up is the wood trim. Maybe tomorrow night.

Wed, Dec 23, 2020

Progress on Goal #2 today:

Today I'm going to secure the foam piece to the base
using the foamboard adhesive shown in this photo.

Base in place with weights as
I wait for the glue to set.

I noticed the sidewalks were
slipping so I figured out how
to weigh them down using
the tube dispenser.

Thu, Dec 24, 2020

Christmas Eve!

Heading to the office later today so I had some time this morning to work on the RR

Securing the concrete walls at the entrance.
Front and side.

I'm going to clear off the shoulder and put in
foamboard that will be used to meet the newly
constructed entrance to the
California Ave. Metra Maintenance Facility.