Newest progress reports are at the bottom of the page

I will try and update this page with new photos at least every week.  The date at the end of the caption is when the photo was uploaded.  The actual progress of the layout is a little ahead of what you see here.

December 2020 - August 2021

The start of construction of the track roadbed on the second phase of my NY&LB has commenced!  Coming off the existing layout, I felt it wise not to immediately ramp down coming off the existing tracks and connectors, so I extended the foam camper tape sub-roadbed about 9 inches, then followed by the ramps.  Adhesive caulk secured it all to the foam board.  On the lower level to the left are the tracks of the Bay Head Yard.  Trying hard to keep debris away from there. (12/29/2020)

Once the sub-roadbed set, I used adhesive caulk to secure the first sections of cork roadbed.  The transition is smooth and I anticipate no problems between the two halves.  I will continue with the mainline roadbed to the curve into Red Bank and sheet cork for the Long Branch yard area.  All of the turnouts here will be manually operated via fascia controls as on the first half of the layout.  Also, more ceiling tiles are on the way for installation on the other end of the new section before I can continue construction there. (12/29/2020)

While waiting for slow shipping to get me some supplies, I played around with some bridge abutments for the Route 71 overpass.  The flex track is just laying on the roadbed - not installed yet. (1/1/2021)

Another angle shows how well this bridge should be as a view block by comparing this photo with the one above it.  I've started inventorying my layout-building supplies from the past 15 years as it's getting close to needing them finally. (1/1/2021)

After slow shipping times, wrong stuff arriving, and the logistics of getting to the Home Improvement store with our big vehicle to lug home plywood and construction items, I now have what I need to move forward.  The tubes of silicone above will be used for track and roadbed installation - goes on white and dries clear.  The remaining ceiling tiles also arrived and will be installed and painted this week.  And ... 3/4 inch plywood is ready to be fitted into the crawl space openings as well.  I want to get the upper level benchwork and surface layers completed and ready for track before I continue with track laying through Long Branch. (1/10/2021)

Above is a test-fit of the mainline and entrance to the NJ Southern yard in Red Bank from the Eastbound track (top).  The real entrance used a curving track across the diamond.  I  cheated a little by using a #4 turnout and 11.5 degree crossover to maintain the 2" track spacing.  Another turnout to the left of the crossover on the Westbound track will bring a second track into the yard.  In the meantime, I've started updating the long-dormant engine and rolling stock pages on this site.  You can access them from the links on the home page.  I'll soon be adding descriptions to each model photo as well.  There are some real gems that will show up on these pages.  (1/10/2021)

Installation of the final section of ceiling tiles in my basement started this week with the furring strips attached to the floor joists.  These strips allow wiring (center) to clear the tiles when they are installed with screws and staples to the strips. (1/13/2021)

The tiles are installed and painted over the layout.  Piping presented a challenge which was overcome.  I'm not painting the white furnace vent pipes yet.  Will see how they look after the valance is installed here.  (1/13/2021)

The plywood top to the rest of the upper level has been cut and fitted.  The pink foam board is over the larger lift-out section.  I plan to use L brackets to secure this section to the frame.  I ran out of 1/2 inch foam board so the rest of the plywood top has to wait. (1/18/2021)

At the north end of Red Bank we see the beginnings of the embankment to the Navesink River.  The extension to the helix will be on the right.  I plan to put the slop sink below on wheels to make it accessible when needed.  (1/18/2021)

While waiting for more construction materials, I went ahead and started work on the upper level valance.  The 2x2 supports can be seen above.  I decided on this move now because I need the light on the upper level before track laying can resume.  The strip led lights will be attached to these supports and hidden by a valance as on the first half of the layout.  (1/21/2021)

Led strip lighting has come a long way in the past ten years.  I'm using RGB lights which can produce a huge range of colors and bright nesses using the remote controller on the right.  Each spool has 32 feet of lights, enough to light the whole expansion on both levels.  If this works out, I might eventually replace the old led lighting on the rest of the layout. (1/21/2021)

Big disappointment!  After running the power line to the upper level light strip I ran a test and discovered the light strip is totally inadequate for my purposes.  The advertised 5050 leds are way too dim to properly light the layout.  Oh well...  (1/22/2021)

