I will start this section off with a diagram showing my basic design. This is only somewhat accurate, and for the moment I have removed any structures from the schematic because I am still undecided on where exactly I am going with this.

This series of pictures show the basic framework I set up for my benchwork. The large piece is a 5x6x2x5x3 section and the smaller, rectangular piece is 2ft by 4ft. The 2ft ends on both sections were then bolted together. All of this was cut from a piece of 4x8 foot extruded foam insulation board. It is supported by eight 2x4 legs.

These pictures show the process I used to test fit track. I drew a 1ft by 1ft grid on the foam board and then followed the schematic I made for my layout, laying the pieces out and marking the outside of the ties with a sharpee.

After test fitting the track I installed Woodland Scenics risers upon which I will later install the track permanently.

Next I added newspaper wads taped down to form the support structure for the basic terrain filling in the gaps between the foam risers.

I then used Woodland Scenics Plaster Cloth to cover the newspaper. I found this product to be very easy to use and very clean, especially in comparison to traditional hard shell techniques.

This shows the completed trackwork. After laying down roadbed I white glued the track down. I used a one inch paint brush to spread white glue under the flex track and tacked it down with push pins to dry. I used Atlas code 83 flextrack and Atlas #6 switches throughout, with the one exception being the curved switch on the left hand side of the layout. It is a Walthers product, also code 83. All but two switches will be hand thrown by Caboose Industries Ground Throws. The curved switch and the entrance to the passing siding in the back corner will be thrown by Tortoise Slow Motion machines (or at least, that is the plan for now). I have never installed the Tortoise machines, but the instalation seems straight forward, and I do enjoy the way they operate. Ballasting has begun, as can be seen near the freight depot. It is Arizona Rock & Mineral Company "Mauve". The usual technique is being used.

The Control Panel is simple. It use SPDT center-off switches to control six blocks across the layout. It is 1/4 inch plywood with triangular 2x4 used to provide angle. I simply drew the plan on using a pencil grid (erased) and a sharpee. I need to do a little touch up because my pre-painting drill guide lines are showing through, but it works well and for now it will remain as it is.