TheRailwire
General Discussion => Layout Engineering Reports => Topic started by: rodsup9000 on December 23, 2013, 10:38:25 PM
-
Well it has been several years since I really worked on my n-scale stuff. I also model 20.3 large scale and have been working on that for the last 7 or 8 years. At the urging of Jason (superturbine), I'm going to try to get all of the mainline done this winter. Also I'm going to try to get some UP 9000 frames milled out of brass when I get the 20.3 scratch built locomotives done I'm working on. Those of you that have been around for awhile (Altas and Trainboard) will remember some of the pics of the layout. The layout is 28 feet X 52 feet and is a mushroom design with a minimum radius of 24 inches. ME code 55 track on all visible track and Atlas code 80 on all other. #12s turnout on the mains and Atlas #7's in the yards. Passing siding will hold a 60 car train. I'm modeling Feather River Canyon, but on my railroad I back dated the UP merger with the SP, WP and Rio Grande to 1952 and model 1953, so I can have bigboys, challengers, daylights, and cabfowards running together. Other than running trains, the only work I've done on it is some turnouts realignments in the Oroville yard over the last few years. The mainline is finished up to Keddie Wye and Oroville yard is almost done.
Here is the track plan. Keddie Wye is in the top left and Williams Loop is in the top right. Coming out of the helix the layout height is 53" off the floor. The track is level till you get just beyond Oroville and then It starts it's 1.5% climb to Portola where the track is 78" off the floor and links back to the helix. The helix is designed to be revering loops, continuous runs or get to and from the 10 track staging yard that is 90" off the floor. The floor is raised 20" from right inside the door along the wall (Keddie Wye and Willams loop) and around the corner and then I have about a 10 foot landing that drops 10",then back down to the basement floor. The track over the door is going to be about 74" off the floor.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/WJxm9a.png) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmWJxm9ap)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/hITmsA.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmhITmsAj)
Here is the heart of the operation of the layout. The stool is for the staging yard operator.
(http://imageshack.us/a/img825/8660/dscf1405w.jpg)
(http://imageshack.us/a/img267/7395/dscf1403r.jpg)
The staging yards is 10 tracks that will hold 100+ car trains
[img width= height= alt=Image Hosted by ImageShack.us]http://imageshack.us/a/img43/8438/dscf1390o.jpg[/img]
(http://imageshack.us/a/img13/6784/dscf1397c.jpg)
(http://imageshack.us/a/img27/4517/dscf1392g.jpg)
If I remember right, there is like over 600 feet of track in the helix and staging yard.
More to come later
Rodney
-
Dang, that's a big undertaking there. Looking forward to more pics.
-
Wow, this looks intriguing; I hope you'll keep us posted.
How does the staging yard operator get to and from his chair inside the helix?
-Gary
-
How does the staging yard operator get to and from his chair inside the helix?
Transporter. :trollface:
That helix is a black hole for trains. My guess is it would take a train 10-12 minutes to negotiate the whole thing at scale-ish speeds.
-
How does the staging yard operator get to and from his chair inside the helix?
Duck under, From the floor to the bottom of the helix benchwork is 47"
Rodney
-
My choice for control is Easy DCC from CVP with 6, 10 amp and 2, 5 amp boosters. As of now I have 8 radio and 10 tethered throttles.
(http://imageshack.us/a/img402/9243/dscf1421mf.jpg)
(http://imageshack.us/a/img707/7106/dscf1422b.jpg)
This is a ABBA lashup with 60 stock cars and a caboose in the helix.
(http://imageshack.us/a/img843/5919/dscf1439n.jpg)
Coming out of the helix into downtown Oroville. Layout lighting is hung from the benchwork for the upper level.
(http://imageshack.us/a/img641/1717/dscf1407n.jpg)
(http://imageshack.us/a/img233/6238/dscf1408t.jpg)
(http://imageshack.us/a/img718/5586/dscf1442j.jpg)
Rodney
-
Glad to see your back Rodney!!!
-
Hope you can keep your enthusiasm up. I had a severe hobby burn out that last almost ten years and really it was the help of a buddy who helped shore me up and ultimately brought me back to the hobby. Amazingly in N scale, not much had changed and my modern fleet didn't suffer to badly. To help many of us out locally, a group was formed with no rules, nothing except the hope each keeps visiting and supporting other's work. Nothing like the anxiety of having a group of modelers over to help spur on a year of work carried out in one month.
-
Rick, I believe you meant to say a year's worth of work completed in one week! I'm going to need that X5 to be able to host in the spring. Merry Christmas!
Dave
-
Dave, we'll schedule for your place in January....lol!
-
Hope you can keep your enthusiasm up. I had a severe hobby burn out that last almost ten years and really it was the help of a buddy who helped shore me up and ultimately brought me back to the hobby. Amazingly in N scale, not much had changed and my modern fleet didn't suffer to badly. To help many of us out locally, a group was formed with no rules, nothing except the hope each keeps visiting and supporting other's work. Nothing like the anxiety of having a group of modelers over to help spur on a year of work carried out in one month.
Well I can tell you it wasn't burnout. Too many irons in the fire but all model railroad related.
I would ask for help but I'm too dam anal about my trackwork. It is nice to be able to run trains for hours and hours and never have any derailments.
Rodney
-
Leaving downtown Oroville
(http://imageshack.us/a/img51/6971/dscf1443p.jpg)
Coming to the Oroville yard
(http://imageshack.us/a/img191/2324/dscf1444hz.jpg)
(http://imageshack.us/a/img31/7052/dscf1445c.jpg)
(http://imageshack.us/a/img573/1613/dscf1446f.jpg)
(http://imageshack.us/a/img27/4816/dscf1450zo.jpg)
More to come
Rodney
-
Some how I missed updating this thread on my layout. Anyhow I will do a complete up date over the next few days.
Last winter I relaid some of Oroville yard. Here is what I had down first.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/690/dscf1453x.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/j6dscf1453xj)
This is what I have now.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/198/enn3.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/5ienn3j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/690/lxgo.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/j6lxgoj)
The other end of the yard in the previous photos hasn't changed much.
Here we are leaving Oroville yard.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/404/vvnk.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/b8vvnkj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/826/0izi.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/my0izij)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/706/kdv9.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/jmkdv9j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/819/wc2o.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/mrwc2oj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/7/kw38.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/07kw38j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/607/3ex4.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/gv3ex4j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/547/07oi.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/f707oij)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/841/5uhz.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/nd5uhzj)
Rodney
-
So that's where all of the Atlas track went..... keep posting Rodney! !
-
Very nice. I'm jealous of the progress.
I find your premise amusing since I'm familiar with (and a fan of) both the Feather River and "classic" UP. You need more WP power, however. Like high-hood GP20s with barrel headlights. :D
Running 8500GTELs through the canyon, Sac'to and Stockton, however, wouldn't have lasted very long. UP tried that on the LA&SL and quickly had their hands slapped. Jet engines work fine out in the middle of relative nowhere on the plains, but not in high-density suburbs.
-
So that's where all of the Atlas track went.....
Sorry Jason, it's all ME. I still have a bunch of Con-Cor RR bigboy's (12) and challenger's (9) that I run.
Very nice. I'm jealous of the progress.
I find your premise amusing since I'm familiar with (and a fan of) both the Feather River and "classic" UP. You need more WP power, however. Like high-hood GP20s with barrel headlights. :D
Running 8500GTELs through the canyon, Sac'to and Stockton, however, wouldn't have lasted very long. UP tried that on the LA&SL and quickly had their hands slapped. Jet engines work fine out in the middle of relative nowhere on the plains, but not in high-density suburbs.
Just think Mike, you are almost there and I have a feeling you will progress very fast when you start building your layout. You have come a long way in the two years you have been working on the building.
I know, I still need more WP and SP power.
I here what you are saying on the bigblows in LA.Rodney
-
Here is some more photos.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/809/tu3u.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/mhtu3uj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/560/tq67.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/fktq67j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/843/2muq.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/nf2muqj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/10/vl5y.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/0avl5yj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/849/74pq.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/nl74pqj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/593/9rpe.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/gh9rpej)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/834/sxtv.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/n6sxtvj)
More is coming soon
Rodney
-
Rodney, I'm assuming that those small candle-flame light bulbs are LED, right? How are they working out when viewing the layout in-person?
-
Rodney, I'm assuming that those small candle-flame light bulbs are LED, right? How are they working out when viewing the layout in-person?
Pete,
Nope, there are 25 watt incandescents and I don't like them. I'm trying bright white LED strips now and they are a lot better.
I'll try to get a picture up tonight with them.
Rodney
-
I have track laid up to Keddie Wye.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/560/zni1.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/fkzni1j)
The track to the left is the staging for the high line.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/834/sxtv.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/n6sxtvj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/843/flkh.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/nfflkhj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/14/uy52.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/0euy52j)
Keddie Wye
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/191/oln9.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/5boln9j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/707/9rp7.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/jn9rp7j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/11/68c2.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/0b68c2j)
I have all the benchwork up now for the rest of the layout.
Keddie yard is going here.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/716/r0yf.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/jwr0yfj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/835/3uu6.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/n73uu6j)
-
More Benckwork
Looking towards Williams Loop from Keddie yard.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/22/kv7c.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/0mkv7cj)
The Quincy RR is the branch line to the right.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/850/p80y.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/nmp80yj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/34/2qal.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/0y2qalj)
Looking back to Keddie Wye.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/534/dry5.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/eudry5j)
Williams Loop
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/401/h3ul.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/b5h3ulj)
Originally Quincy RR branch was going to just go to a reverse loop under Williams Loop, but after getting all the benchwork up I found that I could model Quincy.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/571/cqz4.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/fvcqz4j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/22/44db.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/0m44dbj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/713/njp0.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/jtnjp0j)
Thanks for looking
Rodney
-
Wow , you were either born without a need for sleep , or maybe you have an ailment that requires a need for a high regiment of steroids ( been there ) . Deep pockets don't hurt either .
-
The benchwork and progress thereon is amazing. However, I'm fascinated by the multiples of power tools I see - 3 drills? 4 Dremels? Oh, I can firsthand vouch that constantly changing bits mid-process is a PITA, but... wow. OTOH, I can see how this might improve productivity. Hmmmmmm...
The Keddie trestle work is brilliantly executed, Rodney. Really nice.
-
Fricking awesome :D The wye rocks
-
That looks incredibly awesome.
Where's Chulvis? He'd love this.
-
Thanks for the comments.
The last few days I've been working on the Keddie Wye bridges. I drew up some trestle tie strips in sketchup and then printed them on one of the 3D printer I made.
Here is the tie strips just off the printer.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/SumJsX.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/idSumJsXj)
Then I added Clover House PC board ties.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/smXKhW.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/idsmXKhWj)
I soldered code 55 rail with code 40 guardrails. I used some n-scale 6 X 10 basswood strips to gauge the the guardrails.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/912/nj8cFD.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pcnj8cFDj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/Z6P4UI.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/ipZ6P4UIj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/42fuy8.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pb42fuy8j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/efSpDj.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/exefSpDjj)
Rodney
-
Hello Rodney,
first time I stumbled on this thread and all I can say is wow, what a monster! Having visited Feather River country numerous times, I can really appreciate your design concepts. It's gonna be an amazing layout (well, it already is!).
Please keep the pics coming!
Best, Otto K.
PS: I realize lighting is very personal, and depends a lot on specific situations. I have a partial double deck layout and use 4100K CFL's in inexpensive indoor /outdoor holders to light the lower deck... they work well and burn relatively cool, which is important here in hot SoCal. Lot of lumens for the money, both in terms of component cost and power consumption. Just a thought while you're testing different options...
-
Rodney,
When will your Keddie Wye bridge article show up in NScale? That's Hawt!
-
Richie,
There have been times when things are rolling along good and I stayed up for 36 to 72 hours.
Mike,
Yes have all the different bits in drills make thing go a lot faster. BYW, I'm going to look you up the next time I get over that way.
Otto,
Thanks for the tip on the lights. I'll go try to find some. I've been playing with some 5050 LED strings and like them a lot.
Philip,
Hadn't even thought doing a article. I might give it a try.
Rodney
-
This is an fabulous build. The Keddie Wye is such an amazing locale and you have the space to really do it up.
I don't know the prototype well, but are the pillars all the same height?
-
Scott,
No they are not the same. When I start the scenery, I'll cut them off.
I'm going to try to post some prototype photos that I have, so stay tuned.
-
Great, that makes sense. Looking really great.
-
I found 4 photos that I took the first time I went through the Canyon.
Here is the split and the mainline is to the right and the high line to the left.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/908/Ip25Eb.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p8Ip25Ebj)
The high line side
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/uw1B2F.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/eyuw1B2Fj)
Main on the left, high line on the right
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/q1SJKb.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/exq1SJKbj)
Mainline side
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/S3fAEi.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/exS3fAEij)
There are better photos out there on the web but these will give you a idea what I'm trying to recreate
Rodney
-
An amazing bit of railroad, for sure. I 'fanned it in the '70s, and left California the year before the WP was eaten. I understand there's a bit more traffic on the high line now.
Sure, Rodney, by all means come on down. But be careful with your timing... I might just put a drywall gun in your hands. :D
-
Looks great Rodney! A lot more done since the last time I saw it! I'm home this week so maybe I'll get some time to run up there.
-
Now on with more of the benckwork.
Here is what you see as you enter the layout room.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/UEsCJS.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/eyUEsCJSj)
The track is about 78" off the floor over the doorway (this isn't a duck under is it???)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/sNWh7W.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/idsNWh7Wj)
Cilo Trestle will go here. I still have some work to do to get what I want to fit length goes. The straight that is there now is 38" and I want 48".
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/8uZDe0.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/hl8uZDe0j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/FoKVrT.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/eyFoKVrTj)
Looking from Cilo Trestle towards Portola. I'm working on subroadbed now in this area.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/xndMg0.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/hlxndMg0j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/JrylYi.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/idJrylYij)
Looking from Portola to Cilo Trestle.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/631/CBxlDC.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/hjCBxlDCj)
Next will be where Portola is going to be.
Rodney
-
Looks great Rodney! A lot more done since the last time I saw it! I'm home this week so maybe I'll get some time to run up there.
That would be great. I could use your help cutting the subroadbed. I'll call ya later.
-
Any plans to include Williams Loop on the layout?
Looks awesome so far. That's a lot of railroad!
-
Check the first image in the first post of this thread. Williams Loop is in the upper right corner.
-
(this isn't a duck under is it???)
Not for me, but it might be for anyone over about 72 inches tall.
