Please share the basic thinking behind your layout.

My layout was conceived when I was designing my house.  The basement was mine. No laundry or electrical panels in the basement those are on the first floor.  Just a furnace and HW confined to a small space. At the time, my builder could not understand why I wanted stairs to a basement access door inside the garage. 

 

I centered the main stairway to the basement so I could build the layout around the stairs and limit the columns in the basement by cantilevering the support beams over the layout location.

 

The layout encompassed the basement until 23 years ago when my son was born and I decided to carve out a space for him. He set up his computers literally a 1/2 dozen years later. It was a good investment in space as he now resides in SanFran as a highly paid software engineer. I'd like to reclaim his unused space but it will take a major change in my household that I really dont want to consider.

 

So getting back to the Philosophy of my layout; it started and continues as "As much track as possible".  I re-worked the old LNL 032 track to 072 or greater Gargraves and Ross switches after seeing several layouts that Steve B. built.

 

I wanted a turntable with lots of spurs, transfer table, yards for passenger trains and freight. And to use every LNL , MTH or AF accessory known.

 

When the CTA cars came out I need to create an upper level city transport system. Although my area Des Plaines (in French, Las Vegas in Spanish)  means the same "the plains"  I still wanted mountains as a counter to buildings, sort of nature vs. man-made. 

 

Only recently after seeing Art's layout and Stans did I open up the layout so that it was accessible to more than just me. 

 

that's it.

 

Great topic Art...My layout is 40X18,2 double tracked main lines(one flat and one elevated) with a yard and a bunch of sidings servicing a steel mill.I have a lift bridge, a trestle bridge 8 and 14 ft.6 other girder bridges.Also have a long tunnel.Wanted the convinience of continuus loops but the way its put together,the trains look like they are going far off then coming back.Nick 

My priorities for the layout were straight forward. Several (ended up with 4) relatively simple, trouble-free, big loops for running my standard gauge tinplate trains. All the track loops interconnected, so all the trains can access all the tracks. Lots of storage sidings for more trains. Space for the eccentric lot of accessories I was finding. Big tunnels and lots of bridges. Keep the wiring as simple as possible. Take a minimalist approach to scenery.  And don’t take any of it too seriously. 

 

 

three trains running independently on three loops (with variations).  single direction operation to simplify things. ability to switch trains between the loops.

 

operating accessories near the edges (easy access/visibility for kids).

 

run both passenger (my fav) and freight (have two freight consists of operating cars to run when small visitors are here).

 

command (TMCC/Legacy)

 

you can see the layout here.

 

Our planning included two substantial high-speed mainlines for running passenger trains at scale speeds approach the real (79mph) with super-elevated curves of 80* and above, a stub yard for freight, a coach yard for passenger cars by a main depot, a large engine terminal, and a upper level with cat.

 

Closing in on it finally after 8 years in construction ... all but the upper level is in now.

 

Went for lots of play value being able to do a lot of switching as well as just watching the trains run.

To add to my original post, here's what I've gotten done as of today. Latest addition was some 'earth' colored paint to hide the 2" pink foam "desert".....

At first I wanted the longest run possible with multiple switching locations.  My limitations were the space required for broad curves.  Early builds spanned 2 rooms but that simply was not fun given the break in the wall was not located near the door to the other room.  It evolved into a single track loop to loop arrangement with a 3 track station serving as a junction to another higher level loop. Yards?  Nope. No room for that.  There is a 12 foot section that is a copy of the old Gum Stump and Snowshoe plan from MR magazine.  That is the limit of switching.  Right now that is completely automated with a Kline plymouth pushing a weaver hopper back and forth. The concept is the yards are "somewhere" but not built.  The three return loops are hidden so the dreaded 042 curves cannot be seen.  Every curve visible is broader.  The layout which is approximately 35 feet end to end provides for a lengthy run since the operator can chose where to go at the junction.  I went with single track because that is what I can run and enjoy.  The switching shifter provides action at one end of the layout, a trolley loop provides action at the other.  Trains are kept short and mostly passenger with the occasional freight to break up the action.  Growing up next to the CNJ main line, that is the RR of choice with some lehigh valley thrown in.  With the loop to junction to choice of 2 loop arrangement I can keep three trains on the layout at all times selecting which to run.  Keeps me busy enough.  Someday there will be scenery worth sharing but that day has not yet arrived.

