Hello folks of the forum! It was recommended that I start my own thread for my layout, so here it is. Starting off, I'll post the track plan. Hope y'all enjoy the journey!
Attachments
Images (1)
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Today's progress: The upper level is coming together. Picked up some board, painted it, and put about 30% of the total upper level on. (Anything not painted is not set down completely). I will not be finishing all of the upper level until I complete the main line wiring, and can confirm it all runs well. The rest of the upper level will hold a town, and a branch line with some industries. Low priority at the moment
Attachments
Images (6)
Would you be willing to post the electronic version of your track plan? From looking at your picture of the plan, I am having a hard time figuring out what is on each level. Also, would you please provide a brief idea of how you plan to operate the layout?
Chuck
Sam it will be interesting to follow your progress. Several questions:
What track, turnouts, control system, type of lighting (can see fluorescent and maybe tracks), any backdrop, general theme?
Look forward to your posts.
@PRR1950 I will try to figure out how to do that soon. I used Railmodeler Pro and I never did track elevation. I will also try to figure out if there is a better way to post it other than a photo
@Bill Webb Thanks! I am using 100% Atlas O nickel silver right now, 95% bought brand new. All the switches and turnouts were bought new, so they should last me a while. I mainly use Lionel Legacy, however I will try to hook up DCS just in case I buy an MTH engine, or someone brings an MTH engine to run. The lighting is fluorescent now, but as they burn out, we will be replacing them with LEDs. Yes there will be a backdrop, I just need to find someone to get one from. The general theme is late modern era, where you will mostly find freight service and the occasional excursion train from the 611, 765. or other steam locos. Of course, I will be running some things that are not in tune with the era just for fun, but most everything is set up for something that you could go and see today
That's a beast of a track plan. It looks like you're on different levels. Will each level be isolated? Or will trains be able to access each level?
@Sams Trains posted:Hello folks of the forum! It was recommended that I start my own thread for my layout, so here it is. Starting off, I'll post the track plan. Hope y'all enjoy the journey!
what grades are you using?
@BillYo414 posted:That's a beast of a track plan. It looks like you're on different levels. Will each level be isolated? Or will trains be able to access each level?
Here's a photo that shows the other sides before this work. It is an over-under figure 8 pattern. Two main lines that go up and down
Attachments
Images (2)
@Dave Koehler posted:what grades are you using?
They are about 3.5% grades
Well, if you used Railmodeler Pro, then you did this plan on a Mac (or whatever they're called these days). Software wise, you will be in the minority here, but you should still attach your plan file. Some other Mac users might be able to offer you some good advice.
Chuck
@PRR1950 posted:Well, if you used Railmodeler Pro, then you did this plan on a Mac (or whatever they're called these days). Software wise, you will be in the minority here, but you should still attach your plan file. Some other Mac users might be able to offer you some good advice.
Chuck
Yep that's right. I'll attach the plan here, any tips/help is appreciated
Attachments
Files (1)
@Sams Trains posted:They are about 3.5% grades
that is steep, just to warn you
@Sams Trains posted:Here's a photo that shows the other sides before this work. It is an over-under figure 8 pattern. Two main lines that go up and down
that S-curve may also give you problem with modern longer cars
@Dave Koehler posted:that is steep, just to warn you
Yeah it is kind of steep. Engines have been able to manage it so far. I didn't have much of a choice due to space constraints
@Dave Koehler posted:that S-curve may also give you problem with modern longer cars
I have heard this a couple times. I may change it in the future, but for now I have not had problems and I have run almost every freight car size I have on this with no issues
More upper level progress! Got all of the track laid down, and now the two main line loops are fully connected. Also cut out the tunnel opening for the lower level
Attachments
Images (3)
Looking great Sam 
Hey everyone! Wow, it has been WAY too long since I gave an update. There is lots to talk about though, so lets get started. Each photo will have a description under it
In last update, everything was still movable to allow for adjustments. Not anymore! I got everything as good as I would like it (and level) and took the nail gun to it. Here I am nailing down the supports for the incline
Okay, so I got a little too tired of working on the layout and decided to run my 765. This was before any wiring was done, I just had to hear it run
Finally I have lighting under the layout! Now I can access my rolling stock without using my phone or a flashlight to see
Left side of the layout, check out the new railing!
Middle of the layout, the future switch and power control boards have been installed
Right side of the layout, inclines have been painted and track is installed. If you look carefully, you can see some wiring strung through the middle of the table. All of the electrical work is done now for the main lines. Still need to wire up the spur lines
Once again, I got a little bored with electrical work so I decided to break open some scenery stuff! This area is starting to look good
Yay! Now that trains run, people can come and watch! Had the LOTS over during their convention this year in Knoxville. About 35 people fit relatively comfortably in the shop!
