Received 7 boxes of ATLAS O track today. To receive 2 more boxes tomorrow. ATLAS O to ship my #5 switches later this month. I have been waiting for this track since April 2015. I am happy to receive the track and start construction on the layout again. Today soldered track leads for track power etc.
Progress being made on South Fork Railroad to date.
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Looks like you are getting a good base built to lay all that Atlas track!!
Craig, It looks like you are moving right along. Looking forward to your updates.
Al
Thank you CSX AL! It's going SLOW, mostly due to not having track until recently. Still waiting for #5 turnouts. Can't wait to open the box the MILLHOUSE Turntable is in. Haven't opened since I picked it up at April York TCA meet from you. Layed plywood in area for turntable today. This is my first layout, so I'm learning. I'm not a carpenter by any means.
Completed banked grades and tested couple engines for perforamace up and down grades satisfactory. Used a post war Lionel EP-5 I had as a kid in the 50s and an MTH 611 J. Grades seem to be fine. Next is start laying track for the three Mainlines. Still waiting for Atlas #5 turnouts.
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Why would you wait eight months for Atlas track? Is there something special about it? What type of operating system are you using? Just curious why you need that heavy duty electric panel setup. It's a toy train layout, not the space shuttle. You should have been running trains in May. I like some things about what you are doing, but if you want to get real, get it built and running trains. Best of luck.
How big the room is?
William 1 posted:Why would you wait eight months for Atlas track? Is there something special about it?
Craig knows, like some of us, its such a great track system to use..... It took me about 10 years to switch over from gargraves/ross/r.o.w.....every track system has its pros and cons...jim
Looking good!
I suggest taking out the jigsaw and rounding those corner points of the deck in the aisle. They will get you.
CGWforever posted:How big the room is?
Room is approx. 26'7"x13'6".
William 1 posted:Why would you wait eight months for Atlas track? Is there something special about it? What type of operating system are you using? Just curious why you need that heavy duty electric panel setup. It's a toy train layout, not the space shuttle. You should have been running trains in May. I like some things about what you are doing, but if you want to get real, get it built and running trains. Best of luck.
All of today's track systems are good. I went with ATLAS O Track because they had the curves I needed to run three Mainlines and one elevated subway line, in the space I have to work with. I like ATLAS O Track for these additional reasons: solid rail vs hollow, realistic looking flat top rail vs rounded, Nice looking tie system, blackened third rail, good electrical connections, etc. and TBD improved turnouts over previous turnouts. Also, ATLAS O mates with most other manufactures track system. Track choice is up to each individual, it just happens for my first layout, I looked at all other track systems and choice ATLAS O. MTH ScaleTrax was my second choice, but did not choose due to availability issues. Electrical system is set up to accommodate STAR SYSTEM recommended by MTH for DCS Remote. Also, will run Lionel Legacy & Conventional in addition to MTH DCS. Also, setting up blocks for future use of signal system. Electrical design has not slowed the layout building timeframe, waiting for the track has. Steve Horvath has designed the electrical system and most likely could answer your questions better than I and is welcome to comment if he chooses to. Hopefully I have answered your questions and thank you for your input.
Moonman posted:Looking good!
I suggest taking out the jigsaw and rounding those corner points of the deck in the aisle. They will get you.
Thank you for your input Mooman! I am always open to suggestions for improvements. That's why I post on this forum. I really appreciate this forum's readers support, suggestions etc. This is my first layout since a teenager, which was many years ago, and I am learning. I had and will look at your suggestion for rounded corners. May be able to round corner coming into the room. The other corner may be a problem to round due to existing benchwork design and the design is such to accommodate an elevated Lionel liftbridge for the subway line at that point.
Looking fine.
The objective I think:
Have fun!!
Do it your way!!
Larry
W&W posted:William 1 posted:Why would you wait eight months for Atlas track? Is there something special about it?
All of today's track systems are good. I went with ATLAS O Track because they had the curves I needed to run three Mainlines and one elevated subway line, in the space I have to work with. I like ATLAS O Track for these additional reasons: solid rail vs hollow, realistic looking flat top rail vs rounded, Nice looking tie system, blackened third rail, good electrical connections, etc. and TBD improved turnouts over previous turnouts. Also, ATLAS O mates with most other manufactures track system.
I also use Atlas track and switches. I had most of mine before the shortage, but I would have waited for it as well, I think it's worth it. It is also very quiet and seldom needs cleaning. I am very happy with both the track and switches, although I have some of the older switches that I purchased used. I got some parts from Atlas for some that had problems and they are now working well. Your wiring panels look great too. Organized wiring is a very big plus for any problems that may develop later on. I wired my layout for DCS as well and Legacy was very easy to add later on, powered it up and connected one wire to my TIU common outputs which I then jumpered together. Steve is very knowledgeable. He helped me with some Atlas items a few years ago, went way out of his way to help too. Your layout is looking very nice too.
