I know there have been several discussions about radius and grades and how they affect each other. I'm sure you might be able to find the threads on here or someone else might know the threads but as much as you've set it for 2% it really isn't when you take into consideration the radius, grade and drag due to the radius. Which is one reason I like Peter Nolan's Nolix, or even the idea of an oval helix so there is some straight sections to relieve the drag. Just different idea's I'm toying with for a layout.
I rebuilt the helix base this evening as described in a post from earlier today. The construction is identical to the larger helix base, so I will just post two photos to show the additional aisle space gained by making the change: Before: After: It is not clear in the "before" photo, but the larger base did not allow for a swing-in gate across the entrance to the layout room; this can now be done without any problem. Jamie
Coming in a little late (or is it early since it is summer here?)... Had a whirlwind benchwork building session over Wednesday and Thursday where I managed to get all the benchwork built and installed for the new layout. No overhead lighting arrangements at this time, though. There is still a little to do with under layout storage for the staging extension but the main layout is ready to go. Photos to follow... One of the advantages of the PowerCab, IMHO. All it takes is a second PCP and power supply.
Guys, great work posted so far. There is much inspiration for in this thread for everyone considering building there first or umpteenth layout. First images of my new layout under construction, based on the May 93 'A Railroad You Can Model' article on BN's 11th Sub-Division in Model Railroader. The track plan has still to be finalised but it will need to fit into what I have to work with below. Looking in the door immediately to the left. This will be Manilla yard which heads across to the double-sided centre peninsula to Manning on the left side and around to Templeton on the right side. From the centre peninsula the track continues from Templeton to Coon Rapids on the right-hand side. The end of the line will be an removable add-on section representing Bayard. Cabinets under the centre peninsula are for train storage. They have horizontal roll doors and foam lined slide out trays.Under Manilla will be storage bins and at the end of the aisle will be the electronics (DCC, etc.). Under Coon Rapids will be bookshelves for magazines, etc. Unseen to the far right of the room is an awfully messy workbench. :membarrassed:
Gats: This is a wonderful layout and a great job on the bench work. You could see if you could make some part of it salvageable in case you ever have to dismantle it. Not a good thought as you are just building, but this is the time to do it. That is one of my errors; I didn't consider moving until it was too late. I will look forward to this layout with the same excellent work as your engines.:thumbs_up:
Thanks Flash. The benchwork is in four pieces. I built the modules in the garage and moved them upstairs as complete pieces. The module against the back wall is a single piece and the other three bolt to it with 3/8" bolts. All modules against the walls are screwed to the battens. As we're never going to move it's reasonably permanent... reasonably in as much as it is in four manageable pieces...
Gary(Gats), Nice benchwork and the cabinets look and sound good. My only suggestions is to put any storage under the layout on casters so you may be able to easily get to the wiring and make any other adjustments. Once the scenery Begins to take shape you will realize what I am saying. Another is the side modules don't look like they have much support, but maybe I cannot see it. I like the strips up the wall for a separate backdrop, keeping the wall in good shape. Nice space without a window to muddle things up, then again when you expand that may become an issue.
Duuuuude... it remains sight unseen until it is reasonably cleaned up and 'photogenic'! Thanks John. The bottom of the benchwork is approximately 60mm higher than the cabinets and the width is 200mm less than the benchwork. The roadbed will be on risers as well to give a final height around 1300mm (51") so there is a bit if room to play with. Besides, the cabinets slide easily on the lovely carpet. The fascia will be clear of the cabinet height and there will be drop curtains like you have in one of your images. There will be an angled support next to the window architrave in the second image. The other end of that module is bolted to the end wall module and both rest on a block screwed to a batten. It's about 1800mm long so has sufficient support. The bookshelves will be under this module and likely be screwed to the battens so can provide support for the module if needed. I thought it would be a good idea to use battens for securing the backdrop as well as the layout. The tops are within mm of each other so with the backboard overlapping the battens the diffeerence is hidden. But after seeing the lighting arrangements on your's and Jamie's layouts, I can add the overhead lighting later. As for extending, there is an short extension piece planned for that end next to the window. A simple passing loop (for run-around) with a couple of silos that will clip onto the module one end and supported by the workbench on the other. If the bookshelves are not too high I will store that extension on top of them. The first image has a L girder peice screwed to the batten below the benchwork. This is a recycled piece from previous layouts that will form a shelf (with the other length) for storing another extension that will clip onto the yard module for off layout staging when used. Probably four tracks wide. The yard module will be supported from this shelf which in turn will have angled brackets attached to the battens.
