Some More Progress on My Layout this Weekend

[ben10ben]

I was able to get some more done on my layout this weekend.

 

To my basic loop, I added a  simple 4-track yard. Nothing too fancy, but  it does at least let me do a little bit of switching. I still need to get bumpers for the end of each siding, as every time I try to pick up a car, I end up bumping it off the end. 

I also hooked up an operating track so that I can use my milk cars, and a pair of OTCs for my two dump cars. 

In addition, I have two of my favorite accesories, the American Flyer Talking Station and Sam the Semaphore Man hooked up and working.

I added a separate control panel off of one end, as the corner of the table I was previously using was getting a bit cluttered.

In any case, I don't yet have anything set in stone. I still haven't decided whether I'm going to go with one track or two track, or if that's the yard arrangement I ultimately want to use. 

By the way, Frank53 would be glad to know that all of the trains in the picture, with the exception of the K-line Trainmaster sitting on the table at the far end, are Postwar. A good bit of the track and all of the switches are as well. 

I do, admittedly, have a command base, but it's hidden far out of sight under the table. 

[Geno]

Ben,
Any start on your layout that ends with trains running on track is a good one. The beauty and simplicity of track on plywood is that if you want to change the deisgn it's no big deal.

Geno

[Jumijo]

Ben, you're off to a great start! Enjoy those post war beauties and let the rest take care of itself. And keep us updated. We enjoy seeing your trains and the evolution of your layout.

Jim

[ben10ben]

Thanks for the positive comments, guys.

Here's the control panel, which is not yet complete.

 

I called up Grandpa's Toy Train parts earlier this evening and ordered some more O22 controller lamps, as well as lanterns, fixed voltage plugs, and a few other odds and ends that seem to get away. I haven't ordered from him in nearly a year, but he recognised me just as soon as he picked up the phone. That's good service :). 

 

A little while ago, I had a nice long train of 10 postwar cars running, with 5 of them operating cars. I had three milk cars(3462, 3472 with metal doors, and 3472 with plastic doors), as well as a green 3461 log dump car and 3359 twin-bin coal dump car. This train was heavy enough that I couldn't get a single postwar engine to pull it, not even my 2032s. The natural match for double heading with the 2032s would have been the 681, but mine is unfortunately out of commision until I get a chance to figure out what's wrong with it. Instead, I ended up double heading with my 2056, which surpisingly worked quite well and had no trouble pulling the train. 

 

[alexweiihman]

I really like the talking station!  what does it say as far as announcments?

 

alex

[rtraincollector]

Looking good so far heck its more than I got  don't have room for a layout at present.