These 5050 led lights from a decade ago are so much brighter.  Now I'm looking at alternate led lighting sources for serious led lighting at a higher cost.  Lesson learned.  Hopefully I can use the inferior light strips for another household project. (1/22/2021)

Finally picked up a sheet of 1/2 inch foam and have completed the upper level benchwork.  The double track mainline will continue off the edge on the right into the beginning of the helix.  This is also where a portion of the Navesink River bridge will be modeled. (1/30/2021)

I marked the mainline tracks on the foam through Red Bank.  I'm still waiting for replacement LED strip lights to arrive via USPS - five days late and counting.  They will be mounted to the 2x2 wood strip on the upper right behind the future valance.  Then the real fun begins!   (1/30/2021)

Let there be light!  The LED strip lights were delivered and I wasted no time mounting the 16 foot reel on the 2x2 mounts.  These are closely spaced, high output led's, well worth the extra money spent on them.  And they are BRIGHT!  (2/1/2021)

The color temperature of this strip is 4000k and advertised as "natural light".  I believe it as the layout here looks like it's being bathed in sunlight.  Very happy with these lights and will be ordering the next spool soon.  (2/1/2021)

Cork sheeting has been installed in the Long Branch yard and Red Bank yard (above).  I lined up the mainline turnouts here including a crossover and the two entrance tracks into the CNJ's NJ Southern yard on the right. (2/5/2021)

At Long Branch, I've lined up the three track LB yard,  Pretty basic here.  The two tracks on the left are the outbound and inbound staging tracks for the NJ Southern connection into the Southern yard at Red Bank (right). (2/5/2021)

Using what I have on hand, I laid out the tracks in the NY&LB Red Bank Yard between the mainline and the front edge of the layout.  Two entrances to this yard, both on the eastbound track. A freight house will be here as well as a end-of-track ramp.  The curving track on the right will serve an industry on the old R&DB line remnant. Ran out of sheet cork for this yard so another order to be placed!  (2/8/2021)

One last onerous task had to be completed before track and turnouts are installed.  That was painting the underside of the upper level sky blue.  It was bad enough without wires dangling down at turnouts and feeder points.  I wasn't going to paint the Long Branch crossover section (left), but I did anyway in the end.  I feel it's important to model the sky for the lower level and it really paid off on the first half of the layout.  (2/8/2021)

Time for some track work.  As I did in the past, I put down a wavy track of clear adhesive caulk along the center lines of the mainline roadbed.  (2/11/2021)

I then spread out the caulk with a soft putty knife.  I wasn't worried about getting out of the roadbed footprint as this caulk goes on white but dries clear.  (2/11/2021)

After the cork roadbed was carefully applied to the caulk and determined to be straight, I rolled it down with my well-worn wood roller.  (2/11/2021)

Push pins help keep the split cork roadbed in line around the curve.  I continued to install the roadbed to the edge of the first lift-out panel.  (2/11/2021)

More cork sheeting arrived and I wasted no time installing it in the NY&LB Red Bank yard.   Clear silicone adhesive caulk is spread out (above) ready for the next 3 foot sheet of 1/4 inch cork.    (2/14/2021)

In the meantime, I started prepping for turnout installations in the Long Branch yard.  First I drilled out where the point control rods come up from underneath.  Each of three holes were drilled and then vacuumed up.  (2/14/2021)

The ME turnouts used in the yard each had a wire soldered to the cast frog on the underneath side.  As previously, I do this because the turnout frogs are connected to a frog juicer, which automatically changes frog polarity as an engine travels through the turnout. (2/14/2021)

A hole was then drilled for the frog lead to the juicer and then everything checked for alignment.  Before the turnouts are glued down I'll drill out the throw bar to accept the actuator rod from the  underneath Bullfrog manual controller.  (2/14/2021)

After setting up the three ME turnouts for the Long Branch Yard, I found that the remaining stock of ME turnouts I have on hand (6) are not DCC friendly.  I was kicking myself for not noticing it sooner.  I could modify them, but instead I hauled out my Fast-Tracks jigs to build what I need, especially with the current shortage and bloated prices of commercial turnouts.  Above, I'm about to solder the frog point rails, held down by the point filing tool.  I've never had any troubles at all with my Fast-Tracks turnouts.  Hmmmm. (2/15/2021)

