OGR run 255 - Finally purchased a magazine!

I have been a continual subscriber to OGR magazine for quite a few years. This forum is nice but there won't be any forum unless there is a healthy OGR Magazine reader base.
Many hobbists enjoy reading OGR magazine and the info here has always been top notch. OGR has this forum to promote their business and to help the model railroading community. While there is no obligation to buy anything to be a forum member, I have chosen to be supportive, have received a great magazine and tons of quality information that has helped me build my layout and save me money. The $35/yr subscription has been a real value.

quote:

Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:
. . .
The $35/yr subscription has been a real value.

I haven't missed an issue in years, but I don't subscribe. I love the anticipation, wondering if today's trip to Barnes and Noble (we go once a week) will include a new issue of OGR.

Zett,
What is OGT?

Gunny

Typo! Thanks!

I have subscribed to ogr since 1989 and have bought it since 1978 I have almost have every issue, some not in the best condition anymore. I currently have them divided in milk crates by their years and love to go back thru the early years and see how far the magazine and the hobby has progressed. It's still nice to read how to tune up your mechanical e unit and Jim Barrett's back shop. Just can't get enough of the magazine I love. Just imagine 10-20 years from now how this hobby will have changed again, hopefully for the better (mind control). Humm

I work till midnight and there is nothing better than comming home to a fresh new copy of OGR and a quiet house "Unless the dog decides to get up" and having some down time reading what's new.

I just started a new subscription, The Barnes & Nobel does't carry it here. Don

I get the Digital Version, which works for me.

quote:

I haven't missed an issue in years, but I don't subscribe. I love the anticipation, wondering if today's trip to Barnes and Noble (we go once a week) will include a new issue of OGR.

Same here, either B&N or from a Hobby Shop. But now that I have a NOOK tablet, I may just subscribe to the digital version.

Rick

quote:

Originally posted by Zett:
I have been freeloading off of this forum for about 2 years now?

Two years! Now for your penance pick out three advertisers and buy two items from each.

Thanks Zett for the positive comments.

To answer your questions, my layout “evolved” thru a few iterations to what you see in the magazine (Phase 3). The original control panel is the one that is shown outside the layout. This was when I had my N scale layout down the center of the room and my O gauge around the perimeter. When I finally started Phase 3 (eliminated all N scale), I only had enough room in the main control area for one transformer and all the controls for switches, lights, accessories, etc.

My layout is divided into 4 power blocks. I decided to keep the outside Z4000 to power up the upper level and also the outside lower loop. The Z4000 in the other area provides power to the inner loop and also the yard area.

Since I only run Lionel command, I simply set all handles to 18V before an operating session and then run everything from the remotes. The down side, the outer panel contains the controls for all the switch motors and accessories on the upper level. When I want to run multiple trains up there, I need to move back and forth between the two panels. Usually, when I am by myself, I never run both levels together. When I have visitors, I let them run either the upper or lower loops and then the guy on the outside controls that outside panel. I could also wire all the switches and accessories to work thru the remotes but for me there is not a big benefit to do this.

Since the layout is electrically isolated in four blocks, I can also isolate any loop and run conventional. I will do this for some of my older equipment from time to time and still run command on all the other loops.

To answer your 2nd question, YES, I am crazy.

I had a long term plan for my layout for the space it now occupies and it took me quite a few years to get there. Now completed, the layout brings me a lot of satisfaction and pride. However, it is not without its faults. It operates extremely well, however, I am getting tired of the duck-unders and access hatches.

I like to model a Class 1 railroad with a heavy duty two track mainline. With only 12 feet in width to work with, I was limited to my track plan and still maintain the double track main and large radius curves. I could have possibly made a stacked dog bone plan but it would have been nothing but concentric circles with the trains always on a curve. It takes a lot of space to turn a train around and maintain a 080 minimum radius. That being said, with the possibility of expanding into the other room, I can have my double track mainline with some long straight sections, grades, bridges, etc. Not to mention, I always wanted to model the high plain areas of Wyoming and points west. While it all fits well together, my layout definitely has an east coast flavor and is better suited to the Pennsy than the UP!!

With my loop arrangement and yard area, the current plan is not too conducive to expansion unless I just want to continue running trains around the walls of the basement.

Not to worry, I am in no hurry to tear it all down and any new construction will take place closer to retirement. I still have a few years to go. Or we may possibly relocate and then it all is a moot point.

Donald

Ahh thats what I figured with the remotes. I like how you can run it conventional also. One final question for you, if you do tear down the layout and rebuild, would you stick with GarGraves and Ross?

Hey Zett. Good question.

If I ever do build another one, I would stick with ROSS and Gargraves. For me, you cannot beat the selection, durability and customer service from Steve at ROSS. I have bent a lot of curves with Gargraves over the years but also prefer ROSS for their sectional curves. I would continue with Gargraves for all straight sections and non-typical curves and easements.

Sure, there are better looking systems and the ties and rails are not quite to scale. But with some paint and ballast, I can make them look pretty good. I never get too hung up on the whole "scale" thing anyway.

Thanks for asking and good luck with your layout.

Donald