Reading about all these great layouts makes me want to take a tour of them all.

 

Galon - You have put a lot of thought into your layout and it sonds great.

 

Electroliner - I really like your design concepts.  I hope it comes together for you soon.

 

Trainfun - It's fantastic that you have proven that "where there is a will, there is a way".  Hope you get to the point of being able to share pictures soon.

 

Bruce - Love your story.  You're a lucky man that your wife likes to do scenery.  The pictures and video are great, thanks for sharing.

 

Southwest Hiawatha - It seems that no matter how much space we have, it would always be nice to have a little more.  Sounds like you have gotten a lot out of your space and done a great job of it.

 

Alan - I am very impressed with your layout and all the innovative features that you have.  You have incorporated an amazing amount of accessories and details into your layout.  Now if you just took back over your son's former bedroom....

 

Nick - Sounds like a great layout!  Please post some pictures when you can.

 

Sam - Loved your old layout and can't wait to see your new one.  Good luck on your house search.

 

Hojack - You have a great philosophy!  Sounds like like a lot of fun.

 

Forrest - What a great layout!  Your web site is super and very enjoyable to spend time at.

 

Kerrigan - Your layout really sounds great to me as I am a big passenger train lover too.

 

D & H - Wow!  Looks super!  Thanks for adding pictures.

 

Necrails - I really like the concept of your layout!  When you are ready to share pictures, please do.

 

Thanks so much for all the great input.  It is very interesting to see all the great and varied ideas represented by this forum.

 

Art

Thank you Art!

 

It's so we can run like this video clip ... some day I'll quit playing long enough to do some scenery 

Thanks Art. 

 

Next learning module for me: ballast

 

Bruce

Great thread!  Mine are:

 

* finished basement and 100% dedicated space - with fit and finish of an upstairs room

* size: 25x40 room

* neat appearance with mdf skirts, finished control panels, no clutter

* post-war acceccories blended into detailed scenery

* multiple "mini" control panels at each scene

* double main line

* two or more levels (they don't need to be connected)

* o.k. to push the limits of crowded trackwork but no spaghetti

* continuous loops 

* not afraid of duckunders with a swinging gate

* steam and diesel crossover era

* no affinity to any particular road name - I like it I buy it

* variety of plaster, plastic, wood, paper structures to enjoy all types of modeling techniques

* creation of photographic scenes

* lots of lighting for buildings, animated signs, police car/welder kits etc.

When we bought our house 25 years ago it came with a large steel building that had been used for a body shop. I worked out of my house so after getting rid of all the junk I had an office built in the back. There was a space (loft) above the office with a 5 foot ceiling and steel straps supporting the floor (office ceiling). It was dirty and nasty so I covered the floor with green outdoor carpeting and the walls with soundboard that I painted sky blue.

 

I then took RR-Track and used it to figure the largest double main that would fit. At first I built with Lionel tubular track using 031 and 072 switches. Due to problems I replaced everything less than 072 curves and switches with Gargraves track and Curtis 100% stainless switches.

 

I don't have a lot of imagination so I just played around to see how much I could fit in the space available.

 

As for trains, I had/have no experience to speak of with US trains so I had no preference and bought whatever I thought looked good and or appealed to me.

 

After buying some MTH and Lionel buildings I got hooked on inexpensive (read cheap) Christmas buildings so I ended up with a squiggly trolley line that I squeezed in between the remaining Lionel track.

 

To say I "planned" the layout would be less accurate than to say I fitted stuff into the layout (don't ask how many churches - I just like churches).

