Follow Train NTSW-29, affectionately known as the "Tramp", as it delivers a carload to Beisser Lumber on my IAIS Grimes Line layout.

James

A rather significant moment occurred on the Grimes Line tonight in the most insignificant way. I completed the final scene at Urbandale this evening... the Budget Storage lot.

While waiting for some more detail parts to arrive to finish up Pallet Recyclers I completed several smaller projects on my Grimes Industrial Track layout.

Got started on a signature but non-rail served industry on the Grimes Line, Pallet Recyclers of Iowa. As the name implies Pallet Recyclers rebuilds and resells pallets to companies. The rather unique warehouse is located on Meredith Drive backed up to the rail line. Because of it's location I only had to model the rather plain backside as a backdrop flat.

I finished up the crossing at Meredith Drive on my IAIS Grimes Line layout. Meredith is the only grade crossing that features gates on the prototype so I wanted to include all the bells and whistles. The crossing uses Tomar gates and flashers controlled by a Logic Rail Technology Grade Crossing Pro circuit. The gates are powered with a Tortoise switch motor and two Circuitron Remote Signal Activators. An ITT sound module provides the crossing bell.

James

Final update on the Meredith Drive grade crossing project.

Weathering on the road is complete and the scenery has been blended together to complete the scene, minus the crossing gates. I'm planning on having fully automated flashers and gates so I'll be taking my time to make it work. For now I'm enjoying the scene.

James

PROGRESS UPDATES ON PAGE 2 - 7/15/2012

A quick "tweak" to my Iowa Interstate Grimes Industrial Track layout this week. But first, let me set up the story.

I've wrapped up a small but significant upgrade to my motive power, replacing all the bulbs with SMD LEDs.

I've wired up the crossing flashers at NW 100th Street and connected them to Logic Rail Technology's Grade Crossing Pro to provide detection and flasher control.  Once it was active I spent the better part of an hour just shuttling cars back and forth thru the crossing just to watch the flashers activate.  All the while I was grinning like a fool.

James

If I can engage in some self-aggrandizing for a brief moment, it's a happy day in the McNab basement. One year ago construction began on my Iowa Interstate Grimes Industrial Track layout.  What a difference 365 days can make...

May 22nd, 2011

May 22nd, 2012