Ok so I went to do an update to my software and now the new board that was working isn’t any more. GRRRRR...oh well at least it works and the system is stable. Here is what I have so far.
My TR6B needs a mate. So, I started work on an SW900 and an SW8 The SW900 had been done a long time ago. So, now I am going to change the front and rear hand rails, add correct number boards and other details. The SW8 will get dynamic brakes, new front and rear hand rails as well as other details. She will be road 4611 Both are Lifelike on Kato NW2 chassis. Thanks, Wolf
Well here goes another model that only one has been made, and that being a brass model way back when. My try at a ventilated boxcar. These ran on roads up to the at least the 1950s. Features two doors, a ventilated one and a solid one running on the same door track. Since my layout covers the 1940-50 era one fits. The donor body was from an Athearn 36 foot old time stockcar because of the end framing and vents. The stockdoor was cut from the side and the sides milled to accept a new stryrene scribed wood side. Then the stockdoors had additional styrene glued on including bracing. From the parts box came some MT wood doors. Still unfinished. 100_0226-2 by John Moore posted May 7, 2020 at 9:39 AM
GREETINGS! The project on my workbench is my new layout . . . for over 50 years I have been an arm-chair model railroader or just had small layouts. Now that I am retired, I am going to build my dream layout; not huge, something manageable that I can (hopefully) complete before I kick the bucket (LOL). Here is a glimpse of my final plan. A little more work preparing the location and I will be ready to start my framework . . . my biggest problem now (besides time) is trying to decide if I should try DCC. It all seems very complicated to me . . . wish me luck. Thanks . . . NAD
DCC is actually quite simply. I had the same thoughts when I went DCC. I would NEVER go back to plain ol DC I can tell you that !!
Looking at your track plan. With both eastbound and westbound trains coming and going through the same 'ladder' and tracks in the yard...you are almost certainly going to need to be running DCC... Just my opinion.
built a new bench first thing on it was a curious Siamese cat. the bench vise was next followed by a grinder and a drill press . my sodering iron and stand goes on next. I put an led shop light overhead
The south (with the yard/roundhouse) and west (left) sides will be totally open . . . the north side (staging yard) will, for the most part, be butted against a wall and east side side (right) will be spaced approximately 18" to 24" from a wall . . . hence the open center. I plan to hinge the layout tops (from the outside) on each side, so they can be lifted (from the inside); thus, allowing me to reach the wiring and so forth. NAD
I am guessing you are in your mid 60's...early 70's. Ducking under or crawling under layouts to get to the center opening...hmmmm. You might wanna practice doing that under the dinning room table a bunch of times to see how your back and legs are going to take it. George...71 years old
Oh my. Yes, lots of guys have used one of the rolling stools that are sold for mechanics to use under cars. Only about 18 inches high, its better than nothing, but I've got a better idea. If you're going to need to do that then come up with a new track plan. five years from now you will thank me.
I am 43, I have broken 7 vertebrae...there is a reason why I have a shelf layout that most people can't see without my step ladder....
I plan to hinge the layout top in several locations, so they can be lifted (like a car hood); therefore, allowing me to reach and repair the wiring and such in a standing position. Hopefully, this will eliminate the need for me to spend too much time "under the deck". I still like the mechanics stool idea . . . I think there will be a stop at Harbor Freight in the near future to pick one up . . . DAN