-
Portola
The Portola yard will start about here. This is right above Oroville yard.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/860OtW.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/hl860OtWj)
and around the coner
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/vix37W.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/hlvix37Wj)
Looking back the other way
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/KXbMPo.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/idKXbMPoj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/913/C5k0fh.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pdC5k0fhj)
The other end of the yard and where it will tie back into the helix
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/g28fdQ.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/exg28fdQj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/OHuoBW.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/eyOHuoBWj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/SmVZUz.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/exSmVZUzj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/631/dpT4qp.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/hjdpT4qpj)
I'm going to try to get my son to come take a video of the whole layout once the mainline is in. Then maybe you can get a better idea of the whole layout.
-
Awesome! At the rate you're going, you'll be doing scenery in no time :o
Can't wait....
Otto K.
[attach=1]
-
Thanks Otto,
It is getting there slowly. Still working on the Keddie bridge for the mainline. I hope to start laying track in Keddie yard and up to Williams Loop today.
-
I have the mainline side of Keddie bridge installed. I need to get the other bridge done before I put the railings on. It will get complicated on the Wye end of the bridges.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/904/EsLN9Q.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p4EsLN9Qj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/Lrw7hb.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/exLrw7hbj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/lVKU1W.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/hllVKU1Wj)
-
Great work! Love the bridge work.
-
Love the bridge. What was your source of beams for the deck truss and towers?
-
Very nice job on the bridge. Looking forward to seeing the scenery take shape around it.
-
Looking Great!
-
Thanks, it is comments like these that keep me going.
Pete, I used Micro Engineering tall steel trestle kits
-
looking GREAT Rodney, keep up the good work and the progress photos. Ran the locomotive at Portola and railfaned the canyon, it really is a neat area!!!! Gordon
-
Looks fabulous-- what did you use for the deck truss portion of the trestle?
-
Looks fabulous-- what did you use for the deck truss portion of the trestle?
It came from a Atlas HO bridge.
-
Ran the locomotive at Portola
Thanks Gordon
Yea, I did that too the last time we was out there 6 or 7 years ago. The people there are so great and informative.
-
I was trying to mount a Tortoise on the turnout at wye, and I couldn't get it lined up so it would work the way I wanted. So I drew up some mounts and printed them. Here what I came up with so I have adjustments both ways. These will be my standard mount for all Tortoise's now.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/tVmoMU.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/iptVmoMUj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/bcqPbY.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/f0bcqPbYj)
-
Those are nice. I could use a tortoise mount like that.
-
Very interesting. At 12 screws per mount, that's going to chew through screws pretty fast.
-
Very interesting. At 12 screws per mount, that's going to chew through screws pretty fast.
Yes they will. I use the 4 supplied with the Tortoise and that helps. I just ordered 500, so it will last for awhile.
-
Just a thought, you could put a hole in the middle of the plates and cut down of the amount of material and build time. Especially with all those screws, you probably wouldn't lose much structurally.
-
Eric, thanks for the idea. I will do that.
-
That mount is ingenious.
If you want to make a small fortune in the model railroad industry, you could start with those (and a large fortune).
-
Would it be economical to cast them? Or maybe use a laser to make them out of wood?
-
Would it be economical to cast them? Or maybe use a laser to make them out of wood?
It easier for me to click the print button on the printer. I'm printing 4 at a time. The down side is that it takes about 6 hours to print 4.
Cost wise compared to to resin casting, I would guess it about same.
I'm printing these on my 300mm (about 12 inches) cube printer. I do have 2, 200mm (about 8 inches) (which can print 2 of these) cube printer and almost finished building another 300. Now if I were to use all four and printed a bunch, I might sell some.
If I had my laser finished, which won't be till later this spring, it would be faster and probably cheaper.
Here is 4 looks like on the printer.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/901/hTScy2.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p1hTScy2j)
Here is one of the 200 that I'll start printing some on.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/hMI899.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/idhMI899j)
-
If you got all three printers going for a weekend you'd have enough inventory to sell a bunch. Ed's right - :facepalm: - you need to commercialize these (Right after you write your Keddie Wye Bridge article).
-
Personally, I think the design is great. Screws aren't that expensive when purchased in bulk, and your design allows finessing the adjustment in one direction without losing the setting in the other direction. Genius!
DFF
-
Thanks guys,
Personally, I think the design is great. Screws aren't that expensive when purchased in bulk, and your design allows finessing the adjustment in one direction without losing the setting in the other direction. Genius!
DFF
Dave, that is exactly why I made them. I'll post a photo later of one installed.
I'm thinking about making a few to sell, so if your interested, send me a email or PM. I'll get a price figured out when I have 20 of the done so I can weigh them and figure the cost to make. I'll also check on the price of the screws if I buy 1000.
-
Here is one mounted. You can see that I got the throw wire straight up and down (it may not look like it but it is).
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/910/8rNYlr.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pa8rNYlrj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/bkp6ix.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pbbkp6ixj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/910/oqSTD2.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/paoqSTD2j)
-
Today had buddy come up and he install risers for the subroadbed. He got from the helix to about half of the Portola yard done. (no photos yet)
I worked on Keddie yard and have the mainline done. I used some Atlas #10's instead of building them (I hope it doesn't come back and bit me in the a$$) for time saving reasons. I guess if I have to, I can get some built and install them later.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/ltrKT6.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/exltrKT6j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/ProDfQ.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/idProDfQj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/6CQNiF.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/f06CQNiFj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/913/hGKADf.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pdhGKADfj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/X9wIxE.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/hlX9wIxEj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/909/QPhI6G.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p9QPhI6Gj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/47FbqX.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/id47FbqXj)
I got the Micore laid in Quincy and I think I'll use all code 40 there. (no photos)
-
Well it has not been a productive week on the railroad. I've been working on 3D printers instead of the railroad. I did spend a day working on where Clio Trestle is going to be and I think I've made enough room to build it to scale length.
Here are the parts I've been machining for the printers.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/LcH1Uv.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/exLcH1Uvj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/901/L16ftP.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p1L16ftPj)
-
Great work on the bridge....
-
You've got to be "Keddie"
-
Well it been way, way to long since I've been on the forum or worked on the layout. I've been busy though with other projects, but in some way most of them are connected to model railroading. About 8 years ago I converted a mini mill to CNC, but never used it cause I couldn't figure out how to draw in CAD. I also had to figure out a CAM program that would have a easy learning curve for me to learn. With some help and you tube, I can now draw OK with sketchup. Now I needed to learn a CAM program and with the big movement in open source routers, I built 2 Shapeoko's (here is the build thread( http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5743)). I think I got a CAM program that I can use for most of stuff I want to make.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/6ixIK7.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pb6ixIK7j)
The first thing I cut on the router was a set of main drivers for a 22.5 scale bigboy for a good freind.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/8ApNhw.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pb8ApNhwj)
Here is the mill. All the electronics were out dated so I also updated them with new digital drivers and twice the voltage for power.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/901/7DtENQ.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p17DtENQj)
New electronics
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/912/cKdEgU.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pccKdEgUj)
With the National N Scale Convention coming to KC in 2016, I want to have the layout on tour so I need to get a lot of work done.
The stumbling block as been the siding between Williams Loop and Clio Trestle. All I could get worked in was about 13 feet and I need just over 16 feet between turnouts. This is the area I'm working on. The bottom is coming out of the loop and to the right is where Clio Trestle is going.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/910/y1AMXG.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pay1AMXGj)
Trying to figure out what I want to do,
1, do away with siding
2, shorten Clio trestle to less than half the length
3, do away with Clio trestle.
I have spent many hours trying to get everything to fit. Today I came up with this by going through the wall.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/910/Njv9Ai.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/paNjv9Aij)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/29UPgH.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/hl29UPgHj)
Anyway, I'm back to work on the layout.
-
Hey, Rodney... glad to see you back. KC in 2016? Oh, that's right. No pressure, huh? :D
-
Yea, 'bout time :D
Good to see progress!
Otto K.
-
Always a good thing when you realize the layout just has to enter another room to be right. :D
-
With the National N Scale Convention coming to KC in 2016, I want to have the layout on tour so I need to get a lot of work done.
After seeing this, there is no doubt I'll be going to the KC NSE convention next year! Looking forward to seeing your layout, especially after taking Lowell Smiths tour up the real Feather River canyon at last years NSE.
Rick
-
Thanks Guys,
Mike, "pressure" what's that??? That is when I'm at my best.
Rick. hope to see you here.
Ok I got subroadbed all the way to Clio Trestle with micore and cork almost there.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/908/9C8On9.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p89C8On9j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/OyQsAj.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p5OyQsAjj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/Qd3tWp.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pbQd3tWpj)
Working on the track today before I have to go back out on the road.
Making sure I have everything to build Clio trestle.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/dBsXT9.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p5dBsXT9j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/907/rdmgmN.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p7rdmgmNj)
-
Looking forward to seeing more work.
Rod.
-
Great work! I've always been fond of the FRC, but I never had enough space to keep grades to 1% (I'm not a big helix fan).
Nice to know Micore is still available too. I hadn't worked with it years, and except for the occasional times hitting a piece of slag (with the jigsaw or router when lapping), it sure makes for some really smooth and quiet subroadbed. :)
Cheers!
Marc - Riverside
-
Great work! I've always been fond of the FRC, but I never had enough space to keep grades to 1% (I'm not a big helix fan).
Nice to know Micore is still available too. I hadn't worked with it years, and except for the occasional times hitting a piece of slag (with the jigsaw or router when lapping), it sure makes for some really smooth and quiet subroadbed. :)
Cheers!
Marc - Riverside
Micore is great. I use a utility knife to cut mine so I don't have all that fiberglass dust floating around.
-
I got track laid from Keddie to where Clio Trestle will go.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/908/1ce3yn.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p81ce3ynj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/903/JZBvj2.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p3JZBvj2j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/IVllqX.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p5IVllqXj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/1GzTbB.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p51GzTbBj)
Last week I found some 5050 smd, natural white, light strings, that a guy had on sale for $8.64 each and free shipping. I bought the last 10 that he had.
I like these a lot better than the warm whites, so I'll be doing the whole layout with these. I need to find a better way to mount them when I get ready to mount them permanently. I have a few ideas and will work on that later.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/907/MgNMPG.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p7MgNMPGj)
-
I got track laid from Keddie to where Clio Trestle will go.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/908/1ce3yn.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p81ce3ynj)
That turnout into the crossover on the left looks a bit off. It seems to be shifted to the right relative to the roadbed. There also seems to be an S-curve off the normal route, and a nasty kink off the reverse route. Is that in permanently?
-
Can't wait to see this trestle. Your layout is impressive.
-
That turnout into the crossover on the left looks a bit off. It seems to be shifted to the right relative to the roadbed. There also seems to be an S-curve off the normal route, and a nasty kink off the reverse route. Is that in permanently?
Yea, I know that I need to rework that area.
Can't wait to see this trestle. Your layout is impressive.
Thanks Peter. I've been watching your layout build too and it coming along nicely.
-
Thanks Peter. I've been watching your layout build too and it coming along nicely.
I see we both have a scene based on Williams Loop on our layouts. I carved foam tonight to attempt to make the tunnel there tonight. Somewhere a turkey is laughing.
:D Wanna build me a bridge?
-
Well it has been somewhat a busy week, but did get some work done on the layout.
Coming off the helix (Reno) headed toward Portola. It is ready for cork and track.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/6C5sz9.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p56C5sz9j)
Will get a backdrop up once the track is laid.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/908/3pzXnZ.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p83pzXnZj)
Looking east from Portola to the helix. It also ready for cork and track.
The second little bit of roadbed you see just behind the studs is for a loads in - empty out operation, if I can find something that suits the area.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/ohxzfW.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/hlohxzfWj)
Portola
Need to get one more sheet of Micore to get Portola finished and ready for cork and track. Going to go into KC in a little bit to get the Micore.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/aASkDV.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p5aASkDVj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/910/Axyjo0.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/paAxyjo0j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/903/wfAZbT.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p3wfAZbTj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/908/Nt5ir7.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p8Nt5ir7j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/903/8kCStq.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p38kCStqj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/EQ0h1i.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/hlEQ0h1ij)
-
Need to get the subroadbed cut and installed on this part, Portola to Clio trestle.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/903/vhDRBR.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p3vhDRBRj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/910/lr63Li.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/palr63Lij)
I'm going to build Clio Trestle on a module that I can build at the bench and then install. I need to get a couple more sheets of hardboard to finish up the backdrops.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/910/hTrXQ2.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pahTrXQ2j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/sXXFhY.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/hlsXXFhYj)
Tonight I have a couple of members of one of the local clubs coming out to help solder up wiring harnesses for the switch machines in Oroville yard.
-
Oh yea here what I got myself for Christmas.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/907/FXTOK2.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p7FXTOK2j)
-
This is going to be one hell of a nice layout.
Rod.
-
+1 here. Following with great interest. Your progress is impressive!
Best, Otto K.
-
This is going to be one hell of a nice layout.
Rod.
+1 here. Following with great interest. Your progress is impressive!
Best, Otto K.
Thanks, Rod and Otto.
-
Last nights work session turned into train running session. :o NO pics but had fun.
I did get all the Micore laid in Portola and the subroadbed cut for rest of the mainline. I still need to add risers and add more benchwork where Clio Trestle will go. When I get home off the road next week, I hope to get all that done, all the cork down and start laying track. Then start working on the trestle.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/908/uC3JhZ.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p8uC3JhZj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/910/LVorIe.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/paLVorIej)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/907/dQGYGu.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p7dQGYGuj)
While researching what industries was around the canyon in the early '50's, I found some info on Feather River Railway. It was a 3 foot narrow gauge logging railroad that operated just north of Oroville. I have some Nn3 stuff, so I think I will do some sort of representation of the rr.
-
I'm getting so close to getting all the mainline done. The only benchwork that need to be finished is the Clio Trestle area. I plan on building the trestle and adding the scenery around the towers at the work bench. For now I'm just going to splice in a piece to get the mainline operational. More on that when the works starts.
Clio trestle to Portola with track laid
I don't think I've said that I do use HO cork everywhere but the yards, and in the yards I use n scale cork for the mains. I cut about 1/8" off each side on the HO cork with the table saw before splitting it. Where the double track goes, I use unmodified HO cork with the pieces from cutting it in the center.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/903/u1neSy.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p3u1neSyj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/SaEB8n.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p5SaEB8nj)
Portola yard area
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/5hL51O.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p55hL51Oj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/910/4KEZdJ.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pa4KEZdJj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/907/CTio6D.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p7CTio6Dj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/u0VrQB.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p5u0VrQBj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/IWCH7G.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pbIWCH7Gj)
-
Portola to the helix
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/908/Lysmkd.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p8Lysmkdj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/XdFWpU.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pbXdFWpUj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/908/0is255.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p80is255j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/7yUfx1.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pb7yUfx1j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/903/Ob5v2X.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p3Ob5v2Xj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/903/MgTYuh.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p3MgTYuhj)
-
Wow, what a monster :o
Great progress, Rodney!
