SP Burbank Branch (N)

[denny99]

In November 2024, I started building a small switching shelf layout based on the Southern Pacific Burbank Branch in San Fernando Valley, California, set in the 1970s.

The layout is focused on realistic operations. Given my limited hobby time and the space constraints, I decided to model a slow-paced branch line that can keep up to two operators engaged for a little over an hour.

Here is the (draft) trackplan.




I started building the benchwork by securing brackets to the wall and attaching the valance/ceiling. Next, I installed Masonite boards for the backdrop and painted them light blue.

[BillyJoeBob]

denny99

Here is a thread in which you might be interested:

https://realisticmodelrailroading.ne...0%93-go-figure

BJB

[denny99]

Very interesting! thanks for sharing, BJB. I also found interesting the debris on the track post

[Scott1984]

Looking forward too seeing this along the way. Looks awesome so far, I like the track plan.

[denny99]

Thanks, Scott!

[Paul S.]

It's so refreshing to see a true switching layout's track plan, compared to what some people "toy-train-think" them to look like.

[denny99]

Thank you, Paul. I tried to keep it simple, as much prototypical as the selective compression allows and "playable" in terms of switching possibilities. Also, there is plenty of room for some scenery.

I'm not much into spaghetti bowl layouts, or switching puzzles full of tracks

[Russ C]

I agree Paul. It's along the lines of a Lance Mindheim type plan.
The 'less is more' philosophy.

[denny99]

Exactly Russ C the idea is to enjoy less tracks and concentrate the efforts on the realistic aspect of operations, and hopefully surrounding the trains with a proper scenery.

[craigtownsend]

I enjoy seeing layouts that give room for the scene to
"breathe".

Looks like this is going in on a garage wall?

[denny99]

Yes, it's a garage Graig. It's the only space I have available, so I have to make do

[denny99]

Before installing the LED strips to light the layout, I built a power and dimming station on a piece of 15mm-thick MDF to ensure clean and organized wiring.



In the photo above, there are two power supplies:

• The larger one is a 200W dimmable power supply, which powers the 2700K and 4000K LED strips.
• The smaller one is a 60W dimmable power supply, dedicated to the blue LED strips used for night scenes.

After installing the LED strips I quickly realized they mainly illuminated the area directly beneath them. Part of the backdrop was clearly left in shadow. I needed to mount the LED strips at an angle to minimize the shadow effect.



Door wedges to the rescue! I purchased some wooden door wedges and I used them to mount the LED profile holders at an angle.

[Paul S.]

Clever solution, Denny.👍👍

[denny99]

Thanks, Paul!

[Scott1984]

Oh man! I love that power supply set up, it looks very organized. Nice idea with the door wedges,looks like they worked out great. Awesome job Denny!!

[denny99]

Thanks so much, Scott!

[denny99]

Here are the three COB LED strips lit. The blue strip, despite being labeled as COB LED, shows the individuals LEDs. The 4000K and 2700K strips instead provide an even illumination.

I'm thinking about using a transparent flat cover for the blue LED, which should make the light more uniform. This should reduce the individual LEDs reflection on the shiny rail tops.



The LED strips are individually controlled and dimmed by push-buttons.

[denny99]

I purchased some black Faesite (Masonite) sheets, had them cut to length, and used them to install the valance.





I usually use a combination of 4000K and 2700K for daylight, while the blue light is on for night operations. In the photo below, the blue appears more saturated than it does in person.



Here is a short video of the LED lighting

[denny99]

Yes, the "sky" changes color a little. In the video it's a very drastic effect than it is in person

[Russ C]

I love the valence! That's what I was trying to achieve before having to dismantle everything. The lighting is very effective too.

[denny99]

Thank you, Russ!

[Scott1984]

That is looking really good Denny!!

[Scott1984]

I have a dumb question for you. How far above the layout are the lights? Just thought I would ask. Thanks!

[denny99]

roughly 23"

[Scott1984]

Thanks Denny!

[denny99]

I used a laser level I bought on Amazon to install the risers at the correct height. First, I clamped the risers to the benchwork, then I double-checked that the plywood base was level with the laser line. Once everything was aligned, I drilled pilot holes in the risers and screwed them down to the benchwork.

[denny99]

Then I test-fit the trackplan

[Chuck Geiger]

This is awseome, have you ever seen the guy on YouTube with "apartment size layout" doing this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToriVahPhaE

[denny99]

Thank you! Yes, that's Joseph Leal's layout. He did an amazing job.

[denny99]

I installed the valance and backdrop based on wall measurements, then installed the plywood subroadbed using a laser level. That’s when I realized the valance wasn’t level – and the culprit was the walls, not being square.

Free tip: Always use a laser level. They’re inexpensive and extremely useful – I wish I had bought one before installing the benchwork supports.


The backdrop is mostly fine, with only a small gap on the west end of the layout. However, the gap increases toward the east, as shown in the photo below. While the plywood base is level, the backdrop has a slight but steady incline.



At first, I thought I could fix it since the scenery isn’t done yet. But I quickly realized that the area I’m modeling is flat, with little vegetation – no hills or dense forests to hide the gap.

I tried thinking of a solution, but the more I considered it, the more I realized the backdrop needs to be scrapped and redone from scratch. So I did








Starting over can be frustrating, but fixing mistakes early prevents bigger issues later.




More details: https://www.burbankbranch.com/benchw...ckdrop-reboot/

[Allen]

Having to rework projects is NOT fun, but you are absolutely right Denny, nipping issues in the butt before they become bigger issues is the best way to do it.
Plus you won't have that nagging feeling hanging over your head or that finger poking you in the back every time you walk into the train room.

[denny99]

I couldn't sleep at night, thinking about that huge gap. Let alone entering the train room and staring at that horrifying scene