Time for a new thread. Projects on the Workbench thread and layout stuff here. So here is my starter pix: Reworked the BAZ BoyZ Wye Z-Bend module to replace all Marklin flex + manual turnouts with MTL flex + Peter Wright's US style turnouts (20), Tortoise motors with DCC Specialties Wabbit controllers (remote pushbutton, Cab or computer control). Configuration gives us: Outer/Inner crossovers, 2 reversing loops, 2 wyes, 2 passing tracks (3rd inside track extends to Offset module "below") plus a staging spur, programming track and 4 track engine yard. All DCC ready. Inside tracks permanent DCC with Outer track universal DC or DCC. Fully Z-Bend compliant.
Jeff, I know what you are doing up late night.... The first pic does not have a link... You should also post pics of the back side of your modules, so one can get an idea of how much work has been put. Kim
Yes, that module is a beast for sure. Looking at it topside, you could never suspect it is so fully automated, until seeing the backside! Excellent work Jeff!
Amen to that Robert, I think Jeff is one of the most knowledgeable folks in doing this sort of technical wiring. His efforts sure make for some interesting train routing and anyone fortunate enough to be able to run their trains on the BAZ boys modules really gets to have fun with all the different routing. Though a bit complex to most, (especially me), DCC does offer the most versatility and is the ultimate way to enjoy model railroading. Great job Jeff......hat's off to you. Loren
Now I see it all... maybe it was me and too late last night.... this is one unique and highly capable module. Kim
Jeff; That is truely one awsome "y" module, and both DCC and DC is utterly amaZZZing!!! Tony B.... Wasatch Z Club
Wow! The top view looks so cool. So many tracks connecting "Here-to-There"! Wow!! Then I saw the internal working of that track!!!! Wo!!! All of those arteries & veins and that wicked nervous system/motor control!! So anatomical! Gets my vote for First Prize!!! Hobo Tim p.s. Let's see more Layouts/Modules!!!!
IT'S ALIVE ! Simply Amazing Jeff...or is that complexly amazing??? A couple of questions if I may? Are the reversing polarities of the crossover tracks automated by the turnout alignments? Are the controls located along the sides of the module? This module appears to be a 2 piece affair, so how many wires are in the bundle that connect the two and what type of connector are you using? Isn't there a Yard module that ties into this unit? I noticed some wiring notes under the layout. Where these drawn from a previously designed schematic or did you wing it? OK, more than a couple of questions. Steve F
Thanks everyone. I noticed that Trainboard now limits any uploaded picture to 640x480 so you don't get to see the full 3074x2678 size pix that I had hoped, so you could pan around with typical image viewing software to really see it in detail. Will repost using an external link. Trainboard was having nearly every one (remember MANY forums here) upload all these megapixel megabyte images, severely chewing up memory. Then, everyone likes to quote the previous post, instead of "Quick Reply" in the lower right so the image is quickly replicated, chewing up even more memory. Told you guys about it. So back to Steve's Q's: Yep, 2 piece module, folds on top of itself for transportation, conserving width in my vehicle. There are standard Z-Bend interfaces between the two. Master DCC is passed thru on the 4 user defined DCC pins of the Z-Bend connector. Pushbuttons on the side allow manual toggling of the turnouts. The Wabbits have an auto-throw function so that if one does try and run into thrown points, it will move them for you although we try to run trains the correct way by throwing the turnout ahead of time through the manual pushbutton or on the Cab using the Accessory command. The idea here was to eventually put a computer touch screen and then one could assist others, sorta playing God if you will (fun to catch the inattentive by rerouting). Reversing loops/wye tracks are controlled by classic autoreverser. I use Tony's PSX-AR, now replaced by DCC Specialties. The yard module parallels the modules using the Outer track turnout on the upper left outer leg (about 9 o'clock). The yard would then be "down" the left side, extending 2x farther than the bottom of the module. (you can see that in my BAZ Modules Overview and Yard)
I'm planning some more stuff on my short NERR module. Some kind off crane is needed to lift the Trailers on the cars. Here the NERR Steam engine is waiting for the crane to finish loading the cars, while the small MAC engine is stepping in for some switching help. I don't think I'm going to use this crane, it's not right for my layout with its professional finished look. But I guess I will build something similar later after some thinking and magazine browsing.
Torsja, How about a transfer like the one at Mt. Union on the East Broad Top? http://www.spikesys.com/Bin/EBT/rcs_79.jpg later: http://home.att.net/~bhf51/ebt/ebt22.jpg It was used early for timber and later to lift standard gauge cars to put narrow gauge trucks under them. http://www.totalracing.com/ebt/tt_cad.htm
Thanks Chris, I was wondering how they often did it in the old days. And this looks like a thing to consider in this scene.
Nother pic: http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/ebt/ebt-coal.jpg From 1922-28 it transfered timber from Narrow gauge to PRR standard gauge cars. In 1933 they started using it to change trucks. There was also a big aluminum insert that plugged into the couplers to mate up with the narrow gauge.
Chris, I've been to Orbesina, PA and checked out the EBT. Do you know where this timber transfer station was located? Robert
Robert, It was at Mt. Union, PA. One of the links says it was tore down, in 1979 I think. That is where they linked to the PRR: http://www.totalracing.com/ebt/EBT_overall_map_00001a.pdf http://www.spikesys.com/EBT/Tour/top.html http://www.ebtrr.com/directions.html http://www.totalracing.com/ebt/timber_transfer_00003a.pdf
MTL's October 2007 building by Robert Ray. Typical Robert Ray detail including plastic windows no less. ...don
Very nice Don. We have seen parts of your layout, but what I like to see is your whole layout. You do some outstanding scenery. May I suggest that you start a new tread and show us your layout.
Let me see how to link with a couple of photos I have in an album within GOOGLE's photos. In square footage about all I have in this type of detail is about 4' x 1'. The balance of the 4' x 8' layout is just track work on multiple levels but no scenery. http://lh5.google.com/zbarr474/RwrcFDKyJwI/AAAAAAAAAK4/MUaNv0RANWw/STITCHED%20BRIDGE%20and%20YARD%201.jpg?imgmax=512