Following with much interest...
Otto K.
-
Yeah. When he's done... looks like next week at this rate... he's going to come help me finish my own unmanageable mess.
Just kidding, Rodney, just kidding. See you in June. :D
-
Wow, what a monster :o
Great progress, Rodney!
Following with much interest...
Otto K.
Thanks Otto, I'm getting there slowly.
Yeah. When he's done... looks like next week at this rate... he's going to come help me finish my own unmanageable mess.
Just kidding, Rodney, just kidding. See you in June. :D
I would like to get over there sometime soon and help, but I guess it'll be after the convention now. One of the my favorite parts of building a layout is benchwork and track laying, so yes I want to come help you sometime.
Also I need to talk to you about the servo mounts that you are trying out. I'll call you later today or tomorrow to talk to you about them.
-
Here is a video that my friend Shane has done on the layout. He'll be doing another as soon as I get all the mainline in.
-
Made lots of progress today. Getting ready for the golden spike on the mainline.
This will be in 2 posts to get all the photos in.
To get the mainline operational, I put a piece of subroadbed in and added track till I can get Clio Trestle built.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/903/LJevbE.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p3LJevbEj)
Rest of the mainline
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/910/5v6pxc.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pa5v6pxcj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/910/hsviTj.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pahsviTjj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/910/A5UBrc.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/paA5UBrcj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/K6qhjJ.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pbK6qhjJj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/wpw16E.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/hlwpw16Ej)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/910/dlTUNh.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/padlTUNhj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/907/bDeGEo.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p7bDeGEoj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/910/mQG1qD.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pamQG1qDj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/0Js8CK.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/hl0Js8CKj)
-
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/oGUwU3.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/hloGUwU3j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/903/B4ErJz.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p3B4ErJzj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/9emKbw.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pb9emKbwj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/eKpnpB.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/hleKpnpBj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/907/aK3gij.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p7aK3gijj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/wCqgvr.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p5wCqgvrj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/907/iVljTA.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p7iVljTAj)
This is all that is left to install and all the mainline will be done. :D
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/kdjejq.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pbkdjejqj)
Now on to soldering all the drops in and installing the switch machines.
-
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/kdjejq.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pbkdjejqj)
Congratulations on reaching the golden spike! Obviously, there's much work that remains, but I look forward to video of your mainline to give a real idea of the run.
DFF
-
That is a huge layoUt. Congrats on a nearly complete mainline.
-
Congrats on the golden spike Rodney, a great push get the thing running! Awesome!
You are very brave to run a 60 car train on the high line without any protection.... I was very brave too until a "trip" pin snagged a joiner and most of my GFX train ended up in a pile scale 30 floors below. Never seen so many Intermountain parts at once before. Still finding errant pieces two years later :facepalm:
Just saying...
Best, Otto
-
Hit us with a ceremony video. That layout is massive. How much do you plan to try to have ready for the convention?
-
Congratulations on reaching the golden spike! Obviously, there's much work that remains, but I look forward to video of your mainline to give a real idea of the run.
DFF
Thanks Dave, hopefully we will do the whole layout video next Wednesday night. I have a mini camera coming from china that will hopefully fit on a center drop flat to do a cab ride video.
That is a huge layoUt. Congrats on a nearly complete mainline.
Thanks
Congrats on the golden spike Rodney, a great push get the thing running! Awesome!
You are very brave to run a 60 car train on the high line without any protection.... I was very brave too until a "trip" pin snagged a joiner and most of my GFX train ended up in a pile scale 30 floors below. Never seen so many Intermountain parts at once before. Still finding errant pieces two years later :facepalm:
Just saying...
Best, Otto
Thanks, Otto, and yes I've had some cars fall off in that loop. The good thing is that there is a shelf with foam about 6" below the benchwork and I haven't damaged any cars yet.
Hit us with a ceremony video. That layout is massive. How much do you plan to try to have ready for the convention?
A video will be coming with the golden spike being driven. I want to have all the scenery done around the Keddie Wye, Williams Loop and Clio trestle areas. Then I will start working scenery from the Wye towards Oroville.
-
I got some of the wiring done before I have to go back out on the road.
All the drops are in and soldered to the block buss's in the Keddie yard.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/912/k1GC66.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pck1GC66j)
I'm using 1156 lights for my short protection and they work well. The yellow and blue are the buss wires from the booster. The orange and red are from the block buss.
Here you can see the booster buss that go to one of the 10 amp boosters I'm using. The run from the booster to the Keddie junction buss is about 50 feet, so I have them twisted.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/912/xM4rel.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pcxM4relj)
-
That's quite an undertaking... :o
-
Here you can see the booster buss that go to one of the 10 amp boosters I'm using. The run from the booster to the Keddie junction buss is about 50 feet, so I have them twisted.
Rodney you lost me; I thought you're not supposed to twist them much...? :?
Otto
-
Rodney you lost me; I thought you're not supposed to twist them much...? :?
Otto
In Allan Gartner's "wiring for dcc" , on the second page of track wiring, he says more twists is better for cross talk interference .
-
Rodney you lost me; I thought you're not supposed to twist them much...? :?
Otto
We discussed this issue just over one year ago here on TRW. There's some really good information in this thread:
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=34452.0
Hope this helps,
DFF
-
Ah, thanks for the refresher guys, appreciate that. I vaguely recall reading the thread before, but since my runs are under 40' in any direction, I just tuned it out after making decision to run buss lines in parallel (see pic). No issues I know of here with interference.
Otto
-
That's quite an undertaking... :o
Yes it is Lee,
Once I have the mainline wired, I'll get to do one of the thing I really like to do, scenery. Oh yea, lots and lots and lots of trees.
We discussed this issue just over one year ago here on TRW. There's some really good information in this thread:
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=34452.0 (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=34452.0)
Hope this helps,
DFF
Dave, thanks for the link. I guess I missed it.
-
I was hoping to get the golden spike done this week when I was home, but still need to wire two blocks, wire the new Tortoise's and make the control panels for them. Did get enough done to have a complete loop on the whole layout.
I've switch to using 3156 bulbs (Thank you Allan Gartner) so I don't have to solder leads on like I was doing on the 1156's.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/jPeygg.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmjPeyggj)
Arriving onto Keddie
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/NfGI42.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmNfGI42j)
Headed for Williams Loop
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/tdcG1i.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmtdcG1ij)
Williams Loop
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/r8afzj.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/por8afzjj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/lonFAF.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnlonFAFj)
Where Clio Trestle will be
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/V2ONG6.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plV2ONG6j)
Almost to Portola
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/etG9j6.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmetG9j6j)
Portola
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/X0XoLO.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poX0XoLOj)
Should have my mini camera by next week and I'll try to do a cab ride video. Shane (thebrakeman 17), Janson (Railfan Jason) and Erich (fighting 17 chicago), all have videos on youtube of the layout and they will be adding more every couple of weeks.
I ordered 2 Octopus III from Tam Valley Depot and 20 servo's from the auction site. I'll be printing the mounts servos, so I can add limit switches to them to power the frogs.
-
It lives!!! Wonderful! I look forward to the video.
DFF
-
Sweet! I'm in awe of your 60 car trains!
Great progress (I'm in awe of that as well).
Otto K.
-
Somehow this last post gave me a much better idea of what it's like to run the layout. Very impressive. I know some guys at the club who would absolutely drool over this. Well, me too actually.
-
Looking great Rodney!!! I visited the area a couple of years ago, very neat area to model, looks like you captured all the good spots. I understand you are near Kansas City, hope to visit your layout during the convention. thanks, Gordon
-
Sweet! I'm in awe of your 60 car trains!
Great progress (I'm in awe of that as well).
Otto K.
Thanks
Progress has been slow the last couple of weeks
Somehow this last post gave me a much better idea of what it's like to run the layout. Very impressive. I know some guys at the club who would absolutely drool over this. Well, me too actually.
Thanks
Looking great Rodney!!! I visited the area a couple of years ago, very neat area to model, looks like you captured all the good spots. I understand you are near Kansas City, hope to visit your layout during the convention. thanks, Gordon
Yes, I'm in Leavenworth Ks, and I'm about 35 minutes from downtown KC. Hope to see you then and make sure you tell me who you so I can put a face with the name.
-
NO golden spike yet... Trying to get all the control panels made and switch machine wired before we do the video.
Here what the panels look like. I put these at all the sidings. When I get the fascia mounted, these will go in it. They made out of .050" aluminum and painted.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/8SW8hV.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pm8SW8hVj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/7bZgQm.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pm7bZgQmj)
I've also been working on lighting. I'm using 12 volt, 30 amp power supplies and I need to know how many amps each strip draws, so I got one of my old amp meters our and did some testing.
One strip.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/E1YvGS.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmE1YvGSj)
Two strips
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/0jFCVU.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/po0jFCVUj)
Three strips
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/sA58b9.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plsA58b9j)
So after this test, I'm figuring I can power about 15 to 18 strips and not over load the power supply.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/yx97AE.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poyx97AEj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/dvbK4k.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pldvbK4kj)
-
Keddie looks great.
-
Progress has really been slow lately. Still working on the control panels and hope to get them done this week. Hopefully get the golden spike video in a couple of weeks.
When I started building the layout, I bought 4, 12 packs and a 6 pack of Tortoise switch machines and I'm just about out of them. Back when I bought them, a 12 pack cost me less than $100. Now they are about $175 and I wanted to see what I could find something that would be just as good as them, only cheaper. I wanted to find a stall motor that I could use and build my own, but I have no idea what to look for and during searches, I found a few references using servos. I started looking into servos and found Tam Valley Depot's Octopus III servo driver that will drive 8 servos for $40. I'll be working on my own driver later that will cost me about $2 to build for each servo. Found a buy on 9g servos that cost me about $2 each when bought in 50 count quantity's.
Here is what I have so far. I've made them so the throw is adjustable and for different angles.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/ToHRwC.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plToHRwCj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/rLPvRM.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnrLPvRMj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/rwyfSZ.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnrwyfSZj)
They'll have up to 2 contacts for a frog and what ever. I still have to draw up and print something to throw the limit switches and that is what I'm working on now. The cost of the limit switches is $.53 each.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/Dio65v.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmDio65vj)
I'm also working on soldering 22 detector boards along with a bunch of signal driver boards.
Detector boards http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/DccBODvt5.html
Signal Drivers http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/3LightSignals2012.html
-
Is he selling the boards still? I was about to buy six detectors and this is a very attractive way to go.
Your servo mounts are great, even a movable fulcrum!
-
Is he selling the boards still? I was about to buy six detectors and this is a very attractive way to go.
Your servo mounts are great, even a movable fulcrum!
I got my 22 boards last week from Rob and they are very nice and solder up nicely. I bought 50 of the 57P1822 transformers from Surplus Supply of Nebraska and everything else came from ebay cause it was the cheapest. Everything came from the states and arrived in a few days. I haven't totaled up the actual cost per block yet, but I'm guessing a little over $4 a block.
-
"Progress has been slow the last couple of weeks"
Yea, I know what you mean Rodney; progress on mine has been slow for the last couple of decades :facepalm:
Love to follow your "slow" progress...
Otto K.
-
That is hard to beat, thanks for confirming.
-
Very creative solution for the switch machines. I'll be curious to hear how you like their performance compared to the Tortoises.
I'm not very familiar with those detector boards, but it provides a very distributed approach to the problem. How does one typically manage the output from one of them? Can you port the information to jmri? Directly to a control panel and/or signal driver?
-
Very creative solution for the switch machines. I'll be curious to hear how you like their performance compared to the Tortoises.
I'm not very familiar with those detector boards, but it provides a very distributed approach to the problem. How does one typically manage the output from one of them? Can you port the information to jmri? Directly to a control panel and/or signal driver?
Just playing around so far, I think they'll perform almost like the Tortoise.
These boards indicate low when detected and can be changed to high with a little modification.
They'll work great with the signal driver I'm building to operate the 3 light signals I'll be using.
I didn't feel well this week while I was home, so I didn't get anything done on the rr.
"Progress has been slow the last couple of weeks"
Yea, I know what you mean Rodney; progress on mine has been slow for the last couple of decades :facepalm:
Love to follow your "slow" progress...
Otto K.
Thanks for the encouragement.
-
These videos were done by a couple of guys that are helping me with the layout.
/>
/>
-
Got some more lighting done. Here is the link to the led's strips and power supply's I'm using.
LED strips: Non weatherproof, 300 led's and 5050
http://www.ebay.com/itm/221717646543?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=520562384677&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Power supply: These will handle 10 strings of the led strips using about 70 to 75% of the rated 30 amps. (thinking maybe longer life of the PS)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUPERNIGHT-Regulated-Switching-Power-Supply-DC-12V-30A-360W-For-LED-Strip-Light-/221361613881?hash=item338a2e2c39:g:284AAOxyOlhS1gBd
The LED strips are by far the most effective light solution I've found in regards to power consumption and heat. The strips can be cut easily and resoldered together. I use the 3M adhesive that is on the strips along with using a hot glue to mount them.
I still want to try some RGB strips for dusk, dawn and night lighting.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/w80sc6.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plw80sc6j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/eTdNgv.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pneTdNgvj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/XuVsse.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poXuVssej)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/btP0aR.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmbtP0aRj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/UMMMkK.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plUMMMkKj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/a7ALSO.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pma7ALSOj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/XS4LlB.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plXS4LlBj)
Still working on getting all the turnouts powered and the control panels made in Oroville yard.
-
Rodney, great progress, that yard is just incredible :o
Two questions: One, what is the maximum vertical distance between the LED strips and the track? I'm using similar strips to light a portion of my lower deck, and find the light intensity greatly diminished when the distance exceeds 18" or so inches. Yours looks great in pics. Two, what K color LED's are you using?
Your clouds look great also. Stencils?
Otto K.
-
Thanks, Otto,
The clouds were done with a stencils.
On that part of the layout, they are about 18" to 20" above the track. I'm guessing that they are about 6000K, and as I said, that a guess. They are as close to natural light that I could find.
They are about 24" above the track at Keddie Wye.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/dvbK4k.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pldvbK4kj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/yx97AE.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poyx97AEj)
One of the best parts about using these LED's is that all my layout lighting will be on one circuit with one switch.
-
Here is a train ride around the layout.
In the first part Shane (thebrakeman17 on you tube) will go over the upper part of the layout, then on with the ride. It does have 2 meets in it so there is a fer moments of dead air.
Thanks for watching.
