first layout

[mark22c]

hi, just a few pics of my layout in progress, a lot to do yet but at least the track is sorted i hope as i've allready ripped it up twice!
i started in jan this year after recieving a set from my partner on my birthday. its 00gauge and allthough started as an 8'x4' layout has grown to 10'x4 with the addition of a 2' folding section. the layout is designed to be taken down into four managable sections including the folding part .points are controlled via model aircraft "snakes" as can be seen in the pics and it works rather well and was a lot cheaper than using point motors.
i think i have the track as i want now and hope it looks reasonably realistic, i added a short runaround yesterday allong with an extra siding for my small engine shed and i am going to partition off the rear of the layout so the fiddle yard/trian park is out off sight leaving me with a 10'x 2.8' approx scenic section at the front
any comments/help or advise welcome.
the head shunt does work as a single wire feed was taken from the adjoining track alowing operation with the point switched

mark

[mark22c]

image showing point control snakes, just two working at the moment.

[mattmay05]

great stuff, nice progress so far, keep us posted!

[mark22c]

will do

[mark22c]

i had a go making a few tree's using off cuts of wire twisted together, the one on the right is yet to recieve foliage. the smaller one on the left looks a little too round i think and was the first i made.

[mattmay05]

look great to me! very realistic

[Black-Marlin]

Those trees are brilliant!

[mark22c]

just finnished the last of the ballasting going into the tunnel. not sure what to do with the card tunnel kit as its a bit plain, trouble is i went out and bought a bunch of card kits without actually having built one or knowing what they were like and now prefer the plastic kits
note the tunnel had to be expanded by just under an inch to allow enough clearance around the curve

[barks]

great start!

love the ballasting, it heaps up just right, the first ballasting i did was good but too neat, i also just started heaping it up and it adds some interest to it.

regards
barks

[frolly]

Looking Good

I like the trees!

[bizzyd6405]

just started looking at this thread and it looks good those trees are amazing
keep up the good work

cheers

Darren

[mark22c]

thanks, the trees are a bit fiddly to make and i need quite a few more so will just knock a few out when i get the chance.
i've just started on the scenic back board which will run the length of the layout to hide the fiddle yard.

[Kentman98]

Hi,

What you have done so far looks excellent. As others have said the tree's look very realistic. I would not be too unhappy with the first ones you did, from the shot you posted they look the business.

I know what you mean about cardboard kits. I too have discovered I prefer plastic as the walls give a better impression of depth. Also, you can have more then one attempt at weathering them However that tunnel portal looks ok. I am sure that when you have completed the scenery in that area it will not stand out as much as you think it does now.

I am particulary impressed that you have ballasted as far as you have inside the tunnel, that is true dedication for you

Keep up the good work, I am looking forward to seeing more progress

[mark22c]

the scenic backboard completed

[mark22c]

behind the scenes isnt that pretty as i had to use up scrap wood to keep the escalating costs down but hey its solid and works