This is shaping up to be the best layout party ever, three days since my last post and four pages have been added, nice going guys! Mystere: love the foam approach, quick and easy. Jamie: Two steps forward a one back, but it's progress... right? The rebuild looks great,well done. Dirk: A different challenge but I like it. I think you have captured the general feel of the era really well. Switchman: Keep up the good work! Todd: You have been doing outstanding stuff, really nice detail work. MRL: Stupid #*&%# camera, (using telepathic powers)... oh, great backshop dude! Mike: Can't fault the logic, bang out the wall and make a LARGER layout room. Looking good. Gary: Well done mate, she'll be a bute when she's finished cobber. My progress: I had some derailment issues and had perform some surgery on the Peco curved turnouts. A bad combination of kinks and out of gauge rail as well as a hollow dip in the middle. I shimmed the turnouts with some sytrene, sorted the kink with a hammer and a block of wood and used a pair of plyers to sort the gauge problem. After running my test train through the turnouts in both directions (about 2 hours running) without any problems I restored the area and did some planting. The test train comin' round the bend through the new plantings
Thanks Mike and Ken. Mike, the room is 4280mm x 2920mm (14' x 9' 7"). The layout is full width but Manilla Yard is 2360mm (7' 9") long, Coon Rapids is 2305mm (7' 7") long and the centre peninsula will be approximately 2850mm (9' 4") long (main benchwork is 2650mm) in final. The corner to the far right of the images is where the workbench sits beside the window and this arrangement gives adequate space to sit there without feeling crowded in and have more storage for the (inevitable) tonne of modelling material. Ken, looking good with the mods. I have enjoyed the progress of your layout and good to see it still progressing (as time allows).
Hey Ken, I see your troubles are with some curved Peco turnouts. I have a couple that are a bit problamatic also. Were yours just out of gage or was there something else you did? I would not put to much money on 2-hours of run time as you know as soon as someone who has never seen the layout will come in and your problems are back again. :tb-hissyfit:I know it happenned to me last night.:tb-sad: Anyway, the layout does look good and I do hope it continues to run well.
Hi John, to be honest I am not sure but I'd probably put money on it being my track laying. Yes I hear ya, it is an area that I am monitoring closely, and I cringe every time I run a train through, time will tell!
16 pages and its early yet. I was able to build a program oval for dirrect connection to the pc through the Powercab and interface. I will confiscate one of the kids laptops and go to town tonight. Not very eventfull but needed to be done. I also striaghtened my servic etracks that were curved into the service bays. They never looked quite right. I also messed around with some pvc to see if I could put together a cement plant inexpensively and quickly. I would like to have it done by the end of January. I was thinking about puting this on a different siding but this is a narrow space and thought it may be well suited for it.
Watching everyone's progress here is a highlight of my day.:tb-biggrin: It's inspiration at its best. My progress continues slowly forward as I am painting still. That styrofoam wall is soaking up lots of paint, sure wish I had the where withall to finish my basement. But alas a so-so layout room beats no layout room. I am at the point of the window which is the only obstacle in the layout area. This is a really ugly window however and I'm not sure what I'm going to do about it. We had a big rain last summer that filled the window well and flowed right thru and around it into the basement bringing about 3 wheelbarrow's worth of mud in with it. So far I've got it mostly cleaned up and am in the process of sealing it with caulk to hopefully prevent any more intrusions, as once the actual layout is built along that window another episode would surely wash out the tracks.:tb-confused: Here is the area I'm refering too. Purty ugly... Here is the new benchwork that I have built. I have much more too build yet as I get the layout room finished. As I get it finished it will have doors much like kitchen cabinets to hide the shelves from view.
The last few days, I installed the fascia on the front boards between the lower two levels of the CSX Dixie Line layout. This was not on my original WLP project list, but I am just tired of staring into 31 light fixtures every time I walk into the train room! The fascia is made of 5" wide strips of 1/8" tempered hardboard fastened to the front boards with drywall screws and finishing washers. I used vinyl paneling molding between all vertical seams to yield a nice, clean look. When completed, the fascia will be primed and painted to match the color of the room walls. The following two photos show the dramatic improvement from installing the fascia. The two photos show the helix base taken from basically the same angle, but the first was taken before installation of the fascia and the second was taken afterwards. Notice how much more "pleasant" everything looks with the lights blocked out by the fascia: Before: After: Jamie PS: Many of you may notice I have just made the same post to my layout progress thread. Sorry for the pseudo double post, but I want to make sure I do at least a brief update over there during the WLP.
I can finally claim progress. Today I: Figured out how to strengthen the table Screwed one leg into place - yep, I really really did something constructive Check with a friend who has a van to help transport more foam - if I need it Will finish with the table tomorrow - I'm pretty sure. Have decided to see what is involved in putting together a casual "round robin" model RR group.
