:tb-biggrin:It's about time I started a layout thread covering what seems to be slow progress getting to the scenery stage (something I have never done by the way). The layout and all electronics have been tested and are operational. I have recently completed soldering feeders to each piece of Unitrack; 440 feeders in all and attaching to the block / common buss wires using Posi-Taps. I am now in the process of nailing the track down to the plywood. I also have two super elevated curves that need card stock shims glued in place prior to securing the track. Layout design specifications: N scale free lance layout mid 90’s to current era using Kato Unitrack running DCC Walk in design with a bench height of 52 inches and width of 20 inches Turn around and staging areas are 46 inches in width Hidden staging area has a 24 inch access opening All track is at zero grade with a land level difference of 100 scale feet Patterned after the Fox Valley area from Aurora, Illinois to the Eola yard The yard includes a engine service terminal with 3 bay engine shop, car shop and rip track Industries include a flour mill, soap manufacturer, tractor parts manufacturer, LPG distributor and team track A section of downtown Aurora will include city buildings, train depot and residential homes Rail and street bridges will cross over the Fox River Another street bridge will cross over the Eola yard Viaducts will allow street traffic to travel under the rails Trains will enter / exit staging through two tunnel portals Another tunnel next to the Eola yard will act as a scenic divider Layout purpose and electronics: The layout was designed for yard, engine service terminal, industrial operations and scenic running when desired. Electronics include a Digitrax Super Chief full duplex wireless DCC system using PM4 for power management, BDL168’s for block occupancy detection, SE8c’s for signal control, DS64’s for switch control, PR3 for computer interface, computer running JMRI software and LCD overhead monitor. Sound is handled by two stationary Tsunami sound decoders input to an amplifier that drives an under layout speaker system. Let the fun begin! Jerry The track plan and scenery plan:
Stationary sound decoder, sound system and under bench pull out shelf (for computer keyboard and mouse) pictures. Jerry
Thanks Darren, Tracy, Craig, Mark and Karl for your kind and encouraging words. I'll post a few more close up pictures of the layout to provide some prior to scenery comparisons. Wow, a little overkill on bench work lumber size, buss wiring size, number of feeders and electronics. Mark, I'll have to give the computer uncoupling idea some thought.laugh: On the other hand I sort of like uncoupling by hand using a Rix Pic. Thanks, Jerry
Honestly I was just teasing because I am jealous of your control system ! Even though it would be way overkill for my little layout . But I think it would be possible with a turnout decoder and one of those electro magnetic uncoupling devices !
I knew you were just kidding; however I think you are right about the suggestion.:thumbs_up: Speaking of the control system the PM42 and two BDL168 mounting boards were constructed to be portable just in case I decide to build a new layout in the future. Jerry
Wow the electrical is beautiful, It looks like it was done right out of a factory. Great job! Oh Boy I’m going to be watching this thread. :thumbs_up:
Very impressive! The construction looks very professional. How long has this been in the making? Thank you for posting.
WOW I really like your trackplan. You put all the important features into it. Your benchwork and wiring look professional. Outstandg work. I too will be following this with eager anticipation.
I echo what others have said about your quality of work and overall design. I am particularly interested in your LCD layout panel-- looks like you are using PanelPro but I have not come across that style of track diagram. Is that a custom design or is there a line-chart style of library available? Also, can you control turnots and/or signals via that panel or is it just feedback only? Sorry for so many questions, but I have been looking for a way to design my layout in PanelPro and yours is about the best I have seen so far. Jamie
Thanks Johnny, Gary, Country Joe and Jamie for your interest and kind remarks. The bench work was started in April 2009. It took another year to come up with an acceptable track plan. I started wiring the layout in May 2010. There were many tradeoffs in using selective compression making it difficult to judge the scenic outcome. I think the scenery will be the true test of the overall layout appeal. I'm ready to give it my best shot. Jerry