For some reason my work computer won’t allow me to see those pictures. It’s very weird what I can and can’t see here and makes no sense to me. I can see the ones you just posted though which is even more strange. Cool. Thanks. That’s going to be pretty neat.
Fred,
I, too am confused why you can see some photos and not others. [%-)]
However, I do know that many workplaces have software that ban users from visiting specific web sites (eBay) and viewing certain Internet images.
However, all of the D-27 Disappearing Train layout construction photos
can be viewed here…
The D-27 “disappearing train” layout used a Lionel 2035 locomotive.
AGTTA Lionel D-27 layout
How’s the project coming along?
That is so cool! You just gave me an answer to something I’ve been thinking about.
[b]
Fred,
The construction is coming along just fine! Here are a few more photos of the project.
Creating the helix.
Designing the helix platform.
Progress on the Lionel D-27 “Disappearing Train Layout” continues:
Laying out and testing the corkbed.
Laying, gluing and pinning the corkbed.
Does that steep of a incline pose some real problems? That has to be some 7%. It obviously works, but what are you restricted to running?
Wes
Wes,
Yes, you’re correct, it’s between a 7% - 8% climb. Nevertheless, from a standing stop, the 2035 locomotive, tender and 8 gondolas can make that steep climb, thanks to Lionel’s magne-traction.
With another modifcation or two, we should be able to add additional cars to duplicate Lionel’s claim of a 14 car train… though that claim may have been a bit exaggerated.
No modern trains have been tested, as yet. But one definitely needs to use a locomotive with magne-traction to make that steep climb.
i received a email from ctt. and in it they have a section called information station. one of the subjects is how to build lionels disappearing layout. you may have this info already but i thought i’d let you know.
I really don’t think any of my modern engines would pull 8 cars up that hill, especially at a slow speed using cruise control. I would have to disable cruise just to get some runaway speed down the helix to even attempt it. That shows how good magnatraction must have been.
Wes
Wes,
While we have not experimented with any “new” locomotives with cruise control or traction tires, it would certainly be educational to attempt such an exercise.
I have no doubt, that “traditional size” locomotives so equipped, will have any difficulty negotiating the helix.
When completed, however, I imagine the Lionel D-27 “Disappearing Layout” will be subject to much experimentation … as to what runs, and what doesn’t.
I hope that I’m not suggesting some thing that you have already tried, but have you tried calling Lionel’s Customer Service line, or their Tech Support? They may, or may not be able to help you, but all it would cost is a phone call to find out.
All of my own experience with Lionel’s Customer Service was for getting replacement parts, most of which Lionel sent free of charge, didn’t even charge me for shipping. Lionel’s Customer Service, is in MY opinion First rate, and what Customer Service should be.
Give them a call at (586) 949-4100
These guys can be a bit rough on things at times, but when something needs fixin, Uncle Doug is just a phone call away, then a call to Lionel CS, and four days later the parts are usually in the mailbox.
Also Promoting the Hobby whenever(and wherever) I can
Doug
This feat can probably be accomplished with lots of locos w/o Magnetraction. There are only 3 or 4 cars on the incline at any one time, and except for the end of the train, there are cars on the decline pushing the cars in front up the hill. Visualize a 20 car train on this layout - when the middle of the train is in the helix, the loco is doing very little extra work beyond that required to pull the train through the curves(as if on level track).
Rob
Hi, I just found in CTT’s PDF’s just what you may be looking for, they have a file Specifically on the layout that you are building. It includes 2 articles, 8 pgs and costs $2.95.
Go to the CTT home page, scroll to the bottom of the page, in the CTT site index go to Train Layouts, click on downloadable articles, Track + Track plans, 4th item listed is CTTPDF035, this is probably just what You are looking for.
I Hope that is what you are Hoping to find,
Doug
Edit: This is probably what LIRRNORTH, mentions above, this will show you how to find it though.
Just from the advice here alone, I have avoided such inclines in the past, but you are right, just a few feet back there are many cars pushing the engine up the hill. I look forward to your progess, that is for sure. It doesn’t have to be smooth, it just has to function. Any idea what overhad spacing you will end up with?
Wes
While it’s doubtful that the “new” Lionel has any publications or documents from fifty years ago, we did take your suggestion and wrote them if they had,
or could they suggest where we might obtain a copy of the “Instructions for Installing and Operating No. D-27 Display”.
And, yes, we have the CTT D-27 articles that you mentioned, and used them as a guide for constructing the layout.
I’m guessing you’re questioning how much “clearance” there is (in inches) between the top of the locomotive and the track when it crosses under the helix.
Here is the reply from one of the two master builders of the layout:
The clearance we chose for the place where the track crosses under itself
is 4 inches (top of track to bottom of masonite roadbed that’s above).
The 2035 loco is about 3.25 inches at its highest point (smokestack). I decided to go with 4 inches because the 623 series of diesels was a little taller and I wanted to give the new owner the option of running a diesel vice a steamer.
Jim
… and here’s another recent construction photo of the D-27 layout:
Wow! The layout is coming out great so far. Are you going to use all original building materials like the old lionel grass? Ive yet to find a good reproduction of that dyed sawdust.
Keep us posted!
That’s an excellent question… so I put that to one of the two master builders of the D-27 layout, and here is his reply:
We were originally thinking of making our own dyed sawdust and sprinkling it over the slow drying green paint to simulate what Lionel did in 1950. However, since we’re going to build the mountain/tunnel out of modern resin materials to look like real rock formations we decided to add more scenery like bushes and small trees that Lionel never did. Further, Woodland Scenics has the materials you can apply with white glue that will fill in the open areas.
We had to deviate from the Lionel plans in several ways just to make the concept viable. I guess going a little further and changing the scenicking somewhat won’t be too bad. Hopefully the changes are improvements on a neat idea.