The trains are running!

[cwclark]

Just a note ...I started my layout last March and this weekend I finally got a train to continuously run on the entire layout!..i timed it and at 80 scale MPH it took 3.5 minutes to complete a loop around the entire layout in the 23' x 25' train room...the best part was that there were no flaws in the track (well except for one small piece of solder slag on top of a rail which was quickly filed away) ...now the fun begins..the layout is hot wired through one power pack and now I have to divide the track into roughly 40 blocks, wire three throttles and a walk around throttle, hook up 30 tortoise machines, install train detection circuits, and start the scenery...figure it will start looking like a completely scinicked model railroad in about 5 years..(Please...no DCC humor)....Chuck[:D]

[Anonymous]

Chuck
Congrats!!!!

[Anonymous]

wow thats a big layout, i envy you[xx(]. Got my trains running a couple weeks ago and i cant say the same about my track. After i had a few junk cars fall 7 feet to the floor i figured out i better take off my good ones quick and fix some track, anyway, im now in the process of installing 46 switch machines. only 5 blocks though as i am running DCC. Good luck with your layout[:D]

[cwclark]

if you're having trouble with your track, try using a level when you lay the subroadbed...in fact, I used a level from the ground up...after the benchwork is built, I made sure the entire bench was level by slipping pieces of scrap wood under the table legs until the bench was level...then the risers, ..they were cut and sanded until they were perfectly square and then i used a level when i mounted them to the bench so that they were level when the subroadbed went on top...a three ft. bubble level and a bubble level on an adjustable framing square is a must when building a layout...some of the rolling stock is too expensive to let hit the floor because the track isn't level...the level also comes in handy when track is laid...place the level against the outside rail before glueing or spiking it down and the track will turn out straight as an arrow when you're done......Chuck[:D]

[Anonymous]

Thats what i would normally do, except this layout has no legs and is hung directly from the wall.

[fiatfan]

Congratulations, Chuck!

It's a wonderful feeling knowing all that hard work paid off.

Tom

[Sunset Limited]

That's great! Congratulations! If you have a chance, post some photos of your layout. That's going to be my goal for next year!

[PennsyHoosier]

Great news, Chuck. Congratulations!

[Anonymous]

I always thought the track was the hardest part of the layout. When it was laid at least you can do a little train running while you take your time with the scenery.
I spent way too much time playing, and forgot about the scenery for many many months.