I'm about 3 or 4 years into building a simple and fun little layout. It is a 4 by 12 foot island that boasts an outer and inner loops, 2 passing sidings which double as small representations of yards, some extremely steep grades (3 or 4%), a tunnel, and 5 bridges, among other features.
The reason I call it my first, "real", layout, as opposed to just simply my first layout, is because I have had 2 other setups before. My first layout was slapped together track perched precariously on lopsided boards running down the hallway in my trailer in Nickson. After visiting a model train store in Vegina SK, I commenced work on my second layout while I was living in-town. That one was just a one-block standard dc layout that had no elevations, sidings, spurs, etc. I was quite proud of it. Nowadays, living out here in Partson BC, I have this little behemoth taking up my entire kitchen in my 16 wide, with maybe 2 or 3 foot of space to walk around in the "kitchen", which I have reduced to half of it's initial size, devoting the other half of my kitchen to one of my other hobbies; electronics and general tinkering.
The other reason I say this is my first Real layout is because this is the first layout I've built with which I can run as many trains as I can install cabs and block selector switch panels of 9 switches each, one for each block.
I know some of us are going to say something to the effect of "urgh, dc! It's dcc's where it's at! this guy must be old, lets hear his wisdom" but nah, I'm only 32 (at the time of posting). I just so happen to prefer dc over dcc. It's more fun (...Funner?) to have to be on the ball and select the right block for your train, and knowing when to turn each block on or off. Not to mention that with simle dpdt switches on the bss panel, I can install Block-On Illuminator signals and track powered signals that come on the instant the block is turned on or the instant enough forward voltage is applied to the tracks to illuminate an LED.
I digress. This layout is full of firsts for me and is indeed the most magnitudious layout of the three I have constructed. Magnitudious: of and do to with great magnitudes. It is the first of mine to have planned elevation changes, first tunnel, first time using led's to create all sorts of illumination from streetlights to head/taillights on road vehicles, first layout i've built with the abiltiy to operate more than one train, remote switches, blocks, etc...
Also, I have a pretty far-out and far-fetched back story for my layout. I'm going to go make that post now.
JJRRI'm about 3 or 4 years into building a simple and fun little layout. It is a 4 by 12 foot island that boasts an outer and inner loops, 2 passing sidings which double as small representations of yards, some extremely steep grades (3 or 4%), a tunnel, and 5 bridges, among other features.
Hi JJRR,
Your layout sounds very interesting! You sound like you are very happy with it.
How about showing us some pictures?
Cheers!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
A most unfortunate misspelling of Regina. I hate to press on, but you meant 'magnitudinous'...?
I'm happy to see people strive for development, self-improvement, and more sophistication. It is great for our brains, builds competence and experience, and it keeps us keen. So, good for you!
magnitudinous eh, I thought I was inventing a new word. I've never heard that word before but I figured the word should be, so I typed magnitudious. thanks for telling of the word magnitudinous.
You might be surprised at how many here are still happily using DC. I think DCC is great, seriously, but it's not for everyone (including me). Enjoy your choices. Dan
JJRRThe other reason I say this is my first Real layout is because this is the first layout I've built with which I can run as many trains as I can install cabs and block selector switch panels of 9 switches each, one for each block.
Many, including myself, prefer DC over DCC.
I have not had any Cab Selector switches on any of my last three layouts. I use the turnout position to determine cab selection.
I am not modeling mainline operation.
Please don't be a stranger.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I'll bet there is not more than 10 active forum members who have never had a DC layout.
As it's in the kitchen, you are single and likely to remain so.
At this point I really wish I had my tank car painted and lettered for the:
This Thread Is Worthless Without Pictures Railroad, but I'm busy with benchwork.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Nicely written post with me learning a new word.