Today was a big milestone on the St. Charles Branch–I installed the first sections of benchwork! I’m building open-grid benchwork from 1×3 lumber recycled from my previous layout. I started with the staging level (~30″ above the floor) at the reversing loop.
Two is better than one 
Making some progress 
The first four pieces of open-grid benchwork are in. This will house the staging yard set on a reversing loop under the helix.
Any provisions for continuous running?
Rich, the stub-ended nature of the line doesn’t lend itself well to continuous running, so I’m left with staging. Originally I just had a reversing loop, but I’ve since added a continuous running connection to the plan. It will just be on the staging level, but it’s better than nothing.
Great to see you building a new layout, Dan! The track plan for the St. Charles branch is one of my favorites you’ve created.
Looking forward to seeing this come together over the years.
Thanks, Paul–I’ve really grown to love this area! I just wish there were some books describing move-by-move how this area was operated. I got a little spoiled with Ed and Hugh Wolfe’s books on the Interstate.