 

This is what I ended up with (I think it is about 16' X 24'):

 

 

 

 

I then had a bunch of left over Lionel 031 curves and switches so to find something to do with them I went back to RR-Track and came up with a wall mounted layout that could be raised or lowered with a boat winch:

 

 

 

 

Some of us are skilled builders while others like me just play with our toy trains. I love to visit fantastic layouts and I can really appreciate the effort (and love) others put into their layouts but I just like a lot of stuff that can do a lot of things.

 

I hope others will post a lot more photos. It is hard to understand what someone is describing without a few photos.

 

Jerry

Layout #2 - the biggie in the basement which is getting fairly close to being finished - measures 20' in length and goes from 7' in width to 10' in width towards the south wall.  I run 3 triple track mainlines in O-54, a 'figure 8' of sorts in the middle with a spur and two team tracks in O-31, an elevated loop "above it all" in O-42, and a total of 4 trolley / bumper lines - one on the mountain and three at "water level" where I can use Lionel trolleys, bumper gang cars, fire cars, etc.  O-54 was the largest size I could go with the space I have and I am VERY VERY pleased with how much versatility it gives me with regards to the size of trains I can operate and above all, the trains really run great on this size of curve.

 

I generally run 2 freight and 3 passenger, and NOTHING compares to those gorgeous Lionel aluminum speedliners.  I can't believe how ridiculously cheap a full set can be had for these days!!  Plus, I have some equally outstanding Williams aluminum sets - a few in the max 72' size, and as my late Italian grandfather used to say, the longer-the-better!

 

The layout has one freight yard, which is essentially two auxiliary team tracks (through-tracks; no dead-end headaches) that serve about 3 industries a piece.  The purpose behind having all my "yard" tracks as through tracks is that I can throw both switches for a particular siding, run the entire train in, operate the accessories I want, and then pull the train out.  I've talked to several friends who have these huge yards and layouts with tons of complex switches, classification tracks, and such, and they all told me when I was designing mine to avoid it because in the end, they really just enjoy sitting back and watching mainline action and seldom even mess with throwing switches and classifying trains.  So, I minimized the number of switches on mine and kept things simple, plus with me using old conventional postwar ZW's, having tons of switches, yard tracks and such is really redundant here.

 

As far as scenery is concerned, we molded the mountain out of hard foam, wood, and plaster.  Other than that, the theme is KISS - "Keep It Simple Stupid."  No fancy ballasting on the track or spending hours trying to re-create each individual tar crack on Interstate 64 here - I just stuck to Lionel's principle used in their Postwar displays: tan paint for both.  Same for the "water" -- blue paint.  I'll add a few trees and lychen here and there at some point, but they'll be simple slim pines or firs and will do nothing more than compliment the buildings & mountain.  I really just want to watch and enjoy the trains, not have globs and globs of scenery covering them up / impairing the view.  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and everyone has their own tastes when it comes to this but personally, I find over-detailed layout scenery takes away from the magic and beauty of the trains.

 

This thing is deep - half of it is 7' and the other, 10'.  The inside of the 7' area is accessible, as long as you have a step stool.  In the 10' area, I made the "lake" removable (see the third photo) using an insert that pops right out just in case I can't reach something from the outside.  I placed all my Lionel operating accessories are within easy reach from the outside, so I only use the insert for emergencies.

 

Here's a preview - I'll have some more pics as I get closer to having everything lit up: 

 

 

This thread became a little dormant over the weekend, but am glad to see that there still seems to be some interest in it.

 

Kerrigan - Cool video!  Your passenger train really looks good with the space and wide curves to let it go.  Very nice!

 

Dewey - That's quite a story!  Your pictures are great and I love your access bridge.

 

Catcarlines - I agree with so many of the things that you think are important in a layout.  Your multiple mini control panels I really agree with.  It just seems more intuitive to use a control panel and it also helps visitors understand your layout I think.

 

Jerry - Very interesting story and great pictures.  You are right that pictures really help us understand the story.

 

Scott - I love the fact that you know what you like and have done a great job achieving it.  We can all learn from that.  The pictures are great, brings back wonderful memories.