-
Got the layout tour schedule for the N Scale Enthusiast Convention and my layout will be on the Thursday "Extended Home Layout Tour". It's the only tour that will include my layout.
Here is the link to the tour
https://www.nationalnscaleconvention.com/natstore/shopexd.asp?id=31
-
Control panels are finally done for each end of Oroville yard.
East end
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/eNyETE.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pneNyETEj)
West end
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/eFZzfs.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pneFZzfsj)
Some servo and tortoise mounted. I used velcro on the tortoise's first, once in position, I put in the screws.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/T7pbv5.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poT7pbv5j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/EI3oLm.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poEI3oLmj)
Working on the wiring harnesses now.
-
That velcro is a fascinating idea.
-
That velcro is a fascinating idea.
Hmmm, it is. Interesting.
I've been using 3M double sided squares, with similar results, before screws. Helps with sound deadening and maybe cheaper?
Otto K.
-
That velcro is a fascinating idea.
I see what you did there.
Quite stuck on that idea eh? Even attached to it? :D
I'd worry over time the force of the throw would move the Tortise on the velcro and cause it to shift out of alignment.
-
I see what you did there.
LOL. I honestly didn't intend that or notice until you pointed it out. :facepalm:
I'd worry over time the force of the throw would move the Tortise on the velcro and cause it to shift out of alignment.
I think he's saying it's temporary to help get the Tortoise in exactly the right position before screwing down permanently. Aside from the cost of the velcro I think it's a great idea. You can put the Tortoise in place, throw it both directions and leave it there while checking to make sure the turnout is throwing good, all without making and screw holes that make it hard to adjust later.
-
I think he's saying it's temporary to help get the Tortoise in exactly the right position before screwing down permanently.
That's how I read it:
I used velcro on the tortoise's first, once in position, I put in the screws.
Nice progress! But what happened to the adjustable Tortoise mounts (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=35105.msg410089#msg410089) you were printing?
-
I see what you did there.
Quite stuck on that idea eh? Even attached to it? :D
I'd worry over time the force of the throw would move the Tortise on the velcro and cause it to shift out of alignment.
Some of them have been there over 10 years without screws and never moved.
That's how I read it:
Nice progress! But what happened to the adjustable Tortoise mounts (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=35105.msg410089#msg410089) you were printing?
Thanks Gary
In the yard area, it is just too congested to use the mounts.
The thing about the velcro is that you slide a piece of paper between the velcro and when you have the switch machine where
you want it, slide the paper out.
-
I've been working on the harnesses and getting the switches and LED's installed into the panels.
For the Tortoise's, I use a 2 legged bi color, red/green in series with the motor. I use 12 volts on them. Then I wrapped the wires.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/tEnGMN.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pltEnGMNj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/Xl9MWy.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plXl9MWyj)
Ready for to be installed into the control panel.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/xwtScA.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plxwtScAj)
On the servos, I use 3 legged bi color LED's, red/green wired to one side of a DPDT switch. I tied the center leg together of the LED's and added a 220 ohm resistor.
The other side controls the servo via TVD Octopus III drivers. I built a 6.2 volt power supply for the drivers and LED's.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/TJVec8.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmTJVec8j)
Here is west Oroville yard control panel. Still need to get servos mounted and track laid for the car shop.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/lVdVUn.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnlVdVUnj)
On the east end I found that I forgot some tracks, so I tried to add them and I messed it up. So I'm doing a new one.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/Qj0CgV.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnQj0CgVj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/eKdNvz.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmeKdNvzj)
-
That Velcro is a fascinating idea.
Double stick carpet tape works well also as a temporary positioning tool.
Paul Ristuccia
-
Double stick carpet tape works well also as a temporary positioning tool.
Paul Ristuccia
Now that's an idea that will 'stick' with me. (Ha.) No doubt cheaper than velcro, too.
-
Double stick carpet tape works well also as a temporary positioning tool.
Paul Ristuccia
Great idea as well
-
Got the new panel made and it's all wired and done.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/ecjC8k.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plecjC8kj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/R0sVrm.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plR0sVrmj)
-
Nice work Rodney!!
I have done the same thing with Masonite,,,,that aluminum looks like it works so much better.
See ya,
Y-it
-
Nice work Rodney!!
I have done the same thing with Masonite,,,,that aluminum looks like it works so much better.
Thanks, Gary
I used Masonite on all my other layouts too, but I had problems with the getting the nuts on the sub miniature push buttons (for solenoid switch machines) I was using back then.
-
I've been very busy the last few weeks and don't really have much to show for it.
I got the rest of the track laid on the the Wye and some track in Keddie Yard just before the convention. It took some grace to for me to get in back there to get the last leg of the Wye laid.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/JO3MHX.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poJO3MHXj)
Track is in and working on getting some tunnel liners done. I still need to modify them as there are a shade too narrow.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/69rFCo.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pm69rFCoj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/nsgsn7.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmnsgsn7j)
The yard track is just temporarily laid for the convention. I'm working on some turnout now so I can go back and finish it the way I want it.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/ZUNGb8.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmZUNGb8j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/lM6xEe.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pllM6xEej)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/PfwwVx.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poPfwwVxj)
Between the tour bus and others that came out on their own, we had about 50 people come out and see the layout.
I got a lot of very positive comments and a few are planning on coming back next June for a operating session.
-
Here is something I did also. I'm using Peco turnouts and had their switch motors on them. I decided to change them out and use servo's. One one end, it was easy cause I had room to take the turnouts out, take the spring and motors off, and then reinstall them. On the other end, I had to take the whole yard area down, where the turnout are.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/193/dscf1393e.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/5ddscf1393ej)
On the floor.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/1w1iea.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pn1w1ieaj)
And with the servo's installed.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/Owlx59.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnOwlx59j)
And I installed some lights while I had it down.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/R6sGBv.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poR6sGBvj)
-
Nice going Rodney. But tell us more about the tunnel liners please....
Otto K.
-
Nice going Rodney. But tell us more about the tunnel liners please....
Otto K.
Thanks Oto, I'll send you a PM
I will have them for sale to public sometime in the next few months. I'll be making them for curves and also custom made ones.
-
Rodney, I just want to say, I am very impressed by the scope and scale of what you're doing here!
-
Rodney, Thanks for the opportunity to visit your layout and run a train! Really like what you have accomplished, especially after visiting the 1:1 version at last years convention! I am looking forward to following your progress, and to the NMRA in 2018. Mu wife and I were really impressed by the quality of layouts at this years NSE, all are works in progress, but impressive none the less. I will bring her by the next time we are visiting her parents.
Rick
-
Thanks Ed. At times it seams a little over whelming to get anything done. Sometimes, when I go into the layout room, I just stare and look around the layout, trying to decide what to do. Sometimes it takes a hour or so just to to get something started.
Rick, thanks so much for your help manning the layout. I really appreciated your help. Please do stop by with your wife next time your down here. Let me know early enough when your coming and I'll try to get a few others to come out and we'll do a ops session.
-
One of my goals is for the railroad is to have a lot of industrial switching so I can keep people busy during OPS sessions. I got a lot of feedback from people at the convention. So with that in mind, I've started changing some trackwork around Oroville.
Here is coming out of the helix.
Before
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/233/dscf1408t.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/6hdscf1408tj)
Now
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/sNwm8N.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnsNwm8Nj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/FzLrt2.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmFzLrt2j)
And by moving the backdrop, I'll add a lot of real estate. I'm thinking a scrap dealer, feed and grain store and a warehouse or two.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/nNlC63.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnnNlC63j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/SNxCmk.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmSNxCmkj)
-
All of this has changed too.
Before
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/191/dscf1444hz.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/5bdscf1444hzj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/573/dscf1446f.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/fxdscf1446fj)
Now
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/Zyd3B8.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plZyd3B8j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/w6uIjJ.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnw6uIjJj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/ypM7C5.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plypM7C5j)
This grade will continue on through the backdrop
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/Y59H1d.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmY59H1dj)
-
My birthday is next weekend and the wife wanted a gift list from me. So I listed all the stuff that I need to get my laser cutter built. I'm building a 80 or 100 watt laser with a 24" x 48" bed to do 20.3 large scale stuff besides the n scale stuff. I even told her a few times that I might just buy one of those cheap lasers and use it for for now on N scale stuff. But this was before the convention and being that we way overspent there, I told her I didn't want anything else.
Well Friday, she really surprised me when a fedex van showed up and he unloaded this
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/gyYdOE.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmgyYdOEj)
Wife made sure I opened it up and checked for damage before the fedex guy left. A cheap 40 watt laser from China.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/FzDgOo.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnFzDgOoj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/EQ8b8Z.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poEQ8b8Zj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/SzdlWE.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plSzdlWEj)
Well the first thing I checked was the mirror alignment as this is one of the big problems with them. It was dead perfect on the min and max movements. Within a few hours I did some trial cuts.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/ah2wBw.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poah2wBwj)
Now the bad thing about these super cheap lasers is the very weak software. Being I'm not a computer wiz, it's not too bad for me to just learn their software. Once I get the workflow figured out, it shouldn't be too bad. I think once I get the workflow figured out, it won't be too bad.
The price was unbelievable at $315 shipped to our door from ebay.
-
... I've started changing some trackwork around Oroville.
Uh... Rodney... are you telling me that deviation from the track plan is allowed, even after construction has started? How can that possibly be? :trollface: :ashat:
The new laser cutter is great. How are you managing the cooling water?
-
Uh... Rodney... are you telling me that deviation from the track plan is allowed, even after construction has started? How can that possibly be? :trollface: :ashat:
The new laser cutter is great. How are you managing the cooling water?
For now, I'm using a 5 gal bucket. I went and bought a cheap heater core from OReilly's that I'll add a fan to, and it'll be on the return line going back into the 5 gal bucket.
From what I've read so far, most just use the bucket of water.
-
Rodney, congratulations on both the laser cutter and the wife! :D
Once you've had a chance to test the cutter, I'd be very interested in a write-up....either here or elsewhere on TRW.
As to the additional switching, I think it's a very good move, even if moving a bit from the prototype. As impressive as your layout is and will be, there needs to be more than just running to keep people's interest up. I struggled with my Cajon layout as well and added some switching areas that "could have been there" as well as industries long gone by my timeframe (like the WW II era US Quartermaster Depot). Also think of your yard as a place for multiple (mostly) stationary operators to break, reblock, and make trains...(this takes physical space in the isle). This is rarely done on anything but the largest model railroads, and it's like switching on steroids.
The only comment I'd make on your new trackwork arrangement is that to me, there's something a bit odd about the way the switch lead crosses the double mains and heads up.... Perhaps there ought to be a diverging switch on the uphill side to prevent runaways from crossing the mains (and perhaps to allow another industry parallel to the mains?)
Anyway, I always thoroughly enjoy your updates, keep them coming please!
Regards, Otto K.
-
Rodney, congratulations on both the laser cutter and the wife! :D
Once you've had a chance to test the cutter, I'd be very interested in a write-up....either here or elsewhere on TRW.
As to the additional switching, I think it's a very good move, even if moving a bit from the prototype. As impressive as your layout is and will be, there needs to be more than just running to keep people's interest up. I struggled with my Cajon layout as well and added some switching areas that "could have been there" as well as industries long gone by my timeframe (like the WW II era US Quartermaster Depot). Also think of your yard as a place for multiple (mostly) stationary operators to break, reblock, and make trains...(this takes physical space in the isle). This is rarely done on anything but the largest model railroads, and it's like switching on steroids.
The only comment I'd make on your new trackwork arrangement is that to me, there's something a bit odd about the way the switch lead crosses the double mains and heads up.... Perhaps there ought to be a diverging switch on the uphill side to prevent runaways from crossing the mains (and perhaps to allow another industry parallel to the mains?)
Anyway, I always thoroughly enjoy your updates, keep them coming please!
Regards, Otto K.
Thank You, Otto,
I've been told very many times that I'm lucky to have a wife that likes model railroading. And my response is that it's not luck cause I wasn't going to get married again unless it was to someone who likes what I like.
Yes, I'll do a "review" and "how to" post somewhere. It'll going to take me a while to learn the software/workflow that will be efficient and once I do, I'll post.
As this is going to be a OPS layout, I'm adding as much "work" in as I can. And with these changes, I'm adding a lot of real estate for industries.
As of right now, I can see two to three people working just the Oroville yard.
Great idea on the siding along the main for runaways and another industry.
-
Very cool laser!
Rodney has many operators do you anticipate for a regular ops session?
Not a special event where they "unload the bus" kind of thing– but a regular session?
-
Very cool laser!
Rodney has many operators do you anticipate for a regular ops session?
I hope to get 8 to 12 on a regular basis.
-
I hope to get 8 to 12 on a regular basis.
OK, that's quite a few.
Just something to think about– Have a plan in place to be able to run the thing even if you only have 5 show up...
If you have a yard where you could keep 3 folks busy, say you only have one person assigned to that yard for the evening– some variables have to be tweaked so that person doesn't become overwhelmed.
-
All the changes are cool!!
Why can't I live near cool people that model N scale??LOL
I have had the chance to op on some intense layouts in the DFW area. I always ask for the hardest assignment,, more fun to me.
People ( modelers) should not be afraid of change,, sometimes it is hard,, but necessary for the greater good. How else can we learn and grow?
Keep up the great job,, And to follow suit with other fourm members,, congrats on the wife and laser.!!
See ya, Y-it
-
Rodney, congrats on your new toy!!! I like the changes you have made. thanks again for hosting us before the convention, after rail fanning the canyon in 2012, I can say you have "nailed it" on all the major spots on the route. you planned well and have lots of staging and like the way you laid out the first yard. I think you will have a great "operating" layout. look forward to visiting again. thanks, Gordon
-
I hope to get 8 to 12 on a regular basis.
If you do Saturday nights I might be able to do that sometime -- my brother goes to school up the road from you (Atchison) and I could always make it a weekend.
Do you still want those Bachmann 4-6-0 drivers we discussed about 5 years ago? :D
-
If you do Saturday nights I might be able to do that sometime -- my brother goes to school up the road from you (Atchison) and I could always make it a weekend.
Do you still want those Bachmann 4-6-0 drivers we discussed about 5 years ago? :D
Robbie,
Give me a call when you know your going to be around here and we'll set something up.
No I don't need the drivers anymore.
-
Well it been awhile and I've have progressed some on the layout and figuring out the laser.
First the modifications I've done to the laser.
