Hi friends.

I am in the process of redesigning my layout. I need to use the most of the track work I already done, and tranform it to the american scene.

So, here is some info:

Layout: 140 x 80 cm
Scale: N scale
Track: Peco cod 55 (it is easier to get here in Portugal)
 

Most of the track is down, but I need to do some changes.

This is how the track is at the moment:

Woke up this morning to 4 inches of water in my basement. The sump pump quit over night and it was raining quite hard. Layout on hold while I repair the basement floor.

April's Blog

I enjoy reading MRH. Usually read it several times, and go back and read the older issues too.  Have a huge collection of model railroading mags and books.  Found the April issue about Armchair Modelers very interesting.

1. Satisfied with buying kits and occasionally building one. Or satisfied with displaying RTR models on a shelf or in a case.

It has been awhile since I added anything to blog. I have been working on scenery and have made some progress.

You can find my first sets of photos at these address:

1. My Little Switching Layout

2. Switching Layout Progress

3. Finger Lakes RR Switching Layout

It has been a fascinating journey learning the basics of hand laying my own track. Most of the BQR was flextrack and commercial turnouts. But to finish that last 10% was proving to be very difficult -- more so due to the limited space and geometry that is a combination of what senior management would allow and my creative decisions.

At one end of the layout my Free-mo module is connected as part of an industrial park.   In order to work this area, the switcher needed a small tail track.   However, I didn't want this extending into the main part of the room where the kids play, and eventually something (or someone) whacking into it.   So I built a small drop down leaf and mounted it with a hinge.    In the "up" position, a simple bolt/washer/nut combination keeps it in place.   I need to get a small hook and eyelet to hold it back in the down position.