N Scale Hi Rail - Retro Hollow Core Door Layout

[Point353]

To amble back into view of the topic at least, I added some weight to my old Roco FA, and it's gliding around to loop now hauling a baker's dozen of WM coal hoppers.

Be on the lookout for the traction booster kit that included a pair of extra weights shaped to fit around the top of the motor, plus a replacement wheelset equipped with traction tires.

[wm3798]

I simply took some 1/8" diameter solder and bent it to fit in the upper corners of the shell, and installed it with some CA.  Doubled the pulling capacity without a traction tire.  For my little rig, that's about all I needed.

Lee

[wm3798]

The MBK Box arrived today.  Between the goodies contained therein and the stock of old turnouts I have on hand, I'm ready to begin Phase 1 of the new improved Retro Layout.



The industrial tracks at the upper right are subject to change, but the engine terminal and passenger station are mission critical, so that part is set.  It might be a while before there's any substantial progress, though, as Spring has sprung, so work on and around the house season is now in full swing.

I want to properly build the modular frames, following what I've learned building the TTrak boxes, to make sure I don't get in my own way with short cuts.  Since these two sections will be the most complex in terms of trackwork, I'm hoping that once they are laid out, the rest of the rig comes together fairly quickly.  It will be a fun project to pick away at over the summer.

Phase 2 will be the back two boxes, with the interchange track,



And Phase 3 will be the simplest, the return loop on the right end.  I plan to build this to TTrak spec with Unitrak so it can be popped off and toted around, and so my two TTrak boxes can be spliced into the layout to extend the run a little bit from time to time.



I've probably prattled on about this previously, but it's now easier to visualize.

Onward and upward!
Lee

[CRL]

If you’re going real old school, don’t forget to cram a couple of stub sidings into the corners.   

[jpec]

Lee, were you looking for some of the vintage corrugated Atlas (Rivarossi) passenger cars?  I found a set of 4 at the last weekend's show for $10 a pop. I bought all 4. They are all illuminated (with the giant light bulb in the center of the car).  They are yours for the price I paid, plus shipping.

If DKS or Ed K. don't want them, I'll take them...

[DKS]

If DKS or Ed K. don't want them, I'll take them...

Go ahead, I've got some already.

[peteski]

If DKS or Ed K. don't want them, I'll take them...

@Ed Kapuscinski  ?  Last chance for you.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

@Ed Kapuscinski  ?  Last chance for you.

Nope, I'm good.

[wm3798]

Thinking about my passenger terminal.  I dig Broad Street in Richmond,  especially that it has ramps to the platforms rather than steps.


That's the model at the Science Museum that now occupies the building.  I can print the window grids on acetate.
Wonder what can use for the dome?
Lee

[DKS]

Wonder what can use for the dome?

A slice of an old L'Eggs container?

[wm3798]

Is that even still a thing?

Oh wait there from the 70s. Don't tell me you have a drawer full of them ...

[peteski]

Oh wait there from the 70s. Don't tell me you have a drawer full of them ...

Um, I don't want to know  . . .
 

[Point353]

Thinking about my passenger terminal.  I dig Broad Street in Richmond,  especially that it has ramps to the platforms rather than steps.

Wonder what can use for the dome?

One of those dome-shaped battery-operated utility lights:

[peteski]

Before offering suggestions, it would make sense to know the approximate base diameter of the dome.

[Point353]

Before offering suggestions, it would make sense to know the approximate base diameter of the dome.

Because cutting it to the correct diameter might be too difficult?