hi,is it possible for me to incorparate my slot car set in amongst the train set ,also my dad has a train set !it is old but for some reson he can only get power to parts of the track,any advice would be most appretiater.With the tower it would be better facing the turn table so the enginers can see where the tains are situated.good to have found your page also a biutifull job ,garry
Not sure it was on this video or one of the earlier ones I saw a printout of your layout. I am just getting back into the hobby after 50 years (I now have time, some $, but limited space). I have about 50 sq. ft. in a "C" shape. What software program did you use for the track plan?
@55trains I use XtrkCAD for all my designing. You can find the download at the Yahoo group. It's a freeware program. Some find it hard to use, while others think it's a breeze. You can decide for yourself. Also go to my main Youtube page and you'll find a link to the complete progress thread I started back in Oct 2006. There's a link there.
@MrNinojp That's all a matter of oppinion. I prefer HO, but have worked with HO, N, O(Lionel), and soon G (LGB). Even an all Marklin layout. I still like HO. It's a good size to fit a lot of stuff in an area, and there's limitless products available.
@myowngod2 i herd that ho had the most products selections and i was interested in oo but there is know were to get them but euope. But would you mind if you send me some vidoes of your g railroad thnks!!
@MrNinojp HO is a good scale to start for many reasons. You get better view of your track that you lay. You can work on maintaining your track without derails. Once your good with the track in HO, you can graduate to N scale if you want more options on your layout plans, although N scale has no where even close to what is available in HO. You can find just about anything in HO, where you are very limited in N. Also DCC sound is much better in HO, if that floats your boat.
in most railroads they have the steps closest to the track so if a emegancy would happen they could bail off the train and run stright up the steps so aka.... have it the way u had it at 6:07 in the video ......over all i love it nice job!!!
I only have 2 GG1s. 1 is the AHM I mention earlier. The other is a Broadway Limit Inc. DC/DCC model. I forget the Mfg#. The BLI model is a nice engine, but the pilot trucks are a little tempermental.
a few quick questions for ya, what brand was that GG1, was that a SW1 and if so from who or was it coustom? and what where those green cabooses? love to knwo what they were thanks, btw its lookign great, love the trolly idea and i personaly think the yard tower looks good facing the yard it looks good! layout's looking good, keep it up :D
I think the GG1 is an AHM model from the early 80's. Unfortunately it is non-operational for DCC yet. The SW1 is an Athearn model that I put a decoder in. The green cabeese I don't know what the manufacturer is, but they're track cleaning kits. Thanks for the positive feedback.
I'm not sure how much the double x's are. My Dad bought it back in 2007. We only hace one on the layout. It is a problem ,though, for the sound units when they cross it. The sound always stops and when crossing the middle diamond. I have to figure a way to power the frogs and diamonds with the right polarity. Maybe I have to invest in a few tortiose machines or power route them...? Anyone with a suggestion?
I do have a brief video of the 1st run on the turntable. Check out somewhere in my videos. Next time I'm down I'll try to remember to make one. I also want to make another railfann type video. I might invest in a tripod for the camera.
Sure, If you go to my Youtube main page, there is a link to a complete progress report on the layout. The first picture is a plan as of Oct 2006. Since then a few minor changes were made during construction. If you have the freeware program XtrkCAD, then I can send you the file and you can modify it to your liking.
Nice layout. Very impressive. I am working on a 12x20 layout. It is far from being finished but it's getting there. I have posted some video's on my youtube site. Come on over and check em out some time. If you don't mind I will be watching your video's to get some idea's to help. Keep up the good work and thanks for the video's.
I used 1/4" pinstriping, normally used on cars. To get them perfectly straight I put dots 1" apart on the fascia and then used a laser level to connect them. The turnouts are all 45deg cuts in the tape.
The layout is 13'x16'. We actually have no booster yet. The only power is from the NCE PowerCab. The max engines being run is 3-4 at at time. I do plan on getting the NCE Smartbooster some time down the road.
The yard tower looks o' natueral the 2nd way you placed it but i can clearly see your point of veiw on the direction you placed it. The raised station will look very cool!!!! when you showed that one station went right to my mind.... the Michigan Central Station. :-). if you cant tell, i live in Michigan lol.You should look up the station and see if you like it, it would look very nice there.
Overall Grade: AAAAA++++++ Awesome job for just getting the wiring nearly done! :-)~
You need to get some plaster on there, maybe get some more of the mountain scape done. I have found that getting a little part of the scenery looking good makes the rest of the work seem worth it!
I completely agree with you. I would love to get the mountain area looking good. But unfortuanely I only get down to the layout about every 2 months. My Dad doesn't do ANY scenery... He has trouble drawing a stick figure. lol. He's not to artistic. I wanted to get a lot of the wiring and behind the scenes stuff done before covering it up with plaster. If it looks great and doesn't run well, I have failed.
