Mike, That is a neat animation and sound addition I assume that you offer the components and if so are you offering them as a kit?
Here is video #31. I am planning some demolition on the ACT and a slight track change. [video=youtube;qsdFO4X6CMI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsdFO4X6CMI[/video] Thanks , Mike
We will see how old ya feel by the time its all done mike....LOL. The plan sounds solid enough...lets hope the body is ;-) Look forwards to seeing the finished product ^5
Quite an undertaking (pun intended) you have planned Mike! I know where you're coming from in terms of watching the trains go back and forth. That was one of the reasons I rebuilt and went to a once around the room design with lift up bridge. The problem is we are never satisfied, never have enough real estate and try to do too much with too little. I have no doubt that you will make it work and enjoy the adventure. Jerry
Thanks Jerry , I mislead a little bit . I really want to get the made up trains off the upper layout and get rid of a little upper track for more switching industries as well. Time will tell! Thanks , Mike
This is all one of the biggest decisions I had to tackle when designing my 'dream layout'. THE RV isnt that layout...but its as close as I think I am ever gonna get (unless I win the lottery!!!). But...staging...particularly hidden staging...or any other 'hidden trackwork' is a temping Siren who lures us all like sheep to slaughter...lmao. Getting older with health issues told me it wasnt going to happen. My biggest concern was derailments within the confines of that staging/hidden area. Perfect trackwork not withstanding...derailments happen...and almost always where ya dread them to the most. I just cant see these old bones climbing under a layout...8 tracks deep in cars...to try and fish out one car that decided not to play well with the others and trying my best not to knock something else over in the process ! It reminds me of playing Jenga...but with frieight cars....LMAO!!!! I borrowed Mikes staging area idea from his club layout and made Lucky Penny Yard right up on top and in plain sight. I can pull a train in and wait before sending another out....or send another out before even puling the other in the AD track. It all gives the appearance of different trains running. Granted...its not the same as a train disapearing off the main viewed layout...down into the deep caverneous regions of a hidden staging area...not to be seen for days again...LOL. But I believe every joint...bone...muscle...nerve ending...and piece of skin I might leave along the side of a piece of wood reaching into such a pit...thanks me daily I had at one time planned 2 sidings inside a mountain...to stop one train on..and bring another out. Effectively fooling the senses that the train that went in...went somewhere...far far away ;-) But ya still have the derailment etc problems...and sticking your hand into JAWS mouth trying to fix it....roflmao !! I like my trains slowly running around and around and me being able to keep tabs on em...YMMV. * Mike...when ya shake that last Aleve tab outta the second bottle...it will be fine to cuss me for this post... :teeth:
Mike, you've got your work cut out for you. I have a friend that used an approach similar to yours and it work's nicely. On mine I have a run through six track hidden staging yard that sits on the lower level of the layout. I planned it that way. The main that runs up in a helix and over the top is basically a dog bone. This allows the trains to appear as though they are running on a double track main. Train meets are a frequent thing. You'll like your HS and the options available for multiple train operations, it gives you. I haven't built my dream layout but the guys and gals down in San Diego that operate the Tehachapi Loop have come close. George, your hidden staging yard is sitting there looking at you even though you haven't seen it yet. Wait until it jumps out at you. It's going to scare the $#!+ out of you. It's not Penny Yard... seriously.:teeth: You won't believe it when it hits you.
I read once, many years ago in a UK magazine, that a model railway might be complete, and the casual observer might think it's finished. The builder always thinks otherwise! Regards, Pete Davies
Oh its there...in a cabinet...right under the layout...its called a cardboard box with excess trains in it.....LMAO !!!!!
When people visit, they ask me "how long did it take you to finish this?" Only the very astute then follow up with "I guess it never is truly finished." Of course, I still have a lot of area on the JACALAR that has no ballast, loose buildings, etc., so I never understand the "finished" comment to begin with. ("How long have you been working on this" is a very valid question) Good luck with the changes, Mike.