Had some issues with my O54/O72 turnouts, so I have done a little bit of remodeling on the design to mitigate the use of said turnout. I still have one, and plan to use a Ross switch with it. Wish me luck on that.
I also changed one of the industries to now be an intermodal yard to serve stack trains and auto carriers! That will be fun to build, especially with the concrete between the rails
Attachments
Images (9)
That's awesome that you're able to host people now. I hope to get to the same point!
What sort of issues did you have with the 054-072 turnout? I used some curved turnouts in my track plan but I'm concerned about them working.
BillYo, if you're planning to use Ross switches, the curved ones work perfectly, just like the regular ones.
Attachments
Images (1)
I am planning on using Ross @Bob. I'm most concerned about the smallest curved switch. I think it's 031/054? I tried so hard to avoid it but it was the best solution (unless it ends up being unreliable).
@BillYo414 posted:That's awesome that you're able to host people now. I hope to get to the same point!
What sort of issues did you have with the 054-072 turnout? I used some curved turnouts in my track plan but I'm concerned about them working.
Here is my thread post about that issue: https://ogrforum.com/...ms-for-steam-engines
@BillYo414 posted:I am planning on using Ross @Bob. I'm most concerned about the smallest curved switch. I think it's 031/054? I tried so hard to avoid it but it was the best solution (unless it ends up being unreliable).
Ross switches are some of the best out there. Atlas switches are really good too brand new, just that one double curve switch gave me issues
@Sams Trains posted:...snip...
That will be fun to build, especially with the concrete between the rails
Plaster works quite well and can be colored to suit the location(s). Not to mention that it is very easy to "cut" the flangeways. Not only that, it naturally "weathers" just like real concrete.
@PRRMP54 posted:Plaster works quite well and can be colored to suit the location(s). Not to mention that it is very easy to "cut" the flangeways. Not only that, it naturally "weathers" just like real concrete.
Thanks for the tip! I'll look into that. Any specific plaster that works best, or any threads on here that talk about that process? Interested in learning more
Thanks for the link @Sams Trains. I have both Ross and Atlas switches. I'll keep an eye out for trouble now that I have the answers.
Also your Youtube link isn't working for me.
@BillYo414 posted:Thanks for the link @Sams Trains. I have both Ross and Atlas switches. I'll keep an eye out for trouble now that I have the answers.
Also your Youtube link isn't working for me.
It should be fixed now
Yep! @Sams Trains
@Sams Trains posted:Thanks for the tip! I'll look into that. Any specific plaster that works best, or any threads on here that talk about that process? Interested in learning more
Most any brand will do. Also there is something called "sprackling compound" that worked well for me. Some use drywall "mud"; here is a link to a comparison of the two:
Regarding scenery techniques I like to assemble cardboard strips with hot glue, cover that with plaster-soaked gauze strips (readily available supplied in rolls) and then cover that in turn with Sculptamold (a readily available lightweight modeling compound).
Sculptamold is so easy and forgiving that even I, a klutz, can make something with it.
Attachments
Nice work Lew. You are correct about the ease of sculptamold. However you still need some skills to get it right. It looks very solid. Nice work . Bill
Hey folks! Here's some recent progress on the layout:
FINALLY! Finished another cabinet for my trains under the existing one. I also made doors for them too; they look a lot nicer than the sliding doors I had before. I am starting to open myself to commission work if anyone wants something like this!
Besides the three beautiful Lionel Milwaukee Milk cars, I have begun work on forming the cliff side! Note the opening on the far left for a future road tunnel. More to come soon! This part of the layout will definitely be one of the first to be "completed"
It may not look like much, but I have brought the tracks in about 3-4 inches. I recently bought a Big Boy and a Mallet, neither of which would clear the wall on the outside loop. This issue has been fixed now
Speaking of fixing issues, I fixed the annoying S curve on the far back side of the layout! This was causing problems for Kinematic couplers on longer passenger cars, and just in general. Now, things run much smoother through here! I learned my lesson since last time: NO S CURVES! If you are curious to how it looked before, see the below picture
Attachments
Images (6)
"IMAGES NOT FOUND":
@Sams Trains posted:Hey folks! Here's some recent progress on the layout:
Awesome Layout. Never get bored with that one!
@PRRMP54 posted:"IMAGES NOT FOUND":
Fixed!
@TrainWatcher posted:Awesome Layout. Never get bored with that one!
Thank you! I sure don't lol. It's a lot of fun!
I agree, I do enjoy looking at it.
