Thursday, 1 June 2017

Caboose Industries Ground Throws


Now i have manged to build three levels of Base boards structure, i need to start laying track in the hard to reach area's before i board over the top.

I have been watching loads of Youtube Videos on Operating Layouts and noticed Caboose Industries Ground Throw switches are used alot.  I like the idea of have to move the switch yourself and not just press a bottom, i feel it will add to the operation.  So i bought a few to see how well they work and i am very impressed.
The Peco Code 83 track has small holes in the tie bar of the point, these are just to small to take the pin from the Ground Throw, so i use a small circular file to very carefully widen the hole to take the pin.  I then glue the Switch to the extended tie sleepers on the point.  

Saturday, 27 May 2017

Baseboard Construction



A full Saturday building the next few levels up.  Second level is complete accept for the lift out sections at the door.

I have also build the Top main baseboard framing.  I will leave the boards off until i get the track laid below, to leave myself good access.




Friday, 26 May 2017

Lewis Lake Track Plan Level 1, 2 & 3

Having left St. Leonard Yard on the bottom level, 3 turns of the Helix brings you to this Run around level,  this is just to add running length to the Trains.  The Train comes off and past the door, rising the last 75mm (3inch) to meet the Helix at the next level.  This reduces the need for points.

On this level we have the main line running through the middle of 2 Long Storage sidings.  As i have no off layout Storage i needed to create as much as possible on the layout without it looking.  So from these siding you head back onto the Helix to Head up.



I am Planning to have the layout looking like its build within the Mountains,  With Lewis Lake in Yellowstone park, i feel i can achieve this.  The Second level is again a single run around to add length.  The level will sneak in and out of the mountains, with a few Tunnels and Bridges.and back on to the helix to reach the final level.

This will be the main switching level, and will be operated by standing, and in some peoples case standing on a box.....   I plan for at least three Industries on this level, as you come off the Helix you pass West Loanhead Coal Mine, which will be built off the Mountain side.  Moving Round to Caledonian  Distillery (My Grandfather worked in this Distillery in Edinburgh for over 40 years)  plus who does not like a beer.  As you move around to sit above the Roundhouse and Helix, East Roslin Steel & Wire Works will be the main Industry here,  I plan to have this sitting on a Dock front with a Ship on the quayside.  I hope to add another Industry in this Area, but i want to see how much room the steelworks up, and what space i have left,  Following the Back road onto the Helix and coming all the way down on the inside to the St. Leonard Yard on the bottom level, complete the loop.
I feel with the space i have this was the best use of it and will give me room to have trains running and Switching options.

I think 3 people would be able to operated ok and have space to move about and be able to sit,  we could have 4 but one would need to be in the Helix.

As is pay day i have managed to pick up some timber, so hope to have the a load more base boards built over the weekend


Wednesday, 24 May 2017

Lewis Lake - Base Level Track Plan


It took some working out, but i seem to have managed it.

Here is my track plan for the base level of Lewis Lakes,  I drew it out using AutoCAD and managed to covert it into a picture so i can post it here.  I managed to find Scale Drawings of all Peco Code 83 points, so i reproduced then as CAD blocks that i could use in the Track Design.  Using AutoCAD also allowed my to Design the Helix and the curves to achieve the correct radius.

This is the base level of the Layout and the Start of my Trains Journey.  Trains will be built up in St Leonard Yard, with the ladder tracks holding my Rolling stock and cabooses.  There is Space to build  2no. 20 car trains here, which can the be taken around the layout on the outside line and stored in the two Holding lines at the back of the yard, which can only be accessed from the outside line.  As the Train leaves the yard it will pass my Workbench and onto the Helix running up the Outside line to the Industries that are on the very top level.
When i am running a operating session, of which i have room for 3 people, (4 is someone want to switch the Steelworks)  Each person will be allocated a Shed number form the round house, the loco in the stall will be theirs to operated for the day.  then give a Card Switch list to go and build there Train from the bottom yard, each car will the have a destination to be delivered.  This is how i hope it works anyway.  two Operators are able to work the bottom yard, with the other working the Steelworks or one of the other Industries on the top deck.  There is also the scope if i am working away in the shed, to just switch a train on and let it run around.

When i designed the layout i wanted space for a little Switching and have a few friends over to operated, but also just be able to let the locos run.  I wanted to do my best to fit a Large Turntable in and as big a round house is possible.   Due to the limited space i have, I had to drop the round house board down, so i could sneak it under the Helix.  When looking at it, the Sheds will look like they have been build into the side of the mountain, but i was will to accept this.

When running up the Helix, you have no option but to come off at each level and run around the shed, this saved me from having any points in the Helix and adds running length to the trains.  When you reach top the helix runs from top to bottom and you finish up at the top of the yard, ready to switch you train around.

There is no much space for Builds and Structures on this level as i wanted to have as much Storage space as possible for my Rolling stock.  At the top of the yard there will be a small Platform/Loading Dock and there will be a few other structures dotted about.
   

Monday, 22 May 2017

HO Helix Construction




 I managed to get the Helix to full Height at the weekend,  I have all my on and off tracks in place, except for the top level, but i will have to build the main Baseboards below first.

I have also moved the TV over a bit to allow for better viewing.



Sunday, 21 May 2017