 

Art 

Scott:

 

Enjoyed reading about your layout concepts and execution. The photos bring your story to life. Beautiful layout, very well done!

Chugman,

 

Great thread. My layout has 5 mains lines with 21 tunnel portals, I wanted to achieve

trains appearing and disappearing. Once a train goes into a tunnel you can't figure out where it's going to come out.  

 

Thanks,

ALEX

Alex - I will only have 5 tunnel portals with two tunnels, but I also love the ability to have your trains disappear from view.  It makes the layout seem larger and gives the impression that your trains are actually going somewhere.  It can also be an opportunity to hide sharper radius curves too.  You have a beautiful layout thanks for participating in this discussion.

 

Art

looks like I will need to print this thread and read it several times.  Our Club is getting closer to building a new Club layout.  From what I can tell the club wants zero switches on the layout :-(

 

I am hoping I can convince the membership to allow a shelf layout be built that will allow operations (switching industries), whether it be switching vintage Lionel operating cars or scale sized equipment.  I think using car cards or JMRI could be very interesting and give a new focus in the world of 3-rail.

My basic idea is to model Santa Fe operations between 1990-95; the Superfleet era. My scenery (quite unfinished) is based on eastern New Mexico. The equipment is as era-appropriate as I can get it. The locomotives feature fixed pilots and Kadee couplers, and all rolling stock has Kadees. There are no passenger trains, no F3s, no cabooses.









A video of Train 199, a priority intermodal from Chicago to Richmond, CA:

Mike - It sounds like they are only interested in mainline running with as few a problems as possible.  Good luck on trying to convince them to incorporate some switching options.

 

Rich - I have long admired your pictures.  They so realistically portray modern Santa Fe railroading.  I'm always wishing I could see more of your layout.

 

Art

I guess the problem is no one in the club has done any thing but circles

Reading this thread and the one on layout corner scenarios it is a reminder of how imaginative and sharp the OGR Forumites are. If I had swiped all of these ideas 25 years ago I would still be standing at the layout site and procrastinating.

 

This is a great thread.

In my old house I had a 14 x 26 layout using Lionel track with extra ties and ballast. Scale buildings. Automatic accessories.

 

 

 

 

I intended on duplicating it in my new house. The attic area I was going to use was 24 x 30.....Alas, three college tuitions changed those plans. However, something better occurred. In 2009, the River City 3 Railers were formed. I got my large layout (the modular one). I was able to concentrate on a small layout in my basement.

 

 

This layout is 6 x 16. It consists of three levels. The first level is a dual loop subway. The only thing showing will be a subway station.

 

 

 

The second level is my main level. Since I am basically a "loop runner", it has two concentric loops. In order to curb my buying appetite, the outer radius is O54. O45 is on the inside.

I do have the ability to perform operations. I have reverse loops in order to reverse trains. I started out with four O72/O54 curved switches. However, since I run semi-scale or small full-scale equipment, the distance between pickup rollers was too limiting and I have rid myself of the curved switches.

The upper level is a 2 x 16 engine service facility. It basically is a place to spot my engines when they're not in use.

 

The basic premise of the main level is the central Bronx in a fictitious time where its commercial development rivaled that of Manhattan. There is a large Bronx central station, servicing the New Haven, the New York Central and the New York Ontario and Western which enters the Bronx by traversing the Hudson at the Poughkeepsie bridge and borrowing trackage rights on the Harlem division of the Central.

 

 

Peter

 

My layout theme will be the Western US.  Will allow me to have mountains, hills and open plains.  A small river for a scratch built trestle.

 

* 2 track main line on 2 different levels.  Scale steamers with enough track to have 25-40 freight scale cars on each main.  Passing sidings for a scale passenger train with 11 cars.

 

* Focus will be Union Pacific steam 1940s to 1960.

 

* 8 track freight yard with a scratch built coal tower, similar to the Ogden tower.

 

* Designed for command control.  Will have areas for conventional to enjoy my semi-scale trains from childhood.

