Hello, I am currently building a plant located somewhere in the USA 30-40 years. The idea is the following: The industrial plants and traders could not be connected directly to the main line because the terrain is too high. A transshipment station at Bostcastle is used to transfer the freight, the higher-lying sidings are supplied by short trains. The steep route to the sidings will be covered by boxcabs, possibly in double traction. There will be an overhead line for both parts of the line, so no diesel or steam operation. I use Märklin and Peco track material, vehicles will be built/converted by myself. I have installed many uncouplers for shunting, but it remains to be seen whether this will work. I made the uncouplers functional before installation. The points were converted with power connections to the stock rails. The layout is operated in analog mode, a control panel will be added. I have my own controller with switchable frequencies and switchable diodes for Shorty drives. I decided to run with electric traction because the attempts with steam locomotives all failed. Too little tractive power, contact problems, etc. The bogie locomotives run well and manage the gradients (space permitting) very well. I underestimated the height of the pantographs/catenary when I was planning the layout, and I have now installed drops for the brackets in the critical areas. I just wanted to try it out with Märklin parts, maybe it will be possible to run with real OL operation. So here is a first video with the opening train, after all the problems I am pleased that it manages a lap without stopping. 20231230 174512 2 (youtube.com) Pictures and track plan will follow, of course I will answer questions as soon as possible, Then a happy new year and good health, the most important thing, Greetings Gerhard
Looking good so far. I really like the long mainline, bench work, and the scenery you have completed so far. I'm not sure why you are having issues with steam, except that long wheelbase Marklin steam locomotives are known to be picky with track work. They also lack traction tires. Your slopes and curves do not seem all that extreme, and with a plywood base the slope transitions should be pretty smooth. The layout overall seems well constructed. If it is really just a traction issue for the steam, look into a product called "Bullfrog Snot" and see if adding a thin coat of it to a driver improves traction. It is a paint on traction tire material. As far a contact issues go, some times a new steam locomotive needs some run in polish the wheels/contacts, and other times a broken in locomotive needs cleaning. Although you prefer Marklin products, the AZL Mikados are good steam locomotives, have traction tires, and tender electrical pickup, so they seldom stall. -Matt
Gerhard, Nice video. I like the flow of your layout and the various landscape that is completed thus far looks great as well. Will be interesting to follow this through to completion.
