Hi Gang OK. I;m now planning a new layout (4th time in 10 years!) again after being frustrated with results and basicly poor workmanship. I've done my past layouts in DC with cab control, complex wiring, short circuits and whatever. SO..... I've decided to now enter the 21st century and work with current technology and equipment. My wife got me a Steam Era DVD collection and after watching them I decided that Steam was for me but not complicated. I enjoy watching my trains run around and am not into switching and major train operations. I am a one man show since nobody in this part of rural Missouri is into Model Railroading! Here's what I would like to do. Any comments good or bad or advice from you experts would be appreciated. 1) The Wanna Bea Railroad will be freelanced turn of the century (1890-1920) in the Southeastern part of the US. 2) I'm using Plan 22 from 101 trackplans book for starters. 3) Taking the DCC plunge. Since this will be a smaller layout (4x6) I thought the Zephyr starter DCC system would be good. I won't be running more than two or three trains. 4) Looking for a decent Steam Loco. I read about the Spectrum 4-4-0 American/Richmond with DCC and sound. MRR gave it a pretty good review. Comments? 5)I'd like to build as many craft kits as needed for senic sake. 6) Will be using 83 gauge track (Atlas) with Peco turnouts (3). These will be manual for starters. So this is what is in my head right now. Thanks for any thoughts or additional ideas you may have. I need them! Joe Rockaway Beach, MO Home of the Wanna Bea Railroad
Greetings! Sounds like you have all your bases covered. DCC brings the hobby up to speed, and is easier to set up & learn than one might think. A manufacturer has a slogan, something like "Run your trains, not your track!" Not familiar with the track plan mentioned, but for beautiful sweeping curves you may consider an around-the-walls layout, so you avoid restricting the layout to small radius curve. Also, Zephyr will be just right for the goals of your fleet, it sounds like. Best of luck! :thumbs_up:
I agree that the Digitrax Zephyr would be a good fit for your planned layout. What is nice about the Zephyr is that it is expandable meaning you can connect hand held throttles, and wireless throttles when the corresponding radio receivers are purchased. I have no knowledge on the Bachmann loco you stated. I know that Bachmann Spectrum locos are much better overall than Bachmann locos in the past in regards to performance and durability. My preference thus far for steam has been Broadway Limited, MTH, and Proto2000. These are the only brands that I have first hand experience with for steam locos. I love my MTH Challenger but I have had some issues with the drawbar power connectivity. I am also not familiar with that track plan. I am assuming that it is a tabletop layout plan (4x8 maybe)?
Good for you Joe. Good choice on the Zephyr. Any of the DCC units in that class are good and I really love my Zephyr. If you haven't bought it yet, consider the the Zephyr Xtra. You may not need it now but it's not that much more for what you get and it's cheaper than replacing the other in a short time. http://www.digitrax.com/prd_zep_xtra.php Also consider one more DVD purchase, Paul Scoles 2 parts series on scenery. There is a lot steam era info in there. It's worth it to look into http://paulscoles.com/ ratled
The proposed plan is about 24' of mainline with 2 loops overlapping. Two stubs, one in the middle (double track) and 0ne leading out for train storage or possible expansion. This is a really simple layout (I know, never say simple!) which I know I can finish. I only get one or two nights a week to work on my trains so simplicity is essential. I want to run a completed layout someday. The plan is Tonopah & Salt Range, #22 in Kalmbach's 101 Track Plans for Model Railroaders. Want to make the scenery hilly with trees etc. instead of a desert mining setup. My biggest concern is my loco since it will be my largest single investment and I want one that is reliable and impressive for the size layout I'm planning. Thanks again for your thoughts Joe Wanna Bea RR
Joe, starting new is not unknown to me. :angel: And - with DCC - you will have a new dimension! Running your train with your ears! Slowly!!! Wolfgang