When I first started making my own turnouts some 12 years ago, I got the Fast-Tracks double crossover jig (above), which can make crossovers as well as regular #6 turnouts.  It is really straightforward construction and the turnouts are pretty bullet-proof if built correctly.  I might seriously continue to build my own turnouts for the rest of the layout, except for an old Shinohara curved turnout that I need to modify to DCC for the entrance to the Red Bank yard.  I'll document that debacle when it happens. (2/15/2021)

The right hand #6 turnout is complete except for cutting the frog gaps and painting.  I had to refresh myself with the steps involved, but at this point it should only take a few hours to knock out a turnout like this one.  (2/16/2021)

The double crossover jig is actually two pieces you butt together.  I placed two Fast Sticks together to illustrate a crossover I'll need for the entrance to the NJ Southern yard.  Ill be balancing work in the Long Branch section with turnout construction. (2/16/2021)

Back from vacation and the Micro Engineering Ladder Track System has arrived.  These will go in the CNJ Southern yard at Red Bank.  (3/1/2021)

PRR K4s 3747 heads westbound in Red Bank toward Bay Head in 1956.  The two tracks curving away from the mainline lead into the CNJ Southern Div. yard.  (3/1/2021)

Another spool of LED lights came and I Installed part of it on the remaining upper level fascia mount that was dark.  The upper level lighting is now complete.  (3/5/2021)

The remainder of the spool was mounted to the underside of the Long Branch bench work to provide lighting for the staging area below.  (3/5/2021)

I love these new LED lights.  They're very bright and are the perfect color temperature that mimics a bright sunny summer day.  I'm seriously considering gradually replacing the old layout LED lights over time with these.  They look too blue color now.  It's looking more and more like the above staging will be used for the Perth Amboy terminus of the layout north of the Raritan River swing bridge.  Not my first or ideal choice but it could be worse.  The yardmaster for the Bay Head loop, off to the left, might also run the staging above of mostly diesels and electrics.  I also haven't ruled out completely tearing out this staging and starting over if it doesn't work.  (3/5/2021)

Back on the upper level, I have pretty much finalized the tracks heading into and through the CNJ Southern yard at Red Bank.  A double track main will run from the NY&LB connection to behind the turntable at the very top of the photo and into the two track staging behind Long Branch.  The first three turnouts to the upper left will enter the yard tracks while the last turnout will feed the turntable.  The Ladder Track System really came in handy here.  Next I'll mark all the tracks on the cork.  No coal bins are planned (there were two), but I think a scale track will fit to the right of the CNJ main tracks right where the prototype was located.  (3/5/2021)

Looking at this photo, you might be thinking "what is going on with this guy and his layout??"  Well, I decided last year when I started the second half of the layout, that it was time to pull out of storage all of my rolling stock and locomotive power.  I had two motives for doing this and messing up the upper level Neptune Yard section of the layout (above). (3/10/2021)

Beneath Neptune Yard is Point Pleasant Beach (above), full of models.  As I unpacked boxes that have been closed for ten years or more, I discovered cars and engines I had forgotten I ever had.  Many I had weathered and tinkered with before construction even started in 2010.  I was like a kid in a candy shop having a free-for-all!  (3/10/2021)

I decided to do this ultimate cluttering of the layout because I knew I had a pretty hefty investment in the rolling stock, including a number of pricy brass models.  A photographic record of EVERYTHING was a must when I eventually add the layout to my insurance and God forbid there was a catastrophe to occur.  Above is Belmar on the upper level. (3/10/2021)

Also, when I set up the web site I figured some day I would photograph the roster and post the pix to the site.  That started in January and continues as I photograph the models.  The locomotives are posted here while the rolling stock is poster here.  In the meantime construction pushes forward in the other side of the basement away from the above temporary mess. (3/10/2021)

The time has come to lay some tracks.  Above, I put down a couple of heavy beads of clear silicone caulk on the transition length connecting from the existing layout tracks.  (3/14/2021)

As you can see the caulk is pretty thick here after spreading due to the slight undulations in the cork roadbed.  This will allow track adhesion while eliminating most of the unevenness. (3/14/2021)

I use a straight-edge to align the tangent track.  A metal yard stick works very well for this while aligning it along the edge of the ties.  (3/14/2021)

Out comes the roller to flatten the track - except where I want the track to float a little over the uneven roadbed.  (3/14/2021)