 

Must haves:

 

1.  Wide radius curves, minimum of O-140/O-150.  Large articulated UP steam will look great on these curves.  Big Boys, Challengers, H-7 and scale passenger cars.

2.  Modern Power Houses for layout powering.

3.  Scratch built roundhouse and engine facility.

4.  Scratch built structures/signals.

5.  PFE packing facility.

 

Now I just need track and to get started!  Stay tuned!

 

Art - Thank you very much for the kind words.  I just got done installing plexiglass along the edge of the layout, which extends about 3" above the railhead.  The lady at Lowe's cut three sheets worth of the stuff for me this evening, and then I purchased about 20 clamps with rubber grips which hold the plexiglass firmly against the wood trim on my layout.  For $130, this is money well spent and I recommend everyone do this if their track is close to the edge.  The glass on my upstairs layout saved my rear end twice in the past 3 years..  -Scott

All:

My layout, the PRR Panhandle Division, is my attempt to model the 7 miles of the PRR division that ran through the northern panhandle of West Virginia and Steubenville, OH. The bridge across the Ohio River was immortalized by Grif Teller in the painting “Crossroads of Commerce” which appeared in the 1953 Pennsylvania Railroad Calendar.

I grew up in Weirton, WV in the 1950s & 1960s. I left in 1978, but still have family and other ties in the area. The PRR double-track bridge at MP 42.11 was always a source of fascination for me, even as a small child crossing the Ohio to go to Steubenville with my parents and grandparents. However, it was not until I saw Teller’s painting (in the late 1990s) that I realized what I wanted to model.

Vital Statistics:

• Size & Shape: Folded dogbone - 8.5’ x 18.5’ x 10’ x 18.5’ – approximately 180 square feet.
• Track: Mostly GarGraves with some Curtis sectional curves, Curtis Hi-Rail turnouts, and a few Ross Custom Switch turnouts
• Yards: Weirton Jct, Weirton Steel, Coal Mine Spur, Hidden Storage
• Command System: TMCC. Turnouts are both TMCC and pushbutton controlled (Z-Stuff DZ-2500A)
• Wiring & Blocking: 8 power districts are supplied from 2 power distribution panels. Home run wiring has been used.
• Power: 2 Lionel 180 watt PowerHouses for all track districts (1-8). 2 K-Line PowerChief 120 transformers power switch machines, lights, and some AC accessories. All DC accessories, building lights, traffic signals and street lights will get their power from two re-purposed computer power supplies (3VDC, 5VDC, 12VDC).
• Signals: Z-Stuff DZ-1060 PRR position signals (4) & MTH PRR signal bridges (2)

Operational Goals:

The PRR Panhandle was developed with the following operational goals in mind:

• Allow the simultaneous operation of at least 2 trains on the mainline.
• Use a signaling system that prevents collisions.
• Have curves large enough to permit the use of 72’ scale heavyweight passenger cars (needs O42).
• Allow the use of medium-sized PRR steam locomotives (needs O54).
• Permit the running of long trains (10-15 hoppers or 6 passenger cars).

 

You can follow the development of the layout at https://ogrforum.com/t...r-panhandle-division

 

Since 2006 when I first put this up, this layout has had well over 50,000 viewings.  (The current forum software in use does not display views so I can't tell you how well it's doing).

 

I would say that the Panhandle represents what I hope will be a practice layout.  I hope God grants me the health and opportunity to build a larger, more well executed layout.  The layout has enhanced my carpentry, electrical, drawing, and structure modeling skills.  I have learned a lot from this effort and I keep notes and ideas for the next time.  I have also benefited immensely from associating with the community of 3-rail modelers.

 

George

Peter - Great pictures!  Sounds like you have had quite an evolution but a long history of great layouts.  Love the picture of your son with the Cab1!

 

86TA355SR - Sounds like a dream layout to me!  When you get started please share pictures.

 

Scott - That's a great tip that most of us should consider.

 

Thanks to everyone for sharing your stories and pictures.  Has been very enjoyable for me.

