First run up the helix is a great success! While still about 1-1/2 loops short of the upper level, the first run up the helix was handled by an Atlas RS3, 14 cars and a caboose. The locomotive handled the 2% grade and 30” radius curve with ease. Looking forward to the passing of hundreds of trains through this helix over the next several years. I expect to reach the second level by the end of April and slowly bring sections of the second level into operation through the Spring and Summer. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Someday, there will be op sessions. The top ring of the helix was installed this morning, all that remains is a reverse tangent section and about 12 feet of track (and three switches) to connect to the upper level. I may be able to accomplish these things this week, we’ll see. I also cut a section out of the helix plywood remnant for the Little Kanawha Sub staging. This level is over top of the Bulltown Branch staging, but will be beneath the town of Grantsville. Planning on four tracks for staging here. Maybe more if I can make it work around the end of the peninsula. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Still working remote this week, so I’ve been able to squeeze a few minutes in on the layout between Teams meetings and planning for work in Knoxville, TN starting next week. The helix structure is 95% done now with the reaching of the upper level through the hole I’m pointing at. I did start building a switch for a branch off the main from the top of the helix that will be over top the dispatchers desk. Hopefully I’ll finish that tomorrow morning and the main track from the helix to the upper level will be connected by the end of this weekend. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Shifting Gears Today is the day I travel to Knoxville, TN for a short-term (3 month) job assignment (home on weekends of course). Considering I rarely get anything done on the layout during a normal week anyway, I don’t expect progress to slow. Motivation has been low the last few days. I did build two switches and installed them at the top of the helix. This area will be Big Chimney, WV. There will be a coal mine and a branch line junction at this point. The mine sits on top of the helix and the branch diverges at the first point northbound trains exit the helix. I’m not sure yet how my schedule will work out in TN, but I brought a box full of tools, supplies and kits to work on in the hotel room. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I did that once, too. I am looking st a similar assignment this summer, and plan to bring modeling stuff.
I spent the Memorial Day holiday weekend working on hooking feeders to the buss wires on the upper level. On Monday morning, a test train with 9 cars was run north from Charleston to Tower 40 just south of Spencer. On Tuesday morning, the first Grantsville Turn arrived at Spencer at 7:00 AM. U30C 3806 handled 22 cars up the helix with ease until the last loop, then struggled until clearing the mine switch at Big Chimney. Will have to add a second unit for trains over 15 cars, most likely. Otherwise reached Spencer with no issues. 3806 with 22 cars through the S curve near Walton, WV. Rolling through Walton, WV. There will be a coal mine where the pink foam is stacked currently. Shack 9416 clears Tower 40 as the head end arrives at Spencer. Some basic scenery shapes and color is sorely needed, so I may start some rough in work in the next few weeks. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I’m working on a project in Knoxville, TN short-term this summer, so I’ve packed a few kits to work on in the hotel room. Here is a stock Walthers kit for the yard office at Charleston. I’m looking forward to getting it on the layout this weekend. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yard office in place at the yard throat. The tower on the right is just a placeholder for a depot and TO office , I have my eye on a couple lazer cut craftsman kits for this eventually. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I haven’t updated in a few weeks, so here goes: Coal mine (Walthers New River kit) assembled and placed at Walton. I planned on three tracks at the load out, but figured out that two tracks slightly longer fit better. Going to assemble the Walthers Diamond Coal kit this weekend, suspecting it will fit the space better. Finally settled on a fascia color. I want a natural green with a burnt look to it to complement the winter scenery. Valspar “Montana Moss” is the winner. Roughing in some scenery shapes, especially filling gaps behind the fascia. Should be able to paint out some base colors soon. Old electric knife with the dual blade for cutting bread makes trimming foam scenery base a breeze! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Smaller mine, smaller hillside Test fit the smaller mine kit (Walthers Diamond Coal Co) at Walton, this seems to fit much better. The other one might go to Big Chimney whenever I can get a top put on the helix. Finally cut the hillside near the lower staging portal and painted a temporary base color. I’ll have to whip up a batch of ground goop later and fill in some gaps throughout the layout. Off to the beach next weekend, so there won’t be any updates for a while. Keep on railin’! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That's a nice, LARGE hill! It's great when the scenery dwarfs the trains, and it's hard to do in HO scale.
The open track here is quite low as it climbs up from staging to the classification yard. The upper level is fairly high here as well, so there is a lot of vertical space available…. Might as well fill it in! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
