Over the weekend, I gave the backdrop a coat of paint.  Also seen in this photo.

My goals for the NMRA open house were to have the backdrop painted blue (to show off the scenery I do have) and the continuous loop of track running.  So, over the weekend, I completed the installation of the foam on the fixed portions of layout that support the continuous loop, and gave the backdrop a coat of blue paint (Sherwin Williams Universe Blue).  The most significant obstacle to completing the continuous loop was the duckunder at Strong.

For my duckunder I had the following criteria:

• As high a clearance a possible (thin as possible)

• Sceniced

• No more than 8-12" wide

• Removable when working on the layout

Paul, Don, and Phil took on the project a bit begrudgingly.  In the end, the decision was made to use a 5/8" piece of plywood as a base, and add foam, roadbed and masonite fascia to it.  At the end of the evening, the plywood was glued in place, and the end pieces were drying.  Phil had fabricated a pinning mechanism, so that the duckunder could be lifted off.  I was to finish pinning, track, fascia, the following week.  In the end the clearance was 53", and the width was roughly 8" and curved to follow the track.

After living with it for two days (going under it and out), I decided that removable was not required.  With the mainline and continuous run going over the duckunder, I would only remove it to get in construction materials.  With 53" clearance height any remaining materials could be slid underneath.  I'm OK with the decision, it made the layout easier to construct, lay rail, wire, etc...Additionally, by attaching the duckunder in firmly with screws, the layout is stronger, more durable to bumping and jarring.

During this session, I had hoped to attach valance above the bridges, but I did not have the desired lumber.  Tom did cut a few pieces of lumber for this, but that is all.  Jim cut more foam for the Kingfield portion of the layout.

Here is the duckunder later  in the week, when I was clamping in the foam.  The spacing in the bottom foam is the required as there is a slight grade across the duckunder.  This image shows me, 6'4" stooped about to duckunder.

Another shot of me at the duckunder.  In the background are sections of pink foam stacked up to support the Kingfield switch.  Over the prior 2 weeks, Jim cut out the foam for that area.  When I finalize the track arrangement for Kingfield, I will glue the foam in and trim it to the final depth.