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My HO Layout in Progress

Here's some shots of my new HO-scale layout being built (finally after 16 years in this house!).  The track plan, seen here, reflects a Western railroad, double-tracked and  spanning a great deal of territory (though nothing specific to any real location.)  

The primary bench work, 6 feet by 12 feet, has a double-tracked line around the tTrack plan (small)able, where an escarpment at the end lets both ends of the track leave the table.  One set of east-west tracks crosses a river, then continues across a plain to a large bridge (180') crossing a gorge.  The tracks split, one going into a tunnel in a mountain and the other going around.  

The other set of east-west tracks go through a flying crossover on it's way up a mountain (behind the plain tracks).  They disappear into a tunnel, which takes the tracks behind a scenery panel (actually behind the gorge, which is sceniced all the way to the floor).  The tracks emerge behind the mountain, where they join the tracks that crossed over the bridge.

The schematic depicts a double-dog bone, folded, so each track runs a complete circle and is separate from each other.  Until the lower parts of the layout are done, though, some special work is present on the main.  The flying crossover connects back to the circle, so we have a basic oval track on the main bench.  It is here that the center of the bench work will have a large yard and passenger station.

Click the layout on the right to see a larger version of the layout scheme.

Here are the pictures of the work in progress (click on each one for a larger view).

This is the benchwork under construction.  It is made out of 2'x4' frames, themselves made out of 2x4 lumber, with a 1/2" top.  The primary benchtop measures 6' x 12' with 12 modules. 

The picture shows some modules leaning up at the left.
This is the finished primary top with a curved masonite backdrop.  The backdrop measures 3' by 18' and will be extended around the phase II bridge and mountain for another 12'.  Also shown is the new ceiling, painted dark blue to "disappear" when the lights are on.  You can see the computer at lower right that I'll use for the signaling system from CTI Electronics.  I will get the backdrop pictures from Backdrop Warehouse.

 
Here's a view of the curved wall.  Once the backdrop picture is installed, the risers, subroadbed and track can be installed.

 
Here's the benchtop and back lit by the track lights.  I will be adding more to completely flood the layout with directional light, like the sun!

More to come!

Vendors who are on my layout:
Atlas (track, DCC controller)
Model Rectifier (DC controller for yard)
Model Power (track, buildings, rolling stock)
Tyco (rolling stock, buildings)
Mantua (steam engines)
Rivarossi (steam engines)
CTI Electronics (PC signal/block controller)
Woodland Scenics (track bed, scenery materials)
Heathkit (DC train controller)