In resurrecting this blog, I hope to get some good feedback, suggestions and dare I say an "atta boy"? 

Below is a track plan that I have blatantly stolen from Trevor Marshall's achievable layouts section of his website. I have redrawn it to my room dimensions and rearranged a few things to allow for the use of two bridges I have. Operation will be inspired by Lance Mindheim. It has taken many hours of research and consideration before I decided I could be happy with this track plan. If you see anything that needs changing, please suggest away.

To add to my reply to @jdaley and his final update for his Area H N scale layout in a small space… Of course he's moved on to an excellent Club in Toronto. Again, good move!

Every wonder how to build a control panel in JMRI, or what it would take to get my computer to control my turnouts or for that madder anything. We here is a simple How to Video on Panel Editor 101 this will at least get you started on a panel and see what it will take and maybe open your eye to the possibilities. This is a simple project to get start on.

Hope it helps someone.

Mike

July brings me to the First JMRI control panel so here is the up date. I have a how to do following in a seprate post and video. hope you like the update.

Mike

I'm new to model railroading and live in the UK. I say new, I've always had a big interest in trains and had oo UK models in my youth. I have started to build some models and see what I can achieve on a small scale. It's the Southern Pacific for me in the fifties. A great period for steam and diesel (as in the UK). Why US? Well it's different to what most modellers do in the UK and a fascination with cab forwards and GS classes and daylights inspired.

I originally made the baseboard in six parts using the standard length of the A1 foam board sheets but found that it was better to amalgamate the sheets so that there were only three boards. This kept the complication of switches over joins, etc. to a minimum.

Basic Wiring

Only three posts in and now a "final update?" I'm sure someone is thinking "that didn't take long" and you would be right to accuse me.

First off, this post is not meant in ANY way to be a criticism of any vendor.  In fact I really like the vendors involved. The problem I need to solve is my own from my own lack of attention to what I was buying. I have asked this question on another site as well - and got one answer so far - very much appreciated - from a modeler I respect immensely, but I am looking for as much input as I can get before I make a final decision.

Moderator's Note: Changed image to inline. Click on it for the larger version. 

LESSON LEARNED