Passenger yard rebuild

Nice job, Dale. It looks awesome!

Dale - Can you go into more detail about your experience and feelings toward Ross track?  I see they have a lot of "custom" switches.  I've started cutting up Atlas switches...both expensive and painfully annoying...to meet the needs of my layout.  I'm now wondering if Ross track components might meet all my needs.

Anthony

Most varieties of track can easily be made to connect to each other, so why cut up a good, expensive switch when somebody else's product may fit your "spot?"  This is primarily why I have been a big fan of SCARM track planning software.  It's free to use up to a significant number of pieces, so you could work on various selected areas of your plan to determine which product(s) will work best for your idea.  Then, you only buy what you need without lowering the value of what might be left over.

Chuck

Anthony

Over the last three years I converted my layout from tubular to ross switches track and gargraves flexible. I am pleased with ross. I rebuilt my layout for operations. The switches operate much smoother than what I formally had. and the DZ 1000 machines use less power and operate without any issues. I did have to cut some track to fit in my layout and I use a dremmel tool. I have never had to cut switches.

@Dale Guthman posted:

Anthony

Over the last three years I converted my layout from tubular to ross switches track and gargraves flexible. I am pleased with ross. I rebuilt my layout for operations. The switches operate much smoother than what I formally had. and the DZ 1000 machines use less power and operate without any issues. I did have to cut some track to fit in my layout and I use a dremmel tool. I have never had to cut switches.

This morning, as in like 30 minutes ago, I realized fully what the underlying issue is with my Intermodal Yard Layout.  I need 4in centers.  This is doable with 72 except it requires lengthening the Wye extensions.  All of this results in wasted space on the layout.  I think an 80 Wye or maybe Ross's 22 Degree Wye might give me what I need.  As for the other side of the yard, in order to make everything work together, I need nonexistant Atlas O72 single slip switches.  This is where the switch cut-up and redesign comes into play.  I should probably download and install SCARM and look at the Ross track components in more detail.

Anthony

SCARM was a big help to me when planning my other two frieght yards

Nicely done!

Your layout is stunning.......please show us more......what about an occasional pic in Weekly Photo Fun? I believe they would be well-received. You have a great eye for detail and a wonderful imagination which you used to create a stunning railroad!

Peter

Very cool Dale. Nice work.