Dry fit before roadbed and such. Seems to run 1 small consist ok with just one connection to the track. I'm guessing adding a second consist will require more feeders? Still thinking about scenery for this layout. Long way to go before I'm there...
Yes. Take your time, don't rush. Sketch a few ideas. Browse our message archives for thoughts on what others have tried.
It looks fun. Since you are at the early stages, you might consider getting a basic DCC system like bachmanns. It makes a smaller layout really easy to run. And speaking of running, that's the main thing, being able to run some trains.
That's exactly what I have. A Bachmann DCC system. Once I get all the roadbed laid I'll start getting track down, solder feeders, switches, etc. I did temporarily run some wire to the track just to make sure trains would run. My son wants a tunnel. I'm trying to explain to him that we would need to build a mountain so we have an excuse for a tunnel. Maybe in the southeast part of the layout.
Hi hokie, It looks like a great start. I went with Bachmann Dynamis on my home layout, a 17' x 6' x 15" wide switching layout. It works pretty good for me. I do have future expansion plans. I bought the Probox so I can run 4 IR receivers. We had an operating session tonight. It took about an hour and a half to switch out cars. I had a great time. about the mountain, why not use it as a senic separator for part of the layout? Anyway, enjoy your layout! Dale
I thought about something like that. My only issue is the layout is separated east/west by the switches and north/south by the yard and turntable. So I think a mountain would work better in a corner. But I'm still noodling with all of this.
That looks awesome hokie!! How old is your son? I am going through the EXACT same thing with my 12 yr old son now. He might be lucky to see a mountain next year. Yard is not powered yet. control panel to make. 17 switches to wire. 1 more spur to lay/power rest of lower topography to set before we can get to a mountain. Main line is running!!! Stew
Kids really just want tunnels more than anything. Even a large structure the train goes under or a raised portion with some houses. When you hear mountain, what is being said is hill or obstruction. Every layout I had as a kid had at least one tunnel. It was mandatory.
