I agree. I don't see how two separate continuous-run loops helps that. Sounds fine, but if I were you, I'd modify the layout after combining the two to make it only one loop.
"large L shape folded loop" Well as a newby I am not sure what that is but I think I can Figure it out.Did you all see the layout on page one. I am hoping to start with that and progress into the other section. I want to fit in a 2%rise,tunnel and bridge at least. Sound like too much?,anyway first section first.I have a lot to learn and an even longer ways to go.I apreciate the help and don't stop,please..later.
Joseph, What I meant by a large L-shaped folded loop is this: The advantage of the longer run is that you can have a nice vertical rise without having to use a very steep grade, which means you can use the terrain to transition from scenic to industrial (i.e. have the hilly portion as the scenic part and have the low-lying portion as the industrial area). By using 2 separate loops, you are denying yourself enough continuous horizontal travel to vary the vertical height very much. Hope this explains things!
" I just love that avatar!!" Thanks Tom,looks great. Usually when i am doing my stained glass and or oil painting, I have the image set in my mind. I see that MRR is only limited to one's imagination and the choices are endless.Your plan works for me! and i will work hard on it. First to do is paint the plywood. An earthtone color should work, what do you think?
joseph: if you want to go at a good hobby store (pricewise and stockwise) go to udisco, its in montreal near decarie highway. here is their site http://www.udisco.com the guys aren't too friendly, but there is alot of deals and it is a wharehouse style shop. you can also order online
FYI on that cat I saw sitting under your benchwork, this is what he/she has the potential of doing on your layout. I suggest strong cat control in the layout room:
Jason, I sure wish you had kept your photos under 100KB, the stink is TERRIBLE! Whew!!! I understand Duct Tape works well !
Yes. Harley follows me everywhere, but she does tend to chase the cars so is now locked out. Thanks Tap, i've been looking at that site for the past half hr, I will of course check them out in person, thanks.
Thankfully, the cats (plural, I have two of them) were NOT using the layout as a litter box so no stink (THANK GOD!). What you see is months worth of cats using the layout for a bed. I cleaned the whole layout yesterday with a shop vac and a wide roll of masking tape. I didn't think of using duct tape but that would have worked well too I bet. Anyway, the shop vac was able to remove the loose hair, which was not a lot. The masking tape really performed all the magic. I used it in the same way a woman uses those strips to remove unwanted body hair. Apply, press, and tear. The tape method worked amazingly well and exceeded all of my expectations. It did rip up a small amount of ground foam but before I knew how well this would work, I thought I was looking at a total loss and 100% re-scenicing.
Well, thankfully all i have is bare plywood, I will paint today. I bought a box of cork and i hope to start laying some serious track this week. The large L shape loop looks good and will surely cover what i want. I hope.
Joseph: A suggestion: Before you fix down your track, be sure to try out your elevations first so you can get a good idea of what you can achieve in the vertical. With a long main line, you can work some very dramatic terrain separations into your layout. Good luck, and post pictures!
Yes I will. Last fall I was in N.C. visiting my neice who works in Durham Hosp. The trip took us through some fantastic countryside and my wife Di liked the the layout of the hwy. I think it was Virginia where the hwy were cut into the mountains with one road higher than the other (much higher) so i would like to do the same with the trains, lots of rock cuttings and lower valleys of farms and towns and fall season, my favorite. So lots to do and think about.
Jason, I thought you might have to Duct Tape the cat's butt. You can always connect the track to 120v AC by taking the engines off. The cats wont come back. Just remember to turn off the AC switch before you touch the track or put an engine on the rails! That's the way we broke some stray dogs from "marking their spot" on our Golden Arborvitae trees. Worked like a charm! The dogs cross the street now.
