Thanks

Patty and Joe,

I think you did a great job with the layout of this article, particularly the pictures.  Very good work.

Thanks again,

Peter Vassallo

Interesting idea

An interesting idea make the idea of running laps to build distance a little more concrete.  Seems like a useful approach to consider for those who like this type of layout and operation.

Great article

Very nice description of how to make the most of a small layout. The map really gives it a large point-to-point layout feel. I'm also impressed by the layout itself, and the individual scenes that it's possible to photograph.

Regarding the intensity differences between the LEDs, you could insert an extra resistor in the positive lead from the power supply to the switch controlling the green LEDs to reduce their brightness. Since only one LED at a time is lit, you only need one resistor, instead of one between each LED and the switch.

One small nit to pick: the negative lead of an LED is the cathode, and the positive lead is the anode.

I enjoyed

Yes, I did enjoy this article. It has to be my favorite article to date, that I have read in MRH.  The layout has been well executed. It is a pleasure to view. Peter has done this without buying a lot of Expensive "Craftsman" type kits or a fleet of brass engines. As a kitbasher, scratch builder myself I encouraged when I see another doing the same. I'm sure he'll enjoy his Blackstone C-19 and I bet he will soon add sound to his other engines. Sounds adds so much.  

Bob Harris 

Mind blown

Despite having a table topper for my first layout, I guess I "came of age" in model railroading looking somewhat askance at them for all of the usual reasons: spaghetti, difficult access, lack of "sincerity," etc. 

The idea of a system map with animated illumination to help guide the operator's imagination really changes my perception significantly - what a great idea, implemented very simply! 

Wonderful article.

Jeff Allen

Great Layout

Very detailed to put this HOn scale in a small bedroom. In my opinion he did an exceptional job.

Lots of workable track and well designed.

Thanks for letting us see your layout.

Bob Shackelford

My layout is a bit more

My layout is a bit more spread out around the walls point to point but the idea of a route map, maybe automated in my case, is very intriguing.

Automatic incrementing

I appreciate the comments and am glad that people enjoyed the article.

I would have preferred to have the lights on the system map increment automatically without the manual rotary switch.  However, I couldn't think of an easy way to do this given that different lights would have to be triggered by the same physical point on the layout as multiple loops are taken.  I'm sure others with more electrical engineering knowledge could do this and it would make for a better operating experience,

Peter Vassallo

Auto increment

Primitive auto increment - stepping relay (basically a rotary switch moved by a solenoid instead of by hand).  Hard to find these days, although you may still find one at a surplus or salvage place.  You’d need to arrange it so the trip has the same number of steps as the relay does.

An arduino or other micro computer and a little software would be better in almost every way (missing only that nice satisfying mechanical “chunk” that a good stepping relay makes).

Adaptation

Given that there are no laps to be made on my point to point layout, displaying position of the train by automatic means is made much easier. It's an adaptation of the same concept without being quite the same, if that makes sense. Just the idea of a system map on my overhead  lighting valance with lights indicating the position of various trains detected on the layout is what I have in mind. Sort of a staging occupancy type panel but with a system map overlay and indicators for all major points along the line besides the simple staged ends but it would also track progress of moving trains real time. You've given me food for thought if I can find time to implement it. I appreciate the inspiration.

Size??

I enjoyed this article.  It really shows that with a small space you can have enjoyment in this hobby.

I may have missed it in the article, but what is the size of the layout?

Paul

A neat idea

A neat idea. I'll file this one away for possible use on my next layout,  (my current point to point layout has only 3" of mainline.....)

Thanks

specs

The layout is 4.5 x 8 feet in size, built as a single unit.  It's not light but I have moved it between apartments with help from a few people.

The nice thing about narrow gauge is you can use tight curves and steep grades, just like the prototype.  I have 15" radius curves and 4% grades which allows for 6 inch vertical track separation from front to back.  The scenery has larger vertical separation, about 2 feet from front to back.  Short trains work best for this kind of layout.

Peter Vassallo