Track-plan:

I've finally locked-in a track-plan! Everything beyond the original dogbone is new. Quite a challenge using only sectional track, but I was finally able to connect all the dots, and close all the loops. Now I have a small yard to stage some of my long unit-trains. Plus, I have a lot of switching potential with the added wye:

• Reversing wye with three spurs.
• Two more staging tracks to accommodate longer unit-trains (crude oil, spine-car, etc.).
• Kadee #708 uncouplers.

I was also looking for a powered, under-track solution for remote uncoupling, and apparently, Kadee #708 HOn3 electro-magnetic uncouplers reportedly work fairly well, and can be successfully installed in N-scale Kato Unitrack with slight modification (slightly narrowing and/or insulating the plates to avoid shorts). I plan to install the Kadee #708s on each of my spurs.

Control:

I was able to pick-up five, new-in-the-box (NOS) MRC 3000GS DC-controllers (to run two double-track loops, and one as a spare), for only about $20 each. I love these controllers' 300° throttles, which are also nicely dampened. I power them with differently rated AC transformers to better match their throttle-range to my locos' speed. The 3000GS' momentum circuit and spring-loaded brake switch work great with my Kato, Atlas, and other locos.

I also picked up a mint-condition MRC 2800 dual-cab to control my two Unitram Portram electric trams (which don't require momentum/braking circuits), and will mostly run at constant-throttle. I also have a Tomix DC-controller with a neat "lighting control" feature, which keeps my electric Tomix commuter train's lights on when not moving. All of my Japanese-made electric trains are pretty much not DCC-able, another reason I went all-analog.

I also plan to install an analog auto-reverser for my electric Tomix train for automated point-to-point operations with programmable stops, using either Circuitron's AR1, RR Concepts' StationMaster, or possibly Tomix' programmable controller.

Audio:

• Audio 1: Sony 150W 3.1 Kato Soundbox + Soundtraxx' EMD and GE soundcards.
• Audio 2: Sony 150W 2.0 Fantasonics' Big City ambient audio-CD.

Just because I'm all analog, doesn't mean I won't have quality sound—just as in movies, I think having good sound is just as important as having good visuals. My decision to go with an all-analog layout was largely sealed when I found out about Kato's Soundbox. Its two-channel stereo output also gets a synthesized surround-sound matrix from my Sony amp to add even more depth. Kato's newest Soundtraxx turbocharged GP35 soundcard really sounds great through this system, and the sub-woofer adds an impressive low-frequency rumble.

My second sound source is Fantasonics' excellent Big City ambient-audio CD (read about their impressive sound-field encoding technology on their site). The moment I first turned on my Fantasonics CD, my layout really came to life. These CDs add another layer of realism to your layout, and really enhances the illusion of your miniature world.

Pod-extension:

After considering a number of possible benchwork patterns, I finally settled on this pod-extension which is represented by the diagram I posted in the first post of this thread. It makes the best use of the available space and allows me to have a small yard and incorporate the new wye:

I was also playing around with a 1/4"-thick sheet of aluminum (which doesn't require any mid-span support). The lumber extension can be easily supported at multiple points using these Ikea adjustable chrome legs (adjusts from 26"-42"):

 
Ikea  Gerton adjustable chrome leg.

Update:

 

The Unitram city center above is where my MRC 2800-controlled Kato Portrams run in a continuous loop, and where most of my pre-built structures are placed. I have Kato, Tomix, and JioWorld pre-built structures, plus some modern high-rises from Germany (above-right) I bought on eBay. The JioWorld structures I bought from Japan (not shown) are pretty cool and look really good. I also bought a bunch of used Kibri structures on eBay, and a bunch of half-destroyed Tomix structures (below) that I still have yet to build, that will be used to create a post-apocalypse scene elsewhere on the layout.

I'm currently re-building both ends of the layout so all the track is pulled up now. I'm laying 3/4" Woodland Scenics risers for all of the Unitrack on the ends of the layout. I still have to build the benchwork for the new extension, but since I've finally locked-in my track plan, I can now start preparing to lay my track. The next step is to lay plaster-cloth over the Woodland Scenics risers:

A Suggestion

Another idea would be to create a construction scene, where the old buildings are being removed allowing for new construction? 

Surround Sound

Metrolink:

I've wondered about the Soundtraxx system and how it sounds but with some real BASS that could add a whole lot to the experience. If you operate alone, like I do, then the "in cab" experience could be quite an experience when the volume is turned up! Perhaps some Bruce Kingsley vibration motors and fans to add to the effect would be fun as well - I digress. 

Looking forward to more posts!

Under-construction:

 

Thanks for your input, Rich, though I'm pretty well on my way to creating more of a "disaster movie" type scene. The 1:150 Daron Air Force One model will be airborne (to conserve layout real estate), not as pictured above, and with accompanying 1:160 Model Power F14s as escorts (which actually look really good). Whether due to alien attack or by natural occurrence, the nature of the disaster is left to the imagination, though a significant military presence may suggest the former (I have a pretty neat military train I've been collecting for). I did also buy some N-scale "under-constuction" structures from Tomix and Model Power, but I'll just be using those to create more destroyed buildings.

Kato Soundbox:

Yes, Neil, with the Kato Soundbox plugged into an external amplifier, it really rocks. That said, the Kato/Soundtraxx sound cards don't appear to have as much sound-variation as, perhaps, ESU LokSound decoder soundfiles. Start-up does sound great, however, especially on the new GP35-with-turbocharger cards. My surround-sound amplifiers are just inexpensive Sony all-in-one systems, with un-powered sub-woofers. But even with an un-powered sub-woofer, it generates great presence with ample low-frequency rumble (anyone remember "Senssuround?"). Thanks for your interest!

Kato Portrams

Hi Metrolink, I attended the N Scale Enthusiast convention the past weekend here in Pittsburgh. Kato was one of the manufacturers present and they had a small basic oval Unitram layout setup. I didn't realize just how small those Portrams are until seeing them in person. They are very impressive, but also very tiny 

They also had all of their latest offerings and plenty of napkins to keep from getting drool on the new models