On30 ET&WNC R.R.

[Lemosteam]

No, I don't see the advantage of dead-rail at this point.  It's bad enough that I'm always running low on battery power on my cell phone or tablet.  I prefer not to have to deal with recharging locomotive batteries, or worse, replacing expensive batteries.  Oh, and I just bought an NCE DCC system a few weeks ago.

DFF

Sorry I forgot about that purchase.

There was much discussion on Yahoo recently about using the rails to charge the battery when at rest on the layout, so no battery removal, plugging or unplugging, etc.  Not sure if the charging system works like a cell phone charger and can charge the battery white the loco is in use.

[davefoxx]

There was much discussion on Yahoo recently about using the rails to charge the battery when at rest on the layout, so no battery removal, plugging or unplugging, etc.  Not sure if the charging system works like a cell phone charger and can charge the battery white the loco is in use.

Well, I have to admit that is interesting and could change my view of dead-rail.  I'd be curious to read more about that.

DFF

[Lemosteam]

Well, I have to admit that is interesting and could change my view of dead-rail.  I'd be curious to read more about that.

DFF

QFT.  One fella was claiming 20-30 minutes run time on a loco with the electronics he used and another 4-6 on his garden loco.  I have been quietly following the dead rail group for a while now, picking up bits and pieces.

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/DeadRailSociety/conversations/topics/3109;_ylc=X3oDMTM1ZTZpazg4BF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzg2NDkzNzk0BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA2MzU3NgRtc2dJZAMzMTQ1BHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA3Z0cGMEc3RpbWUDMTQ5MjczOTMwMwR0cGNJZAMzMTA5

It's unfortunate that this topic is not a common one here, but we are mostly N Scalers here and until someone offers a long-lasting micro battery and receiver small enough, (and some have done it there) I don't suspect it would have much traction on TRW.

[p51]

It's been a long time, did anything happen with this concept?

[davefoxx]

It's been a long time, did anything happen with this concept?

The previous concept discussed upthread, unfortunately, no, because the Seaboard Central 3.0 took over much of the space.  Buuuuuuuuuut, I've been thinking about how I can get my ET&WNC ten-wheelers out of their boxes and on the track, and this idea hit me last weekend: a shelf layout underneath the Seaboard Central!

If I install two L-Girders on the legs of the existing layout, like this temporary set up of the 1"x2" clamped to the legs:



. . . then I could build a shelf layout around the table legs.  The trackplan would merely be a simple loop with hidden staging on the backside and a shadow box on the front, which would be visible when you first enter the layout room.  The staging will likely only be a single stub siding, due to space limitations, but even that would get extra rolling stock or an engine off of the main without a lot of handling.  The shadow box scene is probably going to be the Doe River Gorge.  There was a covered deck bridge scene that I was considering, but I don't think the space that I have would do that bridge justice.

Enjoy this short video, which even shows some of the remaining track and a few abandoned bridges of the ET&WNC in the Doe River Gorge.  What beautiful scenery!  Oh, and Aly wants me to do autumn, since the Seaboard Central is springtime.

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I might get inspired to go buy some lumber tomorrow morning and frame up this new shelf layout!

DFF

[Chris333]

Model all the scales!     When you walk into the room. What about the space to the right. Like the wall the door is on?

[davefoxx]

Model all the scales!     When you walk into the room. What about the space to the right. Like the wall the door is on?

Well, I have G, O, HO, and N, so . . .

[garethashenden]

Well, I have G, O, HO, and N, so . . .

Sounds like its time for some Sn2 or something of that nature 

[CRL]

Well, I have G, O, HO, and N, so . . .

So, you GO HO’N every day? 

[Jbub]

So, you GO HO’N every day? 

Bwahahahahahs

[wm3798]

Wouldn't an around the wall ABOVE the SC make more sense?  It would certainly be more visible.
Lee

[davefoxx]

So, you GO HO’N every day? 

I’d like to say anytime I can, but I’m middle-aged now, so . . .

[davefoxx]

Wouldn't an around the wall ABOVE the SC make more sense?  It would certainly be more visible.
Lee

The entry door, poop pipe, and backdrop for the Seaboard Central prohibit that idea.  So, underneath at seated height works perfectly.  Besides, Aly can see it better down under.  The Seaboard Central’s rail height starts at about 50” from the floor and goes up from there.  Aly already has to stand on a stool to see that.  The On30 needs to be lower.

DFF

[Steveruger45]

The entry door, poop pipe, and backdrop for the Seaboard Central prohibit that idea.  So, underneath at seated height works perfectly.  Besides, Aly can see it better down under.  The Seaboard Central’s rail height starts at about 50” from the floor and goes up from there.  Aly already has to stand on a stool to see that.  The On30 needs to be lower.

DFF

Just be sure that wherever you put it you find and fill-in the invisible rabbit hole that appears to be present 😃🤔

[davefoxx]

Rabbithole?  Nah, I've flirted with the idea of Seaboard System and ET&WNC layouts for decades.  I have a G scale ET&WNC train over my desk at work that I bought in 1994.  It used to run on a shelf built up near the ceiling that ran around the entire spare bedroom of a house that I owned twenty years ago.  So, I just finally found way to make both happen.  The On30 layout won't require much investment, and it won't take up any floor space that isn't already occupied by the Seaboard Central.  I already have two On30 locomotives, a few passenger cars, and the track.  It will likely only have one turnout and merely be a roundy-round with a shadow box diorama on one side.  I'll probably just tie it into the DCC control system of the Seaboard Central (the bus wires aren't far away), so no expense there, either.  But, it will scratch an itch with not much effort and little cash necessary.

DFF