Thanks, Ed. K, for Your Tip on Recessing Ground Throws

[davefoxx]

Ed,

As you may know, I've started the construction of a very small layout.  I'm trying to take all of the lessons learned from the construction of the former Virginia Central door layout, as well as the many tips and suggestions I've witnessed here and on the A-board, to build a compact, detailed, and, hopefully, well-built layout.

Anyhow, thank you for your idea to recess the Caboose Industries ground throws.  I took your suggestion from the blog on your website.  What a difference recessing makes, thereby minimizing the visual impact of these grossly oversize ground throws.  Since I use Atlas Code 55 turnouts, obviously, something was needed to control the points.  But, I also like to power the frogs, so, in my case, that means using the throws that have the electric switch built in.  Those throws are even larger and uglier than the standard throws that you used!  I installed the first ground throw last night and left it to dry.  I'll try to let you know how the final result came out and post pictures sometime soon.

A benefit of this ridiculously small layout is that I will only have three ground throws to install.  Nice.  Who knows, I might even be able to ballast the whole layout in one evening (I hate ballasting).  This layout may be small, but it's making model railroading a whole lot more enjoyable for me right now.  Another benefit, no impulse purchases on six-axle or larger locomotives or any rolling stock over 50 scale feet in length anymore! ;D  Considering that this layout has cost me zero dollars out-of-pocket so far, because I have scraped together all of the materials needed from the excess left over from the last layout, it's model railroading on the cheap.  That is REAL important right now.  To quote McDonalds, "I'm lovin' it!"

Dave Foxx

[wm3798]

I've done the same thing in the paper mill switching area.  That and a little paint really make them disappear.


There they are, poking up their little heads like prairie dogs!



Micro slide switches can be pretty inconspicuous, too...and still get you the electrical connection you need.

Lee

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Wow, it's awesome to see someone take your idea and run with it! I'm glad it was helpful Dave.

I really like what you're doing with the temp rig. That was actually my whole plan for the current door layout.

I can't wait to see some pics of it as it comes along.

[davefoxx]

Compare your ground throws to the ones on my old layout.  What a difference!  The monstrosity that was my ground throw on the former layout is at left in the following picture (as if it needed to be pointed out).  Ugh!


DFF

[davefoxx]

Wow, it's awesome to see someone take your idea and run with it! I'm glad it was helpful Dave.

I really like what you're doing with the temp rig. That was actually my whole plan for the current door layout.

I can't wait to see some pics of it as it comes along.

Thanks, Ed.  My door layout was built for the same purpose.  I just never expected that I would have to go backwards by building smaller, but here I am!  Oh well, less layout means less stress sometimes.  Perhaps I can actually complete a layout and even superdetail it.  

I'll post pics as construction occurs.  Ideally, I'll get my camera back from Lee when we meet to volunteer for the CRHS Express in a couple of weeks, and I will be able to use something a little nicer than my cell phone to document construction.

Dave

[wm3798]

Camera?  What Camera?  What is this Camera you talk about? ;D ;D

Ansel Adams

[davefoxx]

Camera?  What Camera?  What is this Camera you talk about? ;D ;D

Ansel Adams

Did I say camera?  Oops, I meant Camero.  Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Chip Foose

[Mark5]

Camera?  What Camera?  What is this Camera you talk about? ;D ;D

Ansel Adams

Did I say camera?  Oops, I meant Camero.  Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Chip Foose

Lee has your Camaro?

[wm3798]

I drove it up here from the Bahamas...

[Mark5]

I drove it up here from the Bahamas...

Bitchin!

[RDG_Rich]

I drove it up here from the Bahamas...

wow you're kidding!

I must be the Bahamas are islands...

And Ed...thanks for the idea. I just completed the benchwork for a door layout, but now I'm not so sure I'll use Caboose ground throws...I have a bag of Mini slide switches sitting in front of me....

[wcfn100]

Ya' know Lee, it looks nice, but I think you nbeed to take the extra steps.




Jason

[towl1996]

Ahh, love the DM. I took a walk to zipperhead...
Thanks

[Ed Kapuscinski]

It's been so long since I heard this song... thanks Skreemr.com!