Hi!
I've done a number of posts about building a "replacement" 11x15 HO layout with a lower level staging area with a 2% incline to the main level. The layout is also my first attempt at DCC (Digitrax, 2 boosters, 8 power districts), which meant I had a learning curve during the building process.
Anyway, I finished the incline and lower level and began testing. I am not a rookie, and IMHO did a pretty fair job in the benchwork & tracklaying/wiring process. That being said, I expected a few problems, and ended up with 3 that were pretty well hidden at first.
- I used a mix of new/used Atlas code 100 track & turnouts. Working with weathered and ballasted trackage is a pain, and frankly I would not do it again (assuming I have the $$$). Also, the much older Atlas turnouts (that have simple rivits holding the movable rails) have a tendency to cause a derailment on longer 6 axle diesels & 10 axle steam locos. I had two of these installed at the storage tracks and both caused this problem - one worse than the other. All of the older turnouts are now history.
- One corner of the incline where it makes a 90 degree turn had a slight vertical dip in it. Looking down, you could not tell, but from the side it was obvious. It took me awhile to find it and caused a few 10 driver steam locos to derail. That "kink" has been smoothed out.
- I also had a turnout that at very slow speeds stopped a new BLI RSD-15. Thankfully I soon figured out it was the loco, and found one of the truck feeder wires had broken loose. That has been repaired.
I'm really looking forward to installing the upper level benchwork and will post photos as I progress.
ENJOY !!!
Mobilman44
ENJOY !
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Hi Mobilman44,
Congrats!
I find it so rewarding, when, after spending many hours and a lot of and , things turn out the way we expected them to. Trouble free performance is so important - actually more important than a highly detailed scnerey, IMHO. What´s the use of a good looking layout that you can´t operate satisfactorily?
Btw, I think we once shared the same employer, but on different sides of the big pond...
Hi again!
I confess I am sort of a perfectionist when it comes to the workings of track, wiring, & rolling stock. That does NOT mean I am perfect, just that I seek reliable operation. Frankly, it drives me nuts if something isn't working as it should. Thankfully, my wife is somewhat the same, especially when it comes to computer/software performance.
Given this, the proper operation of the lower level of the layout is a must - especially since much of it will be hard to get to once the main level is installed.
Ulrich, would you be referring to MC, or EMC?
ENJOY,
mobilman44Ulrich, would you be referring to MC, or EMC? ENJOY, Mobilman44
I was with MC, left in 1992 to take over the post of CFO in the petro-chemical industry. In my 4 years with MC, I held 7 different jobs at 3 different locations in Europe. My wife really did not like moving house all the time!
Yes, relocations can be a blessing and/or curse. I've been through it 5 times, 3 of those with MC. I was with MC since 1973 (Joliet, Illinois refinery) and migrated to EMC in 2001, and retired in 2006.
I never dreamed I would stay in north Houston when I transferred here from Dallas back in 1981. But, I can't complain for all is well here and I've got a nice 11x15 room for the layout, and another room for computer & model building. I sure would like to have twice the space for a layout, but I sure have no right to complain and will enjoy and be thankful for what I have.
mobilman, I am in the process of planning a new layout in a 9 foot by 22 foot room; ho scale. I also plan on lower level trackage. Can we compare notes on the staging yard and your layout for the main level. I would be interested in seeing your track plan. How much lower than your main level will the staging yards be. A 2% incline will only raise 4 inches over 16 feet, i think. Lets talk more about what you are going to be doing. thanks brian
Hi, I sent you a "personal" email with descriptions of the lower level. One thing I'll comment here about is that a 2% incline will give you 2 inches vertical in 100 inches horizontal. 100 inches is close to 8 feet (96 "), so 16 feet will give you 4 inches vertical which for HO is more than enough clearance to disappear under the main level benchwork.
Enjoy,
Essentially as i understand it you are using a no-lix then to go down to your staging yard. If so I am planning on using ws 2% incline set to get me down to 12 inches for my staging yard. Are you using any special plan for your upper level such as 2 inch foam or plywood top. I am so interested in your progress as you have not posted for about a week. You can e-mail me if you dont want to reply on the forum. Brian