Took out the stuff so I could install the honeycomb bed I made for it.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/706riW.jpg) (http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/706riW.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/q0jpsn.jpg) (http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/q0jpsn.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/KZRabv.jpg) (http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/KZRabv.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/FIkP9T.jpg) (http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/FIkP9T.jpg)
The new bed installed along with the added air assist nozzle. Got the nozzle here.
http://www.lightobject.com/18mm-Laser-Head-wAir-Assist-Ideal-for-K40-machine-P701.aspx
All I used was the lower cone that the air blows through. I did have to make a ring to fit the 16mm lens that came with the laser into the 18mm hole the new nozzle uses.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/cbKNYb.jpg) (http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/cbKNYb.jpg)
Here is the honeycomb I use to make the bed. When I make a new bed, I'll be going with 3/8" or 1/4" cause the little parts fall through too easy.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/262374763605?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Next was to change the power pot to a 10 turn for better control of the laser power. Here is the pot I used. I didn't have a knob that would fit the stem of the new one, so instead of going out and buying one, I ended up turning one out of aluminum.
Also the amp meter on the laser didn't work when I got it, so being I had to replace it, I found a larger one from the local electronics shop.
http://www.mpja.com/1K-Ohm-10-Turn-Variable-Resistor-Linear-Taper/productinfo/30471+VR/ (http://www.mpja.com/1K-Ohm-10-Turn-Variable-Resistor-Linear-Taper/productinfo/30471+VR/)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/1GTl24.jpg) (http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/1GTl24.jpg)
Before
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/F0H15I.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnF0H15Ij)
With new pot and meter
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/3A8l3B.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pn3A8l3Bj)
Next post will be how I use it from doing the drawing to making the part.
-
I need some opinions on whether to repost this along with how to use it, in the "Scratchbuilding" section
-
I need some opinions on whether to repost this along with how to use it, in the "Scratchbuilding" section
Yep.
-
Seconded. This is really cool, like all of what you're doing.
-
OK it'll be done.
-
Here is the thread I've done on the laser.
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=40117.0
I'll be using Sketchup Pro 2013 (2016 has a free trial for like 30 days) and Inkscape (free) to get what I draw to the laser.
So if you don't want to buy the "pro" version, you can use Shetchup Make (free) with a "pdf" plugin.
Now, you all will know how computer dumb I really am. I have no idea how to do a "screen shot" and I'll be using photos of the computer screen. In 2006, I converted a benchtop mini mill to CNC and I tried to learn some sort of CAD program. I had autocad 8 (I think that is what is was) and spent many, many hours trying to learn it, and I never did get it figured out. Fast forward to 2011 when I built my first 3D printer and found Sketchup. With what was on youtube then, I learned it well enough that I was able to draw a DRGW C-16 driver to 20.3 scale in less than two hours. I can draw well enough with it now to draw anything I have ever need to so far. In fact, I guess what I saying here is that just about anybody can learn "Sketchup" and that is what I use for the laser along with the 3D stuff for the CNC router, CNC mill and the 3D printers.
I've learned to draw everything in metric, cause that is the only thing the printers will take. So I'll be showing how to take a drawing drawn in metric to what the laser will take.
I first added some new folders on my desktop.
Sketchup Drawings
Sketchup to Inkscape
Inkscape to Laser DRW
Laser DRW Files
My sample, it just two basic little buildings.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/C31je7.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmC31je7j)
Now I need to draw a box around it about 3mm from the work.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/3SoQpo.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pl3SoQpoj)
Now that the box is done You need to remember the size of that box so it will be sized right when we take it to inkscape. I just put in the description when I save so that I'll always have it.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/iMbIZQ.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pniMbIZQj)
Go under "camera" and check "parallel view" and "top view" as shown here.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/cUsMrl.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pocUsMrlj)
Then go under "view" and go down to "face style" and check "wire frame"
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/D4YHpf.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poD4YHpfj)
Under "file" look for "export" and click on "2 D Graphic"
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/Vq13w9.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnVq13w9j)
In the window that pops up, go the the "Sketchup to Inkscape" folder.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/LPEXMj.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnLPEXMjj)
Save it as a "pdf". Name the drawing, add the size of the box and then click "export".
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/3a2Giy.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pm3a2Giyj)
-
The rest of the laser info is in this here
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=40117.0 (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=40117.0)
-
Getting back to the railroad.
Here is what the area looks like now at the exit of the helix coming into Oroville. Whith all the changes, I'm adding a lot of industries that will keep a couple of locals busy.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/9iXVo0.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pm9iXVo0j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/R3a87u.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poR3a87uj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/Ge0eiK.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plGe0eiKj)
Notice the new track alignment for the reverse loop.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/90r6GR.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pl90r6GRj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/kSeP3M.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnkSeP3Mj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/y66hDc.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmy66hDcj)
-
On the other side of the wall
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/G25ilV.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poG25ilVj)
Still got to rework the yard lead to get it back into alignment back to the main
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/Wy93Xo.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plWy93Xoj)
-
Scenery has been started in the Keddie Wye area
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/6CU5QN.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pl6CU5QNj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/Ic60kh.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plIc60khj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/4dm70y.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pl4dm70yj)
-
It been a while since I've updated.
Mostly been working on rewiring from helix at Oroville to Keddie Wye. When I originally built that part, I just used a single buss on a single 10 amp booster. Now I have Oroville yard on a booster of it's own divided into districts. West Oroville, west yard lead, A & D tracks, classification yard, engine yard and east Orovulle. The main line has 2 boosters, one is from bottom helix to Keddie Wye, and the other from Keddie Wye to top helix. The helix and staging yard has it's own booster now and it will be next to get divided into districts.
I have also changed my mind about backdating the mergers and now I'm going to 100% Western Pacific power. Over the last few months, I bought 3 more sets of IM ABBA F7's, 3 IM ABBA FT's sets, 2 MT ABBA sets of FT's, a custom painted ABBA set of Kato F7's and 12 Atlas Geep 7's.
Era will still be in the mid to late '50's.
The last few days, I installed decoders in most of the newly acquired power. The Kato's had the old style chassis and the frames needed milled. I had another 23 of these chassis that needed milled also. So I set the mill up and did the all of them.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/k9326q.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pok9326qj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/Rjxfk0.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmRjxfk0j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/jBiSgs.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pojBiSgsj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/XjpzBo.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poXjpzBoj)
-
Here is what I have done in west Oroville now. This is part of the return loop (foreground track) and the outside track will be the interchange with the Sacramento Northern.
Where the 2 tank cars are will be a gas and oil distributor. The building on the left will get replaced with a scratchbuilt one. The DPM might also get replaced.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/uEBEZD.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pouEBEZDj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/EFwuPy.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnEFwuPyj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/9fBJgA.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pm9fBJgAj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/OGv01z.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmOGv01zj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/marpaC.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pomarpaCj)
-
Looking good, Rodney. Was wondering how progress was going.
-
Well, Mike, it going kind of slow but I hope to get a lot done that is visible, once I get all the rewiring done.
-
More of west Oroville
A steel supply or manufacturing company will be where the flats and gons are.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/Z7Nw3H.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmZ7Nw3Hj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/SS2nvn.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmSS2nvnj)
A food warehouse with track on 2 levels will be where the refers and boxcars are.
A concrete plant where the 2 hoppers are on the far right and a small slaughterhouse with stock pens at the far end.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/j1379R.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmj1379Rj)
-
I like the progress on the layout Rodney, hope you had a good time at the convention. Gordon
-
I like the progress on the layout Rodney, hope you had a good time at the convention. Gordon
Thanks Gordon, but didn't make the convention this year. Wife had foot surgery and is basically in a wheel chair till the middle of July.
-
Having looked at enough track charts to help a friend w/ his WP layout, don't recall ever seeing a spur Xing two other tracks to get to another location.
-
Having looked at enough track charts to help a friend w/ his WP layout, don't recall ever seeing a spur Xing two other tracks to get to another location.
No, there wasn't that I know of. Using modeler license here to add a lot of opps to the layout. The WP prototype didn't have much in the way of local traffic in Oroville or Portola, but mine will.
-
Started working on east Oroville. I hope to get 10 to 12 industries on the south side of the tracks (right side in the first photo) and another 4 to 8 on the north side.
I'm out of #5's right turnouts and need to get a bunch before I can do much more.
Looking east of the yard.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/gRsL5H.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmgRsL5Hj)
Looking west, back towards the yard.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/SFg6ot.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnSFg6otj)
The fiddle yard
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/9VVnQ9.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/po9VVnQ9j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/aBVrSr.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmaBVrSrj)
The saw mill will have 5 track to work.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/q8KdAu.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poq8KdAuj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/UnjlCQ.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnUnjlCQj)
I need to take a few days and do some cleaning, and then I'll start designing and cutting out some structures for the industries.
-
Can't believe it's been a year since I've posted on the layout. I've been busy working on the "add on" that I needed to get all 78 inches of Clio Trestle to fit on the layout. I was going to try to have the layout on tour for the NMRA Convention, but as it got closer and I had the mainline tore apart, I chickened out. I was afraid I wouldn't get it back up and running in time. But now I'm going to take a few weeks off work and try to have trains running in time for a few guests that want to see and operate on the layout.
I know you want photo's, so here they are.
Before
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/905/OyQsAj.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p5OyQsAjj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/905/1GzTbB.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p51GzTbBj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/921/9xrZP3.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pl9xrZP3j)
The mess that I'm in the middle of. This new addition is about 9' X 13'6".
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/k3AI3m.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmk3AI3mj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/xDhnie.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmxDhniej)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/gRFvB8.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pogRFvB8j)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/iBF61P.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmiBF61Pj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/921/OaSSQz.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plOaSSQzj)
This has shrunk the lounge area some, but the way I had the furniture arranged, I never really lost that much.
I hope to have all the rewiring done and start hanging sheetrock tomorrow.
-
Happy to see you back, Rodney. I wondered what happened. Shame that Robyn and I can't make it to KC for the show (I'm double-booked), we're overdue to chat over a beer or two to commiserate the awfulness of life getting in the way of grandiose layout projects. ;)
-
I've wanted to do this update for several weeks now but life kept getting in the way. Wife is out of town the weekend and I found the time, so here it is.
Well here is what the new addition looks like now. This will be Blairsden (Ca) with a large sawmill and a few small industries for switching work.
Looking back railroad west towards Williams Loop
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/oBqFeq.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pooBqFeqj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/EyiMMx.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnEyiMMxj)
towards Portola (railroad east)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/1Q4QPF.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pm1Q4QPFj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/921/NZWudj.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plNZWudjj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/SAHXKL.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmSAHXKLj)
-
Here is the new entry to the railroad
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/K71F8F.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnK71F8Fj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/MRYHna.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnMRYHnaj)
In the process of building 80 inch long Clio Trestle. Mine will be a few scale feet longer than the prototype, as that is what I could cut the ME girders to make it look right. All of the wider ones had to be cut down from each end to make it come out right.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/921/5cwKm1.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pl5cwKm1j)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/ZAWfUz.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poZAWfUzj)
Looking towards Portola (railroad east)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/ngko5t.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmngko5tj)
-
In the process of building 80 inch long Clio Trestle. Mine will be a few scale feet longer than the prototype, ...
You don't hear that everyday on this forum! :D :D
-
About time you got on it, Rodney! :D
Nice to see more progress. A pic from our visit attached below.
Best,
Otto [attachimg=1]
-
Thanks Ben and Otto
Otto, I really enjoyed your company when you and your gang was here.
-
About time you got on it, Rodney! :D
Nice to see more progress. A pic from our visit attached below.
Rodney, you're a track-laying monster. By the looks of that, I have my work cut out for me. :o
-
Yes, I've been laying more track.
Also over the last few months I've worked on Portola yard.
The tracks closest to the backdrop is arrival and departure tracks and the others are classification tracks.
coming into the yard from the west, looking railroad east.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/5E5QYh.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pm5E5QYhj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/Y9M8PG.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poY9M8PGj)
That turnout is the start of a 60" icing dock.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/QWUqaK.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnQWUqaKj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/921/mQ5Nwv.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plmQ5Nwvj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/ng7x1T.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pong7x1Tj)
Looking the other way
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/a1SKPZ.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pna1SKPZj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/oVsYm9.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmoVsYm9j)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/2FI5Br.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pm2FI5Brj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/LXyMD0.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmLXyMD0j)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/UIN4ms.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poUIN4msj)
-
Thanks Ben and Otto
Otto, I really enjoyed your company when you and your gang was here.
Oh, the pleasure was mutual Rodney, we had a blast!
And, yea, the new Portola yard is a monster...
Otto
-
That's an incredible yard. :drool:
-
I had to go back and reread this thread from the beginning to understand the new posts, but now I get it. WOW!! I could never pull this off... :o
Thanks for the updates.
-
Thanks Ben, and yes Portola will have a nice little yard compared to Oroville yard. As I'm getting more into the operation side of things, I think that I over did the Oroville yard. The classification tracks are just too long and a few other things that I wish I hadn't done or done differently, but I not going back and change anything right now.
Gary, I do believe you could of done it if you need to.
-
Got the servos installed along with the control panels on all the A&D turnouts. I'm not going to do the classification side just yet. I'll wait till I know for sure I'm not going to change anything.
The new way I'm mounting servos.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/13la19.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pm13la19j)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/RvwxZ8.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnRvwxZ8j)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/921/pTpSPh.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plpTpSPhj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/921/uOUuz8.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pluOUuz8j)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/YSprwh.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmYSprwhj)
Control panels for A&D tracks.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/eE4POO.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pneE4POOj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/xnWdVM.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poxnWdVMj)
-
The new way I'm mounting servos.
Rodney, could you elaborate a bit on your mounting technique? How is the servo attached to the underside?
Thanks, Otto
-
Rodney, could you elaborate a bit on your mounting technique? How is the servo attached to the underside?
Thanks, Otto
A article will be coming soon.
-
Rodney
Nice looking layout, very impressive.
Got a question about your Clio trestle bridge.
what are you using to join the beam sections together? inner styrene strips ??
are you using a back bone/stiffener in it??
I am asking because I am in the middle of building the NP "Green River" trestle and mine is 56 inches long. I am actually doing the double track. I have already modified the micro engineering towers for a double track. Now I am playing with a few ideas for supporting this thing. I am looking at a wooden board, or clear square tubing or laminated 1/8 inch masonite boards. I am trying to have the 4 beams visible from underneath, like the real bridge. So whats your plan
thanks
Miguel
-
Rodney
Nice looking layout, very impressive.
Got a question about your Clio trestle bridge.
what are you using to join the beam sections together? inner styrene strips ??
are you using a back bone/stiffener in it??