 

Art 

With our hi-rail 6x10' layout, I wanted:

 

lot's of tree-covered areas to show more of a proper proportion between the natural surroundings and the small amount of railroad trackage that slices through it. I didn't want the layout to be overrun with track work.

 

No operating accessories - This actually morphed as the layout was coming together. Originally, I had planned for some Lionel postwar accessories, but, as the scenery progressed, I decided on scale building kits instead.

 

Tunnels so as to hide the trains and help to make a small layout seem larger.

 

A handful of sidings for some basic switching action with small industries.

 

Double main line - This somewhat contradicts my first point but I always wanted dual mainlines with trains speeding in opposite directions. However, once I got this out of my system, I would have loved to have modified the layout to just be a single line with a passing siding. That would have supported the remote, country town setting a little better.

 

Command control operation of trains and switches via. TMCC and a ZW-C under the table. No fixed control panel.

 

 

George - I love the way that you have thought out and planned your layout.  I lived in Pittsburgh for 4 years and had Wheeling as a part of my sales territory.  A person can not help but be impressed with the railroading in that part of the country.  The steel mills and the bridges are awesome.  Great job!

 

Graz - I am amazed at what a beautiful layout you have created in such a small space.  Very nicely planned and executed.

 

Art

After burning out with scale model railroading, I wanted to have a small layout to run post-war Lionel and Marx O-27 trains and have FUN watching trains.  When I originally built my O-gauge layout I had a small yard and and a spur, but never really used them for more than storage. I've rebuilt it now with figure 8 that can be switched to an oval with an outer loop so I can run two O-27 trains at the same time in just a 39" x 80" space. Not very big, but plenty on action and fun.

 

To answer the questions...

Two continuous loop mainlines

Mostly freight now, but I do have a couple passenger cars and hope to get more.

No yards, just mainline running

Strictly conventional power system. 2 90 watt Lionel transformers.

 

 

Many years ago I was reading an article in Model Railroader about how to avoid that "Golf course look". After reading that article I decided that that "Golf course look" was what I liked. Every house in the perfect town had a perfect lawn. A carpet layout with Plasticville buildings would be perfect. When my retirement home was built it contained a 20 by 45 foot train room. A layout was constructed on the floor and then measurements were made for a table or 20 tables bolted to the wall and each other. The table was then covered with green carpet and the carpet railroad was moved up to the table. The layout consists of tubular track set on this carpet covered table. Nothing is fastened to the table so changes are easy although I have made very few in 7 years.

All structures are either plasticville, cardstock, or tin. The rolling stock is mostly postwar that has been converted to TMCC. The layout is a folded dogbone so there are no duckunders and the isle down the center is 8 - 10 feet wide. Furnishings consist of stools, rocking chairs, a small work bench, and a wood stove.

I wanted a 1950s period and operations model railroad that was movable and portable as I moved every 3-5 years and the layout would be up only the 3 winter months in the den or living room. 

 

 

The layout must have lots of activities to keep up interest and be able to run three or more trains with lots of switches and is 027.  It has three transformers with three loops and track can all be controlled by only one. It has continuous loops for unattended operation and is fully blocked to allow cutting power to park trains about anywhere.

 

It has a turntable and has 27 Marx all metal switches and runs three trains on three main loops with two loops blocked to operate two trains each to total 5 operating plus an HO trolley.  Later I added many operating accessoraries and an operating color TV X-10 camera car.

 

It is now permanently located in a room above a garage and shares an all purpose room with numerous vintage stereo systems and home theater for film, slides and TV.

 

Charlie

handyandy - There are so many ways to enjoy this hobby and it sounds like you have yours figured out.  Thanks for sharing.

 

David - Sounds like you have a very fun layout.  Your comments make me remember my first Lionel layout with Plasticville buildings and it was a lot of fun.  I am beginning to think that we sometimes overcomplicate things.

 

Charlie - Great sounding layout.  I'm living in my 15th home, so I can relate to the moving and it's effect on a model railroad.  It really feels good to be retired and settled. 

