Rebuilding layout progress 2-26-24 final phase

@Mark Boyce posted:

Gene, you sure got that looking like a nice right of way.

Thanks Mark, that additional wall loop really adds to the layout and creates a base for the background. I should be getting the backdrop from Train Junkies this week and hope to install it soon.

Gene

Looking good Gene, can’t wait to see the backdrop.

Andy

I’ve been working on a plan to add a turntable to my layout. I removed the O36 inside loop to make room. I went with a TT that didn’t require cutting a whole and moving the Mianne supports. I realize I removed the reversing loop, but since I added the extra shelf loop I hardly occupy the O36. Reversing would have to be done with a O36 minimum curve locomotive anyway. I know I’ll get more use out of the TT. With the expertise help of @gunrunnerjohn, I moved forward. This is my progress since Monday.

Gene

Looks like a good plan.  You can always turn the locomotive around on the TT, so you just have to figure a way to swap ends with the caboose if you have on.

Looks like a nice change

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Looks like a good plan.  You can always turn the locomotive around on the TT, so you just have to figure a way to swap ends with the caboose if you have on.

That’s my thought also. Thanks, I value your experience and knowledgeable opinion. I ordered the combo Atlas and Lionel transition whisker tracks today.

@Mark Boyce posted:

Looks like a nice change

Thanks Mark, I’m starting to believe a layout is never quite finished.

Gene

Gene, there will always be something you will want to change.  It just makes total sense to me that we will want to do something different from time to time.

Gene, I love the new idea! I think it is going to look great and add a fun aspect to your layout!

@mike g. posted:

Gene, I love the new idea! I think it is going to look great and add a fun aspect to your layout!

Thanks Mike, that’s what I’m hoping for.

Gene

I agree with everyone. The turntable will be a nice addition.

Andy

@Steamfan77 posted:

I agree with everyone. The turntable will be a nice addition.

Andy

Thanks Andy, I’ll post some pics tomorrow on the progress.

Gene

Progress update:  
Completed a couple whisker tracks after mounting the turntable. Had to solder the power leads on 3 whisker tracks that didn’t have the connecting terminals. All runs smoothly so far.

Gene

The turntable area looks great, Gene!

Looks good Gene! It will provide lots of action.

Andy

Thanks Mark & Andy.

Gene love the turntable!  should provide hours of fun and entertainment! I know for me it would as it would take me a while to figure things out! LOL Great Job!

@mike g. posted:

Gene love the turntable!  should provide hours of fun and entertainment! I know for me it would as it would take me a while to figure things out! LOL Great Job!

Thank you Mike.

Finished all whisker tracks today. Added new corresponding labels to the toggle switches. Unfortunately the Atlas and fastrack do not line up perfectly in height using the Lionel transition track and Atlas transition pins. It works fine, just have to go slow, which isn’t a problem seeing how it’s on the whisker tracks. I wouldn’t want to use them on the main lines.

Gene

A couple quick videos of the TT in action. For the cost, I’m pleased with the Atlas TT. It may not look as good as the higher end models, but it does the job. Also planning on my various scenes with my existing buildings and vehicles(the fun part), subject to change many times. A big thank you to @gunrunnerjohn for helping me with the electrical setup.

Gene