Gonna have to redo a section of plywood. Due to a small section of plywood I added in I'm getting random uncoupolings into one of the turns. I'd rather have one continuous piece and a larger turn radius.
As another option for the plexiglass or lexan material - if there is a glass replacement place nearby they can get the plexiglass or lexan and cut to size, as well as holes drilled and a full polish on it all.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
Robkoz, congratulations and good going!
One quick comment. I respectfully suggest that you reconsider installing a transparent guard on the straightaways. Keep in mind that derailments can occur on straight mainlines, I've seen it happen:
A Kadee coupler trip pin or a coupler box lid falls off of a locomotive or car as a train rolls......Potential derailment.
A freight or passenger car truck has an axle with a wheel that gradually works itself inward and comes out gets out of gauge......Potential derailment on any curve or straightaway.
A trip pin on a freight or passenger car that has been gradually sagging down gets caught as it passes over a switch turnout......likely derailment. (I experienced that more than once).
To the point: You can cut the barriers for the straighaways to just one or two inches in height. It may well be worth it to take the extra step to minimize the potential of the "unthinkable plunge" from occurring.
Again, congratulatons and High Greens!
robkoz The straighaways I might leave. One corner seems to give problems with the triple axle cars. I will post a full vid of the entire layout tomorrow to discuss ideas. Might even consider a tunnel in one of the corners. Thanks for the positives!
The straighaways I might leave. One corner seems to give problems with the triple axle cars. I will post a full vid of the entire layout tomorrow to discuss ideas. Might even consider a tunnel in one of the corners.
Thanks for the positives!
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
robkoz You're behind the times CG.
You're behind the times CG.
hon30critter https://imageshack.com/user/DRGW476 Made Mike's link clickable. robkoz: I like what you have done! If it was me I'd have a hard time deciding whether or not to put up a guard. The passenger cars would have to run reliably of course (guard or no guard actually), but if you can't get them to cooperate there are lots of four axle passenger cars available. I think the guard would be very distracting. Part of the entertainment value of your layout is the fact that the trains are running on the edge. Of course it's easy for me to spend your money and time with my opinions. It doesn't cost me a cent and I don't have to repair the fallen cars! Dave
https://imageshack.com/user/DRGW476
Made Mike's link clickable.
robkoz:
I like what you have done!
If it was me I'd have a hard time deciding whether or not to put up a guard. The passenger cars would have to run reliably of course (guard or no guard actually), but if you can't get them to cooperate there are lots of four axle passenger cars available. I think the guard would be very distracting. Part of the entertainment value of your layout is the fact that the trains are running on the edge. Of course it's easy for me to spend your money and time with my opinions. It doesn't cost me a cent and I don't have to repair the fallen cars!
Dave
CentralGulf Got kids? Consider what would happen if a locomotive derailed and plunged into someone's head or face. It needs a guard. CG
Got kids? Consider what would happen if a locomotive derailed and plunged into someone's head or face.
It needs a guard.
CG
You're behind the times CG. I already agreed that it needs a guard. And the younglings that are in this house are bigger than I am.
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Thanks! Will look into it. Even though it runs smooth with freight for some reason tri axle passenger cars hate this track. I need to smooth down a few track joints.
woodman,
Thanks, good for my efforts to be appreciated. I usually post up in each Weekend Photo Fun (WPF). If you don't mind a few cat, squirrel, and truck pics, and some other misc stuff, about 90% of my 8,443 (currently) pics here are of the layout:
A note on drilling plexi/acrylic. The right drill is needed, as the angle of the bit cutting face is crictical to drilling. That's why a plastic house is worth the small cost over just the material cost at the big box, then you having to DIY. Leave it to the pros, who have the tools and expertise, then they deliver a finished product. If something breaks before then, it's part of their shop cost. All I did was install and with a little care taken there, it's a non-issue.
Then again, Lexan is forever. I went cheap with a non-layout application one time and then replaced it with Lxean...but we're talking young, dumb vandals there, not folks who operate on my layout
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
Mike, I would really like to see more photos of your layout if it is possible.
I have had a long history with both plexiglass and lexan and I agree with CG the lexan is a better material to handle. Check out plexiglass and lexan sheeting on the Home Depot website to give you an idea about pricing. Lexan is not cheap but it is definately worth it.
Joe
You might check on the price of Lexan (polycarbobate) versus Plexiglass (acrylic). Lexan is much easier to work with and far less likely to crack or spiderweb around the drill holes. If there isn't much difference in price, consider using Lexan instead.
Lexan is also much stronger than the other stuff.
1/8" is commonly available at any big box building supply. Cutting it into long narrow strips for a guardrail might be tricky, though. Check ariund for your local plastic supply house and they can both supply and cut it cleanly to suit your needs at a reasonable cost.
1/8" works fine if the area isn't going to be pushed against, etc where it's up out of reach. If not, then 1/4" is a better bet and not much more, but usually the thicker isn't found at the big box, but the plastic supply house can set you up. Here's how that turned out along the main aisle on my layout.
cowman Agree with Scott in both cases. I used 1/8" plexiglass around my layout. In my case it was not only to prevent the dreaded dive, but also keeping little hands from causing such. It is clear and little eyes can see what's going on without a problem. Goodluck, Richard
Agree with Scott in both cases.
I used 1/8" plexiglass around my layout. In my case it was not only to prevent the dreaded dive, but also keeping little hands from causing such. It is clear and little eyes can see what's going on without a problem.
Goodluck,
Richard
Great point. Where can I get 1/8" plexi? Thanks
Looks nice. A derailment could be catastrophic, have you considered some sort of guardrail?
Scott
Thanks to the advise of some great members on this forum our layout is up and running! Only 1 track for now. Have room for 3. Probably will elevate each track a bit to see each train. Not sure yet.