Former Layout by Jerry Poniatowski

Layout Status:

dismantled

Track Type:

Layout Space:

10' x 18'

Layout Style:

Oval/Rectilinear

Track Manufacturer:

S-Helper Service (flex), handlaid (Fast Tracks)

Rail Size:

code 138

Min. Turnout Frog:

Min. Radius:

22" (street car: 9")

Ruling Grade:

Track Height(s):

42" to 52"

Mainline Track Length:

160'

Completed:

benchwork: 100%; track: 100%; scenery: 20%

Setting:

southeastern Michigan

Railroad(s) Modeled:

C&O, PRR

Notes:

The layout is currently in storage, pending a move. The layout consists of three interconnected, interwoven loops, with passing sidings and spurs. Also featured is a dedicated street car route. Jerry enjoys running anything from A.C. Gilbert up through modernday scale equipment.

Jerry opted for a sectional approach to the layout using modified open grid construction with the lightest materials he could find. Each section was made of salvaged bleacher wood from the school where he worked. The wood was dry, strong and stable in all dimensions. He planed and cut the wood to size in the school's wood shop!

Preparing for full-size track planning.

Jerry first planned out the layout on graph paper, then transferred the drawing full sized to paper taped on the sections to determine proper rise in elevation for clearance.

He topped the sections with pink Styrofoam when appropriate along with U-shaped risers eventually formed with quarter inch luan plywood. He minimized cutting wood by mocking-up the risers in cardboard.

Jerry chose sectional, because he had seen too many nice layouts destroyed because of a move to another house. Also it makes house repairs easier, if needed. Each section weighs less than 30lbs, even when topped with Styrofoam terrain.

Crossover section between two loops.