You know those aspects of building a layout that you just keep putting off for other times while you just want to run trains? I have been putting off installing the manual controllers for many of the turnouts on the layout but recently I just got fed up with reaching under the table to switch tracks and also the stalling that occurs with unpowered frogs. So a few weeks ago, I shut down all traffic on my layout to perform the much needed work. My first task was to cable and wire the main turnouts on the upper shelf area. This involved the installation of the short facia board. Then the home made turnout controls and then the cables and knobs. Then, I ripped out an old LH#7 turnout to replace it with a new (finally it came) Atlas LH curved turnout. The purpose of this was to gain space for 2 to 3 more cars on the passing track. Here is the (mostly) finished result.
Then it was on to the controls and wiring of many other turnouts on the lower section of the layout. I immediately realized that to do this, I would first need to install more sections of facia board (Masonite). Here are some shots of that...
Two of the turnouts on this section of the layout needed to be controlled from either side of the layout so I went on and did the facia on the other side and installed the cable controls and knobs.
There is still much left to do. This is an area where there are many turnouts and where the construction is currently being performed. I hope to have this done within the next week. I don't exactly like working on the floor and my back likes it even less...
some really nice looking work from everyone this week, really like all the pics and work that has been shown.
Steam chase yesterday.... Dillingen-(insert tiny town 15 KM away) Here's some highlights: Last stop is just ahead: River crossing: Did someone order spaghetti? Foamers around the world:
Looks very nice and very practical turnout controls. :thumbs_up: Have you shown us how you do those? I would be interested in that if you have some time. Thanks.
Thanks! Not much to show really. Just using either controllers made with a sub-mini DPDT switch with a piece of .030" rod through a hole in the table, or in most cases Blue Point turnout controllers. I am moving them with Dubro RC airplane cables, using half inch dowels for knobs which are countersunk into the table sides with a 1 5/8" forstner bit. You don't want to see the underside of the layout. Trust me. Spaghetti...
Some weeks are better than others. If you search titles for "weekend" you will find that some weeks we have 40 or more posts. Twenty posts is small; usually we have thirty posts. Almost every week we have over 1,000 views and as many as 2,000 views; some weeks we have only 600-700 views. I don't know why some weekends are busier than others. It is interesting to see the variation. It is certainly not a reflection on the modeling, IMHO. Also thanks to the "regulars" who post here on WNFF and welcome to the new posters. I'm always looking forward to this thread. BTW, some weeks members will post on into Tuesday and Wednesday. I'm always glad to see more.
That one I didn't build. It's woodland Scenics, ..Built-&-Ready..Landmark structures. I got it for $45....List for $75
