This is the "subroadbed" for the tracks. (You can also see 2 of the 3 steel leg sets in these photos.) I've completed the plywood subroadbed in the isolated area above, which will eventually be a coal mining operation, the narrow section and lower level loop below:
...and a swing gate to connect them:
The lower level will not be seen in the finished model, there will be tracks and scenery above it. This lower level will serve as "hidden staging" - up to 4 trains will be staged here, ready to be called on to negotiate the hidden loop, cross the swing gate, then climb at a 2% grade (about 1.1 degrees) to the upper, exposed level. You can see that climb in the 1st photo - actually, the grade starts about 6" into the swing gate.
This alignment of subroadbed is the most critical of the entire railroad; I decided to get it out of the way first, and it took a lot of time to get it right. But, I'm happy to say, it's right!
Next up will be some roadbed & track on this area - and where there's track, there will be trains! Gotta test, right? Also coming soon, beginning the electrical work, and hanging the backdrops on the walls, while I can still reach them.