I am asking because I am in the middle of building the NP "Green River" trestle and mine is 56 inches long. I am actually doing the double track. I have already modified the micro engineering towers for a double track. Now I am playing with a few ideas for supporting this thing. I am looking at a wooden board, or clear square tubing or laminated 1/8 inch masonite boards. I am trying to have the 4 beams visible from underneath, like the real bridge. So whats your plan
thanks
Miguel
Miguel,
Thanks,
I printed these to go between the 2 beam sections. As with the Keddie bridge, the towers will support the bridge.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/9SqLMU.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pm9SqLMUj)
It will be getting these too
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/661/SumJsX.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/idSumJsXj)
With the PC ties for soldering the rails, glued down.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/661/smXKhW.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/idsmXKhWj)
-
cool:
yes that looks familiar,
probably been asked before, but how where the ties printed ??
that would solve one problem for me, double tracked of course :D
thanks
Miguel
-
probably been asked before, but how where the ties printed ??
that would solve one problem for me, double tracked of course :D
thanks
Miguel
What is your track centers on the bridge???? and I'll get some printed up for you for the price of the shipping.
-
Wow Rodney, thats a great offer, and one I'll take :D
so i measured and I have 1 and 1/16 center to center. It could get pushed to 1 and 1/8 but from all the pictures that i have seen on this ( very few exist unfortunatley ) the track is not directly on top of the outer beams as I would have though for strength.
the span is 55 inches. I appreciate the offer a lot . !!! not sure if you want to send one for fitting purposes, but i am game either way
thanks for the amazing offer.
heck if you make some more of those inner pieces i will defiantly pay you for all this
Thanks
Miguel
-
Got the rest of the servos on the staging yard and the Arduino mega's with sensor shield installed.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/H3sUo0.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmH3sUo0j)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/yfvLkN.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poyfvLkNj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/921/rphMo6.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plrphMo6j)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/DcTtYo.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnDcTtYoj)
-
Rodney
That looks so cool and very clean, I really hope you post a full report on this or at least get it out in print. That is a sharp install
Keep posting cuz I,m following
Later
Miguel
-
A week ago last Thursday afternoon I had a mishap with the tablesaw and cut off about 3/4 of a inch off my left thumb. I've found it kind of hard to do somethings with just using my right hand.
But anyway, I've wanted to add drawbars to my Intermoutain FT's between the two "A-B" sets. Then I want to add wiring between them so that all of the pickups are wired together. Here is some test prints that look like that they'll work. In order to print them on the FDM printer without support, I made two halves that are glued into one piece.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/921/t4VKlR.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plt4VKlRj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/yPLkyp.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poyPLkypj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/3usPWD.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pm3usPWDj)
I need to work on the drawbar so that it has a little more capture of the pegs. These maybe alright, but to be on the safe side, I'll redraw them. But the concept is going to work. I'll also be adding these to all my "F" units too.
My Anycubic Photon resin printer was delivered yesterday, but still haven't had time to get it set up yet.
-
Thumb, OUCH! :( The rest sounds and looks really good. 8)
-
Damn Rodney:
thats a lot of thumb. !!!
I have slowed to a crawl on my bridge this week since I spent 2 days in bed with a cold, but the thing is built and i am getting ready to glue the track/ties that you sent me. Although I now see i messed up by not cutting the top gaps and the ones in between ( was too excited to remember that little bit ) but i'll cut them once glued in place
get better
Miguel
-
Wow, it's been a year since I've posted anything on the layout build.
Over the last year and a half, I've had the opportunity to operate on some great N scale layouts, like Joe Kasper's BN, Jon Percy's Buffalo & Pittsburg, Brett Overholtzer's MKT, and John Achson's ATSF. Also some superb HO layouts like Mike Porter's CGW, John Breau's Great Northern, Mike Borkon's UP, Bill Hirt's CBQ, Rick McClellan's Frisco, Jim McCroskie's CBQ, Doug Taylor's Pennsyvania/EBT, Dave Achson's Joint Line, and Mike Tomie's Santa Fe. Others include Jim Eudaly's O scale C&O and Mike Fyten's S scale Kaw Valley. These are just in the KC area and I have operated on few other fine RR's across the US.
So what does that have to do with my railroad??? you ask. Well, as it was, my layout was just a layout to run trains on and have a little operations. With the help and suggestions from some of the experienced operators and layout owners, I've been making changes to make it more of a operating railroad. That is what I was wanting when I started building the layout, but was never exposed to any actual model railroad that had Ops sessions.
I've printed up about 350 car cards with waybills, 50 some, car cards for blocks of cars (5 cars in each block), and 5 sets of cards for whole trains. These last sets are for the both CZ's (trains #17 and #18) and 2 sections of eastbound SP through PFE's trains and a westbound SP manifest that will have no switching on the layout. In my world, the SP had shut down the Donner line for repairs and routed 2 sections of their train #378, and the WB manifest over the WP. It took over a month just to get these done, and now I'll be redoing the single car cards cause I want to print a picture of the car on the car cards so that the operators can easily know what cars and cards go together. It a lot easier to match a car to a picture than to read the car number. Also printed car card boxed on the FDM printers. Need a few more, but I'm out of filament and need to run to KC and pick up a few rolls at Micro Center this week.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/IEqAZC.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poIEqAZCj)
Have close to 100 loco's on the layout now and all have been decoderized and programed. The ones that are "sets" (MU'ed) have been speed matched in both directions through all speed steps. Still need to add decoders and program both RDC Zephyrette's, trains #1 and #2.
Researched employee time tables and other sources for trains that operated in 1955 through the canyon. Have 2 trains (#156 & # 154) staged in the "high line" staging yard and the 3 SP trains, both CZ's and 3 WB WP trains staged in the main staging yard. Still need to make up EB FB (fruit block) #62, EB Expider #58, EB NCX (Northern Cali Express) #56, and a couple of other trains yet that will go in the main staging yard.
The biggest changes on the layout so far is in Oroville. The west end of the yard was the classification end and the east was the cut and fill to mainline trains. This has been switched around and the class is done on the east end. I've taken out the turntable and roundhouse and completely cut that part out of the layout. This will add more room for the classification operator. Both ends of the yard have been relaid and the class end has servos added to the turnouts and wired into a rotary switch matrix. The west end will get this also, once I have a ops session or two to make sure it doesn't need anymore realignments. I took out 2 of the AD tracks and now have just 3. Yard tracks 11 and 12 can be used as AD track if it's needed. Added SP mainline with staging at one end for feeding industries, interchange track along with some industry tracks.
When everything comes together, the layout should support up to 16 people.
1. Dispatcher
2. Oroville Yardmaster
3. Oroville Yardmaster Helper-cut and fill
4. Oroville classification
5. West Oroville local
6. East Oroville local
7. Keddie Yardmaster
8. Portola Yardmaster/ classifcation
9. Portola Yardmaster helper- cut and fill
10. Quincy RR
11. Portola to Keddie local
12. SP local
13. Road job
14. Road job
15. Road job
16. Helix Operator
-
East end Oroville yard before
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/198/enn3.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/5ienn3j)
Now
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/9UZsXH.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pn9UZsXHj)
West end before
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/27/dscf1450zo.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/0rdscf1450zoj)
Now
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/921/OiIa6s.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plOiIa6sj)
-
Rodney! WTH, ouch! I hurt for you!
Hope that can heal and grow back soon. Or with your talents, maybe you can print yourself a thumb extension? Urgggh....
On another topic, yea, nothing like getting to run/operate on a bunch of other people’s layouts to get a feel for what works, and doesn’t, for you. The KC area has tons of truly great layouts so you’re lucky in that regard, in that you should be able to get enough operators to bring that monster of yours to life. The new yard looks great (although I will miss the roundhouse😢
Best, Otto
-
I am a violinist and likewise had a serious encounter with a table saw. Some advice:
Stop Saw https://www.sawstop.com/why-sawstop/the-technology/ (https://www.sawstop.com/why-sawstop/the-technology/)
Push sticks - always!
Never rush what you are doing !!
Fortunately, despite nerve damage I am still playing
Ed
-
On another topic, yea, nothing like getting to run/operate on a bunch of other people’s layouts to get a feel for what works, and doesn’t, for you. The KC area has tons of truly great layouts so you’re lucky in that regard, in that you should be able to get enough operators to bring that monster of yours to life. The new yard looks great (although I will miss the roundhouse
Best, Otto
Yes, I'm truly blessed to have so many good layouts and operators in the area. It's pretty easy to get a full crew for a Ops session.
I am a violinist and likewise had a serious encounter with a table saw.
Push sticks - always!
Never rush what you are doing !!
Ed
I was in the process of turning the saw off, when my left hand was moving faster than my mind. I had just glanced away from the blade, to look at the power switch to turn it off with my right hand, when my left hand was going for the board I had just ripped. It took that one very minute second and it was done. I've worked around all kinds of power tools all my life and I always try to do things the safest as possible.
BTW, it's all healed up now.
-
... I was in the process of turning the saw off, when my left hand was moving faster than my mind. I had just glanced away from the blade, to look at the power switch to turn it off with my right hand, when my left hand was going for the board I had just ripped. It took that one very minute second and it was done. ...
I've been in that same boat - extra-careful prior to and during the cut, mindful of blade and everything else, shut the saw off, and proceeded to ding the tip of a finger clearing the fence with the blade very much still spinning. Fortunately it was mostly nail and didn't even catch enough skin to bleed, but it certainly got my attention... forever! :scared: I was lucky.
Rodney, definitely haven't forgotten your offer to help. We're making slow progress clearing the layout room enough to start work on the next benchwork phase. Dealt with the big detritus in the barn just this past week and am about finished with the wiring in there, so all that leftover construction stuff we were tripping over is soon to "exit the building". Be thinking late January to early February.
-
Rodney, definitely haven't forgotten your offer to help. We're making slow progress clearing the layout room enough to start work on the next benchwork phase. Dealt with the big detritus in the barn just this past week and am about finished with the wiring in there, so all that leftover construction stuff we were tripping over is soon to "exit the building". Be thinking late January to early February.
Sounds good
-
This is the SP tracks that I've added. First was to take out the backdrop at the east end of Oroville.
Before
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/607/3ex4.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/gv3ex4j)
Now
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/921/VdiuST.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plVdiuSTj)
The far left trackage is WP, then SP track, WP-SP interchange track. The WP has to use the pair of turnouts that's on the SP in the lower left to get to 3 of it's industries.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/mWYHht.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnmWYHhtj)
This is just past the white styrene building. The left back track is the SP main that goes south out of Oroville. It just ends at the backdrop and I'll need to camouflage it some way. Next track goes inside of the building that is Ida Packing Co. Sp gets all the outbound non-perishable foods and WP gets everything that goes out in a refer. The third goes down to the interchange and more industry tracks.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/921/hMLJJG.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plhMLJJGj)
SP mainline continues along the backdrop.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/h3DIm8.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnh3DIm8j)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/BNsmSs.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmBNsmSsj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/921/cRto3E.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plcRto3Ej)
More industrial area for the SP
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/921/yknECQ.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plyknECQj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/1Sca35.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pm1Sca35j)
to the SP staging track
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/921/wkPu1Z.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plwkPu1Zj)
-
Hot damn man. That is an industrial grade layout you've got going on.
-
Changes to west Oroville
This is what it looked like when I first laid the track early in construction.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/573/dscf1446f.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/fxdscf1446fj)
Then I made changes to make more industries, but it just didn't look or feel right. This was another area the group thought it could be more like the prototype.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/SS2nvn.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmSS2nvnj)
This is what it looks like now
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/n9Qlds.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmn9Qldsj)
The unfinished building on the right will be Butte County Citrus, middle spur will be Table Mt Lumber and the finished building will be Standard Oil depot. Then there is a spur just out of the photo on the left that will be Achiegas (named after a local modeler)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/DlqNUm.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poDlqNUmj)
The elevated track is going up to Adelaide, where Kopper's wood treatment plant and High Sierra Pine Mill will be, as the prototype did.
The spur on the right will have a hardware supply co and a screw manufacturing co. Then the two spur tracks will be Vanderburg Iron & Steel,
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/ryCEVZ.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poryCEVZj)
-
Quincy RR Jct is at the east end of the Keddie yard. (The prototype jct was a few miles east of Keddie) I still need to install the interchange turnouts yet.
Looking east from Keddie Yard toward Williams Loop
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/fUn821.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pofUn821j)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/9EXVnH.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/po9EXVnHj)
Back to the west
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/6Sav30.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pn6Sav30j)
The tracks will disappear and go under Williams Loop.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/921/wMt3zW.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plwMt3zWj)
The town of Quincy. Along with the sawmill, there will be Standard Oil, Union Oil and Shell Oil bulk oil depots, lumber yard, hardware suppy co, and a distillery
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/oq8gvj.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pooq8gvjj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/aqkJYb.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poaqkJYbj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/GTH9zk.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmGTH9zkj)
-
Is that a raised plywood floor?
-
Is that a raised plywood floor?
Yes it is. The mushroom side is raised 19" above the concrete.
-
Any reason for raising it? If you drop those little N-scale parts it would be pain to pick them up.
-
Any reason for raising it? If you drop those little N-scale parts it would be pain to pick them up.
My previous reply
The mushroom side is raised 19" above the concrete.
It is a mushroom layout. The layout starts at 52" above the concrete floor and raises to 80" off the concrete floor. If I didn't raise the floor, it would be very hard to operate trains without a ladder.
-
The RR needs something for the extended tail track for switching the Klopper treatment plant at Adelaide (west Oroville). High Sierra planning mill will be up in this area too. I'll use building flats for the treatment buildings. The track will be somewhat as pictured. There will be structures down where the lower tracks are, and the RR needs this done on the cheap. With all the wood around northern Cali and with the treatment plant right here. Wood is the choice to get it done quickly. I'll have to build the lower structures once I have the trestle built, and see how much room there is for them.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/lXpnTC.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmlXpnTCj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/9fxVMp.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pl9fxVMpj)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/WF9oz0.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnWF9oz0j)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/3W17v0.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pl3W17v0j)
I think High Sierra planning mill will go on this spur.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/PiRUr9.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmPiRUr9j)
-
The trestle build is on hold for now.
When I did the layout extension last summer, I had to move the laser cutter and I've never got it set back up yet. When I built the house, I put up the cheapest paneling I could find at the time in the lounge area, so we could get closed on the house. During the extension project, I rocked the common wall and some of the other 2 walls. Where I'm going to set the laser up is on one of the other walls, so I'm been working on get them rocked and finished.
This is where the workbench will go
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/hzFCb8.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmhzFCb8j)
Got it rocked
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/921/teifVK.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plteifVKj)
The first layer of mud on
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/tAIH6Q.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/potAIH6Qj)
Almost finished. Just need a quick sand in a few spots.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/fzQJ8D.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pofzQJ8Dj)
Hope to get it painted tomorrow, start on the workbench and install the exaust vent piping. I have a airline already ran from the shop compressor to the layout room, so I'll need to "T" into it and run another line to the bench area.
