Layout design
Layout Design Software for OS X
I was using XTrkCad on my Mac for this, but the newer versions won't run due to library incompatibility. Now I see there is a new version released last November. There's no OS X installer, however, leaving me to possibly build on my own.
I'm going to try XTrkCad again, if I can get it built and running. But I'm interested to see what alternatives people have used.
Two I found are Railmodeller, which is $34.99 via iTunes.
Under Layout Lighting...
So last night I decided to spend an hour or two building the housing for our under layout lighting.
Because the underneath portion of the layout will be used for storage and eventually some staging I wanted to install some LED's under it so that as I'm wiring and installing the signals & detection its already in and running.
Model Yard Location
In thinking about a potential new design for a layout one has to decide where to place a main yard. Obviously the space available is a factor in the decision, but what I am going for here is if you are planning to model a prototype location. Lets say for arguments sake Atlanta GA. in 2000. Inman Yard is a large classification yard, too big to model, but with selective compression a decent representation could be done. From Atlanta trains go North to Chattanooga, South to Macon, East to Birmingham and Northeast to Greenville SC.
New Layout
Work on my new layout will start next month. The two halves (wye tracks on the left and right drawings) are connected by a double track bridge that spans a doorway leading to the outside of the basement and can be easily removed in an emergency.
Model Railroader Book "Compact Layout Design" by Iain Rice. Good for Beginners.
Has anybody read the Iain's book "Compact Layout Design?" I picked up this book at Discount Model a Trains in Dallas yesterday. I have read the first half of the book while waiting at DFW for an incoming flight.
Out with the old, in with the new
Well in the process of moving, the railroad sort of got mangled. Which is okay because I planned on pulling it all up and rebuilding to the plans that I have shared in recent weeks. So track is up, subroadbed is in the trash. That will be replaced by something else that I haven't quite decided on yet. But the process will be slow and carefully done as this is the last model railroad I want to build. Famous last words, right?
My first module - Installing the bridge
Now it's time to install the bridge.
Here is my Exactrail 50' girder bridge weathered lightly with AIM Products powders finally glued in place. I also added more weathering to the abutments.
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Wilmington Yard
Now that Elsmere Junction is pretty well in, time to move on to Wilmington Yard. The yard is recycled from my previous layout. It has a main, runner, 5 yard tracks, a caboose track, scale track and lead. There were a few industry tracks on the back side of the yard, across the main. Originally only #1 track was double ended, that has been expanded in the new design to 2 double ended and 3 stub class tracks. All tracks are class tracks, I don't have designated A&D tracks, but normally the yardmasters use the runner, #1 and now #2.
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