The Sutter yard was completed in September, 2001. Click on the thumbnail to see the larger image
The double main line and arrival /departure track in the foreground with the Sutter yard behind. Sutter has moved to the future turntable site. (Ya, I know, diesels! But just until I get my steamers running properly...)
Close up of Sutter's single street with the yard in the background. I've repaired and cleaned up these buildings and several others since this photo was taken, I'll try to get them posted soon.
Here are a few new photos from early June, 2001. Construction has slowed down but the play value has increased... Click on the thumbnail to see the larger image
Sutter has been cleaned up and a few temporary buildings have come out of boxes where they have been hiding since high school (20 years ago!)
The staging tracks west of Sutter with a string of SP Daylight passenger cars that are severely out of the prototype era (don't tell anyone).
A practical photo - I'm using Microtrains magnetic uncouplers and this is how I uncouple them: two 1/4" diameter rare earth magnets below the track, a whole lot cheaper than the magnets Microtrains sells.
A steel bridge by Cornerstone. Note the curved temporary track on the bridge, a result of heat expansion. This piece of track was installed without any gaps back in March (temp's in the 40's) and now its June (temp's in the 100's). Lesson: PUT IN A LOT OF GAPS!
This is the first construction set from early March, 2001.
Click on the thumbnail to see the larger image
Distant view of the layout, more ribbon roadbed awaiting installation
T&SF yard and shops at Sutter temporarily converted to a workbench. The artwork is my 7 year old son's contribution to the layout room's ambiance.
Looking east from Sutter. For those not familiar with California, the yellow device on the window sill is a combination flashlight and radio with hand crank charging - useful for earthquakes and rolling blackouts!
Looking east along the Southern Pacific and T&SF shared double main line.
The east end of the layout. The turnback sections will be concealed below mountains and the town of Tuolumne. The highest point visible is the lower half of the helix that will allow trains to run in a continuous loop from Tuolumne to Angels Camp. Note the drywall screws used throughout...
Looking back west toward the site of the Tuolumne Lumber Company (TLC) mill. The double tracks in the middle will serve the mill, the single spur to their left will be the log dump opposite the millpond. The caulk gun with Liquid Nails for Projects completes the scene.
