Acme, an N Scale HCD Layout

Starting my own build thread on construction of a HCD lout featuring the town of Acme. I really want get to work on my Acme Lumber Co but that will come as a later layout addition.

I've already started on the layout and posted some pictures on various threads. In the near future I'll gather all that together on this thread.

So to kick things off, here is a simplified track diagram.

 

Going to be fun to follow along sir. Like the track diagram.

 

I'd enjoy the track plan too -- real nice logging loco. Two sidings with one that can also be used as a runaround to work the yard and spurs.

 

With a name like ACME I would expect to see Wile E. and the Roadrunner somewhere.

 

I thought about calling it the Mehoopany, Southbranch & Schrader Creeks RR, or Little Loyalsock Lumber Company, but I used Acme Lumber before. It is just easier and more fun.

 

This was a previous post of mine on the HCD thread.

 

I would like to be able to build an N scale logging layout with hand laid track and code 40 rail.
About 10 years ago I started a thread on building a 2x4 logging tram. I never finished it but I did learn a lot.

I put the hobby aside for a while then started back into it a couple years ago. I'm not yet up to the skill level I need to build a small logging layout to the standard I want.

Both the Unitrack and HCDs were just laying around in the attic so what the heck, I might as well put it to use.

 

I won't be breaking any new ground with this layout. Most of the materials I've had for years or even decades. Most of my techniques will be kind of old school.

The track plan is roughly based on or inspired by the 1996 MR Carolina Central project layout.

Everything so far, I've probably gone over before in one thread or another. From here on out, except for maybe a few photos, I'll try not to regurgitate the same stuff!

 

After gluing foam to the door I covered it using a roll of white paper. I had to tape a few widths together to cover the layout.

Then through trial and error I located the track spacing it to fit around buildings I want to put on the layout.

I pinned the track to the paper and traced the track outline in pencil. Then I used a pounce wheel to transfer a few key track locations onto the foam.

I decided where I would install insulated rail joiners. Since the wiring is going to be buried in the scenery, I marked the track feeder locations on the full size drawing for future reference. Crude but effective.

 

Next I removed the full size drawing and pinned the track directly to the foam and made final track adjustments. I had to cut some track pieces to fit. This was expected.

 

Track pinned down and block boundaries and numbers marked with flags.

 

Transferring track plan to temporary control panel




And drilling switch mounting holes.

 

Soldering feeds to rail joiners

 

I really like the old school tools...

 

Thanks,
I like the drill because it fits in my watchmakers bench so it is always handy. My screw gun always seems to be in the garage or cellar. Same thing with the wooden drill index.

 

Just remember it was tools like this that built the aircraft and ships that won WWII. they will work every time, and you never need to find power or a battery.

 

The retro radio is a nice touch too!

 

I’m all about tube radios and the sound they produce. But that one looks like it has an LED power light... is it old outside new inside?

 

Yeah, I've seen it online.