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Previous Layouts |
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I was digging through some old photos when I
stumbled across some pictures of a layout I started while I
was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas in 1998. It was loosely
based on a layout that was featured in Model Railroader in 1995
I believe (I'll post the actual date and author if I find it).
Sadly, the layout had to come down when we moved in 2001.
I learned some valuable lessons from the layout that I'll use in
the future.
The second set of pictures are of my attempt
at a shelf style layout in 2004. It was about 60% complete
prior to our move in 2006. The layout was sold
to a gentlemen in California who used it to build a larger
layout.
Please pardon my picture
taking efforts. I used a simple 35mm point and shoot
camera that I owned way back then and have learned some basic
photography since then. The photos of the second layout
were taken with my second digital camera and they're not much better.
Most of my current roster shots are taken with an
Olympus FE-190. This is a simple point and shoot 6mp
camera that has a great Macro function. I use a tripod for
all of the photography. I also have a Canon Rebel Digital
XTi that I use for outdoor photography of the real thing. I'm
still learning to use the Macro function on this camera.
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Island Layout
1998-2001 |
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The initial bench work went up
pretty quickly. This was my first attempt at open grid
framing and I think it came out pretty well. It was solid
as a rock. The framing against the wall was bolted
directly to the studs making extremely stable. I used 1x4
pine for the framing. The three center isle posts are
standard framing studs.
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Track work went in pretty
smoothly. I used Atlas code 80 track and custom line #6
switches with Caboose Industries ground throws. They are a
little oversized but fully functional. None of the
switches were further than a few inches from the edge of the
layout so reach was not a problem.
With the layout
being located in our spare bedroom, there was never any concern
or issues with expansion problems in the track. I never
had a single issue with derailments in the tunnels. An
Aztec track cleaning car was used about twice a month to clean
the track. It did a fantastic job!!
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The lower track
work had to be finished before the upper deck could be laid as
seen in this view. The track in the back of the room was
still being built. The open bench work provided the access
required if anything should happen while a train was one of the
tunnels. I soldered all joints and secured the track to
the roadbed with liquid nails.
Curves were a
minimum of 24", which allowed me to run the largest cars
available. At the time, that included Micro-Trains 89'
Flats and Con-Cor autoracks.
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Maiden run on November 16,
1998. Two Conrail SD45's and a C30-7 lead an intermodal
train out of future tunnel number one. All three engines
were Kato and the well cars were made by Walthers.
The lead SD45 had Richmond
Controls ditch lights installed. It was a pretty
ruthless install, but hey you have to start somewhere.
That was before I discovered what fiber optics could do for you.
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Another shot of the lead engines moving across
the future yard.
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An eastbound coal drag is being powered by two
GP40-2's as the meet the westbound intermodal train.
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This shot shows the corner were the coal mine and
mountain region was going to go.
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Our wonderful Tigger showing
everyone that he is an engineer at heart.
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Shelf Layout
2004-2006 |
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This layout was a simple design
that I threw together in about three weeks. The shelf
was 18" wide and 8' long. I used Atlas Code 55 track.
I'm impressed with the new track and will use it in the future.
The background photos are made by
Realistic Backdrops and measure 13"x38". I used two
different backdrops for the layout.
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