just thought I'd let you ll know i installed new fluorescent lighting for the layout extension yesterday. i have also added an update page to my website. I will add to it everytime i work on the layout. ------------------ Paul Cassar-# Member number 50 SPAD Investigator #1 ICQ 61198217 http://users.bigpond.net.au/railroad2000
It is hard to believe it has been 6 months since I first posted this topic about extending my layout. I now have all the track and points for the extension. Next weekend i hope to start on the benchwork. Here is a picture of the room as it is today You can just see the layout on the right, the extension will cover the whole wall on the left of the layout. Today I went of the plans and worked out my electrical blocks. So if you don't see me around as much as usual you will know why
Just to let you all know I have finished the benchwork including the backdrop. It is easier when you have a friend with a dropsaw. We were able to cut the timber much quicker than if I were to do it with a conventional circular saw. Ok stay tuned for pictures I hope to post some here in the next few days.
Paul, You seems to be surpriced that it is six months since you started this topic. Don´t. It took six months for me to build my hump yard - from the planning stage until it was almost finished. Let´s see how long time it will take with my new addings to the layout (extension 2001). -------- Helge SR&WF NARA member #5
Paul, what do you use to design the trackplan? Where can I get it? Is Atlas' RTS for the birds, or is it worth trying?
I didn't use any fancy CAd program I used Microsoft Paint to do the trackplan. Once you pratice it is very easy to use.
Looks like you have a nice model railroad coming along, I like your track plan. I note you use Microsoft Paint to do your track plans in, I use a programme similar called Freehand9. Like to see some photo's later on. I used to model in N-scale myself a few years ago.
Here are a couple of pictures of the benchwork. This is proof for Catt that some of us actually get out and do something to our layouts hehehehe
I used Atlas Right Track to design my railroad. I found it easy to use - and its free. I will admit however, its not as powerful and most of the programs out there. I was mostly concerned with what I could fit in the space and it did accomplish that.
I messed with RTS and found it hard to use flextrack with... Any tips? I may redownload it if it'll be easier to use.
Todaay (saturday) I painted the backdrop sky blue and removed the existing track work where the new section joins. I was able to salvage 3 of the 4 points. Tomorrow I will be cleaning the area of glue and ballast etc and starting to build the subroadbed
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by HemiAdda2d: Paul, what do you use to design the trackplan? Where can I get it? Is Atlas' RTS for the birds, or is it worth trying?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Butcher's paper (LARGE sheets) or disused signalling plans are Paul's choice of design medium. Oh, and me! Gary.
Today (Sunday) I spent 8 hours working on my layout extension. I removed the section of track from the existing layout that will meet with the new section. I cut in a new grade for the exit of the new through yard. I also installed the crossover on tne mainline. So far so good although the exit from the yard to the main line will have a 2.6% grade, a little steep for my liking but unavoidable. I hope to have pictures of my work on here tomorrow.
Thanks for the updates Paul. You do good wood work. Nice and solid looking to give you good railroading foundation. Now that I see the yard you are creating and having the experience of laying out a yard myself, do you use any methods to keep tracks straight? This also goes for any straight track laying. I have tried to do it by eye and to use a yard stick but never get it the way I think it should be. It works OK but in my books, good enough is never good enough. Help is needed EH!
Paul, that is looking good Looks a bit drastic when you make those cuts in the original baseboards, but I am sure it will be great in a short while! I see what you mean by the grade in the yard. If you leave the power on the trains, though, no probs! Look forward to further progress reports.
I spent 5 hours today laying the through yard exit points then connecting to the mainline. At this stage all seems to be going to plan other than a 10mm miscalculation on the grade height, still looking at a 2.7% grade on exiting the yard which should make for some interesting lashups . I'll keep you all posted on my progress. One valuable lesson I have learnt is too draw a full size plan, it makes it soo much easier cutting the mdf and laying track [ 08 April 2001: Message edited by: Colonel ]
I spent the whole of Easter Monday working on the layout extension. I spent 10 hours laying the through yard and the section of mainline that now runs behind the through yard. After meeting with Gary (Gats) on Saturday it was agreed by management to relocate the mainline behind the yard. I ran a test train along the mainline and yard and the grade seems to be ok I'll keep you all posted on my progress unless you are tired of my updates
