CN Yellowhead Division

[GaryHinshaw]

Really nice example of the N scale advantage.  What is track speed through that stretch?

[Scottl]

The backdrop is 24" so that gives lots of vertical to dwarf the trains.

That is a good question about track speed, I'm not sure really.  I tend to run quite slowly anyway.  I have a research field trip planned for the end of the month.  I hope to get some answers to questions like that.

[Cajonpassfan]

Looking great, Scott! That grey foam was a find, almost a shame to cover it up
Mo' pics please...
Otto

[Scottl]

@Cajonpassfan Thanks Otto.  It was a stroke of luck that a friend in construction found it for me and gave me a truck load of pieces.  I've never seen it before or since but I gather it is used for insulating underneath sidewalks and concrete in commercial buildings.  It beats the pink-hill look but the sculptamold sure looks funny on it

I will probably take more photos tomorrow.  Big train show in Calgary (Super Train) and then friend and his son are coming over to run trains.  Still many kinks to work out for smooth operation but fun to run trains regardless!

[lock4244]

Really nice example of the N scale advantage.  What is track speed through that stretch?

TT from 2007 it seems (speed charts start pg 4, but it's by mileage, no named stations):
http://www.cwrailway.ca/cnrha.ca/Timetables%2007/Alberta%20West/Edson%20%2707.pdf

[Scottl]

Thanks!  Looks like 45 mph in this section and 55 mph elsewhere.

[Scottl]

Yesterday was the first real test of operating the new layout.  My friend brought over his NCE handheld so we were able to have both of us operating at the same time.  Just plug in the second handheld and we were off to the races- NCE Powercab is still such a reliable and simple system even though mine is 14 years old.  A small achievement, but a first for me on one of my layouts!  Things went reasonably smoothly but I have some turnouts to tune.

I'm still not satisfied with the track work on the gate.  I installed rerailers on each end to solve any derailments but it appears that the rerailers are causing derailments, while the track gaps on the gate are not a problem at all.  I'm leaning towards a semi-permanent gate for the entry and removing the rerailers.

One thing that did come up during the novelty of having two trains running at once.  When each of us had a locomotive passing through widely separated turnout frogs, it shorted the layout.  Still scratching my head on that one, as none of the frogs are powered yet.  The layout is one power district so there must be a way for current to pass, but I have no idea how.  As I said, the frogs are all unpowered so passing onto a frog should have no electrical consequence.  Any thoughts?

[Cajonpassfan]

Scott, you shouldn't need to use rerailers (at that point) if the gate is seated properly. If it isn't, rerailers won't help, imho.
I do wonder whether that hinge provides enough lateral stability given its narrow vertical axis and in-line screws. I would think the opposite end would have too much play.
As to the shorting problem, your unpowered (Atlas) frogs do become intermittently powered with engine trucks passing over them. I would start with checking the frogs to make sure they really are electrically insulated from adjacent rails on both sides. When a short happens, is it on a particular turnout, or is it completely random?
Good luck, Otto

[Scottl]

Thanks Otto. I used a clasp buckle to stabilize the side to side play in the hinge and it does work reasonably well, but the rerailers have to go and I think I'm going replace the entire gate with a drop-in plate with dowels to align.

I agree it seems like some kind of frog issue, but none of the frogs involved are electrically connected yet and I tested everything with a continuity detector.  I'm just not sure how another short could occur.  It is quite perplexing.

[lock4244]

Thanks!  Looks like 45 mph in this section and 55 mph elsewhere.

Don't forget, 35mph for key trains 

[Scottl]

Jasper Yard looks good filled with some trains.  I'm pleased how all of my locomotives operate perfectly after sitting in storage for over 2 years.  Lots of weathering and work to do on my freight fleet to keep me busy.

[lock4244]

Jasper Yard looks good filled with some trains.  I'm pleased how all of my locomotives operate perfectly after sitting in storage for over 2 years.  Lots of weathering and work to do on my freight fleet to keep me busy.

I'm C N some good stuff here 

Although some straight SD40's, SD40-2W's, GP40-2W's, and some unrebuilt GP9's and 9100 series F7Au's would harken back to glory days... just sayin'

[Scottl]

Recognize the lumber center beams?   

[lock4244]

Recognize the lumber center beams?   

I do not, but thinking thee CN and a BCOL?

[Scottl]

Yes, I bought them from you about 8 years ago