Today I completed wiring and made my first test run on the "new territory". It consists of a U shaped 11x10 layout with a mainline entering one corner, passing siding, turntable, 4 industrial spurs, and a returning loop(not reverse), that runs the track back under the mainline and will eventually pass thru the wall, connect with the layout in the garage ,and rejoin the main in a wye configuration. The test run went well with running a 26 car train headed by 2 athearn GP's. I just encountered a little traction problem when backing the entire train up the siding from the downhill side just as it crested the top. Being these were my longest and heaviest rolling stock(as well as the train being max length for the siding), it doesn't concern me much. Everything went smoothly and with 28" radius's, 2% grades all around there was no problems with the train trying to flop on it's side! I am looking forward to connecting with the layout in the garage and laying the "golden spike". This will total me up for over 4 scale miles of track, and 23 blocks(only dc here). I seem to have misplaced the cord for my camera, so I'm going to try and get some pics in as soon as I find it or break down and get another one. The handheld throttle I built myself-see electronics forum-works very well and is very easy to use. I will definatly be building 3 more of these to replace my MRC's. Stay tuned for pics of the "tunneling" and the final connection to the garage layout.......
