More Backdrops and Benchwork to Franklin Grove

I was able to build bench work connecting the Mississippi River crossing with Franklin Grove.  In addition I extended the backdrop to Franklin Grove and added some more styrene roof flashing backdrop from the Rochelle layout to the newly installed backdrop.  Lighting in the room is not very good, so sorry about the shadows.

Back Drop in place in Clinton / Mississippi River

I put a Masonite backdrop to divide Clinton area from the west end of the staging yard.  Also put one up along the Mississippi River section.  Just for fun I set the bridges on the layout.

Clinton Crossovers

Installed the double crossover in Clinton, IA that are between the west staging and the Mississippi River bridge. The double crossover uses four #10 turnouts and will allow access from all 11 staging tracks to both the #1 and #2 mainlines heading across the Mississippi River and eastward toward Chicago.

Here's an overall view of the west staging throat and the turn to head across the Mississippi River and eastward.  I'm not a fan of peninsulas and turn back curves, but there will be a scene divider so only half of the curve will be a part of the modelled layout.  Also, the unmodelled portion of the curve is 24" radius while the modelled portion is 36".