Having purchased trains since 1990(adding to my childhood trains), the beginning of my train layout has finally commenced. Obsidian has designed the layout. He and his son are helping with the benchwork. They have been very helpful and I am very excited to finally see the beginnings of the "South Fork Railroad" after all the years looking at boxes.
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Looks like you have enough stuff for a great start!
Look forward to seeing your progress.
Have fun.
Good luck and have fun.
What a great start. 
Wow. looks like the warehouse for a train store. What a massive amount of stuff. It will be great to finally get something to run it all on. Please keep us posted on your progress. It would also be great to see your track/layout plan if you can post it.
Please continue to update. Looks interesting.
Hope to post progress this weekend with RR-track design. Layout will have three main lines with elevated subway. Lionel Grand Central Terminal will be focus point with four tracks running underneath. Hellgate bridge will be focal point with two Lionel Lift Bridges. GCT area will be elevated from main level As will a yard area and a 34" Millhouse round table with minimum of 13 spurs. Lionel carnival accessories will be used, also Lionel Back shop, Irvington Factory, coal tipple etc. Will use MTH DCS & Lionel Legacy control. Lionel, MTH, K-line, Atlas, Williams rolling stock, power units. Hope to use Atlas track, turnouts. Future plans to have storage tracks under the main level. Thanks for everyone's interest. Also plan to post videos.
Wow.......looking forward to your progress!
Peter
Second day of construction for the "South Fork Railroad" completed. A lot was accomplished. Completed 99% of benchwork. Levelers placed on legs. Next - complete benchwork, place/cut plywood tops/grades to upper level etc. Original RR Track design being tweaked with some minor changes. Determining how to get track down under the main level which will provide storage tracks and possible reversing loop. The construction crew had a good time working together. The day started with our Dunkin Donuts, work, Lunch provided by my train buddy/wife Judi, followed by more work. I am very much appreciate for the help of my model railroading friends Ken, Austin & Joe helping build the "South Fork Railroad".
W&W,
Looks like you are off to a great start, Congrats on getting things started!
PCRR/Dave
Pics of second day Construction.
Looking great! Keep up the good work.
Wow, you fellows made great progress in 2 days!! I am looking forward to seeing construction as it progresses and seeing what is inside all those boxes!!
Fast work!
Peter
Looking great! Keep up the good work.
Thanks. Can't wait to unpack the turn table(under bench in one of the pics) you delivered to me at this past spring TCA York!!!
W&W,
"South Fork" J. R. Ewing would be very proud.
You are off to a roariing start. When can we see your track-plan?
W&W,
"South Fork" J. R. Ewing would be very proud.
You are off to a roariing start. When can we see your track-plan?
Will post track plan soon. Some slight modifications being made.
Could you post the track plan file? That looks like a very nice plan. It also has multiple layers which I have been struggling with, maybe I could learn something from it. I have been trying to expand my own layout, so far with very little success. Thanks.
Very nice track plan. Good luck
Al
Adding some clouds. Working on backdrops while I have easy access to walls. Waiting for track to be shipped. May have to wait until October for track shipment.
"The Big South Fork Recreational Area" in southern Kentucky/northern Tennessee has
a tourist train, old company store, preserved coal mines, one with a restored company
town, that the tourist train passes, and the other with a high trestle leading into it. The HQ for much of that is Stearns, Ky.
Wow, I can't get over the inventory in pic #1. You must be chomping at the bit to get this layout up and running. Great progress thus far! I can't wait to see it progress.
Gee, and I thought I was a packrat.....how big is this pole building you are building the
layout in?
Room approx. 26'x14'. Have room for expansion to adjoining room, maybe in the future. Concentration now for this area, 3 mainlines, plus elevated subway and want to have line, storage tracks under main level. Holdup now is waiting for track. Meanwhile, will be doing backdrops etc. In the meantime, if I can obtain some curved track(min 072) to use for templates, may begin placing plywood for track inclines etc.
Started laying plywood for level one of layout. Next steps are to paint plywood tops and secure to benchwork. May secure plywood from bottom side to make it easier to remove if need to in future. Received small shipment of Atlas track. Have few 072, 081, 090/099 curves to attempt to cut plywood for areas where three mains go to the second level of layout. Isle edges will be trimmed back when I receive enough track to see where everything falls. I have been told track should arrive in October. Layout is going slower than I like, but I'm at the point that I need track to make further progress. Layout is three mains on two levels, with a third subway level. Am still hoping to have amother level below the main for staging etc.
W&W,
It can be frustrating not making the progress one had hoped for, and also frustrating waiting on ordered material. However, I think you have made nice progress from last time! Please keep us updated!
WOW! That is some stockpile of equipment! Great progress, please keep us posted. Rich.
Having purchased trains since 1990(adding to my childhood trains), the beginning of my train layout has finally commenced. Obsidian has designed the layout. He and his son are helping with the benchwork. They have been very helpful and I am very excited to finally see the beginnings of the "South Fork Railroad" after all the years looking at boxes.
