Author Topic: Andrew Lapp's N Scale New York Central System HCD Layout Build  (Read 14522 times)

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andyl913

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Andrew Lapp's N Scale New York Central System HCD Layout Build
« on: September 21, 2016, 10:15:18 AM »
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Hi everyone! My name is Andrew, and I am building a HCD 3'x8' N scale model railroad modeling after the New York Central from the 1940's through the late 1950's. I documented my layout up to it current status on an N scale forum online, but I would like to become more involved with the Railwire community on here. I have been a lurker for a year or so, and now I want to contribute and also learn from others on here!
Here are some key features of my layout:

1. DCC - powered by Digitrax Super Chief Xtra Duplex Radio 5 amp
2. ALL Track is handlaid code 40, including all turnouts (FastTracks No. 8). I have several large steam locomotives, including brass, that need larger turnouts, plus it looks so much more realistic to me.
3. All turnouts are controlled by R/C servos and Tam Valley Depot controllers. They are integrated via DCC as well.
4. I have a control panel (which I will re-make since I changed my track plan in my train yard) with pushbuttons to control the turnouts as well as DCC capabilities.
5. The backdrop divides the layout into 2 sections - 1 section is a city scene, the other is more rural/country.

I will post photos from my photo album of the layout from the beginning to where it is now, then I will continue documenting the build here as I progress on the layout.











andyl913

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Re: Andrew Lapp's N Scale New York Central System HCD Layout Build
« Reply #1 on: September 21, 2016, 10:17:40 AM »
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andyl913

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Re: Andrew Lapp's N Scale New York Central System HCD Layout Build
« Reply #2 on: September 21, 2016, 10:19:28 AM »
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andyl913

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Re: Andrew Lapp's N Scale New York Central System HCD Layout Build
« Reply #3 on: September 21, 2016, 10:21:44 AM »
+5








andyl913

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Re: Andrew Lapp's N Scale New York Central System HCD Layout Build
« Reply #4 on: September 21, 2016, 10:27:31 AM »
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I originally handlaid a #8 double-slip switch, but the main track going into it had too tight of a radius because of the room I have on the layout, plus the throwbars were too stiff for my servo motors to reliably switch the turnout, so I ripped it up and built a #8 turnout and re-routed some of the track. Here are the before and after photos. I ripped up the double slip switch on Monday, and this morning I just finished laying the rail and running feeder wires.

Before:



After:



tefsom85

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Re: Andrew Lapp's N Scale New York Central System HCD Layout Build
« Reply #5 on: September 21, 2016, 10:34:46 AM »
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Your trackwork and modelling always inspires Andy. Fantastic work

ednadolski

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Re: Andrew Lapp's N Scale New York Central System HCD Layout Build
« Reply #6 on: September 21, 2016, 10:41:49 AM »
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Nice!  The C40 looks great, not something that you see too often on an HCD.   Well done! 8) 8) 8)

Ed

Cajonpassfan

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Re: Andrew Lapp's N Scale New York Central System HCD Layout Build
« Reply #7 on: September 21, 2016, 10:48:14 AM »
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Andy, first of all, welcome! It's great to see people with your obvious talent join up and participate. Beautiful work so far, you have the makings of a superb HCD layout. Loved to see the progression....and all in one day! :D
Otto K.

Philip H

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Re: Andrew Lapp's N Scale New York Central System HCD Layout Build
« Reply #8 on: September 21, 2016, 10:49:57 AM »
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Andrew,
Welcome.  Not sure what rock you were previously hiding under but . . . wow! i don't know too many folks who handlay double slips in any scale, and then to take it out . . . . nice.  My favorite shot so far is the timber cribbing in the tunnel.  Great detail. And the wood work for the lets is first rate too.

Of course, now that you've drawn back the curtain . . . we will expect to see many and plentiful posts of a high standard.

Speaking of, could you perhaps do one specifically on the switch machine linkages you built?
Philip H.
Chief Everything Officer
Baton Rouge Southern RR - Mount Rainier Division.


Ed Kapuscinski

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Re: Andrew Lapp's N Scale New York Central System HCD Layout Build
« Reply #9 on: September 21, 2016, 11:42:25 AM »
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Beadboard... ballsy move!

But I like it. It seems like it's working for you, which is what matters.

I also really like where you're going with the C40. That's impressive. I also really like the tunnel interior.

Is this going to be the NYC equivalent of Dr. V's Juniata Division?

jmarley76

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Re: Andrew Lapp's N Scale New York Central System HCD Layout Build
« Reply #10 on: September 21, 2016, 12:31:18 PM »
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Welcome and excellent work! I look forward to seeing your progress.

andyl913

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Re: Andrew Lapp's N Scale New York Central System HCD Layout Build
« Reply #11 on: September 21, 2016, 12:34:33 PM »
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Thanks everyone for the replies! I am excited to work on the layout again and look forward to posting the updates here.

@Philip H I decided I would make a video showing you how I built my mechanism to throw my turnouts. The video quality isn't the best, but I'm hoping that YouTube converts it to HD soon; I guess it takes some time after you upload it for it to show up as HD.

Here is the video:

Missaberoad

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Re: Andrew Lapp's N Scale New York Central System HCD Layout Build
« Reply #12 on: September 21, 2016, 12:42:57 PM »
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As a closet cental fan (#teamperlman)  :D I'm excited to watch along...
Truly inspiring work so far :)
The Railwire is not your personal army.  :trollface:

andyl913

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Re: Andrew Lapp's N Scale New York Central System HCD Layout Build
« Reply #13 on: September 21, 2016, 12:53:52 PM »
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Beadboard... ballsy move!

But I like it. It seems like it's working for you, which is what matters.

I also really like where you're going with the C40. That's impressive. I also really like the tunnel interior.

Is this going to be the NYC equivalent of Dr. V's Juniata Division?

I just found the layout you're talking about - what an awesome layout! That's exactly what I'm trying to achieve with mine! Thanks!!

Caleb Austin

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Re: Andrew Lapp's N Scale New York Central System HCD Layout Build
« Reply #14 on: September 21, 2016, 04:47:25 PM »
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This is great! I love the track, well done, far beyond me. following with interest.

Caleb.
« Last Edit: September 21, 2016, 09:34:41 PM by Caleb Austin »