So much for me new track plan (“Evolution of a track plan” thread). Due to some happenings ont he home front, the railroad room will no longer be dedicated to the layout. I’ve already removed what I originally was going to make a liftout and then just permanently screwed in place - actuially, if I fixe the one rail that got pulled out of the ties when I cut through it with the Dremel, I probably could just slip the section right back in place… But, I also need to remove the section along the right hand (bottom on the plan) wall, and so I might as well remove the small section to the left of the door and the duckunder to my workbench. I’ll have the 12’ long part along the sloping wall, and 8’ along the far wall (right side of the plan). I was thinking of pulling up most of the track and building a switching layout, however I’m thinking it would be a better use of my time to complete some of my other projects, like finish a few of the RS-3’s, and maybe build some structures, since I don;t plan to be here more than 2 more years. Even though with just the 2-track yard there won’t be much operation, I can still test run locos as I get them ready.
Sorry for your change in plans. Finishing some RS-3’s sounds like a good diversion. I just finished converting my NYC RS-3 to sound by swapping body shells (Bachmann doesn’t offer NYC w’sound yet) with a new Bachmann L&N RS-3 (factory sound). This is the Soundtraxx Lite version which is really quite nice. The RS-3 is one of my favorite locos (actually my favorite diesel). I have 4 or 5 of them but only two with sound. I tried an older Soundtraxx decoder in an Atlas RS-3 and it is a little weak on volume and required some modification on the weights. Hope you get enough room to run some engines, even if it is only to the end of the line and back. I still haven’t finished the track laying on my layout but need the diversion to do some model building or loco projects.
I have 4 Atlas undecs to detaila nd paint, an Athearn one to finish fixing the horn on, a nice Alco Models brass one that needs the wiring redone and the paint touched up, an MDC kit to put together, and enough parts of Athearn adn Atlas ones to probably make yet another - yes, I love RS-3’s. I have a Loksound Select that I haven’t decided which one I’m going to put it in yet. The Athearn has an MRC sound decoder in it, that will be used for target practice very shortly - I got it cheap so I could see for myself just how bad they were.
I keep forgetting to pick up some India ink, I got the alcohol weeks ago, to make some stain so I can put together this Blair Line truck dump kit I picked up. And then there’s the covered hopper project, I have enough roof stock to finish them, plus proper sanding sealer (though it’s been too cold outside to paint, and it’s far too smelly to use indoors). And after I bought a copule of cutting tools specifically to make the multitude of duplicate parts to make the hatches and roofwalks…it’s time i actually use them. If I actually get to it, I can probably have a pair of RS-3’s and a few of the covered hoppers ready for the show in July.
Sorry to hear of the change in plans. Nice thing about the hobby is there is usually something that can be done while awaiting an anticipated change. Sounds like you have plenty of projects. I had collected many kits and built a few, mostly rolling stock, while I was spending too many hours working to build a layout. When I semi retired I had plans to start the layout. Son moved home, layout shrunk to cellar location, less than half the space. I will build with the idea that I can retake of the original trainspace if he ever moves out. Until then I will select kits to go on the reduced size layout and build a sort of modular layout.
Awww Randy, I’m sorry to hear that. I was following along and watching the track plan evolve.
I’ve been there done that. It’s why I’m limited to a 4x8 for now. So right now I’m concentrating on building structures in the hope to a larger layout in the future.
If you run out of projects, let me know, I could send you some to work on.[;)]
Here’s to having space for your dream layout sooner rather than later.