Finally I scraped off the excess caulk along the track edges.  I would only use a thick layer of caulk in situations like this to adhere the track along roadbed undulations. (3/14/2021)

The next section of 3 foot flex track only needs the usual thin layer of adhesive that's worked so well before.  (3/14/2021)

Using a soft putty knife, I spread out the caulk to a thin layer evenly spread over the cork roadbed.  Again, this type of caulk goes on white but is clear when completely dried and cured.  (3/14/2021)

After a day of drying the big moment has arrived!  The first train has entered the second half of the layout from the first!  A CNJ train, my modeling first love, took the honors.  (3/14/2021)

Layout progress has slowed just a bit as the arrival of spring weather has brought me outdoors.   In the meantime, here's a  shot  of  CNJ 91384 plywood caboose at  Red  Bank  in 1962.    (3/21/2021)

The CNJ had two plywood copula-less cabooses on its roster.  The 91200 is in my fleet while the 91369 above in 1969 shows obvious damage from a probable over speed incident via the crooked left steps and the removal of the copula.  (3/21/2021)

While building much needed turnouts ( and buying some as well), I also needed to finish painting the underside of the upper level sky blue.  Above, the two lift-out sections are removed and awaiting a coat of paint.  (3/28/2021)

I also installed strip wood under the upper level that will hold the LED strip lights for the future lower level here.  This really didn't need to be done at this stage of construction, but I still wanted to get it out of the way.  (3/28/2021)

The upper level is back together and the strip lights are done.  I really can't wait to tackle this lower level of the layout above the bins.  Along with the Bay Head Loop, I think the South Amboy section here is going to be great!  (3/28/2021)

This view shows the CNJ Red Bank turntable and the ladder tracks for the yard.  There is a real shortage of model RR track and turnouts right now so manual layout building via Fast Tracks is my only option to keep progress moving.  (3/28/2021)

Track installation resumes on the westbound track connecting with the existing layout.  I have caulk spread for a turnout and connecting track on the mainline.  (4/7/2021)

After carefully positioning the track and turnout, and making sure it's as straight as possible, I use whatever weights are at my disposal till dry.  (4/7/2021)

Mainline track laying continues through Long Branch and into the curve toward Red Bank.  (4/7/2021)

Push pins are used to keep the track radius true, especially important when two lengths of track connect on the curve.  (4/7/2021)

With the mainline tracks completed into the curve, I moved ahead with the Long Branch yard ladder tracks.  No caulk where the switch points move!  I also made sure all of the point actuator holes were drilled and lined up during turnout installation. (4/7/2021)

The Long Branch section is completed.  After the caulk cures I plan to continue the mainline into Red Bank (lower left).  The Long Branch yard is center while on the right the two staging tracks for the NJ Southern line will go in later. (4/7/2021)

Above, the turnout leading into the Red Bank NY&LB yard is installed and drying.  This same turnout was removed from Bay Head back in 2010 and documented on Construction Page 2.  It's finally found a new home.  (4/9/2021)

Mainline progress inches forward with another three foot Atlas flex track section glued down and pinned until cured.  Another c83 curved turnout will be next into the yard (center) before yard tracks become code 70.  (4/9/2021)

The second curved turnout inside the Red Bank yard is installed.  I had to reposition it a bit to clear the beam underneath the layout for a switch machine. (4/11/2021)

In the meantime, I extended both mainline tracks out of the curve and to their connection with the crossover (right).  (4/11/2021)

Finally, the crossover, the last on-hand I built over 8 years ago (Fast Tracks), is fitted in place.  I'll let everything completely dry and cure before proceeding with the mainline through the entrance to the CNJ yard.  (4/11/2021)

Before painting, the Fast Tracks #6 turnout I built last month had the frog gaps cut using a dremel cutting wheel on a right angle attachment.  This effectively isolates the frog for DCC operation.  After a final clean-up it's ready for paint.  (4/11/2021)

With the previous track work nice and cured, it was time for the installation of the critical crossover assembly for entering the NJ Southern Yard.  Holes for the turnout throw bars and frog power wires are drilled (above).  (4/15/2021)

The adhesive caulk has been spread and is awaiting the crossover assembly to be installed.  Everything went together perfectly.  The Fast Tracks turnout in the background was painted as well while the caulk set once again.  Yard tracks next!  (4/15/2021)

After double checking the turnout for shorts or any other flaws, the switch throw was trimmed and the turnout painted.  (4/15/2021)

