Awww man, your gonna have trains running before me... Was curious how long a train you'll be running? I figure about 15-17 cars will be all I can fit on my 2x4 layout and still not look crowded. Instead of a ABBA set pulling it will probably go ABA to save space as well. I need to get off my arse.
C333, 4-5 cars is all that'll fit on either siding, plus engine and caboose. I could run 10 cars trains, doubleheaded, and my 2 GP's will pull the stack train, all 4 cars of it. My turnouts are the Peter Wright turnouts, with 'RS-3' (ridiculously simple, model 3) springs to actuate them. I like the track plan, I think it will work well!!
I didn't check my siding. It's just there for looks and for switching the town area. I'll know better once I can run a train the whole way around. A little more than a foot to go!
Well, my first numbers were estimations... After tracklaying was completed earlier today, I tested my work for kinks, derails, etc. I also tested my siding length as well. Max: F7 and 4-40' cars and caboose, or 5-40' cars and no caboose. 50' cars were even lower... 3 cars and caboose, or 4 and no caboose. Stack cars: untested--all 4 might fit with GP30. All 4, and both engines--non-clearing, could add new opportunities and difficulties for operations. Can you say 'Saw-by' meet?
Track all laid, as you know, and wired. Frogs powered. Brown paint coat number 1 went down today. Instead of the Pink Petunia Central, it's starting to look like dirt. And that's a good thing!
Well, the mountain/scenic break is unpainted so far. I'll get pics of it when it is all painted. maybe with some grround foam...
Yes it's looking good. It's amazing how much progress you have made in the past 2 months. Keep up the great work, and posting photos! -Robert
I would like to get some cheap deep green paint, and paint the tunnel interiors and 'facia' edges of the layout. That's why it's still pink & blue. Thanks, guys! Thanks to my crazy work schedule, progress is very slow... But, it helps keep food on the table, and new trains for the rails!
Your eyes serve you well, Chris! Eventually, they will be mounted in the facia, with a track schematic, and a cool label as well. I am looking to buy one of these: Brother Label maker; I want one that print any font from your puter. I plan on printing a few in Empire Builder font and a bunch in Rio Grande font.. Imagine that!
