Hey guys, keeping the thread updated as a build thread - made some more progress this past week:
- Homasote cut and glued using Elmer's glue
- I found the homasote at a local lumber yard - Capitol Materials off of Marietta Blvd in Atlanta
- I cut the homasote outside as per a tip on this forum - great tip, that stuff is super dusty!
- Track purchased ($$$!) and laid (temporarily)
- Purchased from Legacy Station - big thanks to Paul for his help and patience as I counted out pieces. Also the 20% Fastrack sale made the final bill a bit more manageable!
- I accidentally omitted purchasing 8 O-48 curves for my reversing loops, so I'll be headed back to Legacy Station to pick those up to complete the base level track
- Custom cut two pieces per this forum thread, thanks @Rod Stewart
- I did notice after following my SCARM plan that the Lionel Fastrack switch lengths are incorrect in the track library, which led to me having to deviate from my track plan. Fortunately I was able to make it work with my custom cuts, but it was a bit frustrating to have spent all that time on my track plan only to find that it wasn't fully accurate. I plan on providing feedback/input to the SCARM creator to update the Lionel Fastrack library
- Control panel built with various components mounted
- Lionel ZW power packs (2)
- DCS TIU
- DCS WIU
- Lionel TMCC Command Base
- Power blocks mounted and track wiring begun
Current layout progress (Wife for scale)
I managed to get power to the track using one drop just in time before I had to leave for the airport for a work trip and suprisingly that one drop was enough to get a DCS-equipped locomotive around the outer loop with no issues.
When I get back from my work trip, my goals are:
- Install track lighting on ceiling
- Complete the track wiring
- Wire the Lionel command switches using auxiliary power
- Secure the Lionel Fastrack to the homasote. I'm considering using some expanding foam insulation to secure the track to help deaden sound even more.
- Start laying out buildings and accessories
Question for the folks following this thread - with my Lionel Fastrack Command Control switches, is it possible to control them via DCS assuming I assign them within TMCC (Cab-1/Command Base)? Or will I have to use my Cab-1 to control them? I've scanned the DCS documentation and I can see how to add/control TMCC locomotives but I don't see how to control TMCC accessories.
Thanks for all the tips and support!