I installed the frog power lead, drilled two more holes through the table top, and installed the westbound turnout entrance to the yard.  Looking good!  (4/15/2021)

The next step was to align the two tracks entering the CNJ Southern Division yard.  This included a turnout to the scale track on the right and a crossover as in the prototype.  Frog power leads were next to be done.  (4/17/2021)

After aligning everything to where I wanted it, I marked the tracks on the cork to help with applying the caulk adhesive.  The frog power leads are inserted into drilled holes.  The larger holes are for the turnout points.  (4/17/2021)

Caulk is applied and spread and the tracks are carefully installed and aligned.  I took advantage of the wet caulk and inserted wood ties in the spaces between track connections shown by the white gaps.  (4/17/2021)

The next step will be installing the Micro Engineering Ladder Tracks.  I needed to make enough room between the mainline and yard tracks for the BANK tower, shown here by a stand-in.  More caulk drying time ahead.  (4/17/2021)

The first ladder turnout has been installed (right) and the necessary holes have been drilled for the final three ladder turnouts (center).  (4/18/2021)

These turnouts needed to be assembled and installed as a unit which was pretty straightforward.  The second yard main and scale track is next on the agenda. (4/18/2021)

The second yard main track is next in line along with the second scale track turnout.  The scale track will be where the Sharpe marker is.  (4/23/2021)

I'm using a Walthers Cornerstone track scale kit.  The upper photo shows a 1950s lightweight version which is what I'll build once all the yard tracks are done. (4/23/2021)

The three yard tracks are installed and drying.  I really wish I had more room for this yard but I'll have to be content with what I have.  (4/23/2021)

A different view.  The last ladder turnout will run into the turntable with at least three fan tracks on the other side.  It's time to figure out the indexing for this turntable. (4/23/2021)

The turntable lead track is installed.  I filed the two inside rail ends where they meet the bridge rails to help prevent picking the rails coming on or off the turntable.  (4/24/2021)

While that track dries, I proceeded to install the first of two tracks out of the yard behind the turntable and into the Southern Staging behind the Long Branch yard.  (4/24/2021)

All of the CNJ Red Bank NJ Southern Yard tracks have now been installed.  This view is centered on the turntable, which was used into the mid 1950s to turn CNJ as well as some PRR steam.  It's tight, but I'm happy with the results.  (4/26/2021)

I squeezed in four fan tracks off the turntable - one short and three long.  The turntable is fully programmable so I just installed the tracks to align with the bridge in that particular position.  All of the yard tracks in Red Bank will operate from a Central Control Panel. (4/26/2021)

Coming out of the yard behind the turntable are the two NJ Southern staging tracks including two re-railers.  I'm planning to install a low wall along the outer edge of the bench work (left) to contain any mishaps.  I also still plan to have a removable scenic barrier between the staging tracks and the Long Branch yard tracks off the main line (right).  (4/26/2021)

From the opposite end of the CNJ yard we see the dual tracks coming off the NY&LB main with a stand-in for RG tower upper center.  The gray pieces on the right are where the track scale will be.  I couldn't model the coal trestle in this yard but the water tank will appear beyond the turntable.  Marking out the Red Bank road crossings next.  (4/26/2021)

While my current efforts have focused on Red Bank, I've also been tweaking what I want to do in the Long Branch section.  The Norwood Avenue overpass (above) is on the top of the list  I'm still playing with different ideas for this structure.  The above configuration is pretty close.  This bridge will also serve as a view block.  (4/29/2021)

As mainline construction is about to resume through the remainder of Red Bank, one of the biggest industries there was the Sigmund Eisner Co., a clothing and uniform manufacturer.  Portions of the modular structure kit above may foot the bill for this complex.  There was one siding serving this business in the 1950s.  (4/29/2021)

I've faithfully marked out the streets in Red Bank that cross the NY&LB between the Southern Yard and Navesink River.  The NY&LB passenger station will be in the center between Oakland and Monmouth Streets.  To the left of Oakland will be the wood water tank and tool shed structures.  (5/3/2021)

In the center of this photo between Shrewsbury and Bridge Avenues will be the Eisner factory buildings.  The turnout on the upper left serves the siding known as Hance & Davis / Stryker's.  The turnout on the right serves the Eisner siding.  The Eisner buildings will occupy the space (center) between Shrewsbury and Bridge Avenues.  (5/3/2021)

