Gene
Have you considered using a couple of new switches to connect the inside loop to the outside loop?
That will allow one train to traverse the whole layout and allow reversing the one train on the outside loop.
Charlie
@Choo Choo Charlie posted:Gene
Have you considered using a couple of new switches to connect the inside loop to the outside loop?
That will allow one train to traverse the whole layout and allow reversing the the one train on the outside loop.
Charlie
Hi Charlie,
I did consider that, but by using 2 sets of trestles with the 1/4 shim it will utilize just about the whole outer loop less the one track on either side of the closest siding. If in the future I want to join the outer and inner loops, I’ll lessen the perimeter incline and add switches in the front.
Gene
Rebuild update: finished the graduated trestle set (2) with the 1/4” shims. Wired all switches and track feeders. Waiting on a couple pieces of track for the 2 interior loop sidings. Even though I preordered the Lionel Base 3, I still utilized the switch controllers I had already installed. Such a relaxing hobby!
Gene
Attachments
Images (6)
Late to the dance, but I would have recommended installing a topper such as homasote or 1" foam on top of the plywood for noise reduction when using FT. I think you may find the noise from FT on bare plywood to be excessive.
If those are out of the question at this stage, I would strongly recommend a foam roadbed specifically made for FT and available on the 'Bay.
Thanks Richie, if I find it excessively loud, I’ll keep that in mind. I just checked it out on eBay. Great idea!
Update: finished laying the track and did a test run. All looks good with a constant voltage with 2 trains running. Now I need to purchase another locomotive.
Attachments
Images (2)
@Mike H Mottler posted:Sure, track power will work for track switches, but adjustments to the throttle will affect track power (and thus the speed of the locos) and also the performance of the switches. If you intend to install TMCC, then 18 volts will be constantly directed to all the rails and switches. The switches would work fine with just 14v connected to them. Further, by providing a separate power source to the switches you "give back" some electrical headroom from a 180-watt "brick" to the locos and operating accessories.
Many hobbyists add bigger and power-thirsty loco to their collection as time goes forward; in which case consider placing a second 180-watt "brick" in the track circuit then, if not sooner, to provide twice the wattage for locos. Lionel makes a wiring connector for that purpose.
I "second the motion" of the responder who suggested adding a reversing loop. Watching trains running in circles may soon become monotonous and boring.
Carry on, regardless ...
Mike Mottler LCCA 12394
Mike, I agree with you In principal ; but one size doesn’t fit all.
I ran across a problem on a friend’s layout. He runs Ross switches with Zstuff motors an in some cases a Zstuff relay. The relays control power rails on a double crossover. The relays were acting up and Dennis cautioned that the voltage should be 13 volts. Problem solved.
Genemed,
The layout is coming together nicely
Could you tell me what stain you used on the Mianne bench work
Thanks
Thanks for the reply Gene
Your progress looks great, Gene!!
Moving along Gene. Ken has posted some great plans. I believe he has a complete library on the forum.
Some more suggestions since we all like to armchair quarterback 
The two long spur sidings- if you add a pair of switches they could double as passing sidings and allow an engine to pull a train in, exit the siding, come around, and push the train in the rest of the way. I marked the locations in blue. This will also increase the operational variety but having a pair of trains ready to go on those two loops.
The switches on the middle loop could be curved type as mentioned previously which would extend the length of the siding too.
You mentioned not ballasting fastrack. I did just the sides on the few sections I have and like the results. I painted a heavy coat of white glue on the sides and sprinkled the ballast on. I used a floral gravel that I found at Michael's.
Keep up the good work.
Bob
Attachments
Images (3)
@RSJB18 posted:Moving along Gene. Ken has posted some great plans. I believe he has a complete library on the forum.
Some more suggestions since we all like to armchair quarterback
The two long spur sidings- if you add a pair of switches they could double as passing sidings and allow an engine to pull a train in, exit the siding, come around, and push the train in the rest of the way. I marked the locations in blue. This will also increase the operational variety but having a pair of trains ready to go on those two loops.
The switches on the middle loop could be curved type as mentioned previously which would extend the length of the siding too.
You mentioned not ballasting fastrack. I did just the sides on the few sections I have and like the results. I painted a heavy coat of white glue on the sides and sprinkled the ballast on. I used a floral gravel that I found at Michael's.
Keep up the good work.
Bob
Bob,
Would you mind sharing the name of the product at Michael's? That is good looking ballast.
@Guitarmike posted:Bob,
Would you mind sharing the name of the product at Michael's? That is good looking ballast.
With pleasure. They have a wide selection of floral gravels. I have used the black, brown, and silver on the layout. Some are a little shiny but that can be knocked down with a wash of acrylic paint.
Attachments
Images (2)
@RSJB18 posted:Moving along Gene. Ken has posted some great plans. I believe he has a complete library on the forum.
Some more suggestions since we all like to armchair quarterback
The two long spur sidings- if you add a pair of switches they could double as passing sidings and allow an engine to pull a train in, exit the siding, come around, and push the train in the rest of the way. I marked the locations in blue. This will also increase the operational variety but having a pair of trains ready to go on those two loops.
The switches on the middle loop could be curved type as mentioned previously which would extend the length of the siding too.
You mentioned not ballasting fastrack. I did just the sides on the few sections I have and like the results. I painted a heavy coat of white glue on the sides and sprinkled the ballast on. I used a floral gravel that I found at Michael's.
Keep up the good work.
Bob
Bob, excellent idea on the siding switches, I didn’t think of that. Great knowledge and experience on this forum. I’m not planning on any scenery for a bit for reasons like this. I’ll play around with that idea on the program. Strictly my opinion, I’m planning on using turfs and grasses against the roadbed of the fastrack. I used Brennan’s on my last layout and could never be satisfied with difference in colors against fastrack, again (just my opinion). I still have a bag+ of it I’m not going to use.
Gene
@RSJB18 posted:With pleasure. They have a wide selection of floral gravels. I have used the black, brown, and silver on the layout. Some are a little shiny but that can be knocked down with a wash of acrylic paint.
Thank you!
I like your plan and execution Gene. Looks good so far. Your wiring is also nice and neat, and I saw some labels too. Good idea. I used Homasote on top of my plywood, but you may find that you don’t need it, as you mentioned. Your plan will provide lots of operating action. Keep up the good work.
Andy
Update: Started placing some buildings I made where I think there’ll go, not quite sure yet. If it stays for a few days while running trains and I like, it stays!
Gene
Attachments
Images (2)
Hi Gene, Looking really good! You row of buildings along the track could be landscaped in by making the track part of the main street, sort of like a trolly/main line. Given the look of the buldings, it may work out for you. You just need to elevate the buildings and street to be the same height as the track. Best,
A great idea from Dave B about the buildings. As it is road access to them would be limited. Take a look at photos of Ashland VA where the double track still runs down the middle of main street, depot in the street. Sees over 50 trains a day CSX and Amtrak regionals and long distance trains. Has a great hotel with a balcony with a view of the tracks and a great hobby shop. My wife and I are planning a few days vacation there soon.
