• First Op Session using Car Orders

• RR-CirKits Users?

• Power in staging yard - ability to switch on/off?

• Advice on computer to connect to layout

• Pics / Diagram of Power Plants

I have track down for about 25% of my eventual layout.  I want to do some basic ops before I move forward to test out what I have built so far.  I have decided to use the Car Orders system vs. Car Cards or some form of computerized system.  

Hey all,

I'm curious if there are very many users of components from RR-CirKits?  I don't find any support groups on Facebook or groups.io.  I have used mainly Digitrax components in the past for detection, driving turnouts, and signals, but I am considering implementing some of the RR-CirKits components (I've already installed a couple of their WatchMan detection boards) and was wanting to find some support groups to bounce ideas off of.

Thanks,

Steve J.
Noblesville, In

Hey all,

For those of you that have staging yards, do you install switches that allow you to turn the power to each track on/off?  If you have a lot of engines just sitting in staging, why have them pulling power while parked?

I really don't want to do this due to the additional wiring complexity, but wondering what the opinions are out there as to whether it is worth the effort.

Hi all,

I'm looking for some advice on a computer to connect to my layout.  I run Digitrax and use Digitrax components as well as some RR Cirkits boards.  I plan to run JMRI and CATS for dispatching and programming decoders.  Other than that, the only other main requirement I have is to be able to run normal productivity software like spreadsheets and word processing.

I am interested to see some pics or plans on how folks have modeled power plants on their layouts.  Interested to see how you laid out track work and buildings, etc. to get some inspiration.

Has anyone used Blue Ridge Fibreboard?  (https://www.blueridgefiberboard.com/premium-insulating-sheathing-energy-saving-r-values/)  I saw it at Menards right across from Homasote.  It seems like a similar product, but a bit lighter and quite a bit cheaper.  Was curious if it would hold paint and how it would handle getting wet.

I am at the point where I need to put up a backdrop on my peninsula.  It is a 2x4 type wall.  Past layout I used masonite hardboard - but i can't remember if i used 1/4" or 1/8".  My studs are on 24" centers - i am concerned that 1/8" may end up being wavy once put up?  

Curious what other approaches you all have used.  I could use drywall for the straight areas and masonite for corners.  

I have spent some time over the past couple weeks working on my benchwork. 

There will be a long peninsula wall in the middle of the room.  The layout will be double decked in this area with the lower level track height being 39” and upper level 59”.  In the rest of the room the layout will be one level and track height is going to be probably 48” – 50” (not 100% sure yet). 

On my past layout, i was given a roll of sheet cork for free.  So I used that cork for my roadbed.  I created a couple jigs so I could cut out the appropriate width for roadbed, and in yard/industrial areas I used that cork on top of a plywood base.