I just bought the Woodland Scenics River Pass Layout kit (track pak, building kit, scenery kit). I have always had an interest in MR, but never wanted to take the risk in makeing a layout from scratch. I just bought the Atlas HO UP Deliver Dash 8-40CW Gold series and the MRC Prodigy advance. Enough of my expences. On to the question.
Any suggestions on how to wire the complete layout so that the town will have lights, RR crossings w/ lights. etc. I don’t know if the River Pass layout has turnouts. If they do I would like to control them via my CAB. Sorry about the long post but I am very excited to get this started.
You just jumped in with both hands And feet didn’t you?? My suggestion is get the trackwork down, get the train running so it doesn’t derail, and then worry about the rest… If you are inexperienced, you’ll have a full plate just getting to that point…
I know MRC is making stationary decoders that can be used to activate other stuff besides the trains but I have next to zero experience with the MRC dcc products… It isn’t very difficult to set up if you just want to turn things on and off… But I think that things like animation (RR crossings) are much better when activated by the actions of the trains (entirely possible).
Like I said, though, clear your plate of getting that Atlas running…
If you have cable TV, tune into DIY Network - they have a show called “Workin’ on the Railroad” where they show you step-by-step how to complete…you guessed it, the Woodland Scenics River Pass layout. It’s a good, informative show (although the host has a persistent bad hair day).
Although they don’t wire any crossings or streetlights, it should answer many of your questions. Since the kit is foam-based, you should be able to pass the signal wires through the foam and wire them all from beneath.
Dave,
I just purchased the Grand Valley layout and am anxious to start getting into it after many years! Keep us posted as to your progress/problems with the kit and I’ll do the same.
Good Luck
Chris
Good luck with your layouts. Ask lots of questions on the forum and don’t forget to post LOTS of pictures for those of us who have lesser imaginations and need the visual stimulus! LOL
Dave: After you get your layout built, follow the instructions for wiring the DCC. That should get you going. After that, forum members will be glad to help you with all the additional scenery and wiring.
Ezielinski do you have a time when it’s on? I have dishnetwork & get the DIY station, but don’t know/have a way to find that particular program. If you have a time, I could find it. [:P] Please let us know![:D]
Thanks for the input. I will start taking pictures and some video from the begining.
FCnota:
I don’t know what time zone you are in but here is the schedule for the DIY Network Working on the Railroad River Pass Series.
River Pass II: Saturday Jan 14 3:30 PM & 6:30 PM (Hawaii Standard Time)
River Pass III: Saturday Jan 21 3:30 PM & 6:30 PM (Hawaii Standard Time)
River Pass IV: Saturday Jan 28 3:30 PM & 6:30 PM (Hawaii Standard Time)