Man.....talk about having a GOOD eye. Al, is it just me or did you add an extension to your benchwork??
I do like the simplicity of this plan. The modified plan looks good. You might want to add a couple more turnouts to provide a couple more industries, but on the whole this should be a nice realistic appearing layout if you do some good scenery work. I find your idea interesting as I am starting to design a small S scale layout for my home. I have laid down a challenge to myself to try to create a visually attractive and interesting to operate layout with less than 15 turnouts. You are an example to me that I can achieve this. Good luck.
You are correct Hoss I sure did add to the layout for the train yard. i wanted it to be separate from the layout inside so I can focus on detail with buildings and scenary. This is the revised (10th time) track design. It is simple, but has alot of long track to go fast in some spots and just to travel. What do you guys think of it? I was going to do the reverse loop but killed that due to what I felt was the wiring difficulty of that. I did want it, but this design is all good. Unless there is someone close to my are that is willing to help me hands on with the wiring of the layout after track is laid? If there is anyone I will do it. I am located in Norwich, Ct. 06360. (mapquest.com for distance) If not this design is still good. I ordered alot of the track so far. I need a few more rmote switches, straight track, and I will need to get foam risers for some areas. here is the layout pic with details on it.
OK Big Al, now you got a good plan with room to breathe! Depending on where you decide to locate your control panel, everything should be handy for operation on the mainlines as well as in the yard. If you are going to have some high speed operations, it would be wise to "bank" (elevate) the curves! You can alway add a return loop if you decide you want one. Paul can fix you right up as for wiring. He is sharp at that too!
Hello Everyone!! So this is my new plan. I have decided to go completely DCC. I will use 1. Digitrax, easyDCC, or MRC Prodigy (console, power supply, and hand-held control) 2. Switch decoders so that I can control all the switches from the controller and will not have to have a control panel. 3.Loco decoders (4) 4.reverse loop modular which is supposed to be easier due to DCC. Well we'll find out in due time. ( I may add in the reverse loop I recently took away from plans.) I have planned for the curvers to be banked as well as some other areas. I have bids on the old layout and with that sale all money will go to DCC. If there is anyone out there that knows of a complete setup system for everything I listed under $500 that would be appreciated much. Thanks guys a2thamayo@wmconnect.com BIG AL
Al, I would go with the digitrax system. I have the MRC and don't care for it much. My next layout will be Digitrax!!
I have changed my train yard to the end of the layout rather than off to the side. It actually came out much better and I tested the track laying last night and it worked for the best. I also added like a 2' wide triangle so the track could come out farther. here is the picture of what I did
Its looking good Al. Go either Digitrax or Lenz, stay away from MRC - too limited. Why buy a Lada when you can own a BMW.
Al, I highly recommend the Lenz Set 100. It can be had for less than $500 and Lenz practically invented DCC. They also have the best warranty (either 5 or 10 years I believe....don't recall exactly). Also gives you the ability to have cheap wireless controllers by using cordless telephones. Lots of other things I like. I bought mine from Litchfield Station. He used to have a chart that compared all of the major DCC systems on his site, but I can't seem to find it now. He also used to sell "everything you need" sets, but it appears that has disappeared too (or at least I didn't see it). Just the same, it might be worth shooting him an e-mail. If nothing else, he can give you a lot of good advice about DCC systems. His prices were about the lowest around when I bought mine. Of course, you should also check out our site sponsor Internet Trains.
HEY GUYS SO I HAVE MADE A DECISION ON WHAT DCC SYSTEM TO GO WITH AND THE WINNER IS LENZS. THE WHOLE SET UP FOR WHAT I NEED WILL COME TO $436 AT TONY'S LENZ SET-100 $229.95 MAGNA FORCE MF615 POWER SUPPLY $35.95 LENZ LS150 CONTROLS UP TO 6 SWITCHES (IS THIS A DECODER TO CONTROL WITH HAND HELD? I HOPE) $39.95 LENZ LE1014 LOCO DECODERS $19-27 I think I will also need a reverse loop modular, is this correct? Well you guys see the layout plan I want to have 3 DCC locos and have all 12-13 snap switches/turnouts control thru handheld. I will insert a reverse loop in my layout. What do you guys think I will need to have it all ready for what I want? Is my list complete there? Thanks Oh yea Hoss I went to the litchfield site and the cost for Lenz set 100 was $275 compared to $229 at Tonys
Looks like you've about got it covered....and for a good price at that. You'll like the Lenz system. You'll need a reverse loop module for each reversing district that you have.
