I have made some progress as of late. I have about a third of the lower level track installed and rough wirinhg complete. I have it all wired now as on huge block, to test the trackage. I have found out that with 89' flat cars and 16" radius curve, I can't put the tunnel openings where I wanted. Oh well, what are you going to do... This is a overall of what is done. There is more track completed behind me. Both Bridges are in and operating. Another view of the bridges. First train across bridge.
Looking good, Garth. When the scenery is done, those bridges will make some superb photograph locations
Paul, I ordered them through my local shop from Kato. There didn't seem to be any trouble getting them in. Well, it's raining now, so its off to the basement....
Yes, those Kato bridges should stand up very well to the cat treading on them. Unlike my Walthers double-truss bridge.
Garth,the layout is lookin good Those KATO bridges are definately worth the price.I am recycling mine from the switching layout to the new bigger-n-better one. Sure will be one happy furrball when ATLAS gets the new code 55 track on the market. [ 07 October 2001: Message edited by: Catt ]</p>
PF, cut it out man! I envy you!!!! Nice job! I hope my layout looks as good as yours Keep us posted and don't be shy with the pics, they allow me to learn from other modelers like you! Rob
Here are some more pictures. Sorry about the quality of some. No matter how hard I try, something is always out of focus. Area in corner will be a mine. I just need to lay tracks and figure out how to remote activate the turnouts. An empty coal train passes a mixed consist. The tunnel entrance heads to the helix (not built, phase two). There will be a gravel company in the area next to the mainlines. I have run trains up to 91 cars in length. The coal train was 48 empties. The mixed consist was about 50 cars. When you sit in the chair, it almost gives you the impression of horseshoe curve in Pennsylvania. Three SD90-MACS on point.
Way cool shots!! As to your turnouts, sounds like you need some under-the-table switch machines, remotely controlled by pushbuttons. Add some Kadee unclupling magnets, and you're in bidness! You're making this shortline operator jealous with those long freight shots, I'll have you know... Seriously, keep up the good work!! Highball, y'all!
The problem is that the area under the mine is styrofoam (yes, its a styrofoam mine). I am going to have to get some tortoise switch machines, which will hurt a little ($). If I would have thought about it a little more instead of putting it in place real quick, I would have lifted the mine area on plywood, like the rest of the layout. I would have been able to use the Atlas switch machines I bought. Oh well. My wife will understand.....
I am using a Kodak Digital DC280. I have a Pentax K1000 which I can take very good pictures with, but it take a while to get the roll full, get the pictures back, and we have no scanner. I guess I could always have the photo shop put them on a CD.
