Good to see you on the forum and to see your progress!
Your trackwork is looking pretty good: glad you're getting all this soldering practice in before the "real" layout ;)
Just curious: I seem to recall when we talked about this switching layout that we included a crossover at the far left (red lines):
That would create a runaround and allow easier servicing of the far back right industries as well as the others in the center.
Not sure if you could squeeze one in (looks like one track is on a curve, though Peco does make C55 curved turnouts), but if you do, just leave enough room at the end for an engine to complete the runaround maneuver.
I didn't expect replies to my posts so fast! you are right about the crossover. I didn't figure out how to get it in there. I added the track at the very front for a run around. It is not the best as it makes me do several movements just to get from one end of a cut to the other.
I have thought about that change but right now I am excited about starting scenery. I have kit bashed an old Heljan machine works building. I used three walls of it and built it 1" deep to put in the back right hand corner. I am playing around with some old buildings to see where and how they might fit and how I might change them.
I am also wanting to try some mountain building and the tunnel portals that I "found" in a box in the corner a few weeks ago.
Yes, Ken, it is N scale. Years ago while living in an apartment it was the scale that would work for the limited space I had available. Then when we bought a house I stuck with N. Now that I am reentering the hobby I have a lot of structures, rolling stock, and track. I wanted to recycle as much as possible. It is working out well for me right now.
Hey, you are making progress. If you don't have any wiring in yet you can still check everything out with some long wires from your power command station to alligator clips. attach to various parts of the layout and run some engines and cars, eh? The main thing is not to have all work and no play! Enjoy! John Colley, Port Townsend, WA
I have wired the layout. I ran #20 gauge for the bus from the right end to the left. I am using #22 for the feeders. Everything is working fairly well. I do have some strange issues with the the track right at the front. That will be my next project. I need to find out why throwing the switch to the right stops the train from running. But throwing it in the "wrong" direction lets it run. Hmmmm? I am thinking I have one of the sets of feeders reversed. I thought I was careful to keep them in the correct alignment. I did color code them for clarity, but "stuff happens."
I am enjoying running trains. As I do it I try to visualize the industries that are being serviced and what kinds of cars need to be spotted where.
BTW-We were in Washington this June. Seattle to be exact. we were returning from a two week trip to Alaska via the Inside Passage and a RAIL trip to Denali National Park. Loved Alaska and the little time we had in Seattle wetted my appetite to see more of Washington and the Northwest.
Comments
My Small Switching Layout
Some other views of my progress.
My Small Switching Layout
I used Masonite for the backdrop and small pieces of Lucite on the corners to prevent any disastrous swan dives by the rolling stock.
My Small Switching Layout
The long view of the track plan.
My Small Switching Layout
A view from the opposite end.
N scale, I presume... :)
Hope you keep posting pictures. It looks like you are making good progress. I have an HO 2' x 8' shelf layout:
http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/blog/13510
If you are working with M.C. the end result will be great. He is "da bomb".
Ken Glover,
Date: Mar 23, 2021 - Now working on using my 4 TOMA modules in a 13' x 11' bedroom.
HO Digitrax, Soundtraxx PTB-100, JMRI (LocoBuffer-USB), ProtoThrottle (WiThrottle server)
View My Blog
Missing Crossover?
Hi, Jim!
Good to see you on the forum and to see your progress!
Your trackwork is looking pretty good: glad you're getting all this soldering practice in before the "real" layout ;)
Just curious: I seem to recall when we talked about this switching layout that we included a crossover at the far left (red lines):
That would create a runaround and allow easier servicing of the far back right industries as well as the others in the center.
Not sure if you could squeeze one in (looks like one track is on a curve, though Peco does make C55 curved turnouts), but if you do, just leave enough room at the end for an engine to complete the runaround maneuver.
Looking forward to seeing your progress!
--M.C. Fujiwara
My YouTube Channel (How-To's, Layout progress videos)
Silicon Valley Free-moN
Missing Crossover
Hi M.C.
I didn't expect replies to my posts so fast! you are right about the crossover. I didn't figure out how to get it in there. I added the track at the very front for a run around. It is not the best as it makes me do several movements just to get from one end of a cut to the other.
I have thought about that change but right now I am excited about starting scenery. I have kit bashed an old Heljan machine works building. I used three walls of it and built it 1" deep to put in the back right hand corner. I am playing around with some old buildings to see where and how they might fit and how I might change them.
I am also wanting to try some mountain building and the tunnel portals that I "found" in a box in the corner a few weeks ago.
I will get some more photos posted shortly.
Good to hear from you,
Jim
Right
Yes, Ken, it is N scale. Years ago while living in an apartment it was the scale that would work for the limited space I had available. Then when we bought a house I stuck with N. Now that I am reentering the hobby I have a lot of structures, rolling stock, and track. I wanted to recycle as much as possible. It is working out well for me right now.
Jim
switching layout progress
Hey, you are making progress. If you don't have any wiring in yet you can still check everything out with some long wires from your power command station to alligator clips. attach to various parts of the layout and run some engines and cars, eh? The main thing is not to have all work and no play! Enjoy! John Colley, Port Townsend, WA
Power Is On
Hi John,
I have wired the layout. I ran #20 gauge for the bus from the right end to the left. I am using #22 for the feeders. Everything is working fairly well. I do have some strange issues with the the track right at the front. That will be my next project. I need to find out why throwing the switch to the right stops the train from running. But throwing it in the "wrong" direction lets it run. Hmmmm? I am thinking I have one of the sets of feeders reversed. I thought I was careful to keep them in the correct alignment. I did color code them for clarity, but "stuff happens."
I am enjoying running trains. As I do it I try to visualize the industries that are being serviced and what kinds of cars need to be spotted where.
BTW-We were in Washington this June. Seattle to be exact. we were returning from a two week trip to Alaska via the Inside Passage and a RAIL trip to Denali National Park. Loved Alaska and the little time we had in Seattle wetted my appetite to see more of Washington and the Northwest.
Jim