Layout Update – Notes on Designing, Building, and Operating Model Railroads

Organizing

Yes, I’m still unpacking. The boxes of stuff have slowed my modeling progress as I often need to find some part or reference to keep moving forward. Most of those items remain in moving boxes. My frustration levels grow each time I need to find something. Remember that final scene from “Raiders of the Lost Ark”? Yeah. You get it.

Photo fun

After unpacking most of the freight car fleet, I was passing by the yard and the above view caught my eye. I decided to snap a few photos as the set up reminded me of a prototype photo.

Unboxing

With the Wheeling Freight Terminal layout standing and wired up, it’s time to unbox the freight car fleet. Nearly all of my kit-built freight cars have been stored away in Plano boxes like the one in the lead image.

Setting up again – part 2

With all the layout sections back on their legs and bolted together, it was time to connect the wiring. Two wires connect one section to another via a Euro-style nylon barrier strip. The lead photo shows how wires from an adjacent section are about to be connected to the barrier strip.

Setting up again

I found the bolts! This was an important step for the HO scale Wheeling Freight Terminal layout. A couple sections use legs that are attached with bolts, washers, and nuts. All the section joints are bolted together. The proper hardware is an important component to set up the layout again.