MOW crews alter track work for the Layout Expansion...

UPDATED:  10/11/14...

Well today I spent a couple of hours altering the track work around the south/east portion of the existing layout.  I've updated the photos below to reflect todays progress.

This section was originally the layout staging area, consisting of three tracks around 10' (3m) in length.  With the addition of the new layout area, and the staging/classification yard this section needs to join with it.

The existing staging area will become a mainline (working from fascia to backdrop), passing/storage siding and lastly the industrial spurs.  The industries will all be background buildings and will be predominately be scratch built with styrene.

The photo below shows the new classification yard lead running into the passing/storage siding, this allows trains to either enter/exit the yard onto either the passing siding heading westbound (towards the bottom edge of the photo) or through the #6 crossover onto the mainline (nearest the fascia).  The RH turnout to the right is the first of the industrial spurs for the area.

This section will be joined to staging/classification yard and form the layouts first "wye", it will also be adding more switching opportunities again with narrow bench work.

The photo below shows the possible installation of a #8 (Medium Speed) Crossover that I'm considering installing, this will give the dispatcher another method of allowing opposing trains the ability to change into or out of the passing siding onto the main.  It will also serve as a runaround/spot storage for locals & switchers to switch out the industries along this area.

And below is overview shot of "South Bend Curve" and the series of crossovers connecting the Northern & Centre peninsula areas of the layout to the South end.  The yard lead connects to the lower section of the classification yard and also forms the "wye" as mentioned above.

More soon.

Jas...