I started my N scale project layout in Dec 2017, as I need to lay 25ft of track for my NMRA AP Civil certificate which I have challenged myself to achieve in 2018.

Before the holidays I built a 5x1ft scenic baseboard laser cut kiy by Tim Horn. I have designed the track plan using Anyrail software, 1) to confirm I have laid suffiecient track and 2) so that i could print off the plan 1:1 and lay it on my benchwork. I also between Christmas 2017 and New Year managed to lay the roadbed and get that painted an burnt umber color ready for track laying and ballasting to commence.

For the AP i just need to lay and ballast the track but I want to make this layout available for public display so it will also be finished to a good standard with fully detailed buildings and scenics. If nothing else it will account for a few more hours of Model Railroading fun.

So I spent another 3 hours towards my 365 hour goal, track laying, my approach is to first drill the holes for the point motor rods using a 4mm drill bit and then to temporarily secure the track with pins before dry fitting all the rail. Once I am happy that the rail is all to the correct sizes, I will add the feeder wires. once all the trackwork is ready to be laid and has been electrically tested, I will paint and weather the track before securing it with white glue and then ballasting.

This is as far as I got in my three hours.