Bear Creek Valley RR - Layout Progress

Jerry Tarvid Jul 10, 2010

  1. Jerry Tarvid

    Jerry Tarvid TrainBoard Member

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    :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:
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Jerry Tarvid

    Jerry Tarvid TrainBoard Member

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    Initial bench work pictures.

    Jerry
     

    Attached Files:

  3. Jerry Tarvid

    Jerry Tarvid TrainBoard Member

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    Bench work fascia and under bench paneling pictures.

    Jerry
     

    Attached Files:

  4. Stourbridge Lion

    Stourbridge Lion TrainBoard Supporter

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    Look forward to all updates

    :tb-cool: :tb-cool: :tb-cool: :tb-cool:
     
  5. Tracy McKibben

    Tracy McKibben TrainBoard Member

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    That's some good-lookin' benchwork! Very, very clean and sturdy.
     
  6. Jerry Tarvid

    Jerry Tarvid TrainBoard Member

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    DCC panels and under bench computer pictures.

    Jerry
     

    Attached Files:

  7. Tracy McKibben

    Tracy McKibben TrainBoard Member

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    I don't have the words.... Wow!
    :tb-shocked::tb-shocked::tb-shocked::tb-shocked:
     
  8. Jerry Tarvid

    Jerry Tarvid TrainBoard Member

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    Stationary sound decoder, sound system and under bench pull out shelf (for computer keyboard and mouse) pictures.

    Jerry
     

    Attached Files:

  9. Jerry Tarvid

    Jerry Tarvid TrainBoard Member

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    Overhead LCD layout panel and some prior to scenery pictures.

    Jerry
     

    Attached Files:

  10. CraigN

    CraigN TrainBoard Supporter

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    Very nice work so far!
    Keep the pictures coming.
    Craig
     
  11. MarktheShark

    MarktheShark TrainBoard Member

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    Wow!! I'm speechless !! Oh ya you forgot to add computer controlled uncoupling !!
     
  12. jpwisc

    jpwisc TrainBoard Member

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    Very nice progress!
     
  13. Jerry Tarvid

    Jerry Tarvid TrainBoard Member

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    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.[​IMG]

    Mark, I'll have to give the computer uncoupling idea some thought.:plaugh: On the other hand I sort of like uncoupling by hand using a Rix Pic.

    Thanks,

    Jerry
     
  14. MarktheShark

    MarktheShark TrainBoard Member

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    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 !
     
  15. Jerry Tarvid

    Jerry Tarvid TrainBoard Member

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    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

     
  16. SleeperN06

    SleeperN06 TrainBoard Member

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    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:
     
  17. GaryHinshaw

    GaryHinshaw TrainBoard Member

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    Very impressive! The construction looks very professional. How long has this been in the making?

    Thank you for posting.
     
  18. country joe

    country joe TrainBoard Member

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    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.
     
  19. CSXDixieLine

    CSXDixieLine Passed Away January 27, 2013 In Memoriam

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    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
     
  20. Jerry Tarvid

    Jerry Tarvid TrainBoard Member

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    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.[​IMG]

    Jerry
     

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