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Sorry it isn't clear, Mike - I'm still learning about the best size and resolution for posting photos. The hidden track on the left is the dreaded reverse loop. I hope this helps:
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Cheers
Brian
Victoria, BC -
It helps Mike but not you.
FrankComment
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Yeah, I would get rid of that and turn that into a dead end industrial siding myself. And not just because of the reverse loop but because cleaning and maintaining the hidden track could back to haunt you. If I ever build another layout or expand this one I will NEVER have hidden track again. I know you still have the other tunnel but it is much shorter and shouldn't be that hard to clean the track there.
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Hi All
The NNY is slowly progressing. Other than some track and switches I have trying to rebuild with bits and pieces and scraps on hand. So, here is where we are now:
A lot of what I'm doing is experimental so I retained the reverse loop and used Prof. Klyzlr's diode bridges with a fixed turnout. The only switch I throw is to change polarity when an engine has entered the loop. It works great! The compromise is that trains will always run in the same direction. I can live with that.
I agree with you, Mike. Hidden track should be avoided if at all possible. My solution is to be able to lift out all scenery. The existing lift-out hill/tunnel had to be reworked so I set it on saran wrap and rebuilt it with paper towel strips soaked in 50/50 white glue and water. I was then able to apply a final coat of joint compound and paint on my work table:
So, the plan is to be able to lift out all scenery to access hidden track. Overall, I'm quite happy with the way it's going. The upper level passing track, siding and highway appear a bit lineal being down the center of the layout but that is another compromise. At present everything is only tacked down so it can easily be changed.
Thanks for looking! Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
Cheers
Brian
Victoria, BCComment
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You have made a lot of progress, Tsehum. Sounds like you have been testing your track as you go. That is a good plan. How do you like running trains on the layout so far?
How heavy and how big will the lift out hill be? Where will you put it when you are doing maintenance work on the layout?
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Good to see you are still working on this Brian. I like the lift out idea! :up:
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Bill & Mike
Thanks for the comments!
I'm really enjoying the layout so far. For the first time on a mini layout I can make up a train, have it leave and come back (albeit with the same cars) and then switch cars around and make up a new train. It kinda gives a "purpose" to the railroad.
The lift-outs won't be large: 2 or 3 will give me access to almost all of the hidden track. They will be very light - bits of Styrofoam, paper towel for form and a skim of joint compound - and I'll be able to finish them on my work table.
Huge fun!
Cheers
Brian
Victoria, BCComment
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After lots of hackin' 'n' hewin' the addition is more or less complete:
Thanks for looking .... it's given me a chance to relearn how to post a photo!
Cheers
Brian
Victoria, BCComment
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It looks good.
The proof is in the running. You sound like you’re having fun.
Mike H.
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Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. James BaldwinComment
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Thanks, Mike! I can use the new trackage as a small (3-2-2) Inglenook. I use an online randomizer to set up my switch list and away I go .
Great fun!
Cheers
Brian
Victoria, BCComment
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Looks very good.
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Very nice, Brian. A nice way to incorporate a switching puzzle.
George
The sky is not my limit, it's my playground.Comment
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Thanks Rick and George! I appreciate your comments.
Cheers
Brian
Victoria, BCComment
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A "long" view of the changes:
I was having a look at some of the rolling stock.
Cheers
Brian
Victoria, BCComment
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Nicely done Brian!
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