A Diversion - The Inglenook is Born

If you're anything at all like me, you feel a certain sense of guilt when the itch to start a new layout project comes along.

It seems that the unspoken mantra is this: completion is everything. If you haven't wired, scenicked, and operated the bejeesuz out of your current layout before moving on to another project, it's just a sign that you are a failure as a person and incapable of finishing anything.

Let's lose that mindset.

I'm guilty of starting many stalled projects myself; some of which are currently still residing in the garage, in various states of completion. But, at the risk of sounding too "zen," completion is not the goal. It's the journey getting there.

I like to think of it as being akin to any other art form; an artist may be courting his muse on any number of projects at any given time. The whim to work on one, versus the other, varies and changes with mood. So, if you're like me, and starting layouts seems to be your strong suit, then rejoice! It's all part of the creative process, and, hell, you're having fun.

Have I justified myself yet? Because I started a new layout today. I give you...for lack of a better title..."The Inglenook."

The classic Inglenook Sidings switching puzzle has always interested me. It's so simple, and has a lot of "play" factor. An inglenook layout doesn't take extensive car staging, switchlists, or waybills. On a whim, you can just turn it on and go. As I develop more and understand my wants and needs in a layout, I find that the "easy" switch to operations is the way to go for me. As much as I want to love the idea of extended switching ops, car routing, etc., I just don't.  I like to see trains go around in circles, or do simple switching puzzles like this.

I decided to create a very focused list of goals for this layout:

1. Ultra Lightweight (but strong) Benchwork (no metal fasteners, thin luan plywood, minimal foam)

2. *Perfect* operating trackwork. Handlaid. Highly detailed (switch stands). Even power distribution. In gauge, no bumps or kinks.

3. "Indoor Ready" install features; cabinet-grade fascia finish, elegant and clean plug-in interfaces for power and control; finished level of scenery.

4. Easy-peasy DC operation.

5. Option for removable backdrop or lighted valance?

6. Rolling stock must be weighted, micro-trains couplers added, roll freely with no springing or wobble (i.e., PROTOTYPICAL OPERATION!)

7. Design a card-shuffle system to randomize play.

With these goals in mind, I decided to tackle the benchwork. The evening opened up after a cancelled rehearsal.

Everything is thin luan plywood (5mm thick). No fasteners, all glue and clamps.

Glueing and clamping the end blocks.

The Frame 

Stiffeners support the countersunk plywood top

The finished benchwork, with "temp bridge" in place.

I'm pretty amazed how quickly this all came together. It was about 4 hours of work total, from raw 2x4 plywood panels to fnished product.

You'll note my move from foam-based construction to all-wood. While a foam top supported by a plywood frame "tray" would have been a bit lighter, I'm not so happy about the loud sound reverberation from a foam-top table. Plus, foam was the more expensive option. This was a good way to test my theory of using very thin ply to create a relatively lightweight, strong benchwork.

Next up: building a truss bridge and handlaying the track. I have two turnouts already made, and I'll be using Marsh Creek Models' truss bridge plans to build a bridge from basswood. See you soon!