Update to all:

I am slowwwly making progress on a CTA shelf layout. So far the structure of the benchwork is done and the backdrop painted. I still need to put down the plywood shelf base.

Here's a tour...

The far leg of the L shaped will be have a station patterned after Wilson or Kimball .... I haven't made up my mind yet...there will not be a loop at this end...dead end.



This leads to an S curve following the goofy shape of the basement walls. So far track spacing is set at four inch centers...just testing at this point. Where the train is there will be another station.





There will be another curve around another wall...



Following to a short section with one last station...to the left (out of the picture) is the entrance to my crawlspace. I will put a temporary unsenicked return loop there to turn the trains. This will be removable so I can access the crawlspace.



Overall the layout will be a 9 foot by 16 foot L (figures - for the Chicago L) shaped layout.

By posting pictures it helps to make me keep moving forward. The backdrop is drywall...lots of corners to tape and mud and it wasn't a lot of fun. I set a goal to get it done so I could post a picture...a good way to stay motiviated and on track.

CTA Fan

Oops goofed up the pictures...sorry about that...

First: The far leg of the L shaped will be have a station patterned after Wilson or Kimball .... I haven't made up my mind yet...there will not be a loop at this end...dead end.



This leads to an S curve following the goofy shape of the basement walls. So far track spacing is set at four inch centers...just testing at this point. Where the train is there will be another station.







There will be another curve around another wall...



Following to a short section with one last station...to the left (out of the picture) is the entrance to my crawlspace. I will put a temporary unsenicked return loop there to turn the trains. This will be removable so I can access the crawlspace.



Hope these pictures take...

CTA Fan

OK...technology challenged tonight. All I can see are small boxes with red X's in them.

Here is a link straight to the pictures on Flickr...

Flickr

Time to quit before I break the internet.

CTA Fan

lookin good. still jealous of your EL, lol

Nice Work CTA!


BTW...the code for your photos should look like:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com...03871_774e5a833a.jpg

This code will give your the first pic:

Thanks for the tip Darianj...I just couldn't get them to post. Just one of those days I guess. Thanks for taking the time to point it out.

I've been using everyone's work I see on this forum as inspiration and motivation. Keeps things on track.

I'm hoping to get the plan finalized in the next few weeks and to actually begin building structure/track before the year is out.

CTA Fan

WOW, It's a great start to what will be a outstanding layout! Looking forward to your next post of pictures.

CTA FAN'
Great start!!!! Where did you locate all the CTA signs? I have a handful. When I get around to mastering posting pics I'll post some of my CTA cars (have an employee set I got on e-bay and the green and cream) and signs. My el/subway plan is still in plannig stage. It will be incorporated into the larger layout. Your el structure is great.

jim

LionelJim:

Most of my signs I purchased from the Illinois Railway Museum...here is the linkL:

IRM CTA Signs for sale

The proceeds from the sign sales helps their sign restoration budget. I've bought way too many over the years...I have no more room in my train room so a few are in the garage.

A couple, like my roll sign and Ashland bus stop sign I obtained from Ebay. Crazy thing about CTA signs: train related signs aren't that expensive, but bus stop signs can get crazy ($200+) expensive on Ebay.

Some others, like my fare counters, come from sources within various transit agencies. I keep those sources close as I've been granted some behind the scenes access and whatnot over time.

Thanks for the kind words. I take inspiration from the folks on this board who have made some fantastic transit layouts. I always contemplate switching the cars to 2 rail but for ease of use, you can't beat the 3 rail cars as they come out of the box.

CTA Fan

Great work!

I love the MTH Chicago sets. Not looking for too many more but I wish they would do an Evanston Express in the old equipment they used on that line in the late 60's and early 70's. (I'm not sure of the series number but they were built in 1922 by the Cincinatti Car Company)

Marty, thanks for the kind words.

I think you might be thinking of the 4000 series cars. Q Car company makes a kit form and sells 2 rail trucks.

But, I'm just happy to have the Chicago cars that are available. I just got another set of the 3200 series...I think it's the original issue/run. It's the cars with the dark grey band around the windows and has the red/white/blue stripe.

I have finally finished all the benchwork. I can now start on the track plan and start building L structure.

CTA Fab

The Dan Ryan route: Does this one go along the "Dirty Dan" ROW?

quote:

Originally posted by CTA Fan:
Marty, thanks for the kind words.

I think you might be thinking of the 4000 series cars. Q Car company makes a kit form and sells 2 rail trucks. ...snip... CTA Fab

The only drawback to the Q-car units; they are 1/48 and the MTH units are around 1/43. They will not look good together.

CTA Fan,

Very nice set up you have there. I like the way you've incorparated the signs. Thats my plan as well. I have a load of mint NYC signs and other related items that I want to include in my layout room. LOOKing GOOD!