If I were you I would. Yeah it is a pain to do, but it makes the layout 100% more realistic. Just make sure you have plenty of ventilation & lots of bright boys!
ALTO was and still is used as a point for crew changes although the tower itself is now gone. Today vans pick up crews or they simply walk across the tracks to the yard office. So perhaps a maintainance vehicle such as a bus would look good parked by the tower to transport those crew members. Ok I will stop now, just having some fun here throwing some ideas around. Retired life, I gotta stay busy somehow! ;)
Hi again! After watching the video a 2nd time I have another suggestion for you. Place the tower where the blue 2-26 can is setting on the layout. With the larger windows facing the tracks you would get a good view of the stairway which is a nice detail to the kit. This is prototypical by the way. The ALTO tower that once stood in the Altoona yards was located just a short piece from where the yard lead connects to the main. The two mainline tracks ran directly infront of the tower.
That's a good idea for the tower location. But, unfortunately there is always young kids down watching the "CHOO-CHOO trains", so having a delicate model like that one close to the edge is just asking for trouble.
Hello! You asked for input on positioning the tower. I happen to be watching an old vhs of the cumberland yards. The tower operator was required to do a visual check of the departing trains. The train departs slowly so the operator can check car numbers and ratings. It is an extra precaution to help prevent delrailments from faulty equip. and from the cars being loaded. Also to make sure the cars are properly blocked for that train. So large windows facing the tracks maybe?
Nice Gob! your layout it better thin mine, the track work looks so smoth, you use your space better thin I did you have a train comeing in 1 tonel and you see the same train coming out some where else at the same time. about the tower hmmmm.... the stars wood lead right to the tracks...thow it wood have a better vew of the yard??? but I will see your layout in Model Railroader Magizen.
can't wait to see what you do in the future it looks great so far, my friend and i just set up our new modual layout for the first time at a show this past weekend, we will have it at the atam spring thaw show to, you did a great job so far.
Hello! Really nice layout! It is fun to watch as the layout continues to progress. I have to say you are a talented guy! Will be looking forward to more updates!
Nice Job. I have seen interlock towers face switch poins so they can see the points and they would have a control panel in there with laps so they would know if there was a train
hi,is it possible for me to incorparate my slot car set in amongst the train set ,also my dad has a train set !it is old but for some reson he can only get power to parts of the track,any advice would be most appretiater.With the tower it would be better facing the turn table so the enginers can see where the tains are situated.good to have found your page also a biutifull job ,garry
MsGarry33 2 months ago
Not sure it was on this video or one of the earlier ones I saw a printout of your layout. I am just getting back into the hobby after 50 years (I now have time, some $, but limited space). I have about 50 sq. ft. in a "C" shape. What software program did you use for the track plan?
55trains 1 year ago
@55trains I use XtrkCAD for all my designing. You can find the download at the Yahoo group. It's a freeware program. Some find it hard to use, while others think it's a breeze. You can decide for yourself. Also go to my main Youtube page and you'll find a link to the complete progress thread I started back in Oct 2006. There's a link there.
myowngod2 1 year ago
bravo that is the best train set iv ever seen wow bravo bravo
MrStarwars25 1 year ago
i have a big question about rail railroading shoud i start with ho or n
MrNinojp 1 year ago
@MrNinojp That's all a matter of oppinion. I prefer HO, but have worked with HO, N, O(Lionel), and soon G (LGB). Even an all Marklin layout. I still like HO. It's a good size to fit a lot of stuff in an area, and there's limitless products available.
myowngod2 1 year ago
@myowngod2 i herd that ho had the most products selections and i was interested in oo but there is know were to get them but euope. But would you mind if you send me some vidoes of your g railroad thnks!!
MrNinojp 1 year ago
@MrNinojp HO is a good scale to start for many reasons. You get better view of your track that you lay. You can work on maintaining your track without derails. Once your good with the track in HO, you can graduate to N scale if you want more options on your layout plans, although N scale has no where even close to what is available in HO. You can find just about anything in HO, where you are very limited in N. Also DCC sound is much better in HO, if that floats your boat.
Silver1Sprg 1 year ago
in most railroads they have the steps closest to the track so if a emegancy would happen they could bail off the train and run stright up the steps so aka.... have it the way u had it at 6:07 in the video ......over all i love it nice job!!!
ForeverFabFour 1 year ago
@ForeverFabFour Thanks for the feedback. I decided to put the stairs parellel tp the track, the way you like it.
myowngod2 1 year ago
Wow! It looks awesome and has come along so much!
jwerren78 2 years ago
This Isn't N Scale It's HO Scale.