Brian, thanks for the update photos.
Suggestion: When you add new photos, edit your thread's title to include something like: "New photos added 1/31" and simply change the date in the title as you progress.
W&W posted:Moonman posted:Looking good!
I suggest taking out the jigsaw and rounding those corner points of the deck in the aisle. They will get you.
Thank you for your input Mooman! I am always open to suggestions for improvements. That's why I post on this forum. I really appreciate this forum's readers support, suggestions etc. This is my first layout since a teenager, which was many years ago, and I am learning. I had and will look at your suggestion for rounded corners. May be able to round corner coming into the room. The other corner may be a problem to round due to existing benchwork design and the design is such to accommodate an elevated Lionel liftbridge for the subway line at that point.
I am only talking the two points sticking out in the aisle, not shaping the layout. Photo 2 . perhaps sanding it little.
Moonman posted:W&W posted:Moonman posted:Looking good!
I suggest taking out the jigsaw and rounding those corner points of the deck in the aisle. They will get you.
Thank you for your input Mooman! I am always open to suggestions for improvements. That's why I post on this forum. I really appreciate this forum's readers support, suggestions etc. This is my first layout since a teenager, which was many years ago, and I am learning. I had and will look at your suggestion for rounded corners. May be able to round corner coming into the room. The other corner may be a problem to round due to existing benchwork design and the design is such to accommodate an elevated Lionel liftbridge for the subway line at that point.
I am only talking the two points sticking out in the aisle, not shaping the layout. Photo 2 . perhaps sanding it little.
Carl, yes those are the two points I thought you meant. Thank you for the suggestion.
haven't you bumped into them already?
Good evening Craig, the layout looks great and I agree get rid of the sharp corners they will get you sooner or later.
My only question is how are you going to access the breaker box/panel on the back wall of the layout ?
Can't tell from the angle of the picture if there is an aisle back there or not.
Have fun !!!!
Moonman posted:haven't you bumped into them already?
Have not bumped them to date Carl. Remember this layout is presently a work in progress. Thanks for the suggestion.
MarkStrittmatter posted:Good evening Craig, the layout looks great and I agree get rid of the sharp corners they will get you sooner or later.
My only question is how are you going to access the breaker box/panel on the back wall of the layout ?
Can't tell from the angle of the picture if there is an aisle back there or not.
Have fun !!!!
Electrical panel has a cutout in front of it for access. Two Mainlines will run under it against the wall with an open space in front of them for panel access. Thanks for the comments.
Hello Craig, that sounds like a plan.
Nothing like building a trap !!!!!!
For me the layout building is the best part especially scenery.
Good luck and have fun !!!!!!
Winter 2016 video update.
It was a great thrill to witness Craig run the 'Queen of Roanoke' on his layout for the first time. It's been a year since we started planning his layout. May we all welcome him to the ranks of Collector-OPERATOR��
Finally laying 3 Mainlines and wiring blocks for both track & signals. Different color wire for each mainline & signals. Will install ATLAS O #5 switches when they arrive later this week or early next week. FLEXBED will be installed under track next. Will need to make a decision on backdrops, whether to have or not prior to moving forward. Would like NYC, industrial, river behind Hellgate, mountain scenes. Any suggestions on where to get backdrops appreciated. Plan is after Mainlines completed, install turntable(where round card board template is) & yards which will be 7" above main level. Then to install elevetated city area on other side with Grand Central Terminal etc. Elevated subway will be last track to be done. Then landscaping, ballasting etc. Of course will need to run electrical wiring to three panels to enable Legacy, DCS, & conventional operation. Have been waiting for ATLAS O track since last April, and appears I will have all track soon to continue.
Thanks for viewing.
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Looking good! Seems like progress is being made!
Craig,
The triple main lines look better than I dreamed they would! There is no way I could have designed a layout with that much main line in your space had we not chosen Atlas O. The wide variety of curve diameters nested 9" apart gives you a nice prototypical look. Your use of a template to ensure consistent track separation will only further improve the appearance and operation of your layout. It's been a half year or so but definitely worth the waiting for the #5 switches. Looking forward to making that video of three trains, running side by side around your layout.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Ken
Ken,
Anxiously waiting for the #5 switches so I can move forward laying more track and starting the yards and turntable areas. Hopefully they will arrive before end of next week. Lots of work left! Can't wait to have the three mains running trains.
