The new layout build.....finally.

Just a thought.    As I get older, I like duckunders less and less and I have had liftouts on 2 layouts.    They are always maintenance intensive.    So with that in mind, you could come out of the narrow area and go around behind the furnace and utilities and the stairs.    That would avoid a liftout all together.    You might have a narrow aisle where you swing out but that is still better than a liftout or duck under and it will be short and and then can balloon back out.

Also I see two reversing loops in the trackage and there may be more.    Remember with two rail, reversing loops require special wiring.    You need to have a section in the loop that you can reverse polarity on.    With DCC this can be automated, but you probably want to have a train length in the section that reverses to avoid shorts with metal wheels overlapping both ends.

So nice to see you back, buddy!

2 rail ftw!

You may want to check out the Micro Engineering weathered track. I know everyone goes with Atlas and they make nice track, but I have decided to use the Mico-Engineering Flex Track and it's great looking track. A little stiffer for making the curves but I have found it holds the shape better. Anyway I know there are opinions for everything, but sometimes Mico-Engineering is overlooked! Plus its $147 for 33pcs retail. If your interested I can take a few pictures of mine. I don't sell the track, but glad to use it!

Pretty cool!  You'll have the layout open for the March meet, right?

Jim

prrjim posted:

Just a thought.    As I get older, I like duckunders less and less and I have had liftouts on 2 layouts.    They are always maintenance intensive.    So with that in mind, you could come out of the narrow area and go around behind the furnace and utilities and the stairs.    That would avoid a liftout all together.    You might have a narrow aisle where you swing out but that is still better than a liftout or duck under and it will be short and and then can balloon back out.

I have considered that option but I just don't want anything in the way of the furnace and such, but I'm going to play with the idea.  

Also I see two reversing loops in the trackage and there may be more.    Remember with two rail, reversing loops require special wiring.    You need to have a section in the loop that you can reverse polarity on.    With DCC this can be automated, but you probably want to have a train length in the section that reverses to avoid shorts with metal wheels overlapping both ends.

Good catch...I'm going to lengthen that portion of track to accommodate what my longest train will be.  I'm definitely up to speed on the 2 rail wiring....looking forward to starting that actually....don't know why... Thank you for the suggestions I appreciate them. 

SANTIAGOP23 posted:

So nice to see you back, buddy!

2 rail ftw!

Thanks Santiago, it's great to be back.  Now that all are on board in the house here it's full speed ahead.  I have been watching your F3 build, and Erik with the Daylight and just sitting here pounding my head on the desk....  I'm just glad I can use most of what I handlayed before.

Scale City Designs posted:

You may want to check out the Micro Engineering weathered track. I know everyone goes with Atlas and they make nice track, but I have decided to use the Mico-Engineering Flex Track and it's great looking track. A little stiffer for making the curves but I have found it holds the shape better. Anyway I know there are opinions for everything, but sometimes Mico-Engineering is overlooked! Plus its $147 for 33pcs retail. If your interested I can take a few pictures of mine. I don't sell the track, but glad to use it!

Well I have a bunch of Atlas already for the areas that I will be using it in, plus a bunch of what I handlayed before that I will re use.  I actually have a couple sections of the ME and yes I agree it is very nice but with what I have on hand already I think I'm pretty well stocked.  

big train posted:

Pretty cool!  You'll have the layout open for the March meet, right?

Jim

Lol...god I wish.  I'm starting benchwork this week....heck I just mailed in my registration/fee for the March meet the other day.....looking forward to going this year after missing last year.

Chris,

If you're willing, I'd really like to show some of your work on the Right-O'-Way website.  We can discuss it offline.

By the way, I'm jealous!

Jay

It's a pretty cool layout with a good size!  not too much tracks, it's clear!

If you need it, I can draw it for you on Anyrail or Scarm, but you have to give me precise dimensions of each part and which turnouts  you will use.

At your disposal

jpv in France

Chris,

Nice flow to the track plan. CTRL + SHIFT + + rotates the plan pdf.

Stretching one of yard spurs to hold a complete train may be inviting. The passing siding would do that also. That would permit three actors ready to go.

I appreciate the low track to scenery ratio. The temptation of multiple lines is tough to resist.

I was looking for an area for some track elevation. The crossover at NNW sort of pins the run S to the loop behind the stairs. That looked like the best area. I don't know if you need any elevated areas.

Having all on board should be the most fun. If everyone has a hand in the project you'll discover some hidden talents and create a family layout. Who is good at making trees?

Thanks for sharing and have fun!

Jay C posted:

Chris,

If you're willing, I'd really like to show some of your work on the Right-O'-Way website.  We can discuss it offline.

By the way, I'm jealous!

Jay

Absolutely Jay, after I get the new bench work squared away I am going to take inventory of what I have left and will be in touch with you for some additional track parts/rail.

jpv69 posted:

It's a pretty cool layout with a good size!  not too much tracks, it's clear!

If you need it, I can draw it for you on Anyrail or Scarm, but you have to give me precise dimensions of each part and which turnouts  you will use.

