Its a small layout 3'3"x8' I am using some unconventional building methods for this mountain district. It will eventually have a 3 turn helix at one end and all grades are 3% grades. This may sound like a very steep grade but considering the trains are going to be no longer than 20 cars that shouldn't be a problem.
Looks like you're off to a great start. Popsicle sticks and wooden dowels? That's awesome. You may have just given me an idea...
It's tough to model a gradient when you scale it down. The 3% sounds really steep, but when you look at it, you really get the feel of the "uphill" movement! Looks great!!:tb-biggrin:
looks great so far! Can you show us the Santa Fe unit's weathering up close - it looks really good in the picture.
I am happy that I can inspire people. I hope your Idea works.:thumbs_up: Sure thing. Its not some of my best work though.
Very neat, unique layout! Have a layout plan to share? 3% is steep, all you need is about 20 assorted D&RGW 4 and 6-motor units, and 100 coal hoppers, and you could recreate a Tennessee Pass train! Is your layotu based on the SP Siskiyou route?
Oh I wish I had the room for a proper Tennessee pass layout,but if I had that kind of room I would be modeling Bakersfield to Mojave. This one is not based an any specific portion of the SP, though it would probably be located somewhere in northern California. I did have a track plan on my laptop, However the hard drive went belly up the other day turning this into a free-mo layout.:tb-wacky: Thanks :tb-biggrin: I got a bit more done tonight.
Done a bit since the last update. still need to put together the ME trestle and install it and permanently install the top exit track on the helix then the main line will be finished.
Nice looking layout keep the progress coming Another SP fan here also Keeping the memories alive one track at a time.:tb-cool:
sorry, its been a while since I last posted. I have my trestle temporarily in place so i can do some continuous running. I was feeling a bit ambitious so I put together a small train to see what happened.:tb-tongue: [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Bph5_m3dgE"]YouTube- Broadcast Yourself.[/nomedia] edit, how do you embed youtube videos?
I like it all EXCEPT those 3% grades. Oh well. You're having a great time and that is all that counts. Nice looking ideas there brother!
That is an interesting looking helix. Can't say I have ever seen one done that way. How ya gonna get a car out of there if one derails in the middle of a string? Sort of looks like a cage.
I have thought of that, there is enough room between the uprights to get up to an 89' car out. As for the center, it will be left hollow with a lift out hilltop.
Well its been a while and I have made quite a bit of progress on the layout. However I didn't like how the ME trestle looked in that small space. So I made a little purchase from Germany, a Hack Brucken Bridge. Its TT scale so its a little large but it works perfectly for the length.
Looks good! And a great train on your video, too. (But then, 5-6 Scarlet & Grey units pulling a train always looks good. :bear-wink