-
Got it painted and decided to go ahead and finish the other walls while I'm at it.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/DnI4D8.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poDnI4D8j)
This is the common wall of the new layout extension and where the entry door to the layout room.
Above the inset area on the layout side is where "Clio Trestle" will be.
It all rocked and ready for tape and mud.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/r6alGc.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmr6alGcj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/3R1520.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pn3R1520j)
Just need to fill a few spots and it'll be ready for primer and paint
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/921/j0tDrU.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plj0tDrUj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/UGAIew.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmUGAIewj)
-
Hmm, I don't think you sheetrocked over that electrical panel so I must be seeing it wrong. :lol: I'm impressed with the speed you get things done.
-
French's Yellow Mustard?
-
French's Yellow Mustard?
I'm glad I wasn't the only one. I'm hoping it's a White Balance issue with the camera.
-
Hmm, I don't think you sheetrocked over that electrical panel so I must be seeing it wrong. I'm impressed with the speed you get things done.
No, I just forgot to past a photo of that wall
French's Yellow Mustard?
I'm glad I wasn't the only one. I'm hoping it's a White Balance issue with the camera.
The color is off pretty badly in the photo
-
[quote
......
The color is off pretty badly in the photo
[/quote]
Great, that’s a relief
-
Got three of the wall done in the lounge area. Built a table for the laser cutter and a shelf above it for cutting stock.
Still need to finish the last wall and install the drop ceiling.
I just wish I new how to get the color corrected (I'm pretty sure that it's the LED lights). I choose the color to accent the pictures.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/WVM6Po.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmWVM6Poj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/A3m9sp.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmA3m9spj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/5nrDK4.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/po5nrDK4j)
-
See if your camera has a Custom White Balance function. Check it in the manual and follow the instructions on how to set it.
If not, make sure it's set to Auto and not Sunlight or Tungsten or Florescent, etc.
-
See if your camera has a Custom White Balance function. Check it in the manual and follow the instructions on how to set it.
If not, make sure it's set to Auto and not Sunlight or Tungsten or Florescent, etc.
Thanks for the suggestion and I'll look into it
-
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/WVM6Po.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmWVM6Poj)
Really nice progress Rod, but that overhang looks like a real head banger for anyone getting up from that couch. I think you'll need to provide :ashat:'s for your guests. ;)
-
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/A3m9sp.jpg)
Not to be the turd in the punch bowl, but you're supposed to keep 3 feet clear in front of the panel box. :scared:
I'm assuming the inspectors left long ago, though... :trollface:
Lee
-
Just playing with some color cast removal.
[attachimg=1]
-
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/A3m9sp.jpg)
Not to be the turd in the punch bowl, but you're supposed to keep 3 feet clear in front of the panel box. :scared:
I'm assuming the inspectors left long ago, though... :trollface:
Lee
I saw that but I wasn't gonna say anything.
-
I built the house by myself over 20 years ago, and back then, the only inspection I had to have was the septic system. The guy I hired to that, was the inspector.
As far as the breaker box goes, I do have a 200 amp disconnect out in the shop where the power comes in, so I can kill everything there.
Really nice progress Rod, but that overhang looks like a real head banger for anyone getting up from that couch.
It's not a problem at all.
-
As far as the breaker box goes, I do have a 200 amp disconnect out in the shop where the power comes in, so I can kill everything there.
Well, that's not the point, but as long as you can get to it reasonably well we don't need to be sticklers about this.
The point is for an electrician examining it inside while energized to have a comfortably safe space to do so. Say, if you have to measure voltages while troubleshooting a circuit. Having a disconnect upstream doesn't fix this.
So if the electrician is most likely to be you, then I guess you can apply your own standard? This is the sort of thing I see in customer's houses all the time and I usually say something but don't make them fix it if it's not truly blocking access.
-
Just playing with some color cast removal.
(Attachment Link)
I rather like the yellow. 😀
-
Being that the Kansas City Invational "All N Scale Ops Weekend" didn't happen this year, I haven't done much to the layout in the last year. I was also pretty sick for about a month with covid like crap last September. Tested negative three time in a 2 month span. I sold my K 40 laser and have spent the last four months building a 100 watt laser with a cutting bed of 20" X 36" to start making structures for the layout. I did a basic design in Sketchup to make sure it would go together the way I wanted it to. I had most of what I needed from the laser I started several years ago. Ordered what parts I didn't already have and got it built. I think I like building things just to see if I can.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/48FPId.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pm48FPIdj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/YYBimX.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poYYBimXj)
-
As far as the layout goes, I've done a lot of changes in Portola. Moved to main line to the rear along with the A and D tracks. It took forever to get the old cork roadbed up without destroying the sheet cork that it was glued to. I've laid the yard 3 times before I got something that worked. The other 2 times I had all the servos in and wired, and control panels made. So that was a few wasted months. I ended up having to replace some subroadbed and Micore on the east end before I got it so it would function without tieing up the mainline.
Here where I put the new stuff in
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/r15hXz.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmr15hXzj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/6tx7i8.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pn6tx7i8j)
You can see remnants of where the old cork was at on the right side of the yard. The main is the track on the left, then a siding. The classification tracks. In the upper left the 3 tracks between the yard and siding track is the A&D tracks.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/lpGbo1.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/polpGbo1j)
Better view of the A&D tracks.
The 2 tracks that are between the main and backdrop are "Iceing tracks".
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/RnWd1f.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnRnWd1fj)
-
Here the west end of the yard.
Classification will be done on this end and the "cut and fills" will be done on the other.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/sNulv2.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmsNulv2j)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/fwRURq.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pofwRURqj)
Locomotive and car shops will go in here somewhere.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/OEHnnz.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnOEHnnzj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/5eIzYs.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/po5eIzYsj)
-
You are really making progress Rodney - the layout seems rather massive - are you doing this all by yourself?
-
You are really making progress Rodney - the layout seems rather massive - are you doing this all by yourself?
Yes, so far I've done everything. I'm very particular on how the subroadbed and track is laid. I want it as perfect as I can get it, like when laying track, making sure both rails line up with no gaps. This take some time to grind one rail down just a little bit to get that perfect mate to the next piece. I'm using ME track and joiners, and to get the joiners on, I file the ends of the rails so that the joiner goes on easier but still tight.
-
Yes, you are quite right to be particular about the track. I have a number of slight imperfections, and I'm working to get rid of them. Certain cars and locomotives tend to have issues at specific spots. Wish I had been more thorough in checking things thoroughly, but I am getting there. Anyway, very impressive what you are doing on your own. Appreciate you posting updates - I always learn things from seeing what others do.
-
Very nice. Can’t wait until the next ops weekend is held and I can sneak up there.
-
Very nice. Can’t wait until the next ops weekend is held and I can sneak up there.
Thanks,
Hell, why wait till then. If you can find some time to come up before then, let me know and I'll get a couple other layout lined up to operate on.
-
Anyway, very impressive what you are doing on your own. Appreciate you posting updates - I always learn things from seeing what others do.
Thanks Bob. That is one reason I like to post things about my layout.
-
great to see the progress Rodney. Hopefully I'll make it up to Prairie Rail next year and get to swing by to see it in person again!
Dean
-
Hopefully I'll make it up to Prairie Rail next year and get to swing by to see it in person again!
Dean
The plan is to have operating for Prairie Rail, so I hope to see you operating on it.
-
Rodney, great progress. I hate ripping things out, but sometimes that’s the best thing to do.
When is Prairie Rail, and am I invited? :D
Otto
-
When I tore out all the track in the Portola area, I also tore out all the wiring. So over the last week, I've been working on wiring Portola.
Got all the drops in for the track that is down, I wired in the mainline drops onto the sub-buss and Friday night ran a train around the whole layout for the first time in months.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/bQMJT4.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pobQMJT4j)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/5LJJSC.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pn5LJJSCj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/y3A82G.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmy3A82Gj)
-
Looking great.
-
You’re going to need a garden tractor and a box blade to ballast that yard. :scared:
-
Rodney, great progress. I hate ripping things out, but sometimes that’s the best thing to do.
When is Prairie Rail, and am I invited? :D
Otto
Thanks Otto
It's in February (dates will be set in September))
If your operating group has invited the KC group to your Ops weekend, you guys should get a invite. The group is pretty strict on who get invitations.
-
Looking great.
Thanks Wolf
You’re going to need a garden tractor and a box blade to ballast that yard. :scared:
I guess I need a few truckloads of ballast first.
-
Had a very busy weekend going to 3 different Ops sessions, so didn't get much done. I did however find time to work on putting Kato NW2 chassis under 4 Lifelike SW9's shells. Had to file a few thousands off each side if the frames and grind the area under the cab to make them fit the shells. Installed decoders and shot the shells with some black paint till I find time to do the as delivered, orange and silver WP paint.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/TOdE7I.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poTOdE7Ij)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/Kfm8yS.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmKfm8ySj)
-
Got all the linkages and servos installed on the trim end of Portola yard. Also the servos wired to the Arduino mega. Still need to get all the frogs wired and tracks labeled on the control panels.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/8rEG0O.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pn8rEG0Oj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/Np5kaS.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poNp5kaSj)
Matrix control panel all wired and installed for the trim end of the yard.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/zDbYEK.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnzDbYEKj)
Control panel for the west end Portola A&D tracks
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/IvY4Lf.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnIvY4Lfj)
West side icing tracks control panel
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/E3HdM1.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnE3HdM1j)
-
Over the last week, I got the linkages and servos mounted on the classification end of Portola yard.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/0rHvGh.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pn0rHvGhj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/9jkT7p.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pm9jkT7pj)
Once the servos are mounted, I adjust the throw in the Arduino sketch so that the points of the turnout have a little tension on them.
I use .050" or .062" aluminum for my control panels. First is to sand it so the primer has some tooth to stick to. Prime and then track color is sprayed onto the aluminum. I use automotive 1/8" pin-stripping for track. Then spray with Rust-Oleum camo army green.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/7HTLig.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/po7HTLigj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/Y4yqch.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmY4yqchj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/jRTgJe.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnjRTgJej)
I made a mistake on the track layout on the panel.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/I35RK1.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poI35RK1j)
And corrected
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/1wPMMi.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pm1wPMMij)
-
Rodney, ya know, mistakes and patches like that are completely prototypical.
Tower boards often were just taped or painted over as tracks were taken out of service, so even if you patch them up later and it shows it'll still add a little "texture" to the whole thing.
-
Rodney, ya know, mistakes and patches like that are completely prototypical.
Tower boards often were just taped or painted over as tracks were taken out of service, so even if you patch them up later and it shows it'll still add a little "texture" to the whole thing.
Yes, it's patched and it does have that "fixed" texture
-
Yes, it's patched and it does have that "fixed" texture
Nice!
I couldn't see it in the photo (in fact, it took me a minute or two to find the change), so... nice work!
-
Wiring on the control panel.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/A8Iy7f.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmA8Iy7fj)
-
The layout will have 4 or 5 sawmills. I have Long Valley Lumber from N Scale Architect built and it will be in Quincy.
In Blairsden, I have about a area that's 14"X36" for the next one I need to build.
The one that's in Quincy.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/aqkJYb.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poaqkJYbj)
Quick CAD of the next one I'll be building. I'll have a build log thread in the Scratchbuilding.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/pY2qcT.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnpY2qcTj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/amFypW.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnamFypWj)
-
Wow, I can't believe it's been over a year since I've updated my build. A lots has been going on and I'm slowly getting it ready to have a operating session sometime late December.
Got the icing dock for Portola built and painted. Sill need to mount it in place yet.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/ixHZmm.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poixHZmmj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/8YOmHg.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pn8YOmHgj)
A few structures built. Here's two of them
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/gkd3Xg.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pogkd3Xgj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/QwTln8.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poQwTln8j)
-
Started body mounting couplers using the guts of truck mounted couplers in 3D printed boxes.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/Gxf1Su.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnGxf1Suj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/0ayOEO.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pn0ayOEOj)
So far have about 400 cars done. Guessing have another 400 to do yet.
Installed some sound decoders in some Kato F B's using speaker chambers I printed.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/sDFuXK.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/posDFuXKj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/LhgFGB.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poLhgFGBj)
-
Installed some of the fascia at Portola. Can't finish till I get the rest of the track laid.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/D2vB3B.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmD2vB3Bj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/RKisHU.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmRKisHUj)
As I mounted couplers, I also weighted the cars. 40' and under is 23 grams, 50' weights 34 grams. then as I add them back to the layout, I make the car card for them
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/Doeari.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poDoearij)
-
I body-mounted the couples on my KD/MT cars by buying just the boxes from MT, as it was a lot cheaper than buying new couplers. 3D-printing the boxes would be even cheaper. Congratulations for thinking of it!
-
You've been a busy boy, Rodney! Maybe I should be spending less time on here and more time in the trainroom, like you. Outstanding progress, good to see you back. And those coupler boxes are a great idea.
Otto
-
I needed a place to store my radio throttles. So I installed a little wall under Williams Loop. Drew out the throttle box parts in Sketchup. Fired up the laser and cut them out of some smoked acrylic that I had on hand.
Box parts
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/b1HSkO.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnb1HSkOj)
Back side of the wall
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/zzwRGF.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pozzwRGFj)
Boxes glued together and mounted
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/FFtkLV.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmFFtkLVj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/Fj0HEg.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poFj0HEgj)
-
That is very nice.
-
That is very nice.
Thanks, Wolf
-
Last Tuesday evening as I was switching some cars on the trim end of Oroville yard, I discovered some trackwork that might hinder the efficiency of the trim operator. They couldn't get to class tracks 1 and 2 if any trains were arriving or departing. Also was having some derailments on the turnout off the siding to the A & D tracks.
Here it is before the change
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/jtS8rB.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pojtS8rBj)
New turnout installed with revised trackwork and getting ready to install the bell crank linkage for the servos.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/R5c7Ph.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnR5c7Phj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/QsjFe1.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poQsjFe1j)
-
Got all the bell cranks done and the Arduino mounted
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/0qxaNm.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pn0qxaNmj)
Ready for servos
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/zHUdcc.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pozHUdccj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/HFPOgV.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnHFPOgVj)
-
I think you might run into some clearance issues with those mounted like that :D
Joking aside, the rapid progress you make "at scale" is impressive and inspiring.
-
Rodney,
Is the Arduino being instructed to control the turnouts by DCC or a front panel with std toggle switches? Was your choice of servos over switch machines such as Tortoises driven by economics, or another reason??
-
I think you might run into some clearance issues with those mounted like that :D
Joking aside, the rapid progress you make "at scale" is impressive and inspiring.
Thanks Ed.
