layout construction timeline

[asciibaron]

Friday, 31 August - picked up lumber for switching layout
Saturday, 1 Sept - picked up track and turnouts
Sunday, 2 Sept - assembled benchwork and test fit turnouts
Monday, 3 Sept - laid track and ran first train
Wednesday, 5 Sept - received via courier 8 more sections of flex track, showed off layout to said courier - finalized revisions to trackplan
Thursday, 6 Sept - removed mainline and runaround track work and installed cork roadbed - relaid track and ran test train

trackwork knock list:
wiring - 2 wires - multiple feeders
install ground throws


i'll post some pictures shortly. 

-Steve

[DKS]

It's amazing how quickly things can progress when one is motivated to see trains running.

[asciibaron]

It's amazing how quickly things can progress when one is motivated to see trains running.

I decided to build the layout on Monday, 24 Sept after the Bedford show.  I think the most difficult part of any project is starting it - once you are going, completing a milestone really feels good.  my son is VERY excited and has been having fun "helping" dad build the layout.  He has been running a few test trains and has been lobbying for various scenic details; something about an operating conveyor belt at with cases of beer on them at the brewery - like he saw at my friends brewery here in "Balmer."

-Steve

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Indeed. I'm really impressed, and stoked to have ANOTHER layout that I can come operate... (since mine is just roundy-roundy).

[asciibaron]

it's ready when you are Ed.  just bring your wife along and she make busy with my wife. 

-steve

[tom mann]

it's ready when you are Ed. 
-steve

Where are you, exactly?  I may want to see for myself

[sparky]

... just bring your wife along and she make busy with my wife. 

Steve... what exactly do you mean by "make busy"?  ;D

[asciibaron]

here are some shots of the layout.

first PH-4 is heading west on the Panhandle into Newcomerstown



a close up of the lone GP-30 2204 built by GM's Electro-Motive Division in March 1964.  The 2250hp barely made a showing in the horsepower race bested by Alco and GE products before being introduced.  All that would change with the GP-40...



here is a close up of the Stone Container Corporation in the background and the PRR setoff track for the Dover Secondary which crosses at grade to the west.



-'67

[wm3798]

Looks like you're off to a good start.
Lee

[asciibaron]

i need to wire up a bus for the various drops, but that's a rainy day kind of thing.  the entire layout is running fine off a single drop.  i do not use powered frogs and that makes life much easier. 

still investigating turnout control....

-Steve

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Steve, you're a MANIAC! (and it's great)

[asciibaron]

Steve, you're a MANIAC! (and it's great)

ready for the crazy part?

once i add the phase 2 pieces to create a continuous run (Ed will have a cot in the family room) via a dedicated DCC computer, the through freight will be controlled automatically.  the local will have to clear off the main every 10 minutes or so to allow it past. 



yeah, that's right, we bad, we bad.

[sirenwerks]

the local will have to clear off the main every 10 minutes or so to allow it past. 

And ifin' they don't? Thar' gonna be a throw down?

[train1]

Have you an overall view to share or trackplan ?

[asciibaron]

Have you an overall view to share or trackplan ?

it's almost like this, but not exactly - i will update this plan shortly