At your disposal

jpv in France

Thank you yes I was trying to not overload the layout with too much track, I personally have always liked the less is more concept.  Thank you also for offering to draw it up but I am ok with this, it's clear in my head and the plan is basically a "general" idea that will get tweaked here and there...I'm a analog kind of guy anyhow...    

Moonman posted:

Chris,

Nice flow to the track plan. CTRL + SHIFT + + rotates the plan pdf.

Thank you...uhh wish I figured that out sooner.

Stretching one of yard spurs to hold a complete train may be inviting. The passing siding would do that also. That would permit three actors ready to go.

That's a great idea, I could push a few things around and lengthen them.  I'll have to play with it.

I appreciate the low track to scenery ratio. The temptation of multiple lines is tough to resist.

It really is.

I was looking for an area for some track elevation. The crossover at NNW sort of pins the run S to the loop behind the stairs. That looked like the best area. I don't know if you need any elevated areas.

There will be some elevation change but not too much.

Having all on board should be the most fun. If everyone has a hand in the project you'll discover some hidden talents and create a family layout. Who is good at making trees?

Absolutely.  My oldest is 13 now and he enjoys the electrical end of things and my youngest will be 12 in a few days and he really enjoys the trees/schrubs ect.  

Thanks for sharing and have fun!

Thank you, I'm going to have fun with it.

Glad you are back Chris!!

You were the one triggered me to move to 2 rails.

Andre.

Thanks Andre, it's great to be back.  

Chris,  Look forward to the photos and video of the progress.   Besides the reserve loops already mentioned, be careful with that s curve just to the left of the stairs.  

Thanks Mike, yeah I'll straighten things out a bit there to reduce that "S" .

And thanks to all of you for the critiques and suggestions, I appreciate all of it.  It's great to get this kind of feedback from all of you that have been there and done that.  Nothing beats experience....thanks again guys.  

Chris,

Please don't feel like the only reason I'm reaching out is to sell you more parts (though I'm really not against it).  I've seen some of your modeling and it's worth showing off.  Even if the parts were purchased years ago it simply doesn't matter to me.  Lou liked you......I remember he called you a fine lad and he would enjoy seeing what you're doing and sharing it.

All that aside, sure, it's great promotion for Right-O'-Way but Lou would be disappointed if I didn't.

Jay

Looks great Chris! Can't wait to see your progress. 

Ralph

Well slap me with a skunk...I didn't realize you were gone Chris. I could swear I've seen you pop up on a fairly regular basis, and I presumed you were just making quiet progress a tie at a time...

But I'm not the brightest pea in the pod so welcome back, and lets see what you got going once in a while.

Bob

Jay C posted:

Chris,

Please don't feel like the only reason I'm reaching out is to sell you more parts (though I'm really not against it).  I've seen some of your modeling and it's worth showing off.  Even if the parts were purchased years ago it simply doesn't matter to me.  Lou liked you......I remember he called you a fine lad and he would enjoy seeing what you're doing and sharing it.

All that aside, sure, it's great promotion for Right-O'-Way but Lou would be disappointed if I didn't.

Jay

No I don't feel that way, I would've been coming back to you for more parts any how.  Back when I first was ordering my initial batch of parts I was on the phone with Lou and I explained to him what I was wanting to build, my goals ect and he walked me through what I would need, how much and so on and to say I was a bit green would have been a huge understatement but Lou never made me feel that way, he was kind and patient and I will never forget that.  Then in 2014 I got to speak with Lou at the March Meet and spend a little time talking about the hobby, his parts and 2 rail in general, and that was the highlight of the day for me...he was such a great man, kind and just a generous soul and I like many miss him dearly.  It's humbling to think of Lou liking what I had done with his parts....makes me smile.  When I made the earlier videos I had the idea of just showing folks what could be done with the detail parts and track components if one desired to go that route, and to show that handlaying is not all that difficult and can be quite rewarding and fun.  Now I know that is not what everyone wants to do but for those on the fence I would encourage them to try it, you'll be amazed at what you can create with your own hands....And I can't wait to make more.  

Ralph4014....Thank you very much!    

flanger posted:

Well slap me with a skunk...I didn't realize you were gone Chris. I could swear I've seen you pop up on a fairly regular basis, and I presumed you were just making quiet progress a tie at a time...

But I'm not the brightest pea in the pod so welcome back, and lets see what you got going once in a while.

Bob

Well I have been here a little and such but like I'd said in my opening post "someone" wanted me to scale the 2 rail back for the kids 3 rail stuff, but now that the kids are all in to 2 rail it's ta ta to the 3 rail stuff and full speed ahead...again on the 2 rail.  And "someone" is finally on board also...  And when it comes to pea's in the pod don't feel bad... I am the sharpest eraser I know however. 

Hi Tom, no I really have no way to do it, if I could I sure would....I have an idea however....

Hi Chris,

Anytime you can run down here you are welcome. Glenn and I built a swinging door in place of a duck under. May give you some ideas.

Ok I have made some modifications to remove the S-curve and added some longer yard tracks as a possibility, I attached the corrected drawing..... 

railroad-guy posted:

Hi Chris,

Anytime you can run down here you are welcome. Glenn and I built a swinging door in place of a duck under. May give you some ideas.

Dan I sent you a PM.