 

Art

I am mainly a loop runner. Although I go wanted a design that would let me accommodate various types of train operation. Just watching trains chase themselves an get old after awhile. On the top level is a four track mainline with a model of horseshoe curve these are mostly wide radius curves to allow smoother operation of long trains. There are no switches on the top level so I can turn on and let em go. The lower level has more switching with operating accessories engine servicing and sidings.

Stub end yard with wye track.  Here is a small around the room layout with a wye track leading to a small stub yard. The yard could be easily expanded by adding more sidings.

 

The benchwork is designed so that sections can be expanded by bolting on additional segments. The longest bench section is 6 feet.  This could be extended to 8 feet or 10 feet by using a longer 2x4 section since every section bolts together using 1/4 inch bolts, nuts and washers.

 

I use MTH DCS and conventional control. I use both DCS remote control and conventional control using pushbutton and toggle switch panels for turnout and blocks.

 

I can switch over to Z4000 control of engines using a single toggle switch.

 

 

 

 

Conventional control or DCS control 

 

My wiring scheme allows me to select either my DCS or the Z-4000 manual control with a simple toggle switch. The toggle switch selects a high current "relay" that actually switches power. With the toggle set to "ON" power goes to the track directly from one of my Z-4000 transformers. When using the conventional control Z-4000 the power to the TIU input side is disconnected. However I use a brick for powering the TIU  AUX input so the TIU is active at all times.

 

With the toggle set to "OFF" power goes from a second Z-4000 directly to the input side of my DCS TIU.

 

I purchased two MTH Z-4000 transformers on Ebay for way under retail. What I like are the built in meters (volts and amps) and dual control handles.  I use one to power the 2 fixed channels on my TIU DCS system and the second Z-4000 to power conventional engines.  

 

 

I have a separate "control console" with a Z-4000 and turnout and block control switch panels.  This separate control system is available for visitors to allow them to operate my conventional engines (including PS-1 versions). The DCS system is also available at any time for controlling turnouts and blocks using the AIU.

  

An emergency shutdown system is available for both conventional control or DCS control.  It uses 4 different  E-Stop pushbuttons as well as a wireless shutdown system.

 

The transformer outputs and the track are protected by individual circuit breakers.

 

I also have a Dispatcher Panel that shows the status of all turnouts and blocks using color coded LEDs.

 

 

My layout is 8'x11' the layout was planned to fit a Lionel **** Gate

Bridge.  I did this by separating the left and right sides of the layout.

With this planned design the bridge fit perfectly.  The design is very

simple.  Two mainlines with one siding comming off the number 1 main

line.  

 

This siding is about nine feet long, and can accommodate four Lionel

Heaveyweight Passenger Cars, and up to seven mixed freight cars

for switching.  Moving a Lionel TMCC SD 80 or 90 into the switch to

couple with a train is good railroading for this operator.  I operate

Passenger and Frieght, with the number 2 mainline taking the bulk

of the Passenger Service.

 

I have never had much luck with switch's, thus the one Lionel 711

left hand switch.  I operate this switch manually.  I can reach it

with no problem at all, this gives me no worry about wiring, it just

works.  I power my layout with two Lionel Powerhouse 180 Bricks,

and the Lionel TMCC Command Base.  After two years with this power

set up not one problem with command or conventional operation.

My accessories are powered by two PW ZW'S talk about longevity.

 

I did have the Lionel TMCC ZW that came out in 1998 and the model

that came out a few years after.  Let me just say I had no operational

success with either.  The boards were very hard to come by to fix these

ZW's.  This all goes with the hobby and I accept it.  I enjoy the comments

that I have read on this Topic, I have learned much as well.  Good Stuff.

 

Many thanks,

 

Billy C 

Rob - That really sounds great.  I love Horseshoe Curve, it really represents big time railroading to me.

 

pro hobby - Interesting layout design.  It sounds like it is easily expandable or moveable.  You power control is also quite interesting.  Thanks for sharing.

 

Billy - You have a fun sounding layout.  Most of us are willing to give up a fair amount of flexibility for dependability.  Appreciate your input.

 

Art