Ok so my last layout must be taken apart due to some problems that I do not want to get into right now BUT this affords me the oppertunity to build a better one in the new room addition.
(Note: Junk pile from remodel work)
Here are a few pics.
This is the track plan, I will have to make one adjustment after talking to my Buddy Cuda ken, the “S” curve I’m told can not be used because it will derail my trains, other than that small change I like the two individual tracks.
In this pic the hole on the left with the track bridge is the pond, the hole on the right is my small quarry.
Here is my quarry that shows its scale and depth by the comparrison of the HO scale F7.
This one is the base of the bench work, the top is removeable and the base was built to fit out the door way and it is on wheels hidden by the side panels, this base has lots of storage space and I haven’t put the doors in yet.
I’ll also be adding, hills, a cave and a lot of land scaping.
And finally here is a pic of the work site Foreman, her name is Jacky and she is my Jack Russell
Terrorist.
I hope you like my new begining and I shall update the pics as I get further along.
I will have the interchangable house lots, and will enjoy running two trains at the same time without the advantage of DCC, I have an outside track that is seperate from the inside track.
Well thats it for my progress for now, I have two days work into it
Hi!
I enjoyed looking at your new layout, and it looks like you have an excellent start and a wonderful room in which to enjoy it! My wife and I especially enjoyed your picture of Jacky, and laughed at her being a Jack Russell “terrorist”. A JRT is tops on my wife’s list for a new dog, and I think your picture fueled her fire!
ENJOY,
Mobilman44
Great man! Very good layout! The depth is a real sign on it. I like dogs so much, Jacky is a very methodic supervisor! Go ahead man, votes of victory in your model.
Hugs
It looks good, but you might want to think about a siding or two and maybe connecting your outer loop with the inner track. (just a thought…[:)])
Dang! You work fast!
Thanks for the encouragement Folks.
Well I didn’t want to connect the two tracks so I can run one train in one direction and the inside set in another, besides this will allow the Grandsons to operate their own when visiting.
I don’t know what I want to do with the sides right now, it will come too me i’m sure.
My Jack Russell is a wonderful girl, she is a joy to have around and very polite for her breed, she is very active during the day but likes to hang out and watch Tv at night as long as they get enough exersize during the day they will not be bouncing around in the evening.
People always say I work fast, I never thought about it really, I just get caught up in it and before I know I’m done the next phase.
Well, I’m still at work, got to go.
happy Rails.
Very Nice.
Keep posting pictures. I just love your enthusiasm and your work. Always a pleasure to see.
Magnus
You can still join the two loops and run two separate trains at the same time. Just use insulated rail joiners where the two turnouts meet.
http://www.atlasrr.com/Images/Track/Trackphotos/55.gif
These will keep the loops separated into two circuits or “blocks”. These are also used to isolate sidings on a DC layout so you can turn off a train sitting on a siding while you run another train on the main. (in case you didn’t know about these.[swg])
I agree with loathar with connecting the outside to the inside loop, Jess. Some insulated rail joiners, and an Atlas Selector(?)(Controller?)(the one with the green buttons) switch will get you going running multiple trains on each main.
Rotor
Jess, did the JRT come with a Bun? [:D] (sort of a in side joke, sent Jess a picture of one of my Irish Wolfhounds)
You do work fast, just to bad we live so many miles a part. With the room I have I could watch you build a great home lay out. I would take over the JRT job! [;)]
Did you run a train on the layout in the first picture before you went the next step? Over all I like the lay out and 2 lines is a big plus. Next time we talk, well you will be done at the rate you are going, but I will help you with blocking. That way besides having the A and B line running at the same time, you will be able to park trains on the passing / spurs loops you have.
Your rail brother Ken
OK, I’m starting to get the picture, that would be cool, I will keep an area open so that I can add a connecting track between the two, I’ll look into what I’ll need for that and the track isolators.
Now I imagine that if I add the track isolators to the loops as well I’ll be able to pull a train onto one of the loops and then disconect the track power using a controller and the isolators.
Now, if I’m on track 1 (the outside loop) and want to switch it too track 2 I’m guessing that the throttles (speed coming from the transformers) would have to be set at the same speed as to not derail by rolling onto a track that is set too slow…does this makes sense?
I thank you all for helping me see that I can have two tracks but be able to link them, I was not aware that this could be done but I should have known better.
Happy Rails, I just love this hobby!!!
Looks like you’re off to a great start. The finished work beneath the surface adds a lot to the overall appearance, in my opinion.
You know, I didn’t realize how much the base of the bench work did effect the whole appearance of the layout until I did this one, my last one was on key board stands and it looked like a folding table.
I still have to cut the doors into the front but that will look as good with the old fashioned hard ware that I picked out.
Since the back drop I had already made looks too tall I will reshape it so the top line is that of a mountain range and not just a straight level top, it should be interesting to see how that looks put together.
Happy Rails.
Jess
Jess-It looks like your using Atlas code 100 track. (right?) Don’t use their “snap” switches to connect the loops. Use at least #4’s. Preferably #6’s.
I have an old Atlas track planning book that explains insulated rail joiners and blocks and how to wire your layout to use 2 power packs to run multiple trains. It’s a really good basic book that will answer most of your questions. You can have it if you want it. Just E-mail me your address and I’ll be happy to drop it in the mail to you. (I don’t need it anymore)
Thank you very much Loathar,
Sure could use any books on the hobby, my mailing address is
Jesse Red Horse
55 Thurley Rd.
Ctr. Ossipee , NH, 03814
Now are these #4 or #6 also from Atlas?
Thanks again, I’m trying to post more pics of the progress today.
Jesse Red Horse of the “Plaster hands Tribe”!
Looks like it’s working great, Jesse.
RH:
After you connect the two loops like people mentioned (use two crossovers, one made of 2 RH and the other of 2 LH, so you can get from one to the other and back without reversing), I’d remove the innermost or perhaps the innermost 2 cutoff tracks, then put in a 2 track yard coming off one side of the inner loop, and a branch to a mine or something in the middle of the layout, off the other side. This will give your trains something to do. Start at the yard, make up a train, take it to the mine, pick up the loads, return to the yard, while keeping out of the way of mainline traffic.