The WFS Micro Layout has been transformed into a shelf layout in my home. The original tail track and staging clipboards are removed for home use, and new extended foamcore clipboard/foam sections have been added to the left and right side of the layout. The home layout measures 8 x 120 inches (960 sq. inches), and although not a micro layout in this form, the original foamcore baseboard sections are removable and can be easily set up in its original micro layout configuration. I have been operating the layout recently this summer.
The WFS is transformed into Affiliated Foods Midwest for use on my fictional Owensville Terminal RR
The Grocery Warehouse Shelf Layout (8 x 120 inches; 960 sq. inches)
I am replacing the tail trail (left side of the extension) section that is used on the WFS Micro layout with a larger clipboard section that will act as a visible staging area on the extension. I am using the foamcore clipboard method created by Chris Ellis on the new section, just like the rest of the WFS Micro. Track is glued down with PVA glue. The new section is wired and is held in place by a foamcore "clip" attached under the baseboard.
foamcore clip holds the sections together
I painted the track with Rustoleum Camo Brown and connected the staging section to the WFS baseboard. Time to run a train and test it out!
Video Short of a train running on the new section...
Displaying the layout at a train show has been a bust for 2020 and quite possibly for 2021 as well due to COVID-19.
I pulled the layout out of storage earlier this week and set it up to run some trains. The layout had been in storage for 16 months. I am using this time to update the layout.
My newest locomotive is too long to operate on the tail track when coupled to rolling stock longer than 40'. I never planned on using longer wheelbase locos, but I could not resist with the Mopac Gp15-1 loco. The prototype loco actually operated on the rail line that served the Wetterau Food Services warehouse. It more than likely switched the warehouse too. I'm going to extend the tail track by 2" to accommodate the new loco. This is an easy change with the foamcore baseboard. I will need to build a new tail track section.
I am also adding crossbucks to the road that crosses the track. This is something I wanted to do for a long time, but never got around to doing it. I purchased a sign kit from Blair Line LLC off of eBay. These are simple to build. The posts are wood and the crossbucks are printed on thin styrene.
I'm hoping things will improve with the COVID-19 situation, and I can get the layout back on the road in 2021!
WFS at the American Heritage Railroad Train Show in Greenville, Illinois
It's been a couple of days since the train show and here are some thoughts about the trip...
I was able to set up the night before the show and it was a big help. The layout takes about 40 minutes to set up, clean the track, and hook up the DCC system. I also purchased a new sound-equipped loco for the layout from K10 Hobbies in Maryville, Illinois on my way to Greenville. The new loco runs at incredibly low speed (a huge plus for realism), and the sound unit enhances the experience.
New Power
Friday Night Test Run
The only downside to the new loco is its length. The WFS was designed for small switching locos, so the longer length of the loco prohibits the use of 50' boxcars with it on the tail track. No problem for this train show since I brought along plenty of 40' boxcars.
The venue was ideal for the show. It was climate controlled, so no issues with heat or humidity. My placement at the show was a little cramped, even with a small layout. Traffic flow was good, but my location next to a vendor created a bit of a bottleneck between our tables. Overall, it worked out okay. A good number of people did stop by to view the layout.
Several people were curious about the layout. Some commented, "it's just a switching layout" and passed by quickly. Many children stopped to view the layout. The 30" benchwork height worked out well. I let several of the kids sound the horn. That really brought a smile to their faces! Overall, the children were on their best behavior. Unfortunately, at the very end of the show, two little kids were a bit rambunctious and accidentally knocked one of the covered hoppers to the concrete floor. A little girl became really excited about something at the back of the layout and pointed her finger at it. As she was pointing, her hand bumped the covered hopper. It must have spooked her, because she quickly jerked her hand back and pulled the car to the floor. Thankfully, the new sound-equipped loco wasn't knocked to the floor. Fortunately, the covered hopper wasn't destroyed. The top came off, a hatch broke loose, and the metal weight came out of the car. I had it back together and on the layout within 10 minutes. This old Con-Cor car has taken the plunge at least 4 times and is still operable with very minor damage. The mom of the children was apologetic, gathered her children, and quickly left the train show after the accident. It really wasn't a big issue, because the car only cost me $3 and is over 15 years old. No harm done anyway, since I was able to glue it back together.
Overall, the show was an enjoyable experience, even with the freight car incident. I may attend this show again next year. I will be looking into installing a plexiglass barrier on the benchwork to prevent another accident. It would have been a major bummer if the new loco would have taken the plunge!
With the new benchwork completed, I set up the WFS outside for a few photos. I am also looking into a potential opportunity to display the layout at an upcoming train show in November. More information about that in the future!
