CodyO`s Pennsy Modular 16'X4'

[CodyO]

Thanks guys im really happy with how the space turned out!
But im sure at @Ed Kapuscinski is missing the baked potato

[CodyO]

I was unhappy with how the first staging loop module turned out so I pulled it down and put more supports and a set of legs in



Now she isn`t going anywhere

Yesterday I laid down the cork for the 9 return loops, and then promptly ran out of cork




I also think I figured out how the staging ladders will be laid out. I`m using Atlas #10s for now but they may get replaced with handlaid turnouts in the future.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Go Cory go!

[Point353]

For roadbed under the staging yard tracks, did you consider using cork sheet, which can be had in 2' x 3' sections?

[CRL]

For roadbed under the staging yard tracks, did you consider using cork sheet, which can be had in 2' x 3' sections?

That’s just cruel since he’s already glued down the strips.

[Point353]

That’s just cruel since he’s already glued down the strips.

Well, it was either that or ask if he knew about the clearance sale on #10 turnouts at BLW.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

For roadbed under the staging yard tracks, did you consider using cork sheet, which can be had in 2' x 3' sections?

Or just using a single width under each track

[glakedylan]

looking good, Cody
digging the return loop and all the tracks for storage
especially noted the carpentry skills on the framework
great stuff


sincerely
Gary

[CodyO]

For roadbed under the staging yard tracks, did you consider using cork sheet, which can be had in 2' x 3' sections?

Yep, but I wanted to use the strips so I could follow the radius curves I already marked out on the ply.

I used the 1/8" x 3-1/4" x 36" sheets for the main body of the yard.

Or just using a single width under each track

I debated that too...

[CodyO]

With the cork down it was time to lay the 9 loops

The outer most Mainline running loop is code 55 the rest is PECO code 80.

I started with the reversing loop which is controlled by a handlaid code 80 switch my father built for our old layout.


After that I got busy with the other 8 loops


Everything is laid down and glued in place, I used carpet seam sealer for the glue, it gives a good bond but if I ever want to rip the track back up its easy to do


I also had to test and see how many 85' cars the reversing loop could handle,
20 cars which should be fine, the loop is about 10' 6" long and I want to limit trains to under 9' 6"

Next up was laying down the keystone of RO interlocking
3 code 55 Hand laid switches my father made for our old layout



I`m happy I could reuse them in the new layout, this was where they sat on the old layout

[wm3798]

All those staging tracks sure do bring back memories...


Mostly memories of not having to box up all my rolling stock when I wanted to run a different train...

Looking really good, Cody.
Lee

[CodyO]

Soldered up both of the ladder tracks last night used 12 atlas #10s the only non handlaided turnouts on the layout, most where reused from @seusscaboose `s layout he recently decommissioned

Plan is to use 12 Cobalt switch machines to power these plus 7 more for the lead tracks off the main.

Thatll exhaust my stock so I'll need to order more before I work on the TBD steel Industry but the the main goal is getting the mains and staging up ASAP.

[CodyO]

All those staging tracks sure do bring back memories...

Mostly memories of not having to box up all my rolling stock when I wanted to run a different train...

Looking really good, Cody.
Lee

Thanks Lee thats my main point of this expansion I was tired of moving trains off and on!
Hopefully 200' of staging will resolve this

[CodyO]

Alot has happened in the last 3 months

Staging loops and all mainline track work is complete to the point of running trains.
 

JMRI is functional with web server, currently 4 DS64s are installed and working. I was going to make push button panels but iPads certainly make it easy.  I still need to work on upgrading the rest of the layout to control with either DS64s or cobalt IP Digital machines.

This is the staging yard swing down panel, with 3 DS64s controlling 12 turnouts and a BXPA1 autoreverser for the loop. I’m using the LED output to control the switch for the loop. So far no issues





Feeders for RO Interlocking. This also has a DS64 to control 7 turnouts(3 pairs and 1 single.)



This is the underside of RO



Looking down my new section of plywood prairie



I finally got my workbench back up after almost 8 months


I added in drop down panels for wiring on every module and basically rewired the entire layout to enable detection and power management once I get the BXP88s working

[Cajonpassfan]

Wow Cody, that’s a LOT of staging. Nice! Now you just need more trains
So how do the drop down panels work? Is it for ease of access?
Otto K.