Peninsula Addition Breaks Ground

The new peninsula will connect to the Helix, and preliminary drawings have it all configured with a built in workbench underneath a staging yard, and two sidings incorporated above the staging yard.  The two sidings are not yet completed in the drawing phase, but will be located between current layout deck levels.  Staging will be a 10 track double ended yard, with through track design.  The layout's termination points will be at opposing ends of staging with Klamath Falls on the West, and Portland on the East.

Over the weekend got the first phase of this project under way with the workbench getting built, and placed in approximate position.  This being the starting point, I will follow up with basic open grid framework to connect the workbench to the existing layout for the additional levels.  The work surface is about the same size as my old workbench on saw horses was (2' X 4'), but now I have an additional 1' of storage space in the rear for material organizers / storage (3' X 4').

The workbench slides back in for ops sessions to clear the isle.  Pics show it in both positions.  The framework pictured above the workbench is a part of what the staging horseshoe will sit on.  The main focus here is to get staging in to open up operations more.  Existing parts of the layout are crying for more scenery, so see how this all plays out once staging appears.  I'll try to update the trackplan here soon to help show what is taking place.  Special thanks to Ray and Craig for helping on this project!