Latest update on the construction of the N-scale ATSF Paradigm Division (see my previous April 2014 blog item to see the track plans). UPDATED with new pictures and video on 17 April and 27 April.

The physical construction of the staging level, that is, supporting benchwork, roadbed (I use it even in staging yards) and track were completed on 16 December 2013.  

I thought that I had posted the track plans at one time but I guess that I had not since I could not find them on the blog. So here they are.

The overall size of the N-scale layout is 24' 11" x 15' 4".  Minimum aisle width is 36".  The layout is located in a dedicated outbuilding.

Now that my wife and I have finished our summer project of rebuilding the shower, I can now refocus my effort back to the new layout.  

The first picture shows a partial view down the peninsula of both staging yards (A & B).  The scale drawing that was shown in the previous blog post documents (as close as possible) what was built since I obtained the Railmodeller software after the track was put down.

Earlier this year after I finished the second spline helix, I began to re-look the design of my new layout. The new layout would be the replacement for the dismantled ATSF Fillmore Division which had been built in a large room in my house before family members moved back thus requiring the reallocation of the room back to living space. The previous layout was a modified N-scale version of Bruce Chubb's original Sunset Valley RR.

This short video is of the new 2013 Walther's/Lifelike N-scale DL-109.  It has been upgraded to run in DCC with a hardwired Digitrax DZ-125 decoder.  This engine is a re-release of the previous 2006 edition and is not DCC friendly (as everyone thought it would be since the HO version was re-engineered to be DCC friendly) thus requiring a hardwired installation.  I did not perform the install myself but had a professional do the install at the cost of $30 plus shipping/insurance. I provided the decoder.

I've been laying track in one of the 10-track staging yards that are fed by the two spline helices that were built.  The picture below shows Staging Yard A on the right side of the peninsula. 

SPLINE HELIX UPDATE: Back a few months ago, someone asked about how engines and cars would be prevented from falling off of the helix.  Originally, I thought about using cardboard or hardboard strips.  However, their use would have reduced the narrow opening between helix turns so I looked around the garage and found some left over screening (nylon or fiberglass).  I also bought some white poster board from a local office supply.

I finally finished the second of two spline helices for my N-scale layout that is under construction.  I have included a video, this time with sound, since it is a sound equipped engine, that shows the results of the first DCC test of the second helix.

I am in the process of finishing the fourth of five levels on the second spline helix.  It takes me about a week to add the section, install the cork roadbed and track and do the soldering required for the feeders as well as soldering the track sections.  This could probably be done faster if I was in a hurry or if I did not have chores around the house. 

UPDATED on 13 May:  A couple of months ago I started to integrate the first spline helix (described in my previous blog entries) into the hidden staging level of the layout.  After a couple of weeks, I was ready to continue building the center peninsula from the first 8 foot section that I had finished out to its full length of 18 1/2 feet.  It was then that I realized that if I did that, then I wouldn't have any room to build the second spline helix.  Thus I stopped what I was doing and started on the second helix.