Long Branch in the mid 1950s.  The NY&LB headquarters building is on the left, followed by the new concrete and brick station (center), and the original wood station on the right.  The wood station was soon torn down followed by the headquarters building by the mid 1960s.  The NY&LB offices moved into the second floor of the new station when it was completed in 1955. (5/5/2021)

Westbound PRR K4s 5173 slows with its commuter run into the Red Bank station in August 1954.  The rail crossing is Bridge Avenue with the imposing Eisner Complex in the background.  A landmark feature of this building was the exceptionally tall wood water tank and steel support structure on the roof.  To the left of the mainline is the Hance & Davis / Stryker's siding.  (5/5/2021)

I've started laying the roadbed for the remainder of the upper level in Red Bank.  This section of the layout remains tricky since I'm dealing with two 2-3 foot sections that need to be removable to access crawl spaces (upper right).  Fortunately, only the mainline tracks and two sidings will be involved track-wise.  (5/9/2021)

Roadbed and mainline installation has been pretty well covered lately so I'll spare everyone outside of these photos.  The next steps will involve the future helix, but I want to also get a lot of work done on this level before heading below.  That involves yard track,  buss wiring, turnout controls and frog juicers, the turntable, and a RG Tower control panel. (5/9/2021)

This PRR-style concrete bridge carried the Amboy Secondary out of the large South Amboy yards on the left, over Main Street and the NY&LB tracks (center), and to the coal loading docks and servicing facilities on Raritan Bay off to the right in the 1920s.  This was before electrification on both lines.  Layout work has slowed some with outdoor spring projects taking priority for a bit.  I'm presently working on code 70 turnouts for Red Bank Yard and the buss wiring as time allows.  (5/23/2021)

Another view from the other side of the NY&LB mainline in 1956 shows the same bridge serving the same purpose, now with catenary over a K4s backing out of the engine service facility.  The bridge was extended on the left to accommodate a new southbound lane for Main Street into South Amboy.  I will be showing more of this area of the NY&LB as the layout inches closer to the end of the line at Raritan River in the far background above. (5/23/2021)

I stopped the world so I could finish up the roadbed through Red Bank.  The two sidings will follow before the flex track and two turnouts are installed.  A stone bridge abutment will be placed on the lower right edge of the photo at the mainline Front Street overpass leading into the Navesink River bridge and helix.  (5/27/2021)

Another view with the cork installed.  My next focus is on the lower right yard.  For those following, the last four engines will go up this weekend on the Locomotive Roster page.  After that, I'll start adding notes to each photo starting from the top.  The Rolling Stock page still has a way to go before reaching the end.  (5/27/2021)

With the mainline cork down, the Hance & Davis / Stryker's siding gets the same treatment.  Like the original, I curved it away from the mainline to its name-sake business near the Navesink River.  (5/30/2021)

Prior to the 1950s, the end of  the Hance & Davis / Stryker's siding included a coaling trestle, which was removed by the time of my modeling  period.  This siding was also used to store express cars in the 50s.  (5/30/2021)

Next was the Eisner siding off the eastbound track.  The Eisner complex wasn't using this siding by the 1950s so most of the activity here involved temporary storage of baggage cars in and out of Red Bank.  (5/30/2021)

The NY&LB Red Bank Yard was opposite the CNJ yard.  It's been really bugging me about my ME code 70 turnouts that aren't DCC friendly, so I re-visited what I thought wasn't worth the effort and found an easy fix which will speed up construction.  (5/30/2021)

Using a right-angle attachment on my Dremel, I isolated the cast frog from the rails.  I cut all the way through the plastic base underneath where the frog and rails meet.  The right angle attachment is crucial for this cut to make it nearly vertical.  (5/30/2021)

The throw bar has a metal piece that connects the two point rails which needed to be isolated from each other to prevent a short.  I carefully cut out a small section with the dremel cutting wheel without going through the plastic underneath.  DCC ready! (5/30/2021)

As I was prepping the ME turnouts I modified for DCC, I realized that I neglected to jumper the point rails to the diverging rails.  I first cut out the plastic base under the rails with an razor knife (above center).  (6/15/2021)

