To finalize a track plan, it was decided to put the layout onto cardboard at full size. Track planning has stepped up to 1:87 scale. Bob uses a 6 inch grid to transfer the paper track plan onto cardboard.

Tom uses freehand sketching, which is good enough at the stage.

Seeing the layout on a small paper plan, or on a computer monitor screen, is not the same as seeing the real thing.

Room preparation has begun.

Design has focused on the helix, and it also seemed a likely starting point for construction. An open grid bench was preferred over L-girder for the lower level staging.

Meanwhile, work begins on the basement/house addition. The Pittsburgh Main Line from Wilmerding to Swissvale will fit into this room.

The floor slabs are ready to be poured. This picture shows where the much needed basement stairway will be located.

Construction on the layout begins with a groundbreaking photo.

Building the corner open grid frame for under the helix.

Before we got too far on the benchwork, we made sure that the lower level staging was accesable.

Taking a break after finishing the helix frame.

Building more open grid frame for the lower level staging yard ladder.

Group photo.

CSX makes a first run.

Andy takes five.

Construction of the staging yards benchwork and into the helix.

Benchwork continues for the lower level staging.

Bruce operates the saw with a little help from Gary

Greg puts down some code 100 in the helix.

Kent and Gary assemble the next open grid framework.

The Helix is ready for the upper level surface tracks.

This is the first run on the helix powered from the final bus wires.