N Scale Hi Rail - Retro Hollow Core Door Layout

[wm3798]

It ain't pretty, but performance is much improved.



I added one shoe to each truck to pick up track current from each side.

Since the Bachmann tender is preassembled and glued, I took the shortcut of running the wiring underneath instead of fishing it thru the shell.  A little drilling and poking around with a hook might have gotten it, but fortunately the atrocious ride height over the trucks provides plenty of clearance!

Anyway, I've just spent a few enjoyable hours listening to it purr around the retro loop, hauling 8 or nine cars thanks to the improved pickup scheme and about a half ounce of added lead in various locations under the boiler shell.

By no means competition for its older cousin or much younger sister, but a pleasant addition to the Retro Fleet just the same.

[wm3798]

Back to layout building... 



All the main track components are now composed, and the necessary turnouts have been procured (except for the coal spurs)



I've closed loop of the coal branch, which will be masked by a short tunnel in the middle (note the portal).  Although it's connected to the main of the WM line, it can also operate as a separate loop, thus upping the possible number of trains running at one time to 4!



Here's an overview from the other end.  With the track plan finalized, it's time to work out the wiring diagram and build the switch machines.  I want to avoid poking holes through the door itself, so I'm planning a trough front to back in the vicinity of the end of the skyboard (the area conspicuously missing foam) where I'll provide for a conduit under the scenery to a terminal strip, where I can add a connection for a control panel.

I'm only planning to make four of the turnouts automated (the ends of the sidings on the B&O route), the WM switches might be, but I need to build the B&O first, so I'll make that decision downstream a bit.  In either case, I'll only need up to 6.  I'll leave the coal spurs manual.

My plan is to use Tortoise machines, which provide some on/off switches that will help with power routing, and some rudimentary signaling. On the lower B&O, I'll lay them on their backs so the throw rod moves horizontally, cutting them into the foam and covering them with some sort of removable hatch in the scenery.  The logistics of whether they're mounted directly under the track or off to the side will be determined by the locations.

I'm glad I've reached this point, because now I can start visualizing the scenery a little more clearly, and start planning projects that align with the vision.

I have acquired the necessary bridge track to take care of the WM trestles, but that will literally be the last bit of track to be installed, so it may be a bit before I actually arrange to pick it up from my personal delivery service (Thanks @Ed Kapuscinski !)

Onward!

[Ed Kapuscinski]

You need to put it against a wall or it's not a model railroad.

[wm3798]

It will be... It's presently in the garage on the workshop table so I can get at both sides of it.

Once the track is affixed and the wiring is sorted, I'll bring it into the office to install it.

Lee

[wm3798]

You need to put it against a wall or it's not a model railroad.

You don't want it to be "model railroady" remember?

[wm3798]

Found a couple of Peco turnouts to work with in the stacks of stuff, so I started laying the first section of track. 

6
It's the staging sidings on the lower level B&O mains, which will be behind the skyboard, but still in the viewshed of someone lurking at the short side of the layout.

As such, I may set some structures over the side mounted tortoises to disguise them.

Also applied track power for the first time to test the turnout...



In keeping with the retro theme, I'm using Con Cor sectional track, 12-3/8" radius!
Lee

[CRL]

Sure would have been cleaner to use servos. The Tortoise machines aren’t exactly retro. 

[wm3798]

I have a pile of Tortoises leftover from the old layout.  Minimal cash outlays are an imperative... at least until my daughter graduates from college in the spring!

[learmoia]

How did you find a Penn Central FM without chipping paint?

 

[peteski]

How did you find a Penn Central FM without chipping paint?

 

Maybe it is unpainted black plastic shell with Tampo-printed lettering? 

[Doug G.]

They were painted. I have one that was badly chipped. I stripped it and will repaint/decal, one of these days.

Doug

[DKS]

Yes, they're all painted, black paint on brown plastic. Years ago I bought a dozen or so surplus shells, and sorted out the chipped ones. Didn't leave very many.

[wm3798]

Should I Dullcote it to protect It?  Or will that put the finish at risk?
L

[DKS]

I think I'd leave it alone, and just handle it with care. Of course, if your history with the 0-8-0 serves as a guide...

[Point353]

I think I'd leave it alone, and just handle it with care. Of course, if your history with the 0-8-0 serves as a guide...

In other words, the 0-5-0 can't manage with the 0-8-0.