Wow, All that stuff and you have to wait on track?
Which South Fork would this be? There's one here in PA made infamous by the nearby dam.
Nice work!
Which South Fork would this be? There's one here in PA made infamous by the nearby dam.
Nice work!
South Fork is a road in Hardy/Pendleton Counties WVA. My mother and aunt grew up on a farm there, which remains in the family. My aunt worked for the PRR in Baltimore, gave me my first train(still have), an American Flyer 3-rail PRR steam freight set, when I was five yrs old. That was the beginning of my love for model railroading, and having fond memories of my aunt whom gave me each Christmas something for my train, I decided to name the layout "SOUTH FORK RAILROAD".
Great layout room! It looks like you've got a plan and some folks to help you.
Love the story:
South Fork is a road in Hardy/Pendleton Counties WVA. My mother and aunt grew up on a farm there, which remains in the family. My aunt worked for the PRR in Baltimore, gave me my first train(still have), an American Flyer 3-rail PRR steam freight set, when I was five yrs old. That was the beginning of my love for model railroading, and having fond memories of my aunt whom gave me each Christmas something for my train, I decided to name the layout "SOUTH FORK RAILROAD".
Peter
Started to make three main inclines leaving Grand Central Station. Have received some Atlas track to make templates. Hopefully will receive my Atlas track order this month! Will start electrical panels etc soon. Have received much help from Steve Horvath from Atlas and his company Montana Rail Power. Will meet with Steve next week at York to go over electrical plans and pick up equipment. Will be using Lionel Legacy, MTH DCS and conventional to run trains on the four mains.
Fantastic start! I can't wait to see the progress!
Per ATLAS at York TCA meet, I should be receiving my track order by mid November. I can't wait. I need track to make sure my RRTRACK plan is accurate in cutting plywood for inclines etc. Meantime, working on electrical areas, planning control panels, etc. Need to order more plywood this week. Hope to at least have track down to test prior to Christmas.
Installed three electrical panels, Sub panel, Main panel "A"' and Auxillary panel "B". Will place MTH TIU/AIUs on the three panels. Track roadbed "FLEXBED" by Hobby Inovations to be delivered week after Thanksgiving. Hopefully my ATLAS track order will arrive soon so I can start laying track, construct inclines/declines and second level. Appreciate electrical guidance from Steve Horvath of MONTANA RAIL POWER & ATLAS O. Steve has been great to work with. This is my first experience doing carpentry/electrical work. Learning a lot and having fun!
Electric Panels look great! Let me know if Austin and I can come out to work on layout a day during Christmas holiday.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is W & W the Winchester & Western? They still run here in South Jersey. They haul our nice sand from the Bridgeton/Millville area to the NS tracks where it goes on it's way.
Moonman posted:Is W & W the Winchester & Western? They still run here in South Jersey. They haul our nice sand from the Bridgeton/Millville area to the NS tracks where it goes on it's way.
Carl, W&W is indeed the Winchester & Western. The W&W also hauls sand in this area out of sand mines in the Gore, Va area thru Winchester, Va.
Yes, I like it better all the time! I certainly like your selection of motive power as well! I need to find an auxiliary tender for my J as well!
W&W posted:Moonman posted:Is W & W the Winchester & Western? They still run here in South Jersey. They haul our nice sand from the Bridgeton/Millville area to the NS tracks where it goes on it's way.
Carl, W&W is indeed the Winchester & Western. The W&W also hauls sand in this area out of sand mines in the Gore, Va area thru Winchester, Va.
Wheaton Glass used the sand here. A big company from 1888 in Millville. I recall reading about the "Sandman" train, a regular run for W & W in Va.
Moonman posted:W&W posted:Moonman posted:Is W & W the Winchester & Western? They still run here in South Jersey. They haul our nice sand from the Bridgeton/Millville area to the NS tracks where it goes on it's way.
Carl, W&W is indeed the Winchester & Western. The W&W also hauls sand in this area out of sand mines in the Gore, Va area thru Winchester, Va.
Wheaton Glass used the sand here. A big company from 1888 in Millville. I recall reading about the "Sandman" train, a regular run for W & W in Va.
W&W known locally as 'OL' Weak & Weary started in 1916 to haul timber out of W. Va to supply railroad ties for the B&O which ran into Winchester. W&W now runs from Gore, Va thru Winchester to Hagerstown, Md, approx. 54 miles of track, hauling various products, but primarily sand from the sand mines at Gore.
Photo material under consideration for my backdrops. Backdrops to be 24"-31" in height. Scenes will be NYC skyline, eastern mountains, industrial scenes.
New MTH Norfolk Southern Executive Train w/cars I've received too date. Voice is retired NS Ceo. Thought some may want to see.
I came to this thread late and must congratulate you on your progress to date and for providing such a good thread showing the main stages of your layout development.
I'm in the process of moving house so my old layout had to be demolished and all my trains, track and accessories are in store.
I plan to keep this thread as a reference work for my new layout - thank you for documenting it so well.
britrailer posted:I came to this thread late and must congratulate you on your progress to date and for providing such a good thread showing the main stages of your layout development.
