Jeff Sinks here from Northern California (SF Bay area-Newark CA.) Just started the hobby (N scale) in May this year and other than a small layout as a young boy (HO) I have almost no experience although since May this year I have picked up quite a lot of knowledge (I think ) After turning 60 this year and wow this N scale sure is demanding on the eyes....Picked the smaller scale due to the garage space-Layout is about 4x11 with an L shape extension about 4x5. Decent size to enjoy. I still remain a bit baffled with the DCC functionality (NCE Power Cab was selected)-especially trying to figure out how to control Atlas #2065 remote switches-almost 50 to wire up and can't get 1 to work yet. I'll browse the site and see if there are any tips on how to make those switches work with DCC until then lots of finger control... Attached a few pics, my scratching the head beginning, this month and lumber mill processing mostly completed-everything else still in the works. Have 2 Helix operating to get to Lumber-Coal elevations (6 to 8") ...approx. 2.5% grades.
Welcome to the forum. It's a great place to pick up info. Unfortunately I'm not the best resource. Although I use NCE Powerhouse Pro, it is only to run engines and not accessories (like turnouts). I have a small switching layout in HO and so won't be able to help much in N scale. There are are, however, a LOT of N gauge folks here and DCC guru's so you will probably find a bunch of help. Good luck, and again, welcome!
Welcome Jeff, You have a lot of stuff considering you just started in May of this year. Spend that money Hope someone can help you with the switches on one of the forums. I am sure they can.
Welcome aboard, Jeff. I will be of no help, as I am one of the few non-modelers here, but you can expect to get some expert advice here from those who do.
Hi Jeff, Welcome, glad to have you on board. I also am in N-Scale, have been for over thirty years. I've been using a magnifying work bench lamp for almost that long, can't live without it. (Click on the bold link for one source.)
You are off to a good start and I'm envious because you are actually ahead of me on the construction of your layout. Nice!
Welcome Jeff! There are a lot of us in the Bay Area, too. I'm in Union City. Ask away. We have a good sized FreeMoN group here in the South Bay, and there is also Ntrack locally. Plus, I am sure you are aware of the N scale group over in the Niles station.
Good morning, Jeff. Welcome to TrainBoard! Thanks for the photos of your layout ... I'm impressed. Did you design your track-plan? I still run DC and can't help you with the switch problem, but I'm confident someone will step up with an answer for you. If you have not already done so, post your question(s) in the DCC threads. Best of luck!
Very nice to know there are some neighbors nearby. Was aware of the station but not an N group!! Nice.
Yes I did come up with the track plans in my head and in the beginning I had figured on a smaller footprint and wanting to incorporate a bunch of features caused the increase in square foot from the original photo. I'm now on the 3rd track plan- Initially just had a basic figure 8 on a 3% grade/dual tracks and a partial single run with the Helix in place. I had expanded my little yard a couple of times since I wasn't to smart about it in the beginning to move rolling stock around more effectively. Anyhow after those changes in tracks plans I sure became I professional at the best possible way to scrub off the glue and reuse track. The salvage of switches was really tricky-I also in the beginning on the first helix soldered and wired track since it was going to be fairly inaccessible. LOL what a mess undoing the first Helix. New design used rods/washers/nuts to allow a better leveling system. That Atlas turntable with the motor was a beast because I didn't understand it wasn't set for code 55...after a couple weeks of shimming and wiring something like 19 spurs it actually works!! It's all a bit crammed in but imagination lets one imagine distances between And then I think I found another bug- on the far right hand of the main picture out of view there are 3 12" Radius I have some derailments with MTL passenger cars and Curtis Model Well cars. I'll need to kick out that side at least another 10 inches to change to a 15 radius coming off of the wye...sigh.
Yes, lot of stuff and guess who keeps reminding me about the cost (Wife)...LOL, well I survive a beating to persevere. It's hard to believe how quick the cost got up to 10k Steve Horvath at Atlas Support had told me it best to give him a call, either I'm a dummy or it is not as straight forward as the e-mail explained...(crossing my fingers)
WOW, that's a nice one and a reasonable price. I have a real old one probably 30years old that keeps pinching my hands and now I see it's replacement thank you
