Machines | Taking To The Next Level - Layout Update & Changes 2013
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In an effort to improve and spice up operations on my layout I have decided to take it to the next level, literally! To enhance and lengthen the mainline run I have added a second level with a semi-helix setup for transition between levels. The helix is made using Woodland Scenics Incline Sets. I use 2% grade sets in an ascending/ descending arrangement where one track climbs as another descends. Both tracks are actually opposite sides of the mainline loop. Behind all of this helix is a level track which serves as a reverse loop for the mainline as well as the yard to turn locomotives and whole trains around. The bottom level is mostly rail yard. This rail yard has its own cab for a yard person to switch separate from the main. The mainline will have two cabs for road operation. This layout is DC Cab control. Provisions are being made to allow all three cabs to be able to run the entire layout. This would allow the yard operator to come out with a yard job and work industries on the main. As of this video the yard cab can only operate in the yard itself, the mainline cabs can operate the entire layout. The upper level will have a siding and some industry switching, so far I have planned for the intermodal yard in the upper section. Otherwise the upper level has not been fully provisioned yet. This video shows some of the progress made over a period of about 2 1/2 months. Included are some pics of the helix construction as well as the finished mainline and yard work. Then onto some video showing trains battling the grades, of them include a 39 car coal train and 3 locos. 39 cars is not the biggest train to haul upgrade, recently had a 54 car train pulled up with about 5 locos working. Also included is some of a friends power, Central Michigan Railway, and some of his rolling stock.
Comments
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I hate these posts where the poster isn't talking and explaining what he's doing. Trying to read it is just annoying. I won't watch it.
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Hello
we both are called train man so i droped u a sub also cool video well done!!! -
with the combination of the 2% incline sets on 4 inch risers, how tall is that?
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Great layout dude very impressive
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how are you ,
If anyone else wants to know about
how to build a ho model train layout try Awsomic Railroaders Club (do a search on google)?
Ive heard some interesting things about it and my mate got excellent results with it. -
i love it when the train hits the diamonds :)
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Did you use the 1% set for the landing to the 1st level?
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I like the work you did with the 2 % inclines. What is the messurement of that helix are ?
Sal -
AWESOME layout!! One of the best line ups of rolling stock I've ever seen!! LOVE the modern stuff!! Nice work!! Can't wait to see the scenery applied!!
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Nice large layout, but I would hate to be the one who has to clean the tracks.
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Nice looking layout. Do you have a copy of the track plan posted somewhere?
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Cool layout. HO right?
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Love the twists and turns and the long rake of wagons
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minimum radius is 22, used on the upper level siding, mainline radius is 24", the helix goes bigger than that as I used flex track. To save space in the yard I have used 1/3 and 1/2 inch sections of 18". Even with longer cars at slow speeds it doesn't give much issues.
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what is your mainline radius? Minimum and max?
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nice layout!!
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I wouldn't go as far as saying "no derailments" lol, I do have some, but not on the inclines like some might think. The incline setup worked out a lot better than I had thought. I will have more vids of this as I am now starting to signal this mainline, the signals will mock that of a CTC Bi-directional system.
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Awesome layout you having going there, I'm jealous as to how good it runs and no derailments. Please keep us up to date on this super layout as you continue progress!
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WOW, i was skeptical at first, but it works! That CM train proved it! Good job. I want to mention that you might want to take advantage of the space under the helix area which is held up by the 2x4s for a hidden staging/storage yard.