I'm in the process of moving house so my old layout had to be demolished and all my trains, track and accessories are in store.
I plan to keep this thread as a reference work for my new layout - thank you for documenting it so well.
Thank you "britrailer" for the kind words. I have learned so much from reading the O Gauge RR Forum postings from the many knowledgeable fellow railroaders. Your comments inspire me to continue to post to this forum in the hopes of sharing my learning experiences and helping other model railroaders as they have helped me. You are the first reader of my posts to make me feel as though I've actually helped someone else. Thank you!!
Craig,
Documenting the layout build is more helpful than you realize. Read Rich's post on the website activity. Many will read and learn with no comments or posts. The time it takes to document the project is a worthy contribution to the community.
Thank you.
Moonman posted:Craig,
Documenting the layout build is more helpful than you realize. Read Rich's post on the website activity. Many will read and learn with no comments or posts. The time it takes to document the project is a worthy contribution to the community.
Thank you.
Carl,
Your kind comments make me feel good knowing my posts could be helpful to someone. Being my first layout, learning how to build a layout, I had no idea I would be helping someone else. Glad to help anyone, as many have helped me, especially from reading this forum.
I have not posted progress for a while. Been busy wiring 17 Atlas turnouts that are installed using two MTH AIUs for DCS. Will have another 10+ turnouts to wire when they are installed on upper level. Also wired End of Track (EOT) flashing red LEDs for hidden yards that are installed to provide visual warning on control panel when a train is getting to end of yard track. The first upper level panel has been temporality installed where an upper level main loop will be and yards. Will start next upper level panels this week which will be the area for my Millhouse Pennsylvania turntable, Spurs, yard for backshop. Hope to get the turntable installed this week. I want to thank all you Ogauge forum members whom have helped with info, problem solving issues, i.e. AIU issues, LEDs using AC power for EOTs etc. I also want to thank Steve Horvath, whose help with electrical planning/installation has been invaluable. I want Steve to know that his help, patience is greatly appreciated by me! We have spent many hours on the phone this last year.
Craig,
Yes, wiring can be time consuming, and you don't have much to show for your work, until you power everything up and it works! You have accomplished a lot. Your panel looks neat, and being an old telecom guy, I like your punch down 66 blocks. I'll look forward to future updates!
Craig,
Installing the power and control may be the heart of the layout. Taking the time now will save time later and add more time for enjoying running trains. Looking good! No hurry, it's a hobby.
Craig,
Your wiring work looks first class. Way better than anything I could have imagined. Yes, we in the community really appreciate the updates on your progress.
Ken
Progress this week included installing plywood for upper level yards, main upper loop to other side of layout(New York City), and Millhouse River turntable and whisker tracks. All went well with no surprises with help from my friend Joe. Joe's help has been greatly appreciated. Love the Millhouse River turntable. Mine is the PRR 34" weathered model. It works GREAT! Next: paint plywood, place whiskers around turntable, place yard and upper main loop. Then move to other side for upper level for NYC scene, Grand Central Terminal.
Craig,
I'm glad you an Joe figured out how to implement the turntable on the upper (middle after elevated subway) level. I think that operationally it will be simpler and more prototypical to be able to dispatch an engine from your turntable and hook up a consist from your yard without fowling your main. You are making great progress and your layout looks great! Thanks for the update.
Ken
Laying out widgets from the turntable and three yards down front wall as well as loop to go thru Lionel lift bridge to upper level on the other side of the layout(NYC w/Grand Central Terminal).
Craig,
your moving on! I was looking at the first photo of the TT area and then went back and looked at the layout 3D's that Ken posted last year. I thought I'd toss this up as something to consider while you're at the TT. I have seen other layouts that had a second track, like an escape track, for a serviced engine to exit while another was coming in for service.
If the piece of plywood edge that I am looking at is a 4' section between the TT and the NYC bridge approach line, it looks like you could get an O72 escape track in there. Atlas switch and a piece of flex cut to 36 radius and 15°(or a cut sectional to fit).
Moonman posted:Craig,
your moving on! I was looking at the first photo of the TT area and then went back and looked at the layout 3D's that Ken posted last year. I thought I'd toss this up as something to consider while you're at the TT. I have seen other layouts that had a second track, like an escape track, for a serviced engine to exit while another was coming in for service.
If the piece of plywood edge that I am looking at is a 4' section between the TT and the NYC bridge approach line, it looks like you could get an O72 escape track in there. Atlas switch and a piece of flex cut to 36 radius and 15°(or a cut sectional to fit).
Carl,
Thank you for the suggestion. Suggestions are always welcome here. In fact, I had thought about doing just what you have suggested. I need to evaluate how many widgets/Spurs I will lose coming off the TT. I want to be able to store as many engines as possible on the layout to eliminate taking them on/off the layout. I lost one yard underneath the TT due to an 072/054 turnout problem that could not be resolved easily.
Thank you for your continued input!
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