Test Track: MTH C&O Greenbrier 4-8-4 #614 + 31 Hoppers (2 of 3)

[SP4449Warbaby]

Are you trying to replicate the ACE3000 project runs? LOL.

[TrainTrackTrav]

Can't you nail the tracks down to keep them from moving so much when running the trains? Then you could realy get them movin'!

[RailRide]

In fact, the yard area is the only part that's not fixed in place. Tracks are screwed down on the elevated section.

Where the track passes in front of the doorway is a lift-out section so the entrance is not blocked while the track is not in use. Fortunatley I built it so its auto-aligned when in place..

As for 'really movin', I think a scale speed of 45-50mph is the safe limit considering the 36" radius curves.

[jsteiger2228]

Dude, I hope they gave you a volume discount on that hopper car.....

[RailRide]

No such luck :) Between the original set (bought in 1988, btw) and what you saw in "Lionel Grain Train", I bought cars from set breakups at train shows.

Between that video and this one, I bought five cars from a train show, and the rest one at a time via Ebay. For the most part, I paid less than MSRP.

[Plisken1986]

Not married huh? Sounds great!!!

[RailRide]

Being "not hitched" has some benefits. Like filtering out those who wouldn't put up with them--I can always say "the trains were here first" :D

[Plisken1986]

LOL

[medic4ever2]

ya i would hate to see the test track be gone

[MartyLJ57]

Good luck on the basment layout and I know folks out there in YouTube land will miss your Test Track vedios but look forword to seeing shots from the new one.

[RailRide]

Heh, I considered taking it down whenever I finished the basement layout, but now it's unlikely the test track is going anywhere, basement empire or not :)

[MartyLJ57]

Any chance you can expan your track or are you maxed out?

[RailRide]

It's maxed out in that room. Running it throughout the house is out of the question as there'd be as many lift-out sections as there would be "permanent" track. All the rooms branch out from a central dining room (you can see this in the silhouette shot), so it's impossible to go any real distance without having to cross a walkway.

I have solid plans for the first phase of the basement layout though. All that's left is to design the ramp section and start buying wood.

[WJ165]

how many engines do you have? talk about a collector!

[RailRide]

Probably 55-60. I got my first Lionel on Christmas of 1976, and have been adding to it ever since. A little at a time adds up to a lot, given enough time.

[furryfurball1221]

the silhouette shot was magnificant!