The Kittatinny Mountain RR thawed out early this year do to some warm days. The guys will be able to start expanding the railroad by about another 50ft with a siding. They are working on the hardest part, that is removing the grass. I found just after the frost melts is the best time to get the grass up because it is very soft. Im about halfway done with the grass. I also made the railbender from the Garden railraod article on how to make a rail bender. It was in one of the 2002 issues. It cost less then 10 bucks and actually works very well. (I was little worried that it was going to be hard to work with). I started bending the track in my garage. Basically the layout is going to stay the same. I plan on expanding the right side of the layout by taking out the right side turn that comes off the s curve and connects with the tunnel. I dont have any way to draw what I want to do but as the trains comes off the s curve it will then ride down a long straight. From there it will go around an 8-10ft curve (3/4 of a circle) Then it will turn right with a short straight. From there it will connect with the straight from the tunnel entrance using a curve. Heres a picture of the current layout. All expansion will be on the right side.
The area is mostley level. Any low spots will become a high line or a trestle. I dont plan on putting any mountains in but I do plan on doing a lot more with rock and a possible water feature. I will also have a siding where I plan on putting in an engine house (double door) As I make some progress I will start posting pictures.
