First post here, so I thought I’d just post up and say hello to the board members.
A bit about me. Right now, I’m in the process of designing and building my first layout…ever.
It is a 16x8ft x1’9" wide HO shelf style switching layout that has a dominant four track yard which occupies most of the 16ft section. The trackwork is (or will be) code 83 ME rails handlaid on wooden ties. I’m about 70% complete with the ties and abut ready to start staining them and ballasting. For loco power I’ve picked up 4 CP Gp7’s and 9’s Ph I, II, & III. The old marroon and grey colours. I’ll be running DCC and using an NCE Power Cab to run the whole sha-bang when it’s up and running.
I post up quite a bit on another forum however, enjoy reading some of the how-to and operational threads here too, so I thought I’d introduce myself.
Hi, Shane. [#welcome] We are much like other forums, a little less…a little more…you know? We are fortunate to have some very experienced and talented modellers here (no, not I, yet). This place has the flavour of your typical “Hug’n Slug” back where we live…you get the idea.
I would enjoy seeing some images. Can’t be all bad with CPR. [:)] Perhaps you would consider posting some examples of your work on the Weekend Photo Fun thread that comes up each Friday…although this week’s is underway courtesy of SpaceMouse and has something about a turkey in the title. That’s the term that sometimes comes to my mind when I think about my current layout. [:O]
Hello welcome to the forums! Sounds like you have a good solid gameplan and I hope it works out. We here welcome pictures of your work you know, so keep us informed. Best wishes…
Hello Shane: Welcome to the forms. I see that you seem to have a plan and know where you are going. I too would like to see some photos but is you are like me and have limited computer skills I understand. Have a good one and stop in the trackside diner.
Shane, [#ditto] on the [#welcome] to the forums. Sure photos would be nice, but I’d like to see what the trackplan looks like. Your skills are already ahead of mine, if you’re tackling ME and handlaying track. [;)] Best wishes on your progress!
Here is where I am at right now. What you are looking at is the East yard facilities. The two tracks to the right at the very end are for locomotive service facilities. The left track is a stub track which can handle a loco and at least two 50’ cars. Going left to right…the short track is a caboose track. I can fit a least a couple on there, three at most. The second track is for building the trains to deliver to the local industries. It would also act as a track were new cars are delivered and then sorted in the yard. Tracks 3-4-5 are for well, freight cars East/West and Local. The track on the very right is for the locos to access the yard. It’s long on purpose as I wanted a track allow me to let the locos stretch their legs. It’s pretty much a straight line from the end you see all the way to the other end of the layout which is where the yard lead is located. I estimate I’ve laid about over 3000 little wooden ties for the yard track work alone.
Prototypically, it may not be operationally correct, however its how I envision the yard will work. I do have a track plan although it is not very accurate. I’ve made some changes and gone with the less is more idea. I think it will still work just fine. I know I’ll have fun with it once its running. That’s the main goal at this point as well.
I’m trying to get some sembalance of a working yard before mid December (personal reasons). So far so good. I’ve sanded them level, next step is the start running the bus wires and feeders before I ballast. Otherwise when the ballast & glue hardens…it’s going to be hell to try and drill little holes into. The turnouts especially are going to take up time as I have to spot and drill holes for seven wires. One wire to power&nbs
No its freelanced. I figure I’ve got enough on my plate as a first timer without stressing too much about a proto type ops set up. Although I did use the track work in areas around southern Ontario as well as a few local industries as inspiration to give me some direction.
Thanks for the idea about using the www button as the album link. I’ll do that!
All I can say is… WOW! First layout? Handlaid track?! DCC!?! Is is evident from your picture you have done your homework and you have a good handle on things. I can’t wait to see your scenery and weathering techniques. Don’t worry about prototype ops, none of have enough room to model exactly what we want yet we are all successful in enjoying this hobby.