I then cleaned the bottom side of the rails, added a drop of flux, and then soldered a bare tinned wire on each leg.  This step is necessary when the point rails are isolated from the frog because of the gaps cut to isolate the frog. (6/15/2021)

In the meantime, I had to install a stiffening brace along the front of the layout where the lift-out sections are.  There was a bit too much sagging going on along here and needed to be rectified.  (6/15/2021)

Back on the layout ... with the turnouts finished I have begun construction of the NY&LB Red Bank yard.  All turnouts and track here is code 70 since the yard is on the front edge of the layout.  (6/15/2021)

With some spare time away from outdoors, I have continued work on the Red Bank Yard.  I'm including an end-of-track ramp on the far right yard track shown above.  Track and turnouts will next be glued down.  (6/20/2021)

An opposite view shows the ramp and the open space below where the freight house will be located.  The track curving near the bottom connected to the defunct NJS Belford line north along Morford Place and out of Red Bank.  (6/20/2021)

Work slowly progresses on the NY&LB Red Bank yard.  Above, holes are drilled for turnout throw bars and power wires to the turnout frogs.  I hope to get this yard completed in the coming week.  (6/27/2021)

This is the Red Bank yard freight house in 1965.  By this time the NY&LB was in the process of phasing out such facilities.  Notice the vandalized window.  The NY&LB mainline is off to the right of the photo.  (6/27/2021)

The NY&LB Red Bank yard under construction.  The tried and true spread-out adhesive caulk base, followed by track installation and my trusty wood roller, has become quicker and easier over the years of construction.  (7/1/2021)

After all the track was down I carefully placed cars on the tracks to check yard capacity.  Not anywhere close to the prototype, but capacity looks to be around 16 cars.  Compare to the above photo - the yellow box will be the freight station eventually. (7/1/2021)

Another view of the loaded yard from the rear showing the tracks heading into the CNJ Southern Division yard on the opposite side of the mainline. (7/1/2021)

Two flat cars occupy the siding leading to the end-of-track ramp.  With the yards completed, my next move is to finish the mainline out of Red Bank. (7/1/2021)

I suffered a little setback this past week when tropical storm Elsa passed over the New Jersey Shore and dumped well over 3 inches of rain on top of another 2 inches of rain a couple of days before.  Most of the floor in the photo was covered with water this weekend which had to be mopped up!  I keep this part of the basement on flood alert so nothing can be damaged by seeping water.   (7/11/2021)

It turns out that my new paver driveway, which was installed last fall along the basement wall to the right, was the culprit and let all that rain soak down into disturbed soil and through weak spots in the basement wall (above).  The rest of the basement wall repairs held up however.  New wall repairs are forthcoming with hydraulic cement patching in order.  Luckily, no damage occurred to the layout (or anything else).  (7/11/2021)

Work on the layout came to a halt with the water intrusion and a vacation.  Just as I was about to start repairs on the damaged wall (above), we had another rainstorm and more water intruded, but not as bad.  (7/23/2021)

Wall repairs aside, I've resumed limited work on the layout recently.  First up was to fill in the remaining gaps in the track work with ties (above).  Next I hope to finish laying track through the remainder of Red Bank.  (7/23/2021)

Basement wall repairs have been made and so far there has been no further water intrusion during pretty substantial rains recently.  I'll give it a little longer before re-painting the wall and floor here.  Now back to finishing the Red Bank mainline. (8/3/2021)

With the completion of posting my Locomotives and Rolling Stock over the past 7 months, everything has been re-boxed and labeled.  This part of the layout hasn't been this cleaned up in a very long time.  (8/3/2021)

While still monitoring the integrity of the basement wall re-enforcements, I resumed work on the mainline through and out of Red Bank.  The turnout above is for the Hance & Davis / Stryker's siding on the westbound track.  (8/11/2021)

I've had to do some additional stabilization work I didn't anticipate involving the two lift-out sections of the layout above.  However, the mainline has reached the Navesink River bridge and two sidings are all that's left on the upper level.  (8/11/2021)

With the mainline tracks completed to the end of the upper level, the two sidings were next.  The Eisner siding is finished (above).  Beyond here is the helix which I plan to tackle in the coming months.  (8/15/2021)

Next, the Hance & Davis / Stryker's siding is installed, thus officially completing the track work on the upper level.  Up next is finishing the basement wall fix followed by wiring the completed upper level tracks.  (8/15/2021)