The big layout update is that the future space for the layout has changed again. We have removed it entirely from the upstairs bonus room, which is now bedroom space, and added it to the first floor. We had originally planned for a two car garage but expanded that to a three bay garage with the additional bay being an enclosed room for the layout. Waiting for the architect to get back with the plans to see how this will look and if it works out, that will give me approximately a 15 X 25 foot permanent space. Having it on the first floor is actually a win. Thinking 15 or 20 years down the road, that’s a flight of stairs that I will not have to go up and down. Also, just building the layout it will be super convenient to have it right off the garage so now we are not dragging lumber and tools through the house.
I‘m playing around with layout ideas for the proposed space now. I don’t know why I have an aversion to a lift bridge but I think I’m going to consider it. Having to do a turnaround/reverse loop for 072 curves in a “ folded dog bone” takes up a huge chunk of space. If I can run my mainline around the circumference of the room that will save a ton of real estate and allow me more space for additional sidings, industries, and scenery.
I love the new Amtrak passenger set I picked up. This is actually the first passenger train I’ve ever owned and I’m really enjoying it. A lot of nostalgia tied to the set seeing the real thing pull in and out of my hometown station. To help reduce power draw, I changed out the incundescent lightbulbs to LEDs. But I’m thinking I do not like the bright white. It looks kind of sleek but in my eyes it looks a little awkward. I ordered a set of the soft white LEDs and I’m going to swap them out. Let me know what you think.
The other thing I was thinking of doing is wiring the two light sockets in each car in series. The single roller makes the light “wink” as it and passes over a switch or a crossover. I’m thinking if I wire them in series and the rollers on both ends of the car power both lights, it will keep the light consistent. I need to do some research but any thoughts on that would be appreciated.
Me: I don’t have room for any more purchases.
Also me: Hey, look at the Conrail engine I just picked up. :-/
