How to build L structure - new station - part 3

I finally finished the columns that hold up the station platform girders. Those have been attached to the structure. To add a little strength, I've added some diagonal bracing made out of .040" styrene.

I then add the flanges for the cross girders. These are added at this time as I overlap the top of the columns with the top flange. I can then add the flanges for the long track girders.

I then cut the MDF to make the girders that will support the platforms. In the first couple of pictures I just have them laying on their side. They obviously will be installed vertically.

I still have to add the vertical stiffeners to these girders, but at least they are cut.

The wooden decking with be placed on these girders. As with my other station's platform, the support beams will be made of basswood and the actual decking of the platform will be Evergreen V-grove siding.

Too much junk?

Over the last few years I collected quite a few CTA signs. Most were bought from the Illinois Railway Museum, some from Ebay. Unfortunately things got a little out of control. Below are some pictures of just some of the stuff I have. Most of the walls of my basement room dedicated to trains is covered in signs and hanging from the ceiling. Plus, a couple of more out in the garage. These are old pictures, so some rearranging has happened.


I have absolutely no more room for any more signs. A nice system map has just been moved to the garage unfortunately.


The only last remaining item I'd like to get is a seat from a train. Not a rattan one, but one of the plastic kind from a 2600 series. Spent a lot of time in those seats.

The roll sign is lighted from behind. I built a plywood box with a plexiglass front window. The front cover is hinged and I can change the destinations.

Englewood / Howard

Not sure why Skokie Swift is in blue

Fare counter, still works and the bell is very loud!

CA&E Fantrip

I posted these photos awhile ago on the O Gauge forums, but thought I'd put them here.


Some CA&E cars decided to take a fan trip on the L for old time's sake. A good time was had by all.


Actually, the cars belong to my Uncle, who was gracious enough to pose his 2 rail cars on my 3 rail layout for some nice still photos.

How to build L structure - new station - part 2

With the girders glued up, I laid out the street. With taking into account the height of the column foundations, I was able to properly size the columns.


I am out of wood for the flanges so construction has come to a halt.

How to build L structure - new station - part 1

A brief break from my other series on building L structure as I have started construction of a new section that will be a station. The station will have platforms along the sides of the tracks.


A view of where the new section will go:

Next, I cut the girders and laid everything out to see how it would fit. 

 Cut girders

Seeing how the girders fit.






















I then started gluing the girders together:

 I started construction on a flat board (an old shelf)

 Good idea to test the track spacing (4" centers)

I ran out of room on my shelf so I moved to the actual layout. The clothespins are my cheap versions of clamps. The are holding the angled styrene pieces I use to strengthen the joints.














These next pictures show the connection to the existing structure:

 A piece of 0.040" styrene is cut to fit the girder of the preceding section. A hole is then drilled through both.

 This styrene piece is then attached  to the end of the girders and reinforced with the styrene angles.
















For those cross girders that will have curved ends - that will hold up the platform's girders, 0.040" styrene is glued to the girders:

Once all the girders are glued, the hole structure is test fit. This will determine the placement of the columns. I can then lay out the cross street, sidewalks and where the station building will go. Depending on where the columns will be placed will determine their length (if on sidewalk, ground or station pavement). Blocks of wood hold up the structure:

I can then cut the columns to the proper length, flip the whole structure over, and then start gluing the columns to the structure:

This is as far as I've gotten, more to come.

A bus comes, a bus goes ...

For all those folks who have to wait out the arrival of the bus ...

Pictures from Wes Moreland's layout - a true work of art

Below are some photos that Wes Moreland was kind enough to send  to me of his 1940's era Chicago L and streetcar layout. His modeling skills are unsurpassed ... a true work of art in the details and execution. I have to share his phenomenal work ... the pictures speak for themselves.


Wes' layout was featured in the pages of First and Fastest, the quarterly publication of the Shore Line Historical Society several years ago.  Upon viewing these photos, I felt inspired to try to build my own L layout. My sincere thanks to Wes for sharing his work in the pages of First and Fastest and especially these that he has shared with me. I shall use his examples in constructing my own layout and hope to achieve half the level of detail. Thanks again, Wes!