discussion HO 80s/90s CSX, NS, & Conrail layout resurrection.

[minitnkr]

Above kit photo was 2nd step of 9 on 4 pages of instructions. Brake lines are VERY delicate. Nice high quality kit. PaulE

 

[minitnkr]

Progress, I rearranged the man cave, assembled a couple more modules, revised the layout plan & it's taking firmer shape in my head. The module in the foreground will be two levels w/coal mine upper & staging lower. All this so I don't have to check wiring. PaulE

 

[Bobby Conkers]

One day...need to stop work first.

Watching with interest - at present I haven't understood a word, but can still enjoy the pics!

 

[minitnkr]

Progress pics. Fencing & some gardening added to repurposed station & roadside.

Working industrial module.

C&Cs welcomed. PaulE

 

[Mini Me]

Coming along nicely, keep it going! Rick H.

 

[minitnkr]

Some progress made. Here's the lower eastern loop tracks of folded dogbone connected to lower level benchwork.

West 1 lower level trackage & lower to upper level grade WIP.

The tunnel portal position shows how the upper & lower levels will be defined as the mainline & passing tracks will enter the industrial/maint. section over it.

C&Cs encouraged.

 

[boatman]

Some progress made. Here's the lower eastern loop tracks of folded dogbone connected to lower level benchwork.

West 1 lower level trackage & lower to upper level grade WIP.

The tunnel portal position shows how the upper & lower levels will be defined as the mainline & passing tracks will enter the industrial/maint. section over it.

C&Cs encouraged.

WELL PaulE it looks like you have been busy I used to love doin al the rail road comin on great keep up the good work
chris

 

[Guest]

Hi Paul.
Nice to have the room , sorry, did post before but missed several updates from you.
Will be a great acheivemet when all done .:thumb2::thumb2::thumb2:

 

[BigGreg]

DAAMMN that's gonna be huge...

 

[boatman]

PaulE is it possible to have some close up shots so we can see what you are workin on
chris

 

[Mini Me]

Looks the Bomb! Yes, more progress pics. Plz. Rick H.

 

[minitnkr]

Y'all asked for closeups-here's some.
Trying to sussout maintaining 3% grade yet get high enough in 12' to clear double stack container cars & assoc bench work. 3 to 4% is considered max for this scale.

Sketches of plan. Level one is on the bottom & largely not seen. The part from the 'DOWN' arrow to the tunnel portal is all.

Control module closeup.

Working industrial/maint. yard. Wire is to provide height guide for road crown.

Another view showing the permanent magnets glued into the 3 siding crossings for uncoupling cars.

The funky paint is just leftovers to seal the flake board.

PaulE

 

[Mini Me]

That's great Paul, seeing the plan helps to bring a little clarity on the operational aspect of your layout. Rick H.

 

[boatman]

HI Paul I cant see that Control module closeup. is it that grey box standin upright an what does it do ?
chris

 

[minitnkr]

Thanks for looking. Loose equipment & hotbox sensors are in right foreground. "Hotbox" is a wheel bearing overheating. When trouble is detected the warning light goes off & a signal is sent to dispatch to halt the affected train. The grey boxes are 'relay cabinets' to contain controls for them. PaulE

 

[boatman]

Thanks for looking. Loose equipment & hotbox sensors are in right foreground. "Hotbox" is a wheel bearing overheating. When trouble is detected the warning light goes off & a signal is sent to dispatch to halt the affected train. The grey boxes are 'relay cabinets' to contain controls for them. PaulE

OK PaulE im following this build as railways have always got me intrested great layout :thumb2:
chris

 

[Tim Marlow]

Hi Paul
looking good......when making your 3% grade remember you can gain extra clearance by dropping the other line as well.....that trick can reduce the space needed by almost half.....

 

[adt70hk]

Brilliant! Brings back memories of my own layout that my dad built for me!

 

[Si Benson]

Evening Paul,
This is all Coming along rather nicely. nice plan of your layout btw...I keep telling my son he should plan his layout like that before he commit. I’ll have to show him your set up :thumb2:

 

[minitnkr]

Thanks for commenting gents. Si, here are some tools your son will need. Scale rule, coupler/air hose gauge, 100/70 lb track gauges, spacing gauge, HO stds. gauge. The coupler/air hose & 100/70 lb gauge are great for heat sinks when soldering track also.

PaulE