Juggylocko 2 years ago
Yes, it's HO scale.
myowngod2 2 years ago
You've given me plenty of inspiration for my own N scale model railroad project, and for that I thank you.
michaelmohrmann 2 years ago
Looks good! Gives me inspiration for my layout! Many thanks.
teddybeareleventeen 2 years ago
I noticed you have several GG1s. I model the PRR and am interested in buying one. Who makes them? I can not find them anywhere.
abrownyo 2 years ago
I only have 2 GG1s. 1 is the AHM I mention earlier. The other is a Broadway Limit Inc. DC/DCC model. I forget the Mfg#. The BLI model is a nice engine, but the pilot trucks are a little tempermental.
myowngod2 2 years ago
Thanks i might get one
abrownyo 2 years ago
He said he'd get the bli gg1. I agree with that they run great. a friend has one but doesent use it because it to big :)
adaribros 2 years ago
a few quick questions for ya, what brand was that GG1, was that a SW1 and if so from who or was it coustom? and what where those green cabooses? love to knwo what they were thanks, btw its lookign great, love the trolly idea and i personaly think the yard tower looks good facing the yard it looks good! layout's looking good, keep it up :D
Saugertiesrailfan 2 years ago
I think the GG1 is an AHM model from the early 80's. Unfortunately it is non-operational for DCC yet. The SW1 is an Athearn model that I put a decoder in. The green cabeese I don't know what the manufacturer is, but they're track cleaning kits. Thanks for the positive feedback.
myowngod2 2 years ago
how much are you paying for the double crossovers and what brand?
csxgk94 2 years ago
I'm not sure how much the double x's are. My Dad bought it back in 2007. We only hace one on the layout. It is a problem ,though, for the sound units when they cross it. The sound always stops and when crossing the middle diamond. I have to figure a way to power the frogs and diamonds with the right polarity. Maybe I have to invest in a few tortiose machines or power route them...? Anyone with a suggestion?
myowngod2 2 years ago
very cool layout you got! its cool to see the Pennsylvania RR being modeled.
steven8979 2 years ago
Try to find a photo of the actual yard you're modeling & go w/ that. If you can't, then use your modeler's lisence.
TrainDr101 2 years ago
looking good!
Saugertiesrailfan 2 years ago
how do you clean your track. how long does it take you to clean the track.
damnstraight2 2 years ago
can you do a video on running the turntable
adaribros 2 years ago
I do have a brief video of the 1st run on the turntable. Check out somewhere in my videos. Next time I'm down I'll try to remember to make one. I also want to make another railfann type video. I might invest in a tripod for the camera.
myowngod2 2 years ago
and a video on how the control works
adaribros 2 years ago
amazing work mate, to me this is an artform.
1085oliverda 2 years ago
You are doing a great job.
dteide 2 years ago
I like that GG1 you have, looks pretty cool!
badboylll 2 years ago
but whats the link to it
hopkinshunter56 2 years ago
ok but whats the link to it
hopkinshunter56 2 years ago
Is this ho scale?
markkaufmann 3 years ago
Sure is. If you go to my Youtube main page, there is a link to a complete progress report on the layout.
myowngod2 3 years ago
could you give me your track plans
hopkinshunter56 3 years ago
Sure, If you go to my Youtube main page, there is a link to a complete progress report on the layout. The first picture is a plan as of Oct 2006. Since then a few minor changes were made during construction. If you have the freeware program XtrkCAD, then I can send you the file and you can modify it to your liking.
myowngod2 3 years ago
You asked for some feed back on the tower. You have the right idea. If it was me I would face the majority of the windows facing the yard.
WMfan69 3 years ago
Nice layout. Very impressive. I am working on a 12x20 layout. It is far from being finished but it's getting there. I have posted some video's on my youtube site. Come on over and check em out some time. If you don't mind I will be watching your video's to get some idea's to help. Keep up the good work and thanks for the video's.
WMfan69 3 years ago
for the yard tower the big windows face the majority of the yard.
nardp96 3 years ago
how do u make those scamatics for the swich board?
nardp96 3 years ago
I used 1/4" pinstriping, normally used on cars. To get them perfectly straight I put dots 1" apart on the fascia and then used a laser level to connect them. The turnouts are all 45deg cuts in the tape.
myowngod2 3 years ago
How big is the layout? You probably need one hell of a power booster for some thing that big! Nice work on the layout.
railfanfromiantha 3 years ago
The layout is 13'x16'. We actually have no booster yet. The only power is from the NCE PowerCab. The max engines being run is 3-4 at at time. I do plan on getting the NCE Smartbooster some time down the road.
myowngod2 3 years ago
dude...awesome work...how much money you got tied up in Track?!?! wish i had that much room to work with!!!
