Layout design
ATSF Paradigm Division - Staging Level Construction Update 2
I have now completed the wiring of Staging Yard "A" (10 tracks) on the near side of the peninsula. It took about 35 hours over two weeks to complete the wiring job. All 10 tracks can be turned on or off via the SPDT switches located in the recessed openings in the fascia and each track has an LED power-on indicator. The switches were recycled from my previous DC layout.
A Marion 4160 Shovel for the GE 85 Tonner
As part of the mine I need a shovel to move the ore. There are a lot of modern track hoes and other mining equipment out there, but none of that would be right for an early 1900's steeple cab locomotive. HBM&S, Bingham mine and some of the Missabe range mines had the 4160 series Marion Shovel. So here it is ready to dig ore in HO scale...sort of.
Protecting Fascia Controls
Over the years I've studied photos of layout fascias to see how folks mounted various control panels, individual controls and other sundry things such as shelves, throttle holders, etc. In recent times there seems to be considerable effort taken to recess controls, especially those that aren't mounted on larger panels, in order to prevent accidental activation or damage.
Layout posted
I've uploaded my Durenver & Silverton Narrow Gauge RR track plan, all 3 levels, from the drawings that I use myself to document place names, switch numbers, layout height etc. Hope you get an impression. It's all there and running, but you are free to comment on my design choices.
My On30 Adventure
I've finally succumbed to the lure of On30 ... you know, those 'toy trains' produced by Bachmann which are so cute, reasonably priced, and readily available.
With a locomotive on its way to my door, I need to build something to run it on ... you know, a model railroad layout.
Introducing the Milan branch of the Iowa Interstate
After enjoying this site for over two years and learning a great deal from the many contributors, I have decided to start a blog to chronicle the construction of my prototype layout of the Iowa Interstate’s Milan branch. My hope is that by “going public” it will motivate me to keep progressing with the layout so that I actually have things to share. Nothing like a good dose of accountability to keep one from procrastinating, right?
where my layout idea is from
So in a previous comment I had said that I based my layout on a version from " Small, Smart and Practical Track Plans" by Iain Rice I came across when researching this. it was based on a three shelf layout he had done.
So Here are a couple of pics from the book that I've based mine on with some modification.
Starting small
This is my first layout, so being that I don't have a large amount of space I'm starting small.
I figure this way I'll be realizing some accomplishment with my work sooner than trying to attempt a large layout.
I've decided to go with a shelf switchng layout, after searching for information on small layouts.
So here are some pics on what I've done so far.
The All Day & Night in N scale
So, I have this shop that I got three years ago with a new old house and an acre. I foolishly had delusions of being able to build an N scale layout in the back room of my shop before too long.
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