Latest update on The South Fork Railroad. Just completed laying Hobby Inovations 3/8" FLEXBED under three lower main level tracks. Next phase will be wiring mainlines on lower level and running trains for testing the mainlines. Then work will begin on the upper level which will have 34" Millhouse turntable, yards, on one side of layout New York City with Lionel's larger Grand Central Terminal on the opposite side. In process of choosing backgrounds to use surrounding the layout. This layout has taken longer then anticipated. Biggest setback was waiting for Atlas O track and turnouts. So far I am glad I waited for the track which I like. Thanks for looking. All comments welcomed. Hopefully I'll have more to post soon.
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Looks great so far!
WHOA!!!!! Thats a very nice layout!!!! Just saw this thread for the first time... Good luck, I'ts looking real good.
Thanks for the update, Craig. It's coming along.
How do you like working with the roadbed?
Moonman posted:Thanks for the update, Craig. It's coming along.
How do you like working with the roadbed?
Carl,
I like the FLEXBED. It is very easy to work with, bends easily with all curves, easy to cut & lay. I am not gluing it, using track screws. Once down, it stays in place. I'm using the 3/8" for all mains, and plan to use 1/4" on upper turntable Spurs and yards. The Hobby Inovations people are great to work with! The only problem I encountered is the ATLAS 3/4" screws I'm using should be a little longer. I have some #2 1" screws on order that I hope will be better. 1" track screws are hard to find, especially black oxide. The ATLAS O track is quiet without any roadbed, can't wait to run some trains with the roadbed.
Thanks for your comments. This is my first layout, and I am learning.
E-UNIT-79 posted:WHOA!!!!! Thats a very nice layout!!!! Just saw this thread for the first time... Good luck, I'ts looking real good.
Thank you E-UNIT-79 for your comments.
Craig,
It is looking great! First layout? You are doing great! Worth the wait! I'm so glad you have that attitude. Many folks would be upset if they had to wait so long! I love the J 611. I have a PS3 one, and can't wait for access to our last daughter's room when she gets married this year. Looking forward to your updates.
Mark Boyce posted:Craig,
It is looking great! First layout? You are doing great! Worth the wait! I'm so glad you have that attitude. Many folks would be upset if they had to wait so long! I love the J 611. I have a PS3 one, and can't wait for access to our last daughter's room when she gets married this year. Looking forward to your updates.
Thank you Mark for the encouragement. One main line wired and tested today in Conventional mode. Testing for continuity and everything is working. Will wire next two Mainlines, test, then hookup panel that enables DCS, LEGACY/TMCC & Conventional operation. Then to 2nd levels(turntable/Spurs/yards and NYC areas. One problem area Atlas 072/054 turnout. Older Lionel engine with two pu rollers only on one truck is stalling in switch. Will test newer model engine for results. Hopefully I can get turnout to work properly since it is on main level under an upper level and is hard to reach.
IFirst of two control panels completed. Panel one controls four relays, power to yards etc. Second panel will control turntable Spurs (approx. 20) on second level etc. Able to run in command modes(Legacy & DCS) and Conventional mode.
Wiring mostly completed on three Mainlines on level one of layout. In process of testing three mains by running trains that have been in boxes. Having fun finally seeing trains actually running vice laying in an unopened box.
Progress slower than I like, but I am finally able to run trains and everything working so far! Level two turntable/Spurs, yards should begin soon.
Will take a week break soon to attend the LOTS Convention.
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Nice progress!
Can you start some scenery work as a diversion from the infrastructure layout? Sometimes staying on one phase can get trying.
W&W posted:Mark Boyce posted:Craig,
It is looking great! First layout? You are doing great! Worth the wait! I'm so glad you have that attitude. Many folks would be upset if they had to wait so long! I love the J 611. I have a PS3 one, and can't wait for access to our last daughter's room when she gets married this year. Looking forward to your updates.
Thank you Mark for the encouragement. One main line wired and tested today in Conventional mode. Testing for continuity and everything is working. Will wire next two Mainlines, test, then hookup panel that enables DCS, LEGACY/TMCC & Conventional operation. Then to 2nd levels(turntable/Spurs/yards and NYC areas. One problem area Atlas 072/054 turnout. Older Lionel engine with two pu rollers only on one truck is stalling in switch. Will test newer model engine for results. Hopefully I can get turnout to work properly since it is on main level under an upper level and is hard to reach.
When it stalls in the switch, cut the power and eyeball closely. Sometimes a pilot wheel will hit the center rail on the angle (short) or it may just be adding a power connection the center rail or jumpering one of the outside rails left unconnected by Atlas for non-derail use.
When you get an idea, start a new post with the problem. It's been solved before.
Great layout! Thanks very much for the pics and vids, it is cool to see this layout construction progress over time.
