I'm inclined to agree, Mike. I had previously done it to all my Atlas articulated Auto Racks and both the Bluford Shops and Trainworx auto parts cars and suddenly had a lot fewer issues with them...I think it's time to do the Auto-Max cars next. Pretty nice when a train that USED to cause problems becomes docile and just runs.
I decided it was time to more closely emulate the prototype - intermodal wise. I have noted many of BNSF's intermodals are no longer either solid blocks of stack cars or solid blocks of TOFC. Usually there will be a goodly number of stack cars: Followed by TOFC: Adds a bit of interest to what could be a boring train!
Jim, I see that on the BNSF all the time here in Rochelle. The UP on the other hand is all stacks. Great looking scene by the way, love the long curves! Looks super! Daryl
How far are you going to go Jim? Generally, a) no EMP on BNSF stacks b) HUB Group cans on UP after 2008 c) some Pacer cans on BNSF after 2008 d) Very few 48' cans on either road after 2006 and only in a few road names... so ACe's and GEVO's really date a scene. I always love looking at your layout regardless what you have on it though!
Not THAT far...I am pretty much aware of the above, but AM on a limited, fixed income :mtongue:. Also note I said "more closely" - not "exactly". I'm painting with a broad brush here, James. But the comments ARE appreciated - shows I've got your attention! Guess I'll have to throw out those 150 Hunt 48 foot containers...uh huh, suuure :tb-shocked:.
Close enough for me, Jim, awesome train. Speaking of fixed income, how much do you think you have invested in this layout not counting locos and rolling stock? While I'm at it how about a roster? Thanks
Jim, I think we'll need a video runby to fully appreciate that intermodal train; it's truly impressive, and I'm so jealous. -Gary
dieselfan1, I'm not going to put ANYTHING in writing my wife might see... Probably around $500 in lumber, the cardboard for the scenery was free, maybe four 5 gallon pails of joint compound, several gazillion trees and lots of static flock grass - that yellow is comprised of three colors - and let's not forget the backdrop - two shipments of AR&M ballast... but there are seven trains sitting in staging right now, probably average 50-70 cars and four locos, plus what you can see in the Oakville engine facility and a large yard maybe a quarter full... Gary, I have done a bit of experimentation with video and I pretty much like what I see, considering it was shot with my trusty Lumix still camera. I have a lot to learn about video, though and it's a fairly steep learning curve. I have done some things but naturally they are all incompatible. I guess it's all in where I want to put my priorities...
Jim, you have a beautify layout going here! All your scenery looks outstanding! Great work and keep it up, I look forward to seeing your future posts and following your work
We'll see what we can do for the weekend....and I haven't counted lately but I think I have too many.:tb-wink: Oh, well, I suppose....thing is with this layout a still picture just can't show the whole train...at least not close enough to enjoy. A video OTOH can be very stimulating. But I want to be able to add sound. You just gotta hear the prime movers in run 8 or the dynamics howling and the flanges squealing. I've got an editing program but need to find good source audio....
I'd be happy with a video with the natural sound of your layout. What's the minimum radius on your mainline?
The ruling curve is coming up out of staging through the canyon, TD - Just under 24" near as I could tell. These reverse curves coming up is where I find out how well a newly configured train will run.
Thanks! I'm using 24" minimum radius for my layout, and one day I intend to run long, modern trains. I was a little afraid that it might be too small.
You should be fine unless you have a 2% grade immediately preceding the curve. In back of that set of reverse curves is the main grade on the layout - I think it's in the neighborhood of 1%, and I reworked it several times to get it just right - spline is a big help on a grade, it will keep you from abrupt transitions - at any rate, with a long train, when the engines and first few cars are in those curves, most of the train is still on the grade. If you're not weighted correctly, there WILL be problems. Wish that room had been another five feet longer...
Not much new this week - been re-tweaking all my locos - every now and then you find one that just doesn't seem right, so a trip to the programming track is in order. Meanwhile, an autorack train wends its' way through the main room:
