Recent work days have not yielded many photos because Art Jones and I were involved in tasks that either involved four hands or the dust was simply too thick for good photos. That period is over now, however, and I'm enclosing some significant shots from our final 2003 work session on December 20, plus work that I completed on the 21st. As you look at these (and at past weeks, as well) keep in mind that the 20th marks the 13th day of work on the layout with the two of us together. Much has been done in a relatively short period of time thanks to Art's many skills and our mutual effort in sticking to the task. Major construction is now complete. Some minor wiring projects have yet to be finished along with a number of other small tasks (building a shelf under staging Curve 2 for the DCC power equipment, for example), but the light is getting brighter and brighter at the end of the tunnel.
This was a weekend of some critical 'final' steps — sanding the plaster (just one more incredible tool in Art's collection) and wiring the can lights. Those two jobs produced wonderful hints of the final views we will enjoy in the weeks and months ahead. The first three photos were taken on December 20.
Art is shown wielding the vacuum sander as he gives that final smooth coat to plaster that is covering wallboard seams — and all screw heads, too. This was a critical step because it eliminated plaster dust, even though the vacuum (seen at the bottom left of the picture) was very loud. Ear protection was needed for this job. You can see where the machine was vented over the layout and out a basement window. Now that the backdrop and ceiling are smooth, I'll be ready to paint the sky someday before long.
As part of the electrical job completed on the 20th, Art is wiring the final fluorescent fixture over the staging area. This shows the westbound ladder before any track is fastened just to test the curvature and spacing. Tracks back here will be nailed (I think) to the cork base layer, but out in the scenery area track will be glued to the cork roadbed.
Photo 3: December 20 marked one more 'final' step when Art began wiring the 21 can lights over the scenery part of the layout. We had created the wiring harnesses a week earlier.
At this point in time, the two of us had worked together for 13 days throughout the initial contruction phase. The next two shots were taken on December 21 after I finished 'locking' the can lights to the adjoining ceiling with small metal clips. When you view these two photos, realize that the valance, which will shield the viewer from the bright bulbs and hide the overhead stuff, is not yet attached. The 2" foamboard is in place now, so with your fine imagination the view is almost complete in these photos:
Here is your first view as you come off the basement stairs — Curve 1 is in the foreground and Kearney Junction across the viewing area (where one section of foam is missing). The valance will extend to the top of the steel supports seen here, blocking the view of the can lights. Baffles need to be installed inside the cans as a finishing touch once the sky has been painted. The valance will also drop 3"+ below the edge to shield the bulbs from view. The foamboard will be glued to the plywood base after the sky is painted. Please note the lack of seams on the backdrop, all thanks to Art's plastering skills.
Photo 5: As you look at Curve 2, the city of Kearney is on your right, foam is in place, the lights are on, and the plaster seams are gone. When the backdrop is painted and the valance is attached, this scene will be ready for track. That single overhead light bulb will be removed and the room-lighting fluorescents will be attached to the overhead diagonal strip of wood. Those lights will be off when the railroad is operating — to focus attention only on the scenery and trains. (Keep reading for a dramatic demonstration of how this will look!) The double-track main line around Curve 2 here will be in excess of 40" radii for each track. A fast-clock will be attached to the valance here above Curve 2 so all operators can see it easily.
In this final photo, suppressing the flash from my camera shows how the layout will work like a theater — concentrating light where all the action is — all the more once the valence shields the eye from the direct glare of the floodlights. Curtain up!
There you have it: the 2003 phase of constructing the Kearney & Black Hills Railroad. Art and I have taken pleasure as each task has been completed, but I must admit that nothing hit home quite as happily as the opportunity last night to turn the layout ceiling lights on! In a sense, the event had an element of closure to it, but it really means that a new phase simply begins now. No power in the rails back in staging quite yet, but it won't be long now. Once the sky has been painted, the track-laying crew will move out into the scenery part of the layout and mainline operation will follow. That can't happen fast enough for me, but patience is required. It has been a wonderful 2003 on the K&BH and the Management wishes you a happy and healthy 2004 as we work on down the track. Thanks for being on board!