Rodney,
Is the Arduino being instructed to control the turnouts by DCC or a front panel with std toggle switches? Was your choice of servos over switch machines such as Tortoises driven by economics, or another reason??
boB,
I use several different ways to throw them, but no DCC. From track side switches, matrix with a rotary switch, and switches on panels.
Economics, being the major factor, but ease of doing rotary switch matrix also was up there with economics. When I figured the cost back when I made the decision, I was somewhere around $3.75 for each turnout (servos, DPDT switches, LED's, wire Arduino Mega, sensor board, and limit switches).
-
One of the major drawbacks to servos, is that the signal wire cannot be longer than 60" or somewhere there about.
There is a couple of ways to wire servos
One, is run all three wires back to the controller
The other is run a buss with 5 volt positive and negative for the servo power, and only the signal wire goes to the controller.
On most of my mine, I've done the all three wires back to the controller (Arduino)
-
I beg to differ on the the usable servo wire length. The pic below is my latest RC build that has a 148" wingspan and is 128" in length. The 28 channel receiver is in the nose hatch and the wiring bundle back to the rudders and elevators exceeds 14ft. Out to the aileron servo is 11ft. There are many planes even bigger with longer runs and no issues. We do run the servos at 6V and higher.
(http://www.traincat2.com/images/connie/dsconnie999b.jpg)
For giant scale and long runs, almost everyone uses this for servo leads
https://www.servocity.com/50-0-super-duty-twisted-hitec-standard-wire (https://www.servocity.com/50-0-super-duty-twisted-hitec-standard-wire)
We all make our own cables including the Ashlok locking connectors where pieces disassemble. PM me and we can chat about servos/wiring if you want.
-
boB - man of many, many toys. That is a one nice giant Connie! :)
-
I beg to differ on the the usable servo wire length.
It's just what I experienced with what I'm using. 2 of us went together and bought 500 of these 9G servos from Tower Hobbies for $589 shipped. I mean they were cheap (that's $1.15 a piece). When I first got them, I tried one with a 8' signal wire and it wasn't reliable when thrown. 6' was very good, so to be on the safe side, I keep them to about 60" max. It could be that the one I tested was bad, as about 2% of the batch we got were duds.
I know that some of the digital servos I have, are 100% better than these cheap ones.
BTW, nice plane
-
Rodney, try it again sometime with thicker gauge wire, like the one that Bob suggested from Servo City. Those Tower Pro 9G servos are not that bad at all. I have them in my planes and they last forever. But they do wear out eventually. You can tell when that happens when they start hunting/jittering at center position.
I fly RC airplanes too but not giant scale like Bob! :D
-
Rodney,
Any chance of getting a better picture of your servo and limit switch mount?
Thanks,
Scott
-
Rodney, try it again sometime with thicker gauge wire, like the one that Bob suggested from Servo City. Those Tower Pro 9G servos are not that bad at all. I have them in my planes and they last forever. But they do wear out eventually.
OK, that might be my problem. I'm using 28 gauge wire as that is what the servo is wired with.
-
Rodney,
Any chance of getting a better picture of your servo and limit switch mount?
Thanks,
Scott
Scott, the mounts are 3D printed on one of my FDM printers. The limit switch(es) is attached to the servo with 3M outdoor mounting tape. Since these photos were taken, I'm now taking the metallic labels off the servos and gluing a piece of stryene on them. Had some that the tape wouldn't stick to the servo very well.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/mDLgQp.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnmDLgQpj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/XllHUe.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmXllHUej)
-
Thanks for posting this. I'm about to start my layout and using servos for frog power.
-
Started body mounting couplers using the guts of truck mounted couplers in 3D printed boxes.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/Gxf1Su.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnGxf1Suj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/0ayOEO.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pn0ayOEOj) Rod, did you have to mill out the frames
So far have about 400 cars done. Guessing have another 400 to do yet.
Installed some sound decoders in some Kato F B's using speaker chambers I printed.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/sDFuXK.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/posDFuXKj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/LhgFGB.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poLhgFGBj)
-
Rod, did you have to mill out the Kato frames for the speaker enclosure and the coupler box?
-
Rod, did you have to mill out the Kato frames for the speaker enclosure and the coupler box?
No, it made to go on a B unit with no modifications
-
22 servos installed and the rotary switch matrix wired. Next will be the 2 control panels
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/ghAPhm.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmghAPhmj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/QyDSrI.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poQyDSrIj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/EDQRn1.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poEDQRn1j)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/IDp3lB.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnIDp3lBj)
-
I've been making progress finally after a bout with a bad lung infection that had me down for over 3 weeks.
Got all the servos wired and control panels made. Hooking up all the frog power took the longest.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/OOWlwQ.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poOOWlwQj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/HQiv4Y.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnHQiv4Yj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/buUkio.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnbuUkioj)
Cut and assembled some carcard boxes out of smoked acrylic. Printed several 100 waybills for the carcards.
This is the one at Oroville trim end
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/srttzC.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmsrttzCj)
East Oroville industries
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/cWSJAb.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pncWSJAbj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/6FZ8ak.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/po6FZ8akj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/6U9wWp.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/po6U9wWpj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/feXijB.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmfeXijBj)
-
This past weekend, Kansas City hosted "N scale weekend" Ops session. I had 2 operating sessions with 12 guest at both sessions. The road crews ran 16 trains each day and had 3 locals working. Only used Oroville yard as Keddie and Portola are not ready yet. Here is a quick video that Allen (@Bendtracker1) shot to get a idea of the size. It starts as you enter the room by Blairsden.
-
Rodney,
Thanks for hosting us this weekend. Quite nice to see it in person! Hopefully those forklifts fit in for you... I look forward to the next visit.
Sam
-
What sketch are you using on your arduinos for the servo control?
-
What sketch are you using on your arduinos for the servo control?
I built my own sketch from parts I found on the Arduino forum and then had some help on it to slow the servos down.
-
belated thank you for the op sessions at the Kansas City N Scale weekend Rodney. I had a blast running this extremely lengthy westbound shown here approaching Keddie.
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/32/3421-010323205351.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=32568)
-
For the OPs weekend, I thought I had enough rolling stock on the layout to keep everyone busy. Well I didn't, as some of the locals were done
well before the sessions were over.
So over the last few weeks, I've been renumbering some cars. About 90% of my rolling stock is Kadee/MTL and I have a lot of cars with the same numbers
I started on some tank car for all the oil/gasoline dealers that is or will be on the layout. Before decaling them, they got body mounted couplers and weight
added to them by taking them apart and adding lead sheet to the stock weight.
I have a minimum weight of 23 grams for all rolling stock.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/922/EkBLhR.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmEkBLhRj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/922/dXWoV7.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmdXWoV7j)
Using a toothpick, I scratched off one or two numbers and added decal numbers. I didn't bother with the numbers on the ends of the cars
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/y5loV0.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poy5loV0j)
-
Before the cars go on the layout, I make carcards for them. I have Shenware carcards and waybill software, but haven't figured out how to use it yet.
So for now, I've been using Excell to make them. I'll just use Shenware for the waybills. There is a couple N scale layouts here in the area that has photos
of the car on the car cards. So I've been playing around with seeing if I can do it.
Here is what it looks like in the print "preview"
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/61QXuj.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/po61QXujj)
I might make the car number smaller and the photo a little smaller as the waybill covers up some of the photo.
Don't pat attention to the waybill as I just put this one in there to see what it will look like.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/uCqA61.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnuCqA61j)
-
For the last few days, I've been working on Keddie Yard to make it operable for a upcoming session in October. I only needed 4 tracks for sorting and the interchange track for the Quincy RR. This will add another operator to a session. The operator will only have 6 to 8 trains to work with each train only having 1 to 3 cars to work. He will also work the Quincy interchange track.
I used ground throws for now for a session or two to see if the yard will work the way I think it will. If it does, all the ground throws will be replaced with servos and control panels.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/923/mq8fHp.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnmq8fHpj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/924/GxvPyQ.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poGxvPyQj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/922/GEep31.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmGEep31j)
-
I've been playing with Keddie yard and high line staging. I plan to operate 2 GWS (Great Northern, Western Pacific, and Santa Fe) trains from the high line staging yard and 2 SWG trains to the high line staging. My average length train on the layouts is around 50 cars, but I only have room for 21 car trains with locos and caboose in staging.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/923/iD1JOY.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pniD1JOYj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/924/SJ6eIN.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poSJ6eINj)
So, a major rebuild is the works. I really didn't like the "snake effect" on this part of the mainline as well.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/923/gQJps8.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pngQJps8j)
-
This is what it looks like this morning
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/922/EwEygU.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmEwEygUj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/924/aRTqq4.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poaRTqq4j)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/922/0S8lps.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pm0S8lpsj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/922/DqIUg9.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmDqIUg9j)
I had set the original grade on the layout itself to 1% (helix is 2%) as the prototype is. But wanting to add some stock pens to what was Belden and changing the name to Merlin siding, I'm going to increase the grade to 2% so I can get the siding level instead of the 1% that it is now. That may mean that I'll have to rebuild all the way back to Pulga (the first siding after leaving Oroville.
-
Got the sub-roadbed with Micore done on the staging yard and the cork almost done. The sub-roadbed is about half done on the mainline.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/923/dwE6R9.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pndwE6R9j)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/923/B4EMge.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnB4EMgej)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/923/wzxoYJ.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnwzxoYJj)
-
The track is laid in the staging yard. It'll hold a 47, a 49 and 55 plus car trains.
This is 50 cars.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/924/bIfdwo.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pobIfdwoj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/922/fvURCl.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmfvURClj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/923/pKs4Di.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnpKs4Dij)
The first would be staged where the far locos are. This train will have to me moved before a inbound train could be sent to it.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/923/Bb9PlQ.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnBb9PlQj)
-
Or, you could run a train with"only" 54 cars :P
Good to see more progress on the RR.
Otto
-
Thanks Otto
-
The benchwork is done. I'm ready to start laying cork
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/922/u9bHSH.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmu9bHSHj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/924/RQ35rI.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poRQ35rIj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/922/nMGkId.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmnMGkIdj)
-
Found out that I only had a few pieces of HO cork left, so I ran to the hobby shop and bought another box. That was sticker shock as the last box I bought was about 5 years ago. It was less than $30 out the door, and this box was almost $60 out the door. Ripped 12 strips down on the tablesaw, to the same width I had used before and got all the cork glued down. I remembered to paint everything this time before laying track.
All the old wiring was ripped out as I only had a single buss wires feeding everything from Oroville yard up to Keddie.
I will now have a main buss and then sub buss for each section of track between the turnouts and the sidings. The high line side of the wye and the staging yard is the reversing section. All the feeder wires are soldered on the staging tracks and working on reversing section buss.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/922/s3yCYr.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pms3yCYrj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/923/davl6d.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pndavl6dj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/922/i5Gmrl.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmi5Gmrlj)
-
Nice going, Rodney! It already looks better!
Otto
-
All the rewiring is done and trains are running again. Ran a couple of 50 car trains up and down the new section with no problems. Haven't ran a train into the new staging yard, but I have faith it's OK.
Started building foam scenery sub-base and attached aluminum angle to the wall to hold the foam above the staging yard. Tunnel portals are glue in place, and checked for clearance.
The work on the fascia will begin with 24" high, 1/8" hardboard.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/923/B6MlSV.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnB6MlSVj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/922/WZ7JwB.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmWZ7JwBj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/924/Xm4LPa.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poXm4LPaj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/924/oUsXWV.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pooUsXWVj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/923/qZ270I.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnqZ270Ij)
-
You, sir, are an inspiration for "model railroading at scale". You don't do anything small and it's incredibly inspirational.
-
Nice going, Rodney! It already looks better!
Otto
Thanks, Otto
Scenery will make it even better
You, sir, are an inspiration for "model railroading at scale". You don't do anything small and it's incredibly inspirational.
Thanks, Ed.
Coming from you, that a big complement.
You need to make another trip to KC. Just wished you had more time to see the layout the last time you was here.
-
Thanks, Otto
Scenery will make it even better
Thanks, Ed.
Coming from you, that a big complement.
You need to make another trip to KC. Just wished you had more time to see the layout the last time you was here.
I know!
So many travels to make, so little time.
And thank you!
-
The fascia is going up on the rebuilt area
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/924/5Egztx.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/po5Egztxj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/924/63ub03.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/po63ub03j)
-
Simply amazing work. I love the Oroville yard...
-
More fascia has went up and painted. Control panels installed.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/924/XACL1j.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poXACL1jj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/922/XujKGY.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmXujKGYj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/922/5hUXY8.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pm5hUXY8j)
-
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/908/9C8On9.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/p89C8On9j)
Nice work on this! Could I ask, what diameter and grade did you use?
Ed
-
Thanks Ed.
The grade is 1% and radius starts at 36" and widens to about 40".
BTW, the separation where the two tracks crossover on the prototype is less than what I ended up with. I want to go back and work on that sometime.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/924/NmWlGq.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poNmWlGqj)
-
What is the actual elevation change where the tracks cross over themselves? Tehachapi loop is 77', but this looks more like maybe 40' to my eye.
Ed
-
Hmm, interesting. Why didn't the just build a simple bridge there?
Otto
-
Well, it kind of is a bridge: a ballasted concrete viaduct. ;)
On the map, the Loop is about 480 m in diameter. According to Wikipedia, the grade is 1% (compensated), so maybe 0.8% in the Loop? If the grade were a true 1% throughout, the separation would be about 50 feet, but there is no way it is that large. I'd wager it is somewhere between 35' and 40'.
-
Why didn't the just build a simple bridge there?
Just a guess, perhaps the angle that it crosses the track below would have required a bridge that cost more than a tunnel option?
One other guess, perhaps a bridge deck would not have had enough clearance to the track below?
Ed
-
I know I been told or read the what the separation was, but I can't remember. I went through all my WP books and haven't found it yet. I agree with @GaryHinshaw that it's somewhere around 35 to 40 feet.
-
Here is a photo looking back the other direction from the crossover tunnel.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/923/7BXd4I.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pn7BXd4Ij)
Here one on the top
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/923/EMIazR.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnEMIazRj)
Ans another from the other side of the tunnel
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/923/Cc2Jkz.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poNmWlGqj)
-
That tunnel & walls look very similar to SP's construction. Perhaps WP/SP had some common standards?
I've seen in some videos that it does allow double-stacks to pass thru.
Ed
-
Working on livestock pens
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/923/GbhpNX.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnGbhpNXj)
Added a siding for stock pens on the Feather River Railway junction that is the lead to the highline staging yard
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/924/6KIvWs.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/po6KIvWsj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/923/rSz1Gt.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnrSz1Gtj)