Time to move 821 miles – to a new home – and I decided that I would do the deed myself. Luckily the layout is modular – 11 giant jigsaw pieces with disconnects at each joint. Its a wonderfully strong construction that proved out the wisdom of having someone else do the work! The only section with an issue separating was the high-level single line track between Port Dinllean and Tan-Y-Graig where I had forgotten I had placed a fillet under the track to produce a more rigid joint. After a bit of work with a screwdriver all was well.
For the move, I rented a Budget 16′ panel van. A quick bit of work with Sketchup suggested that, by using two workbench support leg sets that I had put together almost 20 yrs ago and were malingering behind the garage, I could move the pieces in the space available. It proved a slightly tighter fit than I anticipated, but still all fit in together with all the rolling stock in the jewel case boxes I had retained.
I was accused of being overly cautious with the way I screwed the modules to the benchwork and using spare timber to each other at the top.
Then it was “convoy” time with my partner-in-crime and daughter in the chase car riding shotgun behind me to allow easier passing of slower vehicles especially on the 5 and 6% grades in the Siskiyous and Grants Pass sections. We kept to 65 or less, always slowed down to the advisory speeds on the curves and left 4 or 5 car lengths space in front. It was notable that in the last weekend before the blizzards set in, I-5 was very well maintained and smooth for the most part. The bigger bumps all came in Eugene and on the side-excursions to get Costco gas. The truck had a 40 gallon tank and averaged 12mpg, which is good for a shape like a brick on wheels!
Upon arrival, the layout came out like a gem – pretty quickly and is now awaiting assembly in its new – slightly larger home. The opportunity will be taken to position it with more room for access for the larger bits – especially at the end of Port Dinllaean – the shed has an attached shop, so the layout now has two “open” sides, and possibly a bit more room for scenery behind it in the rising diorama sense. 