RyanSamuelBarry 3 years ago
The yard tower looks o' natueral the 2nd way you placed it but i can clearly see your point of veiw on the direction you placed it. The raised station will look very cool!!!! when you showed that one station went right to my mind.... the Michigan Central Station. :-). if you cant tell, i live in Michigan lol.You should look up the station and see if you like it, it would look very nice there.
Overall Grade: AAAAA++++++ Awesome job for just getting the wiring nearly done! :-)~
-Aaron F.
badboylll 3 years ago
You need to get some plaster on there, maybe get some more of the mountain scape done. I have found that getting a little part of the scenery looking good makes the rest of the work seem worth it!
AyTrane 3 years ago
I completely agree with you. I would love to get the mountain area looking good. But unfortuanely I only get down to the layout about every 2 months. My Dad doesn't do ANY scenery... He has trouble drawing a stick figure. lol. He's not to artistic. I wanted to get a lot of the wiring and behind the scenes stuff done before covering it up with plaster. If it looks great and doesn't run well, I have failed.
myowngod2 3 years ago
This is true, you want the layout to run flawless, or else you have more work to do later on. It's coming along great!
AyTrane 3 years ago
Wow you have made a lot of progress. Have you decided what you are going to be using for a 3 track tunnel portal?
TrainJunkee 3 years ago
Good question. Hmm...?
myowngod2 3 years ago
Get back to you on that one. ;-)
myowngod2 3 years ago
Nice work!
Texaslobo 3 years ago
Wow nice work on the layout!
Are you going to weather yout track?
RichmanJ93 3 years ago
I'm not sure if I'll weather the track. I know it adds a lot of realism, but also requires a lot of work.
myowngod2 2 years ago
If I were you I would. Yeah it is a pain to do, but it makes the layout 100% more realistic. Just make sure you have plenty of ventilation & lots of bright boys!
RichmanJ93 2 years ago
(keep up the good work)
kr3wsk8er019 3 years ago
i like what you have done with the layout keep up yht good work and when do you think the layout will be done.
kr3wsk8er019 3 years ago
ALTO was and still is used as a point for crew changes although the tower itself is now gone. Today vans pick up crews or they simply walk across the tracks to the yard office. So perhaps a maintainance vehicle such as a bus would look good parked by the tower to transport those crew members. Ok I will stop now, just having some fun here throwing some ideas around. Retired life, I gotta stay busy somehow! ;)
joshdillon2003 3 years ago
Thank you very much. Any help or pointers are greatly appreciated. Keep it coming.
myowngod2 3 years ago
Hi again! After watching the video a 2nd time I have another suggestion for you. Place the tower where the blue 2-26 can is setting on the layout. With the larger windows facing the tracks you would get a good view of the stairway which is a nice detail to the kit. This is prototypical by the way. The ALTO tower that once stood in the Altoona yards was located just a short piece from where the yard lead connects to the main. The two mainline tracks ran directly infront of the tower.
joshdillon2003 3 years ago
That's a good idea for the tower location. But, unfortunately there is always young kids down watching the "CHOO-CHOO trains", so having a delicate model like that one close to the edge is just asking for trouble.
myowngod2 3 years ago
Hello! You asked for input on positioning the tower. I happen to be watching an old vhs of the cumberland yards. The tower operator was required to do a visual check of the departing trains. The train departs slowly so the operator can check car numbers and ratings. It is an extra precaution to help prevent delrailments from faulty equip. and from the cars being loaded. Also to make sure the cars are properly blocked for that train. So large windows facing the tracks maybe?
joshdillon2003 3 years ago
Nice Gob! your layout it better thin mine, the track work looks so smoth, you use your space better thin I did you have a train comeing in 1 tonel and you see the same train coming out some where else at the same time. about the tower hmmmm.... the stars wood lead right to the tracks...thow it wood have a better vew of the yard??? but I will see your layout in Model Railroader Magizen.
EWLR89 3 years ago
awesome... cant wait to see more... 5*
svinehunden 3 years ago
can't wait to see what you do in the future it looks great so far, my friend and i just set up our new modual layout for the first time at a show this past weekend, we will have it at the atam spring thaw show to, you did a great job so far.
trainz1623 3 years ago
Hello! Really nice layout! It is fun to watch as the layout continues to progress. I have to say you are a talented guy! Will be looking forward to more updates!
joshdillon2003 3 years ago
Nice Job. I have seen interlock towers face switch poins so they can see the points and they would have a control panel in there with laps so they would know if there was a train
in the yard track and the main.
foxrivermotorman 3 years ago