There always seems to be a new idea, inspiration or new product. Even if near what someone might think to be "finished", the layout evolves.
I'm with George and prefer easily accessible open staging. My yard design much like George's did just that by providing a class yard on the near side of the mains and staging on the back side of the mains. Hope you don't mind that I copied your design George or did you copy mine?:uhoh: Jerry
I've seen plenty of finished layouts. They usually occur right before tearing it down. The underpinnings simply no longer support the new ideas. The layout has gone as far as it can go. As for hidden staging, back when I first read about hidden staging, it was on those large basement filling layouts or club layouts and it doesn't refer to hard to get to staging, it refers to staging that is out of public view. Often in a separate room from the layout. But of course, the push for staging on every layout has lead to the modern concept. I'll. Call it irritating staging. Staging that makes you curse when something goes wrong. Nobody curses when they need to go into the furnace room to rerail something.
Mike: Yes sir! FUN!!! That is precisely what this hobby is all about. You might want to look at what a two tracked, dog bone of a helix, might do for you? George: You know I had to laugh at your idea of a HS. However,....you ain't got it yet. Wait, hold, hold, hold, it'll come to you. LMAO! NO boxes in cabinets allowed. Then look at the fun you... are going to have. Rick B.: What fun is it... if it is finished? Or is it? LOL Rick's Lament: (That be my lament) To date I've never finished a layout. Finishing touches maybe but NEVER FINISHED. For example: Gosh, I just don't like that back drop or the buildings I put there. What was I thinking putting the Pharmacy, there? I forgot to put in lights! Tear it out and while we are at it how about the Bank? Now where did all those signs go? I thought they were posted here on TB? Yep, there they are. Darn mainline, what cat was in here? Besides the train always wobbled the wrong way. Demolition time...tear it out. And that switching yard "Did I really hear a model railroader call it a, "Fiddle Yard"?. Gosh, why the... well... did I put it in that way. Not very useful and other trains have to wait to get by, while the local turnout job works it. Did I just say "Turnout Job?" See what influence some model railroaders have had on me. Never thought I'd make that mistake. Correction: Switch Job. Perhaps I should see what still runs. Time to get out that HS, box of goodies hiding under my train layout. Was that in this cabinet, the dresser or my closet inside the tin can I live in? :wideeyes: The one thing I miss on my layout is a "Penney Yard". Something I don't have. No room in the cat shed...uhh...errr...train shed.
Just a thought- I hope Mike has a souvenir RR hard hat available. It seems to me there could be a bit of head to benchwork contact, while underneath. Been there, done that....
Yes and never leave your soldering iron on and up under there while working either!! Don't ask how I know !!!! Mike
Box, you have to understand that Mike has a special stool (I'll call it a welders stool) that rolls around under the table and has a tray to set soldering irons and required tools on. Only one problem, Mike forgets where he put the soldering iron and oh yes, the stool only has 3 out of 4 casters that stay attached. It has worked fairly well for me at the club layout, but my 6"-1", 210 lb. frame under his layout. Ouch ! ! However Mike, I am always available to help ( ? ? ? ). I can also bring you my old Chevron hard hat. Carl
Here is the latest progress #1. [video=youtube_share;Osmld7ABXGg]http://youtu.be/Osmld7ABXGg[/video] Mike
Here is the latest progress #2. [video=youtube_share;HlCc4R-ql8U]http://youtu.be/HlCc4R-ql8U[/video] Mike
Mike, I used Ashlin Designs helix kit and it is similar to yours. I did exactly what you said about sliding the Unitrack down the helix as I added it. I also added feeder wires at every loop. Remember that you need to reversed the wires coming down. For example outside track going up is Blue front rail White back rail. Inner track going down is the reverse White front Black back. After I tested the helix I hot glued the track down and added a 1/2 inch iron on veneer to the outside of the helix in case of a derailment. Telephone Man Bill
Wow!!!!Great new track design!Your sure do a good job on that layout changing stuff!You must be the worlds busiest man.Try to get a good nights sleep! UPTODAY
Seeing all the cars above where you are working, has me wondering how you aren't causing 99% of them to become derailed...?
So Mike....at the beginning...did you say you had a few "Rolos" and where addicted to them....or was that "Rolaids"...with this latest project ? LMAO !!!! The progress is looking good and sounds like its gonna work like you want it to ^5 !!! ** BTW...I have a few old adjustable work braces for the lower back I had when I was working driving a truck. I'ld be happy to send ya one. I'm thinking ya just might need one before you're done with all that 'below the layout work' ;-)
Thanks Bill yep very similar. I will be soldering each joint as I spiral the track down. I am undecided on how many feeders are needed in that case. Thanks , Mike
I am going to bed now as a matter of fact. I will likely work on it again tomorrow. I have decided to get rid of the DC and put in a new bus line while I am under there. I am also going back to an MRC wireless system and will redo both panels to remove the block toggles. Thanks , Mike
