During the Memorial Day weekend, I actually managed to get a few things done on section 1 of the layout.  The biggest accomplishment was completing the DCC standard wiring.  The power bus is 12 ga. stranded copper in red and green insulation.  Feeders are 18 ga. solid copper wire soldered to rail joiners.  The power bus is connected through the section to two terminal strips (one on each end).  Connections are made with suitcase connectors, and all rail joints are soldered to improve connectivity.  So far, it runs really well on DC - the DCC system is not yet in my possession so I haven't tested it yet. 

Since I want to keep my other modeling skills fresh while doing track and benchwork, I've been working on the refinery complex that will dominate this section.

[attach:fileid=/sites/model-railroad-hobbyist.com/files/users/kcsphil1/MTH%20downloads%20001.jpg]

This photo shows the proposed layotu of major structures, including one of my two Walter's North Island Refinery kits.  The white styrene tanks are from a Walther's HO Modulars set of industrial details, and the small shed is a BLMA Trackside Equipment Shed that's repurposed as a pump house.  Afterall, one should support MRH's supporting advertisers!  The "fire station" to the right is about to be repurposed as an office building for the refinery.  I also placed some Walters Built-Up track bumpers at the end of the siding.

[attach:fileid=/sites/model-railroad-hobbyist.com/files/users/kcsphil1/MTH%20downloads%20003.jpg]

Here's a shot of the complex from ground level.  The stairs and ladders are Plastruct, and the silver access hatches are from the North Island Kit (which has a wealth of extra parts suitable for detailing).  The whole thing is sitting on a piece of scrap picture matt board I scavenged from a local framing store who makes their off-cuts available to crafters and other for free.  I have it beige side up, and it will likely be detailed and weathered to represent old concrete.

Still ahead is the other North Island Refinery kit, as well as loading racks for tank cars, retauning walls and berms for the base, back drops, and removable view blocks for the windows.  And somewhere in there i need